Start Scared

I took my 11 year old son, Bruce, to see Toy Story 5 after we rewatched all four previous movies together! In this spoiler free episode, I'm sharing what surprised me most, the lessons that stuck with me, and why this movie felt especially relevant for parents raising kids in a world full of screens. 💊GUT PERSONAL: Personalized supplements and programs to heal your gut and improve your overa...

I'm sharing what God taught me through Matthew 7:1-12 this weekend at church. From judging others to trusting Him through prayer and living out the Golden Rule, this passage challenged my heart in ways I didn't expect. This isn't about perfection... It's about becoming more like Jesus one small act of obedience at a time. 📖 REDISCOVER YOU is a 30-day guided journal designed to...

In this special Father's Day episode, I sit down with my husband, Frank, and our three kids, Malcolm, Addison, and Bruce, for a heartfelt family conversation about fatherhood, memories, life lessons, and legacy. 💰GREENLIGHT: Earn $30 when you sign up for Greenlight using the following link - https://share.greenlight.com/181376382 With the money app and debit card for kids and teens, we can s...

This week, I'm sharing the story of a beautiful weekend in Wimberley, Texas, where my husband Frank and I had the honor of officiating our friends' wedding. From a last-minute dress rescue and an adorable black lab puppy to handmade necklaces, a rainbow during the reception, and the reminder that true friendship is one of life's greatest gifts, this episode is about partnership, bel...

Last Friday started with happy hour, sushi, and a fun trip to a new hat bar with friends. It ended with me unexpectedly spending the night at my friend's house, staying up until 1:30 a.m. laughing, talking, watching TV, and snuggling with dogs. In this episode, I'm sharing why this spontaneous night reminded me how important friendship, connection, and a little bit of unplanned fun can b...

I just turned 42 and in today's episode I am looking back on everything life has taught me so far. From motherhood and grief to rediscovering myself outside of the hats I wear, I’m sharing the biggest lessons I’ve learned, the things I’m still working on, and why I finally believe growth is a journey and not a destination. If you’ve ever felt like you’re still figuring yourself out… this one’...

A hard but beautiful conversation with a friend opened my eyes to how much control I was trying to hold onto in motherhood and marriage. In this episode, I share what it looks like to finally step back, let my husband and son build their own relationship, and realize that sometimes love means letting go a little. 💊GUT PERSONAL: Personalized supplements and programs to heal your gut and improve yo...

Bruce is graduating from 5th grade and I’m feeling alllllll the emotions. In this episode, I’m sharing the bittersweet reality of watching your child grow up, being so proud of who they’re becoming while quietly grieving the little version of them that you’re slowly saying goodbye to. If you’ve ever looked at your child and thought, “How did we get here so fast?” this episode is for you. 📖 REDISC...

Last year, I tried The Tox for the first time and now it’s become one of my favorite forms of self-care. In this episode, I’m sharing my experience with lymphatic massages and facials, why I keep going back every few weeks, and how taking care of myself physically has also helped me feel more confident and refreshed mentally. If you’ve ever struggled to prioritize yourself, this one’s for you. You...

Today’s episode hit me in a way I didn’t expect. I’m sharing what I took from our pastor's sermon this weekend on Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” and how that actually plays out in real life (and online). 💊GUT PERSONAL: Personalized supplements and programs to heal your gut and improve your overall health - www.gutpersonal.com/Chrysty10 (co...

I’m sharing a deeply personal story about what happened to my nana in assisted living and the moment we realized something was very wrong. If you have a loved one in assisted living or memory care, this episode is for you. This is your reminder to ask questions, follow up, and advocate fiercely. 📖 REDISCOVER YOU is a 30-day guided journal designed to help you reconnect with who YOU are beyond the...

We were never supposed to be a “dog family”, but now I truly can’t imagine life without Max. In this episode, I’m sharing how our rescue dog completely changed our home, slowed us down and became one of the biggest blessings in our lives. Sometimes the best things aren’t planned, they’re the ones that find you when you least expect it. 💰GREENLIGHT: Earn $30 when you sign up for Greenlight using t...

This weekend in Port O’Connor looked very different for me and it was exactly what I needed. I didn’t make a plan, I didn’t stress and I didn’t try to be productive. I read, took a nap, and just went with the flow. In this episode, I’m sharing what it felt like to slow down without guilt and why doing “less” might actually be what your heart needs most. 💊GUT PERSONAL: Personalized supplements and...

This weekend at the Final Four Women's Basketball Tournament, I witnessed a powerful reminder that our kids don’t have to be the star to make an impact. After meeting the father of Sarah Graves, a Texas walk on player known for her encouragement and leadership, I share what moms can learn about raising kids who show up, lift others, and lead right where they are. 📖 REDISCOVER YOU is a 30-day...

This week tested me as a mom. During Tech Week for my son’s school musical, his ADHD challenges were on full display and so was my heart. I’m sharing what happened, the frustration of seeing him singled out, and the reminder that our kids are more than the behaviors they’re still learning to control. 💰GREENLIGHT: Earn $30 when you sign up for Greenlight using the following link - https://share.gr...

Community is a gift from God… but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. In this episode, I’m sharing takeaways from a women’s conference session with Christine Hoover about why relationships in Christian community can feel complicated and how God actually uses those moments for growth. THANK YOU TO THIS WEEK’S SPONSOR ~ 💊GUT PERSONAL: Personalized supplements and programs to heal your gut and impro...

Friendship felt easy when we were kids. But somewhere along the way, it got complicated. In this episode, I’m sharing some of my biggest takeaways from a women’s conference session with Christine Hoover about what the Bible actually says about friendship. If you’ve ever wondered why friendships feel harder in this season of life, you are not alone. 📖 REDISCOVER YOU is a 30-day guided journal desi...

Sleepovers were a huge part of my childhood but as a parent, I see them differently. In this episode, I share why our family doesn’t usually allow sleepovers, what changed my perspective over the years, and the time we recently hosted a big birthday sleepover at our house. From parenting boundaries to creating a safe space where kids feel welcome, this episode is an honest conversation about safet...

In today’s episode of Start Scared, I’m sitting down with Nichole Kirk, the founder of Dear Heart, a faith-driven lifestyle brand that began as a small fundraiser and grew into a global movement. We talk about listening to God’s nudges, taking action before you feel ready, and navigating the fear that comes with pursuing your calling. Nichole also shares how she protects family time while running...

🎉Start Scared is FIVE!🎉 In this episode, I reflect on who I was when this podcast began, who I’ve become over 262 episodes, and the incredible community that’s grown alongside it. From listeners in every state and six continents to conversations that evolved right along with me. This episode is a celebration of growth, courage, and starting before you feel ready! Thank you for five years of show...

Instagram says 2026 is the new 2016... So, that trend sent me straight into my camera roll. In this episode, I’m walking through my real, and honestly, a lot of forgotten 2016 memories. From postpartum exhaustion, career shifts, family trips, to toddler milestones, mom guilt, and more. These are the memories I didn’t realize were shaping me at the time and maybe, this will encourage you to take yo...

In today’s episode, I’m sharing a quick weekend trip to DC to visit my college roommate, who I hadn’t seen in 16 years. From a stressful airport start to a beautifully simple weekend of conversation, reconnection, and rest, this episode is a reminder that meaningful moments don’t have to be big or busy. 💊GUT PERSONAL: Personalized supplements and programs to heal your gut and improve your overall...

For years, every February up until Valentine's Day, I’ve put heart shaped notes on my family’s bedroom doors. They are filled with affirmations, prayers, and reminders of my love for each of them. In this episode, I share how this simple tradition started, how it’s evolved through shared custody seasons, college years, and adulthood, and why it’s become one of the most meaningful traditions f...

In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with Chelsey Hallblade, a former ER nurse turned nutritionist, entrepreneur, and mom of two. Chelsey shares her journey from hospital burnout to building a thriving online fitness and nutrition business that now serves hundreds of clients. We talk about why prioritizing your health is foundational, how busy moms can realistically lose weight without extremes, a...

Parenting through hard moments isn’t about choosing between accountability and compassion, it’s about learning how to hold both at the same time. If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I being too soft… or too hard?” Then, this episode is for you. 🫧HERBAL FACE FOOD: The most potent anti-aging, multi-correction, anti-viral skin care product on the market. No fillers, no chemicals, no BS. I am OBSESSED and I...