Jessica and Jayla continue the deep conversation into the complex challenges of trust within African American blended families, exploring how historical traumas—such as slavery and the forced separation of Black families—have contributed to deep-rooted mistrust and survival instincts. They discuss how these generational wounds impact blended family relationships today and share insights on overcoming these challenges to foster unity, love, and healing.

Jessica and Jayla dive into the complex challenges of trust within African American blended families, exploring how historical traumas—such as slavery and the forced separation of Black families—have contributed to deep-rooted mistrust and survival instincts. They discuss how these generational wounds impact blended family relationships today and share insights on overcoming these challenges to foster unity, love, and healing.

In part 2 of this deeply personal episode of Pickens' Realities & Blended Family Truths, Jessica and daughter/co-host Jayla continue the conversation about the profound impact of Jessica's father’s absence during her childhood.

Jessica opens up about the negative consequences she faced, including battling major insecurities as a child due to the lack of involvement and affirmation from her dad. She shares her struggles with feelings of unworthiness, wondering if something was wrong with her that made him not want to be an active part of her life. They explore how this void led to unhealthy behaviors as she sought male attention in an effort to fill the gap left by her dad's absence.

Despite these challenges, Jessica also reflects on the healing and acceptance she found as an adult. She shares how her father later became a regular part of her life and spent meaningful time with her and her family. While the intimate, close father-daughter relationship she longed for never fully materialized, she chose to honor and love him for who he was, finding peace and grace in their connection.

This episode is a heartfelt conversation about the long-lasting effects of a parent's absence and the power of forgiveness, acceptance, and healing. Whether you've experienced a similar journey or want to understand the impact of parent-child relationships, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

In this deeply personal episode of Pickens' Realities & Blended Family Truths, Jessica sits down with daughter and co-host Jayla, as Jayla interviews Jessica about the profound impact of Jessica's father’s absence during her childhood.

Jessica opens up about the negative consequences she faced, including battling major insecurities as a child due to the lack of involvement and affirmation from her dad. She shares her struggles with feelings of unworthiness, wondering if something was wrong with her that made him not want to be an active part of her life. They explore how this void led to unhealthy behaviors as she sought male attention in an effort to fill the gap left by her dad's absence.

Despite these challenges, Jessica also reflects on the healing and acceptance she found as an adult. She shares how her father later became a regular part of her life and spent meaningful time with her and her family. While the intimate, close father-daughter relationship she longed for never fully materialized, she chose to honor and love him for who he was, finding peace and grace in their connection.

This episode is a heartfelt conversation about the long-lasting effects of a parent's absence and the power of forgiveness, acceptance, and healing. Whether you've experienced a similar journey or want to understand the impact of parent-child relationships, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Jessica and daughter co-host Jayla continue the real talk conversation with husband/dad Tyrone and the Pickens' youngest son Dawson, as they discuss Dawson's perspective on growing up in the Pickens' blended family household as one of the "ours" children. Dawson was the first child Jessica and Tyrone had together, becoming the youngest son of the four boys, and the oldest of the two "ours" kids with the grand total of six kids in the family.

Pick up back for part 2 of this candid conversation with Dawson as we discuss his perspective and point of view of what growing up in a blended family household has been like from the "ours" perspective, as he watched and was impacted in various ways by having older siblings who had one bio parent in common with him, and a different bio-parent outside of the house.

Being part of a blended family can be challenging for everyone involved, as there are unique dynamics and complex components to be considered and carefully navigated to successfully respect and protect the hearts, health, feelings and growth of all family members. Our hearts desire is to share our experiences and knowledge from our 22+ years of being a blended family. We understand the trials and tribulations, the highs and the lows, as we have had wins and losses, triumphs and failures as we learned blended family "rules" and guidelines that worked and what didn't work as we went along. Given that 40% of marriages involving children in the US are blended families, we want to be a blessing to other blended families by providing practical and spiritual guidance, tips, and tools gained from our personal experiences.

Jessica and daughter co-host Jayla are joined by husband/dad Tyrone and the Pickens' youngest son Dawson, to discuss his perspective on growing up in the Pickens' blended family household. Dawson was the first child Jessica and Tyrone had together, becoming the youngest son out of the total four boys in the family.

Join us for part 1 of this candid conversation with Dawson as we discuss his perspective and point of view of what growing up in a blended family household has been like, especially since he is one of the two "ours" children that Tyrone and Jessica had together after blending via marriage in 2002.

Being part of a blended family can be challenging for everyone involved, as there are unique dynamics and complex components to be considered and carefully navigated to successfully respect and protect the hearts, health, feelings and growth of all family members. Our hearts desire is to share our experiences and knowledge from our 22+ years of being a blended family. We understand the trials and tribulations, the highs and the lows, as we have had wins and losses, triumphs and failures as we learned blended family "rules" and guidelines that worked and what didn't work as we went along. Given that 40% of marriages involving children in the US are blended families, we want to be a blessing to other blended families by providing practical and spiritual guidance, tips, and tools gained from our personal experiences.

Jessica and co-host Jayla are joined by special guest Ron Deal as they dive deep into various areas of blended family truths and realities. Ron Deal is an author, a speaker, a therapist, and Director of ‪@FamilyLifeBlended‬, and has been working in blended family ministry and creating books and products to assist blended families - aka stepfamilies- for over 30 years.

You don't want to miss this episode as Jessica, Jayla and Ron discuss issues core and unique to blended families, such as why some people use the term stepfamily as opposed to blended family, and why it is important not to try to force a bonus child (aka stepchild) to call you mom or dad. This conversation digs into some of the very real rules to the blended family game which unfortunately are not discussed enough, especially given that 40% of marriages with children in the United States are blended families.

Join us in this genuine heartfelt discussion as Ron's clinical training as a therapist and 30+ years working in this space lends great value to the engagement with Jessica and Jayla as they discuss their 20+ real years of life experiences as a bonus mom and bonus daughter as part of the Pickens' blended family.

In Episode 11, Part 2 of Real Talk, we delve deeper into the vital topic of preparing for family blending when one or both partners have children from previous relationships. This episode is essential for couples contemplating the merging of families, finances, and lifestyles. Join us as we discuss the critical conversations that need to take place before taking this significant step. We will address parenting styles, financial goals, and emotional readiness, providing insights that can help establish a solid foundation for a successful family blend. With open communication and thorough preparation, you can navigate the complexities of blending families and foster a supportive environment for all.

In this heartfelt and insightful episode of Pickens' Realities: Our Blended Family Truths, we welcome special guests Calvin, aka Caliko (our regular resident videographer!), and his fiancée Dee Dee. As they prepare to merge their families in anticipation of their 2025 wedding, Calvin and Dee Dee open up about their journey of prepping to blend Dee Dee’s son from a previous relationship with Calvin’s three children from his previous marriage.

Together, they share their background as a couple who has been dating for three years and discuss their hopes, concerns, and plans for creating a united, encore blended family.

Jessica and Tyrone draw from their now 22+ years of blended family experiences to offer practical advice, answer questions, and provide valuable tips on what to do—and what not to do—when preparing to blend families. Whether you're newly engaged, in the process of blending, or simply curious about navigating blended family dynamics, this episode is packed with wisdom and encouragement for building a strong foundation for your new family. Tune in for a candid conversation filled with love, laughter, and actionable insights to help blended families thrive!

In part 2 of episode 10, Jessica, Jayla, and special guest, Cheryl Shumake continue discussions of the compounding stresses of being Black in America and being part of a blended family. They also discuss the lack of existing church ministries and programs designed specifically to support blended families, and how that further puts blended families at risk.

Cheryl Shumake is the Executive Director of Sawubona Blended Families and Founder of Stepmom Sanity. Cheryl shares her personal journey as a stepmom and the realities of navigating life in a Black and blended family and also shares the inspiring story behind the creation of Sawubona Blended Families, an organization dedicated to supporting and empowering blended families in Black and Brown communities.

With 40% of marriages with kids today being blended families, we aim to raise awareness among church leaders, ministries, and community organizations, to encourage them to recognize the unique and complex dynamics of blended families. Our hope is for church and other relevant program leaders to acknowledge the need for blended family supports by creating impactful programming and resources that empower these families to thrive. Let’s spark a movement to ensure blended families feel seen, supported, and equipped for success.