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Published on:

6th Aug 2024

Blended Family Wisdom with Ron Deal

In this episode, Lesa Koski interviews Ron Deal, a world-renowned expert on blending families. The discussion covers Ron's background and the journey that led him to his current role, including his professional experiences and personal challenges. Ron shares practical advice for single parents considering dating, the role of a stepparent, and handling complex family dynamics. He emphasizes the importance of managing fears to build successful blended families and touches on crucial topics such as co-parenting and involving children in the dating process. The episode also highlights Ron's various resources, including books, podcasts, and online courses, aimed at supporting blended families.

00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement

01:37 Ron's Journey to Becoming a Blended Family Expert

04:57 Personal Challenges and Triumphs

07:15 Dating and the Single Parent

10:26 Red Flags and Yellow Lights in Relationships

15:29 The Role of a Stepparent

20:54 Navigating Grief in Blended Families

22:40 The Importance of Intentionality in Blended Families

24:01 Single Parenting vs. Blended Families

26:17 Co-Parenting and Conflict Resolution

28:13 Managing Fear in New Relationships

31:30 Involving Kids in the Dating Process

34:57 Guidelines for Introducing a New Partner

37:11 Resources for Blended Families



  Resources by Ron Deal  


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Ron L. Deal, LMFT, LPC

 

President, As For Me and My House Ministries

Director, FamilyLife Blended®, a ministry of FamilyLife®

10201 W. Markham, Ste 105, Little Rock, AR 72205

www.RonDeal.org | SmartStepfamilies.com 

www.FamilyLife.com/blended 


Listen or Subscribe to my FamilyLife Blended podcast here

Sample media interviews and presentations  


Facebook: @SmartStepfamilies

Facebook: @FamilyLifeBlended

Twitter: @RonLDeal

Instagram: @FamilyLifeBlended



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About the Podcast

Doing Divorce Different A Podcast Guide to Doing Divorce Differently
Divorce, co-parenting, menopause, marriage, and starting over after 40—Doing Divorce Different is your guide to a healthy, faith filled life transition.

Hosted by Family Law Attorney and Mediator Lesa Koski, Doing Divorce Different is a candid, empowering podcast designed to take the fear out of divorce and guide you toward peace—whether you’re navigating a split, working to stay married, or rebuilding a better life after a major transition. Each week, Lesa brings heart-centered legal insight, emotional support, and holistic wisdom to help you heal, grow, and thrive.

We cover everything from amicable divorce and co-parenting strategies to parenting plans that actually work and support kids in thriving through change. You’ll learn how to prepare for marriage with prenups, revisit your relationship with post-nuptial agreements, and understand what it really takes to stay married or rekindle love after a rough season. If you're in the midst of a grey divorce, wondering how to not get divorced, or questioning whether love can be found again, this show is for you.

Lesa also explores the emotional and physical changes that often accompany midlife and major life shifts. From navigating the impact of menopause on your health, marriage, and mood, to dealing with the loneliness that can come after divorce or empty nesting, you’ll find honest conversations that don’t shy away from real-life challenges. And for those of you in your 40s, 50s, or beyond, you’ll discover what it means to truly build a better life after 40.

Health and wellness are deeply integrated into this journey. Lesa shares insights on the benefits of rest, joy, nutrition, fasting, protein, and bone health, along with the power of movement, community, and exercise to support mental clarity and physical strength. You’ll learn how to take care of yourself with intention—because healing isn’t just emotional, it’s also biological.

Mindset work and self-coaching are recurring tools offered in episodes to help you reframe your story and shift from fear to freedom. And through it all, the show honors the role of faith, spiritual surrender, and letting God lead you through every season. Whether you're leaning into your relationship with God for the first time or deepening a lifelong practice, you’ll hear how surrender can bring peace even in the hardest moments.

You’ll hear real stories from people who have done divorce differently, saved their marriages, or found new love and purpose on the other side. Lesa also brings in conversations about marriages that have stood the test of time, co-parenting through complex seasons, and the realities of parenting after separation while maintaining stability for your kids.

This is not just a podcast about divorce. Doing Divorce Different is about taking back your life, rewriting your future, and trusting that you’re not starting over, you’re starting better. If you’re craving practical advice, soul-level encouragement, and real conversations about creating a healthy, joyful, purpose-driven life, you’ve found your community.

Subscribe now and join Lesa Koski for weekly episodes that will help you grow stronger in your relationships, your health, and your faith, no matter where you’re starting from.

About the Host:
I’ve spent over 25 years helping families navigate amicable divorce as a lawyer and mediator, always focused on protecting what matters most—your kids and your peace of mind. But my mission has expanded. Today, I support women over 40 not just through endings, but in building stronger relationships—and sometimes even saving their marriages. I’m a breast cancer survivor, a cowgirl at heart, a wellness advocate, and a follower of Jesus. My life and faith fuel my passion for helping women thrive.

About your host

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Lesa Koski