We continue to relive our top BKF episode and in this week’s episode, we look at Child Manipulation and Parent Alienation behaviors. We discuss strategies for recovering from such behaviors as well as sharing steps toward building a better, healthier co-parenting relationship. The pain of divorce can cause us to speak and act in ways that we never would have expected and can negatively impact our children. Examining our hearts on a daily basis can help us to overcome any spirit of fear that may ...
Jun 30, 2025•32 min•Season 6Ep. 281
We are so excited to relive this top episode, “Dealing with Child Manipulation and Parent Alienation”, with Dr. Les Carter. Dr. Carter is an author, psychotherapist, and counselor with 40+ years of experience in the field. He is the author of over 20 books and resources including "The Anger Trap" and "When Pleasing You is Killing Me". IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS: - How to handle a narcissistic ex-spouse - What child manipulation looks like - Teaching your child to know the essence of love - Pare...
Jun 23, 2025•35 min•Season 6Ep. 280
As we continue celebrating 5 years and over 270 episodes of the BKF Podcast, we’re revisiting the most powerful, hope-filled conversations we’ve shared with you! In this week’s top episode, we discuss blended families as a beautiful example of God’s redeeming power. Everything we bring with us into our blending journey - pain, fear, anger, resentment, expectations - can be revealed and healed by our Heavenly Father if we surrender it into His hands. The fire you and your family may be walking th...
Jun 16, 2025•15 min•Season 6Ep. 279
Join us as we relive our top BKF episodes of all time! Up first, Rachel Scott joins us on the podcast for a discussion about biological and stepparent relationships. She joins Scott and Vanessa to talk about the problem of comparison and competition and the reasons those traps surface, particularly for women. They talk about the value of humility and empathy in the biological parent/stepparent relationship and offer suggestions for better interactions. To learn more about Rachel Scott visit: Web...
Jun 09, 2025•26 min•Season 6Ep. 278
Struggling to get on the same page with parenting in your blended family? You're not alone. In this powerful episode of the Blended Kingdom Families podcast, Scott and Vanessa Martindale share practical, biblical advice for couples who feel divided when it comes to parenting and discipline. This episode will help you learn practical skills to protect your marriage, raise confident kids, and bring peace back into your home. Key points discussed: What to do when your parenting styles clash How to ...
Jun 02, 2025•18 min•Season 6Ep. 277
What do you do when step-grandparents treat your kids like outsiders? On this week’s episode of the Blended Kingdom Families Podcast, hosts Scott and Vanessa Martindale answer a raw and emotional listener question: "What to do when step grandparents do not include my kids as their grandchildren?" They unpack the hurt, offer biblical perspectives, and provide real strategies for setting boundaries, fostering healthy communication, and seeking lasting healing. Whether you're dealing with favoritis...
May 26, 2025•17 min•Season 6Ep. 276
In this episode of the Blended Kingdom Families Podcast, Scott and Vanessa Martindale welcome marriage coaches and high school sweethearts Chad and Megan Lacefield, hosts of the Built for Two podcast. With over 30 years of marriage experience, they open up about the reality of fighting for your marriage, not against it, and what it really takes to leave a godly legacy. From learning selflessness and setting “fight rules” to raising adult children and enjoying their role as grandparents, Chad and...
May 19, 2025•27 min•Season 6Ep. 275
Do your kids or step-kids feel distant or disconnected? In this episode, we unpack why one-on-one quality time is a powerful tool for building deep relationships in blended families. Whether you're a stepparent or biological parent, learning how to connect with each child individually helps them feel safe, seen, and secure. We share real life tips, biblical wisdom, and personal stories that highlight how intentional time creates trust, helps kids open- up emotionally, and strengthens the entire ...
May 12, 2025•15 min•Season 6Ep. 274
In blended families, one of the biggest challenges couples face is divided loyalty—choosing between your spouse and your children or extended family. In this honest and hope-filled episode of the Blended Kingdom Families podcast, Scott and Vanessa discuss the emotional and spiritual toll of misplaced priorities in marriage. You’ll discover how putting your spouse first—God’s way—can actually strengthen relationships within your blended family. With practical advice grounded in biblical truth, Sc...
May 05, 2025•15 min•Season 6Ep. 273
In this powerful episode, Pastor Brandon Freeman, lead pastor of IMRSN Church, powerful communicator and character coach, shares his heartfelt testimony of how God transformed his blended family through hard conversations and radical obedience to the Holy Spirit. Pastor Brandon shares personal reflections about his blended family and how what began as disconnection has become a story of redemption—all sparked by attending the Blended Family Conference. What you will discover in this episode: -Wh...
Apr 28, 2025•26 min•Season 6Ep. 272
In this episode of the Blended Kingdom Families Podcast, Scott and Vanessa discuss the importance of continuing to date your spouse—even when life gets busy, budgets are tight, and parenting in a blended family adds extra layers. They share practical tips for creating meaningful connection through date nights, staying emotionally close, and how these moments can deepen physical intimacy and reduce conflict. Whether you're newlyweds or decades in, there's power in intentional time together. They ...
Apr 21, 2025•13 min•Season 6Ep. 271
Blending a family is hard—but blending with adult children after loss adds a whole new level of emotional depth. In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Uncover Marriage founders, Shannen Fields Braswell and Anthony Braswell to hear their inspiring faith-driven journey of building a blended family after grief. They walk through what it’s like to blend with adult children while keeping Christ at the center of their marriage and family. Whether your blended family was born from divorce or loss...
Apr 14, 2025•30 min•Season 6Ep. 270
Communication can make or break a marriage, especially in a blended family. In this episode of the Blended Kingdom Families Podcast, Scott and Vanessa Martindale discuss the importance of effective communication in marriage. Learn how healthy conversations can prevent and resolve conflicts, strengthen trust, and create authentic, lasting bonds between spouses. Join us as we share real-life strategies and faith based wisdom to help you and your spouse connect on a deeper level. Whether you're nav...
Apr 07, 2025•18 min•Season 6Ep. 269
Money can be one of the biggest stressors in a blended family, but it doesn’t have to be! In this episode of the Blended Kingdom Families Podcast, we dive into faith-based financial wisdom—how to navigate money in marriage, handle financial transparency, and trust God as your provider. In this episode Scott and Vanessa discuss: Should blended families have joint or separate accounts? How to prevent financial conflict in your marriage Biblical wisdom on money & marriage (Matthew 6:24) Why bud...
Mar 31, 2025•17 min•Season 6Ep. 268
Co-parenting in one home is challenging—but what happens when you're coordinating custody across three states? In this insightful episode of the Blended Kingdom Families podcast, Scott and Vanessa Martindale sit down with BKF coaches and group leaders, Scott and Lindsay Schmitz, to share their personal journey of co-parenting across multiple states. From long-distance custody exchanges and time-sharing struggles to practical tips for communication and keeping Christ at the center, this conversat...
Mar 24, 2025•20 min•Season 6Ep. 267
In this episode of the Blended Kingdom Families Podcast, we sit down with BKF group leaders and coaches Scott and Lindsay Schmitz to explore the transformative impact of small groups on blended families. They share their personal experiences in leading small groups, how these communities provide support, and practical steps to start one in your own church or home. They also share personal insights about what it is like serving as BKF coaches. Tune in as we discuss the unique needs of blended fam...
Mar 17, 2025•28 min•Season 6Ep. 266
Have you ever thought about creating a family bucket list? While material goals can be fun, the most meaningful bucket list items focus on cherishing special moments, building lifelong memories, and celebrating blended family milestones together. In this episode of the Blended Kingdom Families podcast, Blended Family Bucket List: How to Create Meaningful Memories with Godly Vision, Scott and Vanessa Martindale explore how to create and enjoy bucket list experiences that bring your blended family...
Mar 10, 2025•17 min•Season 6Ep. 265
Building a blended family comes with unique challenges—some we never saw coming! In this episode, Scott and Vanessa Martindale get real about what they wish they had known before blending their family. From step parenting struggles to managing relationships and expectations, why grace and patience are key in blended families and handling unexpected emotions, this episode is full of practical, honest, and faith-based advice to help your blended family thrive. Join us for an insightful conversatio...
Mar 03, 2025•24 min•Season 6Ep. 264
Can you be a Christian without going to church? Many believers struggle with attending church due to their past, skepticism, or discomfort with church culture. In this episode of the Blended Kingdom Families Podcast, Scott Martindale sits down with Pastor Wade Smith to answer your most pressing and difficult church questions. Listen in as they discuss the real reasons people avoid church, how to find authentic community, why your past doesn’t disqualify you from God’s house and more! What You'll...
Feb 24, 2025•23 min•Season 6Ep. 263
Are gender roles in marriage outdated—or do they hold the key to a thriving relationship? In this episode of the Blended Kingdom Families Podcast, God's Blueprint for Marriage: The Truth About Gender Roles in Marriage: The Truth About Gender Roles in Marriage: What the Bible Says, Scott and Vanessa Martindale explore the biblical foundation of marriage, debunk misconceptions about submission, and reveal how embracing God’s design can prevent conflict and divorce. Whether you are newly blended or...
Feb 17, 2025•20 min•Season 6Ep. 262
In this episode of the Blended Kingdom Families Podcast, Rekindling Intimacy: How to Improve Marriages in Blended Families, Scott and Vanessa Martindale discuss the importance of intimacy in marriage—including emotional, physical and spiritual intimacy. They discuss how life’s busyness, especially in blended families, can make it challenging to maintain closeness with your spouse. From the power of date nights to practical ways to strengthen connection, they share insights that will help couples...
Feb 10, 2025•25 min•Season 6Ep. 261
In this episode of the Blended Kingdom Families Podcast, Building a Thriving Marriage and Blended Family Through Personal Growth, Scott and Vanessa share insights on personal growth and its transformative impact on marriage and blended families. Discover the power of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and faith as key ingredients for thriving relationships. Learn practical steps for setting healthy expectations, fostering open communication, and embracing personal development for the sake o...
Feb 03, 2025•23 min•Season 6Ep. 260
As we close out 2024 and step into 2025, Scott and Vanessa Martindale reflect on the past year's lessons, challenges and how God remained a faithful anchor during challenging times. In this episode of the BKF podcast, they share about the power of seeking God for a “word for the year” through prayer and scripture, and how doing so can provide clarity and direction for your blended family. Tune in as they discuss the importance of setting meaningful goals, embracing the journey of life with its u...
Dec 30, 2024•14 min•Season 5Ep. 259
Merry Christmas! Join hosts Scott and Vanessa Martindale for this special Christmas episode, Christmas Hope: God's Transformative Power for Blended Families, as we reflect on the hope we find in Jesus, celebrate the moments of growth and transformation from this past year, and look forward to the promises of God’s continued work in blended families. Whether you’re navigating challenges or celebrating victories, this conversation is filled with encouragement, faith, and practical wisdom. We pray ...
Dec 23, 2024•11 min•Season 5Ep. 258
In this episode of the BKF Podcast, Top Tips from 20 Years of Successful Blended Family Marriage, Scott and Vanessa are joined by Ben and Debbie Kohnle, a happily married couple with nearly 20 years of experience navigating the unique challenges of blended family life. They share valuable insights about prioritizing marriage, raising children with intentionality, keeping faith at the center of family dynamics and more. From building strong co-parenting relationships to the power of setting spiri...
Dec 16, 2024•34 min•Season 5Ep. 257
On this episode of the Blended Kingdom Families Podcast, Scott and Vanessa are joined by Dr. Michael and Tracey Maxwell. Dr. Maxwell is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Tracey is an Independent Health Coach, together they discuss the complexities of blending families, remarriage, parenting, and maintaining a firm foundation centered on Christ. Discover practical tips for building and maintaining strong family relationships with biological and bonus children, balancing cultural differences, ...
Dec 09, 2024•31 min•Season 5Ep. 256
In this powerful episode of the Blended Kingdom Families Podcast, Scott and Vanessa Martindale sit down with Pastor Brandon and Susan Thomas, founders of Keystone Church and authors of A Legacy That Lasts. Together, they explore practical strategies for instilling Godly character in children, modeling resets, and embracing humility by owning mistakes. Discover how these Christ-centered principles can transform your blended family, strengthen relationships, and create a legacy of faith, love, and...
Dec 02, 2024•30 min•Season 5Ep. 255
In this Thanksgiving-inspired episode, we explore how blended families can thrive by embracing gratitude. Discover practical ways to choose thankfulness, reflect Christ's love, and celebrate the blessings God pours out on your blended family. Whether you're navigating challenges or celebrating victories, this episode equips you with encouragement and faith-filled insights to represent Christ in your home. Join us as we uncover how a heart of gratitude transforms relationships, strengthens unity,...
Nov 25, 2024•12 min•Season 5Ep. 254
Whether you’re preparing for marriage, are newlyweds, or have been married for decades, this episode of BKF podcast, Marriage God’s Way: The 4 Laws for a Lasting, Thriving Relationship, is packed with wisdom to help you build a lasting marriage that honors God. Scott and Vanessa are joined by President and Founder of XO Marriage, Pastor Jimmy Evans, for an inspiring and encouraging conversation about how to do marriage God's way. This episode includes practical conversation about the 4 Laws of M...
Nov 18, 2024•42 min•Season 5Ep. 253
On this exciting episode of the BKF podcast, Beating Blended Family Burnout: Overcoming the Invisible Mental Load Together, Scott and Vanessa discuss an important topic impacting many marriages and blended families - the invisible mental and emotional load that so many spouses in blended families carry. Join us as we explore what this often-overlooked burden looks like and how it affects your relationships, well-being, and joy at home. We’ll share practical strategies for overcoming burnout, com...
Nov 11, 2024•19 min•Season 5Ep. 252
