Blended Family Podcast

Reality, as Eileen Robertson Hamra perceived it, instantaneously altered the moment authorities confirmed that the plane her husband was piloting had crashed, and he had not survived. In the process of mourning her loss, with three young children in tow, where Eileen wandered and landed was nothing short of miraculous. Between the valleys of grief and the peaks of hope, she discovered that keeping promises to those that have left this world is a lifelong act, and honoring one love does not mean foregoing the freedom and joy that is found in reopening your heart, trusting in new love, and expanding your definition of family. Her book, Time to Fly, shares her story, her insights and more. In this interview we discuss Her Story Synchronicities and signs from the universe How to cope with all of the emotions after a loss How to find gratitude after a loss How to persevere in the face of a loss How to help your children through the loss of a parent Finding love after loss Her book and much more! Connect with Eil

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com   Richard Capriola has been a mental mental health and addictions counselor for over two decades. He has been licensed in Illinois and Texas. He recently retired from Menninger Clinic in Houston Texas where for over a decade he worked as an addictions counselor for adults and adolescents diagnosed with mental health and substance abuse issues. He is the author of The Addicted Child: A Parent's Guide to Adolescent Substance Abuse.  In this interview we discuss His personal story Causes of addiction in children Types of addictive substances used Teenage brain and addiction Differences between boys and girls Vaping Pandemic and its affect on children Process disorders Warning signs Treatment Options Special tips for blended families Resistant teens His book, The Addicted Child and his workbook and much more!   Connect with Richard Website Twitter   Connect with me Join the Private Facebook Group Connect with me on Facebook Send questions or feedba

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com   The previous year has been filled with challenges, but also tremendous growth! People have taken great strides this year in business, relationships, self work, and spiritually just to name a few. In relationships, it’s important to nurture one another through these growth processes to ensure a lasting relationship. I’ll share some tips to make sure you and your partner remain strong, no matter what life is throwing at you! Don't allow the kids or exes come between you Find common interests and have fun together  Get interested in their interests Let them grow at their own pace Help them with their struggles lovingly, not impatiently Be direct in communication, say what you need and feel Give what you want to receive Have deep intimate conversations Recognize their successes, and be their cheerleader Take care of your own growth and needs first Connect with me Join the Private Facebook Group Connect with me on Facebook Send questions or f

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com   Sharyn Kennedy is a practicing psychologist in the UAE, who has taught thousands of clients how to successfully manage anxiety, stress and depression. She teaches her clients psychological skills based on neuroscience findings that will quickly and effectively reduce anxiety and help them manage difficult emotions. Sharyn loves helping people learn about and understand their amazing brain so they can make sense of the way they think, feel and behave. She uses powerful psychological tools and strategies to change what doesn’t work for them. Her ultimate goal is to teach people how to stay calm, capable and confident even in the face of fear and confusion, chaos and problems. Her personal story The effect of 2020 on mental health What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and how can it help us The effects of thinking on mental health How to control or manage negative thinking patterns What is ACT, or Acceptable Commitment Therapy How can we help our c

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com ERIC ZIELINSKI is the author of the national bestseller The Healing Power of Essential Oils and The Essential Oils Diet. Dr. Z has pioneered natural living and biblical health education since 2003. Trained as an aromatherapist, public health researcher, and chiropractor, Dr. Z started NaturalLivingFamily.com in 2014 with his wife to help people learn how to use natural remedies like essential oils safely and effectively. Now visited by more than three million natural health seekers every year, NaturalLivingFamily.com has rapidly become the number one online source for biblical health and non-branded essential oils education. In this interview we discuss   His personal story History of essential oils Biblical health, what it is and how to achieve it  Importance of shifting from pharmaceuticals to natural health Common uses for essential oils  His special health immune boost recipe  How to choose a proper essential oil  The Natural Living Family web

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com   About 15 years ago, Darla DeMorrow left her longtime role as a corporate business manager with one goal in mind: She wanted to do work that came from the heart. And for Darla, who is naturally highly organized and driven, helping others create more peace and beauty in their lives was the perfect fit. She launched her professional organizing company, HeartWork Organizing, and became a Certified Professional Organizer through NAPO (National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals), one of only a few hundred in the world.  Darla also has a new book out called The Upbeat, Organized Home Office. In this interview we discuss   Her personal story  The origins of Heartworks, and why one can find peace through organizing Organizational challenges unique to blended families How to create a more functionable space for today's current situation Using the Sort and Succeed method How to find/create a dedicated office space  Messy and disorg

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com   I’m back after a small break! I share some updates and announcements, as well as your favorite tips from the show from the last six years! This is a big milestone show, and I am thankful to all who support the Blended Family Podcast! I also share with you the big lessons I learned in 2020! Enjoy! Connect with me Join the Private Facebook Group Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter Connect with me on Instagram   Send questions or feedback to melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com Send me a voicemail at Speakpipe Visit the website at www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Sign up for my monthly newsletter Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes   Schedule an interview, coaching session, or financial review here Take my money quiz here to see how financially literate you are!   Affiliates Fayr The BEST co parenting app! To receive a special discount, use promo code Blended!   Nacho Kids Program  To receive a special discount, use promo code BFP   90 Da

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com   Tiffany Gravelle is an author, professional events planner, and business consultant with over 25 years of experience in business development, leadership and managing high-performing teams - including her blended family of seven. She holds the Certified Meeting Planner designation from the Events Industry Council and is a Credit Union Development Educator. You will never catch Tiffany without her trusty paper planner and black coffee. When she is not celebrating everyone and everything by spreading joy and glitter, Tiffany is a mom and proud stepmom of two teenagers and three adults, the wife of a mountain bike addict, lake rat, Red Sox fan, avid reader, foodie, and dog lover. In this interview we discuss Her personal story Why she decided to write a book on blended families Her book, Blended Not Stirred The most challenging experience she’s had in her blended family Holidays in the blended family, and tips on how to get through it What she wishe

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com   Today’s guest is Angela Legh, author of Bella Santini in the Land of Everlasting Change. When Angela isn’t dreaming up dragons, monsters, and other magical beings, she gratefully wanders through the sumptuously beautiful woods and meadows of the Cotswold area of England. Angela is very much in touch with her inner child and finds that she cannot walk by a swing set without stopping to play.    Her personal story Her self help books Her work as a quantum shift facilitator What magic looks like and how to bring it into our lives How to bring magic into a blended family The Bella Santini Series Consciousness concepts How to overcome adversity And much more!   Connect with Angela Legh Website Facebook Linkedin Instagram   Connect with me Join the Private Facebook Group Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter Connect with me on Instagram   Send questions or feedback to melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com Send me a voicemail at Speakpipe

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com   Josephine Atluri’s passion is to help others overcome adversity and find joy via her meditation classes, infertility workshops, and her podcast, Responding to Life: Living Reflectively Through a Journey of Health, Fertility and Parenthood. As a meditation teacher, she guides people towards a calmer existence despite the chaos that may surround them. Her group and individual meditation sessions teach simple and practical coping mechanisms for stress, anxiety and loss to help improve the balance of mind, body and spirit for those with health and fertility struggles and other life challenges. Josephine has taught all around Los Angeles at Unplug Meditation, Equinox, Cedars Sinai, City National Bank, Hey Mama and with numerous other clients. She regularly contributes content for Motherly, Red Tricycle, The IVF Warrior, and The Fertility Circle. In this interview we discuss   Her personal story Stress and how can we move through it with more ease Tri

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com   On this solo show I will be answering listener questions! If you have questions you would like me to answer on a future show, please send them to me, melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com.  Connect with me Join the Private Facebook Group Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter Connect with me on Instagram   Send questions or feedback to melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com Send me a voicemail at Speakpipe Visit the website at www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Sign up for my monthly newsletter Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes   Schedule an interview, coaching session, or financial review here Take my money quiz here to see how financially literate you are!   Affiliates Fayr The BEST co parenting app! To receive a special discount, use promo code Blended!   Nacho Kids Program  To receive a special discount, use promo code BFP   90 Day Reset Program The Conscious Parenting Revolution  To receive a 10% discount, use promo code BLENDED10   Living

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Karen Struck is the author of the inspirational children's book series "Three Paws." Her latest, Three Paws' New Family is about unique and blended families. She currently resides in California with her husband Steve, and they are empty nesters! They work in the medical field, but Karen is passionate about telling her Three Paws story, which is the culmination of the last 15 years.    In this interview, we discuss   Karen's personal story and family dynamic What inspired her to write a children’s book series Three Paws Series of books What made her choose Alaska, and those particular animals as characters What message she is hoping kids might take away from the book What is next for Karen And much more! Connect with Karen Website Facebook Twitter Buy the book Here   Connect with me Join the Private Facebook Group Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter Connect with me on Instagram   Send questions or feedback to melissa@blende

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com   When Billie was 19 her parents went through a divorce. She didn't see it coming, especially as the drama of the divorce and the resulting custody battle unfolded. Billie and her brothers were heartbroken. Their worlds were completely rocked.  At the time, she was all too aware of the role her parents’ attorneys played during this life-changing transition for everyone. Their divorce changed the course of her life. That’s when she knew then she wanted to be a family law attorney.  What she does as a family law attorney affects people’s lives, and the lives of their children for decades and she absolutely loves it. She visits the podcast to discuss how the Coronavirus has added a new layer of complexity to the already challenging world of co-parenting, specifically around masks. In this interview we discuss   Her personal story Major points of contention due to coronavirus Legal questions surrounding masks and vaccines How to co parent effectively

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com   Florence Ann Romano, The Windy City Nanny™ (WindyCityNanny.com), is an author, philanthropist and web series star/host who has always had a special place in her heart for children. Romano worked for over 15 years as a nanny, beginning as a 'Mommy's helper' at the age of 11. Her new YouTube Series, Windy City Nanny  premiered this past August 21st with new episodes each week. She shares her experiences in "Nanny and Me", her beautifully illustrated debut book for children making the transition from being cared for solely by their parents to having a nanny in their home. Florence has been featured on National Shows like Home & Family, The Doctor & The Diva, FOX News, Good Day Chicago, WCIU, SiriusXM and more.   Her personal story Why she wanted to become a nanny Why Florence says “it takes a village!” What she learned by being a nanny for 15 years The need for nannies in present day times  Need for nannies to assist with school, and how to

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com   Dr. Heather Maguire has spent over a decade studying behavior and working with children, parents, and educators. She’s the proud mama of two kids, a professor teaching school psychology courses, and the founder of Prism Behavior which helps parents manage challenging behavior with confidence. She connects with parents on her podcast and social media, which we will talk about. Her free parenting guide, which we will also tell you how to get later, will assist parents who want to learn practical ways to motivate their kiddos.    Her personal story What is Prism Behavior, and how did it come to be? Why prism behavior is successful What types of parenting approaches do NOT work with a defiant child Some common behavior issues, and best approaches Sleeping issues Picky Eating Lying Tantrums  Heather’s offerings Podcast (Prism Parenting) Video Blog  Course (Parenting with Confidence) Advice for parents struggling with defiant children today An

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com   Living the Good Life Naturally was founded in 2002 as a family-owned company that focuses on natural health solutions, magnesium, clean whole food supplements, and healthy skin care products. Founder Kristen Bowen and her team strive to use only the cleanest and ethically sourced ingredients in their products. LTGLN supports the Uganda project that provides fair income to women entrepreneurs in Uganda rendering their cocoa butter in communal kitchens. They in turn use that income to feed and educate their children. Kristen empowers women with live workshops, online classes, and natural personal care products. In this interview we discuss:   Her personal story Her blended family experience  Trauma and its effects on health Why she started her wellness business, Living the Good Life Naturally  Why we cannot neglect our health and self care as parents The importance of magnesium, and how it can help us The importance of gratitude and how it can hel

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com   Ryan Callahan is an accomplished author, husband, foster and adoptive dad, and an advocate for vulnerable children. He spends his days coaching, counseling, and helping families go from surviving to thriving. He Joins me to talk about his book, Save the World, Buy a Placemat! In this interview we discuss   His personal story Why he decided to write the book Save the World, Buy a Placemat The evolution of family meals over the years Benefits of family meal time for the mind, body, and soul Tips for successful mealtimes How to implement mealtimes even if it’s late And much more!   Connect with Ryan Website Facebook Instagram Buy the Book HERE   Connect with me Join the Private Facebook Group Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter Connect with me on Instagram   Send questions or feedback to melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com Send me a voicemail at Speakpipe Visit the website at www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Sign up for my monthly ne

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com   Jacqueline Newman is the managing partner at the matrimonial law firm Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein LLP in Manhattan. Jacqueline's practice consists of litigation, collaborative law and mediation. She specializes in complex high net worth matrimonial cases and also in negotiating prenuptial agreements. The author of The New Rules of Divorce, Newman has appeared as an expert commentator on various television and radio shows and has been quoted as an expert in numerous publications, including Fox's Business, NBC News, ABC News, CBS News, The New York Times, Woman's Day, Glamour, the New York Post, Reuters.com, Crain's New York Business, U.S. News and World Report, Business Insider, Time.com, USA Today, Yahoo Parenting, Woman's Day, CNBC.com and The Huffington Post.     Her personal story What prompted her to work in this area of law Impact of  COVID on divorce around the country Five ways COVID-19 will have an unprecedented and historic impa

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Jen Lumanlan holds an M.S. in Psychology (Child Development) and an M.Ed., and is the host of  Your Parenting Mojo podcast which is a reference guide for parents of toddlers and preschoolers based on scientific researchers and the principles of respectful parenting.  In each issue she examines a topic related to parenting and child development from all sides to help parents understand how to make decisions about raising their children.  She lives in California with her husband and daughter.    Her personal story  COVID and how it’s affected schooling How to decide between in person education as opposed to homeschooling How we can plan for the future  Courses on education and homeschooling The Parenting Mojo Podcast Future projects Advice for listeners And much more!   Connect with Jen Website Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest   Finding your Parenting Mojo Membership Child’s Learning Mojo Membership Homeschooling Mojo Course Confident Homesch

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com   Katherine Sellery, 3x TEDx speaker, has taught thousands of parents in a Conscious Parenting Revolution for resilient, considerate, centered and empowered kids who know their inner voice and honor it. Katherine has been coaching parents, children and executives on conscious communication for over 16 years. In this interview we discuss   Her personal story How the conscious parenting revolution came to be What is Conscious and effective parenting, and why it’s helpful to you and your child How this method of parenting can help the relationship between parent and child Tips on effective communication Discipline do’s and don'ts  How to not give your power away Course that Katherine offers (beginning Sept 28, 2020) And much more!   Connect with Katherine Website Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn   Upcoming Webinar (September 28, 2020) 90 Day Reset Program - Use Promo Code BLENDED10 Connect with me Join the Private Facebook Group Connect wit