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The Stepmom Side Podcast

Author: Alicia Krasko

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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 expect honest (and uncomfortable) conversations with perspective shifts mixed in to help you create the life you no longer have to google for help.

71 Episodes
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In this episode, I tackle one of the biggest pressures in stepfamily life: the expectation to create a “blended” family. Society makes us feel like a stepfamily isn’t successful unless everyone’s close and connected immediately, but real-life doesn’t always work like that. Lets break down the difference between blending and bonding and why forcing “blended” family dynamics often leads to more tension than connection.Listen in to learn:Why blending isn’t the ultimate goal and what to focus on ...
As a stepmom, the holiday season can feel like you’re juggling everyone else’s needs—and there’s never enough time for you. In this episode, Alicia breaks down why self-care isn’t just a nice-to-have but a must-do during the holidays. From sneaking in “me-time” pockets to setting boundaries with your schedule (yes, it’s okay to say “I’m busy!”), she shares simple, powerful strategies for protecting your peace.You’ll learn why stepping back from the comparison trap can be the best gift you giv...
In this episode, Alicia dives into a classic struggle: surviving family gatherings without losing your mind (or your peace). Whether it’s Aunt Judy offering unsolicited advice or cousins asking uncomfortable questions about your role as a stepmom, family events can turn into an emotional minefield real quick.Here’s what we’re covering today:Why Family Gatherings Attract Unsolicited Opinions: Is it the holiday spirit, or do people just forget their boundaries when they pass the gravy? We’ll ex...
In this episode, Alicia is joined by a fellow stepmom, Lauren from Blended by Distance, to dive deep into the rollercoaster of emotions and challenges stepmoms face. They get real about some of the biggest hurdles that can make stepmoms question our sanity... Here’s what is covered:Losing Yourself: That feeling when you wake up and realize you’ve put yourself last for way too long. We talk about how easy it is to get caught up in being everything to everyone—your stepkids, your partner, ...
In this episode, I dive into the rarely discussed but very real phenomenon of stepmom-specific anxiety. If you’ve ever felt like you're constantly on edge, waiting for the next family drama to erupt—whether it's the stepkids, the ex, or just life in general—this episode is for you. I'm breaking down what makes this anxiety unique, why you might be feeling it, and, most importantly, how to manage it before it manages you.Here's what I dive into:Understanding Stepmom Anxiety: It's more than jus...
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'll break down what dad guilt looks like, how it affects family dynamics, especially when it comes to disciplining kids, and what both partners can...
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. We dive into the emotional attachment to items, how decluttering can improve mental health, and how to get the whole family on board (yes, even the...
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 adoption, and estate planning. Tracey is the host of the popular podcast, The Tracey Coates Show, and has published numerous articles on family law topic...
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 around (even if they’re not!)- How to communicate with your partner about boundaries without causing a fight- Tips for handling social media when t...
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 know here.After you listen to this, tag me on Instagram @aliciakrasko and let me know what you think!Get all the FREE RESOURCES here.Want to learn...
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 education as a teacher, assistant principal and principal, she is highly regarded as an educational gamechanger.In this episode, we discuss:-Co-...
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-mother, enjoys running and being by the beach, and is a proud lifelong New Yorker.In this episode, we discuss:-what is addiction?-how to break the...
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 and learned the tools she needed to move forward and create a future she could get excited about. Now, she coaches and teaches other widows so they c...
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, but you don't get anywhere.Want a specific topic covered? Let me know here.After you listen to this, tag me on Instagram @aliciakrasko and let me k...
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 say an apology could strengthen it?Want a specific topic covered? Let me know here.After you listen to this, tag me on Instagram @aliciakrasko ...
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 through it.We talk about this in The Stepmom Side Community. Come join us there!Want a specific topic covered? Let me know here.After you listen to this, ...
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 being just the stepmom.Want help "Defining Your role"? Click here.Want a specific topic covered? Let me know here.After you listen to this, ...
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. (Thankfully, he never uses it now!)The resource mentioned is: Mastering the Stressors found here.Want a specific topic covered? Let me know here.After you list...
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 againWant a specific topic covered? Let me know here.After you listen to this, tag me on Instagram @aliciakrasko and let me know what you think!Get all the FREE RESOURCES here.Want to learn more about The Step...
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 perspective on the other parent-what your "cutesy" name for the ex says about you-why being and acting like an "adult" in a blended family situation is imp...
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