Episodes

  • #314: More Than Clean - Building a Safe Haven for Your Family (Feat. Becky Rapinchuk from Clean Mama!)
    Sep 24 2025

    In this episode of the Crazy Cool Family Podcast, Suz and McKenzie talk with Becky, founder of Clean Mama about simple, sustainable home keeping routines for busy families. Learn the 5 daily cleaning tasks, a practical weekly cleaning schedule (bathrooms, dusting, vacuuming, floors, catch-all), how to involve kids in chores, and how to keep a non-toxic home with easy DIY cleaners.

    If you’re overwhelmed by clutter, laundry, and dishes, this conversation will help you create peaceful family rhythms that support Christian parenting and the mission of your home.

    What you’ll learn:
    • The 5 daily resets: wipe counters & dishes, check floors, make beds, tidy clutter, daily laundry check
    • The weekly flow that prevents marathon cleaning days
    • Rotating tasks & monthly focus (deep clean + organize without overwhelm)
    • How to show, don’t tell when teaching kids chores (age-appropriate tools + tiny wins)
    • Mindset shifts: “I get to” gratitude, timing tasks (<5 minutes!), and starting where you are
    • Non-toxic favorites: Becky’s go-to DIY stone spray (water + rubbing alcohol + a little dish soap)
    • Getting back on track after travel, sickness, or newborn—why you start with today
    • Why a made bed is a mood booster and room “anchor”
    Quote to remember: “Hard doesn’t mean bad. Small, faithful steps at home serve your Kingdom mission.”

    Podcast Resources:

    • Click here for everything Crazy Cool Family!
    • Give us a review!
    • Clean Mama site & resources
    • Homekeeping Society (membership)
    • Crazy Cool Family Home Sweet Home Deep Dive
    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
  • #313: Reclaiming Motherhood
    Sep 17 2025
    Reclaiming Motherhood: Hard ≠ Bad

    Suzanne sits down with her daughters—now mothers themselves—for an honest, hope-filled conversation about reclaiming a life-giving vision of motherhood. They unpack the tension most moms feel: the days are long, the needs are endless, and perfectionism and isolation creep in. Together they reframe motherhood as Kingdom work—discipleship in real time—where “hard” can be holy, refining, and deeply meaningful.

    You’ll hear practical ways to trade victim-thinking for vision: making motherhood the main thing (letting chores serve connection), joining your child’s world to build present-moment memories, creating more deposits than withdrawals with specific encouragement, and using quick repentance to repair when you blow it. The episode also tackles common pain points—asking for help, carving out breaks before burnout, battling loneliness with intentional friendships and spouse check-ins, and resetting your perspective so you see your kids as the blessing they are. Anchored in Isaiah 40:11, this conversation offers gentle leadership for moms in every season.

    Takeaways:
    • Motherhood is discipleship—hard doesn’t mean bad.
    • Prioritize connection; let tasks fit under the mission of mothering.
    • Name weaknesses, bring them to light, and ask for help.
    • Combat loneliness with quick, deep check-ins and God-with-us moments.
    • Keep a 3:1 encouragement-to-correction rhythm.
    • Repent fast; repair fast. Connection beats perfection.
    • Isaiah 40:11: God gently leads those with young.

    Try it this week: 10 minutes of undistracted play, one clear ask for help, celebrate one tiny win out loud.

    Podcast Resources:
    • Click here for everything Crazy Cool Family!
    • Give us a review!
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 12 mins
  • #312: The Power of Mission Trips (Feat. Chris Searcy)
    Sep 10 2025
    Why You Should Take Your Kid on a Mission Trip???

    In this inspiring episode, Don and Suzanne Manning are joined by longtime friend and missions expert Dr. Chris Searcy to discuss the life-changing impact of mission trips on children and teens. With over 25 years of experience and 2,500+ students led on global trips, Chris shares powerful stories and practical advice for families.

    Discover why mission trips aren’t just for "super Christians," but are actually a core part of discipleship. Learn how sending your child to serve beyond their comfort zone can awaken purpose, grow their faith, and transform their view of the world. Whether your child is 5 or 15, you’ll walk away with ideas to cultivate a family on mission.

    Topics include:
    • The difference between "serving" and being "on mission"
    • Age-appropriate ways to get your kids involved
    • How to overcome fear, safety concerns, and the cost
    • What really happens on a student mission trip

    Perfect for families seeking to raise kingdom-minded kids. Listen today and take your first step toward building a family that lives on mission.

    Podcast Resources:

    • Click here for everything Crazy Cool Family!
    • Give us a review!
    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
  • #311: Checking in on Your Teammate
    Sep 3 2025
    What happens when spouses see parenting differently?

    In this episode of the Crazy Cool Family Podcast, Don and Suzanne Manning dive into the power of parenting with unity—even when you have different methods.

    Through practical stories, biblical encouragement, and years of wisdom, they show how to:
    • Create safe, judgment-free check-in conversations
    • Encourage each other without criticism
    • Respond as a team, not competitors
    • Build unity that creates safety and peace for your kids

    Plus, they share helpful tools like “pillow talk,” the family dashboard, and the idea of safe words to help you work through conflict with grace.

    If you want to strengthen your marriage and create a more unified family culture, don’t miss this episode.

    Podcast Resources:

    • Click here for everything Crazy Cool Family!
    • Give us a review!
    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
  • #310: God’s Blueprint for Marriage Unity
    Aug 27 2025
    Is your marriage stuck in a cycle of miscommunication and method wars?

    In this episode, Don and Suzanne Manning unpack a powerful concept that will radically transform your relationship: agreeing on values, not methods.

    You’ll learn:

    • Why unity doesn’t mean uniformity
    • How to define and agree on your family’s core values
    • Practical tools to navigate disagreements and grow together
    • How becoming the best version of yourself actually strengthens your marriage

    Discover the Marriage Unity Triangle and how to stop trying to fix your spouse — and start supporting them instead. If you're ready to parent as a united team and build a strong, joy-filled marriage, this episode is for you.

    Podcast Resources:

    • Click here for everything Crazy Cool Family!
    • Give us a review!
    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • #309: 🍂 Podcast Re-Run: Make This Fall Your Best Yet! 🍂
    Aug 22 2025
    How to Start the School Year with Confidence (Not Chaos)

    Back-to-school season can feel like a whirlwind—supplies, sports, schedules, and stress. In this episode of the Crazy Cool Family Podcast, Don and Suzanne unpack how to approach August with peace, purpose, and powerful parenting strategies.

    They share real-life stories and practical tips for helping your kids through transitions, easing anxiety, and setting them up for a confident start. From preparing emotionally and spiritually to casting vision for the year ahead, this episode walks you through how to replace back-to-school dread with excitement.

    You’ll learn how to affirm your child’s identity, speak truth over their fears, and use everyday moments—like haircut appointments and school shopping—as opportunities for connection. Whether you’ve got toddlers starting preschool or teens headed to high school, this conversation is filled with grace and encouragement for every stage.

    Plus, learn how to involve dads, stretch the to-do list over time, and start early so you don’t lose your peace under pressure.

    Podcast Resources:

    • Click here for everything Crazy Cool Family!
    • Give us a review!
    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
  • #308: Podcast Replay: Make August Count for Your Family
    Aug 22 2025
    Ready or not.... The Fall is Coming!

    In this episode of the Crazy Cool Family Podcast, Don and Suzanne Manning tackle the chaos and pressure of August head-on. From back-to-school shopping to emotional transitions, they unpack practical strategies to help families navigate the busiest time of year with clarity and connection.

    You'll learn:

    • How to ease your child’s anxiety about a new school year
    • The importance of starting preparations early (hello, July haircuts!)
    • Ways to empower your kids with confidence through affirmations, vision casting, and emotional support
    • Simple tools to replace stress with encouragement—and why your attitude as a parent sets the tone for the entire family

    Whether you're a seasoned homeschooler, a school-drop-off pro, or a first-timer sending your little one off to kindergarten, this episode is packed with practical wisdom to help you and your kids thrive.

    🎧 Tune in now to make this your most intentional back-to-school transition yet.

    Podcast Resources:

    • Click here for everything Crazy Cool Family!
    • Give us a review!
    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
  • #307: Summer Series: Part 5 - The Most Important Lesson This Summer
    Aug 22 2025
    What is the most important lesson to teach your kids this summer?

    In this episode of the Crazy Cool Family podcast, we’re wrapping up summer with the most essential parenting topic: leading your kids to Jesus. Whether your children are toddlers or teens, creating a family culture where God conversations happen naturally is one of the most powerful tools you have.

    Don and Suzanne walk through how to talk about faith with kids at different stages: Littles (ages 0–6), Middles (elementary age), and Bigs (middle and high school). They emphasize that helping your children follow Jesus isn’t about doing more—it’s about being intentional with the everyday moments. From thanking God for the sunshine to sharing how you handle frustration at work, your children learn what a real relationship with Jesus looks like by watching you live it.

    They also offer practical encouragement for parents who feel unsure, are new in their faith, or have kids pushing away from God. Real stories, relatable struggles, and timeless truth make this episode a must-listen.

    🎧 Listen now + grab our $3.99 Deep Dives to keep the conversation going!

    Podcast Resources:

    • Click here for everything Crazy Cool Family!
    • Give us a review!
    Show More Show Less
    34 mins