The Balanced Family
The Balanced Family podcast is a heartfelt talk about building a family in a polarized, stressed-out world. Ben and Jessica Lagrone, former teachers and parents of three, share their experiences and insights in a way that's relatable, entertaining, and inspiring. They're all about being intentional and talking about the stuff that matters. It’s the perfect blend of deep yet down-to-earth - like sitting down with good friends you can laugh with but also talk about the important things. Pull up a seat and listen in as they try to find more balance in their marriage, parenting, and perspectives.
Episodes
22 episodes
21 Breastfeeding Survival Guide for Couples: What to Expect in the First Few Weeks
Breastfeeding doesn’t come naturally for every mom, and dads feel like there’s nothing they can do to help. This episode is packed full of tips and advice for moms as they start breastfeeding and discuss how partners can support in practical wa...
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43:34
20 The Worst First Date
BEN GETS ROASTED! Here’s what happens when a chronic underachieving cheapskate asks out the girl who has it all together.Dedicated to all the men out there who are just plain dumb sometimes—but still get to be with the girl of their dre...
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Episode 20
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34:10
19 Finding Your Village: Can Online Communities Replace In-Person Relationships?
People are more connected than ever through online communities. But to what extent can they replace our in-person connections? Today, we’re breaking that question down by sharing specific stories about our own in-person and online relationships...
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Episode 19
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38:24
18 Screen Time: How It Looks In Our Home (and How It's Changed Over Time)
Today we're talking about screen time — and why it's less about strict rules and more about building an intentional family culture. We share how our views on technology have changed over time and why flexibility, trust, and long-term thinking m...
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Episode 18
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47:15
17 Our First Birth Story
We’re taking it all the way back to where it started—our first birth story!In this episode, we share what it was like doing a natural birth at a birthing center, having a midwife, and what we wished we knew beforehand.
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Episode 17
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58:15
16 Old School Parenting: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (Pt. 2)
In Part 2 of our deep dive into old-school parenting, we’re looking at the darker side of traditional methods—what didn’t age well, what created wounds, and why some things need to be left in the past.From emotional distance to the o...
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41:41
15 Old School Parenting: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (Pt. 1)
What did old-school parenting get right—and what are we missing today because of it?In Part 1 of this conversation, we take a deep dive into the values that shaped past generations: discipline, grit, respect, and good old-fashioned hard ...
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Episode 15
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41:45
14 Camping with Littles: Tips and Tricks
It’s that time of year! It’s warming up and many families get the itch to go camping. But is it even possible to take little ones along? We think so, but you definitely have to count the cost!Today, we’ll share our journey as long-time ...
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Episode 14
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38:56
13 Why We Sleep Trained Our Kids (and How)
Few parenting topics spark as much controversy as sleep training. Some swear by it, others call it cruel. But here’s the thing—what if sleep training isn’t what you think it is? What if it’s possible to have a balanced approach – one that is re...
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Episode 13
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46:41
12 Baby #1 vs. Baby #2: Which Transition Is Harder?
Which is harder: having your first baby or adding a second? In this episode, we dive into the debate that every parent has an opinion on! We’ll break down the biggest challenges of both transitions—going from no kids to one vs. one to two—based...
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Episode 12
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34:55
11 Love After Baby: A Roadmap for a Thriving Marriage
Parenthood puts tremendous strain on even the healthiest marriages. But are there expectations we put on ourselves and our spouses that make things harder than they need to be? Is a happy marriage even possible during this period or is the hard...
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Episode 11
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50:31
10 Q and A: Baby Names, Favorite Ages, Traveling with Littles, and More!
It’s Q and A time! Today, we’re answering lots of random questions. Birth prep tips, unique baby names, arguing in front of kids, family traveling tips - this one is like a multi-course meal. Want to ask a question for the next Q and A? Shoot u...
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Episode 10
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38:45
09 Adorable Little Heathen Blessings
Is a child an inconvenience or a blessing? Does having more kids actually make you happier? If so, why are adults in the West having LESS kids? Today, the Lagrones open up about the conflicting emotions of parenthood that move them both to tear...
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Episode 9
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40:55
08 How to Be Broke and Live Off Credit Cards (if you must)
Ben and Jessica do NOT recommend living off credit cards. But what are you supposed to do when there’s no other option? And how do you stop financial stress from dominating your mind and stealing the joy from your home? Today, you’ll hear step-...
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Episode 8
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41:37
07 The Dark Side of Crunchy Life
Today, the Lagrones are continuing their discussion about crunchy life. Has crunchiness become too commercialized? Is it all just a conspiracy? How is it affecting this generation of parents (and their kids)? Why do so many crunchy people have ...
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Episode 7
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41:21
06 Is Crunchy Life a Better Life?
The crunchy lifestyle is big, and as you’ll learn in this two-part series, it’s also big business. What are the benefits and drawbacks parents face when they try to live a more natural, holistic lifestyle? When does the desire to make healthier...
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Episode 6
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45:08
05 Anxious Parents Raising Anxious Kids
Anxiety in children and teens is on the rise. But get this: it’s also on the rise in parents as well. Are the two related? What if parents and kids are in a cycle of worry that’s just feeding off each other? Or what if we’re all talking about a...
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Episode 5
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45:38
04 Gentle Parenting: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Gentle parenting is a parenting style that emphasizes empathy, respect, and connection with children. Social media is full of influencers and “experts” explaining how to use loving and proactive techniques with kids rather than harsh or reactiv...
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Episode 4
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36:37
03 Mom Shaming, Formula Feeding, and the “High Stakes” Decisions that Really Don't Matter
The Lagrones have a wild story for you, today. It’s about the circumstances surrounding their lives when they had their third baby and why raising her looked differently than their other kids. On the surface, you might think this is about formu...
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Episode 3
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31:00
02 The 30 Days That Saved Our Marriage
TAKE THE CHALLENGE: Share this episode with your spouse and be sure you both listen to it. Then, commit to the challenge we share in the episode for AT LEAST 14 days (30 days = even better). Email us (https://www.balancedfamilies.com/con...
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Episode 2
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37:43
01 The Balanced Families Movement: Why the World Wants It, Needs It, But Hates It
Welcome to our podcast! This episode is about how we became content creators in 2020, started a business, and began what we’ve coined the “Balance Families Movement.” We hope you’ll join it! We’ll also reflect on how polarized our world has bec...
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Episode 1
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46:34