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© 2026 Laura Jenkins
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In The Blend is a podcast series that helps parents navigate life within step-families.
Join host Laura Jenkins as she speaks with experts and guests to get practical advice on how to have a harmonious blended family life.
This series dives deep into the unique dynamics, logistics, and challenges of raising a blended family. From new partners, to juggling mixed finances - Laura will help guide you through it.
116 Episodes
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Laila Sultan, lawyer, life coach and mum, joins the podcast to share how her experience of growing up in a blended family shaped her approach to co-parenting, motherhood and money.In this conversation, Laila opens up about the challenges of modern motherhood — from the pressure to balance career and family, to the often-overlooked economic risks mothers take on when raising children. She highlights the importance of financial literacy, open conversations about money within families, and the role of supportive policies like paid parental leave.From teaching children financial responsibility to exploring the unique financial negotiations that come with blended families, Laila offers practical insights alongside her lived wisdom.www.gomama.com.au/@gomamaofficial_/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kris Byrnes, personal development coach, Master NLP practitioner and mum of four (including two stepdaughters), joins the podcast to unpack one of the biggest questions many stepmums quietly ask themselves: Will I ever be enough? Drawing on her lived experience of growing up in a blended family and stepping into the role of instant mother in her early twenties, Kris shares openly about breaking the “evil stepmother” stereotype, navigating feelings of self-doubt, and the importance of building trust with stepchildren from the ground up. From practical ways to meet kids where they are, to strategies for protecting your own identity and self-worth, Kris offers heartfelt insights for stepmums at every stage of the journey. This episode is a reminder that feeling “enough” starts within — and that change always begins with you. @insideoutwithkrisSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mitch Tambo, singer, speaker and proud Gamilaraay man, joins the podcast alongside his partner Voice of LeLe for an inspiring conversation about love, culture, and blended family life.Together, Mitch and LeLe share their journey as a couple navigating the ups and downs of co-parenting, step-parenting, and creating strong connections with their children. From the importance of cultural identity to the everyday rituals that bring their family closer, they offer honest reflections on what it means to show up fully — for yourself, your partner, and your kids.With warmth, humour and deep wisdom, this episode is a celebration of connection, patience, and the power of storytelling in modern family life.@mitchtambo@voiceofleleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation, Nathan discusses the critical stages of child brain development, particularly the first thousand days, and how these stages influence emotional and social development in children, especially in blended families. He emphasises the importance of language, predictability, and communication in fostering healthy relationships and emotional regulation. Nathan also provides practical strategies for parents navigating the complexities of blended family dynamics, including the significance of validation, external relationships, and appropriate discipline.www.nathanwallis.com Instagram: @nathandwallis Facebook: @nathanwallisxfactoreducationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation, Nathan discusses the critical stages of child brain development, particularly the first thousand days, and how these stages influence emotional and social development in children, especially in blended families. He emphasises the importance of language, predictability, and communication in fostering healthy relationships and emotional regulation. Nathan also provides practical strategies for parents navigating the complexities of blended family dynamics, including the significance of validation, external relationships, and appropriate discipline.www.nathanwallis.com Instagram: @nathandwallis Facebook: @nathanwallisxfactoreducationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, I sit down with a very special guest—my mum. As a grandmother in a blended family and a doctor, she brings unique personal and professional insights to the complexities of family dynamics.We explore her approach to being a grandparent in a blended family, from making each grandchild feel special during holidays to staying connected through technology when distance is a factor. My mum shares her thoughts on creating a warm, inclusive environment and the importance of building individual bonds with each grandchild.She also reflects on the challenges of her role, highlighting the need to provide support without overstepping boundaries and the value of being a safe, supportive figure for grandchildren navigating family transitions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, I sit down with a very special guest—my mum. As a grandmother in a blended family and a doctor, she brings unique personal and professional insights to the complexities of family dynamics.We explore her approach to being a grandparent in a blended family, from making each grandchild feel special during holidays to staying connected through technology when distance is a factor. My mum shares her thoughts on creating a warm, inclusive environment and the importance of building individual bonds with each grandchild.She also reflects on the challenges of her role, highlighting the need to provide support without overstepping boundaries and the value of being a safe, supportive figure for grandchildren navigating family transitions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kat John, authenticity coach, speaker, and author of Authentic: Coming Home to Your True Self, shares her journey as a stepmum and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Kat opens up about navigating relationships with her stepdaughters, supporting her partner, and staying true to herself in the complex dynamics of a blended family.@kat.johnWith a focus on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and connection, Kat offers practical tools to help step-parents embrace authenticity and build stronger relationships. This episode is filled with wisdom and inspiration for anyone navigating blended family life and one you'll come back to again and again!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this favourite tips episode of In The Blend, we revisit a powerful conversation with Mikki Gardner, with strategies for handling those heated moments when emotions run high. Mikki shares her three-step framework for managing triggers, emphasising the importance of hitting the pause button, taking deep breaths, and giving yourself permission to step back before responding.For the full episode visit https://intheblend.com.au/podcast/susan-haworth-on-expert-advice-from-the-stepmom-whisperer/Don't Miss: The Bonus Mum Blueprint is launching in just a few weeks! This course dives deep into self-care and emotional regulation, especially for stepmums. Sign up now to join the waitlist at www.intheblend.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lindsay Cameron, a co-parenting coach, shares her journey and strategies for effective co-parenting during this chat. She emphasises the importance of setting aside ego and emotions to prioritise the well-being of the children. Lindsay also advises parents to pause and respond rather than react in heated moments, and to avoid negative communication in front of the children. She recommends establishing effective communication through shared digital calendars and regular meetings to discuss co-parenting matters. Lindsay also highlights the significance of emotional intelligence and seeking professional help, such as therapy and coaching, to navigate challenges. Instagram: @lindsay_cameron_See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lindsay Cameron, a co-parenting coach, shares her journey and strategies for effective co-parenting during this chat. She emphasises the importance of setting aside ego and emotions to prioritise the well-being of the children. Lindsay also advises parents to pause and respond rather than react in heated moments, and to avoid negative communication in front of the children. She recommends establishing effective communication through shared digital calendars and regular meetings to discuss co-parenting matters. Lindsay also highlights the significance of emotional intelligence and seeking professional help, such as therapy and coaching, to navigate challenges. Instagram: @lindsay_cameron_See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, we hear from Mia McLeod, the founder of Digital Collective, about her experience as an entrepreneur and a member of a blended family. Mia shares how she started her business and the challenges she faced while navigating the demands of work and family life. She emphasises the importance of communication, flexibility, and self-care in finding balance. Mia also discusses her blended family dynamic and offers advice for other entrepreneurs in similar situations.@digitalcollectiveco@businessbosscollectiveSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, we hear from Mia McLeod, the founder of Digital Collective, about her experience as an entrepreneur and a member of a blended family. Mia shares how she started her business and the challenges she faced while navigating the demands of work and family life. She emphasises the importance of communication, flexibility, and self-care in finding balance. Mia also discusses her blended family dynamic and offers advice for other entrepreneurs in similar situations.@digitalcollectiveco@businessbosscollectiveSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Gill and Brenda, a husband and wife duo, share their journey into counselling and coaching for blended families, discussing their personal experiences and the challenges they've faced. They emphasise the importance of the couple relationship and provide insights into the differences in parenting styles and communication within blended families. They also discuss the upcoming Better Marriages Australia Conference and the key themes they address in their presentations.gilandbrenda.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Gill and Brenda, a husband and wife duo, share their journey into counselling and coaching for blended families, discussing their personal experiences and the challenges they've faced. They emphasise the importance of the couple relationship and provide insights into the differences in parenting styles and communication within blended families. They also discuss the upcoming Better Marriages Australia Conference and the key themes they address in their presentations.gilandbrenda.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, Mikki Gardner, a certified life and conscious parenting coach, shares her personal journey of co-parenting and the insights from her latest book, 'The People Pleasers Guide to Co-Parenting Well.' She discusses emotional regulation, self-care, and the framework for identifying and overcoming people-pleasing tendencies. Mickey emphasises the importance of self-awareness, agency, and aligned action in navigating co-parenting and step-parenting challenges.Mikki’s free gift:www.mikkigardner.com/harmonious-homeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, Mikki Gardner, a certified life and conscious parenting coach, shares her personal journey of co-parenting and the insights from her latest book, 'The People Pleasers Guide to Co-Parenting Well.' She discusses emotional regulation, self-care, and the framework for identifying and overcoming people-pleasing tendencies. Mickey emphasises the importance of self-awareness, agency, and aligned action in navigating co-parenting and step-parenting challenges.Mikki’s free gift:www.mikkigardner.com/harmonious-homeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Belinda Mercorella, a stepmum, shares her journey of becoming a stepmum at 40. She initially had reservations about dating someone with kids but was attracted to Nigel's dedication to parenting.Belinda faced challenges in letting go of control and adjusting to living with children. She also felt isolated and faced the decision of whether to add a baby of their own into the mix.Belinda shares valuable lessons she has learned about herself and being a stepmum, including the importance of communication, flexibility, and self-care.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Belinda Mercorella, a stepmum, shares her journey of becoming a stepmum at 40. She initially had reservations about dating someone with kids but was attracted to Nigel's dedication to parenting.Belinda faced challenges in letting go of control and adjusting to living with children. She also felt isolated and faced the decision of whether to add a baby of their own into the mix.Belinda shares valuable lessons she has learned about herself and being a stepmum, including the importance of communication, flexibility, and self-care.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, we hear from repeat guest Ron Deal, a leading expert in blended family dynamics and co-author of Building Love Together in Blended Families with Dr. Gary Chapman. We explore how the Five Love Languages apply specifically to blended families, and the importance of these languages in building strong bonds.Ron shares effective strategies for step-parents to bond with their stepchildren as well as common challenges blended families face in building love and connection.The conversation also delves into tips for identifying and adapting to the different love languages of each family member, and offers valuable advice for new stepfamilies on implementing the Five Love Languages from the outset.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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