Made Ya Smile
Melinda Whitten and Carrie Varnell are on a mission to make you smile. A little useful, a little random, a lot of fun! It's like a palette cleanser for your brain!Ā
We Only Learn Things When We Do Things Wrong
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In this episode, weāre back to share a sweet memory and a whole lot of laughs! First, weāre catching up and looking back at a specific road trip mishap that felt like a complete disaster at the time, but ended up being God's perfect timing for our friendshipāsetting off a lifetime of laughing ourselves silly. Then, we share a creative and fun secret-mission game idea guaranteed to bring extra laughter to your familyās Thanksgiving gathering. Finally, we close out with an encouraging verse on the miraculous accessibility we have to God t...
I Need to Go Watch a Dateline Where Somebody Gets Caught
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Ā Sky-High Irritations & Airport Etiquette
Title: In-Flight Friction & Terminal TurbulenceSummary: Your suitcase might be too big! Carrie and Melinda unpack some irritating behaviors at the airport. Grab your noise-canceling headphones as we laugh through the unwritten rules of modern air travel.Ā Sniffles, Sneezes & Home Remedy Solutions
Title: Allergies, Aches, and Tried-and-True FixesSummary: When seasonal allergies strike or a mystery bug takes over, standard advice doesn't always cut it. The duo breaks down personal experiences with getting sick and shares their go-to, ti...We Don't Need Scary Movies, We've Got the News
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Ā Join us for a fun and eerie episode just in time for the spooky season! In the first segment, we share a collection of mildly spooky, strange, and unexplained encounters that will give you just the right amount of chills without keeping you up at night.
In the second segment, we pivot to last-minute Halloween prep. If you are scrambling for a costume, weāve got you covered with clever, creative ideas for both kids and adults using items you already have lying around the house.
Did you enjoy thi...
All Things Fall
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Grab your favorite cozy sweater and a warm cup of cider! In this episode of Made Ya Smile, it is an all-out ode to autumn. We are diving headfirst into why this is hands-down the best season of the yearāfrom crisp morning air and changing leaves to all things cozy. Plus, we're serving up a fun, family-friendly segment packed with fascinating, lighthearted fun facts about fall that you can easily listen to with the kids in the car. Settle in for a warm, joyful celebration of everything crisp, colorful, and comforting.Ā
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I Bring the Crazy
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We are back after a month-long break, and we have a lot to catch up on!
In today's episode:
Life Updates & A Peaceful Farewell: We share whatās been happening over the last month. Carrie talks about the recent passing of her father-in-law after his long battle with Parkinson's, reflecting on the deep comfort and joy of knowing he is now home with the Lord.How Did They Survive? Life Before Air Conditioning: We take a step back in time to explore what daily life, summer he...We Are Not Doctors But We Play One on This Podcast š©š»āāļøš·
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Ever wonder how microscopic germs actually work, or why getting sick makes your brain go down a rabbit hole of weird questions? We do too. After a recent bout of illness, we sit down to process the mystery of bacteria, share our totally unscientific theories, and wonder out loud about the invisible bugs that take us out.
Then, Melinda takes us back to a mission trip to Uganda, where a sudden health scare had her convinced sheād accidentally patient-zeroed a global pandemic.
Finally, we close out the episode an...
They're Not Paying Us to Make Each Other Laugh
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In this episode, Melinda and Carrie start by catching up on lifeās latest chaos before spiraling straight into the sheer madness of pregnancy. Theyāre confessing the most completely unhinged things they did while carrying human lifeāthink crying over wrong-flavored drive-thru orders, erratic midnight renovations, and hormonal decisions that made perfect sense at the time. To save themselves from total public scandal, they wrap up the episode with a grounding word from Scripture.
In This Episode:
Catch-Up Chaos: Melinda and Carrie check in and swap u...I Bet There's Fisticuffs and Clipboards Flying
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Ā Welcome back to the Made Ya Smile Podcast! We promise we aren't turning into a civil engineering channel today, but hear us out...Ā
The Secret Lives of Streets: Why is a road a road and an avenue an avenue? What starts out sounding like a snoozefest of urban planning turns into a surprisingly fascinating deep dive into the hidden history beneath our tires.
Ā Unboring Questions: We turn the mic on each other with a rapid-fire round of quirky, unexpected questions that peel back the...
Do They Have a Defibrillator? Or Something to Bring Your Mom Back? š©ŗ
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1. Mythbusters: The "We Lied to Sell You Soap" Edition š¤
What's Covered: We are exposing the health myths crafted entirely by high-paid marketing execs who clearly hated women. From expensive wellness powders that taste like lawn clippings to skincare routines with more steps than a corporate merger, we are separating actual science from things an ad agency made up in 1994.2. Hot Flash! š„
What's Covered: Introducing our brand-new segment, "Hot Flash," where we air out our most humbling, brain-fogged menopause moments of the week. If you've ever t...Startling Symptoms of Menopause
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Ever feel like a sudden loud noise almost launched you into low Earth orbit? In this episode, we kick things off with a lesser-known menopause symptom that totally caught us off guard: the heightened startle reflex. We dive into why your nervous system feels like itās on high alert, alongside a candid chat about a few other unexpected facets of menopause.
Then, Carrie pitches her latest "million-dollar" idea: the Wife Getting Ready Trackerāa revolutionary (and completely ridiculous) app concept designed to save marriages during pre-event prep. Finally, we w...
Who Said I Wasn't Having Any Dessert? šØš§šŖ
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Ā Weāre covering the important stuff this week. First up, we talk all things Taco Bellāthe good, the bad, and the cheesy. Next, we put ourselves on trial and answer: if it was your absolute last meal on Earth, what are you ordering? Lastly, we introduce Just Why, People?, a brand-new segment dedicated entirely to the little things in life that make us ask... why does this exist and who let it happen?
Be sure to give us a like, a follow, and share this episode with a frien...
And Mr. America Was Like...I Touched It First
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š¦šWhat do delivery drones and the Founding Fathers have in common? They both deliver the goods. This week, weāre sharing our ultimate favorite Amazon purchases that you probably need in your cart right now.Ā
šPlus, the USA is officially turning 250 years old! Weāre getting patriotic and talking about all the reasons we love America so dang much.Ā
Hit play for laughs, a few excellent shopping recommendations, and a whole lot of red, white, and blue spirit!Ā
Ā Thanks for listening! Check us out on I...
I Don't Think "Teen" and "Steamy" Should Go in the Same Sentence
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Grab your shopping carts and your favorite cozy blanket, because this episode is a glorious mixed bag! We are diving deep into the chaos of Amazon Prime Dayāsharing our top deal highlights and the ultimate rules of thumb for buying products without getting burned by bad reviews.
Then, we pivot to the comfort zone: our absolute go-to, nostalgic sick day TV shows that guarantee immediate comfort. Plus, we wonder if actors that play the same thing over and over are really just playing themselves? All that, plus our usual chaotic ta...
That is Interesting and a Little Disturbing
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Grab your headphones and a cool drinkāwe are packed to the brim today with everything from hilarious observations to practical sanity savers.
Here is what we are breaking down in this episode:
I'm Just Standing Here Hoping You Drop Over, I'll Have Some Water For Ya
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We are back and catching up on a whirlwind week! First up, we are celebrating a major milestoneāMelindaās incredibly successful art show! The art was stunning, the crowd was amazing, but the real suspense of the weekend came down to one crucial task: entrusting her husband with the high-stakes mission of picking up a bouquet of balloons. Did he pull it off, or did things go hilariously off script?
Next, we shift gears to the massive global event landing right in our backyard. The World Cup is kicking off, and...
If You Hack Into My Camera You Get What You Get, Buddy
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In this episode of the Made Ya Smile podcast, we dive into the importance of holding onto the moments that matter most. We kick things off with a casual catch-up, sharing the highlights and funny stories from our Memorial Day weekend.
Then, we transition into a heartfelt discussion on the art of creating "core memories" with your childrenāthose small, intentional experiences that shape their childhood and strengthen your family bond. We wrap up the episode by grounding ourselves in scripture, reflecting on Psalm 77:11-12 and the power of remembering all th...
Meet Me at the Mall
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In this episode, we take a deep dive into the spaces and people that shape our daily lives.
The Mall: Our Modern Town Square We kick things off by revisiting the neon-lit hallways of the American mall. Far more than just a place to shop, the mall has served as a cultural anchor and a backdrop for our most formative memories. We explore how these massive structures became so integral to our social fabric and what their evolution says about us.The Motherās Day Haul From the se...You're Probably on My List if You've Hurt My Best Friend šā¼ļø
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šļøWe are back at it after a week away! We kick things off with a much-needed catch-up on where weāve been and whatās been happening in our worlds while the mics were off.
šš»āāļøIn our second segment, weāre getting personal about the "crowning glory"āand how it changes. From new textures and silver strands to the various ways our bodies evolve as we age, weāre having an honest conversation about navigating these transitions with grace (and maybe a little bit of humor).
š¤Finally, we wrap up with a "Get to Know Me" ses...
I'm in the Waxing Cycle and Soon I Will Wane
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Segment 1: The Mirror Lies We open the show with a little heart-to-heart. Melinda is feeling some type of way about how she looked on camera in our last video episode, but Iām not having it. Iām on a mission to convince my bestie that she looked absolutely beautifulābecause she did! We dive into the struggle of being our own worst critics and why itās so hard to see ourselves the way our friends do.
Segment 2: Why Havenāt They Fixed That Yet? ā The Blueberry Gamble I...
That Time We Were Almost on the Anderson Cooper Show
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Grab your coffee and settle in! Todayās episode is a classic mix of lifeās rigid boundaries, heartwarming celebrations, and those "almost famous" moments that keep us humble.
In This Episode:
šš¶š»āāļøThe Rule-Followerās Manifesto We kick things off with a deep dive into Melindaās psyche. Is it a virtue or a burden? Weāre talking about her incessant need to follow every rule, sign, and instruction to the letter.š©š»āš¼Motherās Day Gift Guide Motherās Day is right around the corner! If youāre stuck on what to get t...The Hunger Games Easter Egg Hunt Edition š£š„šš¼āāļø
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Grab your floral wire and your favorite organizersāweāre diving into a mix of nostalgia and spring cleaning!
In this episode, we kick things off with a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about the days when an Easter outfit wasnāt complete without a classic corsage. Weāre sharing our favorite Easter memories from years gone by.
Then, things get messy as we dig into Melindaās junk drawer. In our new segment, "Chunk or Choose?" we help her decide which treasures stay and w...
Nonsense Up with Which I Shall Not Put
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In this episode, weāre serving up a mix of fast-food wisdom and vintage vibes. Grab your fries and pull up a chair as we dive into:
The Ultimate McDonaldās Playbook: Think you know the drive-thru? Think again. Weāre sharing our favorite life hacks to ensure you get your ice cream and your Diet Coke is perfectly crisp.The Great Name Revival: Weāre looking back at the "old-fashioned" baby names that are overdue for a comeback. From the sophisticated to the quirky, weāre picking the ones w...C'mon Down to Easter Basket Stuffer Store! š°š£š§ŗ
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Get ready for an episode that goes from "Wait, do we really need that?" to "Yes, Lord!" and ends with a whole lot of "You wonāt believe what happened on stage!"Ā
The Convenience Crisis: Weāre debating which modern "helpers" we could actually live without. But letās be realāif you try to take our washing machines, itās war. š§ŗš«
The Ultimate "Yes": A powerful look at Communion. Weāre talking about why taking the bread and cup is the most beautiful way to sa...
I Do Be a Victim of Packaging
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In This Episode:
The "Friendship Audit": Is it true love if you don't tell your bestie their hair is doing that thing? We discuss the delicate art of the "hair intervention" and why silence is actually a betrayal.The Great Skincare Scam: We need to talk about the deceptive architecture of skincare jars. You think youāve bought a monthās supply, but two scoops in, youāve hit plastic. Why is the industry still gaslighting our vanity?Spring Cleaning Survival Guide: The main event. Weāre tackl...Sprinkling a Fairy Dust of Life Hacks š§š¼
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Weāre kicking things off with a rapid-fire collection of random tips, tricks, and life hacks designed to save you time and add a little more joy to your week. You know...just some simple habits that make your daily routine feel a bit more "funner," this segment is all about those "Why didn't I think of that?" moments. Whether it's a productivity shortcut or a DIY win, youāll walk away with at least one new tool in your belt.
We're also diving into one of the most debated topics in t...
Not Housekeeper, But a BioHazard Waste Remover
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Have you ever wondered what your "Mom Salary" would actually look like if you got a paycheck for every hat you wear? From private chef and chauffeur to CFO and dispute negotiator, weāre breaking down the numbers behind the magic moms make happen every day.
Plus, weāre taking a moment to give a massive "Smile" shout-out to the caregivers and nurses in our lives. Whether theyāre in a hospital or at home, these "angels with stethoscopes" provide a level of care that is truly priceless.Ā
Grab a coffe...
I Like Where You're Going With Your Whimsy
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From sweet treats to straight tires, weāre covering it all in this weekās episode! We start by indulging in a deep dive into the world of chocolate, before shifting gears to Melindaās hilariously relatable obsession with achieving the "perfect park"ābecause why settle for close enough when you can be perfectly parallel? Then, Carrie opens up about her upcoming Valentineās Day plans and how sheās leaning into the season of love. We wrap everything up with a moment of reflection as we share our weekly Bible verse to keep you ins...
Holes in Our Floors and Holes in Our Brains
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After 28 years of friendship, youād think weād have seen it allābut apparently, the floor of Melindaās kitchen had other plans. This week, weāre diving into the mystery of the unexpected kitchen holes (yes, you read that right) and the chaos of home ownership surprises.
We also take a hilariousāand slightly concerningālook at why our brains seem to be "clearing cache" faster than ever these days. How do we forget things so quickly? We honestly canāt remember.
Ā Thanks for...
Empty Nests, Full Lives
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They say "little kids, little problems; big kids, big problems," but nobody tells you about the weird middle ground where the house is quiet, the birds have flown, and yet you're still navigating the emotional gymnastics of parenting adults!
In this episode of Made Ya Smile, Carrie and Melinda dive into the bittersweet reality of life as empty nesters. Weāre pulling back the curtain on our own strugglesāfrom the "should I text them?" anxiety to the realization that our roles have officially shifted from managers to consultants (and...
Don't Take This the Wrong Way, But...and Other Things We Think You Shouldn't Say
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In this episode: Melinda Gets Kicked Out of Apple; Watch Your Words; You Idiom
Ā Thanks for listening! Check us out on Instagram @made_ya_smile_podcast andĀ Facebook @skitzychicks.
Ā Jesus loves you, you can't mess that up!
Menopuase: Congratulations, This is Your Personality Now
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In this episode: After-Christmas Catch-Up; Our Menopause Starter Pack
Ā Thanks for listening! Check us out on Instagram @made_ya_smile_podcast andĀ Facebook @skitzychicks.
Ā Jesus loves you, you can't mess that up!
I Was Able to Pick Out Clothes For Her, But Only Because She Picked It Out First
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In this episode: Merry Christmas! Fix Your Attitude; Melinda Buys Carrie a Present; Thoughts on Zachariah
Ā Thanks for listening! Check us out on Instagram @made_ya_smile_podcast andĀ Facebook @skitzychicks.
Ā Jesus loves you, you can't mess that up!
Stay Fresh Cheese Bags
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In this week's episode: cheese bag zippers, manufacturers sneaky ways, Gen Z and their authenticity. It'll all make sense in the end. Probably.Ā
Ā Thanks for listening! Check us out on Instagram @made_ya_smile_podcast andĀ Facebook @skitzychicks.
Ā Jesus loves you, you can't mess that up!
You Need To Treat Gladys Like Otis the Town Drunk
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In this episode: UNHINGED Life Hacks š ļø; Holiday Fire Safety š„š
Ā Thanks for listening! Check us out on Instagram @made_ya_smile_podcast andĀ Facebook @skitzychicks.
Ā Jesus loves you, you can't mess that up!
You Can't Bite the Dentist
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In this episode: Melinda's Mishap with an Umbrella; Carrie Reminds us to Wonder
Ā Thanks for listening! Check us out on Instagram @made_ya_smile_podcast andĀ Facebook @skitzychicks.
Ā Jesus loves you, you can't mess that up!
I Found Out You Lived on Afrin
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In this episode: People Pleasing; Best Friend Questions
Ā Thanks for listening! Check us out on Instagram @made_ya_smile_podcast andĀ Facebook @skitzychicks.
Ā Jesus loves you, you can't mess that up!
One Day Those Girls are Going to Grow Up
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In this episode: Keeping Up with the Joneses; Dopamine is Dope; 1 Timothy 6:6-7
Ā Thanks for listening! Check us out on Instagram @made_ya_smile_podcast andĀ Facebook @skitzychicks.
Ā Jesus loves you, you can't mess that up!
Three Blind Mice and One Just Had an Eye Infection
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In this week's episode: Creepy Nursery Rhymes; Melinda Has an Art Show Coming Up and Also Halloween Candy; Ephesians 6:10-13
Ā Thanks for listening! Check us out on Instagram @made_ya_smile_podcast andĀ Facebook @skitzychicks.
Ā Jesus loves you, you can't mess that up!
I'm Tender and I Don't Like You
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In this week's episode: Birthday Freebies; Why Haven't They Fixed That Yet- Dentist
Ā Thanks for listening! Check us out on Instagram @made_ya_smile_podcast andĀ Facebook @skitzychicks.
Ā Jesus loves you, you can't mess that up!
You Said Halloweenie š¤š»
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In this week's episode: Fall Trends; We Can't Stop Talking About Seasonal Decor; Why Haven't They Fixed the Driver's License Renewal Place
Check out our Fall Playlist!
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6F06UuJZYw8Ku9AxWHC4SC?si=81cd03a9ad924691
Ā Thanks for listening! Check us out on Instagram @made_ya_smile_podcast andĀ Facebook @skitzychicks.
Ā Jesus loves you, you can't mess that up!
