In today's episode, I sit down with Mia Wisinski of Playful Heart Parenting to talk about one of the most underrated tools in your stepmom toolbox: play. We explore what it means to "activate play mode" in everyday moments, how playfulness helps sidestep power struggles and build real connection with your stepkids, and why you don't need to be creative or schedule fun for any of this to work. If you've ever felt like stepmom life is too heavy to be lighthearted, this episode will change the w...
Apr 16
50 min
In today's episode, I'm setting aside the research and the action plans to speak directly to the stepmom who is barely holding it together right now. If you have ever felt like you are damned if you do and damned if you don't, like you are expected to love like a parent but treated like an outsider, this episode is for you. I want you to know that your struggle is not a reflection of your worth or your effort; this role is genuinely one of the hardest things a woman can take on, and you are n...
Apr 2
11 min
In today's episode, I sit down with life coach Michelle Zunter to talk about what it really looks like to go from part-time to full-time stepmom, overnight and without warning. We explore the resentment, survival mode, and identity loss that can come with suddenly holding the bag, and why finding something that's just yours is the key to staying afloat. If you've ever felt unseen, exhausted, or like you're playing whack-a-mole with your stepmom challenges, this honest and validating conversat...
Mar 17
21 min
In today's episode, I sit down with internationally recognized anxiety expert, author, and 16-year stepmom Wendy Tamis Robbins to talk about the evolving journey of stepfamily relationships. We explore why stepfamily life triggers our fight-or-flight response, how to stop playing the victim and start showing up with agency and healthy boundaries, and why less is often more when it comes to connecting with your stepkids. If you've ever felt like you're navigating a minefield trying to figure o...
Mar 10
29 min
In this episode of Stepmomming Made Easy, I sit down with Todd Jensen, PhD, MSW to unpack what research really says about building strong stepfamily relationships—especially when pre-teen and teen stepchildren are involved. We talk about why authenticity matters more than perfection, why discipline may not be your domain, and how to create connection without forcing it. If you’ve ever wondered how to show up as your true self and still build meaningful relationships with your stepkids, this e...
Mar 3
42 min
In this episode of Stepmomming Made Easy, I sit down with certified marriage and stepfamily life coach Heidi Farrell to unpack one of the most common challenges stepmoms face—parenting differences. We explore why discipline and household expectations can feel so personal, and how communication, empathy, and boundaries can rebuild connection with your partner. Heidi introduces her Communicate, Motivate, Separate, Celebrate framework to help couples navigate disagreements with compassion and te...
Feb 24
40 min
In this episode, I sit down with stepfamily coach and licensed counselor Rachel Dunne to talk about grief, loss, and healing as a stepmom. We dive into how stepfamily life is built on loss and why acknowledging that truth is the first step toward peace. Rachel shares how to process grief, release shame, and give yourself permission to feel all the emotions that come with stepmom life. If you’ve ever felt the weight of "It wasn’t supposed to be this way," this conversation will bring validatio...
Feb 17
32 min
So many stepmoms I meet feel underappreciated. In this episode, I kick off season four by naming and unpacking the invisible load so many stepmoms carry behind the scenes. I explore the mental and emotional labor of keeping everyone and everything together, and how unspoken expectations and a desire for appreciation can lead to resentment and burnout. I’ll help you check your motivations, set healthier boundaries, and remember that your worth isn’t measured by how much you do, but by who you ...
Feb 10
8 min
In this powerful episode, I dive deep into a critical challenge for stepmoms: living life beyond the custody schedule. Drawing from a chapter in my upcoming book Stepmomming Made Easy, I share personal insights on how custody arrangements shouldn't dictate your entire life. I explore how constantly planning around your stepchild's schedule can lead to burnout, resentment, and missed opportunities. The key message? Live your life 100% of the time, not just 50%. By maintaining a full, bal...
Aug 12, 2025
9 min
In this powerful episode, Amelia Nagoski, co-author of Burnout, dives deep into the unique challenges stepmoms face. She explores critical concepts like human giver syndrome, the stress response cycle, and how stepmoms can prevent burnout. Amelia shares her personal stepmom journey, offering compassionate, science-backed strategies to help stepmoms navigate complex family dynamics while maintaining their mental and emotional well-being. Whether you're struggling with burnout or seeking ...
Aug 5, 2025
44 min
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