Do you find yourself googling for "Stepmom help" or "Stepmom struggles" more than you'd care to admit? If so, you're in the right place. The Stepmom Side Podcast is a conversational podcast about being a Stepmom and what that actually looks like. Host Alicia Krasko covers everything from part-time, full-time, to being an empty nester as a Stepmom. Every week, you'll get a bit of humor, advice, and a conversation that will have you taking an objective look at how you're showing up. You can ex ...
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#60: Let's Talk Addiction with Melanie Stern
35:51
35:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:51
Melanie Stern is a psychotherapist specializing in alcohol and substance use issues and individual adult therapy. She tailors treatment to the individual to reveal the root of the problem with therapeutic process that is informed by psychoanalytic thinking, systems, CBT techniques, and trauma-based theory and practice. She is also a mother and step…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#59: How to Navigate Grief As A Stepmom with Krista St-Germain
46:29
46:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:29
Krista St-Germain is a Master Certified Life Coach, grief expert, widow, mom and host of The Widowed Mom Podcast. When her husband was killed by a drunk driver in 2016, Krista’s life was completely and unexpectedly flipped upside down. After therapy helped her unfurl from the fetal position, Krista discovered Life Coaching, Post Traumatic Growth an…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#58: What To Do If You Are Caught In the "What If" Cycle
8:04
8:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:04
First, it's normal! Completely normal. Everyone has done it, so don't beat yourself up about it. In this episode, I discuss why it happens and how to break the cycle of repeating it. Let's be honest, you want to stop the cycle, too. You don't want this living rent free in your head. Worrying is like rocking in a rocking chair; you can do it all day…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#57: You Want Me To Apologize To My Stepkid?
9:22
9:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:22
I know this sounds like a crazy concept, especially if you have an upbringing like mine. You know, one with the authoritarian parent. "Do as I say, not as I do." or a parent that expects you to jump when they say, "jump." Listen in on why apologizing to your stepkid when you are wrong/made a mistake is actually helpful to your relationship. Dare I …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#56: What To Do If You Feel Like An Outsider
18:48
18:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:48
Ever feel like everyone else belongs but you do not? There's a secret language they speak. There are inside jokes. The history they share. The memories, vacations, and, well, you know everything that you don't share with them. In this episode, I break down, what outside syndrome is, what it feels like, and things you can do to overcome and work thr…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#55: Being "Just" the Stepmom (re-release)
29:21
29:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:21
In this episode, Alicia talks about being "just the stepmom" and how society puts pressure on stepmoms to show up in all the ways, but to remember that, as a stepmom, you aren't the kid's mom. She talks about changing your perspective from being "just" the stepmom to "I'm just the stepmom." Listen in to hear the difference and for tips to embracing…
…
continue reading
How hard is it to admit you are wrong? Do you have to have things your way? How hard is it to say, "I'm sorry"? If those are hard questions to answer, this episode might be for you. It's a little dose of tough love to help stop your ego from driving the bus. Listen in as I share a nickname my husband gave me early on in our relationship. (Thankfull…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#53: Creating Connections with Your Stepkids
23:10
23:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:10
We've all been there: that awkward, "I don't know how to connect with my stepkid...but I know I should at least try.." In this episode, I talk about -why it's important to build connections with your stepkids -where things can go sideways -what to do when it doesn't go well -how to try again Want a specific topic covered? Let me know here. After yo…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#52: Talking Things Through with a Single Dad JP Marsh
50:35
50:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:35
JP Marsh is a single "girl dad" to a 9 year old. He's gone gone from "Conflict to Collaboration" in the 7+ years of co-parenting. JP speaks, coaches, and advocates for the benefits of getting out of your own way to be adults in the eyes of your children. In this episode, we cover: -the double standards of stepmoms and stepdads -changing your perspe…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#51: A Relatable Stepmom Conversation with Wise Cracking Blonde Christina
57:16
57:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:16
Christina is a San Diego native, with a degree in English from San Diego State University. She is a project manager by trade and a producer, writer and director by fun. Christina is the host of Wise Cracking Blonde Trivia Show. In this episode, we discuss: -what it's like having different custody schedules for siblings -how we help the kids navigat…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#50: What It's Like To Go From Single To Stepmom
28:04
28:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:04
If you're a new stepmom, this episode may be just a bit relatable. I cover: -major differences -sharing things -how your relationship seems to take a hit -what stepmoms tell me they wish they would have waited on...and more! Want a specific topic covered? Let me know here. After you listen to this, tag me on Instagram @aliciakrasko and let me know …
…
continue reading
Jessica is a licensed clinical counselor and her job is to help people manage their anxiety and depression, but what she focuses on first is their sleep. In her spare time, she keeps busy on her farm with her husband and four boys. Their life is very busy with sports and farm life. In this episode, we discuss: -what is EMDR? -why you need to engage…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#48: Why Do Kids Lie? with Bryana Kappadakunnel
43:52
43:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:52
Bryana Kappadakunnel is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, an Infant-Family Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist, and a Perinatal Mental Health Specialist. She has an MA in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and is the CEO and founder of Conscious Mommy and Child Parent Connection. She has a private practice in Redondo Beach,…
…
continue reading
Does that podcast title make you want to skip this episode? #relatable First things first: everyone is on their own healing journey. You might be further ahead than everyone else. You might be further behind. Reminder for you: it's not a race. Everyone is on their own journey. Listen in as I walk you through a few tips you can use to get to a frien…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#46: Ask Me Anything: Stepmom Burnout, Expectations, The Ex, and More.
35:24
35:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:24
I posted an "Ask Me Anything" box on Instagram and the questions submitted were pretty juicy. In this episode, I covered: -stepmom burnout -do I get tired of talking about stepmom stuff? -in-laws openly love/discuss the ex -spousal support for the mom while she has a live in boyfriend and more! Podcasts referenced in this episode are: Everyone Talk…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#45: What You Don't Know About Sleep with Jessica Watterud
53:19
53:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:19
Jessica is a licensed clinical counselor and her job is to help people manage their anxiety and depression, but what she focuses on first is their sleep. In her spare time, she keeps busy on her farm with her husband and four boys. Their life is very busy with sports and farm life. In this episode, we discuss: -why you feel like eating everything i…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#44: The ONE Thing You Actually Can Control
20:18
20:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:18
In this episode, I talk to you about the ONE thing you can control: YOU. I walk you through a couple scenarios and how you can control (yourself in) them. There's even a bit of tough love mixed in! If you want to chat this through tonight (May 14th), The Stepmom Side Community's Group Coaching is tonight. Sign up for the community here! Want a spec…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#43: Talking Pregnancy, Delivery, and Postpartum with Sarah Marie Bilger
58:21
58:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:21
Aside from being the owner of Entering Motherhood, Sarah Marie is a mom of two, wife, and birth and postpartum doula. She is certified as a postpartum nutrition professional, holds a doula certification specifically centered around VBAC preparation, and is an active doula in her community. In this episode, Sarah walks us through all things birthing…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#42: 9 Things I've Learned in 9 Years of Marriage
45:42
45:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:42
In this episode, I cover a lot of ground. I talk you through 9 things that would have been really beneficial to know prior to being a stepmom...or getting married. You live and learn, right? Here are a few of the things covered: -diplomacy/communication -protecting your relationship -being able to add humor -Boundaries-what they are, what they are …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#41: How Do I Get the Ex Out of My House?
13:42
13:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:42
This is the first (of hopefully many!) topic requests for the podcast. This stepmom is a full time stepmom and their mom barely sees them, but when she does, she comes over to their house...and eats everything in it. Sounds like we need to rework how to navigate this dynamic...listen in. Want a specific topic covered? Let me know here. After you li…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#40: The Wild Ride of Being a Stepmom with Jyl Barlow
1:02:12
1:02:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:12
Jyl Barlow navigates life as a stepmom and second wife with amazing hindsight. Her memoir, What to Expect When You Weren't Expecting, shares her bumpy road as a stepmom and the lessons learned along the way. Jyl lives in Virginia with her husband and two children, all of whom survived loads of speed bumps on the way to thriving as a family. In this…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#39: How to Handle High Conflict Situations and Find Happiness As A Stepmom with Naja Hall
53:08
53:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:08
Naja Hall is the founder of VIP Stepmom and Blended and Black. As a Certified Coach and Educator, she understands that the family is THE MOST influential entity of human development, and her work centers around helping individuals, couples, and families navigate some of life’s toughest transitions. As the host of popular podcast, I know I’m Crazy w…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#38: How to Navigate Mother's Day As a Stepmom
16:38
16:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:38
Mother's Day: one of the dreaded holidays for stepmoms. It's a weird one to navigate. What do I do? Should I expect anything? Is it weird? Send help! Listen in to get a bit of help (now!) on how to navigate Mother's Day this year and going forward! Resources mentioned: #27: How Your Expectations Set You Up for Failure Blog: Mother's Day As A Stepmo…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#37: Things Therapists Don't Talk About With Jaclyn Vonnahme
59:35
59:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:35
Jaclyn Vonnahme is a licensed therapist & life coach with her own mental health struggles. Her mission in life is to remind people they are never alone! In this episode: -sobriety -trolls on social media -should you be on medication forever? -difference between coaching and therapy and more. Connect with Jaclyn: Instagram The Anxious Therapist Podc…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#36: Postpartum Life and What It's Like with Suzanne Yatim Aslam
52:23
52:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:23
Suzanne is a former actress and Miss Arab USA turned writer. Her debut memoir, Post Pardon Me, is a dark comedy on postpartum depression and anxiety. She offers laughter and understanding to help mothers through the difficult early phases of motherhood. In this episode, Suzanne walks us through what postpartum life can be like. She fuses in humor, …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#35: How to Handle the Ebbs and Flows of Being a Stepmom
29:04
29:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:04
Being a stepmom is wild. Some days are great. Some days are crap. Some are a mix of the two. Sometimes it feels like you're just waiting for the other shoe to drop. In this episode, Alicia breaks down the ebbs and flows of relationships with: -Your partner -Your stepkids -The other house...and yourself. Episodes mentioned: #3: Embracing Being "Just…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#34: Ditching the "Good Girl" Conditioning with Carley Weissert
54:54
54:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:54
Carley is an empowerment coach on a mission to help women reconnect to their authentic selves and create lives they can’t get enough of. Her own journey of self-discovery led Carley to flip her life upside down and do one of the scariest things she's ever done—end her marriage. Flash forward to now, and Carley is in a fulfilling relationship, nouri…
…
continue reading
The paranoia of being a stepmom? Sounds a little dramatic, right? Ever feel like you are watching over your shoulder (constantly)? Feel like everything you say and/or do will be reported back to the other house? Question your choices? Who can you be friends with? Listen in as we talk about all of this and more. Resources mentioned: Defining Your St…
…
continue reading
If you're a new stepmom, you need this episode! You'll learn what you are walking into when you start dating someone with kids. Not everything will happen all at once, but eventually, you'll need to know them. We cover: -emotions -boundaries -why you'd consider running...and more. RESOURCES MENTIONED: 10 Things to Know As A New Stepmom 5 Steps for …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#31: How Childhood Trauma Shows Up In Adulthood with Beth Tyson
56:41
56:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:41
Beth Tyson, MA is a psychotherapist, childhood trauma consultant, 3x best-selling author, CASA volunteer, and Pennsylvania Child Abuse Prevention Team co-chair. Beth provides trauma-responsive training, speaking, and consulting to organizations that support the mental health of children and families. She is also the author of A Grandfamily for Sull…
…
continue reading
Transition days are the hardest, right? Your days are up ended. The dynamic between you and your partner is completely different. It makes you question wanting to be a stepmom, right? In this episode, we discuss: -the amount of things kids bring back and forth -the forced small talk -the dynamic shift of your house/relationship -having to hear abou…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#29: Balancing the Mental Load of Motherhood with Abby Eckel
50:08
50:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:08
Abby is a content creator discussing the inequities of domestic labor in relationships. She’s a full-time working mom of two kids and works in social and digital strategy. In this episode, Abby talks about how she started as a "mommy influencer" and then "accidentally" switched to shedding light on the inequality of domestic labor-aka: running the …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#28: Conscious Parenting and Parenting with ADHD with Destini Davis
48:25
48:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:25
Destini Ann is a parent coach, author, and international speaker. Her genuine personality shines through as she translates the intricate psychology of parenting into relatable, digestible content for her community. With her empathetic teaching style, Destini empowers parents to reshape the culture of their homes through conscious communication, int…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#27: How Your Expectations Set You Up For Failure
38:13
38:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:13
Any of this sound relatable? You think the kids should be doing X, but your partner is ok with them doing Y. You think if you're MORE loving/kind, the ex will like you. Your partner thinks you should enjoy having the kids around every.damn.minute. Sounds like "Let Down City", right? Listen in as I walk you through why your expectations set you up f…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#26: What Is Parental Alienation and How to Navigate It with Kindra Riber and Mick Smith
1:01:56
1:01:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:56
This episode is jam packed with so much information and a heartbreaking story that had me tear up. Mick and Kindra discuss the following: -What is parental alienation? -How hard is it to prove? -Why the court system is a "money making" machine -What is an "offense report"? -Why stepping away can actually help the child Kindra has been subject to pa…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#25: What It's Really Like Having A Stepmom with My Stepson
43:43
43:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:43
In this podcast, you'll hear about: -What my stepson's first impression of me was -What it was like going back and forth -Why he was nervous about moving in full time -How he views me now -How a stepmom can make things easier ...and then some. Be prepared to laugh through this episode and hear the inner workings of our relationship. Let me know wha…
…
continue reading
What 2023 was like behind the scenes.... -coached more stepmoms than ever! -launched Resentment to Relief: A Stepmom's Guide to Letting Go -added "Quick Wins" to The Stepmom Side Community -switched platforms for the community -LAUNCHED THIS PODCAST! ...and more. Part of this episode turns into the coaching call you might not know you needed. ❤️ Wa…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#23: The Benefits of Occupational Therapy with Liz Lombard
37:53
37:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:53
As an occupational therapist, Liz has worked with young children who had a variety of sensory processing challenges, and found it fulfilling to help them and their families navigate all the parts of their day— getting dressed, brushing teeth and hair, eating, going to school, participating in the classroom. When COVID hit and Liz found herself dayd…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#22: A Different Take on How to Coparent Successfully with Sydney Swonigan
57:50
57:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:50
Sydney is a proud Seattleite boymom and the Founder CEO of Exes & Babies, a co-parent support organization devoted to uplifting and upleveling the co-parent community. In this episode, Sydney talks openly about what she and her ex did to set up their coparenting dynamic up for success. How she had an agenda (literally) when she met her kid's stepmo…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#21: Everything You Need/Want to Know About Having an "Ours Baby"
57:36
57:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:36
Ever wondered what having an "Ours Baby" would be like? Would having your own baby help your dynamic? Make it worse? What about using your stepkids's stuff to save money? What did the ex think? The kids? Were the in-laws weird about it and treat your kid differently? All of these questions and more are answered! I mentioned episode #18 "How To Navi…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#20: How to Drop The Fake Smile with Helen Snape
52:51
52:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:51
After burning out at work and losing herself in a long-term relationship, Helen Snape realised that she had the ‘disease to please’, discovered the magic of boundaries and is now passionate about helping other over-givers do the same. Helen has combined what she has learnt throughout her HR career, her Psychology degree and coaching qualifications …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#19: How To Get Ahold Of Your Time with Georgie Bryant
34:07
34:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:07
Georgie Bryant is a work/life balance coach and time management expert. She helps working women perfect their schedules at work and home. After becoming a mum and returning to work, Georgie created her work/life balance coaching framework to get on top of it all. Through her one-on-one coaching and digital products, Georgie teaches you how to balan…
…
continue reading
This episode is a bit vulnerable. I share real feelings, petty thoughts (and actions), and what the holiday season looked like for me in the beginning. Spoiler alert: it wasn't all sparkly magic with a beautiful silver glitter explosion. I walk you through what my husband I did to carve out our tradition-something without the kids! Yes, even now wi…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#17: How To Give Better Gifts with Patrick Kucharson
52:32
52:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:32
A B- gift-giver by nature, Patrick Kucharson runs Better Gift Coach, a free newsletter that is a weekly 1-minute shortcut to always having awesome gift ideas well in advance. Each week, he enjoys sharing a story of the best gift someone has ever received, analyzing it, and providing guidance on how others can replicate it. Just in time for the holi…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#16: How To Add More Fun To Your Life With Mike Rucker
43:35
43:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:35
Dr. Mike Rucker is an organizational psychologist, behavioral scientist, and charter member of the International Positive Psychology Association. He has been academically published in publications like the International Journal of Workplace Health Management. His ideas about fun and health have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Washington P…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#15: The Differences Between Part-time Stepmoms and Full-time Stepmoms
46:42
46:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:42
There are many nuances when it comes to being a stepmom of any kind. There are differences between the two, and, yet, the struggles/emotions you'll feel are very similar. Listen in on for tips on how to overcome a few of the different challenges. Why? I can't take my coaching hat off and not help you through this. If you want more 1:1 help, coachin…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#14: The Magic Of Childhood And How To Connect With Your Stepchild with Celia Kibler
1:01:14
1:01:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:14
Celia Kibler is a Best-Selling Author, a Family Empowerment Coach and Founder of the Day of Calm Foundation, Pumped Up Parenting (PUP), Funfit® Family Fitness, and Host of PUP Podcast. She is the Mom of 5 kids; 2 she gave birth to & 3 she gained from marriage; as well as a Grandma of 9. She has successfully parented a blended family for over 29 yea…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#13: How to Navigate Dealing With A Narcissistic Ex/Coparent with Nisanka Wickramarachchi
48:03
48:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:03
Nisanka is a Trauma Aware Life Coach, a Holistic Practitioner, a mother, a poet, a writer and a trauma. She helps parents who parent with a narcissistic partner or ex to preserve sanity, take their life back and support their children. Nisanka's experience of growing up in highly narcissistic environments and later being in narcissistic relationshi…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#12: How to Get What You Want in Your Relationship Without Being A Bully or A Doormat with Sharon Costanzo
50:05
50:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:05
Sharon Costanzo is a relationship coach and communication expert. She specializes in helping women improve the communication in their marriage so they can work through their challenges without feeling like a bully or a doormat. She is the host of the Keep Talking Revolution podcast and founder of Respected and Connected. She dives into how to refra…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
#11: Stepmom Struggles: Age Gap Relationships, Doing Too Much, and Not Liking the Ex
42:48
42:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:48
This episode covers quite a bit...and in typical fashion, has hard truths with a little humor sprinkled in. Being a Stepmom is hard and lonely; just know you aren't on this journey on your own. There is someone else that has experience what you are going through. Sending you all the love, and if you're looking for additional support, The Stepmom Si…
…
continue reading