Welcome to the FamilyLife Blended Podcast

The Reality of Blending Families

Her Story of Being Widowed Twice

Kids, Grief, and the Stepdad Role

Responding to Rejection

How Siblings Experience Grief Differently

Adoption and Hope 

Remarriage after the death of a spouse brings hope—but it can also uncover grief you didn't expect. Ministry leaders Rod and Rachel Faulkner Brown share the realities of building a blended family after widowhood, helping children navigate loss, and learning that love doesn't erase pain overnight. On FamilyLife Blended, Ron Deal explores what it really takes to become family again.

Show Notes and Resources
Watch this episode on YouTube 
Learn about Rachel's ministry
Browse free blended resources
Donate to FamilyLife Blended

Remarriage after the death of a spouse brings hope&mdash;but it can also uncover grief you didn't expect. Ministry leaders Rod and Rachel Faulkner Brown share the realities of building a blended family after widowhood, helping children navigate loss, and learning that love doesn't erase pain overnight. On FamilyLife Blended, Ron Deal explores what it really takes to become family again.
Show Notes and Resources
<ul>
<li><a href="https://youtu.be/YgWKKtnkYeM">Watch this episode on YouTube</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li>Learn about <a href="https://www.neveralonewidows.com/">Rachel's ministry</a></li>
<li>Browse <a href="https://familylifeblended.com">free blended resources</a></li>
<li>Donate to <a href="https://donate.familylife.com/blended/?campaign-code=D000BLENDG&amp;cru_medium=DesktopHeaderNav&amp;cru_campaign=Blended">FamilyLife Blended</a></li>
</ul>

FamilyLife Blended® provides timeless wisdom and practical help and hope for blended families and those who love them. Join Ron L. Deal, LMFT, LPC as he and his guests discuss a wide variety of marriage, family, and relationship topics related to blended families.

Timeless wisdom and practical help and hope for blended families with Ron Deal, LMFT, LPC.

FamilyLife Blended® Podcast

Remarriage after the death of a spouse is more than saying "I do." Rod and Rachel Faulkner Brown join Ron Deal on FamilyLife Blended to talk grief and blending a family.

198: Remarriage After the Death of a Spouse: Why It's Harder Than You Think

Welcome to the FLB Podcast

Ron Introduces Dr. Lee Warren

Why Hope Matters

Mind vs Brain and Renewal

Renewing Mind and Trauma

Brain Science and Resonance

Epigenetics and Breaking Cycles

Hope and Next Steps

https://fl-podcasts.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/FLBP/pdf/FLBP2026-10-19.pdf

https://fl-podcasts.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/FLBP/docs/FLBP20261019_S08_E201.docx

Wondering how to rewire your brain after loss, grief, or years of discouragement? Neurosurgeon Dr. Lee Warren joins Ron Deal to explore how hope, biblical truth, and the way you think can reshape your mind—even when blended family life feels overwhelming. On FamilyLife Blended, discover why hopelessness doesn't have to define your future.

Show Notes and Resources
Watch this episode on YouTube. 
Learn about Dr Warren and grab one of his books.
Find a blended resource that can serve you.
Send a donation to the blended team.

 

Wondering how to rewire your brain after loss, grief, or years of discouragement? Neurosurgeon Dr. Lee Warren joins Ron Deal to explore how hope, biblical truth, and the way you think can reshape your mind&mdash;even when blended family life feels overwhelming. On FamilyLife Blended, discover why hopelessness doesn't have to define your future.
Show Notes and Resources
<ul>
<li><a href="https://youtu.be/uVmxHu_yX-8">Watch this episode on YouTube.</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li>Learn about <a href="https://wleewarrenmd.com/">Dr Warren and grab one of his books</a>.</li>
<li>Find a <a href="https://familylifeblended.com">blended resource that can serve you</a>.</li>
<li>Send a <a href="https://donate.familylife.com/blended/?campaign-code=D000BLENDG&amp;cru_medium=DesktopHeaderNav&amp;cru_campaign=Blended">donation to the blended team</a>.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

Wondering how to rewire your brain? Dr. Lee Warren joins Ron Deal on FamilyLife Blended to explore hope, healing, and the power of renewing your mind.

201: How to Rewire Your Brain--When Life Feels Hopeless

Ron Introduces Kim Walker-Smith

Parentified Protector Identity

Abuse Memories & Faith Questions

Stress Coping Patterns

Stepdad’s Steadfast Love

Worship Hopeful Closing 

Childhood-trauma healing doesn't erase the past—but it can change your future. Worship leader Kim Walker-Smith shares how growing up through divorce, multiple stepfathers, abuse, and loss shaped her life, and how one faithful stepdad became a picture of hope. On FamilyLife Blended, Ron Deal explores what healing can look like for anyone carrying wounds from a broken family.

Show Notes and Resources
Watch this episode on YouTube 
Learn about Kim Walker-Smith
Browse free blended resources
Give a tax deductible gift

Childhood-trauma healing doesn't erase the past&mdash;but it can change your future. Worship leader Kim Walker-Smith shares how growing up through divorce, multiple stepfathers, abuse, and loss shaped her life, and how one faithful stepdad became a picture of hope. On FamilyLife Blended, Ron Deal explores what healing can look like for anyone carrying wounds from a broken family.
Show Notes and Resources
<ul>
<li><a href="https://youtu.be/MjTFoMAUOYU">Watch this episode on YouTube</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li>Learn about <a href="https://kimwalkersmith.com/">Kim Walker-Smith</a></li>
<li>Browse <a href="https://familylifeblended.com">free blended resources</a></li>
<li>Give a <a href="https://donate.familylife.com/blended/?campaign-code=D000BLENDG&amp;cru_medium=DesktopHeaderNav&amp;cru_campaign=Blended">tax deductible gift</a></li>
</ul>

Childhood-trauma healing is possible. Kim Walker-Smith joins Ron Deal on FamilyLife Blended to share her journey from family trauma to hope.

200: Childhood-trauma Healing: When One Stepparent Changed Everything

Ron Introduces Michelle Nietert

Calming Kids Big Emotions

Assume the Best

Sibling Rivalry Reset

Transitions Trigger Big Emotions

Powerlessness and Parenting Time

Help Hope and Next Steps

Helping kids with big emotions starts with understanding what's really driving them. Counselor Michelle Nietert joins Ron Deal to unpack why kids in blended families often struggle with grief, overwhelm, and divided loyalties—and how parents can respond without making things worse. On FamilyLife Blended, discover practical ways to become the calm, steady presence your child needs most.

Show Notes and Resources
Watch this episode on YouTube 
Learn about Michelle Nietert, LPC and get a copy of one of her book
List of Christian Stepfamily Therapists
Give a donation to help strengthen blended families

Helping kids with big emotions starts with understanding what's really driving them. Counselor Michelle Nietert joins Ron Deal to unpack why kids in blended families often struggle with grief, overwhelm, and divided loyalties&mdash;and how parents can respond without making things worse. On FamilyLife Blended, discover practical ways to become the calm, steady presence your child needs most.
Show Notes and Resources
<ul>
<li><a href="https://youtu.be/dmunMnQHt0o">Watch this episode on YouTube</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://michellenietert.com/">Learn about Michelle Nietert, LPC and get a copy of one of her book</a></li>
<li><a href="httpshttps://smartstepfamilies.com/smart-help/therapy-prohttps://smartstepfamilies.com/smart-help/therapy-providersviders://smartstepfamilies.com/smart-help/therapy-providers">List of Christian Stepfamily Therapists</a></li>
<li><a href="https://donate.familylife.com/blended/?campaign-code=D000BLENDG&amp;cru_medium=DesktopHeaderNav&amp;cru_campaign=Blended">Give a donation to help strengthen blended families</a></li>
</ul>

Helping kids with big emotions isn't about fixing every feeling. Therapist Michelle Nietert joins Ron Deal on FamilyLife Blended with practical help for overwhelmed parents.

198: Remarriage After the Death of a Spouse: Why It's Harder Than You Think

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