Mess Makes Meaning
Caring for young children's spirituality is a delicate balance and can often be made more difficult when we grown-ups don't care for ourselves. Struggling through religious or church related trauma or even feelings of inadequacy when it comes to answering our children's big questions. At Mess Makes Meaning we are here to equip the parents/caregivers to remind them and their children they are deeply loved by interviewing some guests who are professionals in this vital work. With relatable humor from hosts and guests alike, this podcast is for you and created by Godly Play®
Episodes
33 episodes
Summer Blessing with Joy and Raenelle
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 Summ...
Talking with Children about Violence, Fear, and Peace with Hannah Rose Martin
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
Connection Through Play with Child Life Specialist Brittany Luther
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 ch...
"Wonder" with Meredith Miller
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 Scr...
"Sacred Parenthood" with Aizaiah and Nereyda Yong
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
"God Didn't Make Us to Hate Us" with Rev. Lizzie
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 "...
Self-Regulation with Kathleen Crevasse
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 proce...
Risky Play - Don't say "be careful"!
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 hea...
Gentle Parenting, Permissive, or Authoritarian With Rev. Harrison Litzell
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....
Family Liturgy---Part 2
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 b...
Family Liturgy---- Part 1
This episode is a sneak peek into the Family Liturgy created by the Everyday Godly Play Project. More information will be coming soon. Enjoy!
Passive Technology
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.T...
Christian Holidays with Laura Alary
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 the...
Healthy Sports Parents with Jonathan Carone
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 athle...
Parenting: The Complex and Beautiful Vocation of Raising Children by Holly Taylor Coolman
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.
Bless This Mess with Rev. Molly Baskette and Ellen O’Donnnell
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 WorldFor a relatable, at many times humorous, and helpful guide thi...
The Book of Belonging with author Mariko Clark and illustrator Rachel Eleanor
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...
Rage Prayers with author Rev. Elizabeth Riley
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...
How to "see" our Teens, Dr. Chan
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 discussi...
Spiritual Conversations with Children with Lacy Finn Borgo
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 ...
Sacred Spaces within the Home with Jill Gidlund
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 ever...
Grief with Jessica Field
*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/ca...
Family Rhythms with Godly Play Staff
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 ble...
Power in Silence with Melinda Wenner Bradley
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 nurturi...