Sometimes in stepfamilies, we take things out on each other that really are about someone or something from the past. Listen to Ron Deal talk with Shelby Abbott on how to keep unresolved issues of the past from damaging relationships in the present.

The benefit of "fun" is often overlooked when we consider how to build healthy stepfamily relationships. But Ron Deal's podcast guest, Dr. Jim Burns, says it's an important piece that can help connect relationships. Listen to their conversation about why and how intentional play can benefit your family.

Okay, if you have any relationships, anybody you care about, I want to give you a principle that will strengthen those relationships. Are you listening?

Compared to other siblings stepsiblings have less conflict. That may not be as good as it sounds.

Laughter is contagious, right? Well, so is a smile.

Have you ever met a rich person who was miserable?

Did your mom ever tell you to "Act your best"?

Is self-care the same as selfishness?

Ron, how does autism affect a stepfamily?

Kids in stepfamilies lose control over many aspects of their lives. Ron Deal talks with two stepsiblings about their adjustments to stepfamily life and how parents can give children a voice and open lines of communication to bring harmony to their home.

Blended & Blessed is a marriage event specifically designed for blended family couples. This podcast episode features a dynamic speaker from our 2021 event, author Laurie Short, with nuggets of wisdom and real-life stories from her stepmom journey.

Have you ever thought about how dysfunctional the families of the Bible were?

Here’s a fun fact for you. In the early years of a blended family the level of stress is typically very high.

Here’s a not so secret quality of strong families. They have fun together.

Are you waiting to be wanted by someone you care about in your blended family? It's a hard reality for many in the early years. Listen to Ron Deal's conversation with Cheryl Shumake on how to persevere through the waiting during the wilderness years.

Now I know you’ve heard me say some crazy things but this one takes the cake. Learn to endure disharmony in your home.

Accommodating someone’s preferences out of love for the Lord is an act of faith.

Caution: Love without caution.

It's the most wonderful time of the year!" But if you're in a stepfamily, the holidays can get complicated pretty fast. Ron Deal offers some perspective, and gives counsel for how to navigate Christmas in a stepfamily.

We can't always see what God is doing. Ray McKelvy tells of his walk with God, meeting his wife, and his estranged dad being invited back into his life. He learns that his real story was much more than he thought.

Ray McKelvy tells his story about not knowing his real father and being the man of the house. Another father figure stepped into his life, only to then separate from his mom, and the devastation that left him searching for his identity.

When it comes to insurance, which beneficiary do you want to beâ€"primary or secondary?

Stepparenting is a marathon, not a sprint. And getting to the finish line with strong relatiomships requires a lot of grace, personal strength, and wisdom. Listen to Ron Deal talk with Jere and Laurie Short on this important topic.

We all understand that material things are not as important as relationships. So, what lies behind the clutter of our lives? Kathi Lipp offers tips and perspectives to de-clutter our hearts.

God values making someone feel at home, and on today's program, Kathi Lipp gives insight on how we can better prepare a place for our families and those who enter our homes.

Marriage gets complicated when couples must manage a stepfamily maze with multiple lives aroud them. Ron Deal talks with Dave & Ann Wilson about how to navigate those struggles by sharing life with other stepfamilies and leaning on God for help.

Unpacking bumps and bruises on the blended family journey is part of readying yourself for stepfamily living. In this episode, Craig and Gina Morgan talk with Ron Deal and unpack some of their baggage and invite you to do the same as you listen.

A diagnosis of autism creates extra complexity to families. Dr. Stephanie Holmes, professional counselor and mom to a child with autism, speaks with Ron Deal on tips, understanding, and perspective on raising kids with autism in a blended family.

Blended family Christmases with adult children don't always go so well. Ron Deal speaks with Bob and Vicki Maday and two of their adult daughters in a powerful episode about holiday challenges and how they worked through their differences to find harmony.

Stepfamily instability can bring confusion and shame to families. But God works through imperfect people. Listen to Ron Deal's conversation with Ray and Robin McKelvy about God's love and grace that brought resilience and redemption to their stepfamily.