Blending & Mending
’Blending & Mending’, is a support platform created to have bold and courageous conversations about all things divorce, parenting relationship, self-discovery & blended family life. Let’s be vulnerable and courageously grow together as we figure out this little thing called ’life’.
Episodes
Sunday Nov 05, 2023
Sunday Nov 05, 2023
Dealing with the shock of accepting your marriage is over & healing through the pain with Natalie
Where do you begin to put your life back together after realising your marriage is over? This episode tugged on heart strings and my sister Natalie, vulnerably shares her story of divorce and healing.
We spoke about….
- Her shock
- Her pain
- Her coping mechanisms
- Her post-divorce triggers
- Trusting your gut as you navigate a space of unknown with your children
- Living a blissful and CONTENT life with her two beautiful kids
AND...
- Finding her REAL SELF through a journey of pain and disappointment and realising how capable she really is of doing this thing called LIFE and PARENTING!
Did you like this episode?
Please like, share, follow & subscribe to the Blending & Mending channels. It will help so much to create more awareness on this courageous topic for people who might be navigating similar ebbs & flows in life :) – LINKS available in my bio / below
“I’ve got your back!”
For more information on support, coaching & podcasts reach out on my website: www.blendingandmending.com
Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi/3KpCaLx
Listen on Apple Podcast: apple.co/3M99vMe
Watch on YouTube link: https://youtube.com/@blendingandmending
Follow on Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest: @blendingandmending
Music by: @freebeats.io
Tuesday Oct 24, 2023
Tuesday Oct 24, 2023
It feels like divorce is hard enough and then this thing called co-parenting kicks in and it’s a new way of life that we need to plan for and figured out in the flow.
Jay and I jumped straight into this topic and spoke about co-parenting dynamics and the ebbs and flows this part of a divorce journey entails. Jay, is a co-parenting coach in America and spoke so openly about HIS OWN STORY, HIS WORK and importantly on how to focus on the journey and process of co-parenting verse the destination…
Episode show notes:
- Jay shared his story of HIS relationship, his kids and what co-parenting looks like for him and his family today
- He chatted through HIS co-parenting journey, challenges and triggers
- We spoke about the importance of having the MIRROR moments to STOP and REFLECT on the learnings and healing we have to embrace
- We touched on triggers and what our triggers could be telling us about OURSELVES & our own healing
- We spoke about co-parenting struggles and the challenge of holding a consistent routine between two homes at the best of times and how not to sweat the small stuff!
- We leaned into the importance of focusing on YOUR home, YOUR family and the relationship you have with YOUR kids when they are WITH YOU!
- We couldn’t have a chat without touching on boundaries, communication and managing OUR expectations of our co-parent & lots more….
- Oh and we laughed ALOT… :)
Do you want to connect with Jay?
Reach out to Jay Skibbens on Instagram at @jayskibbens for all his contact details :)
Did you like this episode?
Please like, share, follow & subscribe to the Blending & Mending channels. It will help so much to create more awareness on this courageous topic for people who might be navigating similar ebbs & flows in life :) – LINKS available in my bio / below
“I’ve got your back!”
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For more information on support, coaching & podcasts reach out on my website: www.blendingandmending.com
Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi/3KpCaLx
Listen on Apple Podcast: apple.co/3M99vMe
Watch on YouTube link: https://youtube.com/@blendingandmending
Follow on Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest: @blendingandmending
Music by: @freebeats.io
Sunday Sep 17, 2023
Episode 15: Divorce through a MALES perspective with Steyn
Sunday Sep 17, 2023
Sunday Sep 17, 2023
From the process of separation, the learning curve of life after divorce and navigating all the unknown territories of co-parenting with your ex, Steyn spoke ABOUT IT ALL!
He was brutally honest, straight forward and said it like it is. There was no room left for interpretation. This episode was a breath of fresh air and resonates on so many levels.
Ladies pour the wine, grab your man and let them listen to this immersive journey and wise words of a father, divorcee and businessman STEYN VERMAAS.
Episode chat:
Marriage and divorce and why this is so hard…
The process of divorce, belief systems and divorce guilt through a male's lens
Divorce in a small town – the gossip, the rumors and the change of behaviour from people you used to consider friends
Knowing your truth irrespective of small-town gossip
The important of family and a support system during one of the hardest and loneliest phases of life
Giving yourself permission to leave – “sometimes two people are just not meant to be together”
Navigating divorce and figuring out what life after divorce looks like for you, your ex and your child
Figuring it out for your children. It’s not a TUG OF WAR!
How Steyn fathers his daughter across two homes, the challenges and struggles that comes with it
Why boundaries with your EX are so important – “avoid the drama and conflict”
Blended family life, the ups and downs and the joy of having an OURS BABY
Why YOU deserve to be happy!
A silver lining after divorce …Steyn shares his thoughts ON IF a silver lining exists?!
Listened to this recording???? Ok… do yourself a favor, pour the SECOND glass of wine and listen to it ALL OVER AGAIN!
THIS EPISODE WAS THE REAL DEAL FOR ME!!!
Did you like this episode?
Please like, share, follow & subscribe to the Blending & Mending channels. It will help so much to create more awareness on this courageous topic for people who might be navigating similar ebbs & flows in life :) – LINKS available below
Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi/3KpCaLx
Listen on Apple Podcast: apple.co/3M99vMe
Watch on YouTube link: https://youtube.com/@blendingandmending
Follow on Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest: @blendingandmending
For more information on support, coaching & podcasts reach out on my website: www.blendingandmending.com
Music by: @freebeats.io
“I’ve got your back!”
Friday Aug 25, 2023
Episode 14: Supporting my BEST FRIEND through DIVORCE with Susan
Friday Aug 25, 2023
Friday Aug 25, 2023
Have you ever had to support your BESTIE through one of the hardest phases of life…DIVORCE?
Jumping into an episode recording with Susan was soul food. Susan Abdul, is a human with the biggest heart, the kindest soul and the wisest words. This woman was my rock during my divorce. She was my family, my friend, my counsellor, my coach, my advisor and also my outfit approver... :)!
In this recording we jump into MY STORY. MY DIVORCE. MY STRUGGLES and how Susan, MY BESTIE, walked every step of the journey with me.
Episode chat:
Two friends chatting and inviting you into their conversation about divorce and support
Reflecting on my story and the challenges of divorce
Susan’s perceptions of what life looked like for me during that time
Susan’s reflections on support, family challenges and the impact of belief systems when it comes to divorce
The impact of not having your family and friends to rely on - Tapping into my experience
Owning your story and not having to explain your decision to leave to the people around you
Owning the phases associated to pre and post-divorce...even the extra glass of wine!
How to show up for your friend during a time of divorce
Words of wisdom from Susan to you
And somehow, we ended our session talking about Milas bangs, decor and skin care lol…
Did you like this episode?
Please like, share, follow & subscribe to the Blending & Mending channels. It will help so much to create more awareness on this courageous topic for people who might be navigating similar ebbs & flows in life :) – LINKS available on my website and below.
“I’ve got your back!”
Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi/3KpCaLxListen on Apple Podcast: apple.co/3M99vMeWatch on YouTube link: https://youtube.com/@blendingandmendingFollow on Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest: @blendingandmending
For more information on support, coaching & podcasts reach out on my website: www.blendingandmending.com
Music by: @freebeats.io
Sunday Aug 06, 2023
Episode 013: What I wish I knew BEFORE BECOMING A STEPMOM with Littish
Sunday Aug 06, 2023
Sunday Aug 06, 2023
Yes, you read that episode title correctly!
This episode is all about the truths & practical examples of what a stepmom, mother, wife, entrepreneur and woman navigate through in blended family life. The raw truths we don’t share enough and yet need to hear the MOST!
Littish Swarts, female entrepreneur, mom of 5, happily married and one of the sweetest souls you will ever meet, shares her story. Her truth. Her vulnerabilities and her TIPS of how she navigates it all.
Episode show notes:
Littish shares her story and how she met her husband
She unpacks how she juggles her life with 5 children, being a female entrepreneur and a doting wife.
She vulnerably shares the struggles and challenges when it comes to her role as stepmom and her relationship with the bio mom
How her and her husband focus on their children and & what is BEST for THEIR FAMILY
Her mistakes as a stepmom and the power of hindsight
Her tips and strategies on managing life, managing boundaries and what happiness looks like in her blended family home
Oh…and did I mention a sneaky little promo that we share in the podcast where you can get 20% of something PRACTICAL, PRETTY & PURPOSEFUL!
Did you like this episode?
Please like, share, follow & subscribe to the Blending & Mending channels. It will help so much to create more awareness on this courageous topic for people who might be navigating similar ebbs & flows in life :) – LINKS below…
“I’ve got your back”
Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi/3KpCaLxListen on Apple Podcast: apple.co/3M99vMeWatch on YouTube link: https://youtube.com/@blendingandmending
Follow on Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest: @blendingandmending
For more information on support, coaching & podcasts:Reach out on my website: www.blendingandmending.com
Music by: @freebeats.io
Sunday Jul 23, 2023
Episode 011: The ’D’ word! - DIVORCE with Hloni
Sunday Jul 23, 2023
Sunday Jul 23, 2023
An episode that shares the realness around making the decision to leave your marriage.
Hloni Tshabalala, joins us on the podcast sharing her journey of divorce, her healing and her current co-parenting struggles.
DOWNLOAD this episode! SAVE this episode! It is one you WILL want to listen to a few times.
What this episode is all about:
Making the hard decision to leave your marriage
Trying to find the balance between helping your children and family through the hurt without forgetting about 'WHAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH!'
The hard struggle of telling your family you are getting a divorce
Social, religious, and cultural guilt triggers
Trying to figure out this thing called “co-parenting”
Acknowledging how hard it is to co-parent with someone you “still haven’t forgiven”
Being real and not competing with the other parent
Showing up for your children and YOURSELF
Advice and words of reflection from the beautiful Hloni
And so much more…
Please like, share, follow & subscribe to the Blending & Mending social channels. It will help so much to create more awareness on this courageous topic for people who might be navigating similar ebbs & flows in life :) Links below.
For more information on divorce, blended family life support, coaching & podcasts: Reach out on my website: www.blendingandmending.com
OR pop through an email on chantelle@blendingandmending.com and let's chat.
"I've got your back!"
Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi/3KpCaLx
Listen on Apple Podcast: apple.co/3M99vMe
YouTube link: https://youtube.com/@blendingandmending
www.blendingandmending.com
Saturday Jul 08, 2023
Saturday Jul 08, 2023
Book Author of ‘Moms Moving On’ and Divorce Coach, Michelle Dempsey-Multack was on the Blending & Mending podcast.
She is KIND. She is WISE and she CALLS IT LIKE IT IS!
My favourite piece of advice from Michelle, in this episode was “KNOW YOU'RE ROLE”...Just power!
She shares her journey of blended family life, her learnings, memories and mistakes to avoid.
Episode show notes:
Her deep appreciation for HER family, HER daughter, HER husband & HER step-daughter
How her and her husband navigated the early days of dating, meeting the kids and integrating as a family unit
Why “timing is everything”?
Critical mistakes step-parents can avoid
Why it's important to “know your role” as a step-parent
The highs & lows of blended family life
Navigating parenting and discipline styles in her new blended home
The importance of “sticking through the hard stuff”
Accepting you cannot be first place in your blended family dynamic
Her book: Moms Moving On… & where you can get it
WHY she wrote her book and WHO her greatest cheer leader was 😊
and so much more…!
Did you like this episode?
Please like, share, follow & subscribe to the below channels. It will help so much to create more awareness on this courageous topic for people who might be navigating similar ebbs & flows in life :)
Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi/3KpCaLx
Listen on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3M99vMe
YouTube link: https://youtube.com/@blendingandmending
For more information on divorce, blended family life support, coaching & podcasts: Reach out on my website: www.blendingandmending.com
OR pop through an email to chantelle@blendingandmending.com and let's chat.
"I've got your back!"
Saturday Jun 24, 2023
Saturday Jun 24, 2023
A topic that so many of us can relate to…breaks-ups and the process of healing!
Joash Narainsamy, a global wellness leader and a dear friend of mine, shares with us his breakup from a 13-year relationship. He openly discusses his relationship dynamic with his ex, their joys, their struggles, and his breaking point to leave a life that he KNEW and LOVED…to find a life that would BETTER SERVE HIM.
This episode is as real as it gets!! We laughed, we shared and spoke vulnerably about not only matters of the heart, but the physical elements of a relationships too. You don’t want to miss this!
Episode show notes:
Sharing his story - A 13-year relationship where he “thought they would grow old together”.
Sharing the impact of compromise in a relationship – “Do we really know what we are putting aside in ourselves for our partner and the sake of the relationship?”
“You don’t know what you don’t know” – The influence of belief systems and self-belief
A deep dive into the gay community – Information session 101!
The importance of physical AND emotional connection in a relationship
Why taking the time to heal after a break-up is so important
The value of Therapy & Coaching - Finding healing outside of your community to lift your blind spots and help you navigate the dark cloud of relationship hurt
The importance of staying true to yourself & your worth…” we are never too OLD TO BE HAPPY!”
And so much more!
Did you like this episode?
Please like, share, follow & subscribe to the below channels. It will help so much to create more awareness on this courageous topic for people who might be navigating similar ebbs & flows in life :)
Disclaimer: This episode contains some adult humour and playful banter that may not be suitable for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised. This content is intended for mature audiences and may not be suitable for individuals under the age of 18. By continuing to listen to this episode, you acknowledge that you are of legal age to consume such content and take full responsibility for your decision to do so.
Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi/3KpCaLx
Listen on Apple Podcast: apple.co/3M99vMe
YouTube link: https://youtube.com/@blendingandmending
For more information on support, coaching & podcasts:
Reach out on my website: www.blendingandmending.com
Follow on Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest: @blendingandmending
Music by: @freebeats.io
Saturday Jun 17, 2023
Episode 008 - Dating after divorce, dating apps and more with Marlyn
Saturday Jun 17, 2023
Saturday Jun 17, 2023
Dating after divorce can be a tricky! Where do you even start to cast your ‘dating net’ to find the person you are looking for?
Marlyn Jose, who I’m dubbing our ‘Blending & Mending Dating Expert’ is here to share her experience, advise and dating tips with YOU!
This episode is loaded with self-reflection, tips on how to navigate dating, dating apps and what YOU NEED TO START GETTING SPECIFIC ABOUT in terms of what you are looking for in a future partner.
Episode show notes:
Why healing your OWN trauma is so important before you even start to consider the dating scene again
The importance of embracing being single and ‘CLAIMING YOURSELF BACK’!
Becoming SPECIFIC with what you are looking for and what your ‘DEAL BREAKERS’ are in your next life chapter
Removing the misconception that dating apps are ‘bad’
Tips on dating and using dating apps
Marlyns ‘90-day dating rule’
When to introduce your child(ren) to your new partner
When is the right time to tap into that awkward conversation of telling your spouse you are dating someone new
And so much more!
Did you enjoy this episode?
Please like, share, follow & subscribe to the below channels. It will help so much to create more awareness on this courageous topic for people who might be navigating similar ebbs & flows in life :)
Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi/3KpCaLx
Listen on Apple Podcast: apple.co/3M99vMe
YouTube link: https://youtube.com/@blendingandmending
For more information on support, coaching & podcasts:
Reach out on my website: www.blendingandmending.com
Follow on Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest: @blendingandmending
Music by: @freebeats.io
Friday Jun 02, 2023
Friday Jun 02, 2023
An episode on creating the life that you want for YOURSELF AFTER DIVORCE.
Dr Suzanne Vickberg joins us on the podcast to share her story on challenging divorce stigmas and creating a divorced life that works for you and your family.
Her discussion talks through the process of loss that divorced couples face and how her and her ex-husband were aware of NOT wanting to lose their family unit after their separation & divorce. Today, 13 years later, Suzanne lives with her two children, her ex-husband and his wife, Anna. She shares how they are thriving as a family unit and as a divorced couple. It’s an inspiring and authentic conversation to empower you to make decisions in your life and as part of your divorce process that works for you… irrespective of what society may think!
Show notes:
The process of loss associated with divorce
The process of not just losing your partner and family through divorce but losing parts of your own identify and independence
A discussion on the need to understand “what problem you are trying to solve for in your divorce”
Shaping a life that works FOR YOU, irrespective of societal norms and expectations
Suzanne’s story on her divorce process and how she still lives with her two children, her ex-husband and his new wife
The importance of self-reflection on feeling what you are feeling verse what you think you need to feel through a process of divorce
Sharing her book – ‘Divorce by Design’ and the benefit of applying critical problem solving to create the life you want for yourself
It’s a power episode and I’m so excited to share this conversation with you!
Do you want to chat more about this topic?
Reach out to Suzanne Vickberg on Instagram: @suzannevickberg
Reach out on Suzanne Vickberg’s website: https://www.divorcexdesign.com/
Reach out on my website: www.blendingandmending.com
Follow on Instagram: @blendingandmending
Follow on Facebook: @blendingandmending
Please like, share, follow & subscribe to the below channels. It will help so much to create more awareness on this courageous topic :)
Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi/3KpCaLx
Listen on Apple Podcast: apple.co/3M99vMe
YouTube link: https://youtu.be/0XikHTZcnhc
Music by: @freebeats.io