Archived Podcast Episodes

Singer/songwriter Kim Walker-Smith grew up in a blended family with multiple stepparents, instability, abuse, and isolation. She shares childhood stories with Ron Deal, lessons she's learned, and how,...

Are there blessings in blended family life? Yes! But perhaps not in the early years. In this 2023 Blended & Blessed presentation, Cheryl Shumake talks about how God gave her strength during seasons of...

Remarriage after widowhood carries unique challenges and unwanted transitions. But hard dynamics in the beginning can move toward bonded relationships & family unity with time & effort. Listen to Rod ...

Our past affects our present. And when we experience complicated blended family dynamics as a child, we're forever changed. Listen to Scott Kedersha share with Ron Deal how his blended family upbringi...

Do you wonder about God's purpose and intent for marital sexuality within marriage? Do you need help on how to nurture and protect this aspect of marriage? Listen to Ron Deal's message: God's Purpose ...

Trauma and suffering can impact families in unexpected ways. Joel and Vaneetha Risner share with Ron Deal the positive effects of loss and suffering and how it helped to ground their faith, trust God ...

Conflicts are inevitable on family journeys. Rodney and Annetta Whitney share their journey, confusing dynamics, and their light bulb moments with Ron Deal. Stepparent, if you feel like an outsider, k...

Do you have trouble organizing your life? Your family calendar? Well, help is on the way! Ron Deal speaks with James and Ginger Dellaripa about the challenges of blended family management including sc...

Getting remarried in later life after the death of a spouse or divorce? How do you know if you’re ready? Ron Deal talks with Jim & Shirley Mozena about the risks, as well as rewards, of a later-life...

When relationships with our adult kids & stepkids become strained or estranged, our hearts hurt. How did we get here? Can we fix it? Ron Deal talks with Dr. Charlotte Melcher Smith about common themes...

Have you ever wondered how to be thankful in a hard season in your blended family? Listen to Ron Deal and Gayla Grace talk about finding joy, regardless of our circumstances, as we focus on God’s f...

Helping your kids with their emotions is a critical life skill, yet we often don’t equip kids with these valuable skills. Ron Deal speaks with Michelle Nietert, LPC, about common feelings kids in bl...

High-conflict co-parenting is a common struggle in blended families. Ron Deal speaks with Diane Dierks & Rick Voyles on how to improve co-parenting conflict as you prioritize what you're fighting for,...

When we blend two families, what's the goal & how do we get there? Do we focus more on parenting or our marriage? Do I parent my stepchild or build a relationship first? How do we manage a difficult f...

Blended families come in all shapes and sizes. Each family is unique with its own complexities. Chris and Yodit Brooks share their stories growing up in a stepfamily and wisdom they've gained from rai...

Holidays can be a stressful time juggling visitations, planning activities, and managing feelings. Emotions in blended families are often magnified during Christmas. Gayla & Ron offer practical ways t...

Children want to be heard and seen. Ron Deal discusses with Dr Mark Mayfield about how parents can help teens with loneliness, purpose, and truth as they mature into young adulthood. Parents play a vi...

The enneagram gives us insight into our unique gifts & contributions. But it shouldn’t be the ultimate source of our identity. Ron Deal talks with Jeff & Beth McCord about interpreting core types al...

No one wants to walk through grief and suffering. But God uses hard times to grow us up and discover hope in Him. Ron Deal talks with Davey & Kristi Blackburn about how to trust God's faithfulness in ...

It's not uncommon to carry unresolved residue into our new family, but It can affect our ability to form trust & intimacy with others. Ron Deal speaks with Moe & Paige Becnel about how to wrestle wit...