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Hosts: Pastor Danny & Dr. Amelia Cole
 Guests: Min. David & Dr. Cynthia Goodin

✨ Episode Snapshot

In this follow-up conversation, Danny and Amelia continue their powerful dialogue with Min. David and Dr. Cynthia Goodin, diving deeper into the practical realities of blended family life. From debunking common myths to offering actionable advice for overwhelmed couples, the Goodins share hard-won wisdom about setting boundaries, managing expectations, and finding breakthrough moments in the chaos.

Listeners will walk away with concrete tools for navigating blended family dynamics, including the 32 questions every couple should ask before blending families, why it takes five years to build what takes a nuclear family one year, and how to create healthy boundaries with ex-partners and children. This episode is essential listening for anyone in or entering a blended family situation.

🎧 In This Episode

✔️ The dangerous myth that "good hearts" are enough to blend families successfully
✔️ Why blended families are actually blending SEVEN families (not just two)
✔️ The 32 critical questions to ask before committing to a blended family
✔️ How to "dumb down your expectations" and why this advice could save your marriage
✔️ The two-year emotional adjustment period children need in blended families
✔️ Why children should spend one-on-one time with their biological parent
✔️ How David and Cynthia went from near-divorce to becoming the elders they couldn't find
✔️ Creating a family vision statement that includes the children

💬 Favorite Quotes

"You have to dumb down your expectations. What takes place in a nuclear family might take you five years to get there with a blended family." — Min. David Goodin

"The children are the ones that determine if the marriage is gonna make it... they're hoping their biological parents get back together. And that's a legitimate prayer." — Min. David Goodin

"My faith has always been strong, but I had to learn the difference between natural love and God's love and how to love these kids the way God would love them." — Dr. Cynthia Goodin

"Write a vision for your family. Just like a corporate job has a mission statement on the wall, do it for your family." — Dr. Cynthia Goodin

🎯 Take Action

✨ If you're considering a blended family, get pre-engagement or premarital counseling from someone who specializes in blended families
✨ Spend the first year building friendship with stepchildren—not forcing parent-child roles
✨ Create alternating holiday and summer schedules that give both biological parents breaks
✨ Write a family mission and vision statement together—and include the kids in age-appropriate ways
✨ Contact the Goodins for specialized blended family counseling at https://www.agoodinfamilyaffair.com
✨ Subscribe to A Goodin Family Affair podcast for ongoing encouragement and resources
✨ Get your copy of Pursuit of Passion at danny.amelia.org for deeper marriage work
✨ Remember: You're never too broken for God to bless you

You don't have to blend alone. There is hope and help available.

Order Danny and Amelia's Book, Pursuit of Passion, and begin your journey of deeper love and lasting passion at https://www.dannyamelia.org/.