Blended and Bio
Blended and Bio
Join Christina Castano and Jen Oetjen as we share the ups and downs and explore the realities and highlights of blending families. We want to help you navigate through this journey by sharing our stories, lessons we have learned, successes and failures. You are not alone and, making up 60% of the population, your situation is not unique. Help us create a community that takes the confusion and isolation out of blending families and offers support, helpful advice, usefool tools, and gets creative in problem solving. We publish and podcast once a week and offer social media support community.
Author
Blended and Bio
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Nov 18, 2025
Where to listen?
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Episodes
Soul Inventory: Holy Spirit, What Did I Miss Today? 18.11.2025 23:21
Blenders, welcome back! This week Jen and Christina pose a challenge as we wrap up a season on Conflict. Have you ask yourself if you have offended/ sin against or done something unpleasing to the Lord? As we hold others accountable in our conflicts, it's essential to do the same with ourselves. Do you have a true apology to give?
Confession, Correction, and Connection: The Heart of a True Apology 11.11.2025 38:05
This week, blenders we discuss the formula for a true apology. How get FROM conflict TO a resolution is often tricky and confusing, but God desires healing and restoration in our relationships. Join us this week as we talk about each step so that we all can experience and give a true apology and allow the healing to begin.
Blended and Unfiltered: Keeping it Real with Kayla 04.11.2025 51:39
We have VIDEO with our super special guest, this week we are talking to Christina's kind, generous, big-hearted, gorgeous bonus daughter Kayla Castano. She so graciously talked about some of the challenges of growing up blended- the memorable things that made a lasting impact and some of her takeaways on blending better. We thank you Kayla for sitting down with us for this real and raw convers...
Argue Like You Love Me- Rules of Engagement for Fighting Fair 28.10.2025 57:12
This week Jen and Christina get into the rules of fighting. What you argue about has far less impact than HOW you argue. We look into the healthy and un-healthy ways we communicate when we are upset. This is an episode of everyone!
Knowing them Truly: The Quiet Side of the Chart with Kara Lackey 21.10.2025 40:06
This week we talk with one of our favorite guests (again) Kara Lackey- this time decoding what it looks like for an introverted child. Kara, the Co-Founder of Know and Love gets into the different types of introvert types of children, their preferred communication styles, along with other ways we can connect best with them. If you haven't already taken this short but impactful quiz she develop...
Climbing Toward Calm: The Hiking Pastor's Guilde to Resolving Conflict 14.10.2025 55:34
This week we talk to Pastor Kyle Glenn -a.k.a. The Hiking Pastor about finding peace when life gets messy. Pastor Kyle shares how faith, humility, and persistence can help resolve conflict and restore connection. This episode is packed with wisdom and lots of heart.
Becoming Whole Before Becoming Blended: Single not yet Ready to Mingle 07.10.2025 37:53
This week we are talking about life before the blending... single, independent, eating cereal for dinner without judgement. We laugh about the perks and pitfalls of what we learned in that season and how we can prepare for the beautiful madness of blending a family.
We're Rich in Love... But Let's Talk Money 30.09.2025 44:03
Welcome back Blenders! This week we talk about a topic that EVERYONE can relate to. Single, In a Relatio nship, Married----MONEY with Grant Botma Money can be one of the biggest stressors in families- especially in blended home where different backgrounds, habits, and expectations come together. Mr. Botma gets us into the essentials of financial literacy. This is an episode you might need to take...
Is it Really a Level 8? 23.09.2025 28:29
Welcome back to Part 2 Conflict happens-whether it's over who's loading the dishwasher wrong, why someone can't put the toilet paper on the roll right way, or why it's so hard to get everyone to make their beds in the morning. In this episode, we're diving into the some of the conflicts we all face ( and sometimes petty) battles that come with family, marriage and everyday life...
Why Conflict Isn't the Enemy 16.09.2025 31:13
Conflict happens-whether it's over who's loading the dishwasher wrong, why someone can't put the toilet paper on the roll right way, or why it's so hard to get everyone to make their beds in the morning. In this episode, we're diving into the some of the conflicts we all face ( and sometimes petty) battles that come with family, marriage and everyday life. Here's the magic-...
Blended by Life, Bonded by Love: Kylie Jones 09.09.2025 45:25
In this episode, we sit down with Kylie Jones, a young mom with a beautiful story of building a blended and bonded family. With honesty and heart, she opens up about -everything- mental health, marriage and how she found the courage and hope through Jesus. Kylie's story will give you hope that in any age or season God has a plan and a purpose for us all.
Great Expectations, Greater Disappointments 02.09.2025 30:39
Season 3 In this episode of Blended and Bio, Christina and Jen dive into the tricky world of EXPECTATIONS- those hopes we carry little (or big!) we carry into our marriages, parenting, and family life. Here's the thing: expectations aren't the same as requirements. One is "hopefully" the other one is "need". We'll swap some real-life stories, unpack where expectatio...
Two Husbands Walk Into a Podcast... SPECIAL GUESTS: KEITH AND JERRY 29.04.2025 18:29
It's a special episode of Blended and Bio- and this time, the husbands are in the house! That's right...we handed over the mics (kind of) and brought our better halves on for some laughs and some dad jokes. We're playing "Most Likely To.." surveyed by our kids... how did we do?! AND... this is our first video! Grab your popcorn and get ready to laugh.
Working the Steps In and Out to Blend God's Way with GUESTS: Dacey and Mitch Blackman Part 2 22.04.2025 54:19
This week we are joined by the hilarious and honest duo, Dacey and Mitch Blackman. They both get into how they were feeling when they first started to blend and what they said was the biggest thing they want other people to know about blending- this is a do not miss episode. Part 2 of 2 is out this week, so play last weeks if you are new here to get the whole conversation.
Working the Steps In and Out to Blend God's Way with GUESTS: Dacey and Mitch Blackman 15.04.2025 30:50
This week we are joined by the hilarious and honest duo, Dacey and Mitch Blackman. They both get into how they were feeling when they first started to blend and what they said was the biggest thing they want other people to know about blending- this is a do not miss episode. Part 1 of 2 is out this week, so comeback next week to hear the rest of this amazing conversation.
Custody, Control, and Consequences GUEST: Penelope Rivera 08.04.2025 51:01
In this powerful episode, we are joined by a special guest, Penelope Rivera, who brings firsthand insight into the complex world of the family court system. Whether it's custody battles or court-ordered services, we talk about what really happens when the court is required to step in. Thank you listening , enjoy . Penelope Rivera: Counseling website is www.livefreecounselingservices.com . Mediati...
Knowing Them Truly: Understanding Your Child's Personality Part 2 of 2 01.04.2025 51:17
Ever wondered what makes your child tick? Personality quizzes can be more than just fun- they can be a insightful way to truly understanding you child's unique traits. In this episode, Kara, the Co-Founder of Know and Love gets into why she developed this amazing, quick quiz, designed for kids of all ages. This is a great start to connect with your family on a deeper level, appreciate their indivi...
Knowing Them Truly: Understanding Your Child's Personality 25.03.2025 48:58
Ever wondered what makes your child tick? Personality quizzes can be more than just fun- they can be a insightful way to truly understanding you child's unique traits. In this episode, Kara, the Co-Founder of Know and Love gets into why she developed this amazing, quick quiz, designed for kids of all ages. This is a great start to connect with your family on a deeper level, appreciate their indivi...
Talk is Cheap, But Miscommunication is Expensive Part 2 18.03.2025 40:24
Join us this week for part 2 of 2 as we dive into COMMUNICATION. This is one of our first skills we learn in our lives, something we do daily..so why aren't we all better at it? We get into some of the challenges and pitfalls of why we all struggle with communication in one way or another.
Talk is Cheap, But Miscommunication is Expensive 11.03.2025 29:03
Join us this week for part 1 of 2 as we dive into COMMUNICATION. This is one of our first skills we learn in our lives, something we do daily..so why aren't we all better at it? We get into some of the challenges and pitfalls of why we all struggle with communication in one way or another.
Helicopter to Hotline: Parenting in Stages 04.03.2025 34:42
Join us this week as we talk Stages. Parenting is a journey of constant evolution, shifting from control to coaching and, eventually, consulting. in this episode, we break down the key stages of parenting-how our roles change as our children grow, the importance of letting go and adapting to each phase. Whether you're in the first or last phase, this conversation will provide insight to help you n...
Because We Said So: Parenting Styles with a Playbook 25.02.2025 32:16
Welcome friends! This week we sit down and talk about parenting styles. Such an important topic...for all parents! Jen breaks down the 4 common parenting styles. Do you know what style you naturally lean into ? What style you would like to parent from OR how to get there? We would love for you to join us in what we consider a foundation piece for all families blended or bio.
Minding Your BusiNESS : Blending with Boundaries 18.02.2025 25:41
In this episode we get in to the importance of minding your business in a blended family. Join the discussion this week as we get into what this can look like and what we need to consider.
Blending Budgets: When Your Wallet has Joint Custody 11.02.2025 30:07
Join us this week as we talk about MONEY. Finances can be a tricky topic in any household, but in a blended family we add a layer of complexity. In this episode, we talk about how we each navigated those challenges from child support to budgeting as a team.
Unwrapping Our Holiday Season 04.02.2025 29:17
Season 2 is BACK !! In this episode, we talk through our holiday season. From festive wins to unexpected hiccups, we share the real moments that made this holiday memorable. Tune in for some reflections, relatable chaos and maybe even a few tips to carry into next season. Welcome back to a new season of Blended and Bio !
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