Blended Kingdom Families Podcast

Join Scott and Vanessa Martindale as they revisit one of the most impactful episodes of the Blended Kingdom Families podcast. In this must-listen conversation they explore how parental behavior shapes the emotional, spiritual and relational development of children in blended families. Whether you are a stepparent, co-parent or navigating a new season of remarriage, this episode dives into how your...

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...

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...

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 o...

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 rel...

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 b...

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 b...

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...

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 h...

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 stre...

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...

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 redu...

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...

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 stra...

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 pre...

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...

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...

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 Vanes...

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, hone...

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 f...

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,...

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 o...

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 h...

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. Tun...

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 cel...