The Stepmom Side Podcast
The Stepmom Side Podcast is a conversational podcast about the realities of being a stepmom. Host Alicia Krasko covers topics from part-time and full-time stepmotherhood to being an empty nester. Each week offers humor, advice, and honest conversations to help stepmoms navigate their unique challenges.
Episodes
#170: Being a Stepmom to a Widower: Grief, Boundaries, and Finding Your Place
How is being a stepmom to a widower different from joining a blended family after divorce? And how can a new partner honor the children’s mother while still asking for a place in the family?In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia explores a listener’s experience of dating a widowed father, feeling excluded from a close family dynamic, and burning out while trying to keep everyone happy
#169: When Your Wife Stops Asking: Understanding Emotional Disconnection in Marriage with Kameran Alareqi
Sometimes the argument about the dishes is about the dishes. Sometimes it’s about having to ask fourteen times and wondering whether your partner actually hears you.In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia sits down with Kameran Alareqi, a Gottman certified marriage coach, to explore communication problems in marriage, emotional disconnection, and what it takes to feel close again—espec
#168: How to Disengage as a Stepmom Without Becoming Cold or Checking Out
What does it mean to disengage as a stepmom—and can she step back without becoming cold, distant, or uncaring?In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia explains how helping in a blended family can slowly turn into overfunctioning. A stepmom notices what needs to happen, prevents problems, keeps everyone organized, and takes on more because she is capable. Eventually, she becomes exhauste
#167: Stepkids Struggle On Transition Days: What Stepmoms Can Do
Why does a stepchild seem withdrawn, irritable, hyper, or resistant to house rules after returning from their other parent’s home? In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia explores why transitions between two homes can be difficult for kids—and why a rough return does not automatically mean the child dislikes their stepmom or that something happened at the other house.Alicia explains ho
#166: When Dad Won’t Enforce the Rules: What a Stepmom Should—and Shouldn’t—Do
Who should discipline the stepkids—and what should a stepmom do when her partner refuses to enforce the rules?In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia shares what happened when her desire for a structured, cooperative household collided with her husband’s desire to avoid correcting his children during their limited time together.While he ran around doing everything for them—and ended ea
#165: It’s Not a Character Flaw: How Perimenopause Affects Memory, Mood and Stress with Jennifer Gularson
If you’ve recently found yourself forgetting appointments, waking up drenched in sweat at 2 a.m., struggling to concentrate, or feeling completely overwhelmed by things you used to manage without a problem, it may not be a character flaw. It could be perimenopause.In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia sits down with Jennifer Gularson, PA-C, IFMCP, to unpack what really happens to wom
#164: When Back-to-School Stress Turns Into Resentment Toward Your Partner
Back-to-school stress can expose an unequal division of labor in a blended family—especially when the stepmom is managing school supplies, schedules, transportation, meals, forms, and everyone’s emotions while her partner waits to be told what to do.In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia explains why resentment is rarely about one forgotten form or shopping trip. It often develops bec
#163: Homework Battles in Blended Families: What Is the Stepmom’s Role?
What should a stepmom do when her stepchild refuses to complete homework—or when she cares more about missing assignments than her partner does?Homework battles in blended families are rarely only about schoolwork. Different expectations between homes, unclear stepparent roles, limited authority, and a lack of partner support can leave the stepmom managing assignments, checking the school portal,
#162: Different Rules at Each House: How to Create a School Routine That Works
What should a stepmom do when the rules are completely different at each house?Different bedtimes, screen limits, homework expectations, chores, and consequences can make school routines especially difficult in blended families. Children may resist the rules, struggle on transition days, or repeatedly remind the stepmom that things are different at their mom’s house.In this episode of The Stepmom
#161: School Events When Your Partner’s Ex Will Be There: How Stepmoms Can Handle the Awkwardness
School events can trigger outsider syndrome for stepmoms. Especially when their partner’s ex and extended family will be there. Where should everyone sit? Should divorced parents and stepparents attend events together? What happens when a partner acts differently around their ex? And does a stepmom need to attend parent-teacher conferences to prove she cares?In this episode of The Stepmom Side Pod
#160: Back-to-School Planning in a Blended Family: Who Is Responsible for What?
Back-to-school planning can get complicated quickly in a blended family. Who buys the school supplies and clothes? Who completes registration forms, manages transportation, receives school updates, and pays for extracurricular activities? And how involved should a stepmom be when she is affected by these decisions but may not have decision-making authority?In this episode, Alicia shares how back-t
#159: What If I Don’t Like My Stepkids? The Truth No One Talks About (re-release)
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
#158: The Emotional Reality of Stepmom Life with Darlene Sparks
In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia Krasko sits down with certified stepfamily coach Darlene Sparks for an honest conversation about the realities of stepmom life—because “just love them like your own” is not exactly a complete instruction manual.Darlene shares her experience navigating identity loss, rejection, complicated family relationships, and feeling like an outsider in her
#157: Family Meetings, Chore Battles, and Teenagers: Real Talk About Blended Family Life with Ashley Noelle
Blended families don't become connected overnight—and honestly, nobody hands you a roadmap.In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia sits down with Ashley from The Blended Bond to talk about what actually helps blended families feel more connected. From awkward first family meetings and navigating transitions to chore systems, parenting teenagers, and learning to stop taking everyth
#156: The Truth About Happy Blended Families
Are you constantly wondering why your blended family doesn't feel like the happy, picture-perfect family you imagined?You're not doing anything wrong.In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia shares why so many stepmoms struggle because they're chasing unrealistic expectations about what blended family life should look like.From instant love and immediate connection to per
#155: In Blended Families, The Real Problem Isn't Always the Kids
Feeling unsupported by your husband or partner can make blended family life feel incredibly lonely.In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia talks about why partner support is one of the biggest predictors of stepmom satisfaction and blended family success.Many stepmoms don't necessarily need perfection from their partners. They need partnership. They need to feel heard, valued, and
#154: The Hidden Reason You're So Angry as a Stepmom
Do you feel resentful as a stepmom and then immediately guilty for feeling that way? You're not alone.In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia dives into one of the most common but least talked about experiences in blended families: stepmom resentment.The truth is, resentment usually isn't about the kids. It's often the result of carrying too much emotional responsibility
#153: Why Belonging Feels So Hard in Blended Families
Feeling like an outsider in your own home as a stepmom? You're not alone. In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia explores why so many stepmoms struggle with belonging in blended families. She shares why outsider syndrome happens, the common traps stepmoms fall into, and practical ways to stop trying to earn your place and start feeling more secure in your role.Key takeaways:Why f
#152: Stepmom Confidence: Stop Auditioning for Belonging
Do you ever feel like you're constantly trying to prove yourself as a stepmom?If only you could just be more patient, more understanding, more involved, or more helpful, then maybe you'd finally feel accepted in your blended family?In this episode, Alicia dives into a struggle many stepmoms silently carry: the belief that they have to earn their place in their own home. Whether you'
#151: When Your Stepkids Disrespect You: What Every Stepmom Needs to Know
What should a stepmom do when her stepkids are disrespectful?Few things trigger a stepmom faster than being ignored, talked back to, rolled eyes at, or treated like she doesn't matter. When you're already questioning your role in the family, disrespect from a stepchild can feel deeply personal—and it can quickly create resentment, frustration, and conflict in your marriage.In this episod
#150: Why Setting Boundaries Feels Mean (And How to Stop Feeling Guilty)
Does setting boundaries make you immediately feel guilty?Do you finally decide to say no, ask for space, or stop carrying everyone else's emotions… and then immediately wonder if you're being selfish?You're not alone.In this episode, Alicia is diving into why boundaries can feel so uncomfortable—especially for stepmoms who are used to people pleasing, over-functioning, and carrying
#149: Why Stepmoms Confuse Peace With Perfection in Blended Families
Are you constantly chasing peace in your blended family… but secretly defining peace as “everything going perfectly”?In this episode, Alicia dives into one of the biggest mindset traps high-achieving stepmoms fall into: believing that peace and perfection are the same thing. From overthinking conversations to trying to control transition days, co-parenting dynamics, schedules, emotions, and everyo
148: Summer Break Is Chaos for Stepmoms—Here’s How to Take Back Control of Your Home
Summer break sounds fun… until your house turns into chaos, the routines disappear, and you feel like you’re running a summer camp you never signed up for.In this episode, Alicia breaks down how stepmoms can create structure, maintain control, and protect their sanity during summer break—without turning into the “strict” or overwhelmed one in the house.If you’re already dreading the lack of routin
#147: Stepmom Struggles: Why Kids Pull Away in Front of Their Other Parent
Alicia dives into one of the most confusing and emotionally triggering experiences for stepmoms: why stepchildren suddenly act distant, avoidant, or completely different when their other parent is around.If you’ve ever felt ignored at pickup, brushed off in public, or like your relationship disappears the moment their other parent enters the picture… you are not imagining it. And more importantly—
146: Stepmother’s Day Emotions: Feeling Invisible, Seen, and Everything In Between
Stepmother’s Day—did you even know it existed?In this episode of, Alicia dives into the emotional complexity of Stepmother’s Day—a holiday created in 2000 a nine year old to honor her stepmom. While the intention behind the day is meaningful, the reality for many stepmoms is… complicated.Alicia unpacks the mixed emotions stepmoms experience around Stepmother’s Day and challenges stepmoms to rethin
#145: Feeling Forgotten on Mother’s Day? A Stepmom’s Guide to Getting What You Need
Mother’s Day can be one of the most confusing—and painful—holidays for stepmoms.You show up. You support your partner. You help raise kids who aren’t biologically yours. You carry emotional labor, household responsibilities, and the invisible weight of stepfamily dynamics……and then Mother’s Day rolls around and you feel completely overlooked.In this episode, Alicia dives into the emotional reality
#144: Stepfamily Myths That Damage Marriages and How to Fix the Disconnect with Monica Tanner
In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia is joined by Monica Tanner to talk about how to reignite connection and intimacy in blended families, why stepfamily myths can damage marriages, and what couples can do to create a stronger, healthier relationship.They dive into one of the most controversial but important ideas in blended family life: why the couple relationship has to be the pri
#143: Infertility as a Stepmom: Coping with Failed IUI, Grief, and Redefining Motherhood with Kristen Skiles
Trigger warning: miscarriage Infertility is hard. Being a stepmom is hard. Put the two together? Yeah… it’s a whole different level that no one really prepares you for.In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia sits down with Kristen Skiles to have an honest, emotional, and empowering conversation about infertility as a stepmom—including the heartbreak of a failed IUI cycle.They dive into
#142: Family Court, Co-Parenting Stress, and Protecting Your Peace With Sol Kennedy
In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia talks with Sol Kennedy, founder of the Best Interest co-parenting app, about high-conflict co-parenting, family court, co-parent communication, and how AI can help parents reduce conflict.Sol shares how his own divorce and co-parenting experience led him to create an app that acts like a buffer between toxic messages and reactive responses. They
#141: The Hidden Reason Stepmoms Feel Like the Least Supported Person at Home
In this episode, Alicia explores why stepmoms often feel like the least supported person in their own home. She breaks down the emotional and mental load stepmoms carry, the role of over-functioning, and how relationship dynamics with partners can unintentionally reinforce feelings of isolation.Stepmoms will gain insight into why this pattern happens and learn actionable strategies for communicati
140: Stepmom Burnout: When Family Expectations Don’t Match Your Capacity
In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia wraps up the Role Clarity Series by exploring what happens when expectations in blended families exceed a stepmom’s emotional and mental capacity. Many stepmoms feel pressure to overextend themselves in order to keep the peace, avoid conflict, or prove they are a “good” stepmom. This episode helps listeners identify expectations they may be carry
#139: How to Communicate Your Stepmom Role to Your Partner (Without Starting a Fight)
Alicia continues the Role Clarity Series by discussing how stepmoms can communicate their role to their partner without creating conflict or defensiveness. Many stepmoms struggle to speak up about their needs because they fear being seen as difficult or causing tension in their relationship. This episode explores the emotional fears that keep stepmoms silent and offers a simple conversation framew
#138: Choosing Your Stepmom Role on Purpose (Not by Default)
Alicia helps stepmoms define their role intentionally instead of defaulting into expectations placed on them in blended families. Many stepmoms feel confused about where they fit and end up over-giving to keep the peace. This episode guides listeners through clarifying their role, understanding the emotional cost of self-erasure, and choosing a way of showing up that fits their values and capacity
#137: Responsibility Without Authority Is Why You’re Exhausted
Alicia explores why stepmoms feel exhausted when they carry responsibility without real authority in blended families. Many stepmoms take on emotional and logistical labor without having equal decision-making power, which leads to burnout and resentment. This episode helps stepmoms identify where they are over-functioning, name the grief that often goes unspoken, and take one small step toward a m
#136: Build Your Trigger Protocol (So You’re Not Feral in the Moment)
In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia teaches stepmoms how to create a personal Trigger Protocol to handle emotionally charged moments without spiraling or snapping. If you often react in the heat of the moment and then regret what you said or did, this episode gives you a simple, practical plan you can use when your nervous system is activated. You’ll learn how to choose a pause phr
#135: Why Being the Mature One Is Quietly Burning You Out
If you’ve ever said, “I understand why this happened, so I shouldn’t still feel upset,” this episode is for you.Alicia explores why so many stepmoms intellectualize their emotions instead of processing them — and how that pattern quietly leads to resentment, burnout, and emotional shutdown.Stepmoms are often praised for being mature, understanding, and “handling things well,” but that praise can c
#134: Why You Handle It “So Well”… Then Fall Apart Later
Have you ever handled a stepfamily moment calmly, maturely, and with impressive emotional intelligence — only to completely unravel hours later?Alicia breaks down the difference between your thinking self and your nervous system, and why logic isn’t enough to regulate emotional reactions in blended family life.This episode is especially for high-functioning, Type A stepmoms who pride themselves on
#133: Why Being Self-Aware Isn’t Helping (And Might Be Making It Worse)
You’ve done the work.You’re self-aware.You can explain everyone’s behavior in the situation…So why do you still feel triggered, exhausted, or quietly resentful?In this episode, Alicia breaks down why insight alone doesn’t calm a dysregulated nervous system — and why high-functioning, emotionally intelligent stepmoms often struggle more, not less.This conversation is for the stepmom who:understands
132: Why Type A Women Struggle as Stepmoms (Control, Perfectionism & Burnout)
If you’re a Type A, high-achieving woman who suddenly felt like she lost her footing after becoming a stepmom — this episode is for you.In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia speaks directly to driven, control-loving, people-pleasing women who were thriving before blended family life… and now feel anxious, resentful, burned out, or completely out of control.Alicia breaks down the comm
#131: What to Do When Your Stepkid Says ‘I Miss My Mom’ Without Losing Your Cool
When your stepkid says, “I miss my mom” especially right after a consequence, it hits different. It’s not just the words; it’s the sting behind them. The comparison. The reminder that no matter how much you love and show up, you’re still not her.In this episode, Alicia dives into how to handle it when your stepchild brings up their mom whether it’s “I miss her,” “She does it better,” or “Mom let
#130: How to Handle In-Laws Who Stay Friends with the Ex-Wife
When your in-laws are still close with your partner’s ex, it can feel like emotional whiplash. You’re trying to build a future while they’re still tethered to the past—and it leaves you wondering where (or if) you fit in. In this extended episode, Alicia gets real about her own experience of feeling like the outsider in her husband’s family and shares how she moved from frustration to clarity.You’
#129: When Kids Flip the Switch (and You Take It Personally)
Kids are emotional chameleons — sweet one minute, sassy the next, and then asking for help like nothing ever happened. For stepmoms (especially those without kids of their own), those mood swings can feel deeply personal.In this episode, Alicia gets real about how confusing and hurtful kids’ quick emotional flips can be — and why they usually have nothing to do with you. She shares a personal stor
#128: Too Close to Be Heard: The Real Reason Your Partner Shuts Down
Are you tired of repeating yourself and feeling like your partner just doesn’t hear you? Whether it’s dad guilt, lack of boundaries with the kids, inconsistency in parenting, or not feeling prioritized in your relationship — this episode is here to validate and support you.In this episode, Alicia breaks down why communication feels so hard in blended families, why your partner may not respond the
#127: My House, Her Hoodie, and a Whole Lotta Feelings
In this deeply honest episode, we’re getting into the emotional weeds of what happens when the ex’s belongings, photos, or influence are still showing up in your home. From hoodies and framed photos to never-ending texts between your partner and their ex, it can start to feel like you’re suffocating in someone else’s life.Especially for childless and childfree stepmoms, the presence of “her stuff”
#126: When the Ex Still Haunts Your Blended Family: Stepmom Jealousy Explained
Is your partner’s past still taking up space in your present-day relationship? You’re not alone—and you’re not crazy. Whether it's memories of the ex, old traditions, or constant reminders of “how things used to be,” retroactive jealousy and emotional triggers are real in stepmom life.In this episode, we’re unpacking the emotional weight of feeling like you’re competing with the past—and how
#125: When Adult Stepkids Don’t Accept You (and How to Stop Letting It Steal Your Peace)
When you thought things would finally get easier once they were grown… but your adult stepkids still make you feel like an outsider. In this episode, Alicia digs into what’s really going on when adult stepkids won’t accept you — and how to stop tying your peace to their approval.She shares the emotional layers behind this rejection, why it’s not actually about you, and the exact mindset shifts to
#124: When Kids Don’t Listen (And It’s Not Because You’re the Stepmom)
Are you a childless or childfree stepmom feeling like a broken record? Alicia gets real about the exhausting cycle of repeating yourself to your stepkids—whether it's chores, routines, or basic expectations—and feeling like it's never enough.She opens up about her own realization that forgetfulness and resistance aren’t about being a stepmom—they’re just part of how kids grow and learn.
#123: Why Stepmom Resentment Sneaks In (and How to Stop It)
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 uns
#122: When Co-Parenting Isn’t Possible (Because the Ex Is a Nightmare)
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
#121: Peace Over Presents: Letting Go of Comparison in Your Blended Family Christmas
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 tho
#120: Sibling Rivalry + Stepkid Drama: Holiday Edition
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, m
#119: Feeling Left Out as a Stepmom: Why It Happens and What to Do
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,
#118: When Your Partner Sides With the Kids: What Every Stepmom Needs to Know
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
#117: Why Peace Isn’t the Same as Perfection
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 a
#116: What If I Don’t Like My Stepkids? The Truth No One Talks About
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
#115: Stepmom vs. Screen Time: When You’re the Only House with Phone Rules
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 bound
#114: My Why: Stepmom Coaching, The Stepmom Side Community, and Podcast
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 sh
#113: The Messy Middle of Stepmom Life: Intrusive Thoughts, Comparison, and Control
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 mes
#112: Getting Over Your Partner’s Past (And How to Stop Throwing It in Their Face)
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 ammuni
#111: When You’re Spiraling as a Stepmom: Why It Happens and How to Stop
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
#110: The Secret Journal Every Stepmom Should Have
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
#109: When In-Laws Stay Close to the Ex: Navigating the Challenges as a Stepmom
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 co
#108: When You Can’t Step Back: Managing Stepmom Stress in the Heat of the Moment
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
#107: Breaking Codependency as a Stepmom—Finding Your Worth Beyond Others
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&ap
#106: Why Stepmoms and Their Partners Keep Having the Same Fights with Annmarie Chereso
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 def
#105: “Do I Need a Baby to Feel Valid?” and Other Stepmom Struggles
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 bitterne
#104: Overwhelmed on Transition Days? Let’s Talk About It
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
#103: You're Not the Fixer: How to Truly Support Your Spouse
Alicia gets real about what it means to support your partner through parenting challenges. From learning when to speak up to knowing when to simply listen, Alicia shares personal stories and practical tips for navigating these tough moments with love and patience. This episode is for anyone who's ever struggled with how to show up for their spouse without stepping on toes—or losing themselves
#102: Stepmom Struggles: Missing the Firsts and Feeling Less Than
In this deeply relatable solo episode, Alicia opens up about a struggle so many stepmoms face but rarely talk about—what it feels like to miss out on the “firsts.” First marriage, first baby, first home, first big life moments with your partner... when you weren’t part of those, it can trigger deep feelings of jealousy, insecurity, and even grief.Alicia shares a powerful personal story from early
#101: Finding Me Time Amidst Blended Family Chaos
In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia Krasko gets real about the silent struggle so many stepmoms face: losing themselves in the chaos of blended family life. One day you’re living your carefree (ish) life, and the next, you're the emotional project manager of a household that runs on other people's schedules and drama. Sound familiar?Alicia breaks down how the gradual burn
#100: You’re Not That Special (And That’s the Best News Ever)
In this episode, Alicia is here to lovingly snatch you out of your spiral with a bold-but-needed reminder: You’re not that special. (And yes, that’s the best news you’ll hear today.)Because if you’ve ever thought you were the only stepmom feeling like an outsider, overwhelmed by an ex, or questioning how the hell you ended up in this role—you’re absolutely not alone.Alicia shares her personal expe
#99: Summer Break & The Stepkid Shuffle: How to Stay Sane with Kids Going Back and Forth
Summer break in a stepfamily isn’t always sunshine and s’mores—it can be a whirlwind of transitions, mood swings, and scheduling chaos. In this episode, Alicia gets real about the emotional toll of summer break as a stepmom, especially when the stepkids are constantly going back and forth between homes.She breaks down the most common summer struggles (spoiler: you’re not alone if the custody sched
#98: Feeling Powerless as a Stepmom? It Might Be the Victim Mindset
In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia dives into a powerful truth that many stepmoms avoid: staying stuck in victimhood may feel safe—but it’s quietly stealing your joy, your voice, and your power.If you’ve ever thought, “No one gets it,” “Nothing I do matters,” or “I’m just done trying,” this episode is your wake-up call and warm hug in one. Alicia shares how victimhood becomes a co
#97: Not a Stepmom Yet… But Kinda? Navigating the Awkward In-Between
Alicia tackles the unspoken phase of stepmom life—the before. You’ve met the kids. You’re dating the dad. You’re not a stepmom technically, but you're already feeling all the weird, confusing emotions that come with blending families.This “in-between” season is messy, emotional, and full of what the actual efffff moments. Alicia breaks down how to ease into your role, communicate expectations
#96: Documenting for Court: Protecting Your Peace in High-Conflict Co-Parenting with Nika Chadwick
In this powerful episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia Krasko is joined by Nika Chadwick, an expert in navigating high-conflict co-parenting situations. They dive deep into understanding what high-conflict actually means, how to recognize it, and how to protect your peace and sanity while managing it. Whether you’re facing constant drama, navigating court battles, or just trying to keep your
#95: Ask Me Anything from Instagram-Stepmom Life Unfiltered: Tackling Disrespect, Boundary Issues, and Mom Drama
In today’s episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia answers questions from her broadcast channel and "Ask Me Anything" from Instagram. She dives deep into some of the toughest struggles stepmoms face—like dealing with disrespectful stepkids, managing the emotions of bio kids, handling the drama from bio moms, and navigating tricky boundaries with your partner. It’s a tough ride, but g
#94: How To Handle It When Your Partner Just Doesn’t Get It and You're A Stepmom
Ever poured your heart out to your partner, only to get blank stares or the dreaded “You’re overreacting”?In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia breaks down the emotional disconnect so many stepmoms feel in their relationship — and how to get your partner to finally understand your experience (without it turning into World War III).From validation to communication shifts, Alicia share
#93: Different Parenting Styles = Step Hell: How to Parent as a Team in a Blended Family
Are you stuck being the only one enforcing structure while your partner hands out snacks and screen time like it’s Halloween?Listen in as Alicia dives into one of the most frustrating parts of stepmom life — the moment you realize you’ve become the “bad cop” in your own home… and your partner is just vibing with chaos.You’ll learn why this dynamic happens in blended families, how it affects your m
#92: Why It Stings When Your Stepkids Talk About Their Mom (and What to Do About It)
Alicia dives deep into a feeling many stepmoms know all too well—that gut-punch of jealousy or sadness when your stepkids talk about their mom. Whether it’s an innocent story, a glowing compliment, or yet another comparison, the emotional reaction can be real—and often comes with a heavy dose of guilt.Alicia gets real about where those feelings come from, why they’re completely normal, and how to
#91: Mother’s Day When You’re a Stepmom: Finding Peace in the Chaos
Mother’s Day can be a tricky holiday for stepmoms, filled with mixed emotions and complicated dynamics. In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia offers stepmoms practical advice and emotional support for navigating the complexities of Mother’s Day. From managing expectations with co-parents to finding personal ways to feel appreciated, Alicia dives deep into how stepmoms can honor thems
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