On the Mess Express

Happy Holidays… or Merry Christmas? We’re diving into the festive debates, traditions, and funny realities that come with the holiday season. In this episode, we chat about why “Happy Holidays” has become a more inclusive greeting, the age-old debate over turkey (yes, even at Christmas), and why gift-giving can feel extra complicated—especially when birthdays land right around the holidays. We get...

In this episode, Craig and Vanessa Simpson celebrate the season one finale of their podcast. They reflect on the journey, discussing favorite moments, the unexpected direction the season took, and their plans for season two. The episode is filled with humor, personal anecdotes, and a special holiday giveaway announcement. #giveaway #amazon #seasonfinale #season1

In this episode, Craig and Vanessa discuss various family traditions and challenges they face during the holiday season. They reflect on their podcast journey, share insights about Christmas preparations, and explore the dynamics of parenting during festive times. The conversation also touches on failed traditions, the importance of holiday parties, and their plans for the upcoming season of the p...

In this episode, Lindsay from Lynn River Farm shares her journey of starting a family-run farm that focuses on organic produce and community-supported agriculture. She discusses the challenges of beginning a farm, the daily operations, and the importance of community support. Lindsay also highlights the farm's farm-to-table experiences, future aspirations, and special events like Thanksgiving...

In this episode, Craig and Vanessa discuss the challenges of Sundays, often referred to as 'Sunday Scaries.' They explore the chaos of family life, the pressure of preparing for the week ahead, and the unrealistic portrayals of Sundays on social media. The conversation also touches on the potential benefits of a four-day work week and how to find balance amidst the chaos of parenting and h...

Craig and Vanessa Simpson dive into family life, discussing their children's evolving styles, the influence of peers, and the balance between self-expression and maintaining values. They also explore the challenges of busy schedules, the importance of self-care, and the joy of watching their son excel in sports. #parenting #parenthood #onthemessexpress #relationships #kids #influence #peers #s...

Craig and Vanessa Simpson discuss the joys and challenges of hosting holiday parties, sharing personal anecdotes and humorous insights about Thanksgiving and party planning. They explore the dynamics of hosting versus attending, the stress of preparation, and the satisfaction of creating memorable events. Additionally, they delve into celebrity couples and reveal Craig's special surprise for V...

In this Thanksgiving special episode, Craig and Vanessa prepare festive dishes and drinks for their family gathering. They explore new recipes, including a Brussels sprouts casserole and a buffalo chicken dip served in carved pumpkins. The duo shares laughs and challenges while cooking, culminating in a taste test of their festive cocktail, which doesn't go as planned. The episode wraps up wit...

In this episode, Craig and Vanessa Simpson discuss their experiences and memories related to Thanksgiving, including family traditions, the challenges of hosting, and the humorous mishaps with green bean casserole. They also talk about the sober movement, in particular, sober October and their sponsor, Benjamin Tree Farm, and the various attractions it offers. The episode concludes with reflection...

In this episode, Craig and Vanessa discuss the arrival of fall and the excitement of seasonal activities. They share their experiences with boys night adventures, the challenges of back-to-school routines, and their recent visit to Shuh Orchards for apple picking. The couple emphasizes the importance of supporting local businesses and creating memorable family outings during the fall season. #supp...

In this engaging conversation, Craig and Vanessa Simpson sit down with Eric Borman, owner of Borman Construction, to discuss the intricacies of running a construction business while managing a growing family. They explore the challenges of home renovations, the joys of gardening, and the importance of social media in marketing. Eric shares insights on balancing work and family life, avoiding burno...

In this episode, Craig and Vanessa celebrate their first fall episode by reminiscing about their first date at Oktoberfest. They discuss the transition into fall, family traditions, and the joy of visiting local pumpkin patches and apple orchards. The couple shares tips for enjoying fall outings with kids and highlights Snyder's Farm as a local treasure for family fun. They also look ahead to...

In this episode, Craig and Vanessa discuss their ongoing technical challenges while podcasting, share their experiences with the chaos of back-to-school routines, and engage in a lighthearted rapid-fire question segment. They also celebrate a giveaway winner, emphasizing community and connection with their listeners. #parenting   #parenthood   #relationships   #onthemessexpress   #marriage   #comm...

In this episode, Craig and Vanessa discuss the importance of slow living in a fast-paced world, emphasizing the value of creating core memories with family through local experiences. They share personal anecdotes about their family outings, the significance of community connections, and the joy of enjoying local establishments like the Perth Farmhouse. The episode also features a fun segment calle...

In this episode, Craig and Vanessa discuss the concept of 'phubbing'—the act of snubbing someone in favor of your phone—and its impact on relationships. They explore the importance of regular relationship check-ins, setting boundaries with technology, and the need for open communication to avoid conflicts. The conversation emphasizes the significance of being present with partners and family, espe...

In this episode, Craig and Vanessa discuss the challenges of parenting, particularly focusing on sibling rivalry and the dynamics between their children. They share personal anecdotes about their struggles with allergies, transitioning back to work, and the importance of praise and conflict resolution among siblings. The conversation emphasizes the need for one-on-one time with each child, teamwor...

In this episode, Craig and Vanessa Simpson discuss the complexities of parenting in the digital age, focusing on the impact of screen time on children. They explore the balance between allowing screen time for educational purposes and the potential negative effects of excessive use. The conversation covers strategies for monitoring and managing screen time, the importance of setting boundaries, an...

Summary In this episode, Craig and Vanessa Simpson explore the complexities of parenting styles, discussing how individual approaches can differ significantly from collective family dynamics. They emphasize the importance of communication, understanding, and finding common ground in parenting to create a harmonious family environment. The conversation highlights the challenges parents face in bala...

In this conversation, Craig and Vanessa recount their eventful week, starting with a nostalgic concert experience featuring Our Lady Peace, followed by the premiere of Happy Gilmore 2, and culminating in a humorous mishap at McD's. They share personal anecdotes, frustrations, and laughter, creating a relatable narrative about the ups and downs of their week. #PodcastDrop ⁣⁣ #SurpriseEpisode ⁣⁣...

In this episode, Craig and Vanessa Simpson delve into the topic of parenting burnout, sharing their personal experiences and discussing the challenges that come with balancing family responsibilities. They explore the signs of burnout, coping mechanisms, and the importance of community support. The conversation also touches on the significance of prioritizing tasks and self-care to manage stress e...

Summary In this episode of the Mess Express Podcast, Craig and Vanessa dive into various themes surrounding parenting, language, and the challenges of modern family life. They discuss the feedback from their first episode, the nuances of language with a humorous take on the word 'delve', and share personal anecdotes about parenting in the digital age. The conversation also touches on the awkward m...

In this inaugural episode of the Mess Express podcast, hosts Craig and Vanessa Simpson share their experiences as busy parents navigating the chaos of family life. They discuss the challenges of balancing work, social life, and parenting, while emphasizing the importance of community and connection. The couple aims to create a relatable platform for other parents, sharing their struggles and succe...

Meet Craig and Vanessa — From offbeat parenting moments to unscripted real talk, this teaser is just a taste of the unpredictable ride we’re about to take you on. Laughs? Check. Eye-rolls? Absolutely. Honesty? Unfortunately. Hop aboard the Mess Express — where the only thing more real than the convo is the mess behind it.