Best Stepkids Podcasts (2024)

1
Bonding with alienated stepkids. 1:05

15d ago1:05

1:05

💬 Send us a text! (Yes really!) Parental alienation affects your stepkid’s ability to form loving bonds… including bonding with their stepparent. Alienated kids can develop a specific set of characteristics that also make them hard to warm up to... like acting cold, rejecting you & your partner, lying between houses, and many more than I could shar…

1
Do Stepkids Really Ruin Marriages? The Truth Behind the Struggles 14:29

18d ago14:29

14:29

Send us a text Hey Believers, Do Stepkids Really Ruin Marriages? Uncovering the Truth Behind the Struggles Blending families can be challenging, and it’s a common belief that stepchildren constitute a significant source of tension in marriages. But is that really the case? In this video, we explore the reality of stepfamily dynamics and the common …

1
"Filling in the Gaps: My Response to “(Allan)How I almost ruined my marriage. 11:58

10h ago11:58

11:58

Send us a text Hey Believers, I'm responding to my husband's story about how he almost ruined our marriage in this video. While he shared his perspective, he left out some critical details, including the lies, deception, and secrets that hurt me deeply. These issues involved his family members, and I was left feeling like an outsider—looking foolis…

1
The Ex Only Gets 15 Minutes + Wills That Don’t Feel Morbid with Kerri Koen 59:26

4h ago59:26

59:26

This week on the KICK-ASS Stepmom Podcast, fellow stepmom and Estate Planner Kerri Koen is on to dive into all things estate planning and stepmom life. This interview was originally recorded for KICK-ASS Stepmom, my online platform for stepmoms however the conversation was so valuable we are sharing it here too. We talk about: Tough conversations a…

1
#66: Caught in the Middle: The Truth About Dad Guilt in Stepfamilies 24:18

1d ago24:18

24:18

In today’s episode, I'm diving into a topic that doesn’t get enough attention—Dad Guilt in a Stepfamily. You’ve probably heard a lot about stepmom guilt, but what about the dads? Many dads in stepfamilies feel torn between their kids and their new family. That guilt can impact everything from how they parent to how they show up in their marriage. I…

1
"How I Almost Ruined My Marriage, But God Saved It | A Powerful Testimony" 31:26

4h ago31:26

31:26

Send us a text In this heartfelt testimony, I share how we came dangerously close to losing our marriage. Through struggles, mistakes, and moments of despair, I almost gave up—but God had other plans. Watch as I open up about the challenges that nearly tore us apart and how faith, prayer, and God’s grace restored our relationship. If you’re struggl…

1
#65: Clear the Clutter: Expert Tips to Declutter Your Space and Mind with Amy Slenker-Smith 1:31:07

1d ago1:31:07

1:31:07

Is your home feeling more chaotic than calm? In this episode, I sit down with a decluttering expert Amy Slenker-Smith to tackle all things mess-related. Whether you’re drowning in toys, paperwork, or just stuff you can’t seem to part with, this episode is packed with practical tips and mindset shifts to help you reclaim your space—and your sanity. …

1
"Different Parenting Styles and Discipline: What Could Go Wrong in a Blended Family" 18:07

1d ago18:07

18:07

Send us a text Hey Believers, "Disciplining stepchildren can be challenging, but it's essential for building a harmonious blended family. In this video, we share practical, faith-based advice on establishing healthy boundaries, fostering respect, and creating unity while maintaining a loving environment. Learn how to navigate the unique dynamics of…

1
The Aftermath Of Emotionally Abusive Parents with Dr. Sherri Campbell Pt. 2 51:22

7d ago51:22

51:22

This week on The KICK-ASS Stepmom Podcast, Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Best-Selling Author Dr. Sherrie Campbell is back on the show. Sherri specializes in helping healthy people cut ties with toxic people in their lives and the story she shares today goes deep on how (and why) this work is so important. In this episode, we dive into her pers…

1
#64: Stepfamily Legal Realities: Divorce, Custody, & Blending Families with Tracey J. Coates 39:26

8d ago39:26

39:26

In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, we’re diving deep into the legal side of stepfamily dynamics with none other than Tracey J. Coates, Managing Partner of Coates Family Law, PLLC. Tracey is a powerhouse attorney who represents high-net-worth and high-profile clients in domestic relations cases, including divorce, child custody, and adopti…

1
Prioritizing Your Child vs. Spouse What Happens When Roles Reverse? 18:47

9d ago18:47

18:47

Send us a text Hey Believers, "In this video, we explore the complex dynamics that arise when parents prioritize their children over their spouse, only to later experience the reverse when the child grows up and chooses their own spouse over the parent. We discuss the emotional impact, the importance of maintaining a healthy marital relationship, a…

1
Love yourself first! 1:57

11d ago1:57

1:57

💬 Send us a text! (Yes really!) There’s a great quote from Lucille Ball that goes “Love yourself first, and everything else falls into line.” That for sure has been my personal experience with stepparenting. (And really, with life in general.) As stepparents, we talk a LOT about loving our stepkids, about loving our partners and our blended familie…

1
Co-Parenting Plans + Joint Birthday Parties With A High-Conflict Ex with Samantha Boss 50:06

14d ago50:06

50:06

This week on The KICK-ASS Stepmom Podcast, Divorce and Co-Parenting Coach Samantha Boss is on the show to dive into all things co-parenting plans and dealing with a high-conflict ex. Through her personal experience and 8-year battle dealing with a high-conflict and narcissistic ex-husband, Samantha started supporting other women going through the s…

1
The stigma against stepparents. 1:25

10d ago1:25

1:25

💬 Send us a text! (Yes really!) Society really doesn’t like stepparents, so coming into this role can feel intimidating. Or like we have something to prove, like we are NOT like those bad stepparents. We’re the GOOD stepparents. But do not let society or the ex or even your partner try to marginalize you or the stepparenting role. Our role as stepp…

1
Pick your battles. 1:39

11d ago1:39

1:39

💬 Send us a text! (Yes really!) My stepkid had a real thing for ketchup when she was younger, borderline addiction. I’m talking, putting-ketchup-on-lasagna level of ketchup. She also had problems with acid stomach and wasn’t supposed to be eating too much tomato-based things. Dan sometimes remembered to limit her ketchup intake, but mostly not. The…

1
Stepparents have needs too. 1:18

12d ago1:18

1:18

💬 Send us a text! (Yes really!) Becoming a stepparent does not negate the needs and feelings we have as individuals. And yet, so many of our partners seem to think we shouldn’t have those needs or feelings… or at least that we should be perfectly content putting ourselves and our relationship needs dead last, apparently forever. This is not sustain…

1
What’s “normal” in a stepfamily? 1:17

13d ago1:17

1:17

💬 Send us a text! (Yes really!) Since most of us have never been stepparents before, learning to recognize what's typical for life in a stepfamily vs. what's a red flag is a bit of a learning curve. For example, it’s normal for your stepkids to act out because they're kids and life in two homes is tough and they don’t like a stepparent’s rules. It’…

1
Blending your family takes time. 2:02

14d ago2:02

2:02

💬 Send us a text! (Yes really!) If you think your blended family will never feel like a "real" family, first of all you’re not alone. But secondly, don’t give up! It’s officially autumn here in the northern hemisphere right now, the air is getting colder and the world is getting quieter as the birds head south and critters start hibernating. Fall i…

1
#63: When the Ex is Always Around: How to Keep Your Sanity and Your Relationship Intact 27:01

16d ago27:01

27:01

Ever feel like your partner’s ex is always around—at every event, in every conversation, and all over social media? In today’s episode, we dive into the awkward and often frustrating reality of dealing with your partner’s ex and how to keep your cool when it feels like they’re *everywhere.* I’m breaking down: - Why it can feel like the ex is always…

1
Stepparenting burnout. 1:03

16d ago1:03

1:03

💬 Send us a text! (Yes really!) Stepparents, if you're feeling stressed out and frazzled, please know that you're allowed to TAKE. A STEP. BACK. Burning yourself out only makes it that much harder to stay grounded and sane. Two things you kinda sorta really need if you wanna to keep your head above water while you're blending your family! We live i…

1
Stepmom Burnout & When It's All About The Kids With Darren 41:17

26d ago41:17

41:17

This week on The KICK-ASS Stepmom Podcast, Darren and I are diving into something that is not talked about enough in the stepmom space - burnout. As a stepmom you’re showing up, doing all the things and simultaneously feeling resentful. We’ve all been there… and a lot of you are there right now. In this episode, we discuss how to talk to your partn…

1
Finding stepparenting support. 1:38

17d ago1:38

1:38

💬 Send us a text! (Yes really!) For inexplicable reasons, many of the people around stepparents seem to think that we shouldn’t feel stressed or overwhelmed by this role just because we chose this — because we knew our partners had kids. When a person feels stressed about starting a new job, no one says "Well, you applied for this position. YOU kne…

1
Can’t win over your stepkid? 2:13

18d ago2:13

2:13

💬 Send us a text! (Yes really!) Again and again and again I'd try to win my stepkid over. I followed all the usual stepparenting advice: show an interest in their interests, take it slow, try not to take their rejection personally. And nada. Zilch. Nothing. I started getting desperate. I thought I could get her to like me if I acted differently. So…

1
Stepkids need parenting. 1:27

19d ago1:27

1:27

💬 Send us a text! (Yes really!) It shouldn’t be a newsflash to say kids of divorce still need parenting… AND YET, that is the topic of today’s pep talk. A child's parents not being together anymore does not negate the reality that kids need structure. They need a regular routine. They need guidance from the adults around them. All of this helps kid…

1
You don’t have to prove yourself. 1:16

28d ago1:16

1:16

💬 Send us a text! (Yes really!) It's human nature to want to defend yourself against false accusations, fight for equality and justice, and right the wrongs you see. It's also human nature to think to yourself "If I can just show them that I'm not the bad guy" and believe that'll somehow fix everything. But you don’t have to prove yourself to the e…

1
Stepparenting feels hard because it’s hard. 1:29

21d ago1:29

1:29

💬 Send us a text! (Yes really!) Stepparenting in a nutshell reads like one long list of confusing contradictions. You’re supposed to be involved, but not so much so you’re overstepping. You need to give your stepkids space, but not so much that it seems like you don’t care. You need to be realistic about the role you’re taking on as a stepparent, y…

1
Co-parenting in a toxic cycle. 1:00

22d ago1:00

1:00

💬 Send us a text! (Yes really!) Let me know if this cycle sounds familiar: The ex makes a unilateral co-parenting decision >> that decision interferes with your parenting time or otherwise conflicts with your morals, ethics, and values >> they know this and move ahead anyway >> you decide enough is enough and say you're not going along with it >> t…

1
#62: When Your Stepkid Doesn't Like You: How to Handle Feeling Defeated Without Losing Your Sanity 28:44

23d ago28:44

28:44

So, your stepkid doesn't like you? Join the club, girlfriend. You aren't the only stepmom that's felt that. In this episode, I discuss: -how it's really not something personal (promise!) -how to deal with the disrespect -why taking time for YOU is so important -ways to build respect (little by little) and more! Want a specific topic covered? Let me…

1
From vows to forever How to make your marriage last a lifetime 20:48

1M ago20:48

20:48

Send us a text Hey Believers, "In this video, we dive into what it takes to make your marriage last forever. Whether you're just starting your journey or have been together for years, a strong and enduring marriage is built on love, faith, and dedication. We share our personal experiences and insights on nurturing a deep connection, communicating e…

1
Self-care boundaries for stepparents. 0:54

23d ago0:54

0:54

💬 Send us a text! (Yes really!) When we've become way too used to compromising our own values, beginning to say no sometimes can feel selfish. Boundaries and self-care can feel selfish. Prioritizing our mental health isn’t selfish, though; it’s us returning to ourselves after way too much time spent erasing our voice in an attempt to keep the peace…

1
Debunking Assumptions About Our Marriage, Stepkids + The Ex with Darren 35:31

1M ago35:31

35:31

This week on The KICK-ASS Stepmom Podcast, Darren is back and we are getting real by diving into the assumptions that people online make about our marriage, stepkids and the ex. From my relationship with my stepdaughter to the strength of our marriage, having strict rules at home and does the ex really hate me? We are covering it all! Upcoming Mast…

1
Being a kid person vs. being a stepparent. 1:30

24d ago1:30

1:30

💬 Send us a text! (Yes really!) Has anyone else noticed that way too many stepparenting resources act like stepparents are child-hating morons who have never interacted with a single kid in our lives? I remember reading books that seriously said shit like "Listen, you're dating someone with a kid, so you might have to get used to Friday night socce…

1
Stepparents need breaks too! 1:06

25d ago1:06

1:06

💬 Send us a text! (Yes really!) Every parent needs a break from parenting once in a while, and that includes stepparents. Typically, society doesn’t accuse parents who need a break of hating their kids. Yet society loves to imply there’s something wrong with a stepparent who needs a break. Today’s pep talk is to remind you that you’re allowed to ta…

1
Bonding problems with stepkids. 1:19

26d ago1:19

1:19

💬 Send us a text! (Yes really!) The time, energy, and effort you pour into the relationship with your stepkid might not be reciprocated. At least, not yet. Then again, possibly not ever. Or else maybe it'll come back to you and then some! 🤷🏻‍♀️ The point is, you JUST NEVER KNOW which way it's gonna go with your stepkid. And that goes double or trip…

1
Stepkids in high conflict. 1:01

27d ago1:01

1:01

💬 Send us a text! (Yes really!) The ex being high conflict can have a direct impact on how well you’re able to connect with your stepkid. If your stepkid's other home is dysfunctional or abusive, then even their most basic interpretations of love, belonging, or family could be very different from yours. Maybe more different than you’d ever guess. S…

1
If your stepkid rejects you… 1:25

28d ago1:25

1:25

💬 Send us a text! (Yes really!) If your stepkid wants nothing to do with you, please know that's more of a reflection on what you represent to them than it is a commentary on your personality. Your stepkid doesn't care how great you are. All they care is that you represent change, and change feels scary — especially to kids who are still shaken up …

1
When the ex twists the custody order. 1:01

1M ago1:01

1:01

💬 Send us a text! (Yes really!) Custody orders are not a matter of opinion. A parenting plan is an enforceable legal document that protects both parents' legal parenting rights. One parent cannot legally make arbitrary, unilateral decisions that affect the other parent's visitation time; that would be a violation of the custody order. And you have …

1
#61: Co-parenting at School, Lying, and Supporting Kids with Karin Jakubowski 34:47

1M ago34:47

34:47

Dr. Jakubowski is a well-respected international influencer on helping kids live happier, healthier lives. She has touched the lives of thousands of families in multiple states with her ability to connect and help kids experience success from challenging behaviors. With a doctorate in Educational Leadership, and nearly 20 years of experience in edu…

1
The Hidden Struggles of Co-Parenting in Blended Families 17:45

1M ago17:45

17:45

Send us a text Hey Believers, In this episode, we open up about the often-overlooked struggles of blended families and why we don’t recommend this family structure. Having experienced the challenges of co-parenting firsthand, we’ll discuss the emotional, relational, and practical difficulties that arise in blended families. From navigating differen…

1
Improving our stepkids’ lives. 1:16

1M ago1:16

1:16

💬 Send us a text! (Yes really!) One of my biggest stepparenting frustrations was feeling blocked in my ability to make changes for the better in the life of my stepkid. Yet — trying to parent my stepkid ended up causing stress and friction between me and my stepkid AND between me and my partner. And when that happens, it’s probably time to disengag…

1
Rocked By Stepmotherhood + True Authenticity In Stepmom Life with Kat John 55:13

1M ago55:13

55:13

This week on The KICK-ASS Stepmom Podcast, Stepmom and Authenticity Coach Kat Jon is back on the show to talk about what it means to be an authentic stepmom. In this episode, we chat about how her life has changed as a stepmom now that she has her stepkids full time, her new book “Authentic” and how the real stepmom experience can truly rock us to …

1
Does life outside stepparenting even exist? 0:54

1M ago0:54

0:54

💬 Send us a text! (Yes really!) Sometimes we get so wrapped up in stepfamily life that we forget there's a big wide world beyond our blended family bubble. We can try so hard to be good stepparents that we end up losing track of who and what we are outside of our stepparenting role. When we define ourselves only by how much our stepkids like us (or…

1
Try to enjoy the absurdity. 1:03

1M ago1:03

1:03

💬 Send us a text! (Yes really!) We tell our kids that big emotions feel scary, but that’s actually just as true for us grownups. Stepparenting is overwhelming a surprising percentage of the time. No matter how committed you are to building your blended family, you cannot be all in, all the time without some kind of pressure relief valve. Sometimes …

1
You are not alone! 1:07

1M ago1:07

1:07

💬 Send us a text! (Yes really!) Today’s pep talk is simple. I just want you to know you are not alone. You're not. As isolated as you may feel, as many cheerleading posts about stepparenting that you might read (and then feel guilty that you don't feel like a cheerleading kinda stepparent), know that stepparenting being hard is also normal. It took…

1
High conflict changes the co-parenting rules. 1:21

1M ago1:21

1:21

💬 Send us a text! (Yes really!) You can’t coparent with someone who won’t compromise. If you're continually bending over backwards trying to make reasonable accommodations while the other co-parent keeps making unilateral decisions and refusing to meet you even close to halfway, I've got news for you: that's not co-parenting. That's you getting man…

1
It's okay not to be an instant stepparenting expert. 1:21

1M ago1:21

1:21

💬 Send us a text! (Yes really!) We all understand that becoming a parent is a major adjustment, yet we expect stepparents to become instant experts in their role. And by “we” I mean society, but also including ourselves. We seem to hold ourselves to this ridiculous standard — like we’re not gonna make mistakes, or there won’t be a learning curve. F…

1
Minimize your contact with the ex. 1:49

1M ago1:49

1:49

💬 Send us a text! (Yes really!) If your partner’s ex is high conflict, limiting how much contact you have with them can also limit the potential for drama. When I saw how ridiculous Dan’s relationship was with his ex, I thought most of the conflict between houses could be pretty easily resolved through clearer communication. I’m a great communicato…

1
#60: Let's Talk Addiction with Melanie Stern 35:51

2M ago35:51

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…

1
Blended Families The Hard Truth and Why We Don’t Recommend It 26:34

2M ago26:34

26:34

Send us a text Hey Believers, In today's episode, we tackle a topic that might surprise many: why we don't recommend a blended family. As a blended family, we understand the unique challenges of merging different households, parenting styles, and family traditions. While every family is different, and some can thrive in these situations, we've seen…

1
Stepparenting PTSD? 1:08

1M ago1:08

1:08

💬 Send us a text! (Yes really!) Becoming a stepparent gave me PTSD. And I do mean PTSD in the literal, clinical sense, as in diagnosed by an actual counselor. Living under the constant conflict between houses and never-ending uncertainty of where the next attack might be coming from turned my existing anxiety issues into a full-blown trauma respons…

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Stepkids Podcasts

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