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.

199: Helping Kids With Big Emotions: Why They're Not Just "Acting Out"

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>

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

Ron Introduces Blake Hudspeth

Grief and Forgiveness

Building Safety and Stepparent Wins

Co-Parenting In Crisis

Creating Emotional Safety

Leaning In With Honesty

Church Support For Blended Families

Many kids grieving divorce never have words for what they're carrying. Blake Hudspeth grew up through four different stepfamilies and knows how family change can shape a child's view of love, trust, and belonging. On FamilyLife Blended, Ron Deal talks with Blake about the grief parents often overlook, the questions kids rarely ask out loud, and why feeling "fine" isn't always the whole story.

Show Notes and Resources
Watch this episode on YouTube 
Get a free download for how to build love with your stepchild
Read the article: Bridge Building: Strengthening Relationships with Stepchildren
Get your copy of The Mindful Marriage
Ministering to students tips sheet
Send the Blended team a donation

Many kids grieving divorce never have words for what they're carrying. Blake Hudspeth grew up through four different stepfamilies and knows how family change can shape a child's view of love, trust, and belonging. On FamilyLife Blended, Ron Deal talks with Blake about the grief parents often overlook, the questions kids rarely ask out loud, and why feeling "fine" isn't always the whole story.
Show Notes and Resources
<ul>
<li><a href="https://youtu.be/Zpvls2wyeSs">Watch this episode on YouTube</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://www.familylife.com/content-offers/building-love-with-the-five-ps-of-stepparenting/">Get a free download for how to build love with your stepchild</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.familylife.com/articles/topics/blended-family/stepparents/developing-a-relationship-with-stepchildren/bridge-building-strengthening-relationships-with-stepchildren/">Read the article: Bridge Building: Strengthening Relationships with Stepchildren</a></li>
<li><a href="https://shop.familylife.com/product/the-mindful-marriage/">Get your copy of The Mindful Marriage</a></li>
<li><a href="https://additional-pdfs.s3.amazonaws.com/MinisteringToStudentsInStepfamilies_2020.pdf">Ministering to students tips sheet</a></li>
<li><a href="https://donate.familylife.com/blended/?campaign-code=D000BLENDG&amp;cru_medium=DesktopHeaderNav&amp;cru_campaign=Blended">Send the Blended team a donation</a></li>
</ul>

Many kids grieving divorce never have words for what they're carrying. Blake Hudspeth grew up through four different stepfamilies and knows how family change can shape a child's view of love, trust, and belonging. On FamilyLife Blended, Ron Deal talks with Blake about the grief parents often overlook, the questions kids rarely ask out loud, and why feeling "fine" isn't always the whole story.

197: What Kids Grieving Divorce Wish Parents Knew

Ron Introduces Montell and Kristin Jordan

Kristin Growing Up Blended

Montell Adoption Story

Debt and Divorce Fallout

Choosing Marriage Stability

Adoption and Trust Tests

From Music to Marriage Ministry

Blended family life can feel like walking into someone else’s story: guarded kids, mixed loyalties, no clear playbook. Montell Jordan—the artist best known for his hit, "This Is How We Do It"—and his wife Kristen join Ron Deal to unpack growing up in the chaos—and what kids wish adults understood but rarely say.

Show Notes and Resources
Learn about Montell and Kristin's ministry
Dozens of free blended resources for you
Find a small group in your area
Reserve your cabin on the Love Like You Mean It Cruise! 
Register to receive your access link to The Smart Stepfamily on Right Now Media 

Blended family life can feel like walking into someone else&rsquo;s story: guarded kids, mixed loyalties, no clear playbook. Montell Jordan&mdash;the artist best known for his hit, "This Is How We Do It"&mdash;and his wife Kristen join Ron Deal to unpack growing up in the chaos&mdash;and what kids wish adults understood but rarely say.
Show Notes and Resources
<ul>
<li><a href="https://montellandkristin.com/">Learn about Montell and Kristin's ministry</a></li>
<li><a href="https://familylifeblended.com">Dozens of free blended resources for you</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.familylife.com/familylifeblended/find-an-event/">Find a small group in your area</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.lovelikeyoumeanitcruise.com/">Reserve your cabin on the Love Like You Mean It Cruise!</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://www.familylife.com/familylifeblended/the-smart-stepfamily-ministry/">Register to receive your access link to The Smart Stepfamily on Right Now Media</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Blended family life can feel like walking into someone else’s story: guarded kids, mixed loyalties, no clear playbook. Montell Jordan—the artist best known for his hit, "This Is How We Do It"—and his wife Kristen join Ron Deal to unpack growing up in the chaos—and what kids wish adults understood but rarely say. 

196: Growing Up Blended: Montell and Kristin Jordan

Ron Introduces Debbie Alsdorf

Family Story and Healing as Kids Grow

10 Stepmom Do-Overs 

Kids Need Support

Reset Step Discipline

Regulate Emotions

Higher Road Finale

https://fl-podcasts.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/FLBP/pdf/FLBp2026-07-27.pdf

https://fl-podcasts.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/FLBP/docs/FLBp20260727_S08_E195.docx

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 

 

 

Blending a family isn&rsquo;t a Hallmark montage. It&rsquo;s a minefield of hurt feelings, mixed loyalties, and second-guessing...everything. Debbie Alsdorf shares hard-won &ldquo;do-overs&rdquo; from 36 years as a stepmom&mdash;what she got wrong, what she&rsquo;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
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.familylife.com/familylifeblended/blended-families/">Access blended resources familylifeblended.com </a></li>
<li><a href="https://donate.familylife.com/blended/?campaign-code=D000BLENDG&amp;cru_medium=DesktopHeaderNav&amp;cru_campaign=Blended">Give to Familylife Blended directly</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li>Watch the show, <a href="https://youtube.com/live/GdRPoARKA3I?feature=share">Renewed Hope for the year, on Women &amp; Blended Families&nbsp;</a></li>
<li>Read Debbie's article, "<a href="https://shaunti.com/2024/07/10-things-i-would-do-over-as-a-stepmom/">10 Things I Would Do Over as a Stepmom</a>"&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://debbiealsdorf.com/">More about Debbie and her ministry</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Blending a family isn’t a Hallmark montage—it’s messy and complex. Debbie Alsdorf shares lessons from 36 years as a stepmom: mistakes, do-overs, and what truly helped her fractured family become one. Real advice, no fantasy. 

195: Stepmom Advice: 10 Things I Would Do Over as a Stepmother

Introduction with Ron Deal & Gayla Grace

Ron Introduces Cheryl Shumake

The Phrase “God Hates Divorce”

Malachi 2:16 and What Hate Means

Who Hates Divorce?

Malachi Context Explained

God’s Divorce with Israel

A Better Church Message

https://fl-podcasts.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/FLBP/pdf/FLBP2026-07-13.pdf

https://fl-podcasts.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/FLBP/docs/FLBP20260713_S08_E194.docx

"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 

"God hates divorce": you&rsquo;ve heard it, maybe felt crushed by it. Cheryl Shumake joins Ron Deal and Gayla Grace to pull apart what Malachi 2 really says&mdash;and what it doesn&rsquo;t. If you&rsquo;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
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.familylife.com/familylifeblended/blended-families/">Blended family resources familylifeblended.com </a></li>
<li><a href="https://donate.familylife.com/blended/?campaign-code=D000BLENDG&amp;cru_medium=DesktopHeaderNav&amp;cru_campaign=Blended">Give to Familylife Blended directly</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.familylife.com/learn/certificate-in-blended-family-ministry/">Blended ministry certificate&nbsp;</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.familylife.com/familylifeblended/start-a-stepfamily-ministry/">Start a stepfamily ministry</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

“God hates divorce”—you’ve heard it, maybe felt crushed. Cheryl Shumake, Ron Deal, and Gayla Grace unpack Malachi 2—what it says and doesn’t—offering clarity, truth, and hope for those feeling judged or stuck.

194: What “God Hates Divorce” Gets Right—and Very Wrong

Introduction

Ron Introduces Matthew & Joanna Raabsmith

Their Betrayal Story

 Healing Past Trauma

Awareness & Confession

Repair After Betrayal

Pornography And Forgiveness

Rebuilding Intimacy Together

https://fl-podcasts.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/FLBP/pdf/FLBp2026-06-29.pdf

https://fl-podcasts.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/FLBP/docs/FLBp20260629_S08_E193.docx

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 

You thought you were rebuilding after sexual betrayal&mdash;whether from this marriage or the previous&mdash;but something still feels off: Distance. Triggers. Questions you can&rsquo;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&rsquo;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
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.familylife.com/familylifeblended/find-an-event/">Find a Mindful Marriage event and small group in your state</a>&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Access blended resources <a href="https://www.familylife.com/familylifeblended/blended-families/">familylifeblended.com </a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://raabsmithteam.com/">Learn more about The Raabsmiths&nbsp;</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://smartstepfamilies.com/smart-help/therapy-providers">Look through the list of Smart Stepfamily Therapists&nbsp;</a>
</li>
</ul>

Rebuilding after sexual betrayal but still feel off? Matthew and Joanna Raabsmith explain how betrayal trauma impacts brain, body, and marriage—and why quick fixes fail. A slower, sturdier path builds real intimacy and restored trust.

193: Restoring Trust After Sexual Betrayal

Ron Introduces Dr. Jim Burns

Why Adult Kids Stray

Tough Love and Staying Connected

Rebuilding After Estrangement

Circle Of Support

https://fl-podcasts.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/FLBP/pdf/FLBp2026-06-15.pdf

https://fl-podcasts.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/FLBP/docs/FLBp20260615_S08_E192.docx

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 blended@familylife.com
Learn about Jim, Homeword, and get his book, When Your Adult Child Strays 
Give a tax-deductible gift 
Ron's speaking schedule 

You raised them right&mdash;so why does it feel like you&rsquo;re losing them? Jim Burns steps into the ache parents don&rsquo;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&mdash;and what actually keeps the door open.
Show Notes and Resources
<ul>
<li>Email us<a href="mailto:%20blended@familylife.com"> blended@familylife.com</a></li>
<li><a href="https://homeword.com/">Learn about Jim, Homeword, and get his book, When Your Adult Child Strays&nbsp;</a></li>
<li><a href="https://donate.familylife.com/blended/?cru_source=D000BLENDG&amp;cru_medium=DesktopHeaderNav&amp;cru_campaign=Blended">Give a tax-deductible gift</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://smartstepfamilies.com/events/find-an-event">Ron's speaking schedule</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

You raised them with loving intentions—so why the distance? Jim Burns addresses parents’ regret and fear, sharing what to do when pushing backfires—and how to keep the door open with your adult child.

192: Jim Burns: When Adult Children Stray

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

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