The Family Mess

Part 3 of One Child, Two Lives brings listeners deeper into Arteshia and Dekerria's personal experience with motherhood. They breaks down the contrast between single-mom and married -mom's life-especially during those exhausting young-children years. The episode emphasizes the power of opportunity: how unexpected chances can help moms level up, shift direction, or simply survive another season. If...

Ever wonder if motherhood comes with a manual? Spoiler alert: it doesn't. In Part 2 of "One Child, Two Lives," Nathalie and Ian sit down with Arteshia (single mom) and Dekerria (married mom) to spill the tea on the chaos, the meltdowns, and the moments that make you question you life choices. Turns out whether you've got a ring or not, motherhood is basically a survival game with no cheat codes. G...

Part of a powerful three-part series exploring the diverse paths of motherhood. In this series, we sit down with two moms -one single, one married-who share their raw unfiltered sotories of growth, regrets, opportunities for change, and deep self-reflection. This interview uncovers the challenges and triumphs that shape their lives as mothers and women. Whether you're navigating parenthood, seekin...

Can sleeping in separate beds actually strengthen your relationship? In this follow-up to Sleep Divorce, Ian and Nathalie explore the emotional and practical impact of five nights apart. From better sleep quality to surprising intimacy insights, they unpack how sleep boundaries can support healthy communication, personal space, and long-term connection. A must-listen for anyone exploring sleep div...

From snoring wars to midnight tossing and turning, Nathalie and Ian get real about the “sleep divorce”—when couples choose separate bedrooms to reclaim rest and revive romance. Is this a sign of trouble, or a smart move toward healthier connection? Tune in for personal stories, expert insights, and a fresh take on what it means to sleep well and love better.

What do you do when you can't provide care to your parent anymore? This podcast is a powerful and candid account of my search for an assisted living facility for my dying father. We pull back the curtain on the difficult decisions surrounding elder care, from the financial strain of long-term care insurance to the emotional weight of choosing a nursing home. We explore the harsh realities of how o...

This is a podcast about mourning what was — and what wasn’t. About grieving a parent whose love came with conditions, whose presence felt heavy, and whose absence doesn’t bring peace, only questions. When a parent dies and the relationship was painful, complicated, or incomplete, the grief that follows is rarely simple. There’s sorrow, yes — but also anger, guilt, confusion, sometimes even relief....

In this deeply intimate episode, Nathalie and Ian confront the raw aftermath of grief and the immense pressure of caregiving. Nathalie navigates mourning the death of her mother, while Ian battles a frustrating healthcare system to care for his dying father. As they speak, they uncover the painful truth about grief and relationships: How do you care for a loved one while also grieving yourself? Th...

In Part II of Change is Hard series, the journey deepens. We catch up as she reclaims her strength—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. From breakthrough moments in counseling to reshaping what “healthy” really means, this episode is about building a life rooted in clarity, courage, and consistency. If Part I was about deciding to change, Part II is about becoming the change—and the...

What happens when the reflection in the mirror feels like a stranger—and the silence in your mind grows louder than your motivation? In this episode of the Family Mess Podcast, we follow the deep personal story of a young woman, Arteshia, navigating one of life’s hardest pivots: choosing to fight for herself. Once driven by a clear goal, she found herself stalled by depression, disconnected from t...

In this heartfelt episode on parenting a child with learning differences, Nathalie and Ian open up about the immense emotional and financial investment that shaped their son Noah's journey to high school graduation. From early behavioral challenges to finding specialized programs, they candidly recount the triumphs of raising a child who doesn't fit the mold. This episode is a must-listen for pare...

Raymond has traveled thousands of miles, carrying his thoughts as heavy as the cargo he hauls. But now, the journey isn’t about highways—it’s about healing. In this second episode, Raymond opens up even further about his struggles, reflecting on his past and questioning his future. Is he ready to move back home to Central Florida? Is he truly prepared to break the cycle and reclaim his life? With...

Raymond has seen it all—from the towering skylines of America’s biggest cities to the vast solitude of the open road. As a trucker, he’s traveled coast to coast, experiencing the beauty of National Parks, the buzz of urban life, and the quiet mystery of forgotten towns. But beneath the miles, Raymond has been running—running from the reality of undiagnosed ADHD, from his own identity, and from the...

What started as a simple way to coordinate a family reunion has evolved into something far more meaningful. In this episode, Nathalie and Ian explore how their WhatsApp group became a digital gathering space for raw emotions, struggles, and frustrations. But it’s more than just venting. Over time, their family communication transformed from messy to beautiful, creating a safe space for encourageme...

What does success truly mean? In this personal episode, Nathalie and Ian reflect on their younger years, when they equated success with material wealth and high-end living. Now, approaching midlife, they've realized the true importance of relationships, kindness, and treating everyone with respect. This episode is a powerful conversation about changing priorities, personal growth in your 40s and 5...

What's the secret to breaking free from what holds you back? In this episode, Nathalie and Ian use the Gayle King and Blue Origin story as a launchpad to discuss the power of mindset. They explore the difference between letting your fears control you and choosing to act with courage. This is a practical and relatable conversation on personal growth, self-improvement, and building resilience. This...

Join Ian and Nathalie as they navigate the emotional, financial, and practical challenges of caregiving for their aging parents. With Ian candidly sharing his struggles with anxiety and mental health, this podcast pulls back the curtain on the harsh realities many families face—balancing work, family life, and the profound responsibility of elder care. They dive into the flaws of a medical system...

In a divided and fast-paced world, is kindness becoming a lost art? Join Nathalie and Ian as they explore why compassion is fading and how we can still build a world rooted in empathy. Through heartfelt conversations, real-life stories, and expert insights, we uncover the power of small acts of generosity and discuss the societal shifts impacting positivity. This podcast is your guide to cultivati...

Are you questioning marriage? Welcome to The Family Mess. We're the unconventional relationship podcast that explores the hard work, unwavering commitment, and sacrifices behind tying the knot. Join us for honest conversations about dating, divorce, and the complexities of modern relationships."

As a parent, it’s impossible not to worry about the path your teenager is heading down—especially when you fear they might grow up to be a shadow of what you hope for them to become. In this episode of The Family Mess Podcast, we dive deep into the tough, raw feelings that come with raising teenage boys. Are they on track? Are they making the right choices? What happens if they end up lost or stuc...

In this episode of The Family Mess, we dive into a futuristic yet highly relevant question: Is having sex with robots considered cheating? The line between human intimacy and technological companionship is becoming increasingly blurred. We explore the ethical, emotional, and psychological dimensions of robot-human relationships, examining whether such encounters can truly be classified as infideli...

In this episode of The Family Mess Podast Nathalie and Ian discuss taking care of sick parents and what its like becoming full time caregivers.

After a year off, Ian and Nathalie return to explain what happened. There was some soul searching, vacations, caregiver moments and that just scratches the surface. Join Nathalie and Ian as they explain what really happened to them. Some of it serious but moments of laughter to keep you entertained and wanting to hear more about their lives.

In this final episode of our four-part Sedona, Arizona series, I explain my soul-changing experience and the profound impact of my journey after Christmas 2023. I share the emotional and spiritual breakthrough of finding my purpose and the incredible feeling of finding myself again. My last meeting with a counselor helped me to finally connect with my inner self, a part of me I had left behind for...

In this episode of our Sedona, Arizona series, I continue my soul journey with an exploration of breathwork. As I begin this intense and life-changing experience, I share my raw and honest reactions to what I've heard is a powerful healing modality. I also receive a much-needed full-body massage to help my body and mind unwind. This episode dives deep into the unexpected but necessary practices th...