About this episode

Cynthia Yanof and Courtney DeFeo discuss the emotional climate of homes, parenting, and the transition of motherhood during empty nesting.

If you’ve ever cried after dropping a kid at college and then immediately enjoyed the quiet house and clean kitchen… this episode is for you. I sit down with my friend, speaker, and longtime Pardon the Mess host Courtney DeFeo for a conversation that somehow covers Target boycotts, Auburn obsession, empty nesting, insecurity, friendship boundaries, and the emotional climate of your home—all while making you laugh harder than you expected. Courtney shares why she’s stepping away from Pardon the Mess after three years hosting the show I originally launched, and we talk honestly about what it means to release something you love with open hands. We get into parenting girls, surviving the college launch years without emotionally collapsing onto your children, and the weird tension of missing your kids desperately while also appreciating that nobody has trashed your house in 48 hours. We also unpack one of Courtney’s favorite topics: the “tone” of your home. What do people actually feel when they walk in. Safe? Seen? Critiqued? Loved? Included? Courtney shares practical wisdom about small “attitude maneuvers” moms can make that completely shift the atmosphere of a family. There’s also…

People in this episode

Host: Cynthia Yanof

Guest: Courtney DeFeo

Topics covered

• empty nesting
• parenting
• friendship boundaries
• emotional climate
• women empowerment
• motherhood

Keywords

• empty nesting
• parenting girls
• emotional climate
• friendship boundaries
• tone of your home
• motherhood

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Pardon the Mess

Places: Auburn

More episodes of MESSmerized - Funny and faith based encouragement in marriage , family , Christian parenting , and finding purpose

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• Episode 150: When Motherhood Looks Different: Encouragement for Moms of Neurodivergent Kids with Somer Colbert · May 27, 2026 · 42 min
• Episode 149: A Conversation With One of My Besties: Real Friendship, Real Life, Real Bible Study (with Stephanie Martin) · May 20, 2026 · 48 min

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