FamilyLife Blended® Podcast

Blending a family isn’t a Hallmark montage. It’s a minefield of hurt feelings, mixed loyalties, and second-guessing...everything. Debbie Alsdorf shares hard-won “do-overs” from 36 years as a stepmom—what she got wrong, what she’d never repeat, and what actually helped a fractured family slowly become one. From Debbie's book, Beyond the Brady Bunch, this stepmom advice skips fantasy and deals with real life. Show Notes and Resources Access blended resources familylifeblended.com Give to Familylife Blended directly  Watch the show, Renewed Hope for the year, on Women & Blended Families  Read Debbie's article, "10 Things I Would Do Over as a Stepmom"  More about Debbie and her ministry      See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

"God hates divorce": you’ve heard it, maybe felt crushed by it. Cheryl Shumake joins Ron Deal and Gayla Grace to pull apart what Malachi 2 really says—and what it doesn’t. If you’ve felt judged, stuck, or sidelined by church talk, this conversation meets you there and pushes toward truth, clarity, and hope without easy answers. Show Notes and Resources Blended family resources familylifeblended.com Give to Familylife Blended directly Blended ministry certificate  Start a stepfamily ministry  See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

You thought you were rebuilding after sexual betrayal—whether from this marriage or the previous—but something still feels off: Distance. Triggers. Questions you can’t shake. Authors Matthew and Joanna Raabsmith get brutally honest about how betrayal trauma, perhaps from sexual addiction, porn, affairs, or other sources, affects your brain, your body, your marriage...and why quick fixes don’t stick. From their book, Building True Intimacy, Matthew and Joanna map a slower, sturdier path forward when trust feels shattered. Show Notes and Resources Find a Mindful Marriage event and small group in your state  Access blended resources familylifeblended.com Learn more about The Raabsmiths  Look through the list of Smart Stepfamily Therapists  See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

You raised them right—so why does it feel like you’re losing them? Jim Burns steps into the ache parents don’t say out loud: regret, distance, and the fear you blew it. Drawing from When Your Adult Child Strays, he gets real about what to do when pushing harder only pushes them away—and what actually keeps the door open. Show Notes and Resources Email us [email protected] Learn about Jim, Homeword, and get his book, When Your Adult Child Strays  Give a tax-deductible gift  Ron's speaking schedule  See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Father’s Day feels weird, or even stings, when the chair at the table is empty—or when your stepkids pull back because they’re still hurting. Ron Deal talks with the widowed and remarried Brian and Debbie Doyle--about grief, holidays, and blending families with adult children. If you’ve ever worried about stepping in or stepping too hard, this conversation gives you permission to move with patience, empathy, and faith. Show Notes and Resources Free blended resources  Look for a live or virtual small group to join  Iron Sharpens Iron  Get the Smart Stepdad or The Smart Stepmom  Give a donation to help strengthen blended families  List of Smart Stepfamily Therapist Providers    See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Mother’s Day can sting when your story didn’t turn out like you planned. Maybe that looks like wayward kids. Courtrooms. Even prison sentences. And silence where relationship used to be. Ron Deal talks with author Carol Kent about loving a son serving life in prison—and finding faith when the worst actually happens. If you’re carrying shame, regret, or heartbreak as a mom or stepmom, this conversation sits with you in it—and refuses to let despair win. Show Notes and Resources Use blended resources for free!  Watch Carol and Gayla talk about how to cultivate a thankful heart in dark seasons on Women & Blended Families  Learn about Carol and her ministry  Donate $5.00 or more to help Jason's ministry to other inmates  Support the work at FamilyLife Blended  Enroll in the certificate program in Blended Family Ministry  See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Loss shattered you; remarriage after widowhood humbles you amid trauma, blending families, and recurring developmental grief. If comparison, unmet expectations, or past pain threaten your marriage and home, listen in. Daniel and Brittany Brooker (Refuge Widowers) share Scripture-soaked wisdom, practical strategies, and hope to redeem brokenness for God’s glory. Show Notes and Resources Our events, small groups, and ministry map  Learn about Daniel's ministry  Learn about Brittany's ministry  FamilyLife Blended resources  Give a gift to FamilyLife Blended ministry  See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

If you were growing up in a blended family, you knew the drill—new houses, new rules, new “normal” every few years. And now you’re the parent, wondering what stuck and what still stings. Ron Deal talks with Barna's Micah Scharchburg about growing up in family chaos—and why your story doesn’t have to define your kids’ future. If you’ve ever asked, “Did that mess me up?” or "Am I messing up my kids?" this conversation meets you right there—and points you forward. Show Notes and Resources Get a Blended & Blessed All Access Pass blendedandblessed.com Blended resources for you  Learn about Barna  Ron's speaking schedule RonDeal.org See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Meet Matt and Kari Perkins, widowed parents who blended a family of seven after deep loss. They know you don’t “get over” loss—you grow with it. Find honest hope for grieving parents and blended families as you form a future without erasing the past. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Matt and Kari, and the Grief to Growth Pathway  You still have time to register for Blended & Blessed!  List of Christian Stepfamily Therapists  See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

You’re not crazy. Blended family life is complicated—and sometimes it feels like you’re fighting battles that started long before this marriage. Old fears. Ex-spouses. Money tension. Kid loyalty binds. Ron Deal and Gayla Grace name the “ghosts” haunting stepfamilies—and why you lean out when you meant to lean in. If you’re tired of walking on eggshells, this one will feel uncomfortably familiar—in the best way. Show Notes and Resources Watch Women & Blended Families  Attend Blended & Blessed for free this year!  Get the All- Access didgital pass from previous Blended & Blessed years  Listen to the podcast with Dr. Juli Slattery  Get your copy of The Mindful Marriage    See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Vaneetha Risner knows the raw grief of unwanted divorce and betrayal. She gets church shame, lost identity, lingering triggers. Yet God has turned lament into deeper trust. This was never the plan, but it has forged faith. And it offers hope for yours. Show Notes and Resources Register for the live Blended & Blessed event in Oklahoma City  Listen to episode 130: Coping With Traumatic Events Learn about Vaneetha and get a copy of her book, This Was Never the Plan: Walking with God Through the Heartache of Divorce  Help us reach more families around the world with a gift of support  See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

When did “family time” become everyone scrolling in separate corners? In this eye-opening episode, Ron Deal and author Arlene Pellicane unpack how to manage screentime—helping parents and grandparents raise screen-wise kids who still look up, laugh, and live offline. Discover why boredom builds brilliance, how to delay devices with grace, and how real connection always outshines the algorithm. Show Notes and Resources Reserve your Love Like You Mean It cabin! Look for a seminar or stepfamily small group in your area Learn about Arlene and order her book, Screen Kids ArlenePellicane.com Send a tax-deductible gift Join us online for Blended & Blessed for FREE! Watch the film, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Grief lingers, yet love insists on living. Podcasters Justin and Kelly Walker navigate a blended family of 9 amid grief triggers and daily chaos. Hallway tributes, fire-pit conversations, and tender routines show how honoring the past fosters resilience, teaches empathy, and shapes a family that holds loss and new beginnings in a single heartbeat. Show Notes and Resources Host Blended & Blessed for FREE Get a copy of The Mindful Marriage: Create Your Best Relationship Through Understanding and Managing Yourself  The Happy Chaos Podcast Send in a donation Search Ron's upcoming events See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

After a scandalous start to their blended marriage, Ines Franklin and her husband Jim discovered God's grace turns broken stories into masterpieces. With raw honesty--and pulling from the richness of the beatitudes in the Bible--Ines explains core ingredients to flourishing in blended family life, with heaps of practical takeaways. What began in shame ends in her "smoothie family" of 5 kids, 10 grandkids, and redemption that shouts hope. Show Notes and Resources Order a hardback copy of The Mindful Marriage here or preorder the paperback where you get books Blended & Blessed for FREE! Look at Ron's upcoming events  Learn about Ines on her website Get a copy of Ines' book, Blended and Blessed Make a donation to FamilyLife Blended  See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Overwhelmed by blended-family brokenness? Ron Deal and Wynand Jacobs dive into the messy, unpolished reality of blended families in New Zealand. Using Kintsugi as a gospel metaphor, they explore God's power to reform shame into beauty, grief into testimony, and mistakes into stories that shine. It's a masterclass in the divine alchemy of blended family life. Show Notes and Resources Learn about FamilyLife New Zealand  Find an event on our blended map  Send a donation to further the blended ministry  See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Holidays got your blended family feeling like a tossed salad of joy, stress, and edgy emotions? Podcast hosts and blended marriage coaches Mike & Kim Anderson bring real talk, raw truth, and restoration therapy magic. Learn how to swap pain cycles for peace, chaos for connection—and maybe, just maybe, survive a blended family Christmas with your sanity and your stepkids. Show Notes and Resources Order a hardcover copy of The Mindful Marrriage. You can pre-order a paperback version any place books are sold.  Learn about Mike and Kim  Send in a year-end gift to FamilyLife Blended  See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

What happens when God’s good plan lobs an unplanned pregnancy into a blended family? Jay and Tammy Daughtry chat about shock, grace, and choosing love over shame. From unfiltered Day One reactions to faith-fueled healing, they offer a blueprint for both welcoming chaos and blessing it. This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to turn unexpected blended-family moments into hope-filled family legacies. Show Notes and Resources Ron and Nan's schedule  Learn about The Daughtrys coparentinginternational.com Unplanned Grandparenting  Give a year end gift and it will be doubled!  See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Their first Christmas nearly broke them. Five kids, two parenting styles, zero prep. But Scott and Deana Thayer didn’t quit—they built a blended family from mismatched traditions, co-parenting chaos, and grace-fueled grit. As a couple now helping blended families thrive, the Thayers share hard-won wisdom, church-sized challenges, and the “95/5” rule that saved their sanity. Blending isn’t easy—but it’s worth every messy, beautiful step. Show Notes and Resources Gift a copy of Gayla's new devotional, Beautifully Blended  Access the free Smart Stepfamily Series Look for a small group online  Blended & Blessed is April 18, 2026  Find a qualified counselor for your marriage and family  Support FamilyLife Blended  See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

What if your marriage pivoted on three humble questions? Dr. Gary Chapman—yes, the Five Love Languages guy—gets real about early struggles, foot-washing humility, and how servant-hearted love transformed his 64-year marriage. Blended families, take heart: Far from fluff, these are faith-fueled, grit-tested keys to a successful marriage--as well as messy love, lasting connection, and conflict that doesn’t destroy. Find real talk, deep grace, and hope you can hold onto. Show Notes and Resources Order a copy of Gary and Ron's book, Building Love Together  Access blended resources and sign up for our free newsletter  Meet Ron and Nan in person at a speaking event! RonDeal.org Discover your love language, learn more about Dr. Chapman, or get a copy of his new book, A Simple Guide for A Better Marriage 5lovelanguages.com Make a tax deductible donation  See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Divorce…hurts. But for kids caught in the middle, it can feel like the world has split in two. How can you help kids cope with divorce and remarriage? Summer Butler, creator of Blended: Navigating Life Between Two Homes, cracks open a healing workbook for kids juggling two homes, big feelings, and confusing rules. Hear her raw story, then discover how drawing, writing, and boundary-setting can bring clarity, comfort—and even joy. Show Notes and Resources Learn about Summer, and get her workbook, BLENDED, Navigating Life Between Two Homes www.blendedbookco.com Search for virtual groups  Get the 2025 Summit All-access digital pass  Order a copy of The Mindful Marriage  Make donation to FamilyLife Blended  The next Smart Stepfamily Therapy training  See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

What do red sweaters, a ski trip “familymoon,” and a Christmas sleepover have to do with healing after loss? A lot, actually. Join pastor and author Rob Bugh, pediatrician Rhonda Williams Bugh, and their adult kids Kyle and Nate as they revisit the rocky, grace-filled early years of blending two grieving families—and navigating those first blended holidays. It's raw, real, and rich with hope and hard-won wisdom. Show Notes and Resources Summit on Stepfamily Ministry details  Find a virtual group for blended family couples  Order a copy of When the Bottom Drops Out  The next Smart Stepfamily Therapy training  International Therapy provider list  FamilyLife Resources and Events    See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

When a child loses a parent, grief doesn't end for them. And when they join a stepfamily, we need to come alongside them with love and support as parents and stepparents as we honor their pain and memories. Ron Deal talks with Diane Fromme about what helps and what hinders, especially as stepparents with grieving stepchildren.  Fromme explains how a stepparent can never replace a biological parent and functions as an "and," not an "instead." Stepparents will likely face rejection, insecurity, and feelings of being an outsider; however, with humility and ongoing love and support, they can, over time, develop meaningful and significant relationships with stepchildren following loss. Show Notes and Resources Learn about Diane and get a copy of, Stepparenting the Grieving Child You can still register for the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry  Find a small group on the searchable map and browse Ron's speaking schedule  Send a gift to help with FamilyLife Blended's work  See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

A neurodivergent marriage is when at least one partner has a neurodevelopmental condition like autism or ADHD. In this episode, Ron Deal speaks with Dr. Stephanie Holmes and her husband, Dan, who struggled to face that their young child was on the autism spectrum. Many years later, Dan discovered his own autism diagnosis.Neurodiverse couples face unique challenges with communication, emotional expression, and sensory sensitivities that can include physical touch and intimacy, along with a lack of understanding between both partners. Stephanie & Dan offer support and guidance on how to recognize neurodiversity and strategies to cope with it. Show Notes and Resources Register for the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry  Learn more about Dr. Stephanie and Dan Holmes and their book Uniquely Us  Read Ron and Dr. Stephanie Holmes article: Autism and the blended family  Learn more about Embracing The Autism Spectrum  Listen to podcast 46: Autism and the Blended Family  Give a tax-deductible gift  See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Ron Deal speaks with Gayla Grace about her new book, Beautifully Blended: 101 Devotions to Encourage Couples in Blended Families. This book offers support and advice with relatable anecdotes, along with a devotion, prayer, and Bible reading for each day. Every day dynamics in blended families are addressed with answers to common situations that often create struggle, such as stepparenting, co-parenting, marital conflict, and challenges in relationship-building. Grace offers practical tips that provide hope for blended families by encouraging them to trust God, seek His wisdom, persevere through challenges, offer grace freely and often, count their blessings, and recognize God’s redeeming power in relationships. Show Notes and Resources Learn about Gayla  Get your copy of Beautifully Blended!  Make plans to join us in Nashville at the Summit!  Send a tax-deductible gift to FamilyLife Blended.  See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

In-law relationships can be delicate and challenging, especially when they involve a former spouse. Ron Deal speaks with Dave and Ashley Willis about how to prevent feelings of powerlessness and frustration as we build bridges, not battlegrounds, in difficult relationships. Establishing healthy boundaries can safeguard our mental health and encourage healing from past wounds. Honest conversations convey respect—even when relationships are full of tension. Grace-filled discussions that reflect our ability to see the best in others and extend forgiveness when we’ve been wronged allow God’s love to reach hardened hearts.God wants to redeem relationships, and as we do our part with difficult in-law relationships, God will honor our efforts. Show Notes and Resources Listen to the podcast Grandparenting and the Blended Family.  Learn about Dave and Ashley and get their Married Into The Family book.  Join us in Nashville for the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry  Email [email protected] for small group coaching or check out The Smart Stepfamily free series to get started.  Our small group searchable map  Ron's list of certified counselors  Clinical Training  See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Ron Deal and Gayla Grace answer questions from Blended & Blessed, such as: how do I manage tug of war feelings between my spouse and my children; how do I talk to my teenager who doesn't want me to remarry after his dad died; what are common ghosts of marriage past and how do we cope with them, how do we effectively place limits on screen time and hold the boundaries in our home when the other home has no limits; how do I calm my heart as a stepmom when my adult stepchild is rejecting me and what steps can I take to help, and many more. Show Notes and Resources Learn about Blended & Blessed  Get the Complete Blended & Blessed Digital All-Access Pass  Join us at the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry  Get a copy of The Mindful Marriage wherever you get books.  See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Blake Hudspeth grew up in multiple stepfamilies as a result of death & divorce and described his family to Ron Deal as pieced together. As a result, he struggled with complicated emotions and unresolved wounds well into adulthood.  Now, Hudspeth wants to help others who’ve grown up in complex blended family dynamics learn how to reconcile a difficult upbringing with hope for the future. He understands how to grieve a family he wanted but didn't have and the importance of forgiving his parents for their part in the instability of his upbringing, which created distrust and uncertainty for him. He advises parents that one of the most important pieces in helping their kids who are growing up blended is simply acknowledging the pain they are carrying. Show Notes and Resources Make plans to join us at the Summit on Stepfamily ministry in October  Send a donation to FamilyLife Blended  Get a copy of The Smart Stepfamily  Access for leaders to the tip sheet on ministering to students  See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Guidance and hope for blending families can be found in stories from scripture. Ron Deal talks with Laura Petherbridge about her latest book, Stepfamilies of the Bible: Timeless Wisdom for Blended Families. Through true stories of God's heroes from stepfamilies of biblical times, Petherbridge offers practical tools to build unity, overcome complexity, foster love, and create lasting relationships for today's blended families. Through families such as David's, a man after God's own heart, and Joseph's, the favored son of Jacob, we learn how God can use sin done to us and sin done by us for His glory, and redeem relationships, regardless of how messy and broken they are. Show Notes and Resources Summit on Stepfamily Ministry Information  Learn about Laura Petherbridge and Stepfamilies of The Bible  Send a gift to help the FamilyLife Blended team  Get a copy of The Smart Stepmom  See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Divorce and the death of a spouse naturally bring grief. But we don't always recognize the grief our kids also carry after walking through hard circumstances. Ron Deal talks with Stanley & Mryna Brown on how they navigated grief when they married. Stanley had lost his first wife to cancer, later remarried briefly, then divorced. Myrna had also been through a divorce and was a single mom for ten years before marrying Stanley. They both had two children who struggled with their own grief and loss. Through counseling, Stanley and Myrna began to understand more about their children’s grief and how to help them work through the unique grief each of them carried, allowing relationship building within the family to more easily develop. Show Notes and Resources Watch Myrna's encouraging videos for your family!  Watch the Griffies' story  Learn about the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry  Shop for books like In Their Shoes and The Smart Stepfamily  Donate to FamilyLife Blended  See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Every blended family navigates common stages on their way to finding familyness. It's not uncommon to experience the questioning stage, where you begin to doubt if you've made the right decision about your newly blended family, and you take a detour or two as you navigate your circumstances. Or perhaps you get stuck along the way as you walk through a crisis together. And what about the rewards stage? Wondering if you’ll ever get to that one? Gayla Grace shares the six stages of stepfamily development, how to navigate each stage well, and what it takes to build loving, connected relationships along the way. Show Notes and Resources Join us on the Love Like You Mean It Cruise!  Watch Women and Blended Families  Get details for The Summit on Stepfamily Ministry  Learn more about Gayla  See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Good co-parenting with a former spouse helps kids navigate life in two homes with greater ease. Ron Deal's conversation with Jay and Tammy Daughtry teaches us how to be parental partners, not angry associates, as we compartmentalize the pain from divorce and manage co-parenting through a businesslike relationship. They emphasized the importance of congenial handoffs during the parental exchange, biological time spent with biological parents/kids, recognizing unrealistic expectations of former spouse relationships, reframing sensitive days on the calendar to minimize emotional landmines, and understanding two dynamics often at play:Bio fog—when a deep connection between biological parents and kids creates fog with the parent, who then often tolerates misbehavior.Step vision—when an objective stepparent quickly identifies shortfalls in stepchildren and often communicates them harshly. Show Notes and Resources Learn about the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry  Find a qualified counselor  Check out Jay & Tammy's resources  Send a tax deductible gift  See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Dr. John Townsend defines four essential character traits that individuals need to navigate life's challenges and demands. He shares with Ron Deal that these components are required for stronger relationships. We can help our children and stepchildren develop them and be resilient kids. 1) Attachment: the ability to trust and be vulnerable with others 2) Separation: the ability to have your own voice, which includes healthy boundary-setting 3) Integration: navigating both the positive and negative realities of life 4) Adulthood: the capacity to take responsibility, make sound decisions, and live a purposeful life. Show Notes and Resources Access Dr. Townsend's TPRAT and other resources  Search on and/or post to the blended ministry map  Give a gift to support blended families  Ron's trainings and events  List of Recognized Providers  See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

The stepmom-stepdaughter relationship often includes competing loyalties and confusing dynamics and can be the hardest relationship to navigate when blending a family. Ron Deal talks with stepmom Jessica Pickens and her bonus daughter, Jayla, about their ongoing struggles, cutting through tension, which began early and continued for years, and how they finally built a loving, trusting relationship with one another. Jayla explains how her position as a “Daddy’s girl” and her relationship with her own mother impacted her desire for a bonus mom. She didn’t respond well to Jessica’s nurturing, and tension escalated as she got older. In time, Jessica began to understand the complexity of their relationship, change her expectations, and parent Jayla differently. Slowly, their relationship moved toward understanding and love toward one another. Show Notes and Resources New To Our Community? Here's a gift for you!  Watch Women & Blended Families on YouTube  Learn about Jessica and Blended Family Matters and their podcast  Jessica and Jayla's podcast with Ron.  Give a tax-deductible gift.  Check out Ron's events.  See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Tim and Olivia Smith brought six kids into their blended family in 1997. In their conversation with Ron Deal, they share the joys and challenges of melding together two families, how to encourage relationship building between siblings, and how stepparents can move from a place of isolation to a place of belonging in a stepfamily. Tim’s daughter, Christie, joins the conversation with her perspective as a teenager from the early years of their blended family. Although the stepmom—stepdaughter relationship is often the hardest to connect, Christie shares how Olivia’s small actions of moving toward her and allowing her to engage at her own pace created a loving, long-lasting relationship that she treasures today as an adult.  Show Notes and Resources Get a copy of The Mindful Marriage.  Get your copy of Blending-100 Day Guide for Step-Parents.  Learn about Blended Not Broken  Get our monthly newsletter  See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Robert and Jennie Lord both grew up in blended families. They share their stories with Ron Deal about the residue left behind from the maze of parental divorce, multiple stepparents, challenges in relationship building, unwanted transitions, and ongoing instability. They’ve sought healing from those experiences and now want to share what they’ve learned with others. Married with a family of their own, they are committed to their marriage and want to provide an upbringing for their children that is vastly different than what they experienced. They teach and model a life built on faith and seek to provide stability and build strong bonds with their children. Show Notes and Resources Get the Blended & Blesses All-Access Digital Pass  Blended resources for you!  Learn more about Chosen and the work that Jenni does.  Get a copy of The Mindful Marriage.  Support FamilyLife Blended with a gift.  See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Jennifer Maggio shares her story with Ron Deal of her challenges as a single mom that propelled her to begin a national ministry, serving over 1,000,000 single moms. Now married in a blended family, she continues the mission that no single mom walk alone. Show Notes and Resources You can still register for Blended & Blessed!  Learn more about Jennifer Maggio and her ministry.  Get a copy of the book, Preparing to Blend.  Support FamilyLife Blended with a gift.  See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

What do you do with feelings like anger, jealousy, hurt, or rejection in your blended family? Listen to Ron Deal’s conversation with Dr. Alison Cook, who offers a three-step process to work through hard feelings and find healing and hope for your journey. Show Notes and Resources Register for Blended & Blessed  Look for blended ministries and events in your area.  Learn about Dr. Alison, get her books, and listen to her podcast.  Listen to the show on grief with Diane Fromme  Support FamilyLife Blended with a gift.  Blended resources  See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Parenting a prodigal creates pain and helplessness as we seek to navigate difficult relationships. Listen to Ron Deal’s conversation with Judy Douglass, a prodigal parent, on how to tenderly manage these tenuous relationships while staying calm, present, and patient in rebuilding a relationship on their terms. Douglass and Deal discuss the Prodigal Son story in Luke and the parallels with our prodigals in opening our arms to them when appropriate but not chasing or threatening in any way with our behavior. We move toward the goal of gaining influence as we patiently work to bring back love and trust in our relationships. Show Notes and Resources Make plans to join us at Blended & Blessed!  Judy's podcast with Ron  Judy's podcast: When You Love a Prodigal  Order your copy of When You Love a Prodigal  See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Cheryl Shumake wants to reach brown & black blended families with brown & black voices. She & Clifton Howard talk with Ron Deal about her new ministry, Sawubona, which means “I see you” & its goal to break through the barriers with culture-informed spaces Show Notes and Resources Watch Blended & Blessed from anywhere in the world!  Join us on the 2026 Love Like You Mean It Cruise  Learn more about Cheryl  Sawubona Ministries  Send a tax deductible gift  Ron's upcoming events  Blended Small Group Ministry Map  See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

What does the apostle Paul mean in Philippians 2:4 when he says, “Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others?” How do we apply that to marriage, and to relationships in a blended family?In this podcast episode, Ron Deal talks with Brian Goins, author of Playing Hurt, A Guy’s Strategy for a Winning Marriage, about taking care of our own needs and always being mindful of the needs of our spouse. Goins explains that marriage is about finding the motivation and resolve to stay in the game despite the pain and calls husbands to be the heroes they long to be--men who play hurt in order to win at marriage. Show Notes and Resources   Get Ron's new book: The Mindful Marriage  Get Brian's book: Playing Hurt Check out Brain, Heart, World Order The Art of Marriage Send a tax deductible gift of support Register for Blended & Blessed  See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Do you think your marriage could improve if your spouse were different? Is it easier to look at their faults instead of considering your own? In this podcast episode, Ron Deal talks with co-authors of his new book, The Mindful Marriage: Create Your Best Relationship Through Understanding and Managing Yourself. Terry and Sharon Hargraves and Nan Deal share how the book can help couples understand their part of marital distress, why they react the way they do, how to be more empowered constructively, and how to cultivate more loving and harmonious relationships as they understand themselves better and learn to relate to their partner as a companion. Show Notes and Resources  Small Group Searchable Map  Email us for your chance to win a signed copy of The Mindful Marriage. [email protected] Get your copy of The Mindful Marriage  The Mindful Marriage Conference  Register for Blended & Blessed  See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Luke Landwer was young when his parents divorced, and he enjoyed time with just his mom for many years. When she remarried to a man with six kids, the adjustments for Luke were many. At just 11 years old, his conversation with Ron Deal is insightful as he articulates how adjusting to new rules, a new house, new people, was a challenge. He yearns for more time with his dad, but distance prevents it at times. He recognizes the blessings of a large family, however, with step-grandparents who love him and siblings around who prevent the loneliness he experienced in days past. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Ron & Nan Deal's new book: The Mindful Marriage  Watch Luke's Blended Family story on YouTube.  Give a year end tax deductible gift!  Join us in April for a marriage event just for couples in blended families.  See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Living in a blended family as a young adult can bring challenges and blessings. For Amelia Dellaripa, it brings many more blessings. In this podcast episode, Ron Deal talks with Amelia about her blended family of seven and how they developed love and acceptance for one another over time.Amelia talks about how there was seldom any divisiveness or difficult interactions with her stepmom or stepbrother from the beginning. They were always welcoming toward her, and it seemed that everyone was on the same team and wanted to do their part in building relationships. Although she was young when her dad remarried and understanding new family dynamics was hard, she’s now thankful for her big, blended family. Show Notes and Resources Pre-order Ron & Nan Deal's new book: The Mindful Marriage: Create Your Best Relationship Through Understanding and Managing Yourself  Get organized with the Family Core App!  This Christmas, your gift will be doubled!  Upcoming events and resources  Join us in April for a marriage event just for couples in blended families.  See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

What’s it like to be a teenager in a blended family? How do you manage the confusing emotions of your childhood and teenage years while also adjusting to new family dynamics? Davis and Campbell Faulkner lost their dad in a traffic accident when they were very young. Their mom remarried and they’ve navigated feelings of loss, fear, anxiety, grief, abandonment, and more as they’ve adjusted to a new stepdad and life in a blended family. Listen to their insightful conversation with Ron Deal and learn how they’ve coped and found gratitude for their current journey in the midst of loss. Show Notes and Resources Pre-order Ron & Nan Deal's new book: The Mindful Marriage: Create Your Best Relationship Through Understanding and Managing Yourself  Double your year end gift to FamilyLife Blended.  List of counselors and coaches  Upcoming events and resources  Please send your comments! [email protected] Join us in April for a marriage event just for couples in blended families.  See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Gratitude doesn’t always happen naturally in blended families, but it is worth pursuing and can move us toward unity in relationships. As we take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5), consider our perspective about the circumstances we find ourselves in, and allow ourselves to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2), we posture ourselves toward an obedient heart that discovers blessings, even in hard seasons. In this podcast episode, Ron Deal and Gayla Grace talk about intentional ways to create a heart full of gratitude that pursues love with others and more easily moves our relationships toward connectedness. Show Notes and Resources Watch podcast episodes on YouTube  Sign up for the Strengthening Stepfamilies Newslettter  Find Smart Stepfamily Therapists and Coaches  Consider supporting ministry to blended families with a tax deductible gift.  Join us in April for a marriage event just for couples in blended families. See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Foster care and adoption present difficult dynamics with issues similar to blended families. How do you help a child cope with ambiguous loss or connect as a parent when children act out from prior wounds? The loss that results from separation from a first family carries deep wounds that manifest themselves in misbehavior. Many children can’t verbalize their hurts, and families don’t have access to all the pieces of the puzzle. Love isn’t enough to fix the brokenness in a child, particularly when trauma is part of the story. Listen to Ron Deal's conversation with Jenni Lord for answers to these complex issues. Show Notes and Resources Pre- order Ron's new book: The Mindful Marriage: Create Your Best Relationship Through Understanding and Managing Yourself  Learn more about Jenni and Chosen  Ron's speaking schedule  Get our monthly newsletter  Learn more about blended family resources  Get The Summit on Stepfamily Ministry, All-Access Digital Pass  See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Laura Husband, daughter of Columbia astronaut Rick Husband, was 12 years old when she endured her dad’s very public death. Laura shares with Ron Deal the layers of grief that followed with the lingering effects and expectations after an astronaut dies. When her mom began dating three years later, she felt abandoned and without a voice to the changes in her life. Her mom later remarried and Laura began an adjustment to blended family life with her new stepdad, Bill. Laura shares the loving relationship she and Bill eventually formed and how Bill chose a path, separate from her dad, that drew her in. Show Notes and Resources Get the Summit All-Access Pass  Pre- order Ron's new book: The Mindful Marriage: Create Your Best Relationship Through Understanding and Managing Yourself  The list of Smart Stepfamily therapists and coaches.  Consider supporting resources for blended families with a tax deductible gift.    See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

How do you identify narcissism or cope with a narcissist? Ron Deal talks with counselor Laurel Slade-Waggoner about strategies in a relationship when someone seeks to control, manipulate, shift blame, gaslight, or behave in other narcissistic ways. Show Notes and Resources Check out Laurel's website and available books.  Laurel's Podcast  Join us for the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry!  Ron's comprehensive list of Recognized Smart Stepfamily Therapy Providers  Check out everything FamilyLife Blended has to offer.  Send in a tax deductible gift to the FamilyLife Blended Team.    See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Does your family have a designated Sabbath? How do you spend that day? Author Kathi Lipp shares with Ron Deal her suggestions for reimagining Christian Sabbath that is a meaningful day with the Lord and one another as you prioritize rest and share a meal together. On Sabbath, we want to focus on who God is and His provision for us as we rest and connect with one another. Lipp suggests that food provides the platform to linger in relationships, and feeding your family shows you care for them. She shares recipes from her new book, Sabbath Soup, and offers ideas on preparing for Sabbath and creating a special day each week. Show Notes and Resources  Watch Women & Blended Families! Join us for the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry!  Learn more about Kathi and get her new book: Sabbath Soup  Thank you for supporting FamilyLife Blended with a donation! See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

The intersection of marriage and parenting often creates tension for stepcouples that leads to disagreements and, as a result, slows down relationship building. Listen to Ron Deal and Gayla Grace give valuable input on how to become a parenting team and strengthen your marriage in the process as you cope with common stepfamily dynamics such as: different parenting styles, co-parenting struggles, rejection from stepchildren, stepparent ambiguity, fear of failure, a paralyzed biological parent, a stepparent who oversteps their place, guilt from the past and fear to parent well because of what the children have already walked through, and other challenging dynamics. Show Notes and Resources Register for this year's Summit on Stepfamily Ministry!  Watch Women & Blended Families  Watch: No Threat video  Check out Stepparenting with Grace and Building Love Together.  The Smart Stepfamily on RightNow Media    See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy