Blended, Blessed & Always A Mess

Aric & Angie
  • 4.7 (69)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Biweekly

Aric and Angie's podcast shares all the blessings and messiness with a blended family of 6 kids. Hear about the challenges, chaos and lessons as this family grows together. 

  1. 16h ago

    How Tiny Hummingbirds Can Teach Us About God’s Strength in Impossible Journeys

    We would love to hear from you!!! Tiny hummingbirds, signs from heaven, and the power of surrender—this episode reveals how God's subtle messages and design can carry us through life's heaviest moments. When loss, anxiety, and grief threaten to drown you, discovering the miraculous in everyday moments can be a lifeline. Listen as hosts Angie and Aric share personal stories that remind us: we're stronger than we think, guided by a presence that never leaves us alone.In this honest, flowy conversation, you'll learn how a sign from Hallie at her half birthday, a hummingbird crossing the ocean, or a simple message about masks can unlock divine comfort during the darkest times. Angie reflects on how tiny creatures like hummingbirds showcase God's incredible design—flying over two thousand miles with instinct and strength, just enough for their journey—and how that’s exactly how we’re built too. You'll discover the importance of shedding masks, sharing your real story, and trusting that God's timing and signs are always for our good.We break down: the significance of divine signs and how they offer peace and reassurance, practical ways to embrace vulnerability and authenticity in grief, and the reminder that our strength comes from surrender—not control. Without knowing it, many of us are carrying invisible burdens—masks hiding our true feelings—and this episode encourages you to let them go, even if just for a moment, to find hope and connection. Why does all this matter? Because grief is never linear, and the world may tell you to move on, but divine moments and signs keep you tethered to hope amid heartbreak. Recognizing that God uses small, everyday miracles to comfort us, and understanding that even tiny birds perform impossible feats by His design, can transform despair into hope.  This is essential listening for anyone navigating loss, anxiety, or simply needing a reminder that they are not alone in their journey.Perfect for those seeking faith-based reassurance, individuals grappling with grief, or anyone craving encouragement to trust God's unseen hand—this episode invites you to witness the divine in daily life and to consider how your own story might inspire others.  Open your heart, take off the mask, and discover how divine strength is available for today’s impossible journey. Thanks for listening!!! Angie & Aric  #podcast #podcastclips #family #grief # Support the show

  2. Jul 26

    Ask Us Anything: Blended Family Edition

    We would love to hear from you!!! In this week’s episode of Blended Blessed and Always a Mess, Angie and Aric sit down for a first-ever mailbag-style conversation with a newly blended couple navigating the early stages of family life together.  The discussion gets real fast as they talk about the challenges of blending households, honoring each child’s emotions, setting boundaries with exes, and building routines that create stability instead of chaos.  They share hard-earned lessons about parenting differently, learning each child’s unique needs, and staying consistent through the messy middle of family transitions.From practical tips to candid reflections on communication, discipline, and patience, this episode offers encouragement for anyone in a blended family.  The big takeaway: blending takes time, grace, and a long-game mindset. Tune in for a hopeful and honest conversation about what it really takes to build a healthy blended family. Thanks for listening! Angie & Aric #blendedfamily #mailbag #questions #longgame #7years Support the show

  3. Jul 19

    "Do We Even Have Friends?"

    We would love to hear from you!!! Are your quiet seasons a sign you're lonely — or growing? 🤔 Sometimes, silence is the best sign of wellness. We tend to think loneliness equals being alone, but sometimes, it’s the season of healing and peace. In our latest chat, we talk about how not having a busy social calendar doesn't mean we’re lonely — it often means we’re intentionally focused on our health, faith, and family.We live in a world obsessed with noise and activity, but the real growth? It happens when we embrace silence and solitude. Our house can be loud — and that’s okay — but it’s also peaceful in its own way. Our kids see us just sitting, walking, reading, and think we’re lonely, but actually, we’re growing more connected to what matters.The truth? Surrounding ourselves with quiet, intentional people is what feeds our soul. So, next time you’re feeling guilty about your quiet season, remember: sometimes the healthiest progress happens in silence. What’s one thing you’re doing to lean into your season—quiet or busy? Thanks for listening! Angie & Aric  #QuietGrowth #IntentionalLiving #PeaceInThePause #SeasonOfHealing #ChoosePeace Support the show

  4. Jul 12

    How Are Kids Supposed to Thrive in a World Like This?

    We would love to hear from you!!! The societal pressures and constant digital noise are making it harder than ever for kids to truly thrive—and parents are feeling the weight. In this eye-opening episode, Angie and Aric dissect how social media, AI, and our culture’s obsession with instant opinions are reshaping childhood and adolescence. From the relentless speed of online judgment to the delicate art of teaching discernment, they reveal the quiet skills kids need to navigate a world that’s more complex—and more documented—than ever before.  You'll discover how social media magnifies teenage vulnerabilities, why silence and stillness are crucial for identity formation, and practical ways to build resilience and discernment in your children.  Angie shares powerful insights on the importance of creating safe spaces for failure, emphasizing that real growth happens in the quiet moments when no audience is watching. Aric discusses the ways we can teach our kids to process feelings externally and internally, preventing them from becoming overwhelmed by the endless opinions from the world. This episode explores the vital role of emotional maturity and faith in anchoring kids amidst the chaos. You’ll hear stories that highlight how parents can tune out the noise and reinforce their children’s worth beyond digital validation.  With a focus on fostering self-awareness and confidence grounded in truth, Angie and Aric challenge us to rethink our approach to parenting and mentorship in today’s hyper-connected age. As always, thanks for listening! Angie & Aric  #discernment #socialmedia #parenting #blendedfamily #podcast Support the show

  5. Jul 5

    The Hidden Power of Family Trips to Transform Conflict into Connection

    We would love to hear from you!!! Most blended families struggle to find quality time, but what if those moments could actually heal wounds and strengthen bonds?  In this episode, Angie and Aric share insights from their recent family trip — a journey packed with surprises, challenges, and unexpected moments of connection that would give anyone hope. They reveal how leaning into the messy, embracing grief, and making intentional choices can transform a chaotic vacation into a powerful bonding experience.You'll discover how their family navigated the complexities of traveling without a loved one lost too early, plus the rules they’ve created around engagement, respect, and blending generations that keep their family grounded amid the chaos. They break down real moments of tension, humor, and heartfelt reflection — including what it truly takes to turn stressful travel into a lasting memory of unity.  Their story underscores the importance of perseverance, honesty, and humor when blending lives and navigating grief. We also break down practical tips for making family vacations more meaningful — from managing logistics and expectations to intentional conversations about family history, complicated feelings, and new relationships. Angie and Aric emphasize why consistency, patience, and humor matter more than perfect plans when it comes to building the kind of closeness that lasts a lifetime. This episode isn’t just about family travel — it’s a blueprint for anyone in a blended family striving to create joy amid chaos. Perfect for parents, step-parents, or anyone who’s ever doubted that large, blended family bonds can be deeply secure. If you want to turn your chaotic family moments into stories of resilience and love, this one’s for you.  Get ready to see the beauty in the mess and learn how the hardest moments often create the strongest bonds. Thanks for listening! Angie & Aric  #blendedfamily #podcast #podcastepisodes #grief #marriage #parenting  Support the show

  6. Jun 21

    Guest Dave Cover - The Radical Confidence That Comes From Faith and How It Frees Fathers From Performance Pressure

    We would love to hear from you!!! Join Aric as he welcomes David Cover to discuss how understanding your identity as a son can transform your approach to fatherhood.  David shares insights on embracing faith to overcome perfectionism and anxiety, revealing how seeing God as a perfect Heavenly Father can reshape your parenting journey. In this heartfelt conversation, learn practical ways to connect with your kids through small, meaningful moments and how to model love and respect for your spouse.  David discusses the power of grace over guilt, offering wisdom for fathers feeling overwhelmed.This episode is a must-listen for dads seeking deeper connections and spiritual growth, inspiring you to rewrite your fatherhood story with grace and authenticity. Thanks for always listening! Angie & Aric  #dad #fatherhood #faith #confidence #free #heartfelt Support the show

  7. Jun 14

    Grief's Flight: How Nature Teaches Us to Let Go and Rise

    We would love to hear from you!!! When grief feels like an unending chapter, how do you find space for joy and purpose again?  In this heartfelt episode, Angie and Aric share their raw journey through loss, love, and the delicate art of balancing grief with everyday life. They explore the profound ways horses, family moments, and small acts of connection serve as healing anchors, even amidst the heaviness of grief. You'll discover how horses mirror human emotions and become an unexpected source of comfort and remembrance after loss. Angie reflects on the significance of simple, intentional moments — a phone call, a shared coffee, or a ride at the barn — as vital ways to nurture resilience. They break down the emotional challenge of letting go, especially as their kids grow and life continues to move forward, often in ways we don’t anticipate. This episode dives deep into the layers of grief that don’t ever truly fade, and why “moving on” isn’t about forgetting but learning to live with the void while still celebrating life. You’ll hear real insights on handling the complexities of parenting in the shadow of loss, the importance of community, and intentionally creating lighter, more joyful seasons—even in the midst of sorrow. If you’re navigating grief or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers clarity, hope, and practical perspective on what it means to heal without rushing the process. Angie and Aric remind us that it’s okay for the journey to be nonlinear, and that the small, meaningful moments are what anchor us through the heaviness. Perfect for anyone facing loss, overwhelmed by life’s surprises, or seeking practical ways to balance grief with living fully. Tune in and find comfort in knowing you’re not alone—and that healing often comes through the quiet, intentional acts of love and resilience. Thank you for listening! Angie & Aric  www.blendedblessedalwaysamess.com www.seventsboutique.com #podcast #grief #parenting #blended #marriage #childloss #birdsnest #horses Support the show

  8. Jun 6

    Why Most Gun Violence Is Entirely Preventable (And What We Can Do About It)

    We would love to hear from you!!! Most families are just one decision away from tragedy. Angie and Aric share their heartbreaking story of losing their daughter Hallie to gun violence—and the devastating truth. Behind every statistic is a family, a future, a life robbed of decades—something we often overlook amid heated debates about guns. This episode cuts through the noise to reveal the simple yet powerful rules of gun safety that could prevent endless suffering. You’ll discover the staggering reality of gun-related deaths in the US, with over 44,000 lives lost each year—most of them young, and in the Midwest, too. Angie and Aric break down how gun violence touches every community, from mass shootings to domestic accidents, and why even responsible gun owners can’t afford to be complacent.  They share the fundamental safety rules everyone must follow, whether you own guns or simply want to protect your loved ones, emphasizing that safety isn’t political—it’s personal responsibility.We also explore the dangerous trust we place in others, especially around firearms. How assumptions and complacency can alter lives in a split second, and why asking hard questions can save lives.  The episode pushes you to think about the real cost of safe gun ownership—more than just rules, it’s about a culture of accountability. The heartbreaking truth: no matter how much we teach or love, we can’t control other people’s choices—and that’s what makes gun safety prevention so urgent. Perfect for parents, teachers, gun owners, and anyone committed to reducing gun violence, this episode motivates you to start conversations and act—to protect the generations to come. Because Hallie’s story isn’t just about loss; it’s a call to responsibility that could save lives. Listen now and learn what it really takes to turn awareness into prevention, because lives depend on it. Thank you for listening! Angie & Aric  Support the show

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4.7
out of 5
69 Ratings

About

Aric and Angie's podcast shares all the blessings and messiness with a blended family of 6 kids. Hear about the challenges, chaos and lessons as this family grows together. 

Information

  • Creator
    Aric & Angie
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    216
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Blended, Blessed & Always A Mess
  • Show Website
    Blended, Blessed & Always A Mess

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