Blended

Fatherhood in a Blended family with Bodé Aboderin

Today’s guest on Blended is the wonderful Bodé Aboderinor as some people know him, Papa B! Bodé has recently written a book on fatherhood, called Fatherhood, that literally discusses what it means to be a father today. Bodé has a blended family himself but in today’s episode Kate hones in on the big topics, covering everything from Fatherhood and masculinity - and for parents who don't live with their children from a previous relationship, how to blend with new siblings and also how to keep that 1 on 1 connection alive and strong. It’s a calm and open chat that’s full of great, applicable advice that is so helpful to everyone really, no matter what their family set up. To become a part of the Blended community follow @Blended on Instagram.<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Domestic Abuse with Phoenix Brown

*Trigger warning: This episode involves stories of domestic violence and physical abuse.* Today on blended we're talking about something that too often gets brushed under the carpet: domestic abuse. Today's guest Phoenix Brown who has been incredibly brave talking about her experience of growing up around emotional and physical abuse. She opens up about the abusive relationship her mom was in when she was young, the effect it had on her and about how great it felt when they got out. It's something that sadly, so many people experience. Phoenix really wants to help others that may be going through similar situations. She has since gone on to work with Women's aid, a lead in charity in this space. To become a part of the Blended community follow @Blended on Instagram.<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Black Mums Upfront with Carina White, Natalie Duvall, and Nana-Adwoa Mbeutcha

Today on Blended we are talking to 3 incredible women, Carina White, Natalie Duvall, and Nana-Adwoa Mbeutcha - who, as you’ll hear between them, each have their own different experience of Blended Families. Today’s topic in question is the Black Motherhood experience here in the UK. While this might be a bit different to what you’re used to on Blended, I found this conversation to be really powerful. A lot of us are nervous to have conversations that touch on race (me included!) but it is so important to have open discussions in a supportive environment, particularly where some of our blended experiences introduce us to new cultures. I am so grateful to Carina, Natalie and Nana-Adwoa who provided a safe and supportive conversation full of guidance and encouragement. Host of their own podcast - Black Mums Upfront - Carina, Natalie and Nana-Adwoa talk candidly about their mothering experiences to share, support and empower: challenging stereotypes to make motherhood inclusive and tackle head-on issues of inequality. It’s a chat full of laughs, but also some very informed and serious discussions too. To become a part of the Blended community follow @Blended on Instagram.<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Advice for Baby Loss Awareness Week

Its baby loss awareness week, and as I'm sure most of you know, this is really close to my heart. At the start of this season I had a special sit down with Zoe Clarke Coates, where she opened up about baby loss, miscarriage, and pregnancy after loss. Zoe gave lots of amazing advice and support and today we have some bonus advice that Zoe has kindly shared for us all. Hopefully it will help you and yours to not feel alone, if this week is particularly difficult If you are struggling this week, please check out babyloss-awareness.org and Zoe's charity sayinggoodbye.org which supports anyone who is grieving the fact that they have not been able to have children, for whatever reason that may be. To become a part of the Blended community follow @Blended on Instagram.<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Estrangement with Robyn Donaldson

Robyn Donaldson is an award-winning interior designer, writer and social media influencer. In today’s episode, Robyn opens up about her experiences with family estrangement - specifically from her mother because of the unhealthy and unhappy relationship they had growing up. In this candid conversation, Robyn shares a very unfiltered picture of her estranged reality, and how she came to cut ties with her mother completely. But she also talks of the love for her grandmother, who took on a maternal figure role in her life and the deeply upsetting impact of her loss when Robyn was in her twenties. Kate and Robyn cover many topics, including loss of loved ones, abuse, and substance abuse to a degree too so if you are sensitive to these topics then please be kind to yourself. To become a part of the Blended community follow @Blended on Instagram.<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Blended Families & Cultures with Ellie & Sonia Prohan

Today on Blended we have a really special story to share - one of resilience, displacement through war, love and powerful solo parenting. You might know Ellie Prohan as the Queen of all things Hip Hop. She’s a hugely popular club DJ and regular collaborator with both Apple Music and Gay Times. Joining Ellie today is her amazing Mum Sonia - who as you’ll hear - with her girls, had to flee war in the Middle East and seek asylum in England. Ellie and Sonia have supported each other through so much and it’s a powerful message of strength, resilience, love and also acceptance! Blended family, Blended sexuality, Blended cultures! To become a part of the Blended community follow @Blended on Instagram.<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Life After Loss… Breaking the stigma of Baby Loss with Zoe Clark-Coates

On today’s episode of Blended, Kate speaks with best selling author and grief counsellor Zoe Clark-Coates all about how her husband Andy experienced the devastating loss of five babies. A true believer that ‘everything you go through, good or bad, can be used for the positive’ Zoe founded The Mariposa Trust, a charity that helps anyone that is going through baby loss, and wrote the best-selling debut books ‘Saying Goodbye’ The Baby loss Guide’ ‘Beyond Goodbye’ and ‘Pregnancy After Loss’. In June 2021, Zoe was awarded an MBE for services to the baby loss community and improvement of bereavement care, in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, acknowledging the enormous impact she has made and continues to make on behalf of hundreds of thousands of people each year. This is an episode jam packed with great resources and insight for anyone affected by baby loss, and there is some great advice on how to help loved ones affected by it too. TW: Kate and Zoe cover many topics, including loss of loved ones, suicidal thoughts so if you are sensitive to these topics then please be kind to yourself. To become a part of the Blended community follow @Blended on Instagram.<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Opening Up About Miscarriage

Welcome back to Blended. As you may have seen on my socials, I recently had a miscarriage... and while we have a full new season of Blended coming up for you, I thought it's only right to share just a little bit more around this, about what happened and how I'm feeling, so here I am. This podcast is about being open, about helping others and about sharing - and to me it's just really important to share my struggles and talk to you guys in the hope that it could just help one person.<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Co-Parenting with Krept and Sasha Ellese

On today’s episode of Blended, Kate speaks to Krept (best know as one of half Krept &amp; Konan) and Sasha Ellesse (beauty and fashion influencer), who share the uplifting story of their co-parenting relationship today for the first time. As well as being co-parents to their gorgeous 2 year old baby girl Nala - the pair are (this week!) launching Nala's Baby, their new children's skincare brand together. We hear how they Juggle parenthood and running a business together, as well as advice for any parents who are just starting their co-parenting journey. To become a part of the Blended community follow @Blended on Instagram. To get your hands on Nala’s Baby product, visit: https://nalasbaby.com/<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Father’s Day Special

Trigger warning: This episode covers loss of pregnancy, struggles with fertility and death of loved ones. Today on Blended, Kate shares the stories of those whose Father’s Day might look a little different. She hears from brave and wonderful contributors who offer their experiences, as well as getting some advice for anyone struggling to navigate the day from experts. This is a helping hand to help you feel less alone when it all feels too hard to cope with and in listening to other stories, Kate hopes that you find some solace in your own. If you are struggling, please seek professional advice and guidance. If you need support or information about fertility treatment, please contact the Fertility Network: www.fertilitynetworkuk.org With thanks to: Professor Lisa Doodson - Happy Steps UK: https://happysteps.co.uk/ Michael &amp; Wes - Founders of Two Dads UK: https://www.twodadsuk.com/ Dad Still Standing' Podcast (a Factory Originals Production) Chris Lawson - IVF Dad Podcast Marvyn Harrison - Dope Black Dad’s podcast Child Bereavement UK for their support in collecting the children’s voicenotes: https://www.childbereavementuk.org/ The New Family Social Network: https://newfamilysocial.org.uk/ And to all the generous contributors, Ciarnan, Rochelle, Alyssa, Mark, Victoria, Jackie and all the children, who lent their voices to today’s episode. To become part of the Blended community follow @Blended on Instagram<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

How To Be a Happy Stepparent With Professor Lisa Doodson

Today on Blended, Kate welcomes author, psychologist, mediator, and (step) mother Professor Lisa Doodson. Lisa is the founder of Happy Steps, the UK's only research based stepfamily resource centre, she was also one of the amazing people that helped bring the Ferdinand’s documentary about stepfamilies to life. As part of a stepfamily herself, Lisa's well versed in the often challenging path to happy step parenting, she speaks honestly about how the early experience can often feel like failure or being an imposter in the family, this experience has led her to write two books on the matter, equipping people with the tools and support they need to get there. Kate and Lisa also go through lots of listener questions where Lisa gives some really great direct advice on a range of issues stepparents face. For those struggling in these early days, this one's for you. Lisa’s got so much great advice to help you on your way. Sometimes a sympathetic ear is enough to give you a little bit of hope to know that you will start to feel comfortable in your role and it will all be okay in the end. To become a part of the Blended family follow @Blended on instagram.<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Preparing for Loss with Steve Bland

On today’s episode of Blended, Kate speaks to Steve Bland, presenter of the BBC Radio 5 Live podcast ‘You, Me &amp; The Big C’. Steve tragically lost his wife Rachael Bland to breast cancer in 2018, leaving him a widow and a single parent to their two-year-old son Freddie. Steve and Kate approached some of the many nuances and challenges from different sides of the same coin: How do you introduce a new parental figure to the children? How do you keep your loved ones' memory alive? And how do you approach trying to integrate into a blended family? As Steve and Rachael knew her diagnosis was terminal, Steve speaks about the confronting conversations required to make the most of the last few months. He also reinforces the importance of remembering that happiness will exist even in the darkest of times. This conversation shows that there aren’t black and white answers to a lot of these questions but Steve’s honesty demonstrates that there can be love, light and family life after death. To become part of the Blended family follow @blended on Instagram.<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Dope Black Dads with Marvyn Harrison

Today's guest is Marvyn Harrison - father, entrepreneur, and host of the award-winning podcast Dope Black Dads which creates a safe space for fathers who wish to discuss their experiences of parenthood, being black and masculinity in the modern world. What began as a WhatsApp group has blossomed into a space that emboldens dads to lean into their parenting experience and provides a supportive hand in navigating the many complicated areas of raising children, especially the unique ones presented for Black and Black mixed Dads and children. Together Kate and Marvyn explore how our relationships with our own parents shape how we ourselves parent, systemic racism and when to broach these important conversations with children.  To become part of the Blended family, follow @blended on instagram.<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

30 years of Fostering with Debbie Bright

You may know the much-loved TV personality Debbie Bright from The Only Way Is Essex, but over 200 children around the UK have known Debbie as their foster carer. Debbie is such a kind and caring soul who has impacted so many young lives and in today’s episode, Debbie talks frankly about the highs, lows, rewarding and challenging moments of fostering. How do you set up to receive a new foster child? How do you ensure that your biological and foster children are happy? How to even start with the goodbyes? Kate has so many questions, and Debbie shares so many answers! Debbie speaks about how privileged she feels to be an integral part of these children's development, the different roles you have to take on as a foster carer and the importance of providing a safe space for children in the care system. We also hear some incredible stories about how Debbie's father's upbringing influenced her instinct to care for others and how rewarding it can be to see a child you've cared for grow up to achieve great things. Debbie's story about spreading kindness is a testament to her character, and her message of love above anything is one to hold onto. To become part of the Blended family, follow @blended on instagram<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Choosing your family with Rochelle Humes

How do you deal with one of your parents starting a new family? Today's guest is the presenter and businesswoman Rochelle Humes who had to tackle this very question when she discovered later in life that she had siblings through her estranged Dad. Rochelle challenges the ‘half’ labels for her siblings and talks fondly of the roles ‘aunties’ have played both in her family and wider in black communities to prove you can choose who you see as your family. Kate and Rochelle also talk about what they’ve noticed from being part of mixed race blended families exploring questions such as why aren’t we educated on how to cut and nourish black hair? How do we make sure our children can fully explore and understand their cultures in a blended family? How early do you broach the important subject of racism with children? Kate and Rochelle’s conversation takes plenty of interesting detours through motherhood, race and iidentity and the need to challenge the conventions of how a family ‘should’ look. To become part of the Blended family follow @blended on Instagram<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Meeting your child with Saira Khan

Today on Blended we are talking about motherhood in all its beautifully messy glory with the wonderful television personality and former Loose Women panelist Saira Khan. Saira talks about how she came to be in a blended family including the moment she met her little girl who she adopted from Pakistan when she was just four days old. As you’ll hear in today’s episode, the adoption process isn’t simple but Saira's openness, optimism and warmth on the subject show that adoption can be such a joyous albeit complicated tale. Kate and Saira also discuss finding joy amongst the chaos of motherhood and how guilt is always at play in the early stages of becoming a new parent. Saira's resounding message of “focus on the fact that you are going to give this child an amazing future, give them love, family and security” is one that can resonate with any parent, adoptive or otherwise! To become a part of the Blended family, follow @blended on instagram To hear more from Saira follow her on instagram @iamsairakhan check out her website https://www.sairakhan.co.uk For advice on adoption, start by heading to the uk GOV website, or by chatting to a local charity near you: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/adoption-statutory-guidance-2013<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Not So Wicked Stepmothers with Kim and Amelia

Stepmothers seem to have an unfairly bad reputation, when the reality is that it takes a really strong person to be a stepparent. You have to be pretty resilient to fit into an already formed family unit! It isn't always easy, but it's often filled with a new love that you just can't explain. Here to share their story on today's episode of Blended are stepmother-daughter-duo Kim and Amelia. Having now been in a blended family for 19 years, Kim and Amelia talk so openly about the realities of becoming a blended family. Amelia opens up about the anger she felt in the earlier days and Kim talks about the struggles with grief on all sides of the family. But despite all of that, there's an overwhelming feeling of such love and trust between the pair of them. It’s a warm, and often funny episode, showing that there is light at the end of the tunnel and love is so powerful. To become part of the Blended family, follow @blended on instagram<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Navigating Double Grief with Lottie Tomlinson

Losing a parent as a teenager is unthinkable, let alone when it's followed by the death of a beloved sister just over two years later. This has been the devastating reality for today’s guest: author and entrepreneur Lottie Tomlinson. After her mum and sister passed away, Lottie felt she had to put on a brave face and step up for her younger siblings, but this led to her losing control of her emotions. In today's episode, Lottie tells Kate how therapy has created an outlet for these emotions, and discusses her important work as an ambassador for Sue Ryder which helps people access therapy who may not usually be able to afford it. Lottie also talks about her pregnancy and the excitement the Tomlinson’s are feeling about new life in the family. This conversation is just as much about hope as it is struggle, but we do mention grief and loss of loved ones, so if you are sensitive to these subjects we suggest coming back to this episode when you are ready. To become part of the Blended family, follow @blended on instagram<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Life in and after foster care with Ashley John-Baptiste

Joining Kate on Blended this week is Ashley John-Baptiste, who you might recognise from his amazing BBC Three documentary, ‘Split Up in Care: Life Without Siblings’. Ashley is amazing, funny and open and together he speaks candidly with Kate about how he’d already lived with five families by the age of 18. Ashley shares heartbreaking stories of exclusion and the need to put up fronts to reduce the pain of a volatile childhood. Ashley also talks about re-building relationships with his biological family on his own terms and starting a beautiful new family of his own - wrapped up in which is an incredible story of serendipity where he meets his biological brother for the first time. Ashley’s childhood couldn’t have been much tougher but his story is proof that family is never straightforward, never perfect and he highlights the important role that foster care can play in a blended family. To become part of the Blended family, follow @blended on instagram To find out more about foster care, foster initiatives and just fostering in general check please contact your local authority, or get in touch with some charities in the space: https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/ https://www.barnardos.org.uk/ You can watch Ashley’s amazing documentary on BBC.<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Love after Loss with Simon and Derrina Thomas

Finding love and ‘moving on’ when you are in the thick of grief might feel impossible. But, sometimes (and often unexpectedly) you’re able to let new people into your lives and hearts. This was the case for our wonderful guests today - Sky Sports presenter Simon Thomas, along with his wonderful wife Derrina. In this honest and heart warming discussion, Derrina and Simon talk about how they have supported Ethan (Simon’s son and Derrina’s ‘chum’) in navigating their new reality, making space for grief, and how they continue to ensure that Ethan’s mum’s presence and love is still felt in their home. It’s a warm and powerful listen though we do mention grief and loss of loved ones, so if you are sensitive to these subjects we suggest coming back to this episode when you are ready. To become part of the Blended family, follow @blended on instagram<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Every family has a story with Julia Samuel MBE

*Trigger warning* This episode covers the loss of loved ones. What is grief? Is there a right or wrong way to grieve? And what are the different approaches to dealing with it? Today’s guest is bestselling psychotherapist, Julia Samuel MBE, who brought such warmth and wisdom to these really tough subjects. Julia believes that every family has a story - so much so that she’s titled her most recent book just that. In this warm and informative episode, Julia and Kate explore some of the common issues that can arise when living in blended families: what we inherit and how we can help support each other. Julia has a talent at simplifying complicated topics and offers such useful advice into how families can face challenges together. Kate and Julia also talked about her twelve touchstones for family wellbeing - from fighting productively to making time for rituals. To become part of the Blended family, follow @blended on instagram To hear more from Julia and to follow her work, head to https://juliasamuel.co.uk/ or follow her on Instagram @juliasamuelmbe<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

For anyone who finds Mother's Day difficult

*Trigger warning* This episode covers loss of pregnancy, struggles with fertility and death of loved ones. Mother’s Day is meant to be a beautiful celebration of the women that shaped us. But for so many people out there, it can be a really tough day to navigate. In this moving first episode of Blended, Kate brings together voices of women, children and young adults from around the UK who share their honest experiences of Mother’s Day and how they've courageously dealt with fertility struggles, loss of pregnancy and grief. Kate also speaks with bestselling psychotherapist Julia Samuel who shares some expert advice on how to deal with common triggers on the day. In listening to other stories, Kate hopes that you find some solace in your own. And remember, you are not alone. If you are struggling, please seek professional advice and guidance. To become part of the Blended family, follow @blended on instagram Thank you to Child Bereavement UK for their contribution to this episode.<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Introducing Blended

Hosted by Kate Ferdinand, this podcast is a celebration of blended families - exploring the stories of relationships bound by love, no matter what their circumstances are. Covering subjects such as second marriages, divorce, grief and life after loss, adoption, fostering and (not-so-wicked!) stepmothers, Kate will champion different voices and experiences by speaking with experts, everyday people and celebrities in the public eye.<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>