#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 led on global trips, Chris shares powerful stories and practical advice for families.
Discover why mission trips aren’t just for "super Christians," but are actually a core part of discipleship. Learn how sending your child to serve beyond their comfort zone can awaken purpose, grow their faith, and transform their view of the world. Whether your child is 5 or 15, you’ll walk away with ideas to cultivate a family on mission.
Topics include:
The difference between "serving" and being "on mission"
Age-appropriate ways to get your kids involved
How to overcome fear, safety concerns, and the cost
What really happens on a student mission trip
Perfect for families seeking to raise kingdom-minded kids. Listen today and take your first step toward building a family that lives on mission.
Podcast Resources:
Click here for everything Crazy Cool Family!
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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 to:
Create safe, judgment-free check-in conversations
Encourage each other without criticism
Respond as a team, not competitors
Build unity that creates safety and peace for your kids
Plus, they share helpful tools like “pillow talk,” the family dashboard, and the idea of safe words to help you work through conflict with grace.
If you want to strengthen your marriage and create a more unified family culture, don’t miss this episode.
Podcast Resources:
Click here for everything Crazy Cool Family!
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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 your family’s core values
Practical tools to navigate disagreements and grow together
How becoming the best version of yourself actually strengthens your marriage
Discover the Marriage Unity Triangle and how to stop trying to fix your spouse — and start supporting them instead. If you're ready to parent as a united team and build a strong, joy-filled marriage, this episode is for you.
Podcast Resources:
Click here for everything Crazy Cool Family!
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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.
They share real-life stories and practical tips for helping your kids through transitions, easing anxiety, and setting them up for a confident start. From preparing emotionally and spiritually to casting vision for the year ahead, this episode walks you through how to replace back-to-school dread with excitement.
You’ll learn how to affirm your child’s identity, speak truth over their fears, and use everyday moments—like haircut appointments and school shopping—as opportunities for connection. Whether you’ve got toddlers starting preschool or teens headed to high school, this conversation is filled with grace and encouragement for every stage.
Plus, learn how to involve dads, stretch the to-do list over time, and start early so you don’t lose your peace under pressure.
Podcast Resources:
Click here for everything Crazy Cool Family!
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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 year with clarity and connection.
You'll learn:
How to ease your child’s anxiety about a new school year
The importance of starting preparations early (hello, July haircuts!)
Ways to empower your kids with confidence through affirmations, vision casting, and emotional support
Simple tools to replace stress with encouragement—and why your attitude as a parent sets the tone for the entire family
Whether you're a seasoned homeschooler, a school-drop-off pro, or a first-timer sending your little one off to kindergarten, this episode is packed with practical wisdom to help you and your kids thrive.
🎧 Tune in now to make this your most intentional back-to-school transition yet.
Podcast Resources:
Click here for everything Crazy Cool Family!
Give us a review!
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!
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