Rydel's Van Talk

In this special Father’s Day episode of Van Talk, we’re joined by my husband to talk about love, family, fatherhood, and some stories we’ve never shared before.We take it back to the beginning, from our first time meeting to the unforgettable experience of him meeting my brothers, cousins, and giant family. We also revisit our first date and some of the moments that made us realize this relationship was different.Capron shares favorite memories with each of our kids, what fatherhood has taught him.The conversation also includes the true story of our firstborn’s birth, we've never told you guys this before!

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about flexibility in parenting and why it’s okay to change your mind as you learn and grow.We share why every child is different, how something that works beautifully for one kid might not work for another, and why being willing to try new things can make all the difference.We also talk potty training tips, including why a portable potty chair can be a lifesaver in those early stages, and ways to help quieter kids feel comfortable opening up, sharing, and finding their voice.The conversation touches on screen time, dance, outside opinions, and why we believe parents should feel confident making decisions that fit their own family. We also discuss the importance of always having your child’s back, especially when relatives or other adults make comments that don’t sit right.We share thoughts on hosting gatherings, handling feelings of being left out, and navigating the reality that both parents and kids will have off days. Sometimes growth isn’t linear, and sometimes you have to go back and reinforce the family standards you’ve been working on all along.

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about the difference between coasting through life and being proactive about it.From swim lessons with babies and toddlers to everyday parenting moments, we share why we believe in helping kids move through things that feel uncomfortable instead of immediately pulling them out. Not forcing, not pushing, but gently encouraging them forward until confidence starts to grow. We also discuss how important it is for everyone around a child to be on the same team. When a child is learning a new skill or working through a fear, teasing and negativity can undo a lot of progress. Sometimes what kids need most is encouragement, positivity, and someone who believes in them.The conversation also touches on passing healthy habits down to our children and how so much of parenting comes back to leading by example.

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about the little moments in parenting that eventually turn into something big. Every milestone as a family, we share why we believe every win matters, big or small, individual or shared. And honestly? Moms deserve a gold star for the amount of invisible work they do every single day. We talk about the payoff moments in parenting, those days when you suddenly realize your kids are finally doing the things you’ve been patiently practicing with them all along. Greeting people confidently, looking others in the eye, saying thank you to compliments, shaking hands, brushing teeth, washing hands, building healthy habits… one day it finally clicks.We also share why kids are true sponges and why the habits we build early matter so much. If we can teach routines like bedtime and hygiene, we can also instill things like reading before bed, taking walks, gratitude, and confidence. The conversation also touches on helping kids push through the difficult beginning stages of learning a new skill until they finally experience the pride and joy of seeing themselves improve.

Head to cozyearth.com and use code VANTALK for an exclusive 20% off! In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about confidence, mindset, and the powerful influence parents have on the emotional environment of the home. We discuss why it’s so important not to let insecurities trickle down onto your kids and how children often absorb far more from what we model than what we say. If we want our kids to speak kindly, work hard, and believe in themselves, we have to walk the talk first. We also talk about how fragile confidence can be, how one negative comment can sometimes outweigh constant encouragement, and why speaking positively about yourself matters more than most people realize. Your subconscious is always listening.The conversation also gets practical, from navigating constant snacking and mealtimes to helping kids through embarrassment, emotional moments, and learning how to fully accept them for who they are.We share why consistency in parenting truly pays off over time, even when it feels hard in the moment, and how intentional parenting can eventually create respectful, secure teenagers.We end with a conversation around manifestation, mindset, and what we believe is one of the biggest secrets to life.

Head to cozyearth.com and use code VANTALK for an exclusive 20% off! In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about the everyday work of building trust and confidence with your kids. From breaking habits to consistently parenting through conflict, we share why encouragement and cheerleading never really stop, no matter how old your kids are.We also talk about intentionally practicing life skills with kids, things like greeting people, shaking hands, making eye contact, and confidently saying “nice to meet you.” At the same time, we believe kids should have autonomy over their bodies and shouldn’t be forced to hug people if they don’t want to. The conversation also gets practical. We share some of the little systems that help us survive the day, from creating different “stations” around the house for changing scenery to food rewards, potty training outings, and the experiences we’ve had navigating potty training overall.

Head to cozyearth.com and use code VANTALK for an exclusive 20% off! I this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about aligning on parenting and creating clear standards within the home. We share what it means to “train the heart” when raising kids, focusing not just on behavior, but on character, attitude, and intention. We also talk about avoiding guilt-based parenting. Our kids aren’t here to fill our emotional cup, and we’re not raising them out of obligation or pressure. Instead, we aim to raise kids who understand the values and standards of our household. The conversation also touches on balance for moms, how to continue doing things you love while raising kids, and why self-care doesn’t have to come at the expense of your family.We get into practical topics too, like setting boundaries around gifts, birthdays, and holidays so kids don’t grow up expecting excess, and how family gatherings can reinforce connection instead of material focus.

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re sharing the full origin story of Stormie and MarkLynch! From being completely over dating to getting set up on a blind date that changed everything, this story has all the twists. Long distance, handwritten letters back and forth, and the kind of excitement that had her running to the mailbox every day. But it wasn’t all easy. Not everyone supported the relationship, and at one point, family members even stopped talking to her. Over time, relationships were mended, but the journey to get there wasn’t simple. And in true unforgettable fashion, their story leads to eloping… right after a hurricane.

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about how we organize our memories, from thousands of photos and videos a day, to the systems we use to keep everything meaningful and accessible over the years. We also share how we prepare for new seasons, from pregnancy to everyday routines, and some of our favorite supplements we use for the kids.The conversation shifts into something deeper: the impact of your environment. The people you surround yourself with, the industries you step into, and how those influences shape who you become. We talk about the music industry and why it can be one of the hardest paths to navigate.We also dive into our homeschooling journey. When the decision was made, not everyone agreed. There was a lot of pushback, but it came from a very personal place. Growing up, school wasn’t always a safe or positive experience, and that played a big role in choosing a different path for our family.

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re diving into chapters one and two of my parents’ parenting book, Raising 5. We talk about the powerful idea that kids often become what they’re told, and how the words we use as parents can shape their confidence, identity, and future. We also get into marriage and what it really looks like when two people come together with completely different upbringings. Blending families, habits, and perspectives doesn’t happen overnight, and we share why giving it time and grace matters.The conversation then shifts into a mindset we both believe in: you’re not here to make everyone happy. Each person is responsible for their own happiness, and understanding that can change the way you show up in relationships and in your home. This episode is about intentional parenting, realistic expectations in marriage, and taking ownership of your own happiness.

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about the kind of environment we want to create at home. We want our kids to act the same in our house as they would out in the world. We talk about parenting out of conflict, why positive parenting matters, and how being your kids’ biggest cheerleader can shape their confidence for life. The conversation also turns to sibling relationships and why theres no jealousy. Celebrating each other’s wins and building a family culture where everyone’s success is shared. We also touch on something we all deal with: getting out of a funk. From small mindset shifts to simply getting up, getting ready, and showing up for the day, sometimes the “look good, feel good” mindset can reset everything.

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about what it really looks like to travel with four kids. The endless trips up and down the stairs. Loading and unloading the car. The mental checklist that never turns off. The mom things no one sees. And yet, once we arrive at our family cabin, a place filled with over 25 years of memories, it’s always worth it. We reflect on the traditions that shaped us, the moments that stuck, and why keeping those memories alive matters.The conversation shifts into something deeper: you’re not doing your kids any favors if you do everything for them. We share how we were raised with responsibility, cooking dinners as teenagers, having our own laundry days, and learning self-sufficiency early.We also talk about growing up around families who parented differently, and how mutual respect can exist even when values and approaches aren’t the same.This episode is about hard work, strong traditions, and raising capable kids who can stand on their own two feet.

We’re talking about what it actually looks like when we’re upset and how we handle conflict in our homes. Why we don’t tiptoe around hard conversations just to “keep the peace,” and why being clear and direct can actually create more stability, not less.We talk about feeling emotions fully without sulking in them, not holding grudges, and why carrying resentment isn’t healthy physically or mentally. We also discuss the importance of not speaking drama in front of the kids, and why tomorrow is a new day.This episode is about emotional strength, accountability, and raising kids who can navigate conflict without fear.