Mess Makes Meaning

In a world that constantly measures our worth by what we accomplish, how do we learn to slow down and listen to what is happening within us? This week on Mess Makes Meaning , Joy and Raenelle welcome spiritual director Ruth Lin Nakai for a thoughtful conversation about rest, creativity, faith, and the courage to live beyond productivity. Together, they explore why so many parents and caregivers fi...

A sometimes difficult subject, discussing the harsh realities of violence in our world, Joy and Raenelle talk with Hannah Rose Martin, one of the founders of RAWtools and the co-author of Sparking Peace . Learn more about this incredible organization and the beautiful movement of transformation, lifting the importance of language, honesty, and hope.

As your fellow parents in this messy yet meaningful journey, we understand and notice how stressful the last month has been for so many. As we all enter into summer, may we take a moment to slow down and simply "be".  Enjoy this Summer Blessing.

In this episode of Mess Makes Meaning , hosts Joy Studer and Raenelle Tauro explore the meaning we can find in the messiness of play, and how children use play as a powerful language for processing life’s deepest joys, questions, and challenges. Joy opens the conversation by reflecting on the heart of the podcast—making meaning out of messy and beautiful life while nurturing children’s spiritualit...

In this episode of Mess Makes Meaning, hosts Joy and Raenelle welcome back Meredith Miller, a pastor and author, to discuss her new book 'Wonder: 52 Conversations to Help Kids Fall in Love with Scripture ' . The conversation explores the importance of nurturing children's spirituality through presence, storytelling, and curiosity. Meredith emphasizes the shift from being an expert t...

Joy and Raenelle have a wonderful conversation with Rev. Dr. Aizaiah Yong and Rev. Nereyda (Neddy) Yong about their book, "Sacred Parenthood: Spiritual Practices for the HIGHS and LOWS of Parenting".  Find the book HERE "Authors and life partners Aizaiah G. Yong and Nereyda Yong contend that social healing and world peace start at home. As the parents of four young children in an in...

Welcome, Reverend Lizzie, to Mess Makes Meaning as she discusses parents and caregivers' journey of deconstructing/reconstructing while caring for our children's spirituality.   Reverend Lizzie McManus-Dail, author of " God Didn't Make Us to Hate Us ," is the vicar of Jubilee Episcopal Church in Austin, Texas. She has been using her social media platforms to unravel toxic...

Just in time for the chaos of the season! What is self-regulation, and how do we model that for our children? Join Joy and Raenelle as they interview Kathleen Crevasse on this concept and learn how to offer yourself some compassion in the process. 

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 challeng...

Rev. Harrison Litzell brings his gifts and insights into this episode, focusing on parenting styles, Gentle Parenting, Permissive Parenting, and Authoritarian Parenting, and we have a FREE webinar for any and all to join on October 28th, 1 p.m. EST. Click HERE to register yourself or friends in your community for this special event!

Diving into an interview with our "man behind the scenes" in creating the Family Liturgy, meet Aaron Niequist. Aaron is a musically talented artist whose creativity knows no bounds. Click HERE to become a free member of Everyday Godly Play and get the morning "Breathe in" and evening "Breathe out" liturgies! 

This episode is a sneak peek into the Family Liturgy created by the Everyday Godly Play Project. More information will be coming soon. Enjoy!

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 t...

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 “Wh...

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 off...

Holly Taylor Coolman gifts us with insights in this theologically rich conversation on parenting now and her book Parenting: The Complex and Beautiful Vocation of Raising Children.

Rev. Molly Baskette and child psychologist Ellen O’Donnnell, the co-authors of Bless This Mess, A Modern Guide to Faith and Parenting in a Chaotic World For a relatable, at many times humorous, and helpful guide this episode takes pieces of the book, Bless This Mess, and addresses some of the parenting concerns at the forefront of our minds. Enjoy! 

Incredible creators of the Book of Belonging, author Mariko Clark and illustrator Rachel Eleanor. " The Book of Belonging is designed for families seeking a Bible storybook that reflects the diversity of God’s people and for every reader seeking a more expansive and wondrous view of God. The thoughtful text and rich illustrations present some of Scripture’s most important and overlooked stori...

RAGE PRAYERS originally came out of an off-handed tiktok - inviting people to reject toxic positivity in faith. Christianity is full of practices focused on positivity. Rage prayer is anything but that. Our relationship with God is not hindered but deepened when we bring our whole selves: gratitude and sorrow, joy and rage, and everything in between. Dive into a fun and very real episode with Joy,...

Dr. Michael Chan talks to us about the importance of walking alongside Youth as they navigate their faith journey during a time of life that can be challenging. How do we honor their stories? Dr. Chan gives beautiful insights into this discussion on letting your light shine.  Dr. Chan joined the Concordia College community in June 2022 as the executive director for faith and learning. Prior to tha...

In this episode we hear from Lacy Finn Borgo, who dives into her insights on spiritual conversations with children. What better time to discuss as we enter into the mystery of Christmas. Click HERE to learn more about Lacy and her work. 

In this peaceful and inspiring episode of Mess Makes Meaning , we welcome Godly Play Trainer Jill Gidlund for a conversation about creating sacred spaces within the home. In the midst of busy schedules, endless to-do lists, and the everyday demands of family life, Jill invites us to slow down and consider how our homes can become places of connection, reflection, and presence. Together, we explore...

*Warning: This episode can be triggering. Grief. This topic can be taboo with kids, but that doesn't mean it isn't real. Join us as we get emotional talking with our expert guest Jessica Field and find out what we as the parents/caregivers who treasure our children can do when it comes to grief. Guest: Jessica Field MPS, is a Spiritual Wellness Coach for individuals and groups. She build...

Join the Godly Play Foundation staff as they talk about the ups and downs of leaving summer, greeting fall, and implementing family rhythms to have their kids feel as supported as they can be during this change of season. Stay tuned for the blessing at the end of each episode because that is especially for you, the parents/caregivers listening. You are enough. You are loved.  For Wondering prompts...

In this thoughtful episode of Mess Makes Meaning , we welcome Melinda Wenner Bradley, licensed Godly Play Trainer, Director of Communications and Training for Faith & Play Stories, educator, author, and longtime advocate for nurturing children's spiritual lives. Together, we explore a topic that can feel both challenging and deeply needed in today's busy world: the importance of sile...