エピソード

  • Simple Step: Managing the Motivational Gap
    2026/08/11

    Resources:

    Episode 241: Before you Take it Personally: Why the Backlash to Accept a Stepparent?

    Building Love Together in Blended Families by Ron Deal and Gary Chapman

    Episode 85. How to Uniquely Build More Love and Connection in Your Blended Family [with Ron Deal]

    Episode 213. Discover How to Better Understand and Connect with Children of Divorce [with Lauren Reitsema]

    Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question

    Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show? Let us know!

    We've made it easy. Just click here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/share

    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://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/free-call

    You don't need to navigate blended family life alone. Join our supportive community where you'll connect directly with us and other couples just like you who are intentionally investing in healthy blending strategies. Click the link to find out how to join: https://learning.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether

    Subscribe or Follow the Show

    Click here to subscribe on YouTube

    Click here to follow on Apple Podcasts

    Click here to follow on Spotify

    Leave a Review in Apple Podcasts

    If you’re feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they’re fun for us read too! :-) Just click here to Review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you, we really appreciate your feedback!

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    9 分
  • 241. Before You Take It Personally: 5 Reasons Kids Resist a Stepparent
    2026/08/04
    When we got married, we both wanted our new family to feel safe, connected, and secure. But good intentions didn’t prepare us for the painful tension that sometimes hit between Mike and Annika (Kim's daughter).If you’re a stepparent who feels ignored, criticized, rejected, or kept at a distance, it’s easy to take your stepchild’s behavior personally. And if you’re the biological parent caught between your spouse and your child, you may feel pressured to keep everyone happy while you're wondering how to support them both.But a child’s resistance may not mean what you think it means.In this episode, we explore five common reasons kids struggle to accept a stepparent and why pushback is a common reaction to blending. Understanding these dynamics doesn’t mean excusing disrespect or allowing kids to control the home. It means slowing down long enough to look beneath the behavior so you can respond with wisdom rather than reacting from hurt. We’ll also give you two simple questions that can help you step into your child’s emotional world and approach difficult moments with greater curiosity and empathy.You don’t have to force connection or find the perfect strategy. Instead, patience, maturity, and pressure-free love will help you to create the safety and trust that allow healthy step-relationships to grow over time.You'll Discover:Five common reasons kids may resist or reject a stepparentWhy resistance often has more to do with confusing dynamics than difficult peopleHow grief, insecurity, pressure, and loyalty conflicts tend to influence a child’s behaviorTwo questions that can help you respond with greater curiosity, empathy, and wisdomResources from this Episode:Episode 130. How to Build Trust that Nurtures Bonds with Your Kids and StepkidsEpisode 222. Step-by-Step Guide: Facing Painful Pushback Without Making Things WorseEpisode 235. Stepparenting Takes Two: How to Build Connection and Avoid Common Wrong TurnsEpisode 159. How to Stay Hopeful as a Stepparent When You're Continually Rejected and HurtEpisode 187. Basics for Blending: How to Tolerate and Manage Discomfort and DistressEpisode 158. An Effective Stepparenting Approach Focused on What Works - and What Doesn'tEpisode 72. The Best Way to Create Healthy, Bonded RelationshipsEpisode 219. From Chaos to Clarity: A Proven Strategy for Leading Your Blended FamilyReady for some extra support?We all need some extra support along the blending journey — we're here to help. You can connect with us for a free coaching call to see how we might help you experience more clarity, confidence and connection in your home. Schedule your free call here: https://calendly.com/mikeandkimcoaching/freesessionSubscribe or Follow the Show Click here to subscribe on YouTubeClick here to follow on Apple PodcastsClick here to follow on SpotifyLeave a Review in Apple PodcastsIf you’re feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they’re fun for us to read too! :-) Just click here to Review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you, we really appreciate your feedback!Click Here to join us on YouTube and be sure to subscribe!
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    43 分
  • A Short Summer Pause and What’s Coming August 4th
    2026/06/30
    We’re popping in with a short summer update before taking a brief pause from releasing new episodes throughout July 2026.But don’t worry, we’re not going anywhere!We’re using July to prepare some fun and helpful new things we’ll begin sharing August 4th, including new podcast episodes in both audio and video.Before we talk about what’s coming, we’re also taking a few minutes to reflect on something every blended family experiences: change. Whether it’s a shift in schedule, a new family rhythm, a move, or a parenting adjustment, change can stir up more than we expect.That doesn’t mean change is wrong. It simply means healthy change needs clarity, patience, communication, collaboration, and room for everyone to adjust.During July, we’d love for you to stay connected by revisiting past episodes, taking or retaking the updated Blended Family Breakthrough Quiz, and checking out our free audio course, The Five-Minute Blended Family Reset, inside the Blended Family Breakthrough app.Then we’ll be back August 4th with new episodes, including important conversations about stepparent burnout and the complex question of having an “ours” baby.You’ll DiscoverWhy we’re taking a short pause from releasing new episodes throughout JulyHow change can impact kids, parents, stepparents, and couples in blended family lifeWhat’s coming when the podcast returns in both audio and video on August 4thHow the updated Blended Family Breakthrough Quiz and The Five-Minute Blended Family Reset can help you keep growing during JulyResources MentionedThe updated Blended Family Breakthrough QuizDownload the Blended Family Breakthrough app in the App Store or Google PlayCheck out the Five-Minute Blended Family Reset audio course right inside the app!Subscribe to the Blended Family Breakthrough Podcast on YouTubeOther ResourcesEpisode 89. Feeling Stuck in the Change Process? Change Isn't the Issue - Transition IsEpisode 18. How to Help Kids Navigate Transition and ChangeEpisode 222. Step-by Step Guide: Facing Painful Pushback Without Making Things WorseSuggest a Topic or Ask a Question Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show? Let us know!We've made it easy. Just click here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/shareReady for some extra support?We all need some extra support along the blending journey — we're here to help. You can connect with us for a free coaching call to see how we might help you experience more clarity, confidence and connection in your home. Schedule your free call here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/free-callYou don't need to navigate blended family life alone. Join our supportive community where you'll connect directly with us and other couples just like you who are intentionally investing in healthy blending strategies. Click the link to find out how to join: https://learning.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogetherSubscribe or Follow the Show Are you subscribed or following the podcast yet? If not, we want to encourage you do that today so you don't miss a single episode. Click here to subscribe in Apple PodcastsClick here to follow on SpotifyLeave a Review in Apple PodcastsIf you’re feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they’re fun for us to read too! :-) Just click here to Review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you, we really appreciate your feedback!
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    11 分
  • Simple Step: How Patience and Persistence Create Space for Bonding
    2026/06/23

    Resources

    • Episode 240. Energize Family Bonds One Meaningful Conversation at a Time [with Ashley Noelle]
    • Order your Blended Bond Deck here: blendedbond.com (be sure to use Promo code: BREAKTHROUGH20 to receive 20% off your purchase)
    • Episode 136. How to Intentionally Create Positive Family Time and Reduce Relational Tension

    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/share

    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://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/free-call

    You don't need to navigate blended family life alone. Join our supportive community where you'll connect directly with us and other couples just like you who are intentionally investing in healthy blending strategies. Click the link to find out how to join: https://learning.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether

    Subscribe 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 Podcasts

    Click here to follow on Spotify

    Leave a Review in Apple Podcasts

    If 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!

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    7 分
  • 240. Energize Family Bonds One Meaningful Conversation at a Time [with Ashley Noelle]
    2026/06/16

    In blended family life, it’s easy for kids, parents, and stepparents to feel unsure, unseen, or disconnected as everyone adjusts to new relationships, new rhythms, and new expectations.

    We know how hard it can be to want deeper connection, but not know what questions to ask or how to create the kind of safe space where honest conversations can happen.

    In this episode, we talk with Ashley Noelle, the founder of Blended Bond, a conversation-based tool designed to help blended families, co-parents, and single-parent households build stronger connection through meaningful dialogue. Rooted in her own lived experience within a blended family, Ashley created Blended Bond to support families navigating complex dynamics, transitions, and emotional barriers.

    With a background in co-parenting coaching and a deep understanding of modern family structures, Ashley now focuses on creating tangible resources that help families communicate, connect, and feel less alone in the process.

    Together, we explore how intentional questions can help kids feel seen and heard, why “safe zone” conversations matter, and how parents and stepparents can keep showing up with patient persistence, even when kids shut down or resist.

    Ashley also reminds us that every blended family is unique. You don’t have to force your family into someone else’s mold. You can build trust, strengthen bonds, and create meaningful connection one honest conversation at a time.

    You'll Discover:

    • Why open-ended questions can help kids feel seen, heard, and understood
    • How to keep showing up with patience when kids shut down, roll their eyes, or say “I don’t know”
    • Why “safe zone” conversations can build trust, honesty, and emotional security
    • How shared activities and fun prompts can create teamwork and help kids feel included
    • Why every blended family gets to build its own unique identity, instead of trying to fit a cookie-cutter model

    Resources from this Episode:

    • Order your Blended Bond Deck here: blendedbond.com
    • And be sure to use Promo code: BREAKTHROUGH20 to receive 20% off your purchase
    • Connect with Ashley at instagram.com/theblendedbond

    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

    You don't need to navigate blended family life alone. Join our supportive community where you'll connect directly with us and other couples just like you who are intentionally investing in healthy blending strategies. Click the link to find out how to join: https://learning.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether

    Subscribe 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 Podcasts

    Click here to follow on Spotify

    Leave a Review in Apple Podcasts

    If you’re feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they’re fun for us read too! :-) Just click here to Review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you, we really appreciate your feedback!

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    59 分
  • Simple Step: Healthy Boundaries that Protect Relationships
    2026/06/09

    Resources

    • Click here to schedule your FREE COACHING CALL
    • 239. Feeling Responsible for Everyone? How Codependency Hinders Family Relationships and How to Heal [with Michelle Farris]
    • To connect with Michelle Farris, CLICK HERE
    • Episode 138. How Relational Dysfunction Plagued our Marriage and How We Finally Broke Free

    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/share

    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://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/free-call

    You don't need to navigate blended family life alone. Join our supportive community where you'll connect directly with us and other couples just like you who are intentionally investing in healthy blending strategies. Click the link to find out how to join: https://learning.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether

    Subscribe 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 Podcasts

    Click here to follow on Spotify

    Leave a Review in Apple Podcasts

    If 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!

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    8 分
  • 239. Feeling Responsible for Everyone? How Codependency Hinders Family Relationships and How to Heal [with Michelle Farris]
    2026/06/02
    Codependency can be tricky to recognize because it often looks like love, generosity, or “just trying to help.” But when our giving turns into fixing, rescuing, controlling, or sacrificing ourselves to earn love and approval, it can quietly create tension in our marriage, parenting, co-parenting, and stepfamily relationships.In this episode, we’re joined by therapist Michelle Farris for a practical and hope-filled conversation about how codependency shows up in blended families and how to heal it. Michelle is a psychotherapist, codependency expert, and anger management specialist with a passion for helping people break free from toxic relationships. Her YouTube channel has over 3 million viewers, where she’s known for her practical tips and expertise. She’s written several ebooks and courses for creating relationships that work. Michelle helps us understand the difference between healthy care and over-functioning, why some parents struggle when their kids are hurting or moving between homes, and how our desire to protect or please can sometimes blur important relational boundaries.We also talk honestly about how codependency can impact the parenting partnership in a blended family. When a bio-parent feels caught between their child and spouse, the pressure can intensify. When a stepparent feels responsible for things they don't have authority over, resentment sets in. But there is a healthier way forward. Michelle shares how couples can take small steps toward clearer boundaries, stronger self-awareness, and more secure connection without becoming rigid, reactive, or disconnected.If you’ve ever felt responsible for keeping everyone okay, struggled to set limits with your kids or ex, or wondered why you feel resentful after “helping,” this conversation will give you language, clarity, and hope.You'll Discover:The difference between being kind and being codependent How codependency can show up with your children, with an ex, or inside your marriage How over-functioning, fixing, rescuing, controlling, and people-pleasing can create ongoing resentment and disable others How to identify your non-negotiable boundaries without becoming rigid or reactive Three key areas of codependency and how you can move toward relational health and wellnessResources from this Episode:To connect with Michelle Farris, CLICK HERE Michelle's free guide: 7 Steps to Healing One Sided RelationshipsRelationships That Work with Michelle Farris (YouTube)Episode 138. How Relational Dysfunction Plagued our Marriage and How We Finally Broke FreeReady 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/freesessionYou don't need to navigate blended family life alone. Join our supportive community where you'll connect directly with us and other couples just like you who are intentionally investing in healthy blending strategies. Click the link to find out how to join: https://learning.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogetherSubscribe or Follow the Show Are you subscribed or following the podcast yet? If not, we want to encourage you do that today so you don't miss a single episode. Click here to subscribe in Apple PodcastsClick here to follow on SpotifyLeave a Review in Apple PodcastsIf you’re feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they’re fun for us to read too! :-) Just click here to Review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you, we really appreciate your feedback!
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    53 分
  • Simple Step: Assertive Communication
    2026/05/26

    Resources

    Episode 50. How to Openly Communicate What You Really Want

    Episode 179. Conquer Fear and Embrace Your Blend with Confidence and Clarity

    Episode 98. Is fear of being vulnerable keeping you from loving your spouse wholeheartedly?

    Episode 180. Break Free from Guilt and Blend with Authenticity and Security

    Episode 187. Basics for Blending: How to Tolerate and Manage Discomfort and Distress (Part 1 of 2)

    Episode 237. Communication Frustration? Gain Powerful Tools & Insight to Help Reduce Conflict & Stay Connected

    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/share

    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://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/free-call

    You don't need to navigate blended family life alone. Join our supportive community where you'll connect directly with us and other couples just like you who are intentionally investing in healthy blending strategies. Click the link to find out how to join: https://learning.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether

    Subscribe 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 Podcasts

    Click here to follow on Spotify

    Leave a Review in Apple Podcasts

    If 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!

    続きを読む 一部表示
    11 分