Michele introduces her siblings, Lynn and Kevin, who share their unique perspectives on growing up in different branches of the same blended family tree.

• Lynn and Kevin discuss how they describe their family to others—Lynn's glass door analogy and Kevin's "huge family that loves to party" approach
• Both siblings share surprising similarities despite having no blood relation—both diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, both work with youth, both love the outdoors
• Kevin recalls the meaningful moment when his stepdad asked if he wanted to be part of the family and if he could call him "dad"
• They explore how household dynamics changed when siblings would leave for custody arrangements with other parents
• Kevin and Lynn reflect on building authentic relationships with step-siblings over time, with Kevin noting his relationship with his stepbrother feels "earned"
• Lynn shares her experience of being severely bullied in school and how that affected her awareness of Michele's custody schedule

Join us next week for part two of this conversation as we continue to explore the messiness and beauty of blended families.

Family is messy. Family is complex. And blended families? They add layers of complexity that can sometimes leave us feeling isolated in our experiences. But what if we could gather around a table and simply share our stories?

That's the heart behind Blended, not Shaken. As someone raised in a sprawling blended family (the oldest of nine half-siblings with a 29-year age gap to my youngest brother!), I've experienced firsthand how these unique family structures shape us. Far from being "broken," our evolving family units are filled with beauty, challenges, and unexpected gifts that deserve to be celebrated rather than stigmatized.

This podcast creates space for the diverse voices within blended families; from stepparents navigating their new roles to children shuttling between households, from grieving widows building new lives to foster parents expanding their hearts. We'll hear from single parents, remarried couples, half-siblings, grandparents, and even those dating into established family units. Each perspective offers a window into the human experience of belonging, and sometimes not belonging, to the people we call family.

My hope is that these conversations serve as a reminder that you're not alone in your complex family journey. Whether your blended family is new territory or all you've ever known, there's power in sharing our stories. As we listen to each other with open hearts and minds, perhaps we'll all find a bit more grace for the beautiful mess of family life. A life that may occasionally be stirred by change but is never truly shaken to its core.

Join us at the Blended Family Table. Your story matters here.