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
In this raw and personal episode, Ben and Jessica kick off a two-part series on body image after babies. Today, they dive into the toxic idea of “bouncing back” and the quiet (and not-so-quiet) shame that so many moms feel about their postpartum bodies.
Whether you've struggled with the pressure to "get your body back" or just want a healthier, more grace-filled perspective on postpartum wellness, this episode offers ...
Taking your kids to Disney World or Universal Studios? It’s magical, chaotic, expensive—and totally worth it (mostly). In this episode, we break down our top ten takeaways from our recent family trip to Orlando, including what worked, what we’d skip next time, and the moments we’ll never forget. We were privilege to visit the all-new Epic Universe as well. We'll tell you all about it!
This week, we dive into the age-old debate: diet vs. exercise—which one actually matters more? We explore some surprising science behind weight loss, energy levels, and long-term health. Plus, we share our personal experiences juggling food, fitness, and family life—and what’s actually realistic when you’re raising kids. Whether you're trying to get back on track or just curious what the research says, this one’s for you.
This week we address a perfect mix of pregnancy, birth, and parenting questions we received from moms in our Balanced Families membership. From straightforward birth planning advice to a deep dive into toddler psychology, this episode is full of practical tips and reflections! You’ll also hear a rich discussion about letting kids take risks and a story of when one of our kids fell off a high platform at the playground - every paren...
This week we’re celebrating our fourteenth anniversary! So today, we’re pausing to reflect on fourteen powerful lessons learned that any couple can glean from. You’ll hear about our expectations vs reality, how we’ve handled big conflicts, popular marriage tips we do NOT follow, and a controversial philosophy on leadership in the home. It’s a dynamic discussion around marital nuances we’ve captured after years of walking through fi...
Ever thought about growing your own food—even if you don’t have much land? In this episode, we share how our suburban family started a backyard garden, what we grow and preserve, and how it’s brought us closer together. We also give simple tips for getting started—no matter how small your space is!
Use code PODCAST to save 15% on our online courses and exclusive community for expecting parents:...
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 ways.
Today, we’re breaking down breastfeeding 101, sharing our own journey, and jumping into topics like
- what to expect the first two weeks
- the “fussy period” (6-10 weeks)...
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 dreams!
Use code PODCAST to save 15% on our online courses and exclusive community for expecting parents: https://www.balancedfamilies.com/
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 and how they’ve both shaped us in powerful ways. We discuss how you can leverage both online and in-person communities for different purposes for your family and it not be an either-or strug...
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 matter more than ever.
In this episode we discuss:
- How to set screen time expectations that match your family values
- Giving yourself permission to adapt as your ...
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.
From signs of early labor to hospital transfer, avoiding the cascade of interventions, and the emotional rollercoaster of delivery - this story is honest, unfiltered, and packed with lessons we did...
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 overuse of fear and shame, we explore how certain “tough love” tactics may have built grit—but often at the cost of connection and relationship.
This isn’t about blaming past generations or glor...
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 work. We talk about how kids used to be expected to pull their weight, take risks, and build resilience—and how those expectations helped shape character and achievement.
But here’s the tension:
The A...
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 camping and adventure addicts - plus - outline some tips and tricks that helped us make it more enjoyable when our kids were especially young.
Happy camping!
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 responsive to your baby’s needs and actually helps them develop healthy sleep habits?
In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on why (and how) we sleep trained our kids—and why we’d do i...
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 on our own experience and what we’ve heard from other parents. We’ll also give some really helpful tips for parents entering either one of these transitions.
What about YOU? Was 0-1...
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 hardship just something to tolerate? Today, the Lagrones break down how they faced marital strain while raising kids and discuss the keys to keeping their love authentic and fresh.
TAKE ...
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 us an email!
Use code PODCAST to save 15% on our online courses and exclusive community for expecting parents: https://www.balancedfamilies.com/
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 tears. They end by discussing a controversial passage in the Bible that forever transformed their views of family life. This is a powerful episode you don't want to miss!
Book refer...
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-by-step how the Lagrones ditched their credit cards and became debt-free (mostly). But first, they’ll share a more important part of their journey: how they found contentment even when money ...
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