Podcasts about blended families

Blended families are beautiful—but they're also complex. When two lives, two histories, and often two sets of kids come together, figuring out what "family" looks like can feel overwhelming. From divided loyalties and differing parenting styles to navigating ex-spouses, finances, and faith, blended families face unique challenges that many couples aren't prepared for. In this episode, we're joined by Ron Deal, director of FamilyLife Blended and author of The Smart Stepfamily. Ron shares practical wisdom, biblical insight, and deep encouragement for couples navigating stepfamily life. We talk about earning influence before exercising authority, managing divided loyalties, setting realistic expectations, and protecting your marriage while building unity in your home. Whether you're part of a blended family or love someone who is, this conversation offers real hope, grace-filled guidance, and a reminder that healthy blended families are built over time—on purpose, and with God at the center. Episode Takeaways: Blended families are not repairs of biological families. Creating a blended family involves new rules and dynamics. Respect and communication are key. Quotes from this Episode: "You are not repairing a biological family structure. You are creating an entirely new blended family structure where the rules are different." -Ron Deal "To be a great co-parent, you need to act divorced—respect your boundaries, let go of control, and focus on parenting your own way."- Ron Deal "Stop pretending you have the right to influence your ex's choices. You can share your preferences respectfully, but after that, let go and parent your own way." - Ron Deal "Your spouse is the most important adult relationship in your life—honor that allegiance, but never abandon your children." - Ron Deal "You cannot demand love out of a child. That's something they decide on their time."- Ron Deal "If you support the stepparent in front of your kids, if you are a team member in the parenting system, then your blended family has a chance." -Ron Deal "You cannot have two parenting styles under one roof; blended families thrive when standards are more alike than different."- Ron Deal   Questions to Talk Through: Where do we feel the most tension in our blended family right now—and how can we face it together instead of alone? What is one way we can better support each other when parenting, scheduling, or outside relationships feel overwhelming? What does "progress" look like for our family in this season, even if it doesn't look perfect yet?   Mentioned in this Episode: Awesome Marriage is on Instagram! Ron and Nan Deal wrote The Mindful Marriage- it's a MUST read for all couples. Blended family? The Smart Stepfamily  needs to be your next read! Check out more of what Ron is doing HERE. Your words, your tone, your attitude- they all matter in how your spouse hears you. Check out our new devotional: Cut the Criticism and Cultivate Companionship Want an opportunity to dig into God's Word with your spouse? Find Awesome Marriage on YouVersion. Caught in the trap of negativity towards your spouse? Start our Lord, Help my Critical Heart reading plan today. If you haven't browsed our site, you've GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com !   

If you've ever wrestled with the question, “How often should my child be in contact with their other parent during my time?”, you've probably realized this isn't really about phone calls. It's about the invisible pressure kids feel to stay emotionally connected to both homes simultaneously and the tension it creates for everyone.If you want your home to be a place of peace and predictability, but you keep getting derailed by “just one more check-in", this episode is for you. The problem isn't a lack of love. The problem is that frequent, parent-driven contact can quietly create loyalty binds, disrupt routines, and place adult anxiety on a child's shoulders.We'll share five principles for healthy cross-home communication, so your child can feel settled, your home can have stability, and you and your spouse can stay united instead of stuck in the same argument about how the other home seems to be intruding on ours.You'll walk away with helpful insight that'll help you decide what's best for your kids: prioritize child-driven connection when possible, create respectful boundaries when needed, protect household rhythms, evaluate your unique co-parenting context, and choose quality over quantity.Because the win isn't “constant access.” The win is a child who feels lighter and freer to love everyone without feeling responsible for meeting unrealistic expectations and managing two homes simultaneously. You'll Discover:How “well-meaning” check-ins can unintentionally create pressure, guilt, or loyalty binds for kidsThe 5 guiding principles to create stability and reduce emotional burden across two homesPractical boundary ideas that protect routines without cutting off connectionA 2-question filter to decide whether your current communication pattern is helping or harmingWhy “quality over quantity” is often the best path to a stronger connection (especially for teens)Resources from this Episode:Episode 161.  How do Healthy Parent/Child Roles Help Avoid the Pitfalls of Parentification? [with Ron Deal & Lauren Reitsema]Episode 229. The Heavy Burdens Kids Carry: Loyalty Binds, Parental Allegiance, and How to Help Article from Navesink Wellness Center:  When Your Child Becomes Your Confidant:  The Trap of Emotional SafetyIn Their Shoes - Helping Parents Better Understand and Connect with Children of Divorce by Lauren ReitsemaEpisode 212.  3 Negotiation Strategies to Increase Collaboration and Influence in Your Co-Parenting Relationship Episode 113.   How to Respond When Being Disregarded, Devalued, or Dismissed by Your Former Spouse  Ready 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/freesession 

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.This is a second question from a listener named Tabitha who adopted a baby boy last year. Tho the adoption looked like it might be at least semi-open, it's effectively closed for now because the baby's birth mom is no longer communicating even with the agency. Question: All our training spoke to the benefits of open adoption. We also know (our baby) has two older siblings living with grandparents. There is also a toddler-aged sibling who was adopted. Like us, first mom is in her early 40s, so she's got life experience. How do we handle questions that arise when baby G is older, with so little info? We seem to be a rarity in this day and age, with a closed adoption not of our choosing. I definitely respect mom's choices, but I know questions will pop up on our little one's end down the road.Resources:Strategies for Maintaining Sibling ConnectionsHelping Siblings Separated by Adoption or Foster Care - Weekend WisdomHandling Social Media & Birth Family Contact with Your Adopted, Foster, or Kinship KidsSupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review. This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content: Weekly podcasts Weekly articles/blog posts Resource pages on all aspects of family building

Roland Cox is the founder and creator of the Daddy Builders Network. Daddy Builders Network is designed to give Daddies hope, encouragement, information, strategies, and ideas to equip them to become and remain active in the lives of their children.   Roland is married to Michelle, and they've been married 13 years (been together for 20 years). And together they have two children, Makayla (14) and Monty (11). And they've raised Destiny, Roland's 22 year-old daughter, for the past 11 years.   To contact Roland Cox, visit his website at http://www.DaddyBuildersNetwork.org or email him at info@daddybuildersnetwork.org    ----------------------     Talk with Dr. Joe 1-on-1: Are you tired and stuck? Want to go to get your faith, marriage, family, career and finances back on track?  Then maybe it's time you got a coach. Every CHAMPION has one. Schedule an appointment to chat with Dr. Joe. He takes on only a few Breakthrough Calls each week.  The call is FREE, but slots are limited to ONE call only.  NO RESCHEDULES.  Just click on the link below and select the BREAKTHROUGH CALL option to set up an appointment: http://TalkwithDrJoe.com  If no slots are available, please check back in a week.   Also join us on: Online Podcast Community (on Station):  https://station.page/realmen Facebook: @realdrjoemartin YouTube: http://www.RealMenTraining.com Instagram: @realdrjoemartin Twitter: @professormartin Website: https://RealMenConnect.com

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...   - Whether it's okay to have different rules for different kids under the same roof in a blended family. - How developmental differences and co-parenting agreements can shape household expectations. - What to do when step-siblings notice (and protest) differences in discipline. - How to align parenting styles in a blended family without creating resentment. - Why transparency and age-appropriate conversations can actually strengthen family trust. - How to approach your spouse when you feel protective, defensive, or out of sync.   If you're navigating parenting post-divorce in a blended family with different parenting plans and complex co-parenting relationships, struggling with fairness between step-siblings, or feeling unsure how to handle different rules in the same house, this episode offers clarity, nuance, and practical next steps.     REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES:  

Listen without ads at www.patreon.com/dopeypodcast Dopeywood 2 tickets https://www.showclix.com/event/dopeywood-2026 Today on Dopey Wednesday! Dave (still shaking off a cold, snowed in on Long Island) pays tribute to Larry (“Crosstalk Larry”) — a beloved meeting  guy who recently passed away. Larry was a kind, positive soul who yelled “keep coming!” at every meeting's end, welcomed newcomers, collected the basket for personal contact, showed up in hospitals and court, attended three DopeyCons and the Margaret Cho show, and lost his son to murder years ago. Dave reflects on missing Larry's kind heart and vows to try to be kinder. Lots of Spotify Bob talk! The main talk is a powerful, emotional return with Kevin Jack McEnroe (author, former nightlife figure, son of Tatum O'Neal). Kevin opens up about his family's addiction legacy: Tatum's lifelong struggles (childhood coke from Ryan O'Neill, celebrity enabling, stroke/coma in 2020), Ryan's estrangement, Kevin's own heroin/coke/vodka spiral, liver failure, treatment, Suboxone, and the infamous Christmas visit where Tatum smoked weed in the hotel room while Kevin was newly sober. He shares the deck-the-halls-with-mom's-Suboxone story, codependency/survivor guilt, boundary-setting (“I can't keep convincing you to live”), and how the stroke/facility humility saved her life. Kevin reflects on being a bad liar, ring secrecy with Fern, Sergio the blind heroin dealer, and how recovery brought peace, blended-family wedding moments, and hope.  All that and MORE! on a brand new Wednesday episode of that good old Dopey Snow - i mean show. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

ResourcesEpisode 231. When Your Ex Starts Dating: How to Handle their New Partner and Protect Your KidsEpisode 170. Co-Parenting Pitfalls for Bio and Step Parents: How to Avoid "Milestone Mishaps"Episode 135. How to Set Appropriate Boundaries and Negotiate Well with Your Ex-SpouseEpisode 226. How Two Homes Raise Kids that Thrive:  A Co-Parenting Blueprint for Caring Parents [with Jay & Tammy Daughtry]Episode 112. 3 Dangerous Dynamics that Can Destroy Co-Parenting - and Hurt the KidsEpisode 212. 3 Negotiation Strategies to Increase Collaboration and Influence in Your Co-Parenting RelationshipEpisode 188. Basics for Blending:  How to Tolerate and Manage Discomfort and Distress (Part 2 of 2)Episode 20. 4 Big Myths About Parenting When an Ex Has Different RulesSuggest 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-callSubscribe or Follow the Show Are you subscribed or following the podcast yet?  If not, we want to encourage you to 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!

Her stepmother called them "the Three Amigos." Her ex-boyfriend says the stepbrother was obsessed with her. Eighteen-year-old Anna Kepner was found dead under a bed on the Carnival Horizon — wrapped in blankets, covered with life vests, in a cabin directly across the hall from her father. Nearly sixteen hours passed before anyone checked on her. The Broward County Medical Examiner ruled it homicide by mechanical asphyxiation — reportedly a bar hold restraint. Her sixteen-year-old stepbrother is the sole suspect. He appeared in sealed federal juvenile proceedings and was released to guardian custody. The exact charges remain unknown. Everything is sealed. This episode breaks down what we know and what two versions of this family reveal. Custody testimony showed the stepbrother had been in therapy for over a year. A travel advisor recommended separate rooms. That recommendation was overruled. The night before Anna's body was found, her ex-boyfriend alleges the youngest sibling was locked out of the cabin while chairs were thrown and the stepbrother screamed at Anna. The suspect reportedly claims he doesn't remember anything. Testimony indicated he'd been diagnosed with ADHD and was on insomnia medication he allegedly hadn't taken for two nights. Defense attorney Bob Motta explains what sealed federal juvenile proceedings look like, why the FBI kept this case federal, and whether memory loss or medication non-compliance could factor into a defense strategy. He addresses the contradictions in family statements — Anna's father confirming charges while her biological mother initially claimed first-degree murder then retracted it. This episode also examines the psychology of blended families — the pressure to present harmony, the confirmation bias that filters out red flags, and how children inside these dynamics stay silent to keep the peace. Anna was supposed to graduate in May and join the Navy. She got a family that believed in the story they were telling — and a night no one checked on her until it was too late.#AnnaKepner #CarnivalHorizon #CruiseShipDeath #BobMotta #BlendedFamily #FBIInvestigation #SealedProceedings #JuvenileJustice #TrueCrime #HiddenKillersJoin Our SubStack For AD-FREE ADVANCE EPISODES & EXTRAS!: https://hiddenkillers.substack.com/Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8-vxmbhTxxG10sO1izODJg?sub_confirmation=1Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspodX Twitter https://x.com/TrueCrimePodThis publication contains commentary and opinion based on publicly available information. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Nothing published here should be taken as a statement of fact, health or legal advice.

Eighteen-year-old Anna Kepner found dead under a bed on the Carnival Horizon. Homicide by mechanical asphyxiation. Her sixteen-year-old stepbrother — the sole suspect — appeared in sealed federal proceedings and was released to guardian custody. Nearly sixteen hours passed before anyone checked on her. Her father slept across the hall. This episode combines the legal and psychological breakdown of the Kepner case. Bob Motta explains what sealed juvenile federal proceedings look like, why the FBI kept jurisdiction, and what the suspect's claimed memory loss and alleged medication non-compliance could mean for a defense strategy. He addresses the family's contradictory public statements and what we can actually learn from a case this locked down. The psychological dimension is just as critical — a blended family where the stepmother called them "the Three Amigos," a travel advisor recommended separate cabins, therapy had been ongoing for over a year, and witnesses allege violence the night before Anna was found. The warning signs were there. The story the family was telling filtered them out. Anna planned to graduate and join the Navy. Instead she got a night nobody checked on her.#AnnaKepner #CarnivalHorizon #BobMotta #CruiseShipDeath #BlendedFamily #SealedProceedings #FBIInvestigation #JuvenileJustice #TrueCrime #HiddenKillersJoin Our SubStack For AD-FREE ADVANCE EPISODES & EXTRAS!: https://hiddenkillers.substack.com/Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8-vxmbhTxxG10sO1izODJg?sub_confirmation=1Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspodX Twitter https://x.com/TrueCrimePodThis publication contains commentary and opinion based on publicly available information. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Nothing published here should be taken as a statement of fact, health or legal advice.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. In this episode, Rod and Scott share 10 practical rules that strengthen a marriage over time—not quick fixes, but habits that build trust, safety, and friendship. They talk through what healthy couples do when life gets busy, tempers flare, or communication breaks down, and how small daily choices can either deepen connection or slowly create distance. You'll hear clear, doable takeaways on respect, repair after conflict, boundaries, expectations, and how to stay united as a team—so your relationship doesn't just survive, it grows.To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Should you consider adopting or fostering a child who is older than a child already in your family? Are there things you can do to make it easier for all the children? We talk to Elizabeth Bohlken, Director of Education and Support at Children's Home Society and Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota, to talk about the preparation, joys, and challenges of disrupting birth order.In this episode:What is disrupting birth order?Why is this a topic that prospective adoptive or foster parents should educate themselves about?When combining children by birth and adoption, is it better for the adopted child to be the eldest, the youngest, or in the middle?Is there an age gap that is most recommended or best practice between children when disrupting birth order?Are there similarities between families that have a blend of children by adoption and birth, and families with blended children from divorce and remarriage?How much does age really matter?At what age is a child least affected by having their birth order disrupted?At what age is a child most affected?Is it best to disrupt the birth order of the eldest or the youngest in a family?How should parents handle a situation where the newly adopted child is older in age but younger on an emotional or behavioral level?What steps can prospective adoptive or foster parents take to prepare children already in the home for the adoption of a sibling, especially an older child?What type of sleeping arrangements should parents use in the first couple of months at home when they are adopting a child who is older than their other children?What types of behaviors might a parent or caregiver see in the early stages of this new dynamic?Why is sibling rivalry a common outcome of disrupting birth order?How to handle physically aggressive behavior between children?Practical tips to ease the transition for all the children in the family.Parenting mentalities/techniques to help a family adjust to a disrupted birth order?What is virtual or artificial twinning?What should parents consider before adopting a child of a similar age (within about 9 months) to a child already in the family?What are the warning signs that parents need to get help with an adoption that disrupts birth order or involves virtual twinning?What type of therapies or therapists should families look for to support birth order changes or artificial twinning?What should parents understand about the risk factors of sexual or physical abuse that a child may have experienced before being adopted or placed in this foster home?Where and how do parents get help to support their family in the transitions of disrupting birth order?Resources:Sibling Relationships (Resource page)Support the showPlease leave us a rating or review. This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content: Weekly podcasts Weekly articles/blog posts Resource pages on all aspects of family building

If you've ever felt that jolt of panic when your child shares that they've been spending time with "daddy's new girlfriend" or "mommy's new boyfriend"……you're not alone. That moment can trigger fear, jealousy, grief, and of course, a protective instinct that makes you want to react fast.  And sometimes that turns into a moment we later regret.In this episode, we'll help you slow down and respond with wisdom instead of emotion. You'll learn how to make a helpful first impression (even if you don't feel ready), how to reduce tension that fuels loyalty binds, and move toward a healthier co-parenting dynamic without just pretending everything is “fine.” You'll DiscoverWhat to do when you feel unsettled by your ex's “recoupling” How to protect your kids from getting stuck in the middle and stay focused on their well-being How to set a healthy tone with the new partner (and your ex), so you can  avoid common missteps that often strain co-parenting  Resources from this Episode:Episode 229.  The Heavy Burdens Kids Carry:  Loyalty Binds, Parental Allegiance, and How to HelpEpisode 226. How Two Homes Raise Kids that Thrive:  A Co-Parenting Blueprint for Caring Parents [with Jay & Tammy Daughtry]Episode 161.  How do Healthy Parent/Child Roles Help Avoid the Pitfalls of Parentification? [with Ron Deal & Lauren Reitsema]Episode 162. How to Healthy Step-Parent/Step-Child Dynamics Avoid the Pitfalls of Step-Parentification [with Ron Deal & Lauren Reitsema]For Stepparents:Episode 44:  Why does my Husband's Ex Think I'm the Enemy?Episode 45:  How to Cooperate More with Your Spouse's Uncooperative ExEpisode 91:  Is Your Husband's Hostile Ex-Wife Invading Your Life, Stealing Your Joy and Confidence? Episode 170. Co-Parenting Pitfalls for Bio and Step Parents:  How to Avoid "Milestone Mishaps"Ready for some extra support?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/freesessionLeave 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!

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. In this episode, Rod and Scott talk about the voice inside our head that's quick to judge, criticize, and replay our mistakes—and how it quietly shapes our confidence, relationships, and mental health. You'll learn practical ways to recognize your inner critic, interrupt unhelpful thought loops, and replace harsh self-talk with more honest, compassionate perspective. If you've been stuck in perfectionism, shame, or “I'm not enough” thinking, this conversation is a reset toward calmer self-leadership and healthier connection with others.To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

The legendary surfer has grieved the deaths of her adoptive mother, stepmother and birth mother. Only later in life did she realise her drive to win came from a place of loss, and Layne needed to look inward to find her place off the podium.Layne is a legendary surfer who is the first person ever to win six consecutive world titles.Since her childhood spent on Sydney's Northern Beaches, Layne has loved being in the water but it wasn't until later in life that she realised her relentless drive to win came from a confusion about who she belonged with on land.Part of her drive to prove her worth and her place came from her experiences of loss.When Layne was 6 years old, her adopted mother Valerie died. Then, her step-mother Christina died after a long battle with breast cancer.Twenty years after Layne reconnected with her birth mother, Maggie, she flew to America to be by Maggie's side as she took her last breaths.Losing three mothers in one lifetime caused Layne to equate motherhood with loss and abandonment. But after retiring and learning to slow down, Layne turned inward and finally found herself along the way.Content warning: this episode of Conversations contains discussion of adoption and grief.Layne's memoir Beneath the Waves was written with Michael Gordon and published in 2009 by Penguin.Her latest book, Awake Academy, was written with Tess Brouwer and is published by Penguin.This episode of Conversations was produced by Meggie Morris. Executive Producer is Nicola Harrison.It explores grief, cancer, death, dying, surfing, pro surfers, Manly, Freshwater, Hawaii, Ken Bradshaw, Kelly Slater, Molly Picklum, Stephanie Gilmore, Kirk Pengilly, love, marriage, stepmother, motherhood, menopause, slowing down, fitness later in life, introspection, awake academy, meditation, beach, ovarian cancer, brain haemorrhage, fatherhood, Tess Brouwer, elite athletes, professional athletes.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.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we kicked off our weekly theme of “Marriage and Family” with a conversation with Dr. Gary Chapman about the importance of godly love in marriage. He also spoke about his latest book, “The Love Language That Matters Most: How to Personalize Love So They Really Feel It,” the sequel to the New York Times bestseller, “The Five Love Languages.” Dr. Chapman is also a well-known marriage counselor, speaker, and pastor. He is also the host of Building Relationships, which airs every Saturday at 12 pm CT on Moody Radio. Then we had Ron Deal join us to discuss the stats on blended families and ways to support blended families with a well-researched blueprint. Ron is a bestselling author, a licensed marriage & family therapist, a podcaster, and a popular conference speaker. He is also the Founder and President of Smart Stepfamilies and the Director of FamilyLife Blended, a division of FamilyLife dedicated to serving blended families. He is also the author of several books, including “The Mindful Marriage: Create Your Best Relationship Through Understanding and Managing Yourself.” You can hear the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Listener stories [12:09] Dr. Gary Chapman Interview [29:08] Ron Deal Interview [45:12] Ally Thinks It's Funny [57:43] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we kicked off our weekly theme of “Marriage and Family” with a conversation with Dr. Gary Chapman about the importance of godly love in marriage. He also spoke about his latest book, “The Love Language That Matters Most: How to Personalize Love So They Really Feel It,” the sequel to the New York Times bestseller, “The Five Love Languages.” Dr. Chapman is also a well-known marriage counselor, speaker, and pastor. He is also the host of Building Relationships, which airs every Saturday at 12 pm CT on Moody Radio. Then we had Ron Deal join us to discuss the stats on blended families and ways to support blended families with a well-researched blueprint. Ron is a bestselling author, a licensed marriage & family therapist, a podcaster, and a popular conference speaker. He is also the Founder and President of Smart Stepfamilies and the Director of FamilyLife Blended, a division of FamilyLife dedicated to serving blended families. He is also the author of several books, including “The Mindful Marriage: Create Your Best Relationship Through Understanding and Managing Yourself.” You can hear the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Listener stories [12:09] Dr. Gary Chapman Interview [29:08] Ron Deal Interview [45:12] Ally Thinks It's Funny [57:43] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we kicked off our weekly theme of “Marriage and Family” with a conversation with Dr. Gary Chapman about the importance of godly love in marriage. He also spoke about his latest book, “The Love Language That Matters Most: How to Personalize Love So They Really Feel It,” the sequel to the New York Times bestseller, “The Five Love Languages.” Dr. Chapman is also a well-known marriage counselor, speaker, and pastor. He is also the host of Building Relationships, which airs every Saturday at 12 pm CT on Moody Radio. Then we had Ron Deal join us to discuss the stats on blended families and ways to support blended families with a well-researched blueprint. Ron is a bestselling author, a licensed marriage & family therapist, a podcaster, and a popular conference speaker. He is also the Founder and President of Smart Stepfamilies and the Director of FamilyLife Blended, a division of FamilyLife dedicated to serving blended families. He is also the author of several books, including “The Mindful Marriage: Create Your Best Relationship Through Understanding and Managing Yourself.” You can hear the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Listener stories [12:09] Dr. Gary Chapman Interview [29:08] Ron Deal Interview [45:12] Ally Thinks It's Funny [57:43] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we kicked off our weekly theme of “Marriage and Family” with a conversation with Dr. Gary Chapman about the importance of godly love in marriage. He also spoke about his latest book, “The Love Language That Matters Most: How to Personalize Love So They Really Feel It,” the sequel to the New York Times bestseller, “The Five Love Languages.” Dr. Chapman is also a well-known marriage counselor, speaker, and pastor. He is also the host of Building Relationships, which airs every Saturday at 12 pm CT on Moody Radio. Then we had Ron Deal join us to discuss the stats on blended families and ways to support blended families with a well-researched blueprint. Ron is a bestselling author, a licensed marriage & family therapist, a podcaster, and a popular conference speaker. He is also the Founder and President of Smart Stepfamilies and the Director of FamilyLife Blended, a division of FamilyLife dedicated to serving blended families. He is also the author of several books, including “The Mindful Marriage: Create Your Best Relationship Through Understanding and Managing Yourself.” You can hear the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Listener stories [12:09] Dr. Gary Chapman Interview [29:08] Ron Deal Interview [45:12] Ally Thinks It's Funny [57:43] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we kicked off our weekly theme of “Marriage and Family” with a conversation with Dr. Gary Chapman about the importance of godly love in marriage. He also spoke about his latest book, “The Love Language That Matters Most: How to Personalize Love So They Really Feel It,” the sequel to the New York Times bestseller, “The Five Love Languages.” Dr. Chapman is also a well-known marriage counselor, speaker, and pastor. He is also the host of Building Relationships, which airs every Saturday at 12 pm CT on Moody Radio. Then we had Ron Deal join us to discuss the stats on blended families and ways to support blended families with a well-researched blueprint. Ron is a bestselling author, a licensed marriage & family therapist, a podcaster, and a popular conference speaker. He is also the Founder and President of Smart Stepfamilies and the Director of FamilyLife Blended, a division of FamilyLife dedicated to serving blended families. He is also the author of several books, including “The Mindful Marriage: Create Your Best Relationship Through Understanding and Managing Yourself.” You can hear the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Listener stories [12:09] Dr. Gary Chapman Interview [29:08] Ron Deal Interview [45:12] Ally Thinks It's Funny [57:43] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we kicked off our weekly theme of “Marriage and Family” with a conversation with Dr. Gary Chapman about the importance of godly love in marriage. He also spoke about his latest book, “The Love Language That Matters Most: How to Personalize Love So They Really Feel It,” the sequel to the New York Times bestseller, “The Five Love Languages.” Dr. Chapman is also a well-known marriage counselor, speaker, and pastor. He is also the host of Building Relationships, which airs every Saturday at 12 pm CT on Moody Radio. Then we had Ron Deal join us to discuss the stats on blended families and ways to support blended families with a well-researched blueprint. Ron is a bestselling author, a licensed marriage & family therapist, a podcaster, and a popular conference speaker. He is also the Founder and President of Smart Stepfamilies and the Director of FamilyLife Blended, a division of FamilyLife dedicated to serving blended families. He is also the author of several books, including “The Mindful Marriage: Create Your Best Relationship Through Understanding and Managing Yourself.” You can hear the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Listener stories [12:09] Dr. Gary Chapman Interview [29:08] Ron Deal Interview [45:12] Ally Thinks It's Funny [57:43] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we kicked off our weekly theme of “Marriage and Family” with a conversation with Dr. Gary Chapman about the importance of godly love in marriage. He also spoke about his latest book, “The Love Language That Matters Most: How to Personalize Love So They Really Feel It,” the sequel to the New York Times bestseller, “The Five Love Languages.” Dr. Chapman is also a well-known marriage counselor, speaker, and pastor. He is also the host of Building Relationships, which airs every Saturday at 12 pm CT on Moody Radio. Then we had Ron Deal join us to discuss the stats on blended families and ways to support blended families with a well-researched blueprint. Ron is a bestselling author, a licensed marriage & family therapist, a podcaster, and a popular conference speaker. He is also the Founder and President of Smart Stepfamilies and the Director of FamilyLife Blended, a division of FamilyLife dedicated to serving blended families. He is also the author of several books, including “The Mindful Marriage: Create Your Best Relationship Through Understanding and Managing Yourself.” You can hear the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Listener stories [12:09] Dr. Gary Chapman Interview [29:08] Ron Deal Interview [45:12] Ally Thinks It's Funny [57:43] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ResourcesEpisode 230.  Everyday Decisions, Big Tension: The Hurtful Patterns That Create Blended Family DivisionEpisode 203.  How to Make Better Decisions and Solve Problems as a United TeamEpisode 49. Should Your Highest Priority be Your Marriage…or Your Kids?Episode 103.  4 Revealing Myths About 1 on 1 Time Between Parent and Their Bio-Kids (Part 1 of 2) Episode 147. Do Sensitive Conversations End up Creating Conflict in Your Relationship?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-callSubscribe or Follow the Show Are you subscribed or following the podcast yet?  If not, we want to encourage you to 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!

PARENT PANEL: I Threw Away My Son's Valentine's Day Card For His Stepmom full 617 Tue, 10 Feb 2026 14:43:35 +0000 FoWCd3SgXVJiQ2EWcaRkEPZDxWJPVeU0 advice,family dynamics,blended families,stepmom,blended family,parent panel,music,society & culture,news Kramer & Jess On Demand Podcast advice,family dynamics,blended families,stepmom,blended family,parent panel,music,society & culture,news PARENT PANEL: I Threw Away My Son's Valentine's Day Card For His Stepmom Highlights from the Kramer & Jess Show. 2024 © 2021 Audacy, Inc. Music Society & Culture News False https://player.amper

Send us a text message if you have a question you want answered on the podcast.Blended families don't usually struggle because people don't care.They struggle because love feels complicated, loyalty feels divided, and everyone is carrying history into the room.If you've ever wondered, “Why is this so hard?” this episode will help you feel less alone.Today I sit down with three women who know this life personally. Amanda, Dondra, and Ruth share what it really looks like to build connection in blended families when emotions are messy, timelines don't match, and expectations clash.It isn't about doing things perfectly. It's about staying when it would be easier to pull away. Learning how to show up with patience when progress feels slow. And creating a home where love grows over time, not overnight.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. In this episode, Rod and Scott talk about what kids are really learning from us—often without a single lecture. From how we handle stress and speak about ourselves to how we treat other caregivers and show our values, we explore the everyday moments that quietly shape a child's confidence, character, and sense of security.To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

BY FAITH - Blended Families

Ever tried to make a seemingly straightforward family decision (something that should be easy) only to feel the tension rise, opinions harden, and lines get drawn? You're not imagining it. In blended families, decisions can feel like loyalty tests.In this episode, we walk through a realistic scenario with a blended couple facing a decision dilemma: Do we prioritize a new experience that one side of the family is excited about… or protect a familiar tradition the other side values deeply? And that's where things get complicated. Because it's often not really about the decision itself. It's about what the decision represents: loyalty and priority.That's when a hurtful pattern shows up that we call a Tenuous Triad:One parent becomes the Trapped Teammate (torn between spouse and kids),Their spouse becomes the Stranded Stranger (feeling unheard, powerless, devalued, overlooked),And the children become Confounded Kiddos (confused, unsettled, and often emotionally loud as they express what they want).And once that triad forms, couples can get stuck in predictable traps:Impatience (“Why can't we just move forward?”)Fear and guilt (“My kids are hurting and I'm to blame if they're disappointed.”)Lack of empathy (“You don't get what this means to them.”)Lack of unity (“We aren't leading together.”)Parent-child allegiance (“I have to side with my kids.”)Our goal is to help you name what's happening so you can stop reacting to surface-level conflict and start leading from a place of clarity and unity.You'll DiscoverWhat a Tenuous Triad is and why it often forms around everyday decisionsHow the Trapped Teammate / Stranded Stranger / Confounded Kiddos dynamic can quickly create biological “sides” in the home and ongoing disconnection, resentment, and hurtHow to shift from reaction and contention to calm, united leadership as a coupleResources from this Episode:Simple Step Episode: Managing Loyalties & Priorities in Your HomeEpisode 59. Why Are You Stuck in a Parent-Child Allegiance? (Part 1 of 2)Episode 179. Conquer Fear and Embrace Your Blend with Confidence and ClarityEpisode 180. Break Free from Guilt and Blend with Authenticity and SecurityEpisode 119.  6 Tips to Grow Empathy and Create More Connection in Your MarriageEpisode 72.  The Best Way to Create Healthy, Bonded RelationshipsEpisode 50.  How to Openly Communicate What You Really WantEpisode 203.  How to Make Better Decisions and Solve Problems as a United TeamEpisode 49. Should Your Highest Priority be Your Marriage…or Your Kids?Episode 103.  4 Revealing Myths About 1 on 1 Time Between Parent and Their Bio-Kids (Part 1 of 2) Ready for some extra support?Connect with us 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

Money conversations are emotional for any family—but in blended families, they often come with added layers of loss, loyalty, and complexity.In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, Dr. Brandy Baxter and Rachael DeLeon are joined by Mikel Van Cleve, CFP®, PhD candidate at Texas Tech University and U.S. Coast Guard veteran, to unpack the unique financial and emotional dynamics of blended families.Drawing from both research and lived experience—what Michael calls “me-search”—the conversation explores why traditional financial advice doesn't always work for blended families, common emotional landmines around money, and how assumptions about “joint finances” can unintentionally create conflict. Mikel shares practical tools financial professionals can use, including the three-bucket money approach, genograms, money dates, and role-playing exercises, to foster communication, transparency, and trust.Whether you're a financial practitioner working with blended families or someone navigating one yourself, this episode offers actionable insights, empathy-driven strategies, and a powerful reminder: blended families aren't broken or abnormal—they're simply different, and they deserve planning approaches that reflect that reality.Show Notes:01:26 – Meet Mikel Van Cleve, CFP®03:05 – How Mikel's lived experience shaped his research05:18 – Why blended families are often overlooked in financial planning07:52 – Emotional and financial landmines blended families face11:48 – Rethinking joint finances in blended families13:02 – The three-bucket money approach explained18:44 – Why practitioner bias matters when working with blended families23:36 – Tools for navigating emotionally charged money conversations26:08 – Mikel's 2 CentsShow Note Links:Learn more about Mikel's workRead Mikel's work! Connect with Mikel! Want to get involved with AFCPE®?Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today! Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. Hobbies can be fun, exciting, stress and anxiety relieving.  Do you hobby and are your hobbies helping you relax?To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

On this episode of Funky Friday with Cam Newton, Cam sits down with Demetri Wiley for an honest conversation about love, relationships, and personal growth. From love at first sight to co-parenting, boundaries, and healing, nothing is off limits. Dmitri shares real-life experiences and lessons that challenge how we think about connection and commitment. This is one of those episodes that makes you reflect on how — and why — you love.00:00 — Love, Lust & Real Talk: Setting the Tone00:49 — Welcome Back to Funky Friday with Cam Newton01:07 — Meet Dmitri Wiley: Love, Life & Perspective02:39 — Demetri's Love Story: How It Really Started04:16 — Is Love at First Sight Real or Just Chemistry?07:23 — What “Real Love” Actually Looks Like17:09 — Co-Parenting, Blended Families & Doing It the Right Way33:20 — Prom Nights, Young Love & Lessons Learned34:16 — Platonic vs Romantic: Where People Get It Wrong35:22 — Temptation, Discipline & Self-Control37:03 — Boundaries, Respect & Knowing When to Fall Back41:20 — The Crack House Analogy (Yeah… We Went There)46:22 — Healing Yourself Before Loving Someone Else57:51 — Valentine's Day Advice You Actually Need to Hear

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 GrowEpisode 37. Why do kids struggle to accept their stepparent?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-callSubscribe 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!

Anita and Mel are joined by guest Tina Newman for a real-talk episode on dating after widowhood—because it's never as simple as “moving on.” They chat about how Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) can turn life upside down, what widows actually want, and how we decide what to do with our past when we start over.This episode also gets into messy blended family stuff—stepkid issues, what happens when there's no relationship with stepchildren after death, and the legal headaches that can come with it (yes, attorneys and all). And because this is Tina, you'll also hear about her waxing life—because sometimes grief and dating conversations need a little humor and real-life chaos too.*Check our Patreon for AD FREE Episodes, or to submit tributes of your person to be read in an episode! *http://www.patreon.com/wwdnSponsored by:BetterHelp.com. Save 10% off the first month of online therapy done securely, online with our unique link: https://trybetterhelp.com/wwdnMint Mobile: Mobile phone plans with great service and coverage starting at $15/month https://trymintmobile.com/wwdnJoin our Patreon for ad-free episodes and more!http://www.patreon.com/wwdnNeed some Snarky Grief merch?http://shop.widowwedonow.comWanna buy us tacos?http://www.buymeacoffee.com/widowwedonowFollow our YouTube channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@widowwedonow Support the show

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. Time is most precious of all the scarce resources as it is the one you cannot gain.  We will always only have 24 hours in a day and cannot gain more than another person.  How precious is time for you? How do you perceive your time? What is robbing you of your time?Come explore with us how time might be more precious than we think.To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We would love to hear from you!!! In this episode, Angie and Aric engage with Tarah and EJ, therapists and hosts of the Relationship Renovation podcast, discussing the complexities of blended families. They share personal experiences, common challenges, and practical advice for navigating the emotional landscape of parenting in blended families. The conversation emphasizes the importance of communication, understanding, and grace in fostering healthy relationships among family members.As always, thank you for listening! Leave us a review! Angie & Aric Keywordsblended families, parenting, communication, relationships, family dynamics, grief, transition, boundaries, advice, therapyResources: https://relationshiprenovation.com/Angie's Sweater: Angie's sweater Link:https://www.sevensboutique.com/products/button-front-short-sleeve-knit-cardigan-red-sSupport the show

From May, 2021: How to Blend a Blended Family. A mom is about to move in with her boyfriend. She brings a son into the relationship as does he. Her concern is for her boyfriend's son and how he will transition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've ever watched your child's mood shift the moment they step into a handoff…Or felt the sting of being kept at arm's length for reasons you can't explain… You're not imagining it. In blended families, kids often carry emotional burdens they were never meant to hold.In this episode, we name two of the most common “under-the-surface” struggles: loyalty binds (when a child feels torn between a bio parent and a stepparent) and parental allegiance (when a child feels pressure to align with one parent over the other). We share real-life stories, including the quiet pain behind the rejection of a stepparent's sweet gesture, and the way a joyful moment can suddenly collapse into guilt after a call with the other parent.But we don't stop at awareness. We give you a plan. We'll help you slow down, step into your child's shoes, and create emotional safety. We'll help step-parents stay hopeful and keep expectations realistic. And we'll challenge bio parents to protect their kids from adult tension by choosing the neutral zone (where curiosity lowers the temperature and kids are freed to love without feeling responsible for anyone's emotions).The win isn't perfect co-parenting or flawless moments.  It's this: kids get out of the middle, pressure starts to lift, and your home has room for trust, connection, and peace to grow. You'll Discover:The difference between a loyalty bind and parental allegiance, and how each one shows up in real life. How emotion coaching helps your child process hard feelings without forcing apologies or rushing an unrealistic "fix".  What step-parents can do to cope with rejection (and why “crockpot bonding” protects your heart and builds trust over time). The subtle ways parents accidentally tighten the bind and what to say/do instead to keep kids free to love everyone in both homes. How to find and stay in the neutral zone when insecurity, fear, jealousy, or discomfort hits.  Resources from this Episode:Surviving and Thriving in Stepfamily Relationships by Patricia PapernowEpisode 222.  Step-by-Step Guide:  Facing Painful Pushback Without Making Things Worse (part 1 of 2)Episode 72. The Best Way to Create Healthy, Bonded RelationshipsEpisode 159. How to Stay Hopeful as a Stepparent When You're Continually Rejected and HurtEpisode 161.  How do Healthy Parent/Child Roles Help Avoid the Pitfalls of Parentification? [with Ron Deal & Lauren Reitsema]  Episode 210.  Is your child pulling away?  Here's How to Respond with Wisdom and LoveEpisode 211.  8 Warning Signs Your Ex Is Manipulating Your Child's Heart and MindReady 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/freesession

Blended families face unique challenges, including loyalty conflicts and differences in parenting. Psychologist Dr. Patricia Papernow discusses how step-families work, why tension is common, and what helps relationships grow, as listeners share their own blended family experiences.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. Fun is an important part of chilhood and adulting!  Let's talk about how it's ok to be playful!To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Listen as Pastor Nate and his wife Ashley open up about their 20-year journey navigating divorce, remarriage, and building a thriving blended family. In this deeply personal finale to our Marriage Q&A series, they share the hard-won wisdom that transformed their family from broken pieces into a beautiful testimony of God's redemption.Perfect for your commute or workout—especially if you're wrestling with questions about blended families, co-parenting challenges, or finding hope after divorce.You'll Learn:✅ How Ashley overcame her resistance to counseling and why it changed everything✅ Practical strategies for handling holidays and custody schedules✅ The one thing that protects marriages from emotional affairs✅ What to do when a co-parent becomes toxic✅ Why "bonus family" became their favorite termWhether you're in a blended family, considering remarriage, or supporting someone who is—this episode delivers biblical wisdom you can apply immediately.New episodes drop Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7 AM CT. Hit follow so you never miss an episode that equips you with truth for real-world battles.

ResourcesLast week's episode :Episode 228. How 4 Simple Steps Can Transform Your Family's Struggles into Amazing Wins This Year Moving Beyond Fear:Episode 50: How to Openly Communicate What You Really Want Episode 147: Do Sensitive Conversations end up creating conflict in your relationship?Episode 179. Conquer Fear and Embrace Your Blend with Confidence and ClarityEpisode 98. Is fear of being vulnerable keeping you from loving your spouse wholeheartedly?Coping with Impatience:Episode 105. What powerful traits do you need to successfully blend and stay united?Episode 89. Feeling Stuck in the Change Process?  Change Isn't the Issue - Transition IsEpisode 72. The Best Way to Create Healthy, Bonded RelationshipsEpisode 159.  How to Stay Hopeful as a Stepparent When You're Continually Rejected and HurtOvercoming Limiting Beliefs & Excuses:Episode 120. 3 Valuable Lessons That Saved Our Marriage and Blended FamilyEpisode 165. How important is your mindset when it comes to blended family life?Episode 217. Feeling Overwhelmed and Powerless?  How to Regain Hope with Tools that Heal [with EJ & Tarah Kerwin]Episode 51. Overcoming DiscouragementManaging Emotional Pain:Episode 187. Basics for Blending:  How to Tolerate and Manage Discomfort and DistressEpisode 202. How to Break Free from Painful Cycles and Enjoy Deeper Levels of Intimacy [with Ron & Nan Deal]Episode 139. The Most Common, Challenging Pain Point Every Blended Couple ExperiencesEpisode 107. 3 Disheartening Realities That No Couple Want To Go Through - But We all Have ToEmbracing the Lone Ranger position:Episode 209. Breaking Free from Self-Doubt: 5 Habits to Build Confidence and Trust in YourselfEpisode 215. Does Your Relationship Feel Hopeless?  Why Giving Up Might Not Be the AnswerEpisode 65. 6 Simple Steps for Inviting Your Spouse to Get Help With YouEpisode 138. How Relational Dysfunction Plagued Our Marriage and How We Finally Broke FreeReady for some extra support?Schedule your FREE coaching call here:  https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/free-call

(Airdate: 1.13.26) In Who Cares News, the Golden Globes gave us peak Hollywood energy as Jennifer Garner and Jennifer Lopez both had moments that sent the internet spiraling — because apparently we still love a good red-carpet body-language breakdown. We also check in on Daniel Stern, who popped back into headlines and reminded everyone that the guy from Home Alone has had a quietly fascinating life away from the spotlight. Plus, Zoe Saldaña is back in the conversation, proving once again that being part of multiple massive franchises doesn't stop people from rediscovering her every few years like she's brand new. It's awards season, nostalgia season, and "wait, what?" season all rolled into one — exactly how Who Cares News likes it. Voted 6th Best Entertainment News Podcast! Because being #1 is soooo overrated. And @HalleBerry Listen to the daily Van Camp and Morgan radio show at: https://vancampandmorgan.com/stations buy us a coffee    

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. Is life fair or not?  Should we expect fairness? How do we deal with things that don't seem fair? To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Those of us facing the common challenges of blending often feel frustrated, overwhelmed, or discouraged. It's easy to drift into survival mode and settle for “not that bad.”In this episode, we'll share a clear plan to move forward in a simple way that's not about the pressure of big, dramatic New Year's resolutions.  Here's the truth: transformation doesn't happen overnight, and there are no easy fixes to the complex dynamics stepfamilies face. But change can happen with small, faithful shifts practiced over time. You'll Discover:The difference between information vs. transformation and why “insight without action” keeps couples stuck How to set process goals (not vague intentions), and capture the “gold nuggets” you want to apply to your family's current struggles How to “work your plan” and experience real WINS in 2026!Resources from this Episode:CLICK HERE to schedule your FREE coaching call with usCLICK HERE to learn more about the Blending Together CommunityFind your Focus & Choose your Path:Bonding:For specific episodes on building healthy Bonds, CLICK HEREBuilding Love Together in Blended Families by Ron Deal & Gary ChapmanUnderstanding Kids' Perspectives:For specific episodes to gain insight & support your kids, CLICK HEREIn Their Shoes: Helping Parents Better Understand and Connect with Children of Divorce by Lauren ReitsemaSafeguarding your Relationship / Marriage:For specific episodes to grow a deeper connection and reduce conflict, CLICK HERESaving Your Second Marriage Before It Starts: Nine Questions to Ask Before -- and After -- You Remarry by Drs. Les & Leslie ParrotParenting  & Stepparenting:For specific episodes to develop your parenting partnership and align family expectations, CLICK HEREStepparenting:  Keeping It Sane by Dr. Charles FayParenting Under Fire: How to Communicate with Your Hurt, Angry, Rejecting, Distant Child by Dr. Amy J.L. BakerEffective Co-Parenting:For specific episodes to discover best practices and improve cooperation between homes, CLICK HERECoParenting Works!  Helping Your Children Thrive After Divorce By Tammy Daughtry

Is remarriage living in perpetual sin? What does the Bible actually say about IVF? How do you co-parent when your ex won't discipline the kids?Listen as Pastor Stephen Martin and Pastor Nate Brown answer the hardest marriage questions submitted at Vintage Church's recent marriage conference. With pastoral wisdom and personal vulnerability—including Pastor Nate's own divorce and remarriage story—they bring clarity to the issues tearing Christian families apart.Perfect for your commute or workout, this episode gives you practical biblical wisdom for real-world family struggles.You'll Learn:✅ How Christ's sacrifice covers the guilt of divorce and remarriage✅ A biblical framework for approaching IVF decisions✅ Practical advice for fathers fighting an unfair legal system✅ The rule Pastor Nate's wife established that transformed their blended familySubscribe and never miss an episode. New episodes drop Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7 AM CT.

We want to hear from you! Please, send us a text comment or suggestion. Is your sleep part of the issue with your mental state? Your productivity? Your relationships?To find out more about Rod McCall and Eryk's Place of Hope check out https://fortheloveoferyk.com/ & https://eryksplaceofhope.com/Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Brian From is joined by Deana Thayer of Focus on the Family to talk through why the holidays can be especially challenging for stepfamilies and blended families. Deana shares practical guidance on managing expectations, communicating clearly with kids and spouses, and creating new traditions without dismissing old ones. The conversation also offers encouragement for parents facing empty-nest transitions, reminding listeners that flexibility, grace, and proactive planning can turn stressful seasons into meaningful ones.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Almost everyone has been touched by divorce—either personally or through someone close. But how do Christians actually navigate the aftermath with biblical wisdom?Listen as Pastor Daniel Hayworth leads a candid Q&A with Pastor Nate Brown, his wife Ashley, and Josh and Angela Miller. This isn't theory—these are real couples sharing real struggles and real victories in blended family life.You'll Learn:✅ The difference between guilt and shame—and why it matters for moving forward✅ How to co-parent with grace when your ex has hurt you deeply✅ Practical wisdom for stepparents earning trust without forcing relationships✅ What to do when your spouse claims repentance but you're considering divorce✅ How the church can support struggling marriages without judgmentPerfect for your morning commute or workout. This is the honest conversation about divorce and remarriage that most churches avoid.New episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7 AM CT. Subscribe now so you never miss biblical wisdom for real-world battles.

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Join us to learn about family rituals—how to create and why they can help build strong families. Our guest will be Elizabeth Barbour, the author of a new book, Sacred Celebrations: Designing Rituals to Navigate Life's Milestone Transitions. She's also a reunited adoptee and an adoptive mom.In this episode, we discuss:Why are rituals important for families? Define the culture of family-this is who we areThis is what we doWhat's the difference between rituals and routines?What's the difference between rituals and habits?Examples of family rituals. Family meetings, kid/parent dates, game nightsgratitude practicesprayer and meditationfamily altarstravelvolunteering togetherWhen families are created through adoption, any specific rituals that can help them?TipsKeep it simpleGet input from all members of the familyConsistencySupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review. This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content: Weekly podcasts Weekly articles/blog posts Resource pages on all aspects of family building

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-callSubscribe or Follow the Show Are you subscribed to or following the podcast yet?  If not, we want to encourage you to 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!