Co-Parenting With Grace

Today I sit down with my boys’ biological mom, Kelly Rush, and we’re taking you back to the beginning — the misunderstandings, the tensions, and the messy middle of our co-parenting journey.

We talk openly about first impressions, early conflicts, and what it felt like to share motherhood in our tense seasons. It wasn’t easy, and we don’t sugarcoat it. But even in the hardest parts, there were small shifts that laid the groundwork for where we are today.

This is an honest, vulnerable look at what happens when two moms love the same kids — and why surrendering to the uncomfortable moments is often the first step toward healing. And stay tuned, because this is just Part 1.  This conversation was too big for one episode.  In Part 2, we spill the tea on the conversation that changed everything.

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⚖️ This podcast is for support and community. It does not replace legal, medical, or therapeutic advice.

In this Give Yourself Grace drop, we’re unpacking the truth about rest. It’s not just about getting more sleep—it’s about giving your body, mind, and heart the kind of pause they’re actually craving. From mental and emotional rest to creative and spiritual rest, this is your reminder that exhaustion isn’t always about bedtime—it’s about balance.

Thanks for tuning in to this Co-Parenting with Grace Production

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⚖️ This podcast is for support and community. It does not replace legal, medical, or therapeutic advice.

Where my dad's at?  In this episode of Co-Parenting with Grace, I sit down with my friend Chad Mitchell, a dad who knows what it’s like to wear both hats—bio dad and stepdad. Chad has been an insurance agent for 15 years, a dad for 23 years, and a stepdad for nearly 15. When he and his wife Cari blended their families, their children were the same age and even went to the same school—a unique start to a journey filled with both challenges and blessings.

Chad grew up in a traditional nuclear family,  and he shares how that foundation shaped his approach to fatherhood while also learning to adapt to the realities of a blended family. With faith, positivity, and a lot of heart, he reminds us that being a parent—step or bio—isn’t about perfection, it’s about presence.

If you’ve ever wondered how to balance the roles of step-parenting and parenting, or if you need encouragement to keep showing up in your blended family, this conversation is for you.

Thanks for tuning in to this Co-Parenting with Grace Production

 * New episodes every Tuesday & shorts every Thursday

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⚖️ This podcast is for support and community. It does not replace legal, medical, or therapeutic advice.

In this Give Yourself Grace drop, we’re naming the quiet ache of feeling like the “extra” parent. You may not be the first or the legal parent, but your presence, love, and consistency matter more than you realize. You’re not extra—you’re essential.

Chin up.  T!ts out.  Red lipstick on.  You've got this!

Thanks for tuning in to this Co-Parenting with Grace Production

 * New episodes every Tuesday & shorts every Thursday

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⚖️ This podcast is for support and community. It does not replace legal, medical, or therapeutic advice.

What the law says doesn’t always line up with what makes sense in real life—especially when it comes to co-parenting. In this episode, I sit down with Missouri-based family law attorney and small-town pastor Craig Ritchie to unpack the legal side of custody, parenting plans, child support, and more. With over 30 years of experience in the courtroom—and personal experience as a biological and stepfather himself—Craig offers clear, grounded insight for parents trying to navigate the system without losing their peace. We talk about 50/50 custody, who pays what and why, what judges really look for, and how to stay steady when the legal feels anything but logical.

https://www.theritchielawgroup.com/

Note: This conversation is based on Missouri law. If you’re in another state, be sure to consult a local attorney for guidance specific to your case.

Thanks for tuning in to this Co-Parenting with Grace Production

 * New episodes every Tuesday & shorts every Thursday

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⚖️ This podcast is for support and community. It does not replace legal, medical, or therapeutic advice.

This Give Yourself Grace episode is about turning gratitude inward. Instead of only noticing what others do for you, take time to honor the good in yourself—the strength, patience, and growth you bring to each day.

Thanks for tuning in to this Co-Parenting with Grace Production

 * New episodes every Tuesday & shorts every Thursday

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⚖️ This podcast is for support and community. It does not replace legal, medical, or therapeutic advice.

We grew up on Disney stories where stepmothers were painted as wicked, cruel, and downright evil. No wonder so many of us stepped into this role carrying cultural baggage we didn’t even realize was there. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to live out the villain script.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the real struggles stepmoms face—feeling invisible, powerless, or like an outsider in your own home—and why those challenges don’t define you. We’ll talk about the “Nacho” method, boundaries, emotional labor, and even those pesky Disney stereotypes. And most importantly, we’ll reframe what it means to be a bonus parent: not a stand-in, not “less than,” but the leading lady of your own story.

This one is for every step-parent who’s ever wondered if their role matters. Spoiler alert: It does. More than you think.

Thanks for tuning in to this Co-Parenting with Grace Production

 * New episodes every Tuesday & shorts every Thursday

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⚖️ This podcast is for support and community. It does not replace legal, medical, or therapeutic advice.

In this Give Yourself Grace drop, we're reframing boundaries.  Saying no or protecting your peace isn't cruel -- it's courageous.  Boundaries are clarity, kindness, and grace in action.

Thanks for tuning in to this Co-Parenting with Grace Production

 * New episodes every Tuesday & shorts every Thursday

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⚖️ This podcast is for support and community. It does not replace legal, medical, or therapeutic advice.

How do you know if you’re anxious—or just tired, overstimulated, and doing too much?

In this episode, I sit down with psychologist, author, TEDx speaker, and co-founder of Peak Mind -- Dr. Ashley Smith.  We talk about the misunderstood reality of anxiety—especially for parents and co-parents navigating high-stress dynamics.   She challenges audiences to master their minds. Born with a rare vision impairment, she knows firsthand what it takes to break limits and live boldy—and now teaches others how to do the same.

We dive into:

• The difference between stress and anxiety
• What anxiety looks like in moms vs. dads
• How our brains get wired into anxious patterns
• The connection between anxiety, trauma, and other disorders like depression and PTSD
• And how co-parenting stress can make it all feel even heavier

Whether you’ve been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder—or you’ve just been “holding it together” for so long you forgot what calm feels like—this episode will help you understand yourself and your partner in a whole new light.

Compassion starts with awareness. And today, we’re pulling back the curtain on what anxiety really is.

Dr. Ashley Smith Website

Dr. Ashley TedX Talk

The Way I See It -- by Dr. Ashley Smith

Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse
When love turns toxic, this podcast helps you make sense of the chaos and start to heal.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Thanks for tuning in to this Co-Parenting with Grace Production

* New episodes every Tuesday & Thursday

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⚖️ This podcast is for support and community. It does not replace legal, medical, or therapeutic advice.

Thanks for tuning in to this Co-Parenting with Grace Production

 * New episodes every Tuesday & shorts every Thursday

 * Subscribe, follow, and leave a review to help us grow!

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💌 Join the email list for updates, freebies, and behind-the-scenes love!

Have a story to share or a topic you want covered?

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⚖️ This podcast is for support and community. It does not replace legal, medical, or therapeutic advice.

In this Give Yourself Grace drop, we’re talking about the power of checking in with your partner—not just about the to-do lists, but about each other’s hearts. Real connection means honoring your own needs while making space for theirs too.

Thanks for tuning in to this Co-Parenting with Grace Production

 * New episodes every Tuesday & shorts every Thursday

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⚖️ This podcast is for support and community. It does not replace legal, medical, or therapeutic advice.