Blended Family Breakthrough

By Mike & Kim AndersonSociety & Culture Relationships Parenting Kids & Family

Blended Family Breakthrough episodes

May 06, 2025 Simple Step: A Positive Approach to Building Trust
Resources
Episode 129. What does it take to build and maintain trust in your relationship?
Episode 119. 6 Tips to Grow Empathy and Create More Connection in Your Marriage
Episode 203. How to Make Better Decisions and Solve Problems as a United Team
Episode 108. 3 Unity Breakers that are Detrimental to Your Connection and How You Can Avoid Them
Episode 206. Avoid These 5 Common Pitfalls to Ensure a Successful Partnership
Episode 192. A Simple Process to Navigate Sensitive Conversations About Each Other's Kids
Episode 154. What practical and emotional shifts can you expect as you blend your family?
Episode 107. 3 Disheartening Realities That No Couple Wants To Go Through - But We all Have To
Episode 187. Basics for Blending: How to Tolerate and Manage Discomfort and Distress (Part 1 of 2)
Episode 160. A 4-Part Framework for Achievable Expectations and How to Live Them Out
Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question
Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show? Let us know!
We've made it easy. Just click here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/share
Ready for some extra support?
We all need some extra support along the blending journey — we're here to help. You can connect with us for a free coaching call to see how we might help you experience more clarity, confidence, and connection in your home. Schedule your free call here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/free-call
Subscribe or Follow the Show
Are you subscribed or following the podcast yet? If not, we want to encourage you to do that today so you don't miss a single episode.
Click here to subscribe in Apple Podcasts
Click here to follow on Spotify
Leave a Review in Apple Podcasts
If you’re feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they’re fun for us to read too! :-) Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you, we really appreciate your feedback!

7 min
April 29, 2025209. Breaking Free from Self-Doubt: 5 Habits to Build Confidence and Trust in Yourself
If you've ever wrestled with second-guessing yourself, feeling stuck in past mistakes, or wondering if you can truly trust yourself again, you're not alone.
In this episode, we open up about the very real struggles with self-doubt that we’ve faced personally and that we often see in the blended couples we coach.
Together, we're exploring five powerful habits that can help you break free from the cycle of self-doubt and start building real, lasting confidence. We’ll share practical mindset shifts and simple steps you can take today to start building more self-trust.
We hope that you’ll walk away feeling seen, encouraged, and ready to believe in yourself again — because real healing, growth, and breakthrough are possible.
You'll Discover:
5 essential habits to break free from self-doubt and trust in yourself
Replace self-criticism with self-compassion.
Conquer fear, guilt, and worry.
Embrace a growth mindset.
Speak up with confidence.
Let go of perfectionism by adjusting your expectations.
Why your daily habits matter more than your genetics or past experiences when it comes to self-confidence.
Simple tools to overcome self-sabotaging habits and learn to trust yourself.
Resources from this Episode:
Check out our supportive community, Blending Together
Soundtracks by Jon Acuff
The Beginner's Guide to Self-Compassion by Nick Wignall
Episode 99. 3 Tips to Help You Move Beyond Painful Guilt and Regret
Episode 180. Break free from Guilt and Blend with Authenticity and Security
Episode 179. Conquer Fear and Embrace Your Blend with Confidence and Clarity
Episode 165. How important is your mindset when it comes to blended family life?
Episode 50. How to Openly Communicate What You Really Want (Assertive Communication)
What Causes Perfectionism and How to Get Over It by Nick Wignall
Episode 14. 3 Helpful Steps to Overcome Your "Perfectionist" Ideals and Disappointments
Episode 187. Basics for Blending: How to Tolerate and Manage Discomfort and Distress (Part 1 of 2)
Ready for some extra support?
We're here to help! Schedule your free coaching call here: https://calendly.com/mikeandkimcoaching/freesession
Leave a Review in Apple Podcasts
We would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts . Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
35 min
April 22, 2025 Simple Step: Building Respect with Teens
Additional Resources
Episode 178. Suriving the Turbulent Teen Years: Expert Insight and Strategies for Today's Parent [with Dr. Michael Bradley]
Episode 124. How to Effectively Parent Through Each Stage of Development - and Reduce Painful Interactions (Part 1)
Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question
Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show? Let us know!
We've made it easy. Just click here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/share
Ready for some extra support?
We all need some extra support along the blending journey — we're here to help. You can connect with us for a free coaching call to see how we might help you experience more clarity, confidence, and connection in your home. Schedule your free call here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/free-call
Subscribe or Follow the Show
Are you subscribed or following the podcast yet? If not, we want to encourage you do that today so you don't miss a single episode.
Click here to subscribe in Apple Podcasts
Click here to follow on Spotify
Leave a Review in Apple Podcasts
If you’re feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts, too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they’re fun for us to read too! :-) Just click here to Review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you. We really appreciate your feedback!

10 min
April 15, 2025208. The Transfer of Power: A Smart Strategy for Stepparents Left in Charge
In this episode, we share a practical and powerful strategy to help step-parents confidently navigate solo time with their stepchildren.
Whether you're a biological parent or a step-parent, this episode is for you! You'll discover how preparation, communication, and teamwork can transform tension into opportunities for connection.
The key? A simple but often overlooked strategy called the Transfer of Power. You don't want to 'wing it' when flying solo with step-kids — instead, be smart and plan for success.
You'll Discover:
Why solo time can trigger anxiety, fear, or dread for step-parents
How the "Transfer of Power" can set the step-parent up for success - and the critical role of the bio-parent
Steps to prepare beforehand: Anticipate tension, plan for fun, and discuss expectations
How to manage yourself and the kids during solo time — without power struggles
Simple strategies to stay calm and set kind, clear boundaries
How to reflect as a couple and make improvements for next time
Resources from this Episode:
Episode 192. A Simple Process to Navigate Sensitive Conversations About Each Other's Kids
Episode 204. 4 Facets of Stepparenting: Defining Appropriate Roles and Responsibilities (Part 1 of 2)
Episode 187. Basics for Blending: How to Tolerate and Manage Discomfort and Distress (Part 1 of 2)
Episode 158. An Effective Stepparenting Approach Focused on What Works - and What Doesn't
Episode 159. How to Stay Hopeful as a Stepparent When You're Continually Rejected and Hurt
Episode 85. How to Uniquely Build More Love and Connection in Your Blended Family [with Ron Deal]
Episode 37. Why do kids struggle to accept their stepparent?
Episode 39. How to Create Strong Bonds with Resistant Stepkids
Ready for some extra support?
We all need some extra support along the blending journey — we're here to help. You can connect with us for a free coaching call to see how we might help you experience more clarity, confidence, and connection in your home. Schedule your free call here: https://calendly.com/mikeandkimcoaching/freesession
Subscribe or Follow the Show
Are you subscribed or following the podcast yet? If not, we want to encourage you do that today so you don't miss a single episode.
Click here to subscribe in Apple Podcasts
Click here to follow on Spotify
Leave a Review in Apple Podcasts
We would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts, too. Your review will help others find our podcast. :-) Just click here to Review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review”. Thank you. We really appreciate your feedback!
33 min
April 08, 2025 Simple Step: Helping Kids Navigate Change
Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question
Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show? Let us know!
We've made it easy. Just click here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/share
Ready for some extra support?
We all need some extra support along the blending journey — we're here to help. You can connect with us for a free coaching call to see how we might help you experience more clarity, confidence, and connection in your home. Schedule your free call here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/free-call
Subscribe or Follow the Show
Are you subscribed or following the podcast yet? If not, we want to encourage you to do that today so you don't miss a single episode.
Click here to subscribe in Apple Podcasts
Click here to follow on Spotify
Leave a Review in Apple Podcasts
If you’re feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they’re fun for us to read too! :-) Just click here to Review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you, we really appreciate your feedback!
9 min
April 01, 2025207. 4 Big Myths About Parenting When an Ex Has Different Rules and How to Build Consistency
Parenting in a blended family can be tough — especially when your ex has completely different rules and expectations.
Today, we're tackling a common source of frustration: navigating household differences. We'll uncover the four biggest myths that keep blended couples stuck and reveal the counteractive truths that bring clarity, confidence, and collaboration.
Plus, we’ll share our Four A’s strategy for communicating with your ex to build more consistency between homes.
You'll Discover:
The four myths about parenting across different households—and what you can do to move beyond delusion, confusion, and frustration.
How to establish healthy boundaries in your home without trying to control the other home.
Why "Our home is our zone" should be your mantra.
How to avoid fear-based parenting and hold firm to your values—even when they don't align with the other home.
A simple four-step communication framework to foster better co-parenting collaboration and create more consistency for your kids.
Resources from this Episode:
All Episodes on Parenting and Discipline
All Episodes on Co-Parenting
Ready for some extra support?
We all need some extra support along the blending journey — we're here to help. You can connect with us for a free coaching call to see how we might help you experience more clarity, confidence, and connection in your home. Schedule your free call here: https://calendly.com/mikeandkimcoaching/freesession
Subscribe or Follow the Show
Are you subscribed or following the podcast yet? If not, we want to encourage you do that today so you don't miss a single episode.
Click here to subscribe in Apple Podcasts
Click here to follow on Spotify
Leave a Review in Apple Podcasts
If you’re feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they’re fun for us to read too! :-) Just click here to Review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you. We really appreciate your feedback!
47 min
March 25, 2025 Simple Step: Co-Parenting Pitfalls
Resources
Episode 135. How to Set Appropriate Boundaries and Negotiate Well with your Ex-Spouse
Episode 188. Basics for Blending: How to Tolerate and Manage Discomfort and Distress
Episode 153. How to Empower Organization, Improve Communication and Create Peace Between Your Kids Two Homes
Episode 112. 3 Dangerous Dynamics That Can Destroy Co-Parenting - And Hurt the Kids
Episode 113. How to Respond When Being Disregarded, Devalued, or Dismissed by Your Former Spouse
Episode 67. The Best Co-Parenting Strategy That You Already Know
Episode 31. Unexpected Ways to Improve How You Cope with You Ex
Episode 33. How to Cope with a Difficult Ex and Protect Your Kids
Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question
Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show? Let us know!
We've made it easy. Just click here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/share
Ready for some extra support?
We all need some extra support along the blending journey — we're here to help. You can connect with us for a free coaching call to see how we might help you experience more clarity, confidence, and connection in your home. Schedule your free call here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/free-call
Subscribe or Follow the Show
Are you subscribed or following the podcast yet? If not, we want to encourage you do that today so you don't miss a single episode.
Click here to subscribe in Apple Podcasts
Click here to follow on Spotify
Leave a Review in Apple Podcasts
If you’re feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts, too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they’re fun for us to read too! :-) Just click here to Review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you. We really appreciate your feedback!
6 min
March 18, 2025206. Avoid These 5 Common Pitfalls to Ensure a Successful Partnership
Does it ever feel like you are miles apart as a couple when it comes to leading your blended family?
In this episode, we dive into the most common partnership pitfalls that couples face. From feeling unheard and untrusted to navigating misaligned parenting expectations, we unpack the challenges that often create disconnection, stress and conflict. We also share practical tools to shift from frustration to deeper connection, trust, and teamwork.
You'll Discover:
How assumptions about each other's motives can fuel conflict
The impact of feeling unheard or untrusted in a blended family dynamic
Practical strategies to stay connected and solve problems together
How to build resiliency and effective communication in your relationship
Resources from this Episode:
Episode 204. 4 Facets of Stepparenting: Defining Appropriate Roles and Responsibilities (Part 1)
Episode 205. 4 Facets of Parenting: What Bio-Parents Need to Know to Achieve Best Outcomes (Part 2)
Episode 154. What practical and emotional shifts can you expect as you blend your family?
Episode 134. How to Make Good Decisions in Tough Situations and Stay Connected as a Couple
Episode 59. Why are you stuck in a Parent-Child Allegiance?
Episode 160. A 4-Part Framework for Achievable Expectations and How to Live Them Out
Episode 167. Achievable Strategies to Make Your Marriage the Foundation of Your Blended Family
Episode 202. How to Break Free from Painful Cycles and Enjoy Deeper Levels of Intimacy [with Ron & Nan Deal]
Episode 187. Basics for Blending: How to Tolerate and Manage Discomfort and Distress
Episode 192. A Simple Process to Navigate Sensitive Conversations About Each Other's Kids
Episode 147. Do sensitive conversations end up creating conflict in your relationship?
Episode 203. How to Make Better Decisions and Solve Problems as a United Team
Episode 79. 4 Conflict Communication Patterns That are Hurtful and Toxic to Your Relationship
Episode 172. 2 Key Elements to Resolve Your Parenting Style Differences - And Get United
Episode 139. The Most Common, Challenging Pain Point Every Blended Couple Experiences (The Trapped Teammate / Stranded Stranger Dynamic)
Ready for some extra support?
We all need some extra support along the blending journey — we're here to help. You can connect with us for a FREE coaching call to see how we might help you experience more clarity, confidence, and connection in your home. Schedule your free call here: https://calendly.com/mikeandkimcoaching/freesession
42 min
March 11, 2025 Simple Step: Effective Consequences
Resources
Episode 74. How to Develop Appropriate and Effective Consequences that Empower Responsibility
Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question
Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show? Let us know!
We've made it easy. Just click here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/share
Ready for some extra support?
We all need some extra support along the blending journey — we're here to help. You can connect with us for a free coaching call to see how we might help you experience more clarity, confidence, and connection in your home. Schedule your free call here: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/free-call
Subscribe or Follow the Show
Are you subscribed or following the podcast yet? If not, we want to encourage you to do that today so you don't miss a single episode.
Click here to subscribe in Apple Podcasts
Click here to follow on Spotify
Leave a Review in Apple Podcasts
If you’re feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they’re fun for us to read too! :-) Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you, we really appreciate your feedback!
9 min
March 04, 2025205. 4 Facets of Parenting: What Bio Parents Need to Know to Achieve Best Outcomes (Part 2)
We know firsthand that parenting in a blended family isn’t the same as parenting in a first family. A biological parent's role is crucial in helping kids adjust to change, supporting step-relationships, and keeping things running smoothly.
But here’s the challenge—many bio parents either hold too tightly to their old parenting patterns or step back too quickly and expect their spouse to fill in. Both can create major tension.
In this episode, we’re breaking down the four key facets of parenting and defining the roles and responsibilities of the bio-parent:
Meeting practical needs while avoiding unnecessary friction
Providing support while managing shifting priorities
Teaching important life lessons - and overcoming parental blind spots
Delivering discipline in a way that strengthens relationships rather than tearing them apart
If you’ve ever felt stuck between your kids and your spouse—or if you’ve struggled with guilt, fear, or parental paralysis—this episode is for you.
You'll Discover:
The most common 'easy wrong turns' that bio parents make when trying to “blend” the family
How to avoid creating unnecessary frustration, and resentment in your home
Why bio parents need to lead in discipline—and how to set step relationships up for success
How to provide boundaries and emotional support for your kids without letting guilt or fear take over
Strategies for building an effective parenting partnership — even when you see things differently
Resources from this Episode:
Episode 204. 4 Facets of Parenting: Clarifying the Roles and Responsibilities (Part 1)
Episode 163. How Intentionality Helped One Couple to Accomplish a Successful Blend [with Sean & Staci]
Episode 81. How a Missing Bio-Parent Impacts Kids in the Delicate Blending Process (Part 1 of 2)
Episode 132. How do loss and grief impact blended family integration?
Episode 108. 3 Unity Breakers that are Detrimental to Your Connection and How You Can Avoid Them
Episode 139. The Most Common, Challenging Pain Point Every Blended Couple Experiences (Trapped Teammate / Stranded Stranger Dynamic)
Episode 168. Actionable Steps For Helping Kids Navigate Through Difficult Emotions and Problem Solve
Episode 49. Should your highest priority be your marriage - or your kids?
Episode 25. How to Survive Time Alone with Your Step-Kids (Transfer of Power Strategy)
Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child by John Gottman
Ready for some extra support?
We all need some extra support along the blending journey — we're here to help. You can connect with us for a free coaching call to see how we might help you experience more clarity, confidence, and connection in your home. Schedule your free call here: https://calendly.com/mikeandkimcoaching/freesession
40 min

About Blended Family Breakthrough

From the publisher's feed

We're Mike and Kim Anderson, and we believe in a world where blended families experience a future full of hope, connection, and peace. That's why we focus on helping couples in stepfamilies…