ManBalls Bios & Intro Videos

Full ManBalls Bios & Family Dynamics

Becca’s Bio:

So how does a straight girl end up marrying a gay boy, getting divorced, and still remaining best friends with him and his husband? Well, once you hear my story, you’ll see how it was inevitable. I’m Dr. Becca Ballinger, part of the ManBalls family. Yep, you heard that right. The ManBalls. My ex, our kids, and I share the last name Ballinger, while my ex’s husband is a Mangold. Hence, The ManBalls!

My ex and I met in preschool in a small Southern California town, and from that moment on, we were inseparable. We grew up together, attending the same private church school from preschool all the way through 12th grade. In junior high school, our friendship deepened, and we became best friends. It seemed only natural that, after graduation, we would do what every good religious young adult who was dating did at the time – we got married at 19. For 14 years, we built a happy life together, raising two wonderful kids and creating countless cherished memories. But as close as we were, my ex eventually admitted to himself (and to me) that he was gay and needed to pursue the life that felt true to him.

Separating was hard for both of us, but we made a pact: stay close as a family, support each other’s dreams, and keep our kids happy. And we’ve kept that promise. My ex soon found love again and married his wonderful husband, and we’ve become an even tighter-knit family because of this addition.

As for me, why haven’t I dated? Well, life kept throwing curveballs. After our divorce, I began graduate school to become a child psychologist. Juggling a 6-year grad school program and full-time motherhood was all I could handle, so I promised myself I’d start dating once both kids were off to college. In Fall 2019, my youngest finally left for college – yay! – but just a few months later, COVID brought BOTH kids back home. I thought, “Okay, when the pandemic settles down, I’ll get back out there.” By early 2021, with both kids back in college, I was ready to “get on those apps,” but then I was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. I spent most of 2021 in treatment, focusing on my health. It felt like every time I was ready to move forward, life had other plans.

Now, in 2024, I’m healthy, it’s just me and the cat at home, my hair has grown back, and my business is on autopilot. I’m finally ready to dip my toe into dating. Having my closest support system – my ManBalls – as my advisors and confidants makes this process fun and less stressful. We’re a family that loves adventures, and this seems like the perfect next one.

If you choose us, you’ll see a family that’s not always on the same page but always supportive and full of love.

Jeff’s Bio:

Becca and I have been inseparable since junior high school, growing up together and becoming best friends. When we started dating, it felt like the most natural thing in the world to quickly get married. We built a beautiful life together, raising two amazing kids and creating countless cherished memories. But after 14 years of marriage, I had to face a truth that was incredibly difficult to admit – I needed to explore who I really was.

Coming out as gay was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I was terrified of how it might affect my relationship with my kids and Becca, who had been my rock for so many years. But through it all, Becca remained one of my best friends. We had our ups and downs, but her unwavering support helped me navigate this challenging transition.

Finding love with Keith has been an incredible blessing. Keith was not only the missing piece of my puzzle, bringing joy and completeness to my life, but he also became an essential part of our Modern Family. His love and support have enriched all of our lives, creating a new, vibrant dynamic that has made our family stronger and closer than ever. Because of our careers, we maintain two residences – one in San Diego and one in Palm Springs – both within easy driving distance to where Becca and the kids live in Redlands. This allows us to be present for each other, whether it’s celebrating birthdays, graduations, or simply enjoying fun activities like Comic Con conventions, car shows (I go for the Porsches and Becca loves the MINI Coopers) or concerts (I’m a huge fan of Cyndi Lauper and Pet Shop Boys so the family has seen their fair share of these talented icons).

The support I received from Becca during my journey to find true love is something I can never fully repay, but I want to try. Helping her find love and happiness again with the help of your show feels like the perfect way to do that. Our family thrives on adventures, and this feels like the most exciting one yet.

Family Dynamics:

Everywhere we go, our family story seems to captivate and inspire those we meet. Just this past weekend, we spent a wonderful time together touring San Diego Comic Con and going sailing. While freshening up at the restaurant bathroom after a full day on the water, a woman struck up a conversation with me (Becca), curious about our family dynamic. After I answered her questions, she shared how grateful she was to hear the positives of our story, especially as she had a friend going through something similar.

Our modern family is close-knit and filled with love, though it hasn’t always been an easy journey. When Jeff and I divorced, my family took a step back, struggling to accept our new dynamic. However, Jeff’s family remained steadfast in their support, embracing both Jeff and me through the transition. This unwavering support was a lifeline, ensuring that our kids felt loved and secure.

When Jeff married Keith, it brought even more love and excitement into our lives. Keith’s family welcomed us with open arms, adopting me and the kids as their own. The addition of Keith’s family has created a vibrant, extended network of support and affection. We celebrate birthdays, graduations, and holidays together, crafting a rich tapestry of love and connection that defines our unique family.

For example, to celebrate my 50th birthday last November, we all went to Hawaii – me, the kids, Jeff and Keith, Jeff’s dad, and Keith’s parents and sister’s family. It was a magical trip, filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable memories. We snorkeled, hiked, and enjoyed beautiful sunsets together. This trip epitomized our unique family dynamic – we may not always be on the same page, but we are always supportive and full of love for one another.

Our modern, blended family serves to normalize the idea that it doesn’t matter what your family looks like; what matters is the love, acceptance, and support you give each other. We believe that our story can inspire others going through similar situations, showing that family isn’t defined by traditional boundaries but by the love and support we give each other. Our journey is a testament to the power of love, acceptance, and the ability to create new and meaningful relationships even after major life changes.