Blended Family Breakthrough

How serious are you about creating enjoyment and fun in your relationship (and in your home)?You probably started off your relationship experiencing lots of enjoyment as you were getting to know each other and falling in love.  But as the busyness and stress of blended family life set in, maybe your enjoyment started to wane a bit. The truth is, if you want to increase enjoyment and safeguard your relationship, then you've got to take FUN seriously!Our friends Rich and Christa blended their family 13 years ago.  Although they've had their share of ups and downs, they've managed to make fun a top priority……and they've reaped the benefits of deep connection, laughter, and genuine enjoyment in their relationship (and in their home).Rich and Christa are on a mission to strengthen marriages and families in a culture that's losing hope.  They want to help couples avoid the tragedy of divorce and enjoy a thriving marriage full of joy, friendship, and fun.Join us for a raucous conversation as Rich and Christa share practical — and serious — ways they've discovered to increase fun and how you can do the same.What You’ll LearnWhy fun is a safeguard for your marriage and how it deepens connection.How to create a family culture of fun, even in challenging stepfamily dynamics.The importance of “micro-moves of fun” and small intentional gestures.Practical ways to align your schedule and priorities to boost enjoyable couple time.How to balance personal expectations with the realities of blended family life.Resources MentionedEpisode 200.  A Heart-to-Heart Conversation Exploring the Secrets to Lasting Love Click here to connect with Rich and ChristaBook by John Gottman:  7 Principles for Making Marriage WorkBook by Sam Jolman:  The Sex Talk You Never GotClick here to learn more about Weekend to Remember marriage eventsTo learn more about our Relate Strong program, CLICK HERE to schedule your FREE coaching callEpisode 136. How to Intentionally Create Positive Family Time and Reduce Relational TensionEpisode 146. Friendship and Connection or Friction and Distance - what's the state of your relationship?Actionable TakeawaysDefine Your Fun: Identify activities you and your spouse enjoy and prioritize them in your schedule.Celebrate Small Wins: Whether it’s playful traditions like funny birthday cake messages or silly rituals, embrace the small moments.Move at Your Child’s Pace: Honor your stepchild’s readiness for connection without pushing. Small cracks in the door can lead to big breakthroughs over time.Model Connection: Let your kids see you laughing and enjoying each other—it’s a powerful way to teach them about healthy relationships.Invest in Growth: Attend retreats, read books together, or explore coaching prAre you ready to join the Blending Together Community? Click this link: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether

ResourcesEpisode 151. What has the potential to steal your joy and how can you hold onto it?  (Part 1 of 2)Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question  Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show?  Let us know!We've made it easy.  Just click here:  https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/shareReady for some extra support?We all need some extra support along the blending journey — we're here to help.  You can connect with us for a free coaching call to see how we might help you experience more clarity, confidence, and connection in your home.  Schedule your free call here:  https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/free-callSubscribe or Follow the Show Are you subscribed to or following the podcast yet? If not, we encourage you to do so today so you don't miss a single episode.  Click here to subscribe in Apple PodcastsClick here to follow on SpotifyLeave a Review in Apple PodcastsIf you’re feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they’re fun for us to read too! :-)  Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is.  Thank you, we really appreciate your feedback!

ResourcesEpisode 200.  A Heart-to-Heart Conversation Exploring the Secrets to Lasting LoveEpisode 165. How important is your mindset when it comes to blended family life?Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question  Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show?  Let us know!We've made it easy.  Just click here:  https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/shareReady for some extra support?We all need some extra support along the blending journey — we're here to help.  You can connect with us for a free coaching call to see how we might help you experience more clarity, confidence and connection in your home.  Schedule your free call here:  https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/free-callSubscribe or Follow the Show Are you subscribed or following the podcast yet?  If not, we want to encourage you do that today so you don't miss a single episode.  Click here to subscribe in Apple PodcastsClick here to follow on SpotifyLeave a Review in Apple PodcastsIf you’re feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they’re fun for us read too! :-)  Just click here to Review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is.  Thank you, we really appreciate your feedback!

Can you believe it? We’ve made it to our 200th episode! 🎉 We’re so thankful for your support and excited to celebrate with a heart-to-heart conversation. Today, we’re diving into the topic of marriage wellness and how generosity can create a foundation for lasting love.  Throughout our candid conversation, we openly assess our marriage and identify areas where we can grow and improve.Inspired by The Go-Giver Marriage by John and Ana Mann, we explore what it means to be intentional in your relationship. We'll uncover the secrets to lasting love and share personal stories, lessons from our own journey, and practical insights into how generosity plays a vital role in marriage. Whether you’re thriving or facing struggles, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable steps to strengthen your bond. What You’ll Learn:The importance of spoken appreciation in creating connection.How attending to your partner’s needs can strengthen intimacy.Why allowing your partner to “be” is essential for trust and safety.How belief in your partner can fuel their growth—and yours.Resources Mentioned:The Go-Giver Marriage book by John and Ana MannClick here to schedule your Free Blended Family Coaching Session with Mike & KimActionable Takeaways:Start a daily appreciation practice: Share one specific and spoken compliment or thank-you with your partner each day.Notice and act on your partner’s needs: Pay attention to what they need emotionally or physically, and take small steps to support them.Assess your relationship energy: Reflect on the energy you bring to your interactions. Are you supportive, kind, and patient?Communicate belief: Verbalize your faith in your partner’s abilities and character regularly.Focus on personal growth: Choose one area where you can grow, and take intentional steps to improve.Don’t Miss Out:Be sure to follow the show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts so you don’t miss next week’s bonus episode, where we reveal the fifth secret to lasting love!Thanks for celebrating this milestone episode with us!Are you ready to join the Blending Together Community? Click this link: https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/blendingtogether