FamilyLife Blended® Podcast

• 178: We Struggled to Blend. Now We Help Blended Families Thrive

  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

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• 177: Gary Chapman: Keys to a Successful Marriage

  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

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• 176: How to Help Kids Cope with Divorce and Remarriage

  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

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• 175: Blended Holidays Are Complicated. Here’s How They Made It Work

  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

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• 174: More Than Just A Stepparent: Helping a Grieving Child Heal

  When a child loses a parent, grief doesn't end for them. And when they join a stepfamily, we need to come alongside them with love and support as parents and stepparents as we honor their pain and memories. Ron Deal talks with Diane Fromme about what helps and what hinders, especially as stepparents with grieving stepchildren. Fromme explains how a stepparent can never replace a biological parent and functions as an "and," not an "instead." Stepparents will likely face rejection, insecurity, and feelings of being an outsider; however, with humility and ongoing love and support, they can, over time, develop meaningful and significant relationships with stepchildren following loss. Show Notes and Resources Learn about Diane and get a copy of, Stepparenting the Grieving Child You can still register for the Summit on Stepfamily Ministry Find a small group on the searchable map and browse Ron's speaking schedule Send a gift to help with FamilyLife Blended's work See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

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