In Episode 11, Part 2 of Real Talk, we delve deeper into the vital topic of preparing for family blending when one or both partners have children from previous relationships. This episode is essential for couples contemplating the merging of families, finances, and lifestyles. Join us as we discuss the critical conversations that need to take place before taking this significant step. We will address parenting styles, financial goals, and emotional readiness, providing insights that can help establish a solid foundation for a successful family blend. With open communication and thorough preparation, you can navigate the complexities of blending families and foster a supportive environment for all.

In this heartfelt and insightful episode of Pickens' Realities: Our Blended Family Truths, we welcome special guests Calvin, aka Caliko (our regular resident videographer!), and his fiancée Dee Dee. As they prepare to merge their families in anticipation of their 2025 wedding, Calvin and Dee Dee open up about their journey of prepping to blend Dee Dee’s son from a previous relationship with Calvin’s three children from his previous marriage.

Together, they share their background as a couple who has been dating for three years and discuss their hopes, concerns, and plans for creating a united, encore blended family.

Jessica and Tyrone draw from their now 22+ years of blended family experiences to offer practical advice, answer questions, and provide valuable tips on what to do—and what not to do—when preparing to blend families. Whether you're newly engaged, in the process of blending, or simply curious about navigating blended family dynamics, this episode is packed with wisdom and encouragement for building a strong foundation for your new family. Tune in for a candid conversation filled with love, laughter, and actionable insights to help blended families thrive!

In part 2 of episode 10, Jessica, Jayla, and special guest, Cheryl Shumake continue discussions of the compounding stresses of being Black in America and being part of a blended family. They also discuss the lack of existing church ministries and programs designed specifically to support blended families, and how that further puts blended families at risk.

Cheryl Shumake is the Executive Director of Sawubona Blended Families and Founder of Stepmom Sanity. Cheryl shares her personal journey as a stepmom and the realities of navigating life in a Black and blended family and also shares the inspiring story behind the creation of Sawubona Blended Families, an organization dedicated to supporting and empowering blended families in Black and Brown communities.

With 40% of marriages with kids today being blended families, we aim to raise awareness among church leaders, ministries, and community organizations, to encourage them to recognize the unique and complex dynamics of blended families. Our hope is for church and other relevant program leaders to acknowledge the need for blended family supports by creating impactful programming and resources that empower these families to thrive. Let’s spark a movement to ensure blended families feel seen, supported, and equipped for success.

In this powerful and transparent continuation of our discussion, Jessica and Jayla dive even deeper into the unique challenges and stresses of being Black and part of a blended family.

This week, we’re joined by a special guest, Cheryl Shumake, Executive Director of Sawubona Blended Families and Founder of Stepmom Sanity. Cheryl opens up about her personal journey as a stepmom and the realities of navigating life in a Black and blended family. She also shares the inspiring story behind the creation of Sawubona Blended Families, an organization dedicated to supporting and empowering blended families in Black and Brown communities.

Our conversation also highlights the significant lack of dedicated church ministries and programs designed to support blended families, despite their prevalence in today’s society. We aim to raise awareness among church leaders, ministries, and community organizations, encouraging them to recognize the unique and complex dynamics of blended families. By openly addressing their needs, leaders can create impactful programming and resources that empower these families to thrive. Let’s spark a movement to ensure blended families feel seen, supported, and equipped for success.

In Part 2 of Episode 9 of Pickens' Realities & Blended Family Truths, we continue our heartfelt discussion on the complexities of being a Black, blended family. Picking up from Part 1, we dive deeper into the emotional, cultural, and social challenges that come with blending families in a world where race and identity often add extra layers of stress. In this episode, we explore how to navigate systemic pressures, manage family expectations, and create a safe, loving environment for all family members. Our conversation highlights the importance of fostering open communication, setting healthy boundaries, and building a strong support system to weather the ups and downs of blended family life.

In this powerful and transparent continuation of our discussion, Jessica and Jayla dive even deeper into the unique challenges and stresses of being Black and part of a blended family.

This week, we’re joined by a special guest, Cheryl Shumake, Executive Director of Sawubona Blended Families and Founder of Stepmom Sanity. Cheryl opens up about her personal journey as a stepmom and the realities of navigating life in a Black and blended family. She also shares the inspiring story behind the creation of Sawubona Blended Families, an organization dedicated to supporting and empowering blended families in Black and Brown communities.

Our conversation also highlights the significant lack of dedicated church ministries and programs designed to support blended families, despite their prevalence in today’s society. We aim to raise awareness among church leaders, ministries, and community organizations, encouraging them to recognize the unique and complex dynamics of blended families. By openly addressing their needs, leaders can create impactful programming and resources that empower these families to thrive. Let’s spark a movement to ensure blended families feel seen, supported, and equipped for success.

Welcome back to Part 2 of Episode 7 of Pickens' Realities & Blended Family Truths! In this episode, Jayla moderates an intimate conversation between Jessica Pickens, her mother, Bobbi, and her sister, Teresa. Together, they delve deep into the complexities of family dynamics, sharing personal stories and insights that will resonate with audiences of all ages. We'll witness firsthand how past parenting styles shape present-day choices. From the challenges of a blended family to the power of community, this episode offers a raw and honest look at the emotional journey of family life. Discover the profound impact of a mother's love and guidance as Bobbi reflects on her own childhood and how it influenced her parenting style. Learn how Jessica, in turn, navigated the challenges and triumphs of motherhood, fostering strong bonds with her children. As we explore the power of empathy, resilience, and open communication, we'll uncover the importance of breaking generational cycles and creating a legacy of love and understanding. This episode is a testament to the enduring power of family, offering hope and inspiration to viewers seeking to strengthen their own family connections.

In this episode, we dive into a crucial topic: how loyalty to the family you were born into can create unexpected challenges in the family you’re building through marriage. We share candid stories from our own journey as a blended family, exploring: The impact of weak boundaries on your new family, the roles and expectations that carried over from our immediate families before marriage, how we worked through trials and tribulations to find unity, love, and balance. Whether you’re part of a blended family or just looking for ways to navigate family dynamics, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-life lessons to help you create healthy, loving relationships.