Past Chaos

April Kirk & Roy Farner

April and Roy, stars of TLC's "You, Me & My Ex" and the hosts of Past Chaos, take you on a journey through marriage, divorce, coparenting and so much more! Listen as this ex-wife and ex-husband discuss the trials, tribulations, and triumphs they encountered while they built a positive relationship and productive communication after divorce. These two exes can be like oil and vinegar, but at the end of the day they share a very strong bond - parenthood. Together they want to build a community of blended families that focus on putting the children’s needs above their own. Parenting presents its own challenges, add in filming a reality television show – you have yourself a whole new set of issues. Unfortunately, divorce happens, but it does not have to place lasting and damaging effects on children. Past Chaos was created in hopes of shedding light on positive co-parenting and advocating for better communication for the parents of children in broken homes. April and Roy hope you will join them on this adventure of proving that blended is better! Past Chaos is a weekly podcast that is available wherever you prefer to listen. Please subscribe. read less
Kids & FamilyKids & Family
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You're Gonna Need To EX-plain
May 25 2023
You're Gonna Need To EX-plain
It's time for more EX-tra Chaos?Here is your recap of "You, Me & My Ex" Season 2 Episode 5!  April is joined again by special guest host - Caroline Hines.We open up with De'Andre and his jewelry line party it.  He admits maybe he wasn't at his best when he was with Rowan, and that's why he wants her to be included in his success now. Rowan admits it bothers her a bit that De'Andre didn’t do some of the things he does with Elodie, when they were dating.  At the party, De'Andre is eager to introduce everyone to his ex...but what about Elodie - his actual girlfriend? In Tennessee, the tension is high and the respect is low.  Matt takes Chelsea to pick up her vehicle from the shop.  On the way, they make a pit-stop to the bar where they had their first day.Kenzie is at home stewing over the fact the Matt hasn't completed his honey-do list.Matt reveals to Chelsea that he wants to propose to Kenzie.  However, Chelsea doesn't think he is ready. It's moving day down in Florida!  Josh, Danielle, Jennifer, and Chantal are moving into one giant house.  Everyone seems happy...except for Chantal.  Things are already off to a rough start when Jennifer and Chantal can't remember the last time they were intimate.It gets a little tense when it's time to pick rooms.  Why doesn't Chantal want her room to be near Josh and Danielle?Emotions are high in the ATL!Steve is planning Alex's "dad-chelor" party.  Caroline has only one rule - NO strippers.Alex becomes emotional as he talks about not wanting to fully let go of Steve.  He also  worries about the potential aspect of explaining his relationship with Steve to his son.  Caroline becomes upset that she is forced to listen to Alex reminisce about his ex.  Listen to this and so much more on your weekly dose of EX-tra Chaos!Don't forget to tune in every Monday night at 9pm on TLC for all the EX-citement!Support the show

Episodes

You're Gonna Need To EX-plain
May 25 2023
You're Gonna Need To EX-plain
It's time for more EX-tra Chaos?Here is your recap of "You, Me & My Ex" Season 2 Episode 5!  April is joined again by special guest host - Caroline Hines.We open up with De'Andre and his jewelry line party it.  He admits maybe he wasn't at his best when he was with Rowan, and that's why he wants her to be included in his success now. Rowan admits it bothers her a bit that De'Andre didn’t do some of the things he does with Elodie, when they were dating.  At the party, De'Andre is eager to introduce everyone to his ex...but what about Elodie - his actual girlfriend? In Tennessee, the tension is high and the respect is low.  Matt takes Chelsea to pick up her vehicle from the shop.  On the way, they make a pit-stop to the bar where they had their first day.Kenzie is at home stewing over the fact the Matt hasn't completed his honey-do list.Matt reveals to Chelsea that he wants to propose to Kenzie.  However, Chelsea doesn't think he is ready. It's moving day down in Florida!  Josh, Danielle, Jennifer, and Chantal are moving into one giant house.  Everyone seems happy...except for Chantal.  Things are already off to a rough start when Jennifer and Chantal can't remember the last time they were intimate.It gets a little tense when it's time to pick rooms.  Why doesn't Chantal want her room to be near Josh and Danielle?Emotions are high in the ATL!Steve is planning Alex's "dad-chelor" party.  Caroline has only one rule - NO strippers.Alex becomes emotional as he talks about not wanting to fully let go of Steve.  He also  worries about the potential aspect of explaining his relationship with Steve to his son.  Caroline becomes upset that she is forced to listen to Alex reminisce about his ex.  Listen to this and so much more on your weekly dose of EX-tra Chaos!Don't forget to tune in every Monday night at 9pm on TLC for all the EX-citement!Support the show
What To EX-pect
May 19 2023
What To EX-pect
Are you ready for some more EX-tra Chaos?Here is your recap of "You, Me & My Ex" Season 2 Episode 4!  April is joined again by special guest host - Caroline Hines.We start out with Matt, Kenzie, & Chelsea.  Matt discusses the pressure of getting engaged, and maybe he had a poor choice of words to describe the situation.We find out that three is a crowd when it comes to blow-up yard pools.Still, Chelsea was living her best life and showing off her "breast" assets.However, even the kiddie pool wasn't enough to cool Kenzie down!Down in Florida, things are heating up for De'Andre, Elodie, & Rowan.Elodie has decided she is joining De'Andre and Rowan on their island vacation.De'Andre thinks it is a good idea to introduce Elodie to his mom...and his ex, Rowan at the same time.  This lunch was full of wrong names, boobie talk, and tough questions.Over in the ATL, Alex, Caroline, & Steve are coming in hot!  Why is Caroline's mom. so upset about her unplanned pregnancy?  What's the real story behind the "bread-winner" comment?  And were the parents-to-be really that unprepared for their new bundle of joy?Listen to this and so much more on your weekly dose of EX-tra Chaos!Don't forget to tune in every Monday night at 9pm on TLC for all the EX-citement!Support the show
Waiting To EX-hale
May 9 2023
Waiting To EX-hale
Are you ready for some more EX-tra Chaos?Here is your recap of "You, Me & My Ex" Season 2 Episode 3!  April is joined again by special guest host - Caroline Hines.This week, we start off with Matt, Kenzie, and Chelsea.  Matt drops the bomb to Chelsea that Kenzie's parents are coming over for a BBQ.  No need to unpack your bags, Chelsea, you need to go to an awkward dinner so Matt can throw you to the wolves.In Florida, De'Andre and Elodie are chilling by the pool.  De'Andre informs Elodie that she will be meeting his mom...and Rowan - his ex - at the SAME time.Moving on to a very different Florida, Jennifer, Chantal, Josh, and Danielle have just divulged some shocking news to their families.  They have all decided to move in together!  One of them is not on board.  Meanwhile, their extended family have so many opinions and are not afraid to speak up about it!Over in North Carolina, April, Loren, Roy and John are heading to Tanner's soccer game.  This is the first time April is seeing John since "bird gate".April explains her feelings and reactions to the shit show.Listen to this and so much more on this episode of Past Chaos.Don't forget to tune in every Monday night at 9pm on TLC for all the EX-citement!Support the show
Un-EX-pected News
May 5 2023
Un-EX-pected News
Are you ready for some more EX-tra Chaos?Here is your recap of "You, Me & My Ex" Season 2 Episode 2!  April is joined by special guest host - Caroline Hines.This episode is a little late because April received some terrible news last week.  Her grandmother passed away, so she rushed back home to Tennessee to be with her family.  Things are getting back to her version of "normal", and the ladies are getting caught up with the drama.In episode one, we meet a new group - Chelsea, Matt, and Kenzie.  Chelsea is the ex-girlfriend of Matt.  Matt decides to let his ex move in with him and his current girlfriend, Kenzie. Elodie, De'Andre, and Rowan are causing heads to shake when De'Andre drips the bomb that his ex, Rowan, has invited him on a tropical island vacation.  Meanwhile, Elodie is none too thrilled.Meanwhile, in the ATL,  Stephen has decided he is the perfect choice for the godfather of Alex and Caroline's baby.  Caroline had two thoughts - throw the table or walk away.  She chose the right side of the law.We move over to April, John, Loren, and Roy.April's oldest daughter gives birth to a beautiful baby boy, and Papa Gator gets to come home and meet him - fresh out of the womb!  But John decides to rain on the joyful parade.  But don't worry, he got April something real nice - a parting gift...a bird with no feathers.On down to Florida, we catch up with Jennifer, Chantel, Danielle, and Josh.  We learn what a 'Peter Bug" is, but don't worry - they don't bite...too hard!  The family has some big news to share with everyone at baby Camilla's 1st birthday party.Listen to this and so much more on this episode of Past Chaos.Don't forget to tune in every Monday night at 9pm on TLC for all the EX-citement!Support the show
Great EX-pectations
Apr 24 2023
Great EX-pectations
Are you ready for some EX-tra Chaos!  April and Hayli dive in to the Season 2 premier of "You, Me & My Ex".After a wild weekend of full mom-mode - soccer tournaments and prom night, April gives details about her trip to Florida for the premier party.In episode one, we meet a new group - Elodie, De'Andre, and Rowan.  De'Andre's mom is still rooting for him to get back together with Rowan.  But Elodie is here to show everyone who is in charge!Next up is Alex, Caroline, and Stephen!  Caroline and Alex share some very EX-citing news!  However, Stephen is not thrilled.Last but not least, the chaos crew - April, John, Loren, and Roy.April gives an inside look into what was really going on the day of the interview.  Listen to this and so much more on this week's episode!Don't forget to tune in every Monday night at 9pm on TLC for all the EX-citement!Support the show
What Really Matters
Apr 10 2023
What Really Matters
We are happy to be back...again!  After an emergency trip to her hometown, April has time to reflect on a BIG question.  "What really matters in life?" This week, the women talk about reflection and forgiveness.  In life, we face so many obstacles.  At the end of the day, we have to focus on what's most important.April discusses her feelings on the premier of their reality tv show.  She reveals that several of the other cast members will be making guest appearances on "Past Chaos".The women also admit their fears about mom burnout and the regrets we face as mothers.  Listen to hear this and so much more!Don't forget, "You, Me, & My Ex" Season 2 premiers on Sunday, April 17th at 9pm on TLC.  You can also catch up on Season 1, streaming on Discovery +.Support the show
Do Other People's Opinions Matter
Mar 27 2023
Do Other People's Opinions Matter
We are feeling better after a stomach bug wreaked havoc on most of our family!  This week, April's son-in-law gives the podcast a review.  That opened up a whole can of chaos.  It made us think, why do we mostly review things we don't like instead of making sure people know when they are doing something good?There have been a lot of unforeseen changes lately with the podcast.  Since they weren't planned, we picked up the pieces and moved on.  After all, the show must go on!We started this podcast to shed a positive light on coparenting and blended families.  Even though the show has evolved into much more, that will still be our focus.  We have come too far to let one negative opinion overshadow the thousands of positive ones.Hayli spits some knowledge about an important life lesson she learned growing up.  And April confesses why announcing Season 2 of "You, Me, & My Ex" has given her some anxiety.The ladies dive deep into why other people's opinions of us should not matter.  Listen as these women talk about spreading more love and kindness instead of hate and negativity.Don't forget - Season 2 of "You, Me, & My Ex" will premiere on April 17th at 9pm on TLC.  You can catch up by watching Season 1 on Discovery +.Support the show
Do You Silence Your Children
Mar 13 2023
Do You Silence Your Children
Do you ever wonder if you are hindering your child's ability to be themselves?  This week April is joined by her oldest daughter.  They discuss allowing your children to have individuality, while still maintaining the reigns as a parent.April asks her daughter if she feels that she was allowed to have a voice as a child and how that affected her becoming an adult.Is there a fine line between allowing your child to be an individual but not allowing young minds to make big adult decisions?  Also, find out why April feels like she is being a hypocrite.  Don't forget, the new season of "You, Me, & My Ex" premiers on TLC at 9pm April 17th!You can catch up and watch Season 1 on Discovery+.Support the show
Were We Good Parents?
Mar 6 2023
Were We Good Parents?
This season of Past Chaos is coming in hot!  Thank you for the love you have shown us with all the new changes.  We appreciate it so much!BIG NEWS...our TLC show, "You, Me, & My Ex" was renewed for a Season 2.  The show will premiere April 17th at 9pm on TLC!Last week April and Roy pondered whether or not they were good parents.  This week, their two oldest daughters, Hayli and Taylar, join April to answer that question.First things first, what do April's and Roy's daughters think of their parents being on a Reality T.V. show?Also, what do Hayli and Taylar really think about being raised in a blended family dynamic?  Do they agree with what April and Roy thought were their biggest mistakes as parents?Find out why April threatens to ground Hayli for a confession she made about her teenage years.  The girls discuss what they feel their parents got right in their eyes and if they have any childhood trauma caused by their mom and dad.Hayli and Taylar discuss which piece of advice they would give parents raising kids in a blended family, based on their experience as children of a blended family.Listen to all this and so much more on this week's episode of Past Chaos.Don't forget, you can also stream Season 1 of "You, Me, & My Ex" on Discovery+. Support the show
New Beginnings and Happy Endings!
Feb 27 2023
New Beginnings and Happy Endings!
Welcome to Season 4!  It's been a LONG time coming, and worth the wait.  This week, there are some new things happening on Past Chaos.  We have a new co-host joining the show.  When one door closes, another door opens.  April got a new job and is entering a new phase of life and she couldn't be happier.  BIG NEWS - Roy has joined the conversation!  April asks if he was scared when he decided to marry a woman that already had 2 daughters and an ex-husband.  Find out Roy's shocking response that left April a little speechless.Do you ever worry that you're not getting it right when it comes to parenting?  Is education important?  What is your biggest regret when raising your kids?Listen to this week's episode to find out all these answers and so much more!Don't forget, you can now stream Season 1 of "You, Me, & My Ex" on Discover+.Support the show
Can We Confess
Jan 23 2023
Can We Confess
There was so much to unpack, we didn't even have time to unpack it all!  During this busy week, we celebrated a birthday for one of our middle children.  Find out what people do in pictures that really bugs the women.  Loren has a confession for April.  This leads to a discussion on Loren's habit of running from her relationships, and why April thinks it is perfectly healthy this time.  Then, April has a little confession for Loren.  Hear why it was difficult for her to decide the right time to tell Loren, due to the fact April is her best friend and bonus mom to her children.Finally, the women discuss double standards for women and men.  Listen to all of this and so much more during this week's episode. Don't forget, you can now stream Season 1 of "You, Me, & My Ex" on Discovery+.Support the show
Do You Relate To Your Kids
Jan 16 2023
Do You Relate To Your Kids
This week has left us feeling like we were on autopilot!  There's always something crazy going on in our home.  Right now, April is scared for her life because Loren is trying to quit a bad habit.  Are you superstitious?  Find out if the ladies are and which superstitions they believe in most.  April and Loren have a strong discussion on whether or not they believe a place of employment should be able to dictate what you do on your personal time.The big topic - do you have a hard time relating to your kids?  Is it important to find a commonality between you are your children?  Find out what the ladies have to say about this and so much more in this week's episode.Don't forget, you can now stream Season 1 of "You, Me, & My Ex" on Discovery+.Support the show
Are You Ready For A New Year?
Jan 9 2023
Are You Ready For A New Year?
After a rough start, April and Loren are back and ready to take on this new year!  Are we a shit show?  We are really questioning ourselves, especially after finding out what some of our neighbors think of our lifestyle.  This revelation makes Loren reveal what an ex referred to our house as.April had an epiphany that has her rethinking the way she handles things in her life.In this episode, April and Loren discuss 2022.  They talk about the good and bad parts and what they learned from it, both agreeing that they are happy to see it end.Even though 2023 started out rough for the ladies, they are ready to face this year head on and with optimism.The women discuss their biggest regret of 2022 and their intentions and hopes for 2023.Don't forget, you can now stream Season 1 of "You, Me, & My Ex" on Discovery+.Support the show
How Do You Handle Holidays
Dec 19 2022
How Do You Handle Holidays
After surviving the world's longest week, the women are preparing for the holidays.  While attending their child's orchestra concert, the ladies were recognized as "the girls from TLC".  April shocks Loren by telling her that she was pulled over by the cops this week.To kick off the weekend, the women attended a concert that gave them high school nostalgia.  The ladies discuss meeting in-laws and how they felt meeting the parents.  April divulges her feelings of being on the other end of that scenario.Listen to find out what types of gifts April and Loren live to give and receive.  Also, how are they handling this blended family Christmas?The women discuss rewatching the next episode of You, Me and My Ex.Also, you can now stream Season 1 of "You, Me, & My Ex" on Discovery+.Support the show
Are You A Crazy Ex
Dec 12 2022
Are You A Crazy Ex
After listening to the start of last week's episode we realized it sounded like we were having our toenails plucked.  Sorry for that, because we are in fact not miserable!  This week we brought our positive attitudes and good vibes.Do you drunk shop?  One of the women admits they do, while the other shops enough sober.  Also, are you aware of your surroundings.  April admits that she has become much more situationally aware, while Loren says when she feels safe, she lets her guard down.April talks about a feeling she got this week, and how her journey of self-discovery is going.  Loren got her lips done and gives an update on how she feels about them.The women started rewatching "You, Me, & My Ex" and discuss their thoughts on the first episode, how they felt then and now.Finally, are you a crazy ex?  Listen to find out the craziest things April and Loren have done post breakup.Don't forget, you can now stream Season 1 of "You, Me, & My Ex" on Discovery+.Support the show
Demanding Respect In CoParenting
Dec 5 2022
Demanding Respect In CoParenting
The ladies are in rare form this week.  How do they feel about accents, and which ones do they think they have?  Do you wish life had a "try-on" option?  If so, what would you like to exchange?April and Loren talk about the magic surrounding the holidays.  They discuss the importance of family time and holiday traditions.Find out why Loren sent an SOS during her visit with family.  And learn what April thinks about being friends with benefits.The hot topic this week is dealing with disrespect in your coparenting relationship and deciding when it is time to walk away to spare your mental health.Don't forget, you can now stream Season 1 of "You, Me & My Ex" on Discovery+.Support the show
Is CoParenting Always Perfect
Nov 28 2022
Is CoParenting Always Perfect
April and Loren discuss their personal experiences with anxiety and depression.  Is it hard being positive for others when you are not feeling yourself?  How about dealing with anxiety in motherhood?If given the chance, would you look through your best friend or significant other's phone?  Find out which one of the women did and what she found out!April and Roy had a heated argument over a coparenting issue.  Listen as the women discuss the difficulties of parenting in a blended family.Also, is it ok to tell our children that we are struggling?  Hear all of this and so much more!Don't forget, you can now stream Season 1 of "You, Me, and My Ex" on Discovery+.Support the show
What's Going On With Roy
Nov 14 2022
What's Going On With Roy
Are you ready to unpack a whole lot of family drama?  We sure hope so, because that's what we are doing in this episode.Roy, aka Papa Gator, is in town for a visit.  What better way to get the scoop than from the horse's mouth.  April and Loren put Roy in the hot seat this week.  They find out what's been going on since the show aired.  What were his true feelings about being on a reality show?  Did he have a best and worst part of filming?Do April and Roy get into a heated debate on the things he disclosed during the show?  Most importantly, is Roy single, or does he have a Misses Papa Gator?Find out this and so much more!Don't forget, you can now stream Season 1 of "You, Me, & My Ex" on Discovery+.Support the show
How Do You Help Others
Nov 7 2022
How Do You Help Others
After surviving a house full of sick children, the ladies were ready for the weekend.  Loren had a first time experience...she attended her first body building show.   April was glutton for punishment and chose to stay home and play monopoly with the kids.  It was not a tragic ending like most monopoly games.This week, April and Loren discuss helping  others when you have no experience in the situation. The women also take a listener question.  Turns out, they know a thing or two about marriage, divorce, and coparenting.Find out which ex Loren would recycle, how April would react if Loren and John ever thought of getting back together, and why Roy went to "jail".Don't forget, you can now stream Season 1 of "You, Me, & My Ex". on Discovery+.Support the show
Can You Balance Love and Friendships
Oct 31 2022
Can You Balance Love and Friendships
After a two week break, the women are back!  April and Loren admit that even though they see each other every day, their lives are still so hectic that they sometimes only have time for a quick hi and bye.Why has April been feeling 'mom failure' lately?  What do the ladies have planned for Halloween?  In this episode, April and Loren discuss being in relationships and still making time for friendships.  Should you just dive head first into romance and forget about your friends?  Hear what the women have to say about this topic and so much more.  Be sure to listen til the end to find out the Shit Show Mom of the week story.Don't forget, you can now stream Season 1 of "You, Me, & My Ex" on Discovery+.Support the show