329: Mindful Marriage With Ron and Nan Deal

329: Mindful Marriage With Ron and Nan Deal

Author: Lori Sims & David Sims September 19, 2025 Duration: 1:07:24

In this heartfelt and candid episode, Lori and David sit down with Ron and Nan Deal to discuss their new book, "The Mindful Marriage." The conversation dives deep into the real-life struggles and breakthroughs the Deals have faced in their marriage, including coping styles, emotional reactivity, and the journey toward self-growth. Ron and Nan share vulnerable stories from their own relationship, highlighting how self-reflection, humility, and self-control have transformed not only their marriage but their approach to life's stressors - from parenting to grief after the loss of their son.

Listeners will relate to the honest talk about blame, shame, control, and escape in relationships and the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions. The Deals also touch on the resources available through their work, the critical role of grace, and finding peace after facing life's hardest moments. Whether you're in a blended family or not, this episode offers valuable tools for anyone seeking healthier connections and a more mindful, compassionate approach to relationships.

Key topics:

  • The impact of reactivity in relationships

  • Emotional regulation and mindfulness

  • The power of humility and self-reflection

  • How past experiences shape present interactions

  • Navigating grief and addiction as a couple

  • Building (and rebuilding) trust

  • Supporting others through vulnerability and authenticity

Nacho Testimonial

We don't argue about the kids anymore. That's all Lori. ~ Z.M., Lexington, KY, USA


Navigating the complexities of a stepfamily can feel like an isolating journey, but it doesn’t have to be. The Nacho Kids Podcast: Blended Family Lifesaver offers a genuine conversation for anyone in the thick of it, hosted by Lori and David Sims. As founders of Nacho Kids and experienced blended family coaches themselves, they bring both personal insight and professional guidance to each episode. This isn’t about abstract theory; it’s real talk about the daily struggles, from co-parenting tensions and sibling dynamics to maintaining your own relationship sanity. You’ll hear from the hosts and their guests as they share candid stories of both setbacks and hard-won successes, creating a sense of community. At the heart of this podcast is the practical, life-changing framework of the Nacho Kids Method, which provides tangible strategies for saving relationships and building a peaceful home. Tune in for honest discussions that replace judgment with support, offering the tools and reassurance needed to thrive in your blended family life. Each conversation is designed to make you feel understood and equipped, turning overwhelming challenges into manageable steps forward.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Nacho Kids Podcast: Blended Family Lifesaver
Podcast Episodes
360: Stepmom Becomes Only Legal Parent to Stepdaughter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:34
In this heartfelt episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Valerie Mills shares her remarkable story of becoming a stepmom who ultimately adopted her stepdaughter, overcoming immense obstacles and heartbreak along the way. Lis…
358: Mother's Day Doesn't Have to Suck [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:47
Mother's Day is almost here, and stepmoms everywhere are bracing for the rollercoaster of emotions that this Hallmark holiday can bring. In this honest, lighthearted episode, Lori & David break down the myths, expectatio…
357: Estate Planning In Stepfamilies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:31
Discover crucial insights into estate planning, divorce mediation, and the complexities of blended families in this heartfelt episode featuring attorney Tamara Arnold. Learn why preparing legal documents for life's unexp…
356: Who Pays For College In A Stepfamily [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:59
Curious how blended families navigate the tricky question of paying for college? Lori and David tackle financial planning, family dynamics, and the reality of college costs in stepfamilies with honesty and humor. In this…
355: Family Court Don'ts ~ Whitney Antoniono Family Law Attorney [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:14
Struggling with family court drama or high-conflict co-parenting? In this eye-opening episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, host Lori sits down with seasoned family law attorney Whitney Antoniono to reveal the common mistak…
354: Stepkids Don't Disappear at 18 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:55
Ready for some laughs, real-life blended family moments, and practical advice? In Episode NKP354 of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori and David go deep on navigating relationships with adult stepkids - messy bathrooms, emptie…
353: Don't Do This & Big Announcement [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:59
Ready for some real talk about stepfamily life? In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, hosts Lori and David dive into the hot topic of whether stepkids should be pushed to move out at 18, and why the answer is rarely…
352: Apartnering Because Of Stepkid [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:05
Get ready for a powerful and deeply honest conversation in Nacho Kids Podcast Episode 352! This week, our returning guest Laura, a stepmom from Oklahoma, shares her emotional journey navigating difficult stepfamily dynam…
351: Losing Yourself In The Blend [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:49
Feeling lost in your stepfamily journey? In Nacho Kids Podcast episode 351, Lori and David get real about what it's like to lose yourself in the chaos of blending families, and how to find your way back to "you." In this…