366: Loss, Reconciliation, and Growth in the blend

366: Loss, Reconciliation, and Growth in the blend

Author: Lori Sims & David Sims June 5, 2026 Duration: 1:14:51

In this heartfelt episode, Lori talks with California Stepmom, who shares her decade-long journey as a stepmom in a blend with no biological or "ours" kids of her own, but with plenty of lessons learned and emotional ups and downs. California Stepmom discusses her initial excitement entering stepfamily life, the unexpected challenges she faced, particularly from toxic ex-spouse dynamics and loyalty binds, and the heartbreak of estrangement when her stepdaughter chose to leave their home at 17. She details the difficult court battles, emotional toll, and the invaluable role that the Nacho Kids Podcast, Academy, and one-on-one coaching with Lori played in helping her set boundaries, heal, and strengthen her marriage. The episode offers practical tools and hope for anyone navigating the complexities of stepfamily life, emphasizing the importance of self-care, patience, and the "long game" mindset.

In this episode:

  • Entering a blended family: initial hopes and realities of becoming a stepmom

  • Navigating relationships with stepchildren and building trust

  • The complexities of being a childless stepmom and feelings of being an outsider

  • Managing the dynamic with the ex-wife, including toxic behaviors and parental alienation

  • Loyalty binds and the influence of parents' actions on stepchildren

  • Challenges of co-parenting, custody arrangements, and transition difficulties for kids

  • Guilty parent syndrome and its impact on discipline and household dynamics

  • Practical struggles: household boundaries, such as food and cleanliness issues

  • Dealing with teen estrangement and the emotional aftermath

  • The legal challenges of child support, child custody, and importance of court documentation

  • Experiences with ineffective family therapy and the necessity of vetting professionals

  • Emotional coping strategies: seeking community, therapy, and supportive resources

  • Tools and language learned through the Nacho Kids Podcast and Academy

  • Repairing and redefining the relationship with estranged stepchildren

  • Ongoing growth, hope for the future, and building resilience as a stepfamily


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: 50

The Nacho Kids Podcast: Blended Family Lifesaver
Podcast Episodes
349: Valentine's Day Expectations [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:41
Get ready for laughter, realness, and actionable advice as Lori and David tackle Valentine's Day expectations and the tricky emotions that come with stepfamily living. In this episode, Lori and David dive into the emotio…
348: Successful Co-parenting [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:33
In this powerful and deeply honest episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori sits down with Jon Bassford, author of The Co-Parenting Secret: It's Not About You, to talk about what healthy co-parenting really looks like, an…
347: Adult Stepkid Moves Back In [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:46
When an adult stepchild moves back home, many stepparents quickly realize that blending does not end at age 18, it simply enters a new phase. In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori and David talk candidly about…
346: They Can Put Their Big Person Panties On [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:13
When a stepchild hurts your partner, every instinct tells you to jump in and defend them, but that move often makes everything worse. In this episode of The Nacho Kids Podcast, we unpack what really happens when step-par…
345: Some Blends Are Toxic [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:55
In this lively episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, hosts Lori and David dive straight into a wild story involving clogged toilets, dangerous chemical reactions, and a visit from the local fire department. Lori recounts he…
344: Stepfamily New Year's Expectations [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:35
Kick off 2026 with laughter and real talk! In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori and David explore the powerful topic of expectations—why they trip us up, how to let go of what others "should" do, and how to bu…
343: Stepfamilies Can Change In The Blink Of An Eye [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:54
Looking for real talk on blended family challenges, New Year's resolutions, and actionable strategies for stepfamilies? In this episode, hosts David and Lori dive deep into stepfamily dynamics and why things can change i…
342: That's Not Nachoing! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:16
In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, hosts David and Lori dive into a deeply relatable and emotional topic: financial stress and holiday challenges in blended families. Lori reads a heart-wrenching post from their…
341: Sick Stepkids [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:30
In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, hosts Lori and guest David tackle one of the trickiest challenges in blended family life: what happens when the stepkids get sick? This episode dives deep into how co-parents an…
340: Cell Phones Between Homes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:25
Is your blended family struggling with cell phone boundaries? NKP340 dives deep into the real challenges and solutions around kids, technology, and stepfamily life—don't miss these actionable tips! In this insightful epi…