The Nacho Kids Podcast: Blended Family Lifesaver

Lori Sims & David Sims
  • 4.8 (265)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Stepfamilies and blended families are very challenging. With a failure rate of over 70%, it's clear that blended families need help. Nacho Kids founders and blended family coaches, Lori and David Sims, are here to help blended families save their sanity and relationships. You'll hear the hosts and guests discuss the struggles and successes of blended family life and learn how the Nacho Kids Method is changing lives and saving relationships around the world.

  1. 17H AGO

    350: Your Partner Can Be The Problem

    Blending families isn't for the faint of heart—and losing yourself in the process is all too common. Tune in as Lori and guest Jackie Faber get real about boundaries, guilt, and reclaiming your identity in stepfamily life. In this raw and relatable episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori welcomes former stepmom Jackie Faber to discuss what it's really like to blend families, navigate unfair expectations, and fight back against the emotional traps that so many stepfamilies fall into. Jackie shares her personal story of discovering Nacho Kids, recognizing patterns of self-abandonment, and ultimately choosing her own well-being over staying in an unhealthy relationship. Listeners will learn: How stepmoms and stepdads often lose themselves trying to "do it right" in a blended family. Why resentment and guilt are so common, and how to recognize who's really responsible for family problems. The difference between partner problems and parenting problems. The power of boundaries, self-care, and not letting others' expectations dictate your happiness. Strategies for managing "fairness," finances, and emotional labor in blended family life. How to communicate your needs (and why most of us were never taught how!). Eye-opening insights about stepfamily love, parental alienation, and not repeating unhealthy patterns from the past. Whether you're in the trenches of a stepfamily or still considering blending, this candid conversation will help you find your way back to yourself.

    53 min

  2. FEB 10

    349: Valentine's Day Expectations

    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 emotional minefields of Valentine's Day, discussing honest communication between partners and the importance of managing expectations, especially in blended families. You'll hear their candid conversation about gift-giving ("Stop setting your partner up to fail!"), spontaneous acts of kindness, and why comparison can sabotage the holiday spirit.  Topics: The importance of clearly communicating expectations with your partner (don't set each other up to fail!) How perceptions and comparison impact kids, especially when one child gets a gift, and others don't Why spending $150 on roses may NOT be the best way to show love, for anyone in your family Practical, budget-friendly ideas for celebrating and keeping family harmony, like the famous coupon book or sharing ice cream instead of overpriced cards Insights about childhood emotions, feeling included, and handling those tricky stepfamily holiday moments Relevant Links: Nacho Kids Podcast Website: https://nachokids.com/podcast/ Episode NKP349 Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and join the Nacho Kids community for more support and insights on stepfamily life!

    28 min

  3. JAN 30

    348: Successful Co-parenting

    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, and why most families are unknowingly doing it wrong. Jon shares his personal journey as a child of divorce, a father navigating two households, and a co-parent who intentionally chose cooperation over conflict. Together, they explore the realities of dual parenting vs. true co-parenting, the emotional toll high-conflict dynamics place on children, and how ego, resentment, and unresolved hurt often derail what's best for kids. This conversation covers: • Why "co-parenting" often isn't co-parenting at all • The difference between parallel parenting and collaborative parenting • How childhood divorce experiences shape adult parenting decisions • Why keeping the focus on the child changes everything • The power of accountability instead of blame • How healthy communication models emotional intelligence for kids • Creating a functional "village" even after divorce • Why showing up matters more than perfection • How to reduce transitions, meltdowns, and emotional overload for children Jon also explains how he and his ex-wife rebuilt their post-divorce relationship with intentionality, including maintaining respectful communication, consistent parenting standards across households, and involving extended family as part of a unified support system. This episode is a must-listen for: ✔ Stepparents feeling overwhelmed or sidelined ✔ Divorced parents struggling with communication ✔ Parents navigating 50/50 custody schedules ✔ High-conflict co-parenting situations ✔ Anyone wanting to protect their child's emotional health If you've ever wondered whether peaceful co-parenting is truly possible, this episode proves that it is. Because when parenting becomes about the child instead of the adults… everything changes. 🔗 Resources Mentioned: • The Co-Parenting Secret: It's Not About You — Jon Bassford • Website: jonbassford.com 🎧 About the Nacho Kids Podcast The Nacho Kids Podcast is dedicated to supporting stepparents and blended families through real conversations, real stories, and real solutions — all grounded in the proven Nacho Kids Method. Life really is better… when you Nacho.   stepfamily, stepparenting, blended family, co parenting, coparenting after divorce, parallel parenting, high conflict coparent, divorce parenting, shared custody, 50/50 custody, parenting after divorce, stepmom support, stepdad support, nacho kids, blended family podcast, co parenting communication, healthy coparenting, child centered parenting, divorced parents

    1h 4m

  4. JAN 23

    347: Adult Stepkid Moves Back In

    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 what happens when adult children return home, sometimes with partners and young children in tow. What begins as a temporary plan to save money or regroup can quickly bring up anxiety, boundaries, and old blended-family challenges you thought were behind you. They discuss the emotional and logistical realities of shared households, including working from home with more people present, managing noise and schedules, and navigating the difference between biological-parent tolerance and stepparent tolerance. This conversation covers: • Adult stepkids moving back in • Why this stage can feel harder than early blending • Anxiety and resentment many stepmoms experience • Setting household expectations without creating conflict • Communicating boundaries without sounding controlling • Helping adult children without hurting your marriage • Why step-parenting does not end when kids become adults Many blended families are surprised to learn that step-parenting continues well into adulthood, especially in today's economy, where housing costs and living expenses make independence more difficult for young adults. If you are navigating an adult stepchild moving back home, struggling with boundaries, or feeling overwhelmed by the impact on your marriage or peace, this episode offers an honest perspective and practical reassurance. Helping does not have to mean sacrificing yourself. Because life is good when you Nacho. step parenting, blended family podcast, adult stepkids, stepmom burnout, nacho parenting, blended family boundaries

    30 min

  5. JAN 16

    346: They Can Put Their Big Person Panties On

    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-parents step in too fast, how quickly alliances flip, and why trying to "fix" the moment can turn you into the problem. We talk honestly about: Watching a stepchild disrespect or hurt your partner Why defending your partner can backfire How the target shifts from the behavior to you Why step-parents often feel more upset than the biological parent The danger of keeping score When stepping in can help and when stepping back is the healthiest move This conversation isn't about bad kids or bad intentions. It's about understanding blended family dynamics, emotional triggers, and how to protect your relationship without escalating conflict. Nacho isn't about disengaging emotionally. It's about disengaging from what was never yours to fix. If you're a step-parent trying to balance boundaries, connection, and peace, this episode will help you see the situation differently and respond with clarity instead of reaction. Keywords: step parenting, blended families, step parent boundaries, co-parenting conflict, high conflict families, step parent burnout, Nacho Kids, family dynamics, emotional safety, marriage in blended families

    38 min

  6. JAN 9

    345: Some Blends Are Toxic

    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 her adventure with her friend Holley as they try to fix her dad's clogged toilet, inadvertently creating chlorine gas by mixing household chemicals. The resulting chaos - fire trucks, EMTs, neighbors, and dad's dark humor - serves as a hilarious reminder: don't mix cleaning products! The hosts then shift the conversation toward stepfamily dynamics, exploring how emotional attachments shape responses to mistakes made by stepkids versus biological kids and close friends. Lori and David share personal anecdotes about household frustrations (think dirty dishes and leftover cereal boxes) and how they navigate daily stresses, especially with the anticipated return of David's son and more family members moving in. Throughout the episode, there's plenty of laughter, playful banter, and honest reflection on blending families, boundaries, and giving grace - even when someone leaves time on the microwave or a mess on the counter. The episode closes with a tongue-in-cheek debate about food, chores, and who really needs to stop eating - all in typical Nacho Kids Podcast fashion. Key Topics: When DIY plumbing goes wrong—chemical mishaps and calling 911 Differences in reactions to mishaps between stepkids, bio kids, and friends The rising stress of blended family living arrangements Household chores, boundaries, and comedic interactions between hosts Listeners get a healthy dose of humor, relatable stepfamily struggles, and a reminder that sometimes, all you can do is "nacho"—let go and laugh about it. Nacho Kids Testimony: "I no longer regret marrying my husband! Thank you Nacho!" ~ H.H., Montgomery, AL, USA

    33 min

  7. JAN 2

    344: Stepfamily New Year's Expectations

    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 build more peace and happiness in your blended family life. In this episode: Why expecting others to change (especially as a New Year's resolution!) sets you up for disappointment How your personal stories, judgments, and baggage shape what you expect from others—and how to rewrite those scripts Practical advice on shifting your mindset, spotting unrealistic expectations, and finding the positive even in tough times The importance of controlling your own reactions and embracing ownership of your actions and mistakes Why social media and Hallmark movies might be sabotaging your happiness Exciting news about donated Nacho Kids Academy scholarships, courtesy of the amazing Sylvia Krakauer Nacho Testimony: "If it wasn't for Nacho Parenting, I'd be divorced... again!" ~ L.W., Canton, OH, USA

    28 min

  8. JAN 1

    343: Stepfamilies Can Change In The Blink Of An Eye

    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 in an instant. Whether you're a stepparent, parent in a blended family, or just seeking practical advice on setting and achieving goals, this episode delivers with wit, wisdom, and warmth. Episode Highlights: New Year's Resolutions & Why Most Fail: Learn why breaking goals into 90-day cycles (instead of year-long ambitions) leads to success. Psychology of Quick Wins: How seeing progress motivates stepfamilies, with lessons drawn from money management and video games. Realistic Blended Family Goals: Concrete ideas like reducing negativity and celebrating incremental progress. Building Relationships: Candid confessions on communication styles and maintaining healthy family or friendship connections. Acts of Kindness: The episode honors the memory of Ryan Webb by encouraging random acts of kindness in stepfamilies and communities. Tune in for practical strategies, relatable stories, and the trademark Nacho Kids humor as David and Lori help you navigate life's curveballs in a blended family. From paying off your car to learning how to "Nacho" the negatives, this episode is packed with inspiration to start your year strong - one bite-sized step at a time! Nacho Testimony: "The whole Nacho thing made no sense to me years ago when I heard about it. Now, years later, I am so thankful for this method and Lori & David! They saved my marriage!" ~ E.J., Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    30 min
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4.8
out of 5
265 Ratings

About

Stepfamilies and blended families are very challenging. With a failure rate of over 70%, it's clear that blended families need help. Nacho Kids founders and blended family coaches, Lori and David Sims, are here to help blended families save their sanity and relationships. You'll hear the hosts and guests discuss the struggles and successes of blended family life and learn how the Nacho Kids Method is changing lives and saving relationships around the world.

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