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Explore every episode of the podcast The Stepmom Side Podcast

Dive into the complete episode list for The Stepmom Side Podcast. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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1–50 of 149

TitlePub. DateDuration
#59: How to Navigate Grief As A Stepmom with Krista St-Germain27 Aug 202400:46:29

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 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 can love life again, too.

In this episode, we cover:
-5 stages of grief and why Krista thinks there's another way
-dual process model
-Dougy Center for Grieving Families
-death of a parent/coparent
-How to handle emotions you see in kids
-Post traumatic growth

To connect with Krista:
www.coachingwithkrista.com
Instagram
Facebook

Resources mentioned:
Dougy Center for Grieving Families
Grief Outloud Podcast

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 more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside.
All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.com
Get on the list, get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

#58: What To Do If You Are Caught In the "What If" Cycle20 Aug 202400:08:04

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, 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 know what you think!
Get all the FREE RESOURCES here.
Want to learn more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside.
All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.com
Get on the list, get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

#49: What is EMDR? with Jessica Watterud18 Jun 202400:53:27

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 both sides of the brain to process
-does EMDR make you forget memories?
-alternative methods for EMDR and more!

To connect with Jessica:
pathtowardhealing.com/

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 more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside.
All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.com
Get on the list, get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

#48: Why Do Kids Lie? with Bryana Kappadakunnel11 Jun 202400:43:52

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, CA and is a mom of 2.

In this episode, we discuss:

-why kids lie
-not setting your kids up to lie to you
-what to do when you kids do lie...and more!

Connect with Bryana:

Pre-Order Parent Yourself First (book)
Join The Conscious Mommy Community
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok

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 more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside.
All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.com
Get on the list, get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

#47: Should You Be Friends with The Ex?04 Jun 202400:22:02

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 friendlier relationship with the ex.

Caveat to this: not everyone can be friendly. Not everyone is going to have a friendly relationship. THAT IS OK and totally normal. You know your family/situation best.

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 more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside.
All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.com
Get on the list, get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

#46: Ask Me Anything: Stepmom Burnout, Expectations, The Ex, and More.28 May 202400:35:24

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 Talks About the Ex...HELP!
How Your Expectations Set You Up For Failure

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 more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside.
All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.com
Get on the list, get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

#45: What You Don't Know About Sleep with Jessica Watterud21 May 202400:53:19

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 in sight when you don't get enough sleep
-how much sleep you should get
-why sleep aids aren't all that great for you
-what happens when you add screens into the mix and more...


To connect with Jessica:
pathtowardhealing.com/

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 more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside.
All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.com
Get on the list, get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

#44: The ONE Thing You Actually Can Control14 May 202400:20:18

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 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 Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside.
All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.com
Get on the list, get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

#43: Talking Pregnancy, Delivery, and Postpartum with Sarah Marie Bilger07 May 202400:58:21

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 and what to expect when you are expecting!

Here are a few topics covered:
-what to do when you are overwhelmed
-why having a plan/doula are important
-what's it like after birth?
-do people really poop while giving birth?! and more!

Connect with Sarah:
www.enteringmotherhood.com
Instagram @entering_motherhood

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 more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside.
All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.com
Get on the list, get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

#42: 9 Things I've Learned in 9 Years of Marriage30 Apr 202400:45:42

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 not and what to know...and more!

Resources mentioned:
Mastering the Stressors (if you need help changing the way you handle things)
5 Steps to Healthy Boundaries (if you need help setting boundaries!)

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 more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside.
All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.com
Get on the list, get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

#41: How Do I Get the Ex Out of My House?23 Apr 202400:13:42

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 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 Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside.
All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.com
Get on the list, get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

#40: The Wild Ride of Being a Stepmom with Jyl Barlow16 Apr 202401:02:12

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 episode:
-Grief in stepfamilies
-Guilt and how that plays out
-What if you kept a separate living arrangement for awhile and more!

Connect with Jyl:
www.jylbarlow.com
Instagram
Facebook
What to Expect When You Weren't Expecting (Book)

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 more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside.
All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.com
Get on the list, get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

#57: You Want Me To Apologize To My Stepkid?13 Aug 202400:09:22

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 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 and let me know what you think!
Get all the FREE RESOURCES here.
Want to learn more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside.
All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.com
Get on the list, get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

#39: How to Handle High Conflict Situations and Find Happiness As A Stepmom with Naja Hall09 Apr 202400:53:08

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 with Naja Hall and author of the Amazon best-seller Girl, Bye! Book series, Naja’s life’s work is to teach empathy, accountability, and emotional intelligence through the art of story-telling and genuine human connections. She’s a Stepmom of 3.

In this episode:
-high conflict situations
-handling trolls/hate online
-managing expectations vs reality
-finding happiness as a stepmom
-why nothing changes in your stepfamily and more!

Connect with Naja:
www.najahall.com
Instagram
TikTok
VIP Stepmom Instagram
Naja Hall Beauty

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 more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside.
All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.com
Get on the list, get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

#38: How to Navigate Mother's Day As a Stepmom02 Apr 202400:16:38

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 Stepmom

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 more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside.
All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.com
Get on the list, get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

#37: Things Therapists Don't Talk About With Jaclyn Vonnahme26 Mar 202400:59:35

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 Podcast

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 more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside.
All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.com
Get on the list, get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

#36: Postpartum Life and What It's Like with Suzanne Yatim Aslam19 Mar 202400:52:23

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, but more importantly, wants you to know you aren't alone. She's kind, funny, and relatable, and then she opens up about generational trauma.

Listen in on this one-it covers a wide range of topics!

Connect with Suzanne:
SuzanneYatimAslam.com
Instagram



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 more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside.
All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.com
Get on the list, get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

#35: How to Handle the Ebbs and Flows of Being a Stepmom12 Mar 202400:29:04

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" the Stepmom

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 more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside.
All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.com
Get on the list, get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

#34: Ditching the "Good Girl" Conditioning with Carley Weissert29 Feb 202400:54:54

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, nourished by deep sisterhood connections, and unapologetically prioritizes self-care. Coaching is her passion because Carley understands the silent struggles of women who feel lost or stuck—she's been there! She combines methods she's learned with her own playful energy and deep understanding of what it feels like to be an actress in your own life.

In this episode we cover:
-"Good Girl" conditioning
-Perfectionism
-Mistakes people make about setting boundaries
-People pleasing...and more!

Connect with Carley:
www.carleyweissert.com
ABCs of Transformation E-book
Instagram
TikTok

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 more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside.
All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.com
Get on the list, get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

#33: The Paranoia of Being a Stepmom27 Feb 202400:27:34

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 Stepmom Role

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 more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside.
All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.com
Get on the list, get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

#32: 10 Things to Know As A New Stepmom20 Feb 202400:31:50

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 Healthy Boundaries
#3: Embracing Being "Just" the Stepmom
#30: Real Talk: Transition Days


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 more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside.
All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.com
Get on the list, get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

#31: How Childhood Trauma Shows Up In Adulthood with Beth Tyson13 Feb 202400:56:41

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 Sullivan, a children’s book for children raised by their grandparents due to unfortunate circumstances. 

In this episode we discuss:

-Why it’s hard for people to let kids have emotions
-How your trauma (pain) follows you into adulthood
-What happens when you validate scary emotions for kids...and more!

Connect with Beth:

Facebook group on childhood trauma

YouTube

Book: A Grandfamily for Sullivan 

All Connected videos I co-created with Connect Our Kids

Subscribe to Beth’s free newsletter



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 more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside.
All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.com
Get on the list, get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

#30: Real Talk: Transition Days06 Feb 202400:50:14

This episode dives into the emotional turbulence of transition and co-parenting, especially for step-parents navigating messy logistics and emotional overload. We explore practical strategies for coping with uncertainty, setting personal boundaries, and communicating needs without sacrificing mental health or relationship harmony.

Key Themes & Takeaways:

  • Transitioning from part-time to full-time parenting can feel easier logistically—but emotionally it often triggers anxiety and frustration.
  • Struggling with uncertainty, unmet expectations, and maintaining control in chaotic situations.
  • The challenges of co-parenting logistics: disorganized handoffs, forgotten items, scheduling tensions.
  • The toll of emotional overload: overstimulation, resentment, lack of support.
  • Using transition day as a pivot point: how stepping away (self-care, running errands) can help reset emotional energy.
  • Building communication strategies with partners: expressing unmet needs, asking for emotional support in moments of stress.
  • Setting healthy internal boundaries: choosing when to attend family events, advocacy for your mental space.
  • Focusing only on what you can control in your own home—letting go of external chaos.
  • Empathy for kids: recognizing their confusion and emotional burden through changes in routine.
  • Importance of self-awareness, therapy, and support structures like coaching or community.

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 more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside.
All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.com
Get on the list, get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

#56: What To Do If You Feel Like An Outsider06 Aug 202400:18:48

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 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, tag me on Instagram @aliciakrasko and let me know what you think!
Get all the FREE RESOURCES here.
Want to learn more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside.
All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.com
Get on the list, get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

#29: Balancing the Mental Load of Motherhood with Abby Eckel30 Jan 202400:50:08

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 household.


Connect with Abby:

on Instagram
on TikTok

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 more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside.
All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.com
Get on the list, get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

#28: Conscious Parenting and Parenting with ADHD with Destini Davis23 Jan 202400:48:25

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, intentional connection, and positive discipline.

In this episode, Destini talks through how being labeled the "bad kid" affected her through adulthood and what affect it had on relationships. She opens up about how not having coping mechanisms affected her relationships and her parenting.

Stay until the end to hear about parenting with ADHD and how becoming a parenting expert was an accident.

Connect with Destini on Instagram

Here are her "Positive Parenting Scripts"

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 more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside.
All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.com
Get on the list, get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

#27: How Your Expectations Set You Up For Failure16 Jan 202400:38:13

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 for failure and how to help alleviate that.

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 more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside.
All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.com
Get on the list, get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

#26: What Is Parental Alienation and How to Navigate It with Kindra Riber and Mick Smith09 Jan 202401:01:56

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 parental alienation for the past 4 years. Mick experienced this for a brief time before his ex spouse passed away. They provide both the female and male perspective.

on Instagram
on YouTube
National Parents Organization
The Aftermath Podcast
www.kindraspeaks.com
Mick's book: Burning America

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#25: What It's Really Like Having A Stepmom with My Stepson02 Jan 202400:43:43

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 what resonates with you!

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#24: Recap of 202326 Dec 202300:21:34

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. ❤️

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#23: The Benefits of Occupational Therapy with Liz Lombard19 Dec 202300:37:53

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 daydreaming about planning trips for my own family, she realized that she could help families plan trips and outings in a way that would yield the most successful and enjoyable memories possible!

Through coaching, she works with you to focus on identifying specific sensory needs, selecting and implementing thoughtful sensory strategies, finding the best tools to support your children, and then finding ways to reuse successful sensory strategies for trips and special events. 

In this episode, Liz talks to us about:

What sensory processing disorder is.

How sensory processing affects emotional regulation.

Overstimulation as a parent and how to meet your own sensory needs.

Why mornings are stressful and how to navigate them.

How journaling may help you spot patterns....and more!

Connect with Liz:
www.thesensoryconcierge.com/
Instagram
Facebook

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#22: A Different Take on How to Coparent Successfully with Sydney Swonigan12 Dec 202300:57:50

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 stepmom for the first time. Why seeing her ex holistically has helped her not take things personally and more.

Connect with Sydney:

www.exesandbabies.com

Instagram

All things Exes and Babies here

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#21: Everything You Need/Want to Know About Having an "Ours Baby"05 Dec 202300:57:36

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 Navigate The Holiday Season" and here's where you can listen to that.

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#20: How to Drop The Fake Smile with Helen Snape28 Nov 202300:52:51

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 and experience to become both an award-winning Healthy Relationships Coach and Speaker, having been interviewed on BBC Radio, the Women’s Economic Forum and been featured in Happiful magazine. Her debut book ‘Drop the Fake Smile’, which came out in September 2023, is a recovering people-pleaser’s guide to self-love, boundaries and healthy relationships.

Connect with Helen:

Free downloadable book: Building Healthy Boundaries – an over-giver’s guide on when to say ‘Yes’ and how to say ‘No’ in relationships

on Instagram
on Facebook
on LinkedIn
on YouTube


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#55: Being "Just" the Stepmom (re-release)30 Jul 202400:29:21

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 being just the stepmom.

Want help "Defining Your role"? Click here.

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#19: How To Get Ahold Of Your Time with Georgie Bryant21 Nov 202300:34:07

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 balance your schedule, so no one in your life (especially you) misses out.

Connect with Georgie:

on Instagram

Time and Enjoyment Tracker

The Balanced Mum Method

Work with Georgie

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#18: How To Navigate The Holiday Season14 Nov 202300:43:54

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 without our daughter.

In this episode, I mention "4 Tips to Get Through the Holidays". A free resource for you going into this holiday season. Get it now...before the season starts so you have a tips in your back pocket to utilize. If you want a place to get a bit more support, The Stepmom Side Community is a great place to start. Connect with me every week on Office Hours and ask your burning holiday questions, again, before the holidays get here.

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#17: How To Give Better Gifts with Patrick Kucharson07 Nov 202300:52:32

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 holiday season, this episode is all about gift giving and how to elevate the gifts you give. A simple tweak will completely change the way you look at how to select gifts. Listen in and take a few notes!  

Connect with Patrick:

www.bettergiftcoach.com

On Instagram



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#16: How To Add More Fun To Your Life With Mike Rucker31 Oct 202300:43:35

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 Post, Fast Company, Psychology Today, Forbes, Vox, Thrive Global, Mindful, mindbodygreen, and more. He currently serves as a senior leader at Active Wellness and is the author of the best-selling book The Fun Habit.

Mike talks through how think outside of the box when it comes to adding more fun to your life even with kids. Having said that, he speaks to burnout and how to change a few things to get through the burnout. He mentions how mistakes actually are a good thing and should be celebrated.

Listen in for a real, honest conversation about being a parent and how isolating it can feel.

Connect with Mike:
Mikerucker.com
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter/X

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#15: The Differences Between Part-time Stepmoms and Full-time Stepmoms24 Oct 202300:46:42

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, coaching is the way to go. Pssst! If you're a member of The Stepmom Side Community, you get a 20% discount on coaching!

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#14: The Magic Of Childhood And How To Connect With Your Stepchild with Celia Kibler17 Oct 202301:01:14

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 years. Celia is on a Mission to stop 10,000,000 Parents from Yelling at Their Kids. Celia believes that the more parents understand their children and themselves, the better they can communicate and relate while building trust and respect within a nurturing, fun environment.

Listen in as Alicia and Celia talk about finding magic in childhood and discuss ways to connect with your stepchild. You'll hear about how you're reminded that you're just the stepmom and how that can be a painful reminder...even if it's true. This episode is packed with great tips and a lot of laughter. Enjoy!

Connect with Celia on:
Instagram
Facebook
Pumpedupparenting.com
Freebie

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#13: How to Navigate Dealing With A Narcissistic Ex/Coparent with Nisanka Wickramarachchi10 Oct 202300:48:03

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 relationships led her to reflect on her own life at a point when she was severely depressed and suffering from C-PTSD.  Since then, she has been healing from her inner child wounds and narcissistic abuse to build a thriving life for her and her daughter.

She's  worked in the field of education for almost 20 years before she became a Life Coach, Advanced EFT and Matrix Reimprinting Practitioner. She  holds a Diploma in NLP. She is a DISC Facilitator and is qualified to work with Narcissism and Domestic Violence. She's other qualifications include MA, BA, CELTA, EYT, Diploma in Teaching and Diploma in Montessori Teaching.

Connect with Nisanka:
www.coachingwithnisanka.com

Freebie - (Starter Kit for those who parent with a narcissistic partner or ex)

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook Group 

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#12: How to Get What You Want in Your Relationship Without Being A Bully or A Doormat with Sharon Costanzo03 Oct 202300:50:05

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 reframe complaints, why having date night OUTSIDE of the house is so important,  how to stop "mothering" your partner, and more. This episode will change your relationship...grab a notebook and take notes!

www.respectedandconnected.com
Follow Sharon on Instagram 

Get Sharon's Ebook "12 No BS Rules For Navigating Relationship Challenges" here

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#11: Stepmom Struggles: Age Gap Relationships, Doing Too Much, and Not Liking the Ex26 Sep 202300:42:48

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 Side Community is just the place for you!

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#10: The Dangers of Social Media and Technology For Kids with Nate Webb19 Sep 202300:54:48

Nate Webb is a bully expert, a resiliency trainer, a professional School counselor, and a certified digital safety educator. Nate endured relentless bullying as a kid. Bullies and social media almost ended his life. Drawing from his experiences and from his studies as a professional school counselor, he passionately educates others about bullying, the dangers of social media, and how to raise resilient kids in a tech heavy world. He helps kids to get over bullies, get off social media, and love their lives.

Follow Nate on Instagram.

www.natewebbspeaker.com

Tools and websites Nate mentions:

National Center On Sexual Exploitation Dirty Dozen List

Bark Parental Controls That Work

Imdb.com Website to Check Movies

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#54: Does Your Ego Drive the Bus?23 Jul 202400:15:45

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.

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#9: Moving Into “Their” House, Having an “Ours Baby”, and Stepmom Struggles with Brittney Phillips12 Sep 202300:58:01

Brittney is a mom of 4 in a 'yours, mine, and ours' dynamic and a certified coach and teacher. She has personal experience in blending her own family and spent many years learning strategies in the 'school of hard knocks'. Her approach is centered around empowering women to strengthen themselves, which ultimately influences and benefits the whole family.

Follow Brittney on Instagram here.

Follow Brittney on TikTok here.

Follow Brittney on Facebook here.

www.blendingbravely.com

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#8: Fair vs. Equal: Financial Tips for Blended Families with Bill Nelson05 Sep 202301:01:16

In this episode, Alicia chats with Bill Nelson, a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Financial Therapist Professional, who has been guiding engaged and newlywed couples since 2016. Bill's unique approach combines financial planning with understanding the emotional and psychological aspects of money—a powerful mix for helping couples set a strong financial foundation. Whether you're navigating finances in a new marriage, merging money mindsets, or planning for family complexities, Bill's insights offer a practical framework to tackle common financial stressors in relationships. From managing stepfamily finances to creating systems that reduce conflict, this episode digs into the tools couples need to secure their financial future.

Topics discussed:

  1. Biggest Financial Mistakes Couples Make Early On – Bill discusses common pitfalls, like the lack of a financial decision-making framework, and how to avoid them.
  2. Handling "Hypothetical" Financial Decisions – We dive into conversations couples should have about things like estate planning, supporting aging parents, or planning for children from previous relationships.
  3. Money Blocks and Money Scripts – Discover how unconscious beliefs about money can impact relationships, and how Bill helps couples create systems that respect each other's perspectives.
  4. Creating a Family Financial Mission Statement – Learn the benefits of establishing a financial mission statement to guide shared goals and priorities.
  5. Fair Doesn’t Mean Equal – We talk about the tricky territory of fairness in finances, particularly in stepfamilies, and why equitable doesn’t always mean equal.


Connect with Bill:
On Instagram
www.pacesetterplanning.com

Want 50% off Bill's book Marriage-Centered Money: Get on the Same Financial Page and Achieve Your Life Goals Together? Get that here.

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#7: Advocating for Kids: Anna Skates on Parenting and Family Dynamics29 Aug 202301:05:27

Listen in as Anna Skates, child and family advocate, shares her journey and passion for rethinking relationships with kids. In this episode, we dive deep into Anna’s experience of conscious parenting, balancing step-parent roles, and why every child deserves respect and space to grow as individuals. Learn how Anna’s background as a children’s pastor sparked her advocacy and the insights she’s gained about respecting a child’s autonomy and understanding developmental needs.

Whether you're a biological parent, stepmom, or simply interested in child development, this episode offers valuable perspectives on cultivating positive relationships with kids and making space for everyone in the family. Plus, Alicia and Anna tackle the challenges of letting go of control, especially when the societal expectations of step-parenthood can feel overwhelming. Don’t miss this heartfelt and humorous exploration into conscious parenting, real-life challenges, and the beautiful chaos of family life.

Episode Highlights:

  1. Conscious Parenting as a Stepmom: How conscious parenting can be an effective approach, especially for step-parents, focusing on connection rather than authority.
  2. Advocating for Children’s Needs: Anna shares her insights into creating kid-friendly spaces and respecting children’s autonomy and natural development.
  3. Balancing Roles and Boundaries: The complexity of finding the line between maintaining a nurturing relationship and setting boundaries as a stepmom.
  4. Breaking Free from Traditional Parenting Norms: Embracing a new approach to parenting that values connection over correction.
  5. Navigating Expectations and Self-Growth: Anna and Alicia discuss how self-awareness and continuous growth are essential in building healthy relationships with kids.

Tune in to gain insights on building trust, setting boundaries, and redefining what it means to be a conscious, compassionate parent or stepmom.


Connect with Anna:
-On Instagram
To purchase the "Listen to Kids" shirt click here

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#6: Why Does Everyone Keep Bringing Up the Ex? (And What You Can Do About It)22 Aug 202300:36:17

In this episode, Alicia dives into a topic every stepmom knows too well—what to do when everyone, from the kids to your partner to the extended family, keeps bringing up the ex. It can be a major source of frustration, but there are ways to cope and take the pressure off yourself.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

  1. Understanding the Kids’ Perspective - Why they might bring up “mom” while bonding with you and how to reframe it as an attempt to connect.
  2. Shifting Your Response - How to move from feeling defensive or insecure to welcoming their comments as a way to relate.
  3. Setting Boundaries on Vacation - Tips for navigating moments when past memories with the ex come up on vacations or family events.
  4. Partner Communication Strategies - Why it’s key to talk with your partner before sensitive situations and how to signal your need for support.
  5. Managing Your Own Triggers - Why it’s okay to feel overwhelmed, how to establish limits on “ex talk,” and ways to communicate your needs without guilt.

If you’re struggling with navigating “ex talk” as a stepmom, this episode is for you. Tune in, take notes, and discover new strategies to make these situations easier for both you and your family.

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