Bless Our Mess

Taylor LMFT & Kelli

Marriage advice, parenting help, and honest mental health conversations for real families living real, messy lives. Bless Our Mess is a marriage and family podcast hosted by Taylor, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and Kelli. Life is meant to be rewarding, satisfying, and enjoyed, but life gets messy. Marriages hit rocky seasons. Parenting feels overwhelming. Many of us quietly wonder if we’re failing as a spouse, a parent, or a person, and that weight can turn into anxiety, depression, and burnout. Taylor and Kelli share real, raw, and unedited conversations about strengthening your marriage, improving communication in relationships, positive parenting approaches, and building a healthier family. They talk openly about life’s triumphs, life’s failures, and everything in between. Taylor brings his clinical training and years of experience as a marriage and family therapist to practical, relatable advice for overcoming life’s biggest challenges and finding joy in the chaos. Whether you’re working through marriage struggles, raising kids or teens, managing stress and anxiety, or just trying to hold your family together, you’re not alone. Welcome to the Bless Our Mess Podcast. New episodes on marriage, parenting, relationships, family therapy, and emotional wellness.

  1. Oct 15

    The Awakening Part Two - Living Life on Your Terms

    What if you stopped waiting for retirement to start living? In part two of our awakening, Taylor, a licensed marriage and family therapist, and Kelli share how losing parents in their 50s changed everything, and why Kelli left a job she loved after 12 years so the family could travel and spend more time together. They talk honestly about the fear, the sacrifices (yes, the bumper is still held on with Gorilla Glue), the one quote that finally made the decision possible, and why your own awakening might be as simple as saying no to what drains you. In this episode Everyone's awakening looks different: why some people wake up through loss and others through a slow "there has to be more"The golden years myth: what family history taught us about not postponing the life we wantChoosing experiences over things: what we gave up to make room for travel and time together"You're already living your worst case scenario": the reframe that takes the fear out of a big changeA therapist's tool for fear: spend as much time imagining what goes right as what could go wrongSmall awakenings count: boundaries, saying no, and one small step toward the life you want Chapters 00:00 Intro00:22 Something is happening: people in their 30s and 40s are waking up00:49 Losing parents young and the "golden years" myth04:29 Making room for the dream05:26 Questioning why we live the way we do07:57 The Europe trip that shifted everything11:40 Parenthood, purpose and learning to dream again18:01 What we gave up: experiences over things21:49 Manifesting, prayer and making space22:31 Kelli leaves her job: facing the fear24:12 "You're already living your worst case scenario"26:31 Testing it: two weeks up the Pacific Northwest coast27:42 A therapist's tool for fear: what if it goes right?29:41 Time is the only non-renewable resource32:08 Your awakening doesn't have to be big34:07 Two years of talking, then finally taking action36:54 Coming up on Bless Our Mess Try this: Finish the sentence "What we actually want more of is ___," and say it out loud to your partner tonight. If this helped, send it to one person who needs it. Find courses for raising mentally strong, emotionally resilient kids at tayloredtherapy.com. Follow and Review on Apple Follow and Review on Spotify Follow and Review on Google Follow us on Instagram at Taylored.Therapy

  2. Oct 9

    Midlife Crisis or Awakening?

    What if your "midlife crisis" is actually an awakening? After 22 years of marriage and six kids, Taylor, a licensed marriage and family therapist, and Kelli open up about the sleepless nights, the burnout, and the quiet feeling that there has to be more to life than work, carpool, Netflix and bedtime. They share why the people we love most often get the worst of us, how questioning the beliefs you grew up with can feel like grief, and why that season can be scary in a marriage. Then they walk through three simple steps to start living more intentionally with your spouse and kids, starting this week. In this episode Midlife crisis vs. midlife awakening: why the behaviors look like a crisis, but what's underneath is a search for meaningWhy our families get the worst of us: burnout, short fuses and the "well is dry" eveningsThe grief of growing: letting go of who you were in your 20s, and the upward turn on the other sideWhen one spouse is changing: the fear of "what if they don't love this version of me?" and why reassurance matters3 steps to start: a calendar audit, a non-negotiable couple and family hour, and one honest question: *are we living the life we actually want?*Chapters 00:00 Cold open: sleepless nights and a sense of mortality01:13 Welcome back01:33 Is it really a midlife crisis?02:59 "There has to be more than this"05:20 Why the people we love get the worst of us07:26 The homestead dream and the timing of change13:07 Who is Kelli outside of being a mom?21:01 Awakenings and the stages of grief27:07 Vulnerability, shame and growth31:08 Waking up from zombie mode32:29 Advice if you're in it: don't be scared, give yourself grace36:40 Step 1: Do a calendar audit37:13 Step 2: Make a non-negotiable couple and family hour38:56 Step 3: Ask "are we living the life we actually want?"39:24 Coming up on Bless Our MessTry this: Look back at last week and count the hours you were truly present with your spouse and kids. Not to feel guilty, just to notice. We can't change what we don't acknowledge. If this helped, send it to one person who needs it. Follow and Review on Apple Follow and Review on Spotify Follow and Review on Google Follow us on Instagram at Taylored.Therapy

  3. 05/09/2024

    Parenting the Difficult Behaviors of ADHD Children

    In this insightful episode of Bless Our Mess, we delve into the unique challenges faced by parents raising children with ADHD and explore effective strategies for managing difficult behaviors. Join Taylor Jacobson a licensed marriage and family therapist dive into the invaluable guidance and support for navigating the complexities of parenting. Discover practical tips for setting clear boundaries, establishing routines, and implementing positive reinforcement techniques to address challenging behaviors associated with ADHD. From hyperactivity and impulsivity to inattention and defiance, learn how to approach each behavior with empathy, understanding, and evidence-based interventions. Through real-life anecdotes and expert insights, this episode offers a beacon of hope for parents grappling with the daily struggles of raising a child with ADHD. Gain a deeper understanding of your child's unique needs, strengths, and potential, and empower yourself with the tools needed to foster a supportive and nurturing environment at home. Join us on Bless Our Mess as we explore the complexities of parenting ADHD children and provide practical strategies for promoting positive behavior, building resilience, and strengthening parent-child relationships. Whether you're a seasoned parent or new to the journey, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking guidance on parenting the difficult behaviors of ADHD children. Don't miss out – subscribe now to Bless Our Mess and unlock expert insights to help you navigate the challenges of parenting with confidence and compassion. Follow and Review on Apple Follow and Review on Spotify Follow and Review on Google Follow us on Instagram at Taylored.Therapy

  4. 05/02/2024

    The Psychology of "Bad Times Don't Last Forever." Strategies to Build Resilience

    In this empowering episode of Bless Our Mess, delve into the psychology behind the timeless adage, "Bad Times Don't Last Forever," and uncover actionable strategies to cultivate resilience in the face of adversity. Host Taylor Jacobson a licensed marriage and family therapist, explore the inner workings of the human psyche during challenging times. Discover the science-backed techniques and mindset shifts that enable individuals to navigate hardships with strength and grace. From reframing negative thoughts to fostering self-compassion, each strategy discussed serves as a beacon of hope for those traversing difficult terrain. Tune in as we delve into real-life examples and anecdotes, illustrating the transformative power of resilience in overcoming life's toughest trials. Whether you're facing personal setbacks, professional challenges, or global crises, this episode equips you with the tools needed to weather the storm and emerge stronger than ever before. Join us on Bless Our Mess as we unravel the psychology of resilience and embark on a journey toward resilience, growth, and triumph over adversity. Because indeed, "Bad Times Don't Last Forever" – and with the right mindset and strategies, you can emerge from the darkness into the light. Don't miss out on this enlightening episode – subscribe now and unlock the secrets to building resilience in the face of life's greatest challenges. Follow and Review on Apple Follow and Review on Spotify Follow and Review on Google Follow us on Instagram at Taylored.Therapy

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Marriage advice, parenting help, and honest mental health conversations for real families living real, messy lives. Bless Our Mess is a marriage and family podcast hosted by Taylor, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and Kelli. Life is meant to be rewarding, satisfying, and enjoyed, but life gets messy. Marriages hit rocky seasons. Parenting feels overwhelming. Many of us quietly wonder if we’re failing as a spouse, a parent, or a person, and that weight can turn into anxiety, depression, and burnout. Taylor and Kelli share real, raw, and unedited conversations about strengthening your marriage, improving communication in relationships, positive parenting approaches, and building a healthier family. They talk openly about life’s triumphs, life’s failures, and everything in between. Taylor brings his clinical training and years of experience as a marriage and family therapist to practical, relatable advice for overcoming life’s biggest challenges and finding joy in the chaos. Whether you’re working through marriage struggles, raising kids or teens, managing stress and anxiety, or just trying to hold your family together, you’re not alone. Welcome to the Bless Our Mess Podcast. New episodes on marriage, parenting, relationships, family therapy, and emotional wellness.