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Welcome to The Family Mess! We're a family of 4 that get at each other all while loving each other, but that's how all families work. Follow us as we talk about our struggles, successes, and everything in between. Look out for new episodes every other Tuesday.
104 Episodes
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Part 3 of One Child, Two Lives brings listeners deeper into Arteshia and Dekerria's personal experience with motherhood. They breaks down the contrast between single-mom and married -mom's life-especially during those exhausting young-children years. The episode emphasizes the power of opportunity: how unexpected chances can help moms level up, shift direction, or simply survive another season. If you're a mother seeking motivation, or someone who loves real stories about resilience, this episode delivers inspiration and truth.
Ever wonder if motherhood comes with a manual? Spoiler alert: it doesn't. In Part 2 of "One Child, Two Lives," Nathalie and Ian sit down with Arteshia (single mom) and Dekerria (married mom) to spill the tea on the chaos, the meltdowns, and the moments that make you question you life choices. Turns out whether you've got a ring or not, motherhood is basically a survival game with no cheat codes. Grab your coffee-orwine-and laugh along as we uncover the struggles both moms share (and the ones they don't want to admit).
Part of a powerful three-part series exploring the diverse paths of motherhood.In this series, we sit down with two moms -one single, one married-who share their raw unfiltered sotories of growth, regrets, opportunities for change, and deep self-reflection. This interview uncovers the challenges and triumphs that shape their lives as mothers and women. Whether you're navigating parenthood, seeking inspiration, or curious about the different realities of motherhood, this podcast offers authentic conversations, life lessons, and relatable experiences that resonate with every listener.
Can sleeping in separate beds actually strengthen your relationship? In this follow-up to Sleep Divorce, Ian and Nathalie explore the emotional and practical impact of five nights apart. From better sleep quality to surprising intimacy insights, they unpack how sleep boundaries can support healthy communication, personal space, and long-term connection. A must-listen for anyone exploring sleep divorce, modern marriage tips, and sleep hygiene for couples.
From snoring wars to midnight tossing and turning, Nathalie and Ian get real about the “sleep divorce”—when couples choose separate bedrooms to reclaim rest and revive romance. Is this a sign of trouble, or a smart move toward healthier connection? Tune in for personal stories, expert insights, and a fresh take on what it means to sleep well and love better.
What do you do when you can't provide care to your parent anymore? This podcast is a powerful and candid account of my search for an assisted living facility for my dying father. We pull back the curtain on the difficult decisions surrounding elder care, from the financial strain of long-term care insurance to the emotional weight of choosing a nursing home. We explore the harsh realities of how our healthcare system treats the elderly and share insights on finding hope and dignity in the face of terminal illness.
This is a podcast about mourning what was — and what wasn’t. About grieving a parent whose love came with conditions, whose presence felt heavy, and whose absence doesn’t bring peace, only questions.When a parent dies and the relationship was painful, complicated, or incomplete, the grief that follows is rarely simple. There’s sorrow, yes — but also anger, guilt, confusion, sometimes even relief. This is the kind of grief that doesn’t fit neatly into sympathy cards or eulogies.Grieft Isn't Clean: Losing a Difficult Parent is a space to sit with that complexity. Through raw reflections and intimate storytelling, we explore the emotional terrain of loss that goes beyond love or hate — the space in between, where so many of us silently live. If you’re grieving a parent you cared for but never fully connected with — or are reckoning with emotions you don’t know how to name — this podcast is for you. Here, nothing is too messy to say out loud.
In this deeply intimate episode, Nathalie and Ian confront the raw aftermath of grief and the immense pressure of caregiving. Nathalie navigates mourning the death of her mother, while Ian battles a frustrating healthcare system to care for his dying father.As they speak, they uncover the painful truth about grief and relationships: How do you care for a loved one while also grieving yourself? This is a must-listen for anyone experiencing bereavement, caregiver burnout, or struggling to support a partner during a difficult time.Listen as Ian and Nathalie wrestle with how to show up for one another—imperfectly, honestly, and with room to heal. This is a must-listen for anyone experiencing grief, caregiving, or struggling to connect with a partner during a difficult time.
In Part II of Change is Hard series, the journey deepens. We catch up as she reclaims her strength—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. From breakthrough moments in counseling to reshaping what “healthy” really means, this episode is about building a life rooted in clarity, courage, and consistency.If Part I was about deciding to change, Part II is about becoming the change—and the quiet victories that follow. Don’t miss the continuation of this raw and inspiring story.
What happens when the reflection in the mirror feels like a stranger—and the silence in your mind grows louder than your motivation?In this episode of the Family Mess Podcast, we follow the deep personal story of a young woman, Arteshia, navigating one of life’s hardest pivots: choosing to fight for herself. Once driven by a clear goal, she found herself stalled by depression, disconnected from the body she was learning to love, and haunted by a family history that made her future feel uncertain.But change doesn’t always roar. Sometimes it starts with the quiet commitment to show up—at the gym, in the therapist’s office, and most powerfully, for herself.Join us as we explore how identity, health, and healing intersect. This is more than a story about fitness—it’s about the moment we all face when giving up feels easier, but growing up feels necessary.
In this heartfelt episode on parenting a child with learning differences, Nathalie and Ian open up about the immense emotional and financial investment that shaped their son Noah's journey to high school graduation. From early behavioral challenges to finding specialized programs, they candidly recount the triumphs of raising a child who doesn't fit the mold. This episode is a must-listen for parents navigating a child’s education, managing financial planning for a child's success, and supporting unconventional learners.With humor, honesty, and a touch of exhaustion, they peel back the layers of what it truly takes to set a child up for success. Was it worth every penny? Did they make the right choices? And now that Noah stands at the threshold of adulthood, how do they feel about the road ahead?Tune in for a candid discussion on resilience, sacrifice, and the unpredictable ride of parenthood.
Raymond has traveled thousands of miles, carrying his thoughts as heavy as the cargo he hauls. But now, the journey isn’t about highways—it’s about healing. In this second episode, Raymond opens up even further about his struggles, reflecting on his past and questioning his future. Is he ready to move back home to Central Florida? Is he truly prepared to break the cycle and reclaim his life? With raw honesty and deep introspection, he shares his fears, hopes, and the weight of decisions that will shape his next chapter. And as the conversation unfolds, Raymond leaves us with the perfect reminder about life, friendship, and finding meaning in unexpected places: "Fish are friends, not food."
Raymond has seen it all—from the towering skylines of America’s biggest cities to the vast solitude of the open road. As a trucker, he’s traveled coast to coast, experiencing the beauty of National Parks, the buzz of urban life, and the quiet mystery of forgotten towns. But beneath the miles, Raymond has been running—running from the reality of undiagnosed ADHD, from his own identity, and from the choices that have led him into darkness. Alcohol, gambling, reckless decisions—they’ve all played a role in his struggles. Now, back in Central Florida, he’s at a crossroads. Can he break the cycle, redefine his future, and finally find himself? Or will the past continue to haunt his journey? In this special two-episode series, The Family Mess Podcast dives deep into the mind of a man searching for clarity in a world that never stops moving.
What started as a simple way to coordinate a family reunion has evolved into something far more meaningful. In this episode, Nathalie and Ian explore how their WhatsApp group became a digital gathering space for raw emotions, struggles, and frustrations.But it’s more than just venting. Over time, their family communication transformed from messy to beautiful, creating a safe space for encouragement and emotional support. This episode is a candid look at how technology like WhatsApp can help bridge distances and foster family connection, proving that even in our most chaotic moments, we can still find ways to show up for each other.
What does success truly mean? In this personal episode, Nathalie and Ian reflect on their younger years, when they equated success with material wealth and high-end living.Now, approaching midlife, they've realized the true importance of relationships, kindness, and treating everyone with respect. This episode is a powerful conversation about changing priorities, personal growth in your 40s and 50s, and the profound realization that success isn't about the destination—it's about the person you become. Join them as they inspire you to rethink your own definition of success.
What's the secret to breaking free from what holds you back? In this episode, Nathalie and Ian use the Gayle King and Blue Origin story as a launchpad to discuss the power of mindset. They explore the difference between letting your fears control you and choosing to act with courage. This is a practical and relatable conversation on personal growth, self-improvement, and building resilience. This episode will help you make bold choices, whether in your career, relationships, or personal life.
Join Ian and Nathalie as they navigate the emotional, financial, and practical challenges of caregiving for their aging parents. With Ian candidly sharing his struggles with anxiety and mental health, this podcast pulls back the curtain on the harsh realities many families face—balancing work, family life, and the profound responsibility of elder care.They dive into the flaws of a medical system ill-equipped to support aging and terminal patients, underscoring the necessity of wealth or strong insurance to survive the caregiving journey and avoid immense financial stress. Whether you're a caregiver, preparing to become one, or seeking understanding, Ian and Nathalie's raw and relatable conversations provide essential support and remind us all that we’re not alone in this experience.
In a divided and fast-paced world, is kindness becoming a lost art? Join Nathalie and Ian as they explore why compassion is fading and how we can still build a world rooted in empathy. Through heartfelt conversations, real-life stories, and expert insights, we uncover the power of small acts of generosity and discuss the societal shifts impacting positivity. This podcast is your guide to cultivating mental well-being and fostering stronger community connections. Tune in to rediscover the simple, yet profound, impact of being kind.
Are you questioning marriage? Welcome to The Family Mess. We're the unconventional relationship podcast that explores the hard work, unwavering commitment, and sacrifices behind tying the knot. Join us for honest conversations about dating, divorce, and the complexities of modern relationships."
As a parent, it’s impossible not to worry about the path your teenager is heading down—especially when you fear they might grow up to be a shadow of what you hope for them to become. In this episode of The Family Mess Podcast, we dive deep into the tough, raw feelings that come with raising teenage boys. Are they on track? Are they making the right choices? What happens if they end up lost or stuck? Join us as we explore the anger, fears, and frustrations of trying to guide your boys toward success in a world full of distractions and pressure.
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Interesting. Great episode. I’m surprised that you are willing to take care of your parents, but not willing to help your children get through college. Wouldn’t it be better to help your children also, since they’ll be there for you if they get a good education, and land a job that will afford them a good lifestyle? I don’t think spending your retirement money on your kids education is the right way to go. However, making sure that things are in place for them, may be the way way to go.
OMG now this was awesome. First of all "Black Hole " was all of that! Plus yes Ian we picked on u and Nathalie for liking u. But what God has meant for you can't be torn apart! I so relate to this being in a relationship with my husband 25 years Straight married 16, 3 kids, good bads, ups and downs!!! My husband always says you've changed and like u guys say we were Young didn't no a thing and as we got older things changed. I'm definitely not the person I was at 16 let alone 30! Loved it and look forward to the next one. Great job Na thalie (as I called Nat) and Ian!!!!