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Tag Archive: The Crystal Paine Show

April 16, 2019 | Crystal Paine

What is the Enneagram?

What is the Enneagram? In this week’s podcast, we explore what the Enneagram is and why it can make such a difference in your life and understanding of others.

Leigh Kramer and Crystal Paine

What is the Enneagram?

We’ve been getting a lot of questions lately about the Enneagram recently, so I thought it was high time we devote part of an interview to explaining what it is and why it can make such a difference to understand.

Truly, understanding the Enneagram has changed so much of my perspective on life and has improved my relationships, my compassion toward others, and has helped me to embrace the way that I am wired and see it as a gift, instead of something to be embarrassed about.

a photo of the enneagram

My friend and virtual assistant, Leigh Kramer, is joining me to share more because she’s passionate about the Enneagram and she has helped me to process through what my number is and why it matters.

Leigh will explain each of the nine Enneagram types, as well as how to figure out what yours is (and why taking online tests isn’t the best way) and how this knowledge can help you become a healthier person.

In This Podcast Episode:

[00:25] – I just got back home from helping out at a 7th and 8th grade camp in Kentucky… where I shared a cabin with 20 other girls/women and we had a cereal party, karaoke, and even glow-in-the-dark dodgeball.

[03:37] – My kids have testing this week so they wanted me to make homemade energy bites. We love these so much!

[05:06] – I have a confession to make: I didn’t read a single book last week. Can you believe it? But I share an app/site that’s been helping me stay more motivated to read (which might sound funny since I didn’t finish any books last week! But listen in for more details!)

[09:08] – Ready for better mornings? Try my free 5 Days to a Better Morning Challenge!

[09:56] – I’m excited to have Leigh Kramer joining me today for a conversation about the Enneagram!

[12:47] – How did Leigh first discover what the Enneagram is and why is she so passionate about it?

[14:57] – For listeners who are new to the Enneagram, Leigh explains more of the history of the Enneagram and what each of the nine types are.

[18:35] – One of the things I love most about understanding what the Enneagram is that it gives you a path to being more emotionally healthy as a person.

[19:59] – What’s the best way to determine what enneagram type you are? Leigh talks about why online tests often give inaccurate results and what she recommends instead of taking a test.

[23:16] – Leigh is one of the most voracious readers I know. She shares why she reads so much plus two books she’s finished and loved recently. She also shares something that’s saving her life right now: the perfect mugs!

[28:04] – Ready for today’s Q&A segment? It’s all about setting goals, specifically whether Jesse also does monthly goals (like I do).

[33:31] – If you need practical help with setting goals, check out our Make Over Your Year course.

[34:24] – Do you have a question of your own? Or feedback or suggestions? Email Crystal at crystal@moneysavingmom.com!

Links and Resources:

How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player we’ll include in the show notes of each episode. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.)

Ready to dive in and listen? Hit the player above or search for “The Crystal Paine Show” on your favorite podcast app.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!

13 Comments
April 9, 2019 | Crystal Paine

How to Have a Happy Marriage

Want to know the secret to a happier marriage? Tune in to this podcast episode with Audrey & Jeremy Roloff.

Audrey and Jeremy Roloff

Want a Happier Marriage?

We loved having Audrey & Jeremy Roloff into our home last week to record this join episode of my podcast to talk about some of the key ingredients to having a happier marriage.

a photo of Love Letter Life book

I Didn’t Know Who the Roloffs Were

As I talk about on the show, I actually didn’t know who Audrey & Jeremy were until their publicist reached out to me a few months ago and asked if she could send me their brand-new book, A Love Letter Life.

I Googled their names (yes, I did!) and discovered that they are well known for being on the hit TV show Little People, Big World (which follows Jeremy’s family — and which he grew up being part of).

I Truly Loved Their Book!

To be honest, I said their publicist could send me their book, A Love Letter Life, but I didn’t expect all that much from it and wasn’t planning to ask them to be on my show. (I’m super picky about who I will invite on the show and only invite people whose work/life has impacted me in a deep way.)

But then, the publicist sent the book, I read it, and I truly found it very valuable. In addition, I just loved their beautiful love story, their honesty, and how well-written the book was (in fact, I wondered if they had a ghost writer for it, but Audrey told me when she was at our house that they didn’t!)

Jesse and Crystal Paine with Audrey & Jeremy Roloff

Both Audrey & Jeremy Got to Be on the Interview!

So we invited Audrey to come record a podcast interview. I didn’t know if it was going to work out, but not only did it work out for Audrey to come, to my delight, Jeremy was able to jump in and join her at the last minute!

We got to eat lunch with them and record a podcast interview and they were truly the nicest, most gracious, most genuine people. I wished we could have had hours more with them because we loved having them at our house and getting to know them a little bit!

Jesse and Crystal Paine with Audrey & Jeremy Roloff

I think you’ll love hearing some of their story, finding out one of the most important things Audrey’s mom did every day that impacted her life so much growing up, hearing more about what it was like to have their wedding on TV, learning their secrets for embracing their differences (it might surprise you!), and having them share more about the six questions they ask each other every week.

In This Episode:

[00:25] – We had an unexpected expense this past week — but it actually turned out to be a big blessing in disguise because it means we finally have hot water after a year of not having much hot water.

[03:45] – My book for this week is another audiobook and, while I didn’t agree with all of it, I think it’s a one that was really valuable.

[05:27] – Jesse shares about a podcast he recently started listening to that he’s been loving. (Spoiler alert: Each episode is around 3 hours long!!)

[08:21] – I talk about a trick I employ to help me eat more healthfully at lunch time.

[10:47] – Today’s podcast guests are Audrey and Jeremy Roloff, who are the authors of the brand-new book A Love Letter Life.

[12:20] – Jeremy shares a little bit about the show they were a part of, Little People, Big World and why they decided to not be on the show any more and what they are doing now.

[15:35] – What were some of the hardest struggles Audrey and Jeremy experienced while dating and engaged?

[18:59] – Audrey shares one thing her mom did every single day when she was a teenager. This inspired me so much — and I think all parents don’t want to miss this!

[21:26] – I ask whether their personality types tend to clash or complement each other and Audrey says some profound things about how our perspective

[24:32] – Jeremy and Audrey have a weekly meeting every single week where they ask the same six questions. I loved hearing more about this practice and how it has impacted their life and communication in a very profound way.

[27:19] – Did Audrey and Jeremy come up with this weekly meeting idea themselves? They answer, then explain that listeners can join in on the habit by getting a copy of The Marriage Journal at this link.

[29:14] – This week, we have two questions of the week! First, Jesse answers a question about what his personality type is.

[33:08] – The next question is about our kids’ personality types, and whether we have any advice for figuring them out.

Links and Resources:

How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player we’ll include in the show notes of each episode. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.)

Ready to dive in and listen? Hit the player above or search for “The Crystal Paine Show” on your favorite podcast app.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!

5 Comments
April 2, 2019 | Crystal Paine

Cal Newport on Digital Minimalism & why he doesn’t have social media

This week, I got the privilege of interviewing Cal Newport on my podcast. We talked about digital minimalism, deep work, teens and technology, and why he doesn’t have social media accounts.
a photo of Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport

Cal Newport on Digital Minimalism

I am super excited to bring you this week’s episode of the podcast… but I have to be honest and tell you that recording this episode was one I was pretty nervous about.

You see, unlike most of my other guests, I didn’t have any relationship with Cal Newport. I didn’t know anyone who knew him. I didn’t know his publisher. And I’d never connected with him on social media (because, as we’ll talk about on the show, he doesn’t have social media!)

It Never Hurts to Ask

When I read his book, Deep Work, at the beginning of 2019, I knew immediately that I wanted to try to have him on the podcast. But since I had read his book and knew how carefully he guards his time and commitments, I figured it would be a long shot for him to even consider coming on my little show.

However, I decided to get brave and send him a compelling email pitching him the opportunity to come on my show. What’s the worst that could happen? He could not answer or he could respond and say no.

To my surprise, not only did I get an email back, but I got an email back with a YES! I was ecstatic and excited and quite nervous to do the interview! But I’m really, really happy with how it turned out (and I don’t even think you can tell I was nervous!)

What We Talked About

I loved the insights Cal shared in this episode! We talked about:

  • What Deep Work can look like for us in our everyday lives (including some special insight for busy moms!)
  • His thoughts on why he doesn’t use social media (which I find fascinating!)
  • How we can make technology serve us well and enrich our lives
  • Why technology might be hurting our kids and what practically we can do about it.

It’s a really important conversation and I highly encourage you to find 30 minutes sometime in the next few days to listen in.

a photo of Crystal Paine with a Contigo cup

(My water tumbler that I talk about on the show.)


In This Episode:

[02:53] – This week, we talk about water tumblers, drinking a gallon of water per day, and inflammatory issues (it sounds like we’re getting old!) in the What’s Saving My Life segment.

[06:55] – My book pick is one that I actually recently re-read (I rarely read books more than once, so you know I really liked it!) and recommend the book, the audiobook, AND the movie!

[09:35] – Did you know you can earn cash back for shopping online? I’ll tell you how!

[10:28] – I introduce today’s guest, Cal Newport and ask Cal to define the difference between Deep Work and Shallow Work. He then talks about how busy women and moms can find time for deep work.

[13:16] – We hear an example of what deep work looks like in practical terms for an everyday woman.

[15:15] – Cal has never had a social media account. He explains his reasoning behind this choice. It’s pretty fascinating!

[18:36] – I ask Cal to share some advice for people like me who don’t ever plan to give up social media but who also find the idea of being a digital minimalist appealing.

[23:08] – We talk about how to raise kids with a healthy view of technology and social media and I share a recent example of a choice we made with our oldest and how that played out in a surprising way!

[26:41] – The question of the week is this: “What’s your easiest tip for saving money?” I talk about saving money on groceries. Jesse talks about goal setting and saving for bigger purchases. And we both discuss budgeting.

[30:54] – Speaking of questions, if you have one you’d like us to answer, email me at crystal@moneysavingmom.com! (Also feel free to get in touch if you have suggestions, thoughts, or comments. I love hearing from you about the podcast!)

Links and Resources:

How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player we’ll include in the show notes of each episode. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.)

Ready to dive in and listen? Hit the player above or search for “The Crystal Paine Show” on your favorite podcast app.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!

19 Comments
March 26, 2019 | Crystal Paine

How Myers-Briggs Can Help You Have a Better Marriage

Guess what? I have some big news about a change we’re making going forward with the podcast! Jesse is officially my new co-host on The Crystal Paine Show!

I’ve gotten such great feedback every time he’s been on the show and we have had so much fun recording together, so I’m excited to have him joining me on every episode!

Today’s guest is Meg Tietz is the host of the beloved Sorta Awesome podcast. Meg is really passionate about the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and I’m thrilled she agreed to come on the show and share her wisdom on this topic.

Whether you’re a personality type junkie or have no idea what the letters in ENFP or INTJ mean, you’ll definitely come away from this episode with some valuable insights on how understanding our personalities and the personalities of those closest to us can change our relationships and our outlook on life.

In This Episode:

[01:51] – Jesse chats about the trip that he just got back from, and I explain that the house actually didn’t fall apart while he was gone (unlike some of the past trips he’s taken!).

[04:30] – I took off a little over 24 hours after Jesse got back for a sisters’ trip to New York City. 

[06:06] – We chat about an app I recently discovered that is fascinating us and sort of saving both of our lives.

[08:48] – Jesse shares a book update, because he surprised me by having read quite a bit since our last podcast. 

[10:05] – My book of the week is one I started last year (which Jesse has fun teasing me about!): Everybody, Always by Bob Goff.

[13:03] – Through the end of March, you can get our Make Over Your Year course for 50% off!

[15:18] – Meg Tiets of the Sorta Awesome podcast is today’s fantastic guest!

[16:52] – We hear about how Meg discovered the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, and why it’s so important to her.

[20:12] – Meg gives a very helpful overview of the Myers-Briggs system for listeners who aren’t familiar with it.

[22:26] – What are Meg’s thoughts on ambiverts? Is it possible to not be a true introvert or extrovert?

[23:22] – We discuss intuition vs. sensing and how it has impacted our marriages in practical ways.

[25:38] – Are you a feeler or a perceiver? Meg explains how this plays out in her marriage and I talk about our marriage, too.

[27:24] – And finally, are you person who prefers to explore all the possibilities or a quick-to-make-a-decision person?

[29:07] – For a listener who wants to find out their type, Meg shares a website she recommends where you can go to take a test to determine your type.

[31:21] – We change gears, with Meg talking about the two books she’s reading right now and how she’s going back to her crunchy roots.

[34:59] – Jesse joins me to answer a listener question on how we encourage/enforce budgeting with our kids and whether we give them an allowance or not.

Links and Resources:

How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player we’ll include in the show notes of each episode. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.)

Ready to dive in and listen? Hit the player above or search for “The Crystal Paine Show” on your favorite podcast app.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!

2 Comments
March 19, 2019 | Crystal Paine

The Year My Body Broke Down

a photo of Jesse and Crystal Paine

After last time Jesse was on my podcast, I got a request from a listener asking if he could do more of the talking on the episodes he’s on. He’s actually quite a talker when he feels comfortable in situations (and can give me a run for my money when it comes to talking!), so I loved this request because I think it encouraged him to know that you all enjoy what he has to share and he doesn’t have to feel like he needs to hold back.

So I’m excited that you’ll be hearing more from him in this episode — and in future episodes! (Stay tuned for a fun announcement next week about a change that’s coming to the podcast!)

I asked him if he wanted to share his own “what’s saving my life” suggestion and he brought a great resource this week and it’s something that has helped him spend less time on his phone. We talk about that and about an app I’ve been using that has been so helpful for me, too. 

We also talk about the books we’ve been reading and then we dive into another episode about our story. This time around, we pick up where we had just moved back to Wichita and he started his law firm.

We share some of the pretty cool things that happened to help his law firm get off the ground, we talk about how my sister basically saved us when we had to move and I was middle of morning sickness, we share about our awful flea-infested house, the joys and stresses of that season,

Tune in to hear more about Jesse’s law practice, the move we made during this time (while I was pregnant!), the terrible flea infestation that we had to deal with, and how I pushed way too hard and ended up wrecking my health.


In This Episode:

[02:12] – Ready to hear what’s saving our lives this week? In keeping with the request from a listener, Jesse and I both share today!

[05:35] – Jesse talks in-depth about using the Full Focus Planner and I share why I decided it wouldn’t work for me.

[07:15] – I share about an app I have been using that has been working surprisingly well for me — and saving us money!

[11:07] – What do you know?? Jesse finished a book and has started another one! We talk about what both of us have been reading.

[14:47] – Jesse and I chat more about moving back to Wichita and why Jesse made the decision to start his own law firm.

[17:13] – An attorney who had recently become a judge had to quit his practice and completely floored us by handing over his phone number and ads to Jesse, which opened some big doors for us and became the bread and butter for beginning his business.

[18:38] – Moving back to Wichita was quite the adventure! We laugh about how we always seem to move when I was in the middle of morning sickness. It was only thanks to my sister’s help that we managed to pull off moving this time around.

[22:13] – And then we discovered that the duplex we were going to move into was infested with fleas!! Despite the fleas, we were excited to move back and be close to family. 

[25:16] – However, I was afraid of going back to barely surviving again that I pushed way too hard when it came to my work hours. In fact, when Silas was born, I didn’t take really any time off to recover. All this “pushing through” hurt my health for years to come and I look back and wish I would have made different choices.

[28:22] – God used this breaking down of my body to really strip me of the last vestiges of my self-sufficient legalism and I look back and am grateful that I couldn’t do it all myself… because I had to really learn to rely on the Lord and to ask for help.

Links and Resources:

How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player we’ll include in the show notes of each episode. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.)

Ready to dive in and listen? Hit the player above or search for “The Crystal Paine Show” on your favorite podcast app.

6 Comments
March 12, 2019 | Crystal Paine

How to Parent a Difficult Child

a photo of Sacred Ground, Sticky Floors

When Jesse and I got married, I tried so hard to fix him. I saw all of his shortcomings, and I wanted to help him be better. Surprise surprise, this caused a lot of tension.

It took a while for me to realize that my job was to focus on myself (and there’s plenty of work to do there) rather than try to change or “fix” other people. This idea goes for our kids, too!

In today’s episode of The Crystal Paine Show, I’m talking with Jami Amerine about how easy it is to try to fix our kids and how ineffective and stressful this is as a parent.

Just recently, one of my kids was really frustrated over their grades. While I was trying to ask them questions to figure out the source of their frustration, they blurted out, “But I NEED to get all A’s!”

I stopped and quietly looked them in the eye and said, “Who put that on you?”

As in, where did the feeling that you need to get all A’s originate from? Is that something someone else is making you feel like you have to achieve?

When I talked more with this child, they admitted that it wasn’t us or their siblings or a friend or a teacher; it was their own self. They felt like they weren’t measuring up to a standard they had set for themselves if they didn’t get all A’s.

Mamas, I think most of us have done the same. We’ve created a standard of perfection we feel we must achieve to be a great parent or have a great kid. And if we’re not hitting that self-made standard, we are failing.

But, who put that on you?? While we might sometimes feel like there is pressure from outside sources, in most cases, it’s something we’ve put on ourselves.

And here’s what I want to gently say to you: “You don’t need to carry that any more.”

Lay it down. Let it go.

The sooner you stop trying to live up to an impossible standard, the sooner you’ll start experiencing deep joy and fulfillment in being okay with right where you are.

As I told my child, “So long as you are doing your best, that’s all that matters.”

If you are struggling with parenting or need some encouragement as a mom, you do want to miss today’s episode on the secret to being a more peaceful parent (it will likely surprise you!), the importance of raising your kids to be who they are instead of who we think they should be, and how to love a difficult child.

In This Episode:

[03:26] – What’s saving my life this week is my very favorite Apple battery case. I’m constantly asked about this when I’m with people and I am always singing the praises of it!

[05:21] – My book pick of the week is an oldie but a goodie: Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay.

[09:50] – Today’s guest was actually recommended by a podcast listener and I’m so grateful this listener took the time to write in and recommend Jami Amerine’s book.

[11:56] – I ask Jami about her early years of parenting and how she struggled with perfectionism. She shares honestly about the lessons she learned from this.

[15:17] – How was Jami able to let go of trying to do everything perfectly? She expresses so much wisdom for all of us — but especially for those who still have younger kids.

[19:04] – I was intrigued by the subtitle of Jami’s book and she tells the story behind it and how it wasn’t what she picked… but how we both think it fits so well. 

[23:20] – What is Jami reading right now? I love her outside-the-box answer!

[24:44] – And then she shares how she’s giving up sugar (and also gives us a little teaser about her next book that she’s writing… that I want to read ASAP!)

[27:58] – Today’s listener question is about emotionally adjusting to the reality of giving up being a stay-at-home mom for a new lifestyle.

Links and Resources:

How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player we’ll include in the show notes of each episode. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.)

Ready to dive in and listen? Hit the player above or search for “The Crystal Paine Show” on your favorite podcast app.

Sponsor Spotlight

This episode is sponsored by YouNeedaBudget.com — the budgeting software we have personally used for the past two years and absolutely love.

We were introduced to this budgeting software by my brother-in-law, Justin, a few years ago. He and my husband, Jesse, are both what I would lovingly refer to as “nerds”.

You know the kind of people… those people who think spreadsheets are fun. And who geek out over features in Excel. Yup, those kinds of people.

You might as well poke my eyeballs out with a hot iron rod than get to me be giddy over creating spreadsheets. But nevertheless, I love Spreadsheet Nerds because they help keep people like me in line and on track! 

Anyway, it was around Christmas time and Justin started telling Jesse about YouNeedaBudget — what we call YNAB for short. Jesse and I had both heard of this software before, but we had been using Quicken for so long that we’d not considered changing to anything else.

Well, when Jesse saw the features of YNAB, he was intrigued enough to sign up for the free trial. And it was pretty much love at first sight.

Truthfully, I can’t even begin to tell you how often I’ve heard him exclaiming to me, to friends, or just to himself something about, “How cool and helpful YNAB is!”

I’m such a pen and paper and cash girl, but after all his raving reviews, I finally gave in and downloaded it on my phone and had him show me how it works. It’s really, really impressive. I love how we can see exactly how we’re doing in every budget in just one glance.

And since we have multiple budgets for our businesses and personal, it allows us to track them all in one app. Which is so handy!

They usually only offer a 30-day trial, but they are giving you all a FREE 60-day trial so you can really get a feel for it and see how well it works. 

Go here to sign up for your FREE 60-Day YNAB trial.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!

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