Ashley Machele is someone has gone through a rough marriage but was able to find her “why” of severing families.

On this episode I had a cold and sorry for my disgusting noises.

Ashley’s Bio:

After experiencing a high conflict divorce and intense custody battle Ashley has become an advocate for blended families. She is a certified life coach who specializes in helping stepfamilies find joy through their trials. She believes that happiness is found by balancing our mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing.

Her comprehensive programs incorporate all aspects of life as she encourages her clients to find hope in the midst of adversity. She promotes self care and a healthy lifestyle as a personal trainer and offers meal planning for busy families. She has created an uplifting community of support for moms in all stages of life and has provided a platform to serve as a connection between traditional and blended families. 

“The most important thing for me as I continue to establish Our Splendid Life is to provide the resources and support that I needed as I was going through my divorce and custody battle. I felt so alone during the hardest challenge of my life and being there for others has been an incredible blessing to know that I went through all of that for a reason.” 

 Here is how you can find Ashley:

• Guest blog post”bonusfamilies.com/guest-blog-by-ashley-machele/
• Instagram:@ashleymachele

Before we spoke I emailed her a question on my mind about blended families VS traditional families.  I wanted Ashley thoughts as a coach of do we as blended families need to educate traditional families of the world of blended families.

Do you find that when meeting new people you have to explain what your blended family is?

We also talk about how setting rules with our kids and yes my famous line of “close the door” comes up.

What one take away did you get out of this interview?

Tommy Maloney is a voice for dads and blended families by helping them achieve success as a family unit. He is a TEDx speaker, published author and host of the Blending The Family podcast. More importantly Tommy is a dad to Betsy, Becca and Connor. Tommy is happily married to his wife Ann. The author of the books"25 Tips For Divorced Dads.” “Why not you, Why Not Me” and His new book “My Dad’s Advice At 5:04 AM” is coming out in 2018. Tommy enjoys a good red blend while writing or hiding from the family. Email him at: tommy@BlendingTheFamily.com

This shall pass but I need to say something first.

I am so grateful to share my crazy random thoughts while stuck inside.

My pain I hope will put a smile on your face.

Tommy Maloney is a Speaker, Author and Parenting Coach.  The author of the books"25 Tips For Divorced Dads.” “Why not you, Why Not Me” and His new book “My Dad’s Advice At 5:04 AM” is coming out in 2017. Tommy enjoys a good red blend while writing or hiding from the family. Email him at: Tommy@BlendingTheFamily.com

I am recording this off my phone from my bed due to a back issue. 

When you are stuck somplace as a business trip and a flight is delayed and because of that you might miss out on a childs event you feel pretty upset. 

Due to the physical pain I am not able to sit or even stand. Here is where the pity party starts.

Today both Becca and Connor had games today and I had to miss them.

The pain is so bad that there have been moments of crying. Oh and even a lot of that crying drooling to go with the pity party.

There is a brightside to this because of being in bed and looking at the fan.

I figured out how to record from my "Droid" phone and get a recording onto my MAC. That could mean more daily or weekly episodes. Yea you!!

Yes this pain will go away in due time and I fully understand that there is someone even in more pain then I am. 

Tommy Maloney is a voice for dads and blended families by helping them achieve success as a family unit. He is a TEDx speaker, published author and host of the Blending The Family podcast. More importantly Tommy is a dad to Betsy, Becca and Connor. Tommy is happily married to his wife Ann. The author of the books"25 Tips For Divorced Dads.” “Why not you, Why Not Me” and His new book “My Dad’s Advice At 5:04 AM” is coming out in 2018. Tommy enjoys a good red blend while writing or hiding from the family. Email him at: tommy@BlendingTheFamily.com

Wine is your friend. Choosing a wine is not going to be a mystery after this episode. Have I failed you yet? Do not answer that.

On this episode we are finally going to do the show I have wanted to do for a LONG, LONG time.

Many years ago my friend Zach recommend that when my wife Ann and I sit down to work on our weekly budgets to have a bottle of wine.

Live in the home office I sit down with a friend of the family Bruce Gammill, who is the closes person to be a wine sommelier that I know. Bruce has worked in wine country at Beaulieu Vineyard. Every time Bruce has suggested a wine (I am a red guy) he has never disappointed.

We talk about wine suggestions on first dates or if you are cooking for someone new.

One of Bruce’s favorite wineries and you really will not go wrong with is Cline. At the liquor store where Bruce spends most of his time, they recently did their weekly wine tasting of several different wines from Cline.

This episode was not just about wine but removing lables to describe kids. Bruce has been married and divorced two times. He talks about life lessons on raising kids in a blended family.

QUESTION!!! What wine do you buy for others??

Tommy Maloney is a voice for dads and blended families by helping them achieve success as a family unit. He is a TEDx speaker, published author and host of the Blending The Family podcast. More importantly Tommy is a dad to Betsy, Becca and Connor. Tommy is happily married to his wife Ann. The author of the books"25 Tips For Divorced Dads.” “Why not you, Why Not Me” and His new book “My Dad’s Advice At 5:04 AM” is coming out in 2018. Tommy enjoys a good red blend while writing or hiding from the family. Email him at: tommy@BlendingTheFamily.com

“LIVE THE LIFE FULLEST AND DIE EMPTY”

That was a quote from Max Noble who is my guest on the podcast. Max is the creator of the Linked In video show “Share Your Wisdom”.

Max in my view is a person who who want in your circle of close friends. He lives life. Max does not let life live him (if that makes sense to you),

This episode was very special to me because I did not know who was interviewing whom before we started. Since Max was also recording for his show I did not know if I was the guest or if Max was. All I know was that I had to sit and listen to what makes Max well, Max.

Before I forget here is Max’s Linked In profile.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-noble-com/

When you hear his story of going up the mountain and pretty much risking his life, my hope is that as you are listening to look into the mirror and ask if you are living to your potential. I am guilty as sin wasting my purpose.

We also talk about the world of parenting and how his daughter is his yoga teacher.

Co-Parenting can suck but it IS not about you. Co-Parenting is about your kids and SUPPORTING your kids.

Before we get into this Parenting Tip Tuesday episode here is the link to Mommy's Inside Voice that I mentioned. I feel that Amie's content is fun as well as real as it can get. 

I have been told by a judge in family court that my co-parenting skills need more work (he did say this to my former wife too).

On this episode I talk about:

• Communication
• Sit/don't sit
• Taking the high road

Communication is very vital and it can range from using email to a notebook. 

When you attend an event for your kids (bonus kids too) where do you sit? Do you sit with your fomer or far, far away? There are some families who have no issue sitting all together. Is that normal?

UGH!! I am trying to do more meditation to help me with learning to be calmer. The mental game of taking the high road is tricky. One day this whole high road thing for me will come together. One day...

Executive producer and host of the podcast Blending The Family where you can find on Stitcher Radio, ITunes and IHeart Radio. Tommy has spoken at TEDx, Ignite Fort Collins and Keynote Speaker at Everything Dad Convention.  The author of the books "25 Tips For Divorced Dads.” “Why not you, Why Not Me” and His new book “My Dad’s Advice At 5:04 AM” is coming out in 2018. Tommy enjoys a good red blend while writing or hiding from the family. A dad to Betsy, Becca, Connor, Duke and husband to Ann. You can connect with Tommy at the website Blending The Family.Com

On October 8th I did not realize that everyday of that week would be a great day. Here is the run down of each day from that week:

• Sunday had wings with my wife Ann. It was an unscheduled date night because we still did not have a functioning stove. We sat there talking and just enjoying each others companionship. There was some very honest conversation that made at one point a bit awkward but we got through it.
• Monday as our Colorado weather shifted to snow, I had a job interview. Listen as someone who simply wishes they had a profitable business there are still moments of working a “day job.” Still waiting if I have been hired.
• Tuesday morning my son Connor texted me to ask about the job interview. He is my “Guardian Angel” because he helped me get the job interview. Stay tuned for that post.
• Wednesday’s are the days I pick Connor up for his hockey practice. From the time he gets in my car until we leave the rink and I drop him off at his moms’ house it is just magical for me. This is extra time to spend with him.
• Thursday was a interesting day. Not only was I a guest on a local radio morning show but I was hosting my weekly podcast. When you are on both sides of the microphone in one day it does make for a very fun day.
• Friday we had a special dinner event. My wife Ann is a member of Kiwanis and her club was holding their yearly installation dinner for their new board members. Connor and I were able to attend this event to help support Ann. Unfortunately we had to miss our daughter Becca’s volleyball game. The team won and we will get to see Becca play again this week to support her.
• Saturday was hockey day even though Connor did not get the start we all went to his game. Oh and we had wings for dinner after the game.

Then there was Sunday and church. I am not used to having a positive week as the one I shared with you. My days are more like Eeyore with the constant cloud over head. However, the message from our Pastor Tim was a message I had heard MANY years ago but it really sunk in on Sunday. Yes I am a bit slow, OK very slow.

Not 100 percent sure if it was in a book or an audio program that the message was handed to me from Zig Ziglar. Zig was one of the first motivational speakers that came into my life. To paraphrase what he once stated was all about having daily motivation. We need daily motivation to be in a happy mood. Agreed?

Here is how these three pieces of context: My week, Church and Zig Ziglar, all come together.

Why don’t I have more wonderful weeks as I pointed out to you? The reason is that you and I need to believe that good things can happen to us.

Zig preached that to stay positive we need to feed our minds with good books and positive people everyday. There are trends where if we are having a bad day then we reach for a motivational quote or an uplifting video but that should be a daily routine.

James 1:12

12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Pastor Tim spoke to us at church from the book of “James” whom I learned was the half brother of Jesus. Who knew?

What I took away from the Bible passage was very similar of what Zig says of being a positive person. What the James passage means to me is that we need to have faith daily not just on Sunday’s.

The original post was going to be very different. Very different. Please try not to freak out when I tell you that the post was a note.  This note was written a few weeks ago when my depression was at it’s low of low (understand what type of note?).

On the outside my demeanor is being positive but on the inside, Eeyore.

 Believe me when you read this that I am very self-aware that everyday is not going to be rainbows and Unicorns who are pooping out Skittles.

A friend of mine described his depression as fog rolling in and out, somewhat back to normal. That is how at times my depression is too.

My thought process is just to heed the advice of Zig and Tim. We need daily positive, inspirational, even Biblical messages. Listen, not only should YOU do this daily but find positive content that you can share with your kids.

Sara Blakely is one of my hero’s and no I do not wear her SPANX product. She was very much influenced by her dad. One dad her dad gave her some Dr. Wayne Dwyer cassettes. This was very key to her life because even during a tragedy in her life when a friend of hers was killed, she was able to get through the emotions with positive messages.  Another piece to her success comes from sitting at the dinner table and being asked “what did you fail at?” Odd question. However, her dad would ask her and her brother because it taught them that failing is good. Failing will teach you life lessons. Failing will get you to success.   

We adults need to let go that life is perfect or that we are going to be a looser every single day. Do not get scared of asking for help. Maybe even praying can help. We all want the good life but watching or listening to what is wrong in “The World” is not going to help you. What you should be focused on is what is going on in “YOUR WORLD.” Does that make sense?

Here is what I am going to put either back into practice or start doing. My hope is that you will take these three tips to heart for your own inspiration.

1. Upon waking up to meditate. I have an app on my phone called Headspace. There is both a free and paid subscription and currently I still use the free one. You only need 10 minutes to start your day off in a good way.
2. The gym is where I have epically failed or as the kids might say hashtag epic fail. My new practice is to go to the gym and not just show up but workout. Here is the “thing” and that is I just went through two months of physical therapy for my hips and back. I need to be to do daily stretches and muscle toning. 3 days a week can be done.
3. Consistently write content. Why is this a positive? I know that my writing is not the best but I am very transparent and want to share my life to hopefully help you or others. Maybe inspire. I know that is a long shot. Anyway, new daily content on a social media platform. Finishing my book would be a another goal that is part of the writing.

For many of you who too suffer from depression these suggestions have been used to help beat depression without medication. I AM NOT A DOCTOR!

Who is with me? Having a great week was just the start of consistently having MORE weeks that are wonderful.

We just need to fill our mind, body and spirit with good things. No more Eeyore.   

SHOUT OUTS!!!

Marcus Aurelius Anderson's new book  "The Gift of Adversity" comes out this month on October 31 and I wanted to make sure I put that out to you.

WWW.marcus@marcusaureliusanderson.com

Do you like quotes? How about books on quotes? A very good friend of mine Jamila Bryant has her first book out "Quote Junkie Diaries" and it is super cool. Each quote in the book are her own thoughts. Please go to her website and buy a ton of books.

www.QuoteJunkieDiaries.com

Executive producer and host of the podcast Blending The Family where you can find on Stitcher Radio, ITunes and IHeart Radio. Tommy has spoken at TEDx, Ignite Fort Collins and Keynote Speaker at Everything Dad Convention.  The author of the books "25 Tips For Divorced Dads.” “Why not you, Why Not Me” and His new book “My Dad’s Advice At 5:04 AM” is coming out in 2018. Tommy enjoys a good red blend while writing or hiding from the family. A dad to Betsy, Becca, Connor, Duke and husband to Ann. You can connect with Tommy at the website Blending The Family.Com

How do you bond with your kids when you do not live in the same house after a divorce?

That was the question I asked myself.

Creating new and fun ways of connecting with our kids not only builds a family but you are making memories at the same time.

A business coach advised me to do something called "Parenting Tip Tuesday's" and I have done that. I wanted to create maybe a new tradition of my own and that is making the tips into a weekly podcast. 

Here is the first one.

What traditions have you come up with that is unique to your family? How were they created?

On this podcast (and past ones as well) I talk about how my son Connor and I had a monthly tradition called "do not make your bed day." Once a month we would not make our bed. Was it silly? Yes. However, it created fun in our house. Such as the time he took off all of the covers off my bed to proclaim "NO MAKING THE BED DAY!"

When a family becomes a blended family there are going to be traditions that each family brings. To really become a family it is vital to not only embrace established traditions but here is an opportunity as a new family create new ones.

After my divorce it was very hard for me to care about the holidays because it was just depressing to even think about. My first Christmas after the divorce (the divorce was actually final on Dec 24) I could not face Connor. Yes it was very selfish of me. 

This is why coming up with fun and new ideas might be a better pill then self medicating.

OK enjoy the audio and please let me know on the Facebook page what you have come up with.

https://www.facebook.com/blendingthefamilys/

Executive producer and host of the podcast Blending The Family where you can find on Stitcher Radio, ITunes and IHeart Radio. Tommy has spoken at TEDx, Ignite Fort Collins and Keynote Speaker at Everything Dad Convention.  The author of the books "25 Tips For Divorced Dads.” “Why not you, Why Not Me” and His new book “My Dad’s Advice At 5:04 AM” is coming out in 2018. Tommy enjoys a good red blend while writing or hiding from the family. A dad to Betsy, Becca, Connor, Duke and husband to Ann. You can connect with Tommy at the website Blending The Family.Com

On this episode my guest is the co-author of the book "Earn It" Dr. Michael G. Wetter. 

Michael G. Wetter, PsyD is also the author of What Went Right: Reframe Your Thinking for a Happier Now. A nationally recognized behavioral health expert, Wetter is a diplomate and fellow of the American Psychotherapy Association and has served on the California State Licensing Board of Psychology.

On the show we discuss:

• What was the "Ah Ha" moment of creating this book with his co-author Eileen Bailey?
• What is social media doing to the "entitled" kids?
• Is Tommy Maloney (your podcast host) a good dad after taking the quiz from the book?
• Why kid's (and maybe adults too) need to learn about failing.
• What does the movie "Harry Potterand the Sorcerer's Stone have to do with "entitlemenr"?

To get in touch with Dr. Wetter you can find him at:

Email: drwetter@drwetter.com

WEBSITE

 http://www.drwetter.com/

PUBLISHER WEBSITE PAGE

http://www.hazelden.org/OA_HTML/item/483137?Earn-It!&src_url=itemquest          

Executive producer and host of the podcast Blending The Family where you can find on Stitcher Radio, ITunes and IHeart Radio. Tommy has spoken at TEDx, Ignite Fort Collins and Keynote Speaker at Everything Dad Convention.  The author of the books "25 Tips For Divorced Dads.” “Why not you, Why Not Me” and His new book “My Dad’s Advice At 5:04 AM” is coming out in 2018. Tommy enjoys a good red blend while writing or hiding from the family. A dad to Betsy, Becca, Connor, Duke and husband to Ann. You can connect with Tommy at the website Blending The Family.Com

Here are three tips from my first book "25 Tips for Divorced Dads." There are a few thoughts on my mind of late I needed to get out.

Tip 7: "Embrace their interest no matter what they are" I read an article about male ballet dancers being bullied. This is my point that NO matter what activity your kids want to do, embrace their passion.

Tip 12: "Respect the rules" SO...This has been coming up both in our household and with podcast guest. The whole keep bedrooms clean. If you did not have that rule from day 1 and are expecting miracles well good luck. If the kids room is not clean enough for you then shut the door.

Tip 22 "Take the high road" This has been a struggle with me of late. Personally my feeling is that not to take the high road means I am not standing up for myself. However there are just times when an email should of not needed to be sent because of anger. 

What are your thoughts on these tips? Let me know with an email tommy@blendingthefamily.com

Executive producer and host of the podcast Blending The Family where you can find on Stitcher Radio, ITunes and IHeart Radio.

Tommy has spoken at TEDx, Ignite Fort Collins and Keynote Speaker at Everything Dad Convention.  The author of the books "25 Tips For Divorced Dads.” “Why not you, Why Not Me” and His new book “My Dad’s Advice At 5:04 AM” is coming out in 2018.

Tommy enjoys a good red blend while writing or hiding from the family. A dad to Betsy, Becca, Connor, Duke and husband to Ann. You can connect with Tommy at the website Blending The Family.Com

Welcome to another fun filled podcast episodes. I am so thrilled to have Maria Ashworth on the show. We had a very honest conversation about:

• Not always taking the high road
• House rules
• Her new books
• “Going All NY”

Her first book, Step One, Step Two, Step Three and Four was a 2012 finalist in the National Association of Elementary School Principal Contest. Since its publication, she and the book were featured on Fox 26 News, Houston Chronicle, and NPR 88.7 radio.  

She has published three other picture books since then and has another gender-neutral picture book and Middle Grade novel coming out by October 2017. She’s published a handful of short stories through literary contests and a women’s anthology. 

On her spare time she volunteers at Barnes & Noble for Story Time where she sings, reads, and creates crafts with children from 2- 8 years. She also gives her time to the Maud Marks Library Friends Board in Katy Texas where she serves as President, as well as a Member-At-Large for the Friends of the Harris County Library. Ms. Ashworth is a long-standing member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. 

When she’s not writing or volunteering you can find her pumping iron at the gym or digging into a pint of ice cream. You can find her on:

facebook:https://www.facebook.com/maria.ashworth.16 ,

twitter: @maria_ashworth

Website: www.mariaashworth.com

Executive producer and host of the podcast Blending The Family where you can find on Stitcher Radio, ITunes and IHeart Radio. Tommy has spoken at TEDx, Ignite Fort Collins and Keynote Speaker at Everything Dad Convention.  The author of the books "25 Tips For Divorced Dads.” “Why not you, Why Not Me” and His new book “My Dad’s Advice At 5:04 AM” is coming out in 2018. Tommy enjoys a good red blend while writing or hiding from the family. A dad to Betsy, Becca, Connor, Duke and husband to Ann. You can connect with Tommy at the website Blending The Family.Com

September is Suicide Prevention Month and I am on a mission to share not only gratitude but on this episode to once again let the men know it is perfectly fine to seek help for depression.

Recently I had two different conversations but they dealt with the same issue of men’s mental health.

Men tend in my opinion, believe that they are OK inside. When they are not.

I wrote a blog piece talking about are you a “Tigger” or an “Eeyore” ? For me I pretend to be Tigger but really of late I am very much Eeyore.

Here is the link to that blog post:

http://blendingthefamily.com/2017/09/13/are-you-tigger-or-eeyore/

Men it is perfectly OK to ask for help.

In case you are feeling down or deeply depressed here is the phone number for Suicide Prevention Lifeline:

1-800-273-8255 (TALK).

Guys please seek out the help you need. Your family will appreciate this act of bravery.   

Tommy Maloney is a voice for dads and blended families by helping them achieve success as a family unit. He is a TEDx speaker, published author and host of the Blending The Family podcast. More importantly Tommy is a dad to Betsy, Becca and Connor. Tommy is happily married to his wife Ann. The author of the books"25 Tips For Divorced Dads.” “Why not you, Why Not Me” and His new book “My Dad’s Advice At 5:04 AM” is coming out in 2017. Tommy enjoys a good red blend while writing or hiding from the family. Email him at: tommy@BlendingTheFamily.com

September is Suicide Prevention Month and I want to share with you positive reasons why I am grateful.

This being the third video blog in a series each day for the rest of the month of September I wanted to share with you my 3 reasons why I try and live in gratitude and why I carry a rock with me.

I am still asking for your daily wins because we need to share them. I really do hope they help you or someone you know who is going through depression.

September is Suicide Prevention Month and I want to share with you positive stories from others who too are struggling but find little things to make their day a good day.

This being the second video blog in a series each day for the rest of the month of September I wanted to share with you my 3 wins from yesterday.

I am still asking for your daily wins because we need to share them. I really do hope they help you or someone you know who is going through depression.

Please email me your daily wins at tommy@blendingthefamily.com so we can share good things to our world. This is day 2 of showing my gratitude and will do these Vblog/podcast forthe rest of the month. Pleashe share and please send me your daily wins to me PLEASE!!!!!

Sucide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-(TALK) 8255

Tommy Maloney is a voice for dads and blended families by helping them achieve success as a family unit. He is a TEDx speaker, published author and host of the Blending The Family podcast.

More importantly Tommy is a dad to Betsy, Becca and Connor. Tommy is happily married to his wife Ann.

The author of the books"25 Tips For Divorced Dads.” “Why not you, Why Not Me” and His new book “My Dad’s Advice At 5:04 AM” is coming out in 2017. Tommy enjoys a good red blend while writing or hiding from the family. Email him at: tommy@BlendingTheFamily.com

On this episode Author of the book “The Possibility Principle: How Quantum Physic’s Can Improve The Way You Think, Live and Love” Mel Schwartz.

Mel and I had a great conversation where I did try and get him to analyze me but he passed on that.

What was his AH HA moment of writing this book?

How as parents can we help our kids make decisions?

What does the movie Groundhogs day and Sir Isaac Newton have in common?

This book was a great read and I know that I am not a very smart person but the book had great stories that made the whole quantum physics easy to understand.

Mel has a great relaxing persona and wish I lived closer for him to help me. No seriously.

Please head over to Mel’s website to learn more about him and his practice:

Melschwartz.com

Tommy Maloney is a Speaker, Author, Trainer and Parenting Coach.  The author of "25 Tips For Divorced Dads.” Executive producer and co-host of the podcast Blending The Family where you can find on ITUNES and Stitcher Radio. Tommy has spoken at TEDx, Ignite Fort Collins and Keynote Speaker at Everything Dad Convention.  A dad to Betsy, Becca and Connor and husband to Ann.  His new book “My Dad’s Advice At 5:04 AM” is coming out in 2017.

To book Tommy Maloney please contact him at 303.263.3118 or by: Tommy@BlendingTheFamily.com

Marcus Aurelius Anderson is our guest on this episode. I just happened to be on Linked In when someone had posted this very inspiring and powerful TEDX Talk by Marcus. After watching the talk I had to get him on the podcast to share his story about ‘adversity.’

While preparing to deploy with the U.S. Army Marcus suffered a severe spinal injury that left him paralyzed. 

After dying on the operating table twice, the surgeons saved his life, but told him he'd never walk again. 

Having no other option, Marcus started doing some brutally honest soul searching, looking for the lesson to be learned from his injury. Once he started seeing his Adversity as a gift instead of a curse, something miraculous began to happen.

Today Marcus is aTEDxSpeaker, Keynote Speaker, Author, Mindset Coach. 

Links to things we talked about:

Seth Godin’s blog post that was mentioned: http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2017/08/faux-intimacy.html

One of my favorite books that I keep giving away is called The Last Lecture by DR. Randy Pausch: https://www.amazon.com/Last-Lecture-Randy-Pausch/dp/1401323251

Tim Ferriss: https://tim.blog/

**

Links to Marcus:

My Book "The Gift of Adversity" will be released October 31st 2017!

 Website: www.marcusaureliusanderson.com

 Linkedin: Marcus Aurelius Anderson

 Instagram: Marcus Aurelius Anderson

 Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/marcusaureliusanderson/

My TEDx Talk: http://www.marcusaureliusanderson.com/speaking/ 

Executive producer and host of the podcast Blending The Family where you can find on Stitcher Radio. Tommy has spoken at TEDx, Ignite Fort Collins and Keynote Speaker at Everything Dad Convention.  The author of the books"25 Tips For Divorced Dads.” “Why not you, Why Not Me” and His new book “My Dad’s Advice At 5:04 AM” is coming out in 2017. Tommy enjoys a good red blend while writing or hiding from the family. A dad to Betsy, Becca, Connor, Duke and husband to Ann. Contact Tommy@BlendingTheFamily.com

This episode I interview the authors of the book "TEN TIPS ON HOW TO SURVIVE YOUR PARENTS DIVORCE" Not only were they 11 and 10 wneh they wrote this book, they are two of our kids.

Today they are teenagers these two are now teenagers. I feel old.

I have to mention a big thanks to our Illustrator Terry Sirrell:www.tsirrell.com

When I first sent the tips that Becca and Connor came up with Terry understood the vision of this book project. 

The tips come right from these kids when they both were going through their families divorce. They can relate to what your own family has gone through.

If you work with young kids or are going through a divorce with young kids please pick up the book on our website :BlendingTheFamily.com

Executive producer and host of the podcast Blending The Family where you can find on Stitcher Radio. Tommy has spoken at TEDx, Ignite Fort Collins and Keynote Speaker at Everything Dad Convention.  The author of the books"25 Tips For Divorced Dads.” “Why not you, Why Not Me” and His new book “My Dad’s Advice At 5:04 AM” is coming out in 2017. Tommy enjoys a good red blend while writing or hiding from the family. A dad to Betsy, Becca, Connor, Duke and husband to Ann. Contact  Tommy@BlendingTheFamilyy.com

Teemaree is an entertainment professional turned minister, spiritual life coach, and author. She helps spiritual people that are feeling empty overcome their challenges and live their best life now. For connection, products, coaching, and a free gift, please visit www.teemaree.com

On this episode we talk about her "AH HA" moment of how she went from being an actor/model/DJ to now her path of being a Spiritual life coach or as I called her a "Guru."

She has a new book titled "Love For Now' and the photos in the book Teemaree took all of them for the book.

Go to her website and check out the times during the week to watch one of 3 YouTube shows she does. 

We also talk about why the ladies need to help the men stop keeping emotions inside and not be nervous about asking for help.

Executive producer and host of the podcast Blending The Family where you can find on Stitcher Radio. Tommy has spoken at TEDx, Ignite Fort Collins and Keynote Speaker at Everything Dad Convention.  The author of the books"25 Tips For Divorced Dads.” “Why not you, Why Not Me” and His new book “My Dad’s Advice At 5:04 AM” is coming out in 2017. Tommy enjoys a good red blend while writing or hiding from the family. A dad to Betsy, Becca, Connor, Duke and husband to Ann. You can connect with Tommy at his website BlendingTheFamilyy.com

Welcome to another fun filled episode of the podcast. 

Jeff Allen is not only a great friend and mentor (did I mention mentor yet??) he is one of those people who is just has that postive energy we need today.

Jeff is a Licensed Special Educator and Behavioral Interventionist with thousands of hours experience working one-on-one with children and their parents. He is also a public speaker, President Elect of the Thompson Valley Rotary, and an approved Job Coach for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation thru the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.

Before beginning his private practice, Jeff was Co-Chair of his Department and a member of the Crisis Prevention & Problem Solving Teams. Jeff is now the Founder of the Allen School of Self Mastery and a private practice Family Counselor, Coach and Mentor, specializing in boys & young men ages 5-35.

He guides families, boys, and young men step-by-step to greater connection, clarity of purpose, and true confidence within themselves so they have the best chance of being successful at home, in school, in their future career, and in their future personal relationships, regardless of the challenges they now face.

Ok, you will want to know that you are not loosing it if you hear birds during this episode. We sat down at Jeff's house over looking the mountains of Colorado on his back deck. 

• What does Jeff mean that women have scuba tanks and men just have a mask?
• We talk about my feeling that men are affraid to hug.
• Jeff some what had his "AH HA" moment of his "WHY" moment during one of the times he was in the principal's off because of something his son had done. 

This was a very honest conversation and when I say honest, well, you will hear two guys just talking.

Here are links that were brought up on the episode.

This hit me very hard after reading the passing of Chester Bennington who was the lead singer for one of my favorite bands Linkin Park. 

One of my memories I am sharing here on the podcast is how Connor became a fan of the group.

My thoughts and prayers to the family of Chester.

If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You can also text HELLO to 741-741 for free, 24-hour support from theCrisis Text Line. Outside of the U.S., please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention for a database of resources.

On this episode we take a trip down book lane. The topic is taking road trips with your kids.

You do not always need to do a cross country trip. A road trip could be across town but the point is to have quality time together. 

To get more tips you can head over to BlendingTheFamily.com and buy your copy of the book "25 Tips For Divorced Dads" because it is set up like a workbook where you can create your own tips.

Tommy Maloney is a voice for dads and blended families by helping them achieve success as a family unit. He is a TEDx speaker, published author and host of the Blending The Family podcast. More importantly Tommy is a dad to Betsy, Becca and Connor. Tommy is happily married to his wife Ann. The author of the books"25 Tips For Divorced Dads.” “Why not you, Why Not Me” and His new book “My Dad’s Advice At 5:04 AM” is coming out in 2017. Tommy enjoys a good red blend while writing or hiding from the family. Email him at: tommy@BlendingTheFamily.com

My first book "25 Tips for Divorced Dads" is what this episode is about. Telling your kids that you love them is such a vital need and as parents we need to tell them and show what love means.

Tip number 4 from the book is "Tell them EVERYDAY that you LOVE them. For example even if I do not see my son Connor I make it a routine to give him a call. If he is not answering his phone then I leave a message and telling him "I LOVE YOU."

You can head over to blendingthefamily.com and get not only my book but the kids coloring book too "Ten Tips On How To Survive Your Parents Divorce."

Contact me at tommy@blendingthefamily.com

Thank you for listening.