Blended Family Podcast
277 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 156 ratingsThe Blended Family Podcast is a weekly show with a strong focus on strategies and methods to help your family thrive. Blended Families face many difficulties and challenges which can sometimes drive families apart. The goal of this podcast is is to help your family grow together through these challenges and create the peaceful and loving home you desire. Your host, Melissa, understands these struggles because she has a blended family of her own. When you listen to this podcast, you will see that the family life you have always dreamed of is completely attainable!
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Episodes
126-Unacking Mental Illness, with John Cordray
May 15, 2017 07:00 - 44 minutes - 61.9 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Many of us know someone who suffers from mental illness. Whether it’s a partner, a child or stepchild, or an ex spouse, it can be difficult navigating that terrain, especially in a blended family. My guest today, John Cordray is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor and he owns a private practice in St. Louis, Missouri. John is also very active as a Mental Health advocate on social media and ...
125-Mothers Day Special! Interviews with Shawn Fink, Mary Grace, and Casey DeStefano
May 08, 2017 07:00 - 1 hour - 98.5 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Happy Mother’s Day! For this Mother’s Day special, I am featuring three mom podcasters that I think are making a big impact in the world! Shawn Fink is the founder of The Abundant Mama Project and the author of “The Playful Family” and “The Abundant Mama’s Guide to Savoring Slow.” She is the mother of twin girls, Jadyn and Liana, and a family wellness coach for mothers around the world. Her work has appeared in The Huf...
124- A story of abuse, part 2, interview with Linda Ricci
May 01, 2017 07:30 - 44 minutes - 61.6 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Linda Ricci, another special listener, also reached out to me in the efforts of sharing her story of abuse. Both her and my last guest, Lisa Paige, met through our private facebook group, where they discovered they had a similar experience. Linda also feels it is her calling to help others, and she feels getting her story out is the first step. In this interview we discuss: Her marriage How the abuse started How r...
123-A story of abuse, interview with Lisa Paige
May 01, 2017 07:00 - 30 minutes - 41.4 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com One of my special listeners, Lisa Paige, has reached out to me in the hopes that I would share her story. This is a personal story of abuse, but she has persevered! Lisa now has a better relationship and a blended family! In this interview she shares: About her family How the abuse started Why she stayed for so long What triggered her decision to leave How she decided to let her husband know she was leaving hi...
122- Parental Alienation and PAAO, with special guest Wendy Perry
April 24, 2017 07:00 - 38 minutes - 52.8 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com As an alienated parent and victim of family court corruption, Wendy Perry (formerly Archer) became motivated to bring awareness and education about parental alienation out of the shadows. Her advocacy work has included coordinating and hosting the annual Parental Alienation Awareness Day event in Dallas/Fort Worth Texas and other large events such as the Parental Alienation Symposium drawing attendees from around the world...
121-Dealing with transitions in a blended family
April 17, 2017 07:00 - 22 minutes - 30.4 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Every blended family has to deal with transition days, and every child deals with transitions in a different way. Most parents and step parents dread this, as they know they are in for some behavior that can be out of character. In this episode I’ll talk about Transition day behaviors Why transitions are hard for our children Why transition days are hard for parents What parents can do to make things easier for both ...
120-Managing illness
April 10, 2017 07:00 - 18 minutes - 24.9 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com When you’re a parent in a blended family, you don't have time to get sick. Unfortunately, it happens, and it’s never convenient. It’s important to learn some tips to prevent illness, but I also have tips for when find yourself under the weather. Don't be afraid to ask for help Seek medical help if necessary Do the bare minimum Let go of perfectionism If your home with the kids, make it easy on yourself Let g...
119-Finances and the blended family, with Elle Martinez
April 03, 2017 07:00 - 46 minutes - 63.6 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Elle Martinez is the creator of Couple Money, a personal finance site and podcast focused on helping spouses build their marriage and wealth together. She shares tips, advice, and stories from her own journey and others about dumping debt, taking care of family, and dealing with sticky situations that many marriages encounter. She joins me for a discussion of finances and blended families. In this interview we discuss ...
118-tips for better communication with your ex
March 27, 2017 07:00 - 23 minutes - 32 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Most divorced couples lack great communication skills, which makes co parenting much harder than it needs to be. Healthy communication with your ex creates a peaceful environment for your children, and also sets a great example for them that they will model when they grow up. My 15 tips for better communication with your ex are Never use the kids as a go between Never argue in front of the kids Learn to pick...
117-Speaking positivity into our children
March 13, 2017 07:00 - 12 minutes - 17.4 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Our children get enough negativity in the outside world. At home, we need to counteract that by building them up. A healthy self esteem is so important for children to have, and it is our job as parents to help them have a positive self image. We can change their story, and teach them how to change their own. Some ideas to help are Notice when they do something right Tell them you are proud of them Compliment them ever...
116-Surviving childhood sexual abuse and trauma, with Rachel Grant
March 06, 2017 08:00 - 33 minutes - 46.8 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Rachel Grant is the owner and founder of Rachel Grant Coaching and is a Sexual Abuse Recovery Coach. She is also the author of Beyond Surviving: The Final Stage in Recovery from Sexual Abuse. She works with survivors of childhood sexual abuse who are beyond sick and tired of feeling broken, unfixable, and burdened by the past. She helps them let go of the pain of abuse and finally feel normal. Her program, Beyond Surviving,...
115-When an ex tells stories about you
February 27, 2017 08:00 - 21 minutes - 29.2 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com It’s hard enough dealing with divorce as it is. When you have an ex who makes it harder by telling stories about you, it can seem unbearable. Especially when it results in your children or other people turning against you. Unfortunately we cannot control others or what they do, but we can learn how to cope, to save our sanity. Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook...
114-When it's hard to love your stepchild!
February 20, 2017 08:00 - 21 minutes - 29.9 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com One of the issues many stepparents face, is the inability to really love their stepchild. It’s rarely spoken of, as those who feel that way are ashamed to admit it. After tons of emails from listeners who struggle with this, it’s evident that this is an issue that people really need help with. In this show, you’ll learn how to deal with these feelings, how to determine where they are coming from, and how to understand thin...
113-Three types of intimacy you need in your relationship
February 13, 2017 15:00 - 19 minutes - 27.1 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Intimacy is an essential part of every relationship. Parents can be so caught up with raising children, that they allow the intimacy to fall away. There are three important elements of intimacy in a romantic relationship, which are sexual, emotional, and physical. All three are important and a couple should learn how to create a balance of all three. Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Con...
112-Relationship advice with Dr. Jennelle
February 06, 2017 08:00 - 32 minutes - 44.2 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Dr. Jennelle is a PhD Psychologist and Relationship Advisor working with individuals and couples who want to improve communication, collaboration, and harmony in their relationships. Dr. Jennelle focuses on nontraditional relationships and family structures (i.e., female same-sex couples, divorced/remarrying couples, and blended families), helping to navigate the challenges in these complex dynamics by developing skills th...
111-Attitude is everything
January 30, 2017 08:00 - 19 minutes - 27.5 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Maintaining a good attitude in a blended family is something that is difficult, but not impossible. Bad attitudes can trickle down to everyone in the family, so it’s very important to learn how to manage our own. We also need to help our children manage their attitudes. There are some way to help you lift yourself up out of a bad state of mind, such as breathing, stopping the negative self talk, or finding something to do ...
110-Why does parenting hurt so bad?
January 23, 2017 08:00 - 30 minutes - 42.4 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com This show, I’ll share with you what’s been going on in my life, and why parenting hurts for me right now. Also, a fabulous family interview with Alex Thompson, who seems to know some tips on how to successfully manage a blended family! Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter Send questions or feedback to melissa@blendedfamilypodc...
109-positive discipline with Casey O'Roarty
January 16, 2017 08:00 - 54 minutes - 74.4 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Casey O’Roarty is a wife, mother, Certified Positive Discipline Trainer and ICF Certified Coach. Casey facilitates parents in how to build stronger, more authentic relationships with themselves and the children in their lives. She encourages grown ups to recognize and embrace the challenges of parenting as opportunities to model, teach and practice the skills we want our children to learn to embody. Casey lives in the Pacific...
108-Dealing with Overwhelm
January 09, 2017 08:00 - 17 minutes - 24.3 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Many blended families cause feelings of overwhelm. Not only are blended families more complex, there is usually so much more to do and handle. In addition, many of the challenges blended families face add to the overwhelm. Although these feelings are magnified during the holiday season, they really can carry on all year long. My top ten tips to deal with overwhelm are Get in the present moment Put it all down on paper ...
107-Battle the holiday boredom, plus a family interview
December 19, 2016 08:00 - 25 minutes - 35.2 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Holidays can be crazy! Battle the boredom with some ideas to keep the kids busy over the break. Plus a family interview! Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter Send questions or feedback to [email protected] Send me a voicemail at Speakpipe Visit the website at www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Sign up for my monthly ...
106-National Runaway Safeline, with Maureen Blaha
December 12, 2016 08:00 - 28 minutes - 38.7 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Maureen Blaha is the executive director of the National Runaway Safeline (NRS), an organization with the mission to keep America’s runaway, homeless and at-risk youth safe and off the streets. She joins me to talk about about this very important topic. Some of what we cover is below. What exactly is the National Runaway Safeline What does NRS do to help children and their parents Blended families and runaway youth...
105-Considering the feelings of others
December 05, 2016 08:00 - 21 minutes - 29.6 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Sometimes we forget to consider the feelings of other people. We make assumptions about what they think, and why they act the way they do. We tear people down because we think our way is better. We judge and criticize. These behaviors aren’t going to help you or your blended family. Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me o...
104-Happy Thanksgiving, stuff about me, and more!
November 28, 2016 08:00 - 18 minutes - 26.1 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Straying from the regular format, this show is on a more personal note. I open up about some of my own struggles this Thanksgiving. We also talk about some of our activity in the group. I answer a listener question about the holiday season, and then talk about how to make the holidays work. Not my usual but I hope that you can take something from it! Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Rev...
103-Infidelity with Brad and Morgan Robinson
November 21, 2016 08:00 - 45 minutes - 62.8 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Brad is an international expert in affair recovery. He sees couples exclusively and has helped many couples through the blended family process. Brad and Morgan own and operate Marriage Solutions a group marriage counseling practice with locations in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, OK. In this interview, we discuss Their personal story How does a divorced couple move past an affair Helping children heal Healing from...
102-Living in the present moment
November 14, 2016 08:00 - 31 minutes - 43.5 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Living in the present moment is so hard to do. With the chaos of a blended family and the stress of the modern world, it can feel impossible at times. In this show, some ideas to help you become more present, so you can enjoy life a little more. Meditate Stop worrying Stop dwelling on the past Forgive past hurts Stop overthinking Focus on each day as it comes Be mindful Yesterday is history Tomorrow...
101-Ten Ways to boost your child's self esteem!
November 07, 2016 08:00 - 22 minutes - 32 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Many children suffer from low self esteem. As parents, it is our job to recognize these signs, and help our kids develop a better sense of self worth. My ten ways to help are Give positive reinforcement Compliment them often Allow them choices Put them in a sport or hobby Give them responsibilities Help them set goals Work on your own self esteem issues Help them with their self dialogue Teach them abo...
100-Celebrate 100 shows!
October 31, 2016 07:00 - 14 minutes - 20 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Very special celebration of my 100th episode! Just an overview of what I have to offer, plus a special announcement and contest! Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter Send questions or feedback to [email protected] Send me a voicemail at Speakpipe Visit the website at www.blendedfamilypodcast....
99-You can't please everyone!
October 24, 2016 07:00 - 22 minutes - 30.8 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Are you a people pleaser? I’m here to tell you that you can’t please everyone! I know all too well the struggle that you are going through, which is why this episode is dedicated to helping you! I’ll tell you what it means to be a people pleaser, why it is, and how it relates to your blended family. Also my ten tips to help you overcome it, which are below Set your boundaries Learn how to say no Don’t apologize ...
98-Bell Pack Books. with Carrie Ellis-Berg
October 17, 2016 07:00 - 22 minutes - 31.3 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com A great conversation with Carrie Ellis-Berg, who has been an elementary school teacher for ten years. Together as a blended family, she and her husband have four children. After realizing the need for children’s books on blending, she felt called to share fun and exciting stories that would help parents and children learn, grow, and adapt in their new family structure. She hopes that her stories will foster and strengthen relat...
97-Are you dealing with a taker?
October 10, 2016 07:00 - 15 minutes - 22.3 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com In life, there are givers and takers. When we deal with takers, we often feel like they drain our energy. We feel frustrated with their lack of concern for our own needs and wants. Sometimes takers naturally gravitate towards us because we are givers. What should you do if you are dealing with a taker in your life, or in your blended family? Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with...
96-Encountering setbacks in the blended family
October 03, 2016 07:00 - 16 minutes - 23.1 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Setbacks are a part of life, but when they affect our blended family, they can feel insurmountable. This week, I have 5 tips to help you overcome setbacks with ease. Accept and acknowledge the issue Dont place blame Find your strength Give it time Find what you can learn from the experience Also enjoy some motivational quotes on overcoming setbacks! It doesn’t get easier you just get stronger ...
95-When people make us uncomfortable
September 26, 2016 07:00 - 17 minutes - 24.5 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Oftentimes, people can make us uncomfortable when it comes to their reactions to our blended families. Strangers can approach us with questions or stares. Simple outings to a park or restaurant can prompt reactions from others. Other times, an ex or even in laws can make us feel uncomfortable too. Some of this just comes with being part of a blended family, but we still need to know how to manage it, and how to not take it...
94-Dealing with difficult people
September 19, 2016 07:00 - 24 minutes - 34.7 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Dealing with difficult people is a part of life. When a difficult person is part of your blended family, whether a partner, an ex spouse, a child or stepchild, things get more complicated. We cannot always cut that person from our life. Instead we need to learn methods of how to deal with them, and how to manage our own emotions. Also, another family interview! I speak with Matthew Cochran from Tampa Florida. He tells us...
93-Using the law of attraction to create the blended family you want!
September 12, 2016 07:00 - 25 minutes - 35.8 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Cassie Parks is a best-selling author, champagne lover and lifestyle design strategist. Her passion is helping her clients create a life they love quickly and easily. In this episode, she tells us how to use the law of attraction to create the blended family you’ve always dreamed of. Some topics we discuss What is the law of attraction (LOA) Cassie’s personal story of how LOA worked in her own life How we can us...
92-Ease back into the school year, plus another family interview!
August 29, 2016 07:00 - 34 minutes - 47.9 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Starting a new school year can be hard on kids, especially if they are starting a new school. There are ways we can help them ease into it, so they can have a successful year. My five top tips for this are Establish a routine Help them get organized Familiarize them with the school Monitor your own emotions Communicate regularly Also listen to a new family interview with our listener Amy Osowski! Join the Pr...
91-A break up story, with Lauren Jean
August 22, 2016 07:00 - 37 minutes - 51 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Lauren Jean is a single momma, author, and podcast stylist. Thru her obsession with her own podcast and self development she discovered that teaching and connecting others are her superpowers. She is putting them to the test now through her signature program passion to pod which trains podcaster wanna be’s to voice their message through their very own podcast. Lauren is also a fellow listener, and joins the show to tell he...
90-Sibling Influence in the Blended Family
August 15, 2016 07:00 - 25 minutes - 35.7 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com In blended families, it’s common to be concerned about how all of the children will influence one another. Even though this is normal behavior, you still want to control it, because bad habits are not what we want our children picking up. Also, listen in on our first family interview, where we learn more about one of our listeners and their blended family. This week we feature Debbie Harmon. If you are interested in ...
89-Julie Lythcott-Haims, How to raise an adult
August 08, 2016 07:00 - 38 minutes - 53.2 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Julie joins me on the show to talk about her book How to raise an adult: Break free of the overparenting trap and prepare your kid for success Julie Lythcott-Haims served as Dean of Freshmen and Undergraduate Advising at Stanford University, where she received the Dinkelspiel Award for her contributions to the undergraduate experience. A mother of two teenagers, she has spoken and written widely on the phenomenon of ...
88-Help! The kids are ruining my life!
August 01, 2016 07:00 - 25 minutes - 35.8 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Do you ever feel like your children are ruining your life? Or do you feel like they are ruining your dream of a perfect blended family? Parenting is hard, and managing a blended family is a huge challenge. We all struggle with feelings like this. Some of the issues you might be dealing with are Sleep deprivation Lack of spontaneity Lack of a social life Lack of sex life Unorganized home Health problems Career ...
87-Dealing with insecurities in the blended family
July 25, 2016 07:00 - 19 minutes - 27.5 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com It’s very common to struggle with insecurities in a blended family. Whether you are a bio parent, a stepparent, or a child, you all may experience some form of insecurity. In this episode, we will talk about the different types of insecurities, and what we can do to help eliminate them from our life. Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitt...
86-Keeping your sanity in the summer
July 18, 2016 07:00 - 21 minutes - 29 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com We all tend to feel a little insane over the summer, especially when managing a blended family! In this show I’ve got some tips for you to help you keep the kids busy, keep yourself calm, and stay sane while the kids are out of school! Listen to my interview on the BadBoy Breakthrough Podcast here Check out Lorna’s Badboy Breakthrough podcast on itunes Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itune...
85-Blended families and adult children
July 11, 2016 07:00 - 16 minutes - 22.2 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com It’s not discussed as often, but many blended families struggle with issues pertaining to their adult children. Whether about financial concerns, splitting time, wills, or mistreatment of a partner, the issues are very different than what we deal with when children are young. In this episode, I’ll discuss some common struggles and what to do about them. Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes ...
84-Don't focus on what you cannot change!
July 04, 2016 07:00 - 13 minutes - 19 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com There are things in our lives and blended families that frustrate us. Some of these things we have power to change, but many we do not. There’s no sense in focusing attention to the things we have no control over. In this episode I give you a simple exercise to help you determine what deserves your attention, and what doesn’t. Create a master list of everything in your life that you you wish you could change or impro...
83-Kate Anthony, "Become a better you to become a better mom!"
June 27, 2016 07:00 - 28 minutes - 39.7 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Kate Anthony is the incredible mom, coach, and personal development superstar behind “How To Not F*ck Up Your Kids.” Kate uses her 20+ years of personal and professional experience to help moms uplevel their emotional intelligence, become better parents and raise happier, healthier kids. With both her group and 1:1 programs, Kate offers her clients a breadth of expertise, tools, and skills for customized results that make ...
82-Pulse Attack, plus Shawn joins me to talk about Father's Day
June 20, 2016 07:00 - 19 minutes - 26.4 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com My husband Shawn joins me on this episode to discuss the recent Pulse shootings in our home state of Florida. We also discuss Father’s Day, and Shawn gives some advice to other dad’s, and mom’s too! To Donate to Pulse victims GoFundMe #OrlandoStrong Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter Send questions or feedback to melis...
81-Coping with Conflict in the Blended Family
June 13, 2016 07:00 - 18 minutes - 25.5 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Dealing with conflict is a life skill that has less to do with resolving the problem, and more to do with how we handle it. Sometimes we can fix things, but when we can’t, we need to know how to cope and live our life. We can’t control others, only ourselves and how we deal with things. Blended families can be full of conflict, especially when dealing with exes. Learn some ways to manage conflict in this episode. Join th...
80-Our Wedding, with Shawn Brown
June 06, 2016 07:00 - 24 minutes - 33.4 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com My husband Shawn joins the show to discuss wedding details. We talk all about the recent nuptials including our most favorite and least favorite parts, our exes involvement, how we included the children in the ceremony, and much more. Plus Shawn helps me answer a listener question! Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter Send questions...
79-Celebrity Blended Families
May 23, 2016 07:00 - 12 minutes - 17.3 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Celebrities are just like us! Many of them are balancing blended families, and on this show, I’ve got a list of ten for you. Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Steve Harvey and Marjorie Bridges Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen Brad pitt and Angelina Jolie Terry and Rebecca Crews Reese Witherspoon and Jim Toth Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher Kris and Bruc...
78-Fixing Past Mistakes in the Blended Family
May 16, 2016 07:00 - 19 minutes - 27.4 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com We all make mistakes in blended families, and it’s important to learn how to grow and move past them. It’s never too late to start over. Some common mistakes we make in our family relationships are Thinking you’re always right Trying to change someone Pleasing others at the expense of yourself Expecting others to know what we want Not managing anger Not giving ourselves time Neglecting relationships Feeling guilt...
77-Mother's Day Special, with guest Ami Brown
May 09, 2016 07:00 - 42 minutes - 58.5 MB[email protected] www.blendedfamilypodcast.com In honor of Mother’s Day, I am joined with Ami Brown, who is Shawn’s ex wife. We talk about all kinds of things, such as Her personal story What it was like when we met Jealousy, and why it’s not helpful Her advice for bio moms Lessons she learned over the years Some listener questions Her career Ami is an inspiring woman and a true example of what it should look like to be a bio mom in a blended family. M...