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In this powerful episode of The CoCo Blend Podcast, host Jamie Newton-Knight welcomes her first-ever guest who experienced blended family life as a child — Dr. Samantha.

So often, the conversations on The CoCo Blend center around moms, bonus moms, and co-parents. But this time, Jamie flips the script to hear from someone who lived it. Dr. Samantha shares how growing up in a blended family shaped her perspective on love, cooperation, and legacy.

She opens up about the positive relationships between her parents and step-parents, the importance of support systems, and how intentional parenting helped create an environment where love truly overflowed. Together, Jamie and Dr. Samantha remind us that the beauty of blending is not just in how families are formed — but in how children thrive when adults choose unity over ego.

Key Takeaways:

Dr. Samantha grew up in a blended family — and didn’t even realize it because love came first.

Cooperation among parents builds emotional safety for children.

Support systems and intentional choices create lasting impact.

A child’s joy should be a higher priority than adult differences.

The legacy of love we build today shapes generations to come.

🎧 Listen now to hear this inspiring conversation that proves blended doesn’t mean broken — it means beautifully built with love and intention.

About Dr. Samantha Wilson Murfree
Dr. Samantha Wilson Murfree, a proud Mississippi native, is a distinguished leader in higher education, ministry, and community service. She earned a B.A. in Psychology from Tougaloo College, an M.A. in Educational and Counseling Psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and a Ph.D. in Counseling and Student Personnel Services from the University of Georgia. In 2022, she furthered her calling by completing a Master of Arts in Christian Ministries at Liberty University.
With nearly three decades of higher education experience, Dr. Murfree currently serves as Associate Vice President for Student Affairs at Mercer University. She is also the Founder and CEO of Prevailing Woman Ministries, Inc., a nonprofit serving women and teens in need, and the author of four inspirational books, including The Prevailing Woman: A Devotional.
Her leadership and service have earned her multiple honors, including the 2021 Woman of Achievement Award from the Career Women’s Network, the 2023 Women on the Move Award from the Tubman Museum, and the 2024 Uplift Our Community Award from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
An active community leader, Dr. Murfree has served on several local boards and is a member of the Macon (GA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. Licensed in ministry at Beulahland Bible Church, she shares her life with her husband of 16 years, Dr. Joshua W. Murfree, Jr., their two granddaughters, and their beloved poodle, Zoe Chanel.

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🎙️ New episode alert

In this episode of The CoCo Blend Podcast, Jamie Newton-Knight breaks down the viral custody exchange between Brittany Renner and PJ Washington. What started as a routine handoff quickly escalated into accusations, recordings, and heated words—all while their child cried in the middle.

Jamie shares practical lessons from this situation, including 10 better ways parents can handle tough custody exchanges, a tip of the week for navigating emotional transitions, and a prayer for peace in every home. Get your pens & notebooks ready!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why kids sometimes cry during custody handoffs (and why it doesn’t always mean trauma)

How to protect your child’s emotional well-being in tense moments

10 strategies to keep custody exchanges peaceful and respectful

The importance of unity, even when disagreements exist

A prayer for parents navigating co-parenting challenges


Follow Jamie on Instagram, TikTok & YouTube: @blendedblackfamily

Learn more at: thecocoblend.com

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In this episode, Jamie sits down with Naja Hall, Master Stepfamily Coach, founder of Blended and Black and VIP Stepmom; and host of I Know I’m CRAZY podcast, to unpack the realities of being a stepmom when the biological mom thrives on conflict. Naja gets candid about her own experience—marrying a man whose ex made co-parenting anything but smooth—and how that shaped her path as a coach and community builder for stepmoms.

Together, Jamie and Naja talk about the emotional weight of high-conflict dynamics, the importance of boundaries, and the resilience it takes to hold your peace when someone is committed to chaos. They highlight the unique pressures stepmoms face and why finding community and strategies is so critical for surviving—and thriving—in a blended family.

Perfect For:
Stepmoms (and their partners) who feel like they’re constantly battling negativity from the other household, and anyone seeking encouragement and practical wisdom for navigating high-conflict co-parenting dynamics.

About my guest: Naja Hall is an entrepreneur, creative, and subject matter expert. As a Certified Coach and Educator, and the brains behind popular communities VIPStepmom and Blended and Black, Naja understands that family is the most influential force in human development. She dedicates her work to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s toughest transitions. Naja also hosts the popular podcast I Know I’m Crazy with Naja Hall and is the author of the Amazon best-selling Girl, Bye! book series. Through storytelling and meaningful human connections, her mission is to promote empathy, accountability, and emotional intelligence. Never one to color between the lines, Naja has recently launched Naja Hall Beauty, a makeup and skincare brand that centers on empowering individuals to create their beauty mantras and to feel free to redefine whenever they want.

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• Share this episode with a stepmom friend who needs encouragement.
• Connect with Naja through Blended and Black, VIP Stepmom, and the I Know I’m CRAZY podcast.
• Follow Jamie on social media @blendedblackfamily for more conversations on co-parenting with grace & grit.

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