Podcasts about blended families

What if some of the things you've been told a blended family should look like are actually making things harder? This episode is a special one pulled straight from our recent Stepmom Summit, where I sat down with three of the leading researchers in the stepfamily field to talk about how to make a blended family work based on what the research actually says, not what Instagram, your neighbor, or the Brady Bunch would have you believe. Dr. Brad van Eeden-Moorefield is a professor of family science and human development at Montclair State University whose research looks at how stigma, culture, policy, and the expectations placed on families affect real stepfamily relationships. Dr. Bailey M. Oliver-Blackburn is an associate professor at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock who studies stepfamily communication, conflict transformation, and family resilience, including what happens when children move between homes with very different rules, beliefs, and values. Dr. Todd Jensen is a professor at UNC Chapel Hill and director of the Thriving Through Family Transitions Research Lab. Much of his work focuses on what helps kids thrive in stepfamilies and how strong relationships between stepparents and stepchildren actually develop. And between the three of them, there is a LOT of research to unpack. In This Episode, We Talk About: Why there is no single right way to be a stepparent and what actually matters more for building a strong relationship with your stepkids What research says helps kids thrive in blended families, including warmth, timing, connection, choice, and learning to "read the room" How to navigate very different rules, routines, beliefs, and values between two households without making your stepchild feel stuck in the middle Why stepfamilies are not broken versions of first families and what decades of research tell us about creating relationships that work for your family If you've ever wondered whether you're doing this whole blended family thing wrong, this conversation may completely change the way you look at your family. There isn't one perfect formula. There are many paths to strong relationships, and the research is finally catching up to what stepfamilies have needed to hear for a long time. Want More From the 2026 Stepmom Summit? Get access to all of this year's Stepmom Summit recordings for just $97 and catch the sessions you missed or rewatch your favorites before the offer ends October 4th, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET: https://thestepmomsummit.com/rs-upgrade-purchase Resources From This Episode Dr. Brad van Eeden-Moorefield: https://inside.montclair.edu/directory/brad-van-eeden-moorefield  Dr. Bailey M. Oliver-Blackburn: https://baileyoliverblackburn.com/  Dr. Todd Jensen: https://www.instagram.com/drtoddjensen/    Love The Stepmom Diaries? Please consider rating and reviewing The Stepmom Diaries on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Your feedback helps the show grow and reach more blended families who need honest conversations like this one.

You and your spouse are pretty much on the same page, except when it comes […]

In a blended family, an argument about parenting or money can carry deeper questions: Do I belong here? Does my voice matter? Are we still on the same team? Licensed marriage and family therapist and blended family expert April Eldemire joins Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan to explore the emotional challenges of stepfamily life—and how those challenges can influence financial decisions before, during, and after divorce. Drawing on their professional expertise and personal experiences, April, Karen, and Catherine discuss the isolation stepparents can feel, the attachment patterns that continue after a marriage ends, and the pressure to accept financial arrangements just to keep the peace. In this episode, we discuss: Why love alone doesn't resolve competing loyalties, parenting differences, or unclear family roles. The importance of building a bond with stepchildren before taking on discipline. Why seeking reassurance from an ex can keep painful relationship patterns going. How promises like “I'll always take care of you” can shape settlement decisions. Why understanding a partner's parenting plan and financial obligations matters when blending households. How emotional support and verified financial information can help you make decisions with greater confidence. Whether you're building a blended family or questioning what comes next, you deserve to understand your role, your options, and your financial future. Connect with April: Couples Thrive Explore the MDS Financial Portrait™: Understand your financial picture and the potential impact of different decisions before you negotiate or sign. Visit My Divorce Solution. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Texas Family Law Insiders Podcast, Holly Draper welcomes Pamela Hailey-Petty, owner of Hailey-Petty Law Firm, PLLC, an estate planning and probate practice with offices in Austin and San Antonio. Family lawyers run into estate planning and probate questions far more often than most realize, and Pamela walks through the basics every family practitioner should understand — from wills, trusts, and powers of attorney to probate administration, guardianship, and trust administration. She also dispels one of the most common myths she hears, even from other attorneys: that everything automatically passes to a surviving spouse.Blended families are a major focus of the conversation. Pamela explains that under Texas's default rules, when a spouse dies without a will and has children from a prior relationship, the surviving spouse keeps their own 50% interest in the community home, but the deceased spouse's half passes to those children. Even when all the children belong to both spouses, debts, inaccessible accounts, or minor children can push the family into a formal, court-supervised dependent administration, with added attorney time, court costs, and required accountings.Holly and Pamela then turn to the issues that land squarely on family lawyers' desks. Pamela explains how divorce affects an existing will, why naming a guardian in a will can't simply cut out the other biological parent, and how Travis County probate courts have responded when parties try to use probate to sidestep the family code's strict limits on non-parent conservatorship. Holly shares a personal story about caring for an aging parent that highlights why springing powers of attorney can fail exactly when they're needed most, and Pamela explains why she always recommends powers of attorney that are effective immediately.The episode closes with practical guidance on trusts: who genuinely benefits from one, including single parents of minor children, owners of out-of-state real property, blended families, and clients who value privacy. Pamela also covers what family lawyers should look for when a divorcing couple has a joint trust, why beneficiary designations and wills must be updated, how standing orders factor into the timing, and why the right answer on trusts is never “always” or “never,” but a careful look at what each client is trying to accomplish.In This Episode, You'll Discover:•         Why “everything goes to my spouse” is a myth•         When probate becomes court-supervised•         How divorce affects an existing will•         The limits of naming a guardian in a will•         The core documents every adult should have•         Why springing powers of attorney often backfire•         Who should seriously consider a trust

Deciding whether to have an “ours baby” is deeply personal, and in a blended family, the decision can carry some unique complexities.We know because we've lived it.When we were building our life together, Mike felt certain that he wanted the opportunity to have a biological child, while Kim had already reached a place of contentment raising her one child. As our relationship grew, so did our conversations about what we each wanted, what concerned us, and what adding a baby might mean for our marriage and for Annika.In this episode, we share four important questions that can help you navigate this decision with greater honesty and clarity.  We also share some of our own journey of welcoming Phoebe and Jacob into our family. Their arrivals brought incredible joy, but they also reminded us that even careful preparation can't predict exactly how the story will unfold.The goal isn't to rush toward a yes or a no. It's to create enough safety and honesty for both of you to fully engage in the conversation, understand what's at stake, and ultimately move forward as a united couple with realistic expectations, caring for everyone in the family.You'll Discover:Four important questions to explore before deciding to have an “ours baby”Why a baby shouldn't be expected to fix marital struggles or automatically unite a blended familyHow finances, fertility, support systems, family logistics, and previous parenting experiences can shape the decisionWhy couples need to talk honestly when their hopes don't alignHow the emotional security of your current children should factor into how you prepare to grow your familyReady for some extra support?We all need some extra support along the blending journey.  You can connect with us for a free coaching call to see how we might help you experience more clarity, confidence, and connection in your home.  Schedule your free call here:  https://calendly.com/mikeandkimcoaching/freesessionSubscribe or Follow the Show Click here to subscribe on YouTubeClick here to follow on Apple PodcastsClick here to follow on SpotifyLeave a Review in Apple PodcastsIf you're feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they're fun for us to read too! :-)  Just click here to Review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is.  Thank you, we really appreciate your feedback!

This week's Wednesday Q&A tackles a single question, but it's one that touches a lot of co-parenting dads. A member named Mike wrote in about a genuinely tricky situation. His ex-wife coaches their daughter's softball team and wants her fully involved, but Mike is also trying to build his own relationship with his daughter through something they both love, jiu jitsu. The two schedules keep colliding, and Mike is left wondering how much effort he should really be putting into supporting an activity that's eating into his own time with her. Joe took the lead on this one, drawing from his own experience raising five kids across multiple co-parenting relationships. His core message was simple but hard to live out. Stop asking what's convenient for you and start asking what's genuinely best for your daughter, and never let your kids feel like they have to be the peacekeepers in a situation adults created. Larry tied it together with a reference to a past guest, Gary Chapman, and a lesser known book of his built specifically for blended families. If you're navigating co-parenting tension of your own, this conversation offers real, hard won perspective rather than easy answers.   Timeline Summary 1:01 Introducing today's single question format and Joe joining from a borrowed candy shop closet 3:21 Mike's question. Balancing his daughter's softball commitment, coached by his ex-wife, against their own jiu jitsu time together 4:24 Joe's own co-parenting background. Three prior marriages, five kids, and blended families from every angle 6:41 Larry announces a rare, small group preview of the Dad Edge Business Boardroom Brotherhood 8:38 Joe's first question back to Mike. What does his daughter actually want, not what either parent wants for her 11:38 Naming the trap of projecting our own wants and needs onto our kids instead of putting theirs first 13:52 Joe's underlying philosophy. Every co-parenting decision is a chance to build partnership and trust for the years ahead 14:16 Larry announces the first ever Dad Edge Day with the Arizona Cardinals, November 15th 16:39 Joe reflects on his own childhood as a blended family kid caught in the middle 18:24 Naming the difference between being a peacekeeper and a peacemaker 19:23 The scriptural reframe. Blessed are the peacemakers, not the peacekeepers 21:04 Larry shares his own childhood memory of physically stepping between fighting parents 22:07 Mike reflects on what he's taking away from the conversation 23:20 Joe's honest admission that co-parenting wisdom came through years of trial and error 24:44 The long term payoff. Joe's grown kids now raising strong, peaceful families of their own 25:28 Larry introduces Gary Chapman's book on blended families and the five love languages 26:33 Closing reminders about the Boardroom Brotherhood preview and the Arizona Cardinals game   Five Key Takeaways Put your child's actual wants and needs ahead of your own convenience or resentment. Kids can tell the difference between a parent who is genuinely supportive and one who is just tolerating an obligation. Kids in co-parenting situations often quietly take on the role of peacekeeper, trying to manage tension between the adults around them. Naming that pressure and removing it from their shoulders is one of the most protective things a parent can do. There is a real difference between keeping the peace and making peace. Peacekeeping is passive and avoids conflict. Peacemaking means actively confronting hard conversations for the sake of the whole family. Building trust with a difficult co-parent takes years of trial and error, including plenty of failed attempts. The goal is not a quick fix, it is a foundation that will matter even more once your kids reach their teenage years. The work you put into peaceful co-parenting now can shape your children's own future marriages and families, long after the original conflict is resolved.   Links and Resources Building Love Together in Blended Families by Gary Chapman and Ron L. Deal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WJ1DFT6?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback The Dad Edge Day at State Farm Stadium: https://thedadedge.com/nfl Dad Edge Business Boardroom Brotherhood Preview: https://thedadedge.com/guest The Dad Edge Podcast: https://thedadedge.com/1534   Closing If you take one thing from this episode, let it be Joe's line that peacemaking means dying to your own wants for the sake of your kids. It is not easy, and it will not happen overnight, but the payoff, watching your own children grow up to build peaceful families of their own, is worth every bit of the work. Go out and live legendary.  

ResourcesSimple Step:  Managing Loyalties & Priorities in Your HomeEpisode 167. Achievable Strategies to Make Your Marriage the Foundation of Your Blended FamilyEpisode 206. Avoid These 5 Common Pitfall to Ensure a Successful PartnershipEpisode 139. The Most Common, Challenging Pain Point Every Blended Couple Experiences (Trapped Teammate / Stranded Stranger dynamic)Episode 77. 3 Unique Differences That Make a Blended Family Marriage ChallengingEpisode 160.  A 4-Part Framework for Achievable Expectations and How to Live Them OutEpisode 130. How to Build Trust that Nurtures Bonds with Your Kids and StepkidsEpisode 214. Does Permissive Parenting Help or Hurt?  Discover How to Know and GrowSuggest a Topic or Ask a Question  Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show?  Let us know!We've made it easy.  Just click here:  https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/shareReady for some extra support?We all need some extra support along the blending journey — we're here to help.  You can connect with us for a free coaching call to see how we might help you experience more clarity, confidence and connection in your home.  Schedule your free call here:  https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/free-callYou don't need to navigate blended family life alone.  Join our supportive community where you'll connect directly with us and other couples just like you who are intentionally investing in healthy blending strategies.  Click the link to find out how to join: https://learning.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogetherSubscribe or Follow the Show Click here to subscribe on YouTubeClick here to follow on Apple PodcastsClick here to follow on SpotifyLeave a Review in Apple PodcastsIf you're feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they're fun for us to read too! :-)  Just click here to Review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is.  Thank you, we really appreciate your feedback!

Behavior is communication. But what is your child trying to tell you? Meltdowns, aggression, refusal, and other challenging behaviors don't happen without a reason. This week, Dr. Doreen will answer your questions about understanding the "why" behind behaviors and what you can do to help. 00:00:00 Welcome & Show Introduction 00:03:20 All Ghouls Gala 2026 Preview 00:08:05 Autism Care Today Mission & Family Grants 00:09:25 Back to the Gala & Community Celebration 00:12:20 Challenging Behaviors Are Not Part of Autism 00:14:40 Behavior Is Communication 00:17:20 ABA, Functional Assessments & Finding the Why 00:18:45 Group Homes, Safety & Severe Behaviors 00:24:20 Teaching Replacement Behaviors 00:28:35 Kindergarten Anxiety & School Meltdowns 00:33:10 Identifying Hidden Causes of Meltdowns 00:36:00 Teaching Skills vs. Changing the Child 00:40:10 Parent Training Resources & Support 00:50:00 Blended Families, Aggression & Safety Concerns 00:55:45 School Refusal, Morning Routines & Final Q&A

Estate planning for a blended family is rarely as simple as deciding who receives each asset. The harder questions involve timing, control, changing relationships, and what happens after one spouse dies. A plan may look complete on paper while leaving room for outcomes no one intended.In this episode of A Wiser Retirement® Podcast, Senior Financial Advisor Shawna Theriault, CFP®, CPA, CDFA®, and Estate Planning Attorney Arun Gupta, discuss estate planning for blended families. They explore how family dynamics, asset ownership, beneficiary designations, trusts, and financial powers of attorney can affect whether an estate plan works as intended.Related Podcast Episodes: Ep 346. Estate Planning Coordination: How Your Attorney, CPA, & Financial Advisor Work TogetherEp 314. The Simple Estate Planning Error That Could Hurt Your FamilyRelated Financial Education Videos:What is the Difference Between a Will and a Trust?What is a QTIP Trust and Who Needs One?Other Links:AG LawLearn More:Founded in 2001, Wiser Wealth Management is a fee-only fiduciary financial planning and wealth management firm helping individuals, families, and business owners make informed financial decisions.Have questions about your financial plan? Schedule a Complimentary Consultation to discover how we can help you achieve financial freedom. We are local to Atlanta, but can meet with you virtually from wherever you are. Access Our Free Guides: Gain valuable insights on building a financial legacy, the importance of a financial advisor for business owners, and the tax impact on inheritance, and more!Stay Connected:Follow Wiser Wealth Management on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TwitterSubscribe to A Wiser Retirement® YouTube Channel for more financial education videos and podcast episodes. This podcast was produced by ...

Who should discipline the stepkids—and what should a stepmom do when her partner refuses to enforce the rules?In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia shares what happened when her desire for a structured, cooperative household collided with her husband's desire to avoid correcting his children during their limited time together.While he ran around doing everything for them—and ended each day completely exhausted—Alicia stepped in to enforce the expectations herself. It seemed like the logical solution. Unfortunately, it went over like a lead balloon.The problem wasn't that Alicia wanted structure. She was trying to fill an enforcement gap before she had built enough connection with her stepchildren for them to understand that her correction came from a place of love.Alicia explains why things improved when her husband became the primary enforcer and how stepmoms can maintain boundaries without becoming the household police officer.In this episode, Alicia discusses:Who should discipline the stepchildren in a blended familyThe difference between parenting decisions, discipline, house rules, and personal boundariesWhy connection changes how correction is receivedHow dad guilt and conflict avoidance can lead a parent to overfunctionWhy doing everything for children doesn't actually create a peaceful homeWanting children to participate does not make a stepmom controlling. But when she carries responsibility without clear authority or partner support, resentment can quickly replace connection.The solution may not be for the stepmom to enforce more. It may be for her partner to parent more while she protects her boundaries and gives the relationship with her stepchildren room to develop.Download Alicia's free guide, How to Create House Rules for a Blended Family—Without Creating More Conflict: aliciakrasko.com/expectationsJoin The Stepmom Side Community for support from women who understand the complicated parts of stepfamily life:https://aliciakrasko.com/communityLearn more about individual and couples coaching with Alicia:https://aliciakrasko.com/coachingSupport the showWant a specific topic covered? Let me know here.After you listen to this, tag me on Instagram @aliciakrasko and let me know what you think!Get all the FREE RESOURCES here.Want to learn more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside.All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.comGet on the list,  get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

On today's Sharing Space, Clement Manyathela and listeners offer advice to Anonymous, on a co-parenting issue she battles with.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's easy to look at the unfinished parts of your blended family and wonder if something is wrong.Maybe relationships haven't developed as quickly as you hoped. Your stepchild still keeps their distance. A biological parent feels caught in the middle. Or shifting schedules, transitions, and circumstances outside your control continue to create tension.When reality doesn't match the family you imagined, discouragement can creep in. But the truth is, blending a family is a process, and a family 'in process' isn't necessarily an unhealthy family. Sometimes, it's simply still growing.In honor of National Stepfamily Day, we're shifting our focus from the challenges of blended family life to some of the unexpected strengths that can develop as you learn to navigate the challenges over the years.After more than 25 years in our own blended family, we've seen acceptance, resilience, and flexibility grow in ourselves and our kids. We've also discovered that a healthy remarriage can give children a new picture of what love, conflict resolution, forgiveness, trust, and commitment can look like, which will have an impact on their future relationships.None of these strengths develop automatically, and celebrating your family doesn't mean pretending the hard parts don't exist. It means recognizing meaningful progress while allowing everyone to experience the family honestly.Your family may still be “in the crock pot.” Some relationships may still feel awkward or unfinished. But slow progress is still progress.This National Stepfamily Day, we invite you to notice how far you've come, celebrate the wins, and hold onto hope for what's still developing.You'll Discover:Why an unfinished blended family isn't necessarily an unhealthy familyHow acceptance can reduce blame and create more empathy and emotional safetyHow kids and adults develop resilience by moving through difficult experiences rather than simply “getting over” themWhy healthy flexibility doesn't mean abandoning boundaries or allowing chaos to take overHow your marriage can offer kids a new and healthier vision for committed relationshipsResources from this Episode:Episode 141. Can my kids be emotionally harmed by blended family dynamics?Episode 27. How to Set Clear Boundaries and Safeguard RelationshipsEpisode 187. Basics for Blending:  How to Tolerate and Manage Discomfort and DistressReady for some extra support?We all need some extra support along the blending journey.  You can connect with us for a free coaching call to see how we might help you experience more clarity, confidence, and connection in your home.  Schedule your free call here:  https://calendly.com/mikeandkimcoaching/freesessionSubscribe or Follow the Show Click here to subscribe on YouTubeClick here to follow on Apple PodcastsClick here to follow on SpotifyLeave a Review in Apple PodcastsIf you're feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they're fun for us to read too! :-)  Just click here to Review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is.  Thank you, we really appreciate your feedback!

This week on Made By Mammas, Georgia and Zoe are joined by Frida Redknapp for a candid and heartwarming chat about her life as part of a blended family of seven children! Frida opens up about the joys, challenges and chaos of bringing such a big family with Jamie together, as well as her journey with Frood. And be sure to listen out for Georgia's story about the most unexpected thing delivered in the post...you'll never guess it!Frida's Favourite Products:CaudalíeAloFind a new episode every Tuesday & Friday and in the meantime check out Made By Mammas on Instagram: @madebymammas.Made By Mammas® is an Audio Always production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode of I Am Dad Podcast, Dr. Matisa Wilbon hosts a heartfelt conversation with Alex Lima, a father of six, grandfather of three, and a man who began his fatherhood journey at just 16 years old. Alex brings a rare and honest perspective on what it means to grow up while raising children, to father children across different stages of life, and to navigate the realities of multiple parenting relationships. His story moves through young fatherhood, co-parenting, blended family formation, faith, maturity, and the ongoing work of becoming the kind of father his children need. One of the most compelling parts of Alex's story is how he reflects on co-parenting across different relationships. With his oldest children, he describes building a fluid and healthy co-parenting culture where his former partner, new partners, extended family, and support systems could all show up together around the children. He remembers being at games and family moments where everyone understood the assignment: they were on “Team Kids.” Alex is also honest that not every co-parenting relationship worked the same way. He speaks candidly about the challenges, emotional discomfort, and ripple effects that can happen when adults struggle to create that same shared family rhythm. Rather than presenting blended family life as simple, he offers something more useful: a real picture of growth, accountability, sacrifice, and the maturity required to keep children from carrying adult conflict. This conversation explores: • What it means to become a father at 16 • How fatherhood gave Alex discipline and focus • Parenting across different relationships and stages of life • What healthy co-parenting can look like after a romantic relationship ends • Why blended families require humility, sacrifice, and vision • How fathers can help children feel whole across households • Why parents must put children above ego, discomfort, and old hurt • How growing up without his father shaped Alex's commitment to presence • Why children need truthful conversations from both fathers and mothers • How faith and maturity changed Alex's approach to fatherhood • Why the co-parenting village matters At the center of this episode is a powerful lesson: co-parenting maturity is not about pretending everything is easy. It is about adults doing the hard emotional work necessary so children can feel loved, supported, and whole. Alex reminds us that fatherhood is not frozen at the age you became a dad. It grows as you grow. His journey from a 16-year-old father to a 50-year-old father and grandfather shows what can happen when a man chooses presence, learns from mistakes, embraces truth, and keeps becoming.

What does it take to build a family as a bi-racial homosexual couple when the path is anything but straightforward? For Jameel Mayers and his husband Nicholas, the answer is resilience, creativity, communication, and trust. Jameel is the host of the Fathernetics podcast, a show spotlighting the stories of LGBTQ+ dads, and he joins us to share his family's remarkable journey navigating foster care, adoption, and agency roadblocks as a Black gay man in America. With 23 years of partnership and one thriving 13-year-old son, Jameel has transformed his personal challenges into a platform for connection and advocacy. He candidly shares the ups and downs of growing his family, the realities queer parents face, and why he believes every intentional dad deserves a superhero origin story.Conversation topics include:• Navigating the foster-to-adopt process as a gay, interracial couple and the unique challenges faced along the way.• The origins and goals of the Fathernetics podcast, amplifying stories from LGBTQ+ dads and fostering community.• Dealing with bias and roadblocks from adoption and foster agencies, including navigating rejection and discrimination.• Balancing the emotional complexities of fostering, attachment, and reunification with biological families.• Discussing how political and social climates impact LGBTQ+ families and parenting conversations with children.• The importance of building intentional, supportive communities and normalizing diverse family structures.• Encouraging honest, age-appropriate conversations around identity, acceptance, and respect within families.• And more!LINKS:Jameel Mayers (official)Fathernetics Podcast (Apple)Fathernetics Podcast (YouTube)PointmadeAdamFlaherty.tvStuffed Animal (Marc's kids' music)Modern Dadhood (website)DEATH AND (YouTube)This Headache Journey (Apple Podcasts)Caspar BabypantsSpencer AlbeeMD (Instagram)MD (Facebook)MD (YouTube)MD (TikTok) #moderndadhood #fatherhood #parenthood #parenting #parentingpodcast #dadding #dadpodcast

Build an Empowered Blended Family with Cameron Normand In this episode of The Terri Cole Show, I sit down with nationally recognized stepfamily expert Cameron Normand to explore the unique challenges stepmoms face and why traditional parenting advice often doesn't work for blended families. Cameron shares practical guidance on building relationships with stepchildren, navigating parenting and discipline, setting clear expectations with partners, and managing the stress of stepfamily life. She also explains why it can take four to seven years for a stepfamily to feel cohesive and why moving at the children's pace is essential. Cameron also shares details about her annual Stepmom Summit, a virtual event designed to give stepmoms expert guidance, resources, and a supportive community. The summit starts September 14th, and you can grab a free ticket at terricole.com/stepmomsummit You can get the show notes at terricole.com/863

Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question  Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show?  Let us know!We've made it easy.  Just click here:  https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/shareReady for some extra support?We all need some extra support along the blending journey — we're here to help.  You can connect with us for a free coaching call to see how we might help you experience more clarity, confidence and connection in your home.  Schedule your free call here:  https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/free-callYou don't need to navigate blended family life alone.  Join our supportive community where you'll connect directly with us and other couples just like you who are intentionally investing in healthy blending strategies.  Click the link to find out how to join: https://learning.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogetherSubscribe or Follow the Show Click here to subscribe on YouTubeClick here to follow on Apple PodcastsClick here to follow on SpotifyLeave a Review in Apple PodcastsIf you're feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they're fun for us read too! :-)  Just click here to Review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is.  Thank you, we really appreciate your feedback!

Blended families come with unique financial and inheritance considerations. How do you protect your spouse, provide for children from previous relationships, and ensure your wealth is passed on according to your wishes?In this episode of the Get Your Bag Right Podcast, we speak with Diana Achieng, a Wealth Protection Lawyer, about estate planning, inheritance, wills, life insurance, beneficiary nominations, and protecting family wealth in Kenya.If you're part of a blended family or building wealth for the next generation, this conversation will help you understand how to structure your wealth intentionally and reduce the risk of future family disputes.

What does your stepchild actually need from you, even if they cannot put it into words? In this episode of The Stepmom Diaries, Cameron sits down with Robin Breuner, host of Step Stories: Thriving and Surviving Life in Blended Families, to talk about the stepmom and stepchild relationship from a perspective stepmoms do not often get to hear: the adult stepdaughter looking back. Robin shares what she wishes her own stepmothers had understood, what she now sees differently as an adult, and why giving stepchildren space to maintain their relationship with their biological parent can actually help build trust with a stepparent. In This Episode, You'll Learn: • What Robin wishes her stepmothers had understood about her behavior as a child • Why stepchildren may need one on one time with their biological parent, and why stepmoms should not take that personally • How stepmoms can become a safe adult without trying to replace a child's mother • Why education and realistic expectations matter before and during stepfamily life Resources Mentioned: • Learn more about Robin: https://robinbruner.com • Follow Robin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stepstoriespodcast/  • Ready to feel less alone in your stepfamily journey? Join thousands of stepmoms at the FREE 2026 Stepmom Summit for expert advice, real conversations, and practical tools to help you thrive. Register HERE for Free! • Free Resource: 10 Essential Scripts for Stepmoms: https://stepfamilycertification.com/stepmom-scripts Love The Stepmom Diaries? Please consider rating and reviewing The Stepmom Diaries on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Your feedback helps the show grow and reach more blended families who need honest conversations like this one.

Stepparenting can be deeply meaningful, but it can also leave you feeling rejected, exhausted, and unsure of your place in the family. We know how painful it is to care about a child, invest your heart, and still feel pushed away.In this episode, we sit down with Laura Petherbridge to talk honestly about the expectations that often set stepparents up for disappointment and the pressures that can eventually lead to burnout. Laura reminds us that thriving as a stepparent starts with understanding how blended families are different, recognizing what is and isn't within your control, and learning when to step back without stepping out. Laura is an author, speaker, chaplain, and life coach who presents on relationships and marriage, stepfamilies, co-parenting, divorce prevention, and divorce recovery. She has written several books, appeared on countless TV, radio, and podcast segments, and spoken across the U.S., Australia, and South Africa. She also offers a practical and encouraging monthly newsletter. (You can sign up using the link below!)Some additional things we explore with Laura include why a stepparent's influence matters more than forcing authority or closeness, how biological parents can unintentionally intensify burnout, and why protecting your identity outside the stepparent role is especially important for childless stepmoms.If stepparenting has worn you down, this conversation will help you release unrealistic expectations, protect your heart, find healthy support, and move forward with greater clarity and hope.You'll Discover:Why realistic expectations are essential for preventing stepparent disappointment and burnoutHow to distinguish healthy “stepping back” from emotionally checking out of the familyWhy influence is often a healthier goal for a stepparent than authority, control, or forcing connectionHow the biological parent can either reduce or intensify the pressure a stepparent experiencesWhy maintaining your own identity, relationships, and support system is especially important for childless stepparentsResources from this Episode:CLICK HERE to sign up for Laura's newsletterCLICK HERE to join Laura's private FB group for childless stepmomsScreens and Teens:  Connecting with Our Kids in a Wireless World by Kathy Koch PhD Ready for some extra support?We all need some extra support along the blending journey.  You can connect with us for a free coaching call to see how we might help you experience more clarity, confidence and connection in your home.  Schedule your free call here:  https://calendly.com/mikeandkimcoaching/freesession Subscribe or Follow the Show Click here to subscribe on YouTubeClick here to follow on Apple PodcastsClick here to follow on SpotifyLeave a Review in Apple PodcastsIf you're feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they're fun for us read to too! :-)  Just click here to Review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is.  Thank you, we really appreciate your feedback!Click Here to join us on YouTube and be sure to subscribe!

ResourcesEpisode 167. Achievable Strategies to Make Your Marriage the Foundation of Your Blended FamilyEpisode 206. Avoid These 5 Common Pitfalls  to Ensure a Successful PartnershipEpisode 139. The Most Common, Challenging Pain Point Every Blended Couple Experiences (Trapped Teammate / Stranded Stranger dynamic)Episode 77. 3 Unique Differences That Make a Blended Family Marriage ChallengingEpisode 160.  A 4-Part Framework for Achievable Expectations and How to Live Them OutEpisode 130. How to Build Trust that Nurtures Bonds with Your Kids and StepkidsEpisode 214. Does Permissive Parenting Help or Hurt?  Discover How to Know and GrowSuggest a Topic or Ask a Question  Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show?  Let us know!We've made it easy.  Just click here:   https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/shareReady for some extra support?We all need some extra support along the blending journey — we're here to help.  You can connect with us for a free coaching call to see how we might help you experience more clarity, confidence and connection in your home.  Schedule your free call here:   https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/free-callYou don't need to navigate blended family life alone.  Join our supportive community where you'll connect directly with us and other couples just like you who are intentionally investing in healthy blending strategies.  Click the link to find out how to join:  https://learning.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogetherSubscribe or Follow the Show Click here to subscribe on YouTubeClick here to follow on Apple PodcastsClick here to follow on SpotifyLeave a Review in Apple PodcastsIf you're feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they're fun for us read too! :-)  Just click here to Review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is.  Thank you, we really appreciate your feedback! From   

What should a stepmom do when her stepchild refuses to complete homework—or when she cares more about missing assignments than her partner does?Homework battles in blended families are rarely only about schoolwork. Different expectations between homes, unclear stepparent roles, limited authority, and a lack of partner support can leave the stepmom managing assignments, checking the school portal, enforcing consequences, and becoming resentful.In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia shares her experience with unfinished homework, different academic expectations between households, and monitoring schoolwork more closely than her partner.Alicia explains why a stepmom's homework role should depend on her relationship with the child, how involved she is in the child's daily life, and whether her partner provides real support and authority.In this episode, Alicia discusses:Why homework becomes emotionally loaded in blended familiesThe difference between helping with homework and owning the processWhat to do when a stepmom cares more about schoolwork than the parentManaging different homework rules between two householdsGiving children age-appropriate responsibility for schoolwork...and more!A stepmom can care about her stepchild's education without becoming solely responsible for it. The healthiest role is one that is clearly discussed, supported by her partner, and appropriate for her relationship with the child.Join The Stepmom Side Community for practical support with blended-family roles, boundaries, relationships, and expectations:https://aliciakrasko.com/communityExplore one-on-one stepmom coaching with Alicia:https://aliciakrasko.com/coachingSupport the showWant a specific topic covered? Let me know here.After you listen to this, tag me on Instagram @aliciakrasko and let me know what you think!Get all the FREE RESOURCES here.Want to learn more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside.All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.comGet on the list,  get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

In the latest installment of Estate of the Union, co-host Zach Wiewel, JD, LL.M. sits down with Ann Lumley, JD to continue the conversation on blended families. Learn the complexities and difficulties of the probate process for blended families in Texas and how to navigate them. This podcast is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Texas Trust Law⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. _______________________________________Meet Zach Wiewel: https://www.texastrustlaw.com/learn-about-us/attorney-zachary-wiewel/Meet Ann Lumley: https://www.texastrustlaw.com/learn-about-us/attorney-ann-lumley/Learn more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.texastrustlaw.com/about-austin-estate-⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠planning-law-firm/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Resources: https://www.texastrustlaw.com/read-our-books/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact us: info@texastrustlaw.com

Georgia & Kelsey get right into it this week.Kelsey's partner Will's about to become a dad for the first time: and he's walking into it the hard way.Kelsey raised Bodhi's baby years almost entirely alone, so this time feels completely different: parenting as a two. But she reckons Will's had it tough: plonked in at the deep end with a five and seven-year-old, made to "man up" fast, and now rewinding all the way back to a newborn he's never experienced. She's bracing for the arguments, the emotions, and Bodhi already insisting he's still the baby.Then there's Cooper's big school shake-up. New class, new year, friends split up and reshuffled. Cooper came skipping out (mostly because the kid who wasn't nice to him got moved), and the mum group chat descended into chaos when Danny accidentally added himself to the wrong one.Plus, this week's Mum's The Word Top Fives: the things your own mum and dad do that wind you up.The "he ate all his potatoes" fib no grandparent will ever admit toInsisting you were the perfect baby while your kid is apparently impossibleRetired parents somehow being busier than you'll ever beGrab a cuppa. This one's close to home.A Create Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us Fan MailThank you, Shannon Steadman, for making today's episode possible!!!Your kids won't remember your job title, but they'll remember whether you were there. That's the heartbeat of this conversation with Josh Iadarola, a dad who has lived the hard parts of fatherhood and kept showing up anyway.We start with gratitude and get honest about mental health, anxiety, and the quiet pressure so many dads carry. Josh shares what he's most grateful for as a father, why mental well-being deserves as much attention as physical health, and how vulnerability can become a strength instead of a liability. We also talk about the values he learned growing up in a tight family routine: consistency, discipline, respect, and a work ethic modeled through sacrifice.Then we go deeper into divorce, co-parenting, and the grit required to stay present when life gets complicated. Josh opens up about the commitment he made to his son, the emotional reality of Sunday drop-offs, and what it means to create a positive home even when you're hurting. From there, we shift into blended family life and “bonus kids,” what helped him build trust quickly, and why he sees a bigger family as more love, not more problems. Along the way, we hit practical leadership lessons for the home: respond instead of react, apologize when you miss, and parent each child as an individual with their own needs.We also spotlight Josh's professional world at CoWorx Staffing Services and how they think about staffing, retention, safety, and employee engagement through a service-first model. If you're a working dad trying to lead with humility, curiosity, and steadiness, you'll get plenty to take back to your own household. Subscribe, share this with another dad who needs it, and please leave a review so more families can find these conversations.Support the showPlease don't forget to leave us a review wherever you consume your podcasts!  Please help us get more dads to listen weekly and become the ultimate leader of their homes! 

What happens when you have an ours baby in a blended family and suddenly one child is staying home while their siblings leave for another house? In this episode of The Stepmom Diaries, Cameron sits down with Morgan Lindahl and Amanda Gonzales, two moms and stepmoms who created a resource specifically for the children in blended families who stay behind when their siblings transition between homes. Morgan shares how becoming a biological mom changed the way she saw herself as a stepmom and gave her a new perspective on her stepchildren, their mom, and the emotions that come with moving between two homes. Amanda brings both her personal experience and her background as a children's therapist to the conversation, including why predictability and consistency can look very different in a blended family. They also talk about something that does not get nearly enough attention: what life feels like for an "ours" baby in a blended family when their brothers or sisters leave. For some kids, transition day means suddenly going from a full house to being the only child at home, and those repeated goodbyes can bring some very big feelings. In this episode, you'll learn: How having an ours baby can change your identity and confidence as both a mom and stepmom Why sibling transitions can be especially emotional for the child who stays behind How to create connection and security when blended family schedules are constantly changing Why intention and self compassion matter when you cannot make every transition feel easy Morgan and Amanda also share the story behind their book, How Many More Days?!, which was created to help children process the goodbyes, waiting, and reunions that come with having siblings who live between two homes. Resources Mentioned Learn more about Morgan and Amanda's work and Pre-order a copy of the book, How Many More Days?! & get their 25 Transition Day Rituals download for FREE! Simply add both products to your cart and use the code: STEPMOMDIARIES  https://forthekidswhostay.com  Follow Amanda & Morgan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forthekidswho.stay/ The Stepmom Summit: Out Loud  Sept. 14-18, 2026. Morgan and Amanda will be joining Cameron at The Stepmom Summit to continue the conversation about ours babies and blended family dynamics. Get your FREE ticket HERE: https://www.thestepmomsummit.com Get our free Stepmom Scripts Guide with real-life scripts for common stepfamily conversations: https://stepfamilycertification.com/stepmom-scripts   Love The Stepmom Diaries? Please consider rating and reviewing The Stepmom Diaries on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Your feedback helps the show grow and reach more blended families who need honest conversations like this one.  

About one in six kids in America lives in a blended family, and stepchildren are often one of the top stressors listed for second marriages. After the pain of a divorce, you've fallen in love again, and the kids are threatening to ruin it. What do you do? How do you parent as a stepparent? How do you allow your kids to grieve what happened in the divorce? What if they openly tell you they don't like your new love? What do you do when they tell you they like the other house's rules better? If this is you, if you've ever thought life would be great if you didn't have to deal with your step-kids, this episode is for you. Incidentally, if you're not a stepparent but you are a parent, these principles will help you too.

Learning to adapt well as a blended family is not a simple process. Jim Daly talks with Ron Deal on some of the top stressors in blended marriages. Then, Greg and Erin encourage all couples to deal with issues when they're small before they turn into something problematic. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILYThe Smart Stepfamily MarriageFocus on Marriage AssessmentImproving Your Marriage as a Blended Family Couple (Digital)Listen to Focus Live on Godcaster Counseling Consultation and Referrals

Zach sits down with baseball legend Darryl Strawberry and his wife Tracy for a conversation that has almost nothing to do with baseball. Both are on their third marriage. Both are in long term recovery, Darryl more than two decades sober, Tracy twenty five years clean. And both point to the same turning point in their story: faith. Zach wants to know what actually sits underneath a phrase couples say so easily, Christ is at the center of our marriage, especially since, as he points out, scripture itself says very little about marriage directly.What follows is unusually candid. Darryl and Tracy talk about the difference between humility and humiliation, and why fighting dirty means trying to shame your partner instead of solving the problem with them. Tracy describes watching Darryl in active addiction and reaching the point where loving him didn't mean rescuing him anymore, a moment she names plainly: he was too painful to love, not unworthy of it. Darryl traces his own turning point back further than the drugs, to the rejection of his father and the bitterness he carried underneath the addiction itself. And Tracy explains how she knew his recovery was real, not because he said the right things, but because his actions stayed consistent over time. They also get into raising nine kids across a blended family, the moment Tracy told Darryl to take his baseball uniform off and figure out who he was as a man, and what it actually looks like to stay married to someone you see only a few days a month.The reason to press play is that this isn't a highlight reel of two people who fixed their lives. It's a working theory of how repair actually happens: naming the wound before you can heal it, choosing consistency over grand gestures, and refusing to let ego, which Darryl defines simply as Easing God Out, decide who wins the argument. Anyone piecing a marriage back together after addiction, infidelity, or just years of distance will find something to hold onto here.Key TakeawaysHumility and humiliation aren't the same thing. Humility invites you both to the same level to find a solution. Humiliation is fighting dirty, trying to wound your partner instead of working with them.Trust isn't rebuilt with an apology. It's rebuilt through consistency over time, doing the same right thing again and again until it becomes believable.Unhealed wounds from your past don't stay in your past. Left alone, they bleed into your marriage and erode it from the inside.Recovery isn't only about quitting a substance. It's about dealing with whatever is underneath it, for Darryl that meant confronting the bitterness and rejection wound from his father.Loving someone in active addiction can reach a point where stepping back isn't giving up on them, it's refusing to keep enabling the behavior that's killing them.Blended families take a village. The Strawberrys say it takes nineteen people, across both sides of two divorces, to make their family work.You don't have to make love complicated. A home cooked meal, a card, or a phone call can matter more than a big gesture.Adult children still carry the wounds of a divorce they never chose. Being a great listener matters more than being right.Guest InfoDarryl Strawberry, former Major League Baseball player who spent much of his career with the New York Mets. author of the book Another Life. In long term recovery from addiction, more than two decades sober at the time of this conversation.Tracy Strawberry, Darryl's wife, a pastor who works at the Dream Center in St. Louis, a recovery home for men and women. Twenty five years in recovery herself. Book: Another Life, out now, available wherever books are sold. https://amzn.to/4cqjAAsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Stepparent burnout doesn't start in a dramatic moment. It develops quietly as a stepparent keeps giving, serving, adjusting, but ends up with this increasing feeling of being invisible, rejected, or alone.A stepparent may believe that loving their family means doing more. But when healthy investment turns into over-functioning, the result is often resentment or emotional withdrawal.  Then burnout can set in.In this episode, we help stepparents recognize the warning signs of burnout and invite biological parents to listen with curiosity (not defensiveness). The goal is simply to understand the difficult dynamics that tend to create pressure on a stepparent and consider a more sustainable family structure.We'll walk you through four practical steps that can help.  And we'll explore the difference between healthy disengagement and emotional abandonment.Stepparent burnout doesn't mean you're failing. It may simply mean your current strategies aren't working. With honest communication, realistic expectations, healthy limits, and stronger teamwork, couples can reduce resentment and build a home where everyone has room to breathe.You'll DiscoverThe often-overlooked warning signs of stepparent burnoutWhy feeling like an outsider can cause a stepparent to over-functionHow to distinguish healthy investment from self-erasureFour practical steps for reducing resentment and rebalancing family rolesWhat healthy disengagement looks like without withdrawing from the familyResources from this Episode:Episode 235. Stepparenting Takes Two:  How to Build Connection and Avoid Common Wrong TurnsEpisode 204.  4 Facets of Stepparenting:  Defining Appropriate Roles and ResponsibilitiesEpisode 230. Everyday Decisions, Big Tension:  The Hurtful Patterns That Create Blended Family DivisionEpisode 157. 3 Seasoned Stepmoms Share How They've Survived and Thrived in Their Blended Family JourneyEpisode 236. Does it Ever Get Easier?  How to Stay Hopeful by Playing the Long Game [with Gayla Grace]Episode 203. How to Make Better Decisions and Solve Problems as a United TeamReady for some extra support?We all need some extra support along the blending journey.  You can connect with us for a free coaching call to see how we might help you experience more clarity, confidence and connection in your home.  Schedule your free call here:  https://calendly.com/mikeandkimcoaching/freesessionSubscribe or Follow the Show Click here to subscribe on YouTubeClick here to follow on Apple PodcastsClick here to follow on SpotifyLeave a Review in Apple PodcastsIf you're feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they're fun for us to read too! :-)  Just click here to Review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is.  Thank you, we really appreciate your feedback!Click Here to join us on YouTube and be sure to subscribe!

Learning to adapt well as a blended family is not a simple process. Jim Daly talks with Ron Deal on some of the top stressors in blended marriages. Then, Greg and Erin encourage all couples to deal with issues when they're small before they turn into something problematic. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILYThe Smart Stepfamily MarriageFocus on Marriage AssessmentImproving Your Marriage as a Blended Family Couple (Digital)Listen to Focus Live on Godcaster Counseling Consultation and Referrals To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1196/29?v=20251111

Resources:Episode 241: Before you Take it Personally: Why the Backlash to Accept a Stepparent?Building Love Together in Blended Families by Ron Deal and Gary ChapmanEpisode 85. How to Uniquely Build More Love and Connection in Your Blended Family [with Ron Deal]Episode 213. Discover How to Better Understand and Connect with Children of Divorce [with Lauren Reitsema]Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question  Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show?  Let us know!We've made it easy.  Just click here:  https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/shareReady for some extra support?We all need some extra support along the blending journey — we're here to help.  You can connect with us for a free coaching call to see how we might help you experience more clarity, confidence and connection in your home.  Schedule your free call here:  https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/free-callYou don't need to navigate blended family life alone.  Join our supportive community where you'll connect directly with us and other couples just like you who are intentionally investing in healthy blending strategies.  Click the link to find out how to join: https://learning.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogetherSubscribe or Follow the Show Click here to subscribe on YouTubeClick here to follow on Apple PodcastsClick here to follow on SpotifyLeave a Review in Apple PodcastsIf you're feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they're fun for us read too! :-)  Just click here to Review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is.  Thank you, we really appreciate your feedback!

Lynne Shori grew up with her hero dad, thinking her Papua New Guinean mother was dead. As an adult, she discovered the truth and set about finding her lost family.When Lynne was growing up, it was just her and her dad.Lynne's dad was her hero; he was different and adventurous but she always felt safe with him when they went on hair-raising adventures together in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea.He had always told Lynne that her mum had died in childbirth.But when she became an adult, Lynne discovered this wasn't true.Just as she turned 40, Lynne set off to a remote island in northern Papua New Guinea to discover the truth of her family story.Once she started gathering all the answers to her lifelong questions, Lynne and her father then set about healing their own, very special relationship.Find out more about Wantaim PNG, and the work they're doing across remote Papua New Guinea, online.This episode of Conversations was produced by Meggie Morris. Executive Producer is Nicola Harrison.It explores the Pacific, Pasifika, family origin stories, Stolen Generations, charity work, tok Pisin, Manus Island, father daughter relationships, mixed race children, Australia's relationship with PNG, sanitation, education, discovering your truth, mental health, mother daughter relationship, Melanesian culture, family, siblings, blended families, Oceania, geopolitics, knowing your parents, therapy, estrangement, reunion, forgiveness, grief, identity, Sydney, finance, mid-life crisis, rehab, sense of community, family secrets.To binge even more great episodes of the Conversations podcast with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.

Blended families are more common than we often realize, but they're rarely talked about in our churches. In this episode, Laura sits down with Inés Franklin to explore the realities of blended family life and how care leaders can better support those navigating complex family dynamics. Together, they discuss hidden challenges, the impact of family systems on identity and faith, and practical ways the church can create space for healing and belonging. If you're a pastor, care leader, or walking alongside families in transition, this conversation will help you care with greater awareness, compassion, and intention. Quotes “Blended families aren't broken… they're a picture of redemption.” - Inés Franklin “We don't make space for blended families to share their story, and so often, they stay silent.” - Inés Franklin “We can't fully care for someone without understanding the family dynamics shaping their story.” - Inés Franklin “You have to be honest about the pain so that you can experience healing.” - Inés Franklin “God doesn't wait for our stories to become tidy. He meets us right in the middle of the complexity.” - Laura Howe Resources Blended & Blessed — Inés FranklinCAN - https://amzn.to/42xk82pUS - https://amzn.to/42flVc9 Uncharted — Inés FranklinCAN - https://amzn.to/4wfCi6nUS - https://amzn.to/4tdWcvA Trochia Ministries → Inés' online discipleship ministry with teaching, courses, and resources Connect with Hope Made Strong Website: HopeMadeStrong.org Socials: Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – YouTube

When we got married, we both wanted our new family to feel safe, connected, and secure. But good intentions didn't prepare us for the painful tension that sometimes hit between Mike and Annika (Kim's daughter).If you're a stepparent who feels ignored, criticized, rejected, or kept at a distance, it's easy to take your stepchild's behavior personally. And if you're the biological parent caught between your spouse and your child, you may feel pressured to keep everyone happy while you're wondering how to support them both.But a child's resistance may not mean what you think it means.In this episode, we explore five common reasons kids struggle to accept a stepparent and why pushback is a common reaction to blending. Understanding these dynamics doesn't mean excusing disrespect or allowing kids to control the home. It means slowing down long enough to look beneath the behavior so you can respond with wisdom rather than reacting from hurt. We'll also give you two simple questions that can help you step into your child's emotional world and approach difficult moments with greater curiosity and empathy.You don't have to force connection or find the perfect strategy. Instead, patience, maturity, and pressure-free love will help you to create the safety and trust that allow healthy step-relationships to grow over time.You'll Discover:Five common reasons kids may resist or reject a stepparentWhy resistance often has more to do with confusing dynamics than difficult peopleHow grief, insecurity, pressure, and loyalty conflicts tend to influence a child's behaviorTwo questions that can help you respond with greater curiosity, empathy, and wisdomResources from this Episode:Episode 130. How to Build Trust that Nurtures Bonds with Your Kids and StepkidsEpisode 222. Step-by-Step Guide:  Facing Painful Pushback Without Making Things WorseEpisode 235. Stepparenting Takes Two:  How to Build Connection and Avoid Common Wrong TurnsEpisode 159. How to Stay Hopeful as a Stepparent When You're Continually Rejected and HurtEpisode 187. Basics for Blending:  How to Tolerate and Manage Discomfort and DistressEpisode 158. An Effective Stepparenting Approach Focused on What Works - and What Doesn'tEpisode 72. The Best Way to Create Healthy, Bonded RelationshipsEpisode 219. From Chaos to Clarity: A Proven Strategy for Leading Your Blended FamilyReady for some extra support?We all need some extra support along the blending journey — we're here to help.  You can connect with us for a free coaching call to see how we might help you experience more clarity, confidence and connection in your home.  Schedule your free call here:  https://calendly.com/mikeandkimcoaching/freesessionSubscribe or Follow the Show Click here to subscribe on YouTubeClick here to follow on Apple PodcastsClick here to follow on SpotifyLeave a Review in Apple PodcastsIf you're feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they're fun for us to read too! :-)  Just click here to Review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is.  Thank you, we really appreciate your feedback!Click Here to join us on YouTube and be sure to subscribe!

Back-to-school planning can get complicated quickly in a blended family. Who buys the school supplies and clothes? Who completes registration forms, manages transportation, receives school updates, and pays for extracurricular activities? And how involved should a stepmom be when she is affected by these decisions but may not have decision-making authority?In this episode, Alicia shares how back-to-school responsibilities changed when her stepson moved into her home full time—and why responsibility, access, and authority need to be discussed individually. She explains how stepmoms and their partners can divide the workload, prepare for different routines between homes, and prevent one person from silently becoming responsible for everything.Alicia discusses:Deciding who purchases school supplies, clothes, shoes, and equipmentReviewing the parenting agreement before requesting reimbursementDividing registration, forms, transportation, and school communicationChoosing whether a stepmom wants to be an emergency contact or approved for pickup....and more!There is no universal formula for dividing back-to-school responsibilities in a blended family. Some stepmoms want to be highly involved, while others prefer school logistics to remain primarily with the parents. What matters is that the arrangement is discussed, agreed upon, and supported.Download the free House Expectations resource to begin a clearer conversation with your partner:https://aliciakrasko.com/expectationsJoin The Stepmom Side Community for practical support from women who understand blended-family roles, boundaries, and expectations:https://aliciakrasko.com/communitySupport the showWant a specific topic covered? Let me know here.After you listen to this, tag me on Instagram @aliciakrasko and let me know what you think!Get all the FREE RESOURCES here.Want to learn more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside.All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.comGet on the list,  get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

We would love to hear from you!!! In this week's episode of Blended Blessed and Always a Mess, Angie and Aric sit down for a first-ever mailbag-style conversation with a newly blended couple navigating the early stages of family life together. The discussion gets real fast as they talk about the challenges of blending households, honoring each child's emotions, setting boundaries with exes, and building routines that create stability instead of chaos. They share hard-earned lessons about parenting differently, learning each child's unique needs, and staying consistent through the messy middle of family transitions.From practical tips to candid reflections on communication, discipline, and patience, this episode offers encouragement for anyone in a blended family. The big takeaway: blending takes time, grace, and a long-game mindset.Tune in for a hopeful and honest conversation about what it really takes to build a healthy blended family.Thanks for listening! Angie & Aric#blendedfamily #mailbag #questions #longgame #7yearsSupport the show

The "Queen of Christian Pop" AMY GRANT is so transparent you'll want to kick back, lean in and listen as she talks about life, love, overcoming obstacles and her blended family with Vince Gill like never before. She even gets choked up so bring tissues! Plus, we went back a decade into our archives for a moment KeepTheFaith made happen and nobody else got to capture: the first time Amy ever met a rising star named Lauren Daigle. KeepTheFaith put the two of them in a room together, hit record, and let Amy mentor a wide-eyed young Lauren on navigating her prophetic success — years before the world knew her name. Hosted by 9-time Emmy winner David Sams and life coach to the stars Tim Storey. Since this conversation first aired, Amy's own story has kept unfolding. Amy's marriage to Vince Gill and the blended family she describes here remain the bedrock of her life, she survived a serious bike accident and open-heart surgery, and channeled that recovery into her first album of original songs in 13 years, The Me That Remains, released this May. She's back on the road through 2026 — and the wisdom she gives Lauren in this episode sounds a lot like the wisdom she's still living by today. This episode first aired December 2018.

In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia Krasko sits down with certified stepfamily coach Darlene Sparks for an honest conversation about the realities of stepmom life—because “just love them like your own” is not exactly a complete instruction manual.Darlene shares her experience navigating identity loss, rejection, complicated family relationships, and feeling like an outsider in her own home. Together, Alicia and Darlene discuss how stepmoms can protect their peace without disconnecting from their stepchildren.In this episode:Why many stepmoms feel unprepared for blended family lifeStepmom guilt, stereotypes, and unrealistic expectationsHow self-protection can unintentionally create more distanceSetting boundaries in high-conflict situationsResponding instead of reacting during family conflictLetting go of what a stepmom cannot controlSupporting stepchildren while protecting emotional well-beingThis conversation reminds stepmoms that they can remain loving and involved without sacrificing themselves to keep everyone else comfortable.Connect with Darlene:InstagramTikTokFacebookFind more support:Join The Stepmom Side CommunityExplore private coaching with AliciaSupport the showWant a specific topic covered? Let me know here.After you listen to this, tag me on Instagram @aliciakrasko and let me know what you think!Get all the FREE RESOURCES here.Want to learn more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside.All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.comGet on the list,  get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

In this video hosted by Jenni Wong Clayville, founder and president of Troia Ministries and one of the teaching pastors at Mariners Church, Ines Franklin, shares her insights on how to make blended families work. With her extensive experience in a blended family, Ines discusses the importance of active listening and understanding the unique dynamics involved.Blended family challenges are numerous, and Ines emphasizes that addressing these issues with blended families requires patience and empathy. She highlights how to make blended families work by focusing on communication and the importance of active listening. This approach helps in navigating the complexities that often arise.Ines also touches on the issues with blended families, such as the stigma and misunderstandings they face. She believes that recognizing these challenges is crucial for creating a supportive environment to foster a sense of belonging and understanding among family members.Recognize the unique dynamics of blended families.Emphasize the importance of active listening.Address blended family challenges with empathy.Understand the issues with blended families to provide better support.Discover healing in through faith and in a church community.Practical steps on how to make blended families work include open communication and setting realistic expectations. By acknowledging the issues with blended families, individuals can better navigate the challenges they face. The importance of active listening plays a pivotal role in resolving conflicts and building strong relationships.

→ Prayer CalendarWhat happens when parenting gets complicated by blended families, boundary-crossing relatives, or an unbelieving spouse? In this episode, we answer real listener questions about some of the most tender and complex relationships in a mother's life.With grace, honesty, and scripture as our guide, we walk through what it looks like to present a united parenting front, navigate family members who push against your values, and faithfully raise children when your spouse does not share your faith.Episode Highlights00:00 Parenting on a united front03:40 Navigating blended families08:00 Setting boundaries when family members cross the line12:22 Parenting with an unbelieving spousePlease send us your questions if you'd like to have them discussed on the podcast: themindofachildpodcast@gmail.com The Mind of a Child is an early child development podcast that exists to encourage and equip parents to raise their kids to love God and love others. If you're looking for Biblical principles, practical parenting solutions, and science-backed research, our discussions are specifically tailored for you. Our hosts are Leslie Dudley Corbell and Diane Doucet Matthews, who each have a combined 50+ years of experience in the early child parenting space.

In this episode, we discuss the complexities of blended families, emphasizing the unique challenges stepfamilies face compared to nuclear families. One concept discussed was the pressure for stepfamilies to function like traditional nuclear families, and how letting go of that expectation can relieve stress and improve dynamics. A key theme that emerged was the importance of the "soothing presence", an adult who is emotionally supportive, predictable, and present for children, which fosters trust and security. The discussion explored how children in high-conflict or blended families often take on roles to try to keep the peace or please their parents, sometimes at the expense of their own development. Several points were raised, including the detrimental effects of parent alienation, the psychological impact of inconsistency and divided loyalty, and how step-parents can best support children without overstepping boundaries. Practical strategies were shared for building relationships, encouraging self-esteem, and communicating effectively with both children and biological parents. The conversation also included personal stories, analogies, and an exploration of how life experiences, even with family pets, mirror blended family dynamics. The episode underscored that every family is different, and the most successful step-parenting comes from adaptability, humility, and providing a safe, nonjudgmental space for children to grow and heal. Key Topics Discussed The unrealistic social and personal expectations for stepfamilies to function like nuclear families The concept of "soothing presence" as the basis for trust, security, and emotional development in children Challenges of divided loyalty and parent alienation in blended family situations The negative long-term impact on kids taking on adult responsibilities within the family dynamic Differences between parenting, adulting, and befriending as a step-parent Importance of emotional predictability and consistency for children's well-being Strategies for step-parents to support children without overstepping or causing tension with biological parents Encouraging self-esteem and emotional language in children using relatable terms (e.g., "volcano mad") The value of building a unique, trusting relationship with each child based on their individual personalities Parallels between stepfamily adjustment and integrating new pets into a household Individualized approaches over generic parenting techniques The lifelong process of gaining wisdom and fostering resilience in children through supportive adult relationships

Blended families don't become connected overnight—and honestly, nobody hands you a roadmap.In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia sits down with Ashley from The Blended Bond to talk about what actually helps blended families feel more connected. From awkward first family meetings and navigating transitions to chore systems, parenting teenagers, and learning to stop taking everything personally, this conversation is filled with practical strategies and reassuring reminders for stepmoms.Ashley shares how intentional family conversations transformed their blended family dynamic, why asking kids what they need can change everything, and how creating routines and structure helps everyone feel more secure. They also discuss the emotional shift from part-time parenting to full-time parenting, the pressure stepmoms often place on themselves to "get it right," and why your stepchildren's moods and reactions are not always a reflection of you.In this episode, you'll learn:Why family meetings can improve communication and trust in blended familiesHow to help stepchildren feel more comfortable and at homeThe importance of asking kids what they need during family transitionsHow routines and structure create stability for children in two homesWhy teenagers' attitudes aren't always personalHow to stop seeking validation from your stepchildrenWhy perfection isn't required to be a good stepmomThe surprising ways small moments and traditions build connection over timeWhether you're newly blending, parenting teenagers, or simply trying to feel more confident in your role, this episode will remind you that blended families don't need perfection—they need intentional connection, communication, and grace.Connect with Ashley:Website: blendedbond.comInstagram: @blendedbondTikTok: @playblendedbond****Promo code: STEPMOMSIDE20 (for 20% off any BB products)****Support the showWant a specific topic covered? Let me know here.After you listen to this, tag me on Instagram @aliciakrasko and let me know what you think!Get all the FREE RESOURCES here.Want to learn more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside.All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.comGet on the list,  get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

DADS: Are you stuck in a rut, desperate to shake off bad habits and replace them with healthier ones? Or maybe you want to be a better role model for your kids but just can't find the time or motivation? It's so common, and it can be incredibly hard to take the first steps toward positive, long-term change. Our guest, Nick Henry, is a father of four who faced a life-changing whirlwind when he pivoted from single to a full, beautiful blended family seemingly overnight. Now, as the founder of Brolistic, Nick helps men ages 30 to 50 “start over” by building habits that stick. If you've been wanting to take action and make some positive changes that impact how you look and feel, don't miss this episode. Topics include: •  Navigating a (very) unique path to fatherhood •  The challenges and personal growth that come from learning "on the job" as a dad •  How becoming a father inspired Nick's creation of Brolistic Coaching and shaped a focus on habit-building for men in their 30s and 40s. •  The philosophy that lasting change is about aligning daily actions with the vision of who you want to be. •  Strategies for incremental habit formation for busy dads. •  The importance of accountability in coaching. •  How reframing setbacks can support long-term progress. •  Modeling healthy behaviors and self-care as a dad to positively influence children. •  And more!

Are you the one tracking the dentist appointments, school forms, birthday gifts, custody schedules, groceries, and all the details everyone else seems to forget? That invisible work has a name: the mental load. In this episode of The Stepmom Diaries, I'm sharing my conversation with Eve Rodsky, New York Times bestselling author of Fair Play and Find Your Unicorn Space. We talk about the mental load in blended families and why so many stepmoms feel exhausted from carrying invisible labor no one else sees. This conversation is honest, validating, and so needed for stepmoms who feel like they are holding everything together behind the scenes. In this episode, we cover: Why stepmoms often carry the invisible labor How the mental load shows up differently in blended families Why boundaries and communication have to come before systems The real antidote to burnout Resources Mentioned Fair Play by Eve Rodsky Find Your Unicorn Space by Eve Rodsky Fair Play Cards Follow Eve on Instagram Get our free Stepmom Scripts Guide with real-life scripts for common stepfamily conversations: https://stepfamilycertification.com/stepmom-scripts Get on the waitlist for The Stepmom Summit happening September 14th-18th, 2026!   Love The Stepmom Diaries? Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or Spotify. Your support helps us reach more blended families who need honest conversations like this one.

In this bonus episode, Brody sits down with Corey and Brittany Pendergrass to talk about the joys and challenges of building a blended family. From step-parenting and discipline to marriage, co-parenting, and earning trust, they share practical, Gospel-centered wisdom for creating a home marked by grace, unity, and stability.In this episode, we discuss: Building a strong marriage in a blended family  Step-parent roles and unified discipline  Loving and leading children with grace  Navigating co-parenting and different household values  Why forgiveness, humility, and consistency matterSend us Fan MailPlease leave a review on Apple or Spotify to help improve No Sanity Required and help others grow in their faith. Click here to get our Colossians Bible study.

We're popping in with a short summer update before taking a brief pause from releasing new episodes throughout July 2026.But don't worry, we're not going anywhere!We're using July to prepare some fun and helpful new things we'll begin sharing August 4th, including new podcast episodes in both audio and video.Before we talk about what's coming, we're also taking a few minutes to reflect on something every blended family experiences: change. Whether it's a shift in schedule, a new family rhythm, a move, or a parenting adjustment, change can stir up more than we expect.That doesn't mean change is wrong. It simply means healthy change needs clarity, patience, communication, collaboration, and room for everyone to adjust.During July, we'd love for you to stay connected by revisiting past episodes, taking or retaking the updated Blended Family Breakthrough Quiz, and checking out our free audio course, The Five-Minute Blended Family Reset, inside the Blended Family Breakthrough app.Then we'll be back August 4th with new episodes, including important conversations about stepparent burnout and the complex question of having an “ours” baby.You'll DiscoverWhy we're taking a short pause from releasing new episodes throughout JulyHow change can impact kids, parents, stepparents, and couples in blended family lifeWhat's coming when the podcast returns in both audio and video on August 4thHow the updated Blended Family Breakthrough Quiz and The Five-Minute Blended Family Reset can help you keep growing during JulyResources MentionedThe updated Blended Family Breakthrough QuizDownload the Blended Family Breakthrough app in the App Store or Google PlayCheck out the Five-Minute Blended Family Reset audio course right inside the app!Subscribe to the Blended Family Breakthrough Podcast on YouTubeOther ResourcesEpisode 89. Feeling Stuck in the Change Process?  Change Isn't the Issue - Transition IsEpisode 18. How to Help Kids Navigate Transition and ChangeEpisode 222. Step-by Step Guide:  Facing Painful Pushback Without Making Things WorseSuggest a Topic or Ask a Question  Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show?  Let us know!We've made it easy.  Just click here:  https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/shareReady for some extra support?We all need some extra support along the blending journey — we're here to help.  You can connect with us for a free coaching call to see how we might help you experience more clarity, confidence and connection in your home.  Schedule your free call here:  https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/free-callYou don't need to navigate blended family life alone.  Join our supportive community where you'll connect directly with us and other couples just like you who are intentionally investing in healthy blending strategies.  Click the link to find out how to join: https://learning.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogetherSubscribe or Follow the Show Are you subscribed or following the podcast yet?  If not, we want to encourage you do that today so you don't miss a single episode.  Click here to subscribe in Apple PodcastsClick here to follow on SpotifyLeave a Review in Apple PodcastsIf you're feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they're fun for us to read too! :-)  Just click here to Review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is.  Thank you, we really appreciate your feedback!