

179: From Shock to Strength: Unplanned Pregnancy in a Blended Family
15/12/2025 | 1h 3 mins.
What happens when God’s good plan lobs an unplanned pregnancy into a blended family? Jay and Tammy Daughtry chat about shock, grace, and choosing love over shame. From unfiltered Day One reactions to faith-fueled healing, they offer a blueprint for both welcoming chaos and blessing it. This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to turn unexpected blended-family moments into hope-filled family legacies. Show Notes and Resources Ron and Nan's schedule Learn about The Daughtrys coparentinginternational.com Unplanned Grandparenting Give a year end gift and it will be doubled! See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

178: We Struggled to Blend. Now We Help Blended Families Thrive
01/12/2025 | 58 mins.
Their first Christmas nearly broke them. Five kids, two parenting styles, zero prep. But Scott and Deana Thayer didn’t quit—they built a blended family from mismatched traditions, co-parenting chaos, and grace-fueled grit. As a couple now helping blended families thrive, the Thayers share hard-won wisdom, church-sized challenges, and the “95/5” rule that saved their sanity. Blending isn’t easy—but it’s worth every messy, beautiful step. Show Notes and Resources Gift a copy of Gayla's new devotional, Beautifully Blended Access the free Smart Stepfamily Series Look for a small group online Blended & Blessed is April 18, 2026 Find a qualified counselor for your marriage and family Support FamilyLife Blended See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

177: Gary Chapman: Keys to a Successful Marriage
17/11/2025 | 39 mins.
What if your marriage pivoted on three humble questions? Dr. Gary Chapman—yes, the Five Love Languages guy—gets real about early struggles, foot-washing humility, and how servant-hearted love transformed his 64-year marriage. Blended families, take heart: Far from fluff, these are faith-fueled, grit-tested keys to a successful marriage--as well as messy love, lasting connection, and conflict that doesn’t destroy. Find real talk, deep grace, and hope you can hold onto. Show Notes and Resources Order a copy of Gary and Ron's book, Building Love Together Access blended resources and sign up for our free newsletter Meet Ron and Nan in person at a speaking event! RonDeal.org Discover your love language, learn more about Dr. Chapman, or get a copy of his new book, A Simple Guide for A Better Marriage 5lovelanguages.com Make a tax deductible donation See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

176: How to Help Kids Cope with Divorce and Remarriage
03/11/2025 | 51 mins.
Divorce…hurts. But for kids caught in the middle, it can feel like the world has split in two. How can you help kids cope with divorce and remarriage? Summer Butler, creator of Blended: Navigating Life Between Two Homes, cracks open a healing workbook for kids juggling two homes, big feelings, and confusing rules. Hear her raw story, then discover how drawing, writing, and boundary-setting can bring clarity, comfort—and even joy. Show Notes and Resources Learn about Summer, and get her workbook, BLENDED, Navigating Life Between Two Homes www.blendedbookco.com Search for virtual groups Get the 2025 Summit All-access digital pass Order a copy of The Mindful Marriage Make donation to FamilyLife Blended The next Smart Stepfamily Therapy training See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

175: Blended Holidays Are Complicated. Here’s How They Made It Work
20/10/2025 | 56 mins.
What do red sweaters, a ski trip “familymoon,” and a Christmas sleepover have to do with healing after loss? A lot, actually. Join pastor and author Rob Bugh, pediatrician Rhonda Williams Bugh, and their adult kids Kyle and Nate as they revisit the rocky, grace-filled early years of blending two grieving families—and navigating those first blended holidays. It's raw, real, and rich with hope and hard-won wisdom. Show Notes and Resources Summit on Stepfamily Ministry details Find a virtual group for blended family couples Order a copy of When the Bottom Drops Out The next Smart Stepfamily Therapy training International Therapy provider list FamilyLife Resources and Events See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy



FamilyLife Blended® Podcast