Claim OwnershipThe Stepmom Side Podcast
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Description
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.
123 Episodes
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In this truth-telling episode, Alicia pulls back the curtain on one of the most common (but least talked about) emotions in stepfamily life: resentment. It doesn’t show up overnight—it builds quietly from all the unspoken expectations, invisible labor, and bottled-up feelings that come with being a stepmom. Alicia shares why resentment creeps in when you’re doing everything right but still feel unseen, unappreciated, and exhausted. You’ll learn how to spot the early signs before they blow up,...
If you’ve tried to co-parent with someone who thrives on drama, control, or straight-up chaos… this episode is your safe space and wake-up call. In Episode 122 of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia breaks down what to do when co-parenting feels impossible because the ex just won’t cooperate. We’re not here to sugarcoat—we’re here to speak truth. Co-parenting takes two willing adults. And when that’s not happening? You need to stop wasting energy trying to fix what you can’t control. Tune in for...
When the holidays roll around, so does the pressure — to make it fair, to make it magical, and to not lose your mind when the ex goes overboard or your stepkids start comparing gifts. In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia unpacks the gift-giving grief that shows up for so many stepmoms — the quiet, unspoken frustration of trying not to compete or control while still wanting to be thoughtful. You’ll hear how to: ✨ Break the pattern of comparison between homes ✨ Stop feeling like ...
The holidays can feel like a ticking time bomb in blended families — forced togetherness, high expectations, and the pressure to make everything magical can lead to major tension between stepkids and bio kids. In this episode, Alicia Krasko tackles the emotional chaos of holiday dynamics: sibling rivalry, stepkid drama, and what to do when your partner doesn’t step up. She shares practical tools, mindset shifts, and boundary-setting strategies to help you protect your peace — especially when ...
Have you ever felt like an outsider in your own home? In this heartfelt and practical episode, Alicia breaks down why stepmoms often feel left out of family moments — and what you can do about it. From unspoken group texts to being excluded from decisions and traditions, Alicia shares real-life examples (including a cringe-worthy moment at Cedar Point) that will have you nodding your head thinking, “Yes. That’s me.” But more importantly, she gives you five practical strategies to help you fee...
When your partner sides with the kids, it can feel like betrayal — or at the very least, like you’ve been completely shut out. This episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast digs into those moments of emotional hurt and confusion that so many stepmoms experience but few talk about openly. We explore the power dynamics at play and the often invisible loyalty binds that pull at your partner — and how those dynamics can impact your marriage, your mental health, and the overall vibe in your blended fam...
In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia gets real about one of the biggest misconceptions stepmoms have — that peace comes when everything is finally perfect....and then hear something going wrong in real time. :) If you’ve ever thought, “Once the ex chills out… once the kids listen… once my partner gets it — THEN I’ll finally have peace,” this episode will feel like a breath of fresh air. Alicia shares why chasing perfection only leads to burnout and resentment — and how true pea...
What if you don’t like your stepkids? It’s the question that stepmoms whisper to themselves and rarely admit out loud. In this episode, Alicia unpacks why these feelings show up, why they don’t make you a “bad stepmom,” and how to move through them without shame. You’ll learn: Why it’s normal to not always like your stepkidsHow societal expectations set stepmoms up for guiltSimple shifts to ease the tension when relationships feel strainedHow to release the pressure to force a bondThis is you...
Being the “strict” house isn’t easy — especially when you’re parenting a teenager who has unlimited freedom at their other home. In this episode, Alicia dives into a real stepmom story from Erica, who’s been a stepmom for 11 years and is now facing the challenges of raising a 13-year-old stepdaughter in two very different households. At Erica’s house, structure, healthy meals, and clear phone boundaries are the norm. At mom’s house, the rules are… basically nonexistent. The result? Erica feel...
In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia Krasko opens up about her why—the real reason she started coaching stepmoms, built The Stepmom Side Community, and launched this very podcast. She shares her raw, unfiltered story of hitting rock bottom as a stepmom, googling “how to get divorced,” and feeling like an outsider in her own home. Alicia explains the turning point when she admitted she needed help, how outside support transformed her stepmom journey, and why she decided to step ...
Do you ever catch yourself spiraling with intrusive thoughts about not being “enough” as a stepmom? Maybe you wonder if you’ll ever feel as important as your partner’s kids’ mom. Or you feel that rush of pressure to have a baby of your own—just so you can finally feel “equal.” If that’s you, you are not alone. In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia dives deep into what she calls the messy middle of stepmomming—the stage where you’ve been in the role long enough to know the hard s...
In this candid episode, Alicia gets real about something most stepmoms won’t say out loud: you want to be over your partner’s past… but reminders keep ambushing you—kids’ faces, old photos, in-law stories, even the house you live in. She explains why your brain grabs the past when you don’t feel safe, the hidden cost of re-hashing old wounds, and a step-by-step plan to stop using history as ammunition so you can build the future you actually want. Who this is for: Stepmoms who feel caught bet...
Spiraling happens to every stepmom. You’re not broken—you’re human. In this episode, Alicia breaks down why stepmoms spiral, when it usually happens, and the steps you can take to calm your nervous system and find your footing again. If you’ve ever felt like your thoughts are racing, your chest is tight, and everything feels like too much, this episode will help you feel safe and grounded. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why spiraling is normal and not a personal failureCommon triggers tha...
Ever wish you could say exactly what’s on your mind to your partner’s ex… but know it’ll only make things worse? In this episode, Alicia shares the concept of an “Ex-Files”—a private place to store your unspoken thoughts, frustrations, and screenshots. Learn why it’s essential for your peace, your relationship, and your stepmom sanity. You’ll discover: What an Ex-Files is and how to set one upWhy it protects your relationshipWhen to use it (and when not to)How it helps you release frustration...
In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia dives deep into the challenges that come when in-laws stay close to the ex. This dynamic can leave you feeling like the outsider in your own family, causing frustration, jealousy, and insecurity. But how can you cope with these feelings and build healthier boundaries? Tune in as Alicia shares her personal experiences, provides insight into the complex family dynamics, and offers practical advice to navigate these tricky situations with confi...
What do you do when someone says, "Just take a break," but you're knee-deep in dinner, the ex is texting, your stepkid is criticizing your cooking, and you’re one eye twitch away from totally losing it? In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia is getting real about how to handle stress when stepping back isn’t an option. Spoiler: she’s not about to suggest you go meditate in the pantry—unless that’s the only room with a door that locks. You’ll walk away with practical tools to regu...
This honest and empowering episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast dives deep into how codependency shows up uniquely in the stepmom experience. From emotional overfunctioning and people-pleasing to the fear of abandonment and control, Alicia shares real talk from her own life, plus tools you can use to start healing. If you've ever felt like your value is tied to how much you give—or that you're doing way more emotional labor than anyone else—this episode is your sign to pause, reflect, and star...
What if conflict isn't the problem—but the portal? In this raw and real episode, Alicia is joined by Annmarie, a fellow stepmom and conflict resolution ninja, to unpack what’s really going on underneath the same old fights. (Spoiler: It’s not about the dishes.) They dig into: Why your drama triangle has assigned seatingHow to tell if you're reacting from love or fearWhat your partner’s defensiveness actually means (it’s not about you… kinda)Why kids shapeshift between houses and how it’s not ...
This episode is a raw, unfiltered Ask Me Anything from the stepmom trenches (on Instagram). Alicia gets real about some of the most vulnerable (and let’s be honest, slightly rage-inducing) questions stepmoms are dealing with—like: • “Why do I feel like I won’t be good enough until we have a kid together?” • “Will I ever feel relaxed around the ex?” • “How the hell do I let go of the hate and bitterness?” • “Am I the only one who dreads vacations with the stepkids?” • “How much are we sp...
Transition days. You know, the ones where your quiet, clean house suddenly turns into a full-blown chaos factory. Whether your stepkids are arriving for the weekend, the week, or every other Tuesday, transition days can bring stress, overstimulation, and a whole lot of feelings you didn’t expect. In this episode, Alicia is answering real questions submitted through her Instagram broadcast channel from stepmoms just like you who are trying to survive the emotional rollercoaster of blended fami...
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