Blended, Blessed & Always A Mess

Aric & Angie

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. 6d ago

    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

    36 min
  2. 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

    30 min
  3. 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

    21 min
  4. May 31

    75 Days, Stronger Ways: Building Inner Strength Beyond the Surface

    We would love to hear from you!!! Most people overlook the real power behind completing a challenge like 75 Hard — it’s about proving to yourself that you can do hard things, and that transformation runs far deeper than just physical changes. In this honest conversation, Aric shares how this journey became a catalyst for internal growth, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose after years of struggle — including grief, self-doubt, and unhealthy habits. You’ll discover how intentional discipline can reshape your mindset, with practical insights on overcoming setbacks, building patience, and fostering resilience through small, daily wins. We break down the unexpected ways these challenges impact emotional well-being, relationships, and spiritual health.  This isn’t just about fitness; it’s about reclaiming your life when life’s hardest moments hit.Learn why post-challenge reflection is vital, how habits influence feelings of self-worth, and why doing things for the right reasons — not validation — unlocks genuine confidence.  If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure about where to start, this episode offers a straightforward truth: the power to change your life begins with one disciplined choice today. Perfect for anyone looking to prove that they’re stronger than their excuses, and eager to see that real growth often comes through doing what feels impossible. Whether you’re on your own healing journey or simply need a push to start, this conversation delivers a compelling reminder that the hardest part is often just starting — but that’s also where the transformation begins. As always, thanks for listening! Angie & Aric Subscribe to our YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@blendedblessedalwaysamess Support the show

    32 min
  5. May 24

    Beyond the Noise: The Eagle’s Path to True Freedom

    We would love to hear from you!!! Most of us spend our days caught in chaos — reacting to drama, criticism, and noise that drain our energy. But what if rising above instead of fighting back is the true power move? In this episode, we uncover a profound life lesson inspired by a story about eagles and crows — a simple analogy that reveals how our response to life's chaos shapes our peace and progress.You'll discover the story behind the only bird bold enough to attack an eagle: the crow. And more importantly, how the eagle’s response—rising higher and conserving energy—serves as a blueprint for handling criticism, conflict, and chaos in our lives.  We explore practical ways to focus on purpose, protect our peace, and elevate ourselves above the noise that seeks to distract us.We break down the importance of focusing energy on what truly matters—whether in relationships, parenting, or personal growth. You’ll learn how to identify the crows pulling you into chaos and how to stay laser-focused on your purpose like the eagle soaring above storms.  Plus, a deep dive into the mindset shifts needed to rise above social media drama, outside opinions, and internal struggles.Staying high above life's storms isn’t just about real peace—it's about long-term power, resilience, and clarity. This episode is perfect for anyone tired of the chaos, craving focus, and ready to learn how to soar rather than sink. If you're determined to protect your peace and elevate your life, this is your must-listen. Your greatest strength isn’t proving others wrong—it's refusing to come down from where you’re called to fly. Rise higher, focus fiercely, and let this analogy inspire your next move. When you choose peace over reaction, you truly fly like an eagle. As always, thank you for listening! Angie & Aric  https://www.blendedblessedalwaysamess.com https://www.sevensboutique.com https://www.youtube.com/@blendedblessedalwaysamess #eagle #riseabove #eagle #crow #peace #ignorechaos #flyhigh  Support the show

    33 min
  6. May 17

    Mission Accomplished... ONLY LOUDER

    We would love to hear from you!!! Most people overlook the profound power of vulnerability and purpose born from pain. Angie’s heartfelt story reveals how grief transformed her into a voice for women fighting unseen battles—and how her courage ignited hope in a room of 800 strangers. The night she spoke at True North wasn’t just a personal milestone; it became a catalyst for healing, connection, and unexpected opportunities she never saw coming. In this episode, Angie shares the raw details of her journey—from praying on her knees to embracing her calling through tears and triumph. You’ll discover how vulnerability unlocks extraordinary influence, why small rooms can feel scarier than large crowds, and the crucial role of patience when God’s timing feels slow or painful.  We break down the unique insights Angie gained from her speech, including the importance of expressing her truth and the impact of sharing an authentic perspective—despite fears of disagreement. We also explore the powerful symbolism of signs—like a hidden bird’s nest in a building’s letter—offering reassurance that you're always guided on your path.  Angie reflects on the blend of grief and purpose, showing how painful loss can pave the way for a mission greater than yourself. This isn’t just about Angie’s story; it’s a call to action for anyone questioning their purpose in challenging times. If you want to harness your pain to serve others, find your voice, and trust in the right timing—this episode is indispensable.  Let Angie’s journey remind you: your hardest moments can be the very ones that unlock your greatest impact. Thanks for listening! Angie & Aric  #blended #grief #childloss #pain #speaking #purpose #women #abuse #narcissicm Support the show

    29 min
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. 

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