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
289: Bio Mom Is The Problem, Not The Stepkids [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:15
Welcome back to NK Podcast and we're excited to bring you Episode 289, featuring a deeply honest and emotional conversation with our special guest, West Coast Stepmom. She opens up about the complexities and challenges o…
288: Blended Holidays With Claudette Chenevert and Lori Sims [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:25
Welcome to another insightful episode of NK Podcast, where we dive into navigating the complex dynamics of stepfamilies during the holiday season. In this episode, Lori sits down with Claudette Chenover, a seasoned stepm…
287: Holiday Discussions With Laura Petherbridge [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:46
In this heartwarming and humorous episode of NK Podcast Shared, host Lori is joined by the insightful Laura Petherbridge, also known as "The Smart Stepmom." Join them as they navigate the complex dynamics of blended fami…
286: Stepmom In Second Blend Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:41
Welcome to episode 286 of the Nacho Kids Podcast, where Lori dives deep into the unique challenges and triumphs of blended families. In today's episode, we welcome back Becky for her second appearance, where she shares h…
285: Stepmom's Second Blend [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:52
Welcome to the NK Podcast Shared! In episode 285, Lori sits down with Becky, a stepmom navigating the intricacies of her second blended family. Lori and Becky delve into the challenges and emotional landscape of co-paren…
284: Financial Planning in the Blend ~ Brian Peterson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:53
Welcome to NK Podcast Shared, Episode 284! In today's episode, host Lori sits down with guest Brian Peterson to dive deep into the financial intricacies of blended families. Brian, with over 16 years of experience in fin…
283: Our Family Wizard ~ Kevin Dorsey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:59
Welcome back to NK Podcast Shared! In today's episode, host Lori delves into a vital discussion on the increasing role of mediation and technology in reducing the stress of parental disputes during divorce and separation…
282: Financial Planning For Blended Families ~ Mikel Van Cleve [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:58
Welcome to Episode 282 of NK Podcast! In this insightful episode, hosts David and Lori are joined by returning guest Mikel Van Cleve, a certified financial planner with a focus on blended family dynamics. Mikel was previ…
281: The Birth of Nacho Kids Nacho Parenting [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:53
Welcome to episode 281 of the NK Podcast Shared! In today's episode, hosts David and Lori take us on an introspective journey as they reflect on their complex and often tumultuous path of blending their family. From pers…
280: Ours Kid Turned Stepmom [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:18
Welcome back to the NK Podcast Shared! In today's episode, Lori is joined by returning guest Keri to dive deep into the complexities of modern family dynamics, focusing on blended families. Lori starts by sharing her fee…