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
309: Blending With Autism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:58
On today's episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori sits down with "Bookworm Stepmom," for a heartfelt and engaging conversation about navigating the highs and lows of blended family life. Stepmom opens up about her journ…
308: Graduations And Stepfamilies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:13
Welcome back to the Nacho Kids Podcast! In this heartfelt and relatable episode, hosts David and Lori dive into the annual struggle of graduation ticket allocations. With only a handful of coveted seats for high school a…
307: Lisa Wilson ~ A History of Stepfamilies in Early America [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:26
In this enlightening episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, we explore the fascinating world of stepfamilies in American history with our special guest, Lisa Wilson, the esteemed author of "A History of Stepfamilies in Early…
306: Easter In Stepfamilies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:18
Welcome to this episode of the NK Podcast, where hosts Lori and David dive into the intricacies of celebrating Easter within stepfamilies. The holiday season can be a delightful time, but it also brings unique challenges…
305: The Good Divorce Coach ~ Karen McNenny [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:07
Welcome to another enlightening episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast! In today's episode, hosts Lori and David welcome the insightful Karen McNenny, also known as the Good Divorce Coach. Karen joins us to challenge the trad…
304: Nacho Parenting: It's Not About Ignoring Step Kids [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:27
In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, hosts Lori and David dive into the often misunderstood concept of "nacho parenting." They start by addressing a common question: Does nachoing mean ignoring your stepkids? Lori…
303: Affairs Create Stepfamilies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:25:54
Hey, Nacho Parents! In this episode, we dive into the whirlwind story of a step couple who faced some major challenges blending their families. They've got a history that goes way back, but things got complicated when th…
302: Mother's Day Doesn't Have To Suck For Stepmoms [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:14
Welcome back to the Nacho Kids podcast! In this episode, titled "Mother's Day Doesn't Have To Suck For Stepmoms/Stepfamilies," hosts David and Lori dive into the complex dynamics of navigating Mother's Day as a stepparen…
301: Stepmom Didn't Want Kids - Audio [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:02
In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori Sims welcomes Mae, a stepmom navigating the challenging dynamics of her blended family. Mae lives with her partner, their two-year-old child, and her partner's kids—a 13-ye…
300: 300 Podcasts Later: Our Blended Family Journey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:23
In this milestone episode of the NK Podcast, we're celebrating our 300th episode! Join hosts Lori and David as they reflect on five and a half years of podcasting, sharing their journey and the valuable lessons they've l…