PODCAST · kids
Crazy Cool Family
by Don and Suzanne Manning
Want home to be your favorite place in the world? Want to see siblings get along like best friends? Want to send your kid off to college with hope instead of fear? At Crazy Cool Family, we can help you answer all of those questions with a resounding “YES!”We have one simple mission: To show parents how to create amazing families by building their lives around Jesus and helping their kids to do the same. In Matthew 22, Jesus tells us that what is most important in life is our relationship with God and our relationships with one another. We believe that families are our most important relationships and their strength will determine the strength of your family. You will Rethink the Way You Do Family when you see God’s incredible relational design for your families.God wants a Crazy Cool Family for you and we want to help you get there!
Episodes
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#347: Connection Over Performance
School is a huge part of your child’s world—but it can also become a huge opportunity for connection. In Episode 347, Don and Suzanne talk about how parents can connect with their kids through school without becoming their homework police. Instead of focusing only on grades, assignments, and...
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#346: How to Turn Sick Days Into Connection Days
Sick days are inevitable—but they can also become unexpected opportunities to connect with your kids. In this episode, Suzanne and McKenzie talk about how to slow down, nurture your child, and be intentional about connection when sickness hits your home. From meeting your child where they are...
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#345: How to Connect With Your Kids Through Health
What if your child’s health didn’t have to become another thing to nag them about—but instead became an opportunity to connect? In this episode, Don and McKenzie talk about what it looks like to build healthy rhythms in your family through movement, food, sleep, and wellness. They share their own...
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#344: Stop Parenting Past Your Kids—Start Connecting With Them
Connection Is the Goal: How to Reconnect With Your Kids What if connection—not perfect behavior, perfect routines, or perfect parenting—is the real goal? In this episode, Suzanne and Macy kick off a new conversation about one of the things Crazy Cool Family cares about most: connection. They talk...
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#343: The Phone in Your Hand Is Shaping Your Home
How our technology habits shape our kids, our marriages, and the culture of our homes Our phones are incredible tools—but they make terrible masters. In this episode, Don and Suzanne Manning take an honest look at something almost every parent struggles with: our relationship with technology.…
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#342: Transitions Build Culture
Transitions happen all day long—getting out the door, moving from playtime to dinner, bedtime routines, or starting a new school year. While they may seem like small moments, they often become the biggest source of conflict in our homes. In this episode, Don, Suzanne, and Madeline explore why...
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#341: Are You Parenting Like a Referee or a Coach?
When your kids are constantly arguing, it's easy to feel like your full-time job is breaking up fights, deciding who's right, and handing out consequences. Before long, parenting can start to feel less like leading a family and more like officiating a game. But what if there was a better way? In...
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#340: Sibling Fighting is Not Failure
Sibling Fighting Is Not Failure If your kids seem to argue over everything—from who gets the blue popsicle to whose turn it is with the toy—you are not failing as a parent. In this episode, Don and Suzanne Manning challenge one of the biggest misconceptions about parenting: sibling conflict isn't...
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#339: 18 Years Gone in a Flash—Real Talk from Dad Life
In this episode, Don sits down with three close friends—each of whom just celebrated a child graduating from high school—to reflect on what it really means to raise kids all the way to launch. From the emotional moment of watching their children walk across the stage to the everyday choices that...
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#338: Dads, Your Teen Needs This More Than Advice (Feat. James McLamb)
What do today’s teens need most from their parents? According to research involving more than 2,500 young people, the answer isn't better technology rules, stricter discipline, or more information—it's identity, connection, and purpose. In this powerful conversation, Don Manning sits down with...
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#337: To The Mom Who Wonders, "Am I Doing It Right?" (Feat. Mollie Torres)
Am I Doing This Right?? In this heartfelt episode, Suzanne sits down with her oldest daughter, Mollie, to wrap up the “Letters to Moms” series with an honest conversation about motherhood, grace, family culture, and the everyday moments that shape our kids. Together, they talk about the tension...
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#336: To the Mom Who Homeschools: Choosing the Hard, Holy Yes (Feat. Madeline Jones)
Homeschooling isn’t just an educational choice—it’s often a deeply personal calling. In this honest and encouraging conversation, Suzanne sits down with her daughter Madeline to talk about the real-life joys, challenges, and purpose behind homeschooling in today’s world. From managing toddlers...
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#335: Dear Angry Mom (Feat. Macy Robinson)
Dear Angry Mom, Anger in motherhood isn’t something we like to admit—but it’s something so many moms quietly carry. In this honest and deeply relatable episode, Suzanne sits down with her daughter Macy to talk about the reality of being an “angry mom.” From toddler tantrums to constant...
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#334: To the Mom Who Feels Like She’s Drowning (And Every Mom in Between) Feat. McKenzie Reaume
Motherhood is beautiful—but let’s be honest, it can also feel overwhelming, exhausting, and, at times, like you’re barely staying afloat. In this heartfelt episode, Suzanne and her daughter McKenzie sit down to talk directly to moms in every season—from the joyful to the struggling, from the...
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#333: How To Teach Your Kids to Spend Time with Jesus (Feat. Lauren Lain)
In this episode of the Crazy Cool Family Podcast, Madeline Jones sits down with her friend Lauren to talk about one of the most important roles of a parent: teaching your kids how to spend time with Jesus. Drawing from their personal experiences growing up in faith-filled homes—and now raising...
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#332: Parenting from Overflow: Finding Time with God in Real Life
Hot Take - Burned out parents don’t build spiritually thriving families. In this episode of the Crazy Cool Family Podcast, Don and Suzanne talk about how parents can learn to lead from overflow instead of exhaustion. They share honestly about what their own relationship with God looked like in...
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#331: Marriage Finances 101: How to Communicate, Budget, and Build Unity Around Money
Listen to this before your next Credit Card Statement... 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…
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#330: Money Matters: Building Families on Wisdom (Feat. Crystal Paine)
March is about 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,...
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#329: Fight Through the Gospel - The Missing Piece in Most Marriage Advice (Feat. McKenzie Reaume)
Don't save your marriage for.... later! 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...
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#328: Stop Feeling Like Roommates: Practical Marriage Habits for Parents With Marriage 365
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...
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#327: Purpose Is Not Passive: How to Set Direction for Your Family (Part 2)
Still Feeling Stuck? Here's Part 2! 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...
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#326: Purpose Is Not Passive: How to Set Direction for Your Family
Designing 2026: Goals That Matter 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...
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#325: Wrapping Up 2025 With Crazy Cool Family
Season Finale: Wrapping Up 2025 with Crazy Cool Family 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…
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#324: Turning 90 Days of Holidays into Lasting Family Memories
Holiday Chaos or Holiday Memories? Creating Traditions That Last 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...
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#323: Re-Run ALERT! Two Ingredients for the BEST Thanksgiving Week (Part 2)
Re-Run ALERT! Two Ingredients for the BEST Thanksgiving Week (Part 2) Part 2 (Ep. 323, originally Ep. 144) Welcome back, Crazy Cool Families! Today we’re continuing our series, ‘Two Ingredients for the BEST Thanksgiving Week.’ This is part two—originally Episode 144 and now Episode 323. Last week...
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#322: Re-Run ALERT! Two Ingredients for the BEST Thanksgiving Week (Part 1)
Two Ingredients for the BEST Thanksgiving Week (Part 1) 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,...
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#321: Is Family Worth It? (Don’s Perspective on 30+ years of parenting AND becoming an empty nester!)
From Chaos to Connection: 30+ Years of Parenting Lessons 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…
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#320: Is Family Worth It? (Suz’s Perspective on 30+ years of parenting AND becoming an empty nester!)
30+ Years, 7 Kids, One Big Lesson: Family Is Worth It 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...
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#319: Saying Yes or No to Halloween
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?...
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#318: Regulating Big Emotions (feat. McKenzie Reaume)
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,...
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#317: Surviving the Meltdown Moment
Parenting Through Meltdowns: Turning Chaos into Connection 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…
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#316: Grace and Discipline: Can You Really Do Both?
Can you parent with grace and discipline at the same time? 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...
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#315: Crazy Cool Parent This: Cultivating Integrity in our Children's Hearts
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…
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#314: More Than Clean - Building a Safe Haven for Your Family (Feat. Becky Rapinchuk from Clean Mama!)
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)…
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#313: Reclaiming Motherhood
Reclaiming Motherhood: Hard ≠ Bad 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...
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#312: The Power of Mission Trips (Feat. Chris Searcy)
Why You Should Take Your Kid on a Mission Trip??? In this inspiring episode, Don and Suzanne Manning are joined by longtime friend and missions expert Dr. Chris Searcy to discuss the life-changing impact of mission trips on children and teens. With over 25 years of experience and 2,500+ students...
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#311: Checking in on Your Teammate
What happens when spouses see parenting differently? In this episode of the Crazy Cool Family Podcast, Don and Suzanne Manning dive into the power of parenting with unity—even when you have different methods. Through practical stories, biblical encouragement, and years of wisdom, they show how…
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#310: God’s Blueprint for Marriage Unity
Is your marriage stuck in a cycle of miscommunication and method wars? In this episode, Don and Suzanne Manning unpack a powerful concept that will radically transform your relationship: agreeing on values, not methods. You’ll learn: Why unity doesn’t mean uniformity How to define and agree on…
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#309: 🍂 Podcast Re-Run: Make This Fall Your Best Yet! 🍂
How to Start the School Year with Confidence (Not Chaos) Back-to-school season can feel like a whirlwind—supplies, sports, schedules, and stress. In this episode of the Crazy Cool Family Podcast, Don and Suzanne unpack how to approach August with peace, purpose, and powerful parenting strategies....
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#308: Podcast Replay: Make August Count for Your Family
Ready or not.... The Fall is Coming! In this episode of the Crazy Cool Family Podcast, Don and Suzanne Manning tackle the chaos and pressure of August head-on. From back-to-school shopping to emotional transitions, they unpack practical strategies to help families navigate the busiest time of…
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#307: Summer Series: Part 5 - The Most Important Lesson This Summer
What is the most important lesson to teach your kids this summer? In this episode of the Crazy Cool Family podcast, we’re wrapping up summer with the most essential parenting topic: leading your kids to Jesus. Whether your children are toddlers or teens, creating a family culture where God...
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#306: Summer Series: Part 4 - Who's Really in Control This Summer?
Parent Control or Kid Control?” In this summer-focused episode of the Crazy Cool Family Podcast, Don and Suzanne unpack one of the biggest tensions in parenting: control. Should parents stay in charge, or is it time to pass the baton to the kids? You'll discover why summer is the perfect season…
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#305: Summer Series: Part 3 - Who's in Charge?
Who’s in Charge? How to Raise Leaders at Home This Summer In this episode of the Crazy Cool Family Podcast, we dive into one of our favorite summer themes: raising leaders under your roof. Whether your kids are toddlers or teens, summer offers the perfect opportunity to build leadership skills in…
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#304: Summer Series: Part 2 - Teaching Your Kids to Fight (Wait... What?)
Teaching Kids to Fight (Well): How to Turn Sibling Conflict into Character Growth Summer brings more time together—and more sibling conflict. But what if the fights between your kids were actually opportunities to shape their hearts? In this episode of the Crazy Cool Family Podcast, we unpack how...
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#303: Summer Series: Part 1 - Washing the School Year Off Our Kids
Welcome to our Summer Series! In this episode, Don and Suzanne talk about how to intentionally plan your family’s summer so it’s filled with peace, purpose, and connection—not just chaos. They introduce the powerful idea of “washing the school year off” your kids—helping them reset emotionally,...
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#302: A Summer to Remember (Feat. Sarah Paul)
Ready to build your family's best summer? Madeline Jones (formerly Manning) is back—this time with special guest and fellow summer-lover Sarah Paul—to share how families can make the most of summer through simple rhythms, intentional connection, and memory-making moments. From mission trips to...
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#301: Crazy Cool Parent This: Raising a Servant Hearted Child
Raising a Servant-Hearted Child Starts Right Here ❤️ Do you ever wish your kids would just share the toy... without a battle? In our latest podcast episode, we dive into one of the most powerful things we can teach our kids: how to be servant hearted. Inspired by Jesus washing His disciples'…
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#300: See Where We've Been and Where We Are Going
Happy 300th Episode to us! In this heartfelt episode of the Crazy Cool Family Podcast, Don and Suzanne reflect on over three decades of parenting, ministry, and the launch of their brand-new resource, the Parenting Playbook. Whether you're in the thick of raising toddlers or navigating...
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#299: Using Guilt as a Signal
Struggle with guilt when parenting? This Episode is for you...(and me!) In this heartfelt episode, each daughter shared how “mom guilt” has uniquely shown up in their motherhood journey. Macy opened up about her tendency to feel like she should be punished for both the things she does and doesn’t...
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#298: What is the Playbook?
Guess what.... we've got something new for you! Next month, our seventh child, Cade, graduates — and with that, we officially wrap up over three decades of parenting. As we step into this next season of becoming almost-empty nesters, we’ve been reflecting on the journey that brought us here… and...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Want home to be your favorite place in the world? Want to see siblings get along like best friends? Want to send your kid off to college with hope instead of fear? At Crazy Cool Family, we can help you answer all of those questions with a resounding “YES!”We have one simple mission: To show parents how to create amazing families by building their lives around Jesus and helping their kids to do the same. In Matthew 22, Jesus tells us that what is most important in life is our relationship with God and our relationships with one another. We believe that families are our most important relationships and their strength will determine the strength of your family. You will Rethink the Way You Do Family when you see God’s incredible relational design for your families.God wants a Crazy Cool Family for you and we want to help you get there!
HOSTED BY
Don and Suzanne Manning
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Crazy Cool Family have?
Crazy Cool Family currently has 346 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Crazy Cool Family about?
Want home to be your favorite place in the world? Want to see siblings get along like best friends? Want to send your kid off to college with hope instead of fear? At Crazy Cool Family, we can help you answer all of those questions with a resounding “YES!”We have one simple mission: To show parents...
How often does Crazy Cool Family release new episodes?
Crazy Cool Family publishes regularly with 346 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Crazy Cool Family?
You can listen to Crazy Cool Family on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Crazy Cool Family?
Crazy Cool Family is created and hosted by Don and Suzanne Manning.
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