369: From Tragedy to Togetherness: Donna Kendrick's Story of Blended Family Success

369: From Tragedy to Togetherness: Donna Kendrick's Story of Blended Family Success

Author: Lori Sims & David Sims June 26, 2026 Duration: 50:42

In this heartfelt episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori Sims welcomes guest Donna Kendrick, who shares her deeply personal story of loss, resilience, and blending families. Raised in Philadelphia, Donna Kendrick describes her journey from being married to a Philadelphia police officer, living abroad as a family, and navigating the aftermath of her husband's tragic taking of his own life after their return to the U.S. She candidly discusses how mental health struggles, grief, and trust issues shaped her decisions as a widow and a mother.

Donna Kendrick goes on to recount meeting her current husband, a carpenter who had originally helped with renovations after her first husband's passing, and the slow, organic way their families and children came together. Through life's unexpected twists, including her husband's ex-wife's battle with cancer and the logistical and emotional challenges of moving and merging households, Donna Kendrick highlights the power of empathy, extended family support, and humor in navigating the ups and downs of blended family life.

The episode touches on grief, motherhood, the importance of listening to your body, and the ongoing challenges and blessings of raising six children in a truly blended household. Lori and Donna share relatable stories and insights, with promises to bring Donna Kendrick back for future conversations about financial planning.

In this episode:

  • Grief and Resilience in Blended Families

  • Navigating Blending After Loss and Divorce

  • Compassion, Empathy, and Extended Support

  • Practical Transitional Decisions

  • Humor and Dark Comedy as Coping

  • Importance of Self-care, Community, and Advocacy

  • Adaptability and Open Communication

Listeners will be inspired by themes of hope, community, and the ways that love and laughter can help families heal and grow together.


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…