Crazy Cool Family

In this episode of the Crazy Cool Family podcast, Don and Suzanne tackle one of the most tension-filled topics in marriage: money. 

After 35 years of marriage, they openly share how finances were one of the biggest sources of misunderstanding and conflict in their relationship — not because of bad intentions, but because they came into marriage with completely different money...

Episode 330 is a fun, practical, and faith-filled conversation as Suzanne sits down with Crystal Paine (MoneySavingMom.com) to help families approach money, time, and motherhood with wisdom and peace. 

Crystal—mom of six (from almost 21 to age 3), writer, speaker, podcaster, and CEO of a small team—shares how her family learned to live intentionally and stay out of debt during law school by getting creative wi...

In this episode of the Crazy Cool Family Podcast, we sit down with McKenzie (our 4th daughter) to introduce the marriage Deep Dive “Fostering Love in Your Marriage.” She has been married for 4 1/2 years and has two tiny, beautiful daughters. 

Together they unpack why the word fostering matters — nurturing, cultivating, and fighting toward something good — and why so many couples drift into fi...

In this episode, Don and Suzanne talk with Casey and Meygan Caston from Marriage365 about simple, practical marriage tools for busy parents. If your relationship feels stuck in logistics, resentment, or disconnection, this conversation gives you actionable habits you can start right away. 

You’ll learn how small, daily investments — not grand gestures — build strong, lasting marriages. 

In This Episode:

• The weekly marriage che...

In Part 2 of this conversation, we shift from personal and marriage goals to setting vision and goals for your family.

Healthy family goals don’t start with changing your kids—they start with aligned parents. Building on the foundation of personal growth and marital unity, we talk about how to intentionally design your family culture instead of letting it drift.

In this episode, we cover:

• W...

Feeling overwhelmed by goal-setting? In this episode, we share a simple, biblical framework for setting meaningful goals for 2026—starting with you and then your marriage. 

Using Mark 12:30, we break goals into four areas: heart, soul, mind, and strength, and talk about how small, realistic steps can lead to real growth over time. 

• How to set personal goals without burnout...

As 2025 comes to a close, Don and Suzanne are taking a moment to reflect, celebrate, and cast vision for what’s ahead. 🎉 In this final episode of the year, you’ll hear highlights from Season 7 of the Crazy Cool Family Podcast and learn how God has been using this ministry to impact families across the U.S., Europe, and even Africa. 🌍 

This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a global m...

The holiday season is here—and with it comes the mix of joy, chaos, and never-ending to-do lists. 🎁 From decorating the house to wrapping gifts, baking cookies, and attending every school or church event, it’s easy for parents to feel more overwhelmed than joyful. 

In this episode of the Crazy Cool Family Podcast, Don and Suzanne Manning share candid reflections and...

Part 1 (Ep. 322, originally Ep. 143) 

Thanksgiving can be one of the most joyful times of the year—or one of the most stressful. In this episode, we’re bringing back one of our favorite holiday conversations to help your family lean into joy, peace, and purpose this Thanksgiving. We kick off our two-part series with the first ingredient for the best Thanksgiving week, and it ...

Part 1 (Ep. 322, originally Ep. 143) 

Thanksgiving can be one of the most joyful times of the year—or one of the most stressful. In this episode, we’re bringing back one of our favorite holiday conversations to help your family lean into joy, peace, and purpose this Thanksgiving. We kick off our two-part series with the first ingredient for the best Thanksgiving week, and it ...

After 33 years of parenting seven kids, Don and Suzanne Manning are stepping into a brand-new season: empty nesters! But before you picture peace and quiet, join us for this powerful episode of the Crazy Cool Family Podcast where we look back at decades of parenting, the lessons learned, and the incredible fruit that comes from choosing family—over and over again. 

In this episode, Macy rapid-fires questions at Suz, drawing out three decades of parenting wisdom from raising seven kids to navigating the empty-nest season. Together, they unpack the heart of family as God’s idea—where parenting is discipleship, connection matters more than tasks, and playing the long game pays off.

From marriage teamwork and practical rhythms to the power of community, prayer, and the joy of adult children, this...

Do we Celebrate Halloween as a Family or No?

How do you celebrate Halloween as a family and is it bad to do?  

RE-RUN ALERT!! Halloween hasn't changed over the years and our conversation about it/beliefs on the topic remain the same. Do you need help deciding how your family celebrates Halloween? Then this podcast is for you!

First off, your family needs to personally seek God and obey what he is saying for your family. There is no...

Kids can’t learn new skills when their nervous system is flooded. In this episode, Suz and Kenzie show you how to regulate first and coach second using our MONSTER cue: My Only Need: Start To Emotionally Regulate. You’ll learn a faith-filled, brain-wise plan for toddler tantrums, big-kid blowups, and teen flare-ups—without losin;g your own peace. 

• Thermostat vs. thermometer parenting: How to set the room’s emotion...

Every parent has been there—the dreaded meltdown. Whether it’s your toddler on the kitchen floor, your teenager slamming a door, or even you holding back tears in the car, meltdowns are part of family life. But what if these moments aren’t just problems to solve, but opportunities to connect? 

In this episode of the Crazy Cool Family Podcast, Don and Suzanne share wisdom f...

Absolutely. In this episode, Don and Suzanne Manning explain how to combine God’s favor (grace) with training to standards (discipline) to build self-control, connection, and freedom in your home. You’ll learn the difference between firm vs. harsh, how to respond not react, and a simple “same-side of the line” visual that moves you from power struggles to partnership. The c...

In this episode, Don and Suzanne Manning share how to teach kids integrity without lectures. Learn how to model honesty, coach truth-telling with a “respond, don’t react” approach, and create a family culture of integrity. Get age-by-age strategies for littles, middles, and bigs that make character building stick. Anchored in Proverbs 10:9 and John 8, this episode equips you to help your child keep their word, repair quickly, and w...

In this episode of the Crazy Cool Family Podcast, Suz and McKenzie talk with Becky, founder of Clean Mama about simple, sustainable home keeping routines for busy families. Learn the 5 daily cleaning tasks, a practical weekly cleaning schedule (bathrooms, dusting, vacuuming, floors, catch-all), how to involve kids in chores, and how to keep a non-toxic home with easy DIY cleaners.

If you’re overwhelmed by clutter, laundry, and dish...

Suzanne sits down with her daughters—now mothers themselves—for an honest, hope-filled conversation about reclaiming a life-giving vision of motherhood. They unpack the tension most moms feel: the days are long, the needs are endless, and perfectionism and isolation creep in. Together they reframe motherhood as Kingdom work—discipleship in real time—where “hard” can be holy, refining, and deeply m...