The Van Es Family: Love, Wellness, and Life in Transition

The Van Es family recently pulled back the curtain on their lives in a heartfelt podcast episode, bringing together radio personality John Jay, his wife Blake, and their oldest son Jake. What unfolded was a rare, candid conversation about health, marriage, parenting, and the shifting dynamics of family life.

A Birthday Gift of Connection

Jake, who usually prefers staying out of the spotlight, joined his parents for the episode—something John called the "greatest gift" for his birthday. The exchange between father, mother, and son highlighted their close bond, filled with playful banter, authenticity, and genuine affection.

Health Journeys and Stem Cell Treatments

One of the most intriguing parts of the episode focused on John and Blake’s recent trip to Mexico for stem cell treatments at ReHealth Clinic.

Blake shared her experience receiving hip and sciatic injections alongside IV therapies. While she admitted the process came with temporary discomfort, her optimism about long-term relief was clear.

For the couple, wellness is more than a passing interest—it’s a lifestyle. They drew parallels between stem cell therapy and other health practices they’ve embraced early on, like Bikram yoga and cold plunges, long before they became mainstream.

Marriage and Communication

The conversation also turned to the realities of marriage. John admitted that he sometimes goes to bed angry, choosing to let small irritations pass rather than risk escalating them when exhausted.

This approach—choosing battles wisely and knowing when to step back—underscored the practical wisdom that long-term relationships require. Their honesty served as a reminder that even strong marriages need ongoing attention, patience, and self-awareness.

Embracing the Empty Nest

With two sons now in college, the couple reflected on life as new empty nesters. Blake spoke about looking forward to simple pleasures like traveling more and spending extra time at the beach.

They also shared how new traditions, like playing backgammon over coffee on weekends, have become meaningful ways to stay connected as partners in this next chapter.

Parenting in Perspective

Perhaps the most touching moment came when Blake offered advice to a pregnant listener: “I wish I would have enjoyed the stressful moments a little bit more.”

Her words carried the wisdom of a parent who knows how quickly childhood passes. John echoed this sentiment with his idea of “living in the blink”—a reminder to treasure today’s moments, which soon become tomorrow’s memories.

Love Pup Family Fest

The episode wrapped with exciting news about their upcoming Love Pup Family Fest, an annual charity event dedicated to dog rescue. It’s yet another way the family uses their platform to give back, blending personal passion with community impact.

Through laughter, honesty, and vulnerability, the Van Es family painted a picture of what it means to evolve together. Their willingness to share both triumphs and challenges makes their story not just relatable, but deeply inspiring.