Blended Family Podcast

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Rachel Grant is the owner and founder of Rachel Grant Coaching and is a Sexual Abuse Recovery Coach. She is also the author of Beyond Surviving: The Final Stage in Recovery from Sexual Abuse. She works with survivors of childhood sexual abuse who are beyond sick and tired of feeling broken, unfixable, and burdened by the past. She helps them let go of the pain of abuse and finally feel normal.  Her program, Beyond Surviving, has been specifically designed to change the way we think about and heal from abuse. Based on her educational training, study of neuroscience, and lessons learned from her own journey, she has successfully used this program since 2007 to help her clients break free from the past and move on with their lives.  Rachel holds an M.A. in Counseling Psychology. She provides a compassionate and challenging approach for her clients while using coaching as opposed to therapeutic models. She is also a member of San Francisco Coaches and

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com   It’s hard enough dealing with divorce as it is. When you have an ex who makes it harder by telling stories about you, it can seem unbearable. Especially when it results in your children or other people turning against you. Unfortunately we cannot control others or what they do, but we can learn how to cope, to save our sanity. Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter 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 Schedule an interview or coaching session here   Send mail to Melissa Brown                     5445 Murrell Rd                     Unit 102 #178                     Viera FL 32955  

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com   One of the issues many stepparents face, is the inability to really love their stepchild. It’s rarely spoken of, as those who feel that way are ashamed to admit it. After tons of emails from listeners who struggle with this, it’s evident that this is an issue that people really need help with. In this show, you’ll learn how to deal with these feelings, how to determine where they are coming from, and how to understand things from your step child's point of view. Plus some tips and ideas to work on that relationship for the benefit of the entire blended family. Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter 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 Schedule an interview or coaching session here   Send mail to Melissa Brown             

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com   Intimacy is an essential part of every relationship. Parents can be so caught up with raising children, that they allow the intimacy to fall away. There are three important elements of intimacy in a romantic relationship, which are sexual, emotional, and physical. All three are important and a couple should learn how to create a balance of all three. Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter 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 Schedule an interview or coaching session here   Send mail to Melissa Brown                     5445 Murrell Rd                     Unit 102 #178                     Viera FL 32955  

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com   Dr. Jennelle is a PhD Psychologist and Relationship Advisor working with individuals and couples who want to improve communication, collaboration, and harmony in their relationships. Dr. Jennelle focuses on nontraditional relationships and family structures (i.e., female same-sex couples, divorced/remarrying couples, and blended families), helping to navigate the challenges in these complex dynamics by developing skills that lead to stronger partnerships, better parenting, and greater peace.   She joins me on the show to discuss Her personal story How can a new couple work on their relationship in a blended family How can a long term couple work on their relationship in a blended family What to do when family members don't get along How to not allow family relationships to come between your partnership How can a couple not allow an ex to damage their current relationship Exercise and tips to nurture your relationship What Jennelle has to offer T

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com   Maintaining a good attitude in a blended family is something that is difficult, but not impossible. Bad attitudes can trickle down to everyone in the family, so it’s very important to learn how to manage our own. We also need to help our children manage their attitudes. There are some way to help you lift yourself up out of a bad state of mind, such as breathing, stopping the negative self talk, or finding something to do that brings you joy. My favorite tool is the emotional scale, a tool I learned from Esther and Jerry Hicks, from the book Ask and it is Given. You find where you fall on the scale at any given moment, and you try to gradually climb higher. Below is the scale for your use.  I’ll also talk about some tips that will help you deal with others who are having bad attitudes around you, so that you can remain peaceful.   Joy/Appreciation/Empowered/Freedom/Love Passion Enthusiasm/Eagerness/Happiness Positive Expectation/Belief Optimism

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com   This show, I’ll share with you what’s been going on in my life, and why parenting hurts for me right now.   Also, a fabulous family interview with Alex Thompson, who seems to know some tips on how to successfully manage a blended family! Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter 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 Schedule an interview or coaching session here                     Send mail to Melissa Brown                     5445 Murrell Rd                     Unit 102 #178                     Viera FL 32955

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Casey O’Roarty is a wife, mother, Certified Positive Discipline Trainer and ICF Certified Coach.   Casey facilitates parents in how to build stronger, more authentic relationships with themselves and the children in their lives. She encourages grown ups to recognize and embrace the challenges of parenting as opportunities to model, teach and practice the skills we want our children to learn to embody. Casey lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, 13 year old daughter and 11 year old son.   In this interview we discuss Her personal story Her Joyful Courage podcast Challenges of parents she works with What is positive discipline and how does it work Family meetings Discipline and blended families Mindfulness How to work with Casey And much more Connect with Casey Positive discipline Website Positive discipline association Joyful Courage website Connect on Facebook Facebook Group Connect on Instagram Connect on Twitter   Family meeting

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Many blended families cause feelings of overwhelm. Not only are blended families more complex, there is usually so much more to do and handle. In addition, many of the challenges blended families face add to the overwhelm. Although these feelings are magnified during the holiday season, they really can carry on all year long. My top ten tips to deal with overwhelm are   Get in the present moment Put it all down on paper Only handle what you can Meditate Learn to say no Tame your inner perfectionist Let go of control Take a break Do some breathing exercises     Quit judging yourself Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter 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 Schedule an interview or coaching session here   Send mail to

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com   Holidays can be crazy! Battle the boredom with some ideas to keep the kids busy over the break. Plus a family interview! Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter 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 Schedule an interview or coaching session here   Send mail to Melissa Brown                     5445 Murrell Rd                     Unit 102 #178                     Viera FL 32955

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com   Maureen Blaha is the executive director of the National Runaway Safeline (NRS), an organization with the mission to keep America’s runaway, homeless and at-risk youth safe and off the streets. She joins me to talk about about this very important topic. Some of what we cover is below.   What exactly is the National Runaway Safeline What does NRS do to help children and their parents Blended families and runaway youth Warning signs to look out for Runaway prevention How children can help their friends Runaways and LGBTQ youth         Learn more about the National Runaway Safeline here Hotline-1800-RUNAWAY Learn more on facebook Learn more on twitter   Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter 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 newslette

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com     Sometimes we forget to consider the feelings of other people. We make assumptions about what they think, and why they act the way they do. We tear people down because we think our way is better. We judge and criticize. These behaviors aren’t going to help you or your blended family.           Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter 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 Schedule an interview or coaching session here   Send mail to Melissa Brown                     5445 Murrell Rd                     Unit 102 #178                     Viera FL 32955  

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com   Straying from the regular format, this show is on a more personal note. I open up about some of my own struggles this Thanksgiving. We also talk about some of our activity in the group. I answer a listener question about the holiday season, and then talk about how to make the holidays work. Not my usual but I hope that you can take something from it!         Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter 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 Schedule an interview or coaching session here   Send mail to Melissa Brown                     5445 Murrell Rd                     Unit 102 #178                     Viera FL 32955

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com   Brad is an international expert in affair recovery.  He sees couples exclusively and has helped many couples through the blended family process.  Brad and Morgan own and operate Marriage Solutions a group marriage counseling practice with locations in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, OK.   In this interview, we discuss Their personal story How does a divorced couple move past an affair Helping children heal Healing from a previous divorce so it doesn't affect your current relationship What steps to take to heal after an affair How to determine if you should work things out or not How to regain trust And much more   To connect with Brad and Morgan Connect on the website More about Brad More about Morgan       Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter Send questions or feedback to melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com Send me a voicemail at Speakpipe Visit the website at www.blen

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com   Living in the present moment is so hard to do. With the chaos of a blended family and the stress of the modern world, it can feel impossible at times. In this show, some ideas to help you become more present, so you can enjoy life a little more.   Meditate Stop worrying Stop dwelling on the past Forgive past hurts Stop overthinking Focus on each day as it comes Be mindful   Yesterday is history Tomorrow is a mystery Today is a gift That’s why we call it the present.   Also enjoy a family interview with listener Renee Dekker     Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter 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 Schedule an interview or coaching session here   Send mail to Melissa Brown                     5445 Murrell Rd           

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com   Many children suffer from low self esteem. As parents, it is our job to recognize these signs, and help our kids develop a better sense of self worth. My ten ways to help are   Give positive reinforcement Compliment them often Allow them choices Put them in a sport or hobby Give them responsibilities Help them set goals Work on your own self esteem issues Help them with their self dialogue Teach them about mistakes Show unconditional love   And a few things NOT to do are Do NOT do everything for them Do NOT compare them to others Do NOT name call           Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter 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 Schedule an interview or coaching session here   Send mail to Melissa Brown                

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com   Very special celebration of my 100th episode! Just an overview of what I have to offer, plus a special announcement and contest!           Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter 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 Schedule an interview or coaching session here   Send mail to Melissa Brown                     5445 Murrell Rd                     Unit 102 #178                     Viera FL 32955

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com   Are you a people pleaser? I’m here to tell you that you can’t please everyone! I know all too well the struggle that you are going through, which is why this episode is dedicated to helping you! I’ll tell you what it means to be a people pleaser, why it is, and how it relates to your blended family. Also my ten tips to help you overcome it, which are below   Set your boundaries Learn how to say no Don’t apologize Learn how to place value on yourself Become peaceful with the idea that not everyone will like you Let go of the guilt Pull back from those who take advantage of you Ask for what you want Do something for yourself Figure out the source of your people pleasing Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter Send questions or feedback to melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com Send me a voicemail at Speakpipe Visit the website at www.blendedfamilypodcast.com Sign up for

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com A great conversation with Carrie Ellis-Berg, who has been an elementary school teacher for ten years. Together as a blended family, she and her husband have four children. After realizing the need for children’s books on blending, she felt called to share fun and exciting stories that would help parents and children learn, grow, and adapt in their new family structure. She hopes that her stories will foster and strengthen relationships within the home.   We talk about Her personal story What prompted her to do this work What the books are about Her own positive and negative experiences in her own blended family   And much more!   Connect with Carrie Check out her website Connect with her on facebook Connect with her on Twitter   Connect with me Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter Send questions or feedback to melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com Send me a voicemail

melissa@blendedfamilypodcast.com www.blendedfamilypodcast.com   In life, there are givers and takers. When we deal with takers, we often feel like they drain our energy. We feel frustrated with their lack of concern for our own needs and wants. Sometimes takers naturally gravitate towards us because we are givers. What should you do if you are dealing with a taker in your life, or in your blended family? Join the Private Facebook Group Listen and Rate/Review on Itunes Connect with me on Facebook Connect with me on Twitter 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