Ever wondered what would happen if a Karen and a Regina became friends? What if two women, with a complicated history and tied to the same high-conflict co-parent, put aside the past and chose peace, respect, and family?

In this powerful episode, I’m joined by Kassandra (you know her from We Are Familyish) and Kelsee—her partner in co-parenting and, yes, the ex-wife of Kassandra’s ex-husband.

Together, we talk about what it really took to move from mistrust to mutual respect, from surviving to thriving. We open up about our shared experiences with domestic abuse, how we found our way out, and what healing looks like while co-parenting through the chaos.

This isn’t just a story about high-conflict co-parenting—this is about growth, resilience, and choosing connection over competition. Oh, and did I mention? This episode is also full of giggles—our energy just bounces off each other.

If you’re walking this blended family roller coaster, this one’s definitely for you.

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Kassandra:

https://www.wearefamilyish.com/

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In this episode of Raising His Kids, I’m joined by Summer Butler—author, speaker, and family coach—who’s dedicated her life to supporting kids and families navigating the blended family roller coaster.

Summer shares her heart behind her latest release, Blended: Navigating Life Between Two Homes, a workbook designed specifically for preteens navigating divorce, co-parenting, and life in two households.

We talk about the emotional toll of transitions, the things kids feel but often can’t express, and how parents can better show up for their children during these changes. Summer also opens up about her own journey growing up in a divorced home, becoming a stepmum, and raising two adult stepsons and an “ours baby.”

Whether you’re a bio mum, bonus mum, or somewhere in between—this conversation will leave you feeling encouraged and equipped to support your kids with more empathy, awareness, and heart.

Learn more about Summer’s resources at https://www.blendedbookco.com

Follow Summer on Instagram @blendedbookco

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What does healing look like when you're still stuck co-parenting with your abuser? In this raw and honest conversation, Toni sits down with Vickie Lynn — survivor, coach, and fierce advocate for mums navigating high-conflict co-parenting with narcissistic exes.

Together, they explore the emotional roller coaster of trying to raise emotionally healthy children while protecting them from manipulation, smear campaigns, and trauma — all while being accused of being the “high-conflict” parent. Toni shares parts of her own story too, including the complex dynamics of raising a child who looks like your abuser, parenting as a survivor, and navigating a stepfamily full of tension and judgement.

If you're a mum trying to break generational cycles, protect your kids, and still hold space for yourself — this episode is a must-listen.

And for stepmums caught in the crossfire or unsure where they fit, this chat brings clarity, validation, and a fresh perspective on building bridges and setting boundaries.

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Vickie Lynn: https://stan.store/thesurvivorcenter?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaeuzF7wcKOAf3BFFCvglMxYxQY5d_1ccZ_QJg0YM_3ulrLM0nDJoPY2H1x6Yg_aem_6byLX6TOTprPLxHka1MXGQ

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In this episode, Kassandra opens up about the challenges she faces as a military wife in a blended family. From managing a household alone while her husband is deployed, to navigating the complexities of parenting and step-parenting, Kassandra shares her raw and honest feelings about trying to balance it all. Tune in for a candid conversation about who really gets the final say in blended families when you're juggling multiple roles and responsibilities.

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Kassandra:

https://www.wearefamilyish.com/

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This week, Jyl and I dive deep into the complexities of blended family life, mental health, and health struggles. I open up about my ongoing battle with chronic pain and the decision to undergo a hysterectomy, as well as how my journey with health impacts my family dynamics. I also share a raw and honest update on where things currently stand in my relationship with lil J.

We explore how life often throws unexpected curveballs and how we adjust, even when things don’t go to plan. From the highs and lows of motherhood and stepmotherhood to the importance of knowing your limits, this episode is packed with personal stories, reflection, and a whole lot of real talk.

Tune in for a heartfelt discussion that will leave you reflecting on your own experiences and the chaos that is life.

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Raising His Kids: https://raisinghiskids.my.canva.site/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaa_DJPPjVXUICfG2osbftxYJAw6dX0a0ajyQdis4317ndikWcx-CQrV3x4_aem_AWpIBMCZzQL60BCybo8GvLLLErIUmE8Pt1wvvylUXkFqmhiYC4eJUy0qFm4v-_ocZhTGMPyzHXkZv3fs3RWvvUbq

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Toni and Jyl unpack the highs and lows of blended family life, sharing practical advice for step-parents, bio-parents, and anyone navigating the complexities of a blended home. They explore the importance of one-on-one time with kids, maintaining strong emotional connections, and coping with transitions—both in family and in life. Jyl also opens up about the challenges of marketing her book after the loss of her mum, and the emotional layers of her relationship with her stepdaughter. This episode offers heartfelt insight and inspiration for anyone juggling family, grief, and growth.

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Raising His Kids: https://raisinghiskids.my.canva.site/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaa_DJPPjVXUICfG2osbftxYJAw6dX0a0ajyQdis4317ndikWcx-CQrV3x4_aem_AWpIBMCZzQL60BCybo8GvLLLErIUmE8Pt1wvvylUXkFqmhiYC4eJUy0qFm4v-_ocZhTGMPyzHXkZv3fs3RWvvUbq

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Easter in a blended family isn’t always sunshine, chocolate, and matching bunny ears. Sometimes it’s tears, tension, and total exhaustion.

In this solo episode, I’m sharing a voice-note-style chat straight from the heart—for anyone whose Easter felt heavy, overwhelming, or just a bit off.

We’re talking last-minute plan changes, forgotten bags, overstimulated kids, being left out of family lunches, and the emotional whiplash that comes with holidays in a blended home.

And if this year actually felt peaceful for you? I’m celebrating that too.

Take a deep breath, pop your headphones in, and let this be the little bit of validation you didn’t know you needed.

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Raising His Kids: https://raisinghiskids.my.canva.site/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaa_DJPPjVXUICfG2osbftxYJAw6dX0a0ajyQdis4317ndikWcx-CQrV3x4_aem_AWpIBMCZzQL60BCybo8GvLLLErIUmE8Pt1wvvylUXkFqmhiYC4eJUy0qFm4v-_ocZhTGMPyzHXkZv3fs3RWvvUbq

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This week, I’m joined by Bella Duncan, the inspiring voice behind A Kid With Two Homes. Bella’s parents separated when she was just three years old, and for over 20 years she’s lived the reality of growing up between two homes. Now, with degrees in law and psychology, she uses her story to advocate for kids navigating family separation and to help co-parents truly understand the child’s perspective.

In this episode, Bella shares what it was like growing up with two homes and the emotional weight of not wanting to hurt either parent. She opens up about the guilt that would creep in during everyday moments—like when a kid on the playground would ask which house she liked better—and speaks candidly about what she wishes her parents had done differently so she didn’t feel caught in the middle of their divorce.

This is a powerful conversation about empathy, reflection, and doing better for the next generation of kids living in blended or separated families.

🔗 Connect with Bella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akidwithtwohomes?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

https://linktr.ee/akidwithtwohomes?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

📲 Learn more: https://www.akidwithtwohomes.com/

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