Resource Library

In this episode of Mess Makes Meaning, we welcome Reverend Lizzie McManus-Dail for a meaningful conversation about the journey many parents and caregivers are navigating: deconstructing and reconstructing faith while also caring for the spiritual lives of their children. Reverend Lizzie, author of God Didn’t Make Us to Hate Us and vicar of Jubilee Episcopal Church in Austin, Texas, brings wisdom, honesty, and deep pastoral care to this complex and tender topic. Drawing from her work on social media and in ministry, she reflects on how we can begin to untangle toxic theology while also nurturing a vision of God that is rooted in love, joy, and grace. Together, we explore what it looks like to hold space for both our own evolving faith and the spiritual questions of our children. Rev. Lizzie offers compassionate insight into how parents can walk this path with openness, integrity, and gentleness, even when the journey feels uncertain or layered with tension. Throughout our conversation, she reminds us that God’s love is not something we must earn or fear, but something that invites us, and our children into freedom, curiosity, and belonging. Her reflections offer encouragement for anyone seeking to raise children in a way that is life-giving while also staying honest about their own spiritual growth. Join us for this thoughtful and hope-filled episode as we consider what it means to deconstruct, reconstruct, and continue loving our children as they are along the way.

Just in time for the chaos of the season, this episode of Mess Makes Meaning explores the concept of self-regulation and what it means for both children and the adults who care for them. Joy and Raenelle are joined by Kathleen Crevasse for a thoughtful conversation about how we understand, practice, and model self-regulation in everyday family life. Together, they unpack what self-regulation actually is—how we notice our emotions, manage our responses, and support ourselves through moments of stress, overwhelm, and transition. Kathleen offers practical insight into how children learn these skills by watching the adults around them, and how modeling regulation can be one of the most powerful teaching tools we have. This episode also opens up space for compassion toward ourselves as caregivers. In the midst of busy schedules and heightened emotions, we explore what it looks like to extend grace to ourselves while we are also trying to support our children in doing the same. Whether you're parenting, teaching, or simply trying to navigate a full and demanding season, this conversation offers encouragement, clarity, and gentle reminders that we are all still learning how to regulate, repair, and grow together.

In this episode of Mess Makes Meaning, Joy Studer is joined by Rachel Ramsden, an advocate for risky play and part of the Play Outside Lab in Vancouver, BC. Together, they explore what it means to support children as they engage in healthy, developmentally important risk-taking through play. Rachel invites parents, caregivers, and educators to rethink how we respond when children explore challenge, uncertainty, and physical limits in their play. Rather than defaulting to “be careful,” she offers alternative language and perspectives that help children build confidence, resilience, and good judgment while staying safe and supported. We also discuss the role of risky play in child development and how environments can be shaped to allow for exploration without removing all challenge or discomfort. This conversation encourages adults to trust children’s capabilities while still providing thoughtful guidance and presence. Whether you’re parenting, teaching, or walking alongside children in any capacity, this episode offers practical tools and a fresh perspective on how to support growth through play, courage, and connection.

In this episode of Mess Makes Meaning, we are joined by Rev. Harrison Litzell, who brings thoughtful insight into the many ways we approach parenting and how those approaches shape family life and relationships. Together, we explore different parenting styles—including gentle, permissive, and authoritarian parenting—what each one looks like in practice, and how they can show up in everyday moments with children. Rev. Litzell invites us to consider how our own upbringing, values, and experiences influence the way we parent, and how awareness can help us move toward more intentional and compassionate choices. We also talk about the importance of supporting other parents in our lives, especially when their approaches differ from our own. This conversation encourages curiosity over judgment, and understanding over assumptions, as we recognize that most caregivers are doing their best with what they know and have experienced. Whether you're actively parenting, supporting families, or simply reflecting on how you were raised, this episode offers a grounded and grace-filled look at the complexities of raising children and respecting different parenting journeys.

In this episode of Mess Makes Meaning, we are joined by Karen-Marie Yust for a thoughtful conversation about “passive technology” and the ways it often becomes a quick band-aid for boredom in the lives of children and families. Together, we explore how screens and passive forms of entertainment can sometimes serve a helpful purpose, offering rest, distraction, or a needed pause in busy days. At the same time, Karen-Marie invites us to reflect on what might be happening beneath the surface when technology becomes the default response to boredom, and how that shapes imagination, attention, and connection. Rather than offering simple answers, this conversation opens up space for curiosity and balance. We consider how families might thoughtfully engage with technology in ways that support growth, rest, and relationship, while also making room for boredom as a meaningful and even necessary part of childhood. Karen-Marie’s insights encourage us to hold a both/and perspective, recognizing that passive technology is not inherently good or bad, but something to be understood within the rhythms of family life. This episode offers gentle reflection, practical awareness, and encouragement for parents navigating the digital landscape with their children.

In this episode of Mess Makes Meaning, we explore the Christian holidays and the rich, complex histories behind them with author Laura Alary. Together, we look at how church traditions have developed over time and how understanding their origins can help us engage more thoughtfully with the stories we’ve been told. From the rhythms of the summer and winter solstices to familiar questions like “Why are there Easter bunnies?” we reflect on how cultural symbols and seasonal celebrations have shaped the way we mark sacred time. These are the kinds of wonderings children naturally bring to us, and this conversation offers helpful context and language for responding with honesty, curiosity, and care. Laura Alary invites us to see these questions not as distractions, but as meaningful entry points into deeper learning and connection. By understanding where traditions come from, we are better equipped to walk alongside children as they explore faith, history, and meaning in the world around them. Join us as we make space for curiosity, history, and wonder, and consider how we can respond to children’s questions in ways that nurture both understanding and imagination.

n this timely episode of Mess Makes Meaning, we are joined by Jonathan Carone, creator of Healthy Sports Parents, for a conversation that speaks directly into the lives of families navigating the demanding world of youth athletics. As sports seasons become more intense, schedules grow fuller, and expectations rise, many parents find themselves feeling overwhelmed and stretched thin. Jonathan offers grounding insight into what it means to support children in sports while also caring for our own well-being and keeping perspective on what truly matters. Together, we explore the pressures that can come with competitive athletics, the emotional and logistical demands placed on families, and the importance of staying connected to our children beyond performance and outcomes. Jonathan reminds us that we are not alone in the messy, beautiful, and often exhausting experience of parenting in today’s active world. This conversation offers encouragement, practical wisdom, and a refreshing reminder that while sports are important, they are not the whole story of our children’s lives—or our own. Join us as we reflect on how to show up with presence, balance, and grace in the midst of it all.

In this theologically rich episode of Mess Makes Meaning, we are joined by Holly Taylor Coolman, who offers thoughtful and grounding insights on the sacred work of parenting. Drawing from her book Parenting: The Complex and Beautiful Vocation of Raising Children, Holly invites us to reflect on parenting not as a task to master, but as a meaningful vocation shaped by love, complexity, and grace. Together, we explore the realities of raising children in today’s world: the joys, challenges, questions, and unexpected moments that shape both children and caregivers. Holly helps us consider how faith can inform and support the everyday work of parenting, offering perspective that is both deeply theological and practically rooted in lived experience. Throughout our conversation, she reminds us that parenting is rarely simple or linear, but it is profoundly meaningful. Her reflections encourage us to embrace both the beauty and the messiness of raising children, trusting that growth often happens in the midst of uncertainty. This episode offers encouragement for parents and caregivers seeking wisdom, grounding, and a deeper sense of purpose in the journey of raising children.

In this episode, we sit down with Rev. Molly Baskette and child psychologist Ellen O’Donnell, co-authors of Bless This Mess: A Modern Guide to Faith and Parenting in a Chaotic World. Together, they offer practical wisdom, humor, and encouragement for parents navigating the joys and challenges of raising children today. Drawing from themes in their book, Molly and Ellen tackle some of the parenting questions and concerns that are top of mind for many families. Their conversation is honest, relatable, and filled with insights that help caregivers approach parenting with greater confidence, compassion, and grace. Whether you're in the midst of toddler tantrums, navigating the school years, or simply looking for reassurance that you're not alone, this episode is packed with thoughtful guidance and plenty of laughter along the way.

In this episode, we welcome the incredible creators behind The Book of Belonging with author Mariko Clark and illustrator Rachel Eleanor. Together, they share the inspiration behind this beautifully crafted Bible storybook that invites readers into a broader and more inclusive understanding of God’s love. Designed for families and communities seeking stories that reflect the diversity of God’s people, The Book of Belonging highlights both beloved biblical narratives and often-overlooked stories, including many centered on women. Through thoughtful storytelling, stunning illustrations, mindful practices, and moments of wonder, Mariko and Rachel encourage readers of all ages to discover a deeper sense of connection, delight, and belonging. Join us for a meaningful conversation about storytelling, representation, and the powerful reminder that every person is beloved and has a place within God’s story.

RAGE PRAYERS began with an offhand TikTok invitation to reject toxic positivity in Christianity and it quickly resonated with people looking for a more honest way to connect with God. In this episode, Joy and Raenelle sit down with Reverend Elizabeth Riley to explore the practice of rage prayer and why bringing our full selves to God matters. Together, they discuss the role of anger, grief, joy, gratitude, and everything in between, challenging the idea that spirituality must always look positive or polished. This candid and engaging conversation offers a fresh perspective on prayer, authenticity, and finding deeper connection through honesty. Learn more about Rage Prayers HERE.

In this thoughtful episode of Mess Makes Meaning, we are joined by Dr. Michael Chan, Executive Director for Faith and Learning at Concordia College, educator, theologian, and longtime advocate for supporting young people as they navigate life's big questions. Together, we explore the importance of walking alongside youth during a season of life that is often filled with growth, uncertainty, discovery, and change. Dr. Chan shares meaningful insights into how parents, caregivers, educators, and faith communities can honor the unique stories and experiences of young people rather than rushing to provide answers or solutions. He encourages us to create spaces where youth feel seen, heard, and valued as they explore their beliefs, identities, and sense of purpose. Drawing from his background in education, theology, and leadership, Dr. Chan reflects on what it means to "let your light shine" and how we can nurture environments that encourage young people to recognize and share their gifts with the world. Throughout our conversation, he reminds us that accompaniment, being present, listening deeply, and offering support, is often one of the greatest gifts we can offer. Whether you're parenting a teenager, mentoring young people, teaching, or simply seeking to better understand the experiences of youth today, this episode offers wisdom, encouragement, and practical insights for fostering meaningful relationships built on trust and respect. Join us as we explore the beauty of honoring young people's stories and the transformative power of walking alongside them as they discover who they are and who they are becoming.