Best Kristen Skiles Podcasts (2024)

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EP 54: Unpacking the Double Standard Between Moms and Stepmoms 13:45

2M ago13:45

13:45

Sometimes as a stepmom, you're damned if you do, and damned if you don't. And a big reason for that, is because of the double standard between moms and stepmoms. There is an underlying—often misguided—prejudice in our society that stepmoms are less than "real" moms, and today, we're going to break this double standard wide open. Stepmoms are not le…

1
EP 53: 3 Tips for Taking Back Control as a Stepmom 13:31

1M ago13:31

13:31

When I first became a stepmom, I felt like everyone else (my partner, my stepdaughter, and my partner’s ex-wife) had more control over my life than I did, and it drove me WILD. Today, I’m happy to report, I have firmly taken back control and am happier than ever, and I want the same for you, stepmom. So, here are 3 very tangible ways to take back c…

1
EP 52: 5 Challenges Stepmoms Face (& What To Do!) with Dr. Patricia Papernow 52:24

2M ago52:24

52:24

Stepparenting is not hard because you're doing it wrong. Stepparenting is hard because it's an entirely different family structure and dynamic than we've experienced before. Today, I'm joined by arguably the foremost expert on stepfamily dynamics, Dr. Patricia Papernow, to discuss 5 challenges stepfamilies face. We're normalizing the challenges you…

1
EP 51: 3 Tips to Make Transition Day Easier 11:15

2M ago11:15

11:15

Transition Day can be SO challenging for stepmoms! Stepchildren often have a difficult time making the switch from one house to another, and act out in emotional ways. It makes stepmoms around the world dread transition day! In today's episode, I'm sharing 3 tips to make transition day easier! Set yourself and your stepchildren up for success with …

1
EP 50: Adding An Ours Baby with Kimberly King 37:27

3M ago37:27

37:27

One of the biggest, most challenging transitions that stepmoms can make is adding a baby to their blended family. Today, Kimberly King joins me to discuss her experience and best tips for stepmoms who are preparing to add an "ours baby" to the family! We're answering all of your burning questions, like: How do you prepare your stepchildren for addi…

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EP 49: Shitty Advice for Stepmoms from Well-Meaning Therapists 10:39

3M ago10:39

10:39

So many stepmom clients I work with have tried therapy before coaching, and the advice they get from well-meaning therapists who aren't trained in blended families actually does more harm than good. Maybe you've heard this advice before too, or maybe you'll be just as shocked by some of it as I was. Regardless, I want you to know that you deserve a…

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EP 48: Co-Parenting with a High-Conflict Person with Megan Hunter, MBA 33:31

3M ago33:31

33:31

Stepmom, today we are chatting with fellow stepmom and co-founder of the High Conflict Institute, Megan Hunter! If your stepchild's other parent is high-conflict, then this is a discussion you can't afford to miss! We're chatting all about practical, tangible tools to use when dealing with someone high-conflict and answering your most burning quest…

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EP 47: Stepmomming is what you do, NOT who you are! 12:54

3M ago12:54

12:54

Have you ever felt like stepmomming has taken over your life? Like the main part of your identity is now “stepmom” and everything else has taken a backseat? I remember feeling like this pressure to be the perfect stepmom was the most important thing in my life, and I needed to be successful. I stopped doing many of the things I loved doing before m…

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EP 46: Marrying a Widower and Blending Families with Rachel G. Scott 33:30

3M ago33:30

33:30

Two of the largest factors that can make an already-complicated role like stepmom even harder are blending two families and stepparenting when the children have lost their other parent. Today's guest, Rachel, shares all about her experience doing both, and how she navigated these challenges with intentionality, grace, and empathy. Even if you don't…

1
EP 45: Why I Won’t Allow My Stepdaughter To Call Me “Mom” 10:17

3M ago10:17

10:17

When my stepdaughter asked to call me "Mom," feelings of validation, warmth, and love overcame me. They were immediately followed by alarm bells. I refused to allow it. It felt disrespectful to the irreplaceable relationship she shares with her mom and the relationship I'd share with my future child. In today's episode, I share the heartwarming sol…

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EP 44: The Importance of Setting and Discussing Expectations with Amy Ambrozich 42:27

4M ago42:27

42:27

You don't know what you don't know... And that is never more true in blended families than when it comes to the critical importance of setting and discussing expectations with your partner! Today, I'm joined by fellow coach, Amy, who is tackling this huge topic with me! Together, we're giving you our very best tips for how to recognize your expecta…

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EP 43: Overcoming Your Second Spouse Insecurities 10:44

4M ago10:44

10:44

If you struggle with insecurities because your partner experienced some of their firsts with someone else, you're definitely not alone! Being Kevin's second wife brought out insecurities in me I didn't even realize I was capable of. In today's episode, I'm normalizing the experience and giving you some of my BEST tips to reset your mindset and be m…

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EP 42: A Mom's Perspective Co-Parenting with a Stepmom with Ashley Machele 35:39

4M ago35:39

35:39

You are in for such an incredible conversation today, stepmom! I'm chatting with Ashley Machele, a mom who shares long-distance custody of her oldest daughter. She'll share her perspective co-parenting with a stepmom and asks how she can validate and empathize with her daughter's stepmom—a perspective she references as life-changing. We discuss bou…

1
EP 41: Stepmomming Shouldn't Be Sacrificial 10:39

4M ago10:39

10:39

So many of my coaching clients complain they’ve sacrificed too much—some feel they’ve sacrificed everything—for their partners to get everything they want. But stepmomming shouldn’t be sacrificial. In today's episode, we're talking about the difference between sacrificing and compromising, how to set boundaries, and the importance of communicating …

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EP 40: 5 Things I'd Do Now If I Became a Stepmom Today 14:43

5M ago14:43

14:43

When I first became a stepmom, I felt like I struggled to keep my head above water. I was overwhelmed in so many ways, and the more I struggled, the more ashamed of those struggles I became. Stepparenting is genuinely one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life, but with the right skills, I've found lasting peace and happiness in my marriag…

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EP 39: Combatting Guilty Parent Syndrome with Tracy Poizner 31:17

5M ago31:17

31:17

Hey, stepmom! Does your partner's guilt because of their separation and sharing custody affect their parenting? If so, this episode is for you! Today, I'm chatting with Tracy Poizner about the causes of guilty parenting syndrome, the effect it has on the children and the stepmom, and what you, as the stepmom, can do to empower your partner instead!…

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EP 38: Making the Most of Holidays Without Your Stepchildren 8:41

5M ago8:41

8:41

Holiday custody schedules can be brutal. When your stepchildren are at their other home for the holidays, it can exacerbate thoughts and feelings that your stepfamily is different from the one you always envisioned. It probably feels really unfair. You might feel lonely or miss them. That's a totally normal and natural response. But in today's epis…

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EP 37: Overcoming Resentment as a Stepmom with Beth McDonough 28:10

5M ago28:10

28:10

Resentment is pretty much a universal experience for stepmoms. If you've struggled with feeling resentful on your journey, you're definitely not alone! In today's episode, Beth McDonough and I discuss why resentment is so common for stepmoms and the reason why, steps you can take to identify your triggers, and how to overcome resentment in order to…

1
EP 36: The Permission You Need to Survive Blended Family Holidays 7:15

6M ago7:15

7:15

The holiday season is incredibly overwhelming for many stepmoms. In today's episode, I'm giving you permission to focus first on your peace of mind. Don't feel obligated to do more than you want to do. Say "yes" when you want to, let go of traditions that no longer serve you, and be more present by letting go of expectations of perfection. You dese…

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EP 35: Feeding Picky Eaters with Jenny Friedman, MS RD 33:17

6M ago33:17

33:17

Calling all stepmoms struggling with picky eaters! Today, we're chatting with dietitian, Jenny, all about how to take the frustration out of mealtime with picky eaters! I am excited to share with you everything I learned in this interview about the causes of picky eating, ways to discuss food and mealtime to ease the struggles, setting boundaries w…

1
EP 34: 3 Ways to Say No to the Ex 11:21

6M ago11:21

11:21

Hey, stepmom! You're allowed to say no to the ex! And in today's episode, I'm giving you 3 clear ways to do that, with sample scripts! You are completely entitled to your own boundaries and needs, and I want to empower you to use your voice to take back control from the ex. Ready to learn how to start setting boundaries, stepmom? Grab my FREE GUIDE…

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EP 33: Effective Communication (& Why It's Crucial to your Relationship) with Keisha Williams 51:33

7M ago51:33

51:33

You're a stepmom for one reason, and one reason only: your partner! Ensure that your relationship is as strong and healthy as it can possibly be by mastering effective communication practices. Today, Keisha Williams, a Gottman Method trained counselor, joins me on the podcast to share her BEST tips for combatting defensiveness in communication with…

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EP 32: 5 WRONG Ways to be a Happier Stepmom 13:12

7M ago13:12

13:12

I've said it before, and I'll say it again and again: stepparenting is not intuitive. Learning how to navigate this tricky role can be SO challenging! Before defining my role and finding my pacing as a stepmom, I made a lot of missteps. Today, I'm sharing 5 WRONG ways to be a happier stepmom. I have done every single one of these thinking it would …

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EP 31: Overcoming Parental Alienation Syndrome with Anita Inglis 48:33

7M ago48:33

48:33

Overcoming parental alienation from a co-parent is one of the most challenging obstacles stepmoms can face. Today, Anita Inglis joins the Stepmomming Made Easy podcast to chat about what parental alienation is, what it isn't, and how we can help our stepchildren overcome it. You'll absolutely love the validation and practical advice offered in this…

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EP 30: Should a Stepmom Attend the Parent-Teacher Conference? 12:52

7M ago12:52

12:52

The school year is in full swing for many of us! One of the most common questions I receive from stepmoms this time of year is, "Should I attend the parent-teacher conference?". My answer isn't the same for every stepmom, but in today's episode, I'll give you some helpful insight into boundaries to set about being involved in your stepchild's educa…

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EP 29: Say Goodbye to Guilt with JoAnn Crohn 35:15

8M ago35:15

35:15

Stepmom, you are in for a treat today! I'm chatting with No Guilt Mom's JoAnn Crohn all about the sources of guilt, and how to rewire years of conditioning that make it such a powerful motivator. If you suffer from guilt in your stepfamily, you definitely won't want to miss this interview! JoAnn Crohn, M. Ed is a parenting educator and life coach w…

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EP 28: Why I Think "Keep the Peace" is Shitty Advice 9:38

8M ago9:38

9:38

Oftentimes, stepmoms and their partners work to keep the peace with their stepchild's other home. But at what cost? If trying to keep the peace outside of the home has cost you the peace inside your home, then you do not want to miss today's episode! Perhaps it's an unpopular opinion, but I truly believe "Keep the peace" is really shitty advice for…

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Season 2 Trailer: Stepmomming Made Easy 1:52

8M ago1:52

1:52

Hey stepmom! Welcome back to the Stepmomming Made Easy podcast!! I've missed you this summer!! I have so many incredible episodes lined up for you this season. I thought we knocked it out of the park with season 1, but somehow season 2 is EVEN BETTER. Get ready, because it all starts on October 3rd! Here's something I wish I learned a lot sooner...…

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EP 27: Dreading Summer, Stepmom? 3 Tips for Success 25:57

12M ago25:57

25:57

Hey, stepmom! Summer break is quickly approaching, and with it, stress and overwhelm for many stepmoms. In today's episode, I share with you my three main tips for how to navigate summers as a stepmom: 1. Manage your schedules 2. Manage your energy 3. Manage your boundaries Plus, I answer some of your questions about summer! If you're stressed abou…

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EP 26: Mini-Wife Syndrome with Maarit Miller 41:18

1y ago41:18

41:18

Hey, stepmom! Mini-wife (or husband) syndrome is something many stepmoms are combatting in their households. Today's guest expert, Maarit Miller of Blended Family Frappe, is talking about what it is, how to deal with it, and how to communicate with your partner about your uncomfortable feelings! It's a GREAT conversation you won't want to miss! Maa…

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EP 25: Let's Hear From Our Partners! (Part 3) 14:15

1y ago14:15

14:15

Hey, stepmom! In today's episode, we're hearing the final installment of our "Let's hear from our partners!" series. In this episode, we're hearing from our partners about the stepmom's role and involvement, and what our partners would change if they could. I think you'll find their answers to these questions SO interesting: If you got a do-over in…

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EP 24: To the Stepmom on Mother's Day 10:05

1y ago10:05

10:05

Mother's Day is often one of the hardest days of the year for stepmoms. It's a day that highlights for many stepmoms how the role mirrors the mom role but is still dramatically different in certain ways. If you're concerned about the upcoming holiday, here are 5 tips and reminders for you: 1. This is only 24 hours. Don't let this one day define you…

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EP 23: Let’s Hear From Our Partners! (Part 2) 19:42

1y ago19:42

19:42

Hey, stepmom! It's time for the second installment of our partners series! This time, our partners are answering critical questions like: What’s one thing you want your partner to know about your struggles as a divorced/separated parent? What are you insecure about in stepfamily life and how can your partner make you feel more secure? What worries …

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EP 22: How My Experience as a Stepchild Influences How I Stepparent 15:33

1y ago15:33

15:33

Hey there, stepmom! My parents divorced when I was 2, and I had a few different stepparents throughout my childhood. Today, I'm sharing what I learned from that experience and how I use that intel to be the best stepmom I can possibly be! We've heard from the partners; now, let's get the stepchild's perspective! Ready to create a stepmom life you l…

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EP 21: Let’s Hear From Our Partners! (Part 1) 11:39

1y ago11:39

11:39

You are in for such a treat today, stepmom! We’ve spent some time talking about our partners’ perspectives, but now let’s hear it directly from them! In today’s episode, a panel of partners is answering some of your most burning questions, including: Is your current situation any less special than the relationship with your child(ren)'s parent? How…

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EP 20: 5 Unnecessary Reasons Stepmoms Feel Guilty 13:53

1y ago13:53

13:53

Hi, stepmom! If you are ready to ditch the guilt and show up confident and purpose-filled in your stepmom role, then today's episode is for you! Don't love your stepchildren? Dreading seeing the ex at your stepson's baseball practice? Feeling guilty for not showing up in the same role the ex did? Disappointed in yourself for not being able to figur…

1
EP 19: Different Lenses: Why Your Partner Sees Things Differently 12:09

1y ago12:09

12:09

Hi, stepmom! Have you ever struggled to understand your partner's perspective and why they seem to have such a different experience in your family than you do? Today, we're exploring why! You and your partner have different lenses through which you view your family, and once you understand the differences, it can explain so much! Ready to set bound…

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EP 18: Stepping Back in Your Stepmom Role with Dr. Erin Careless 45:39

1y ago45:39

45:39

Hi, stepmom! In today's episode, Erin Careless, PhD and I are chatting about all things stepping back! If you've noticed that your role needs a refresh and you want to learn how to take a step back from tasks and triggers that disrupt your peace in your stepfamily, you don't want to miss this talk! Erin Careless, PhD is a Certified Stepparent Coach…

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EP 17: 4 Ways You’re Inadvertently Giving Away Control as a Stepmom 14:01

1y ago14:01

14:01

Hi, stepmom! I want to talk about CONTROL! As stepmoms, we feel like we don't have any, we crave it, we need it... and yet, sometimes we inadvertently give it away! Today, I'm sharing 4 ways we unintentionally give away control as a stepmom: You're not empowering your partner to make decisions. You're answering texts or emails as they come in. You'…

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EP 16: Stepmom Infertility, Salt in the Wound 8:56

1y ago8:56

8:56

Stepmom infertility is like salt in the wound. Raising another woman’s child while struggling to have your own is a uniquely painful experience. For my fellow stepmoms battling infertility as a stepmom, I'm sharing 4 big tips for coping with those feelings before they turn to resentment! Ready to create a stepmom life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 1…

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EP 15: Why the Ex Doesn’t Like You (When You Did Nothing Wrong) 12:32

1y ago12:32

12:32

Hi, stepmom! One of the BIGGEST stressors that many stepmoms face in their stepfamilies is their partner's ex. The ex may be overtly high-conflict, or they may be more subtle with their distrust or dislike of you. Even though it can feel *really* personal, it's entirely possible you didn't do anything wrong to cause them to dislike you. In today's …

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EP 14: Full-Time Stepmomming with Joslynn Flowers 41:03

1y ago41:03

41:03

Stepmom, you're in for a treat, today! I'm joined by Joslynn Flowers of The Daily Stepmom, and we chat about all things full-time stepparenthood, adding an ours baby to the family, and race dynamics in stepfamilies. Joslynn is an absolute delight, and I know you're going to love this conversation! Joslynn is a full time mom of 4, (the older 3 being…

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EP 13: "Stepsmothering" and Feeling Jealous of your Stepkids with Beth McDonough 34:23

1+ y ago34:23

34:23

Hey, stepmom! Today, we have a special guest, my friend Beth McDonough of The Inclusive Stepmom! We discuss a tendency for some stepmoms to "stepsmother" their stepkids and what you should do instead! We also chat about feeling jealous of your stepkids, the shame you may experience around those feelings, and what we can do to resolve it! Beth is a …

1
EP 12: The Reason Stepparenting is So Challenging 12:59

1+ y ago12:59

12:59

Hey, stepmom! If you've been struggling in your role, you're definitely not alone. Stepmomming isn't challenging because you're not good enough or not cut out for it. It's just plain tough! In today's episode, I'm sharing three aspects of the stepparent role that make it so challenging. Ready to create a stepmom life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15…

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EP 11: What Happens When Your Stepkids Turn 18 with Barb Goldberg 41:23

1+ y ago41:23

41:23

Hi, stepmom! Barb Goldberg is joining us for today's episode of the Stepmomming Made Easy podcast, and I'm so honored! Barb is one of the most fun, creative, and insightful people I've ever met. You're going to LOVE this conversation! Barb Goldberg is the author and owner of The Evil Stepmother Speaks website, blog and book. As the stepmother to th…

1
EP 10: 5 Things Stepmoms Want Their Partners to Know 18:51

1+ y ago18:51

18:51

Stepmomming is uniquely challenging. Unless you've been one yourself, you'll likely never understand a stepmom's perspective. In today's episode, I'm sharing 5 things stepmoms want their partners to know: 1. I had no idea what I was signing up for. 2. Some days I need a break, and that needs to be okay. 3. My role is different. 4. There is so much …

1
EP 09: How to Stop Being Insecure about Your Partner's Past 18:36

1+ y ago18:36

18:36

When I was first dating Kevin, I was consumed by thoughts of his ex and constantly questioning if our relationship was as special as theirs had been. In this episode, I'm sharing 5 reminders that helped me to get out of my head and recognize how uniquely special our relationship truly is. You deserve freedom from your insecurities too, my friend. 1…

1
EP 08: Overcoming Outsider Syndrome as a Stepmom 12:10

1+ y ago12:10

12:10

Nearly every stepmom I've ever met has felt like an outsider in her stepfamily at some point. In today's episode, I'm sharing my 3 best tips for overcoming outsider syndrome to build a stepmom life you love. Ready to create a stepmom life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happier Let…

1
EP 07: Living in the Ex's House with Amelia Lane 32:44

1+ y ago32:44

32:44

Hey, stepmom! Amelia Lane is joining me for today's episode of the Stepmomming Made Easy podcast. We had a fascinating conversation about her experience moving into the home her partner shared with his ex and my experience with the ex moving in with us. You don’t want to miss it! We talk all about: A stepmom's perspective when the ex is figurativel…

1
EP 06: My Near Year's Resolution for the Struggling Stepmom 11:17

1+ y ago11:17

11:17

Happy New Year, stepmom! Are you ready to create a stepmom life you love in 2023? My new year's resolution for you is to find freedom and control in your blended family, especially from the ex. In this episode, I share 3 specific ways to make it happen! Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happie…

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Kristen Skiles Podcasts

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