Stepmom Side Chats

Alyssa and Becca | Stepmoms and Blended Families

Stepmom Side Chats is the unfiltered podcast where stepmoms finally say the things we’re usually expected to keep to ourselves. Hosted by Alyssa and Dr. Becca Taylor, we dive into the real, complicated, and sometimes messy side of blended-family life from marriage, boundaries, and parenting roles to high-conflict dynamics, resentment, guilt, love, and everything in between. Through honest conversations, real stories, expert perspectives, and lived stepmom experience, we’re creating the space we wish we had when we became stepmoms. Grab your coffee or wine, and pull up a chair, and come chat!

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20 episodes
Updated July 14
Explicit

Episodes20

Newest first

July 14 · 57 min
Beyond Love Is Blind: Jessica Batten McGrath Opens Up About Stepmom Life
Most people know Jessica Batten McGrath from Love Is Blind, but today we're getting to know the woman behind the reality TV experience. Jessica joins us for an honest conversation about the chapter that came after the cameras stopped rolling becoming a wife, a mom, and a stepmom. Together, we talk about what it's really like to step into an already-established family, the unexpected challenges of blended family life, and how those experiences have shaped the way she approaches love, marriage, and motherhood. Jessica shares the lessons she's learned, the moments that stretched her, and the perspective she's gained along the way. Whether you're a new stepmom or you've been navigating this journey for years, this episode is a reminder that blended families aren't perfect and they don't have to be. If you've ever felt like no one prepared you for what stepmom life would actually be like, this conversation is for you. Connect with Jessica Batten McGrath on Instagram - @jessicabatten_ ✨ Big Ass Candles | www.bigassluxuries.com and use the code STEPMOM for a discount ✨ COZY EARTH | ⁠www.cozyearth.com⁠ and use code STEPMOM ✨ Get Out | www.getout.com and use code STEPMOM ✨ Pateron private stepmom membership: ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/Stepmomsidechats⁠⁠ ✨ Follow us on Instagram for more stepmom content and to stay connected for future episodes ⁠⁠@stepmomsidechats⁠⁠ ✨ Leave us a review if this episode resonated with you, this helps us reach more stepmoms.
June 30 · 51 min
Diving Deeper Into Stepmotherhood with Christina from Radical Stepmoms
In this episode, we're joined by Christina Nelson of Radical Stepmoms Podcast for an honest conversation about the realities of stepmotherhood. We discuss what it's really like entering a relationship with someone who already has a child, navigating difficult co-parenting dynamics, advocating for stepchildren with ADHD, and the grief many stepmoms experience when their blended family doesn't look the way they imagined. Christina also shares her perspective on one of the most misunderstood topics in the stepmom community: disengagement. We talk about resentment, boundaries, selective involvement, and how stepmoms can show up in ways that align with their values without losing themselves in the process. Whether you're a new stepmom or years into your journey, this episode is packed with practical advice, validation, and reminders that you're not alone. Topics discussed: • Meeting the bio mom for the first time • Co-parenting a child with ADHD • Stepmom resentment and burnout • What disengagement actually means • Ours babies and blended family grief • Kids in the marital bedroom • Building healthy boundaries as a stepmom Connect with Christina Nelson from Radical Stepmoms: Instagram:@radicalstepmomspodcast Website: www.radicalstepmomspodcast.com ✨ Big Ass Candles | www.bigassluxuries.com and use the code STEPMOM for a discount ✨ COZY EARTH | ⁠www.cozyearth.com⁠ and use code STEPMOM ✨ Get Out | www.getout.com and use code STEPMOM ✨ Pateron private stepmom membership: ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/Stepmomsidechats⁠⁠ ✨ Follow us on Instagram for more stepmom content and to stay connected for future episodes ⁠⁠@stepmomsidechats⁠⁠ ✨ Leave us a review if this episode resonated with you, this helps us reach more stepmoms.
June 23 · 50 min
Ours Baby Part 2: Stepkid Jealousy, Dad Guilt & The Fairness Trap
We’re back with Part 2 of our Ours Baby series, and this time we're answering the questions everyone really wants to know. Did your stepkids get jealous? Did bio mom get worse? Were the kids at the hospital? Do dads overcompensate out of guilt? And is "fairness" in a blended family even possible? In this episode, we get real about the practical side of having an ours baby...from stepkid reactions and loyalty binds to grandparent dynamics, age gaps, guilt parenting, and the challenges nobody warns you about. Whether you're considering having an ours baby, currently pregnant, or already navigating life with one, this conversation is packed with honest experiences, uncomfortable truths, and the reassurance that you're not alone. Topics discussed: • Stepkid jealousy and adjustment • Bringing baby home to a blended family • Bio mom reactions • Dad guilt and overcompensating • Grandparent dynamics • The myth of fairness in blended families • Navigating first-time motherhood as a stepmom Grab your coffee and join us for another candid Stepmom Side Chats conversation. ✨ Big Ass Candles | www.bigassluxuries.com and use the code STEPMOM for a discount ✨ COZY EARTH | ⁠www.cozyearth.com⁠ and use code STEPMOM ✨ Get Out | www.getout.com and use code STEPMOM ✨ Pateron private stepmom membership: ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/Stepmomsidechats⁠⁠ ✨ Follow us on Instagram for more stepmom content and to stay connected for future episodes ⁠⁠@stepmomsidechats⁠⁠ ✨ Leave us a review if this episode resonated with you, this helps us reach more stepmoms.
June 16 · 50 min
“I Was Brainwashed to Hate My Dad” | A Daughter’s Journey Through Parental Alienation
What happens when the person you trust most shapes your entire reality and that reality isn’t true? In this deeply personal episode of Stepmom Side Chats, Alyssa & Becca sit down with Meghan, a woman who spent decades believing her father abandoned her. Raised in a high-conflict home, Meghan shares what it was like growing up caught in the middle of divorce, manipulation, fear, loyalty binds, and emotional survival. From walking on eggshells with her mother to feeling a deep longing for her dad she couldn’t explain, Meghan opens up about the painful reality of parental alienation from the child’s perspective. She shares how therapy helped her begin connecting the dots, what it felt like to finally reconnect with her father later in life, and the healing that came from learning her story was never what she had been told. This conversation is raw, validating, and eye-opening for stepmoms, dads, and anyone navigating alienation, high-conflict co-parenting, or the long-term effects of childhood trauma. If you’ve ever wondered what alienated kids are really feeling or what they wish the safe adults in their lives knew, this episode is one you won’t forget. Connect with Meghan: Instagram:@socalfitmama ✨ Big Ass Candles | www.bigassluxuries.com and use the code STEPMOM for a discount ✨ COZY EARTH | ⁠www.cozyearth.com⁠ and use code STEPMOM ✨ Get Out | www.getout.com and use code STEPMOM ✨ Pateron private stepmom membership: ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/Stepmomsidechats⁠⁠ ✨ Follow us on Instagram for more stepmom content and to stay connected for future episodes ⁠⁠@stepmomsidechats⁠⁠ ✨ Leave us a review if this episode resonated with you, this helps us reach more stepmoms.
June 9 · 39 min
Emotional Neutrality: The Stepmom Skill Nobody Talks About
In high-conflict stepfamily dynamics, it can feel like every text, exchange, or disagreement pulls you into emotional chaos. In this episode, Alyssa and Becca unpack the hidden power of emotional neutrality and why learning not to emotionally enter every conflict can completely shift your experience as a stepmom. We dive into selective involvement, grey rocking, behavioral psychology, and the ABC model of conflict to explain why some family dynamics keep escalating and how stepmoms can begin protecting their peace without feeling cold, guilty, or disconnected. You’ll hear practical strategies for de-escalating conflict, regulating your nervous system, setting healthier boundaries, and learning the difference between supporting your family and becoming emotionally consumed by it. If you’ve ever felt exhausted from overthinking texts, carrying everyone’s emotions, or constantly trying to “keep the peace,” this episode is for you. ✨ Big Ass Candles | www.bigassluxuries.com and use the code STEPMOM for a discount ✨ COZY EARTH | ⁠www.cozyearth.com⁠ and use code STEPMOM ✨ Get Out | www.getout.com and use code STEPMOM ✨ Pateron private stepmom membership: ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/Stepmomsidechats⁠⁠ ✨ Follow us on Instagram for more stepmom content and to stay connected for future episodes ⁠⁠@stepmomsidechats⁠⁠ ✨ Leave us a review if this episode resonated with you, this helps us reach more stepmoms.
June 2 · 46 min
Stepmoms, Boundaries & High-Conflict Chaos with Naja Hall
In this powerful episode, Alyssa and Becca sit down with for one of the most honest conversations we’ve had about high-conflict co-parenting, loyalty binds, and what happens when being the “nice” stepmom stops working. Naja shares her own journey through parental alienation, conflict, and the emotional toll of loving children who may have been taught to keep their distance. Together, we unpack how chaos from another household can quietly impact your marriage, your identity, your peace, and even the way your stepkids show up in your home. This conversation is raw, funny, validating, and full of the hard truths many stepmoms need to hear, especially if you’ve ever felt misunderstood, pushed to your limits, or wondered how to love deeply while still protecting your peace. Connect with Naja Hall: Instagram:@vipstepmom Website: www.vipstepmom.com ✨ Big Ass Candles | www.bigassluxuries.com and use the code STEPMOM for a discount ✨ COZY EARTH | ⁠www.cozyearth.com⁠ and use code STEPMOM ✨ Get Out | www.getout.com and use code STEPMOM ✨ Pateron private stepmom membership: ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/Stepmomsidechats⁠⁠ ✨ Follow us on Instagram for more stepmom content and to stay connected for future episodes ⁠⁠@stepmomsidechats⁠⁠ ✨ Leave us a review if this episode resonated with you, this helps us reach more stepmoms.
May 26 · 46 min
You’re Not the Cruise Director: Surviving Summer as a Stepmom
Summer always sounds magical… until the custody schedules change, the kids are home 24/7, your routines disappear, and suddenly your house feels louder, messier, and a lot less like your own. In this episode, Alyssa and Becca open up about what summer really feels like as a stepmom, the pressure to make memories, plan activities, keep everyone entertained, manage different parenting styles, and somehow not lose yourself in the process. From camp chaos and screen-time guilt to relationship stress and burnout, this is the conversation stepmoms need before summer officially begins. Because sometimes being a stepmom in the summer doesn’t feel like sunshine and family memories… it feels like emotional overtime. ✨ Big Ass Candles | www.bigassluxuries.com and use the code STEPMOM for a discount ✨ COZY EARTH | ⁠www.cozyearth.com⁠ and use code STEPMOM ✨ Get Out | www.getout.com and use code STEPMOM ✨ Pateron private stepmom membership: ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/Stepmomsidechats⁠⁠ ✨ Follow us on Instagram for more stepmom content and to stay connected for future episodes ⁠⁠@stepmomsidechats⁠⁠ ✨ Leave us a review if this episode resonated with you, this helps us reach more stepmoms.
May 19 · 46 min
Your Body Keeps the Score: Stress, Trauma & Why Stepmoms Are Burning Out
In this powerful episode of Stepmom Side Chats, Alyssa & Becca sit down with somatic healing coach Meggie, a mom of four, who shares how severe burnout, mysterious health symptoms, and nervous system dysregulation completely changed the course of her life. After losing her hair, gaining weight, battling unexplained physical symptoms, and feeling completely disconnected from herself, Meggie discovered that her body wasn’t betraying her, it was trying to protect her. Together, we unpack how stepmoms and women often carry stress in their shoulders, jaw, hips, and nervous system, why so many of us live in fight-or-flight without realizing it, and how chronic stress can silently impact everything from our relationships to our physical health. If you've ever felt touched out, emotionally numb, constantly overstimulated, or like your body is screaming for help… this episode may explain why. Connect with Meggie: Instagram: ⁠@meggie_m_martin Website: https://meggiemartin.com/ Some of Meggie's amazing resources include: Somatic exercise in 5 bundle: https://meggiemartin.thrivecart.com/somaticsinfive/ Free BodyBased workshop: https://meggiemartin.thrivecart.com/bodybased-workshop-2026/ Use code STEPMOMSC for a discount ✨ Big Ass Candles | www.bigassluxuries.com and use the code STEPMOM for a discount ✨ Cozy Earth | ⁠www.cozyearth.com⁠ and use code STEPMOM ✨ Pateron private stepmom membership: ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/Stepmomsidechats⁠⁠ ✨ Follow us on Instagram for more stepmom content and to stay connected for future episodes ⁠⁠@stepmomsidechats⁠⁠ ✨ Leave us a review if this episode resonated with you, this helps us reach more stepmoms.
May 12 · 40 min
The Friendship Shift No One Talks About in Stepmom Life
Friendships as a stepmom can feel... complicated. In this raw and honest episode of Stepmom Side Chats, Alyssa and Becca dive into one of the most isolating parts of stepmom life, how friendships shift when your reality becomes blended family drama, court dates, co-parenting chaos, and emotions your friends simply may not understand. We’re talking about losing friendships, feeling judged, oversharing, emotional boundaries, and why so many stepmoms feel like no one truly gets it. We also share personal stories of friendships that changed, what we wish we had done differently, and how to find the people who can actually support you through this journey. Plus, we end with one of our favorite segments: Texts I Didn’t Send, and trust us... these submissions are wild. If you’ve ever felt alone, misunderstood, or like your friendships changed after becoming a stepmom, this episode is for you. ✨ Big Ass Candles | www.bigassluxuries.com and use the code STEPMOM for a discount ✨ Cozy Earth | ⁠www.cozyearth.com⁠ and use code STEPMOM ✨ Pateron private stepmom membership: ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/Stepmomsidechats⁠⁠ ✨ Follow us on Instagram for more stepmom content and to stay connected for future episodes ⁠⁠@stepmomsidechats⁠⁠ ✨ Leave us a review if this episode resonated with you, this helps us reach more stepmoms.
May 5 · 50 min
Present through the Chaos with Randy Keith
Disclaimer: This episode includes discussion of suicide, domestic violence, and mental health crises. Please take care while listening. In this episode of Stepmom Sidechats, Alyssa & Becca sit down with Randy Keith, also known as Present Father, a fatherhood advocate, creator, and founder of the Present Father Movement. Randy shares his deeply personal story of divorce, navigating a high-conflict custody battle, parallel parenting, and what it has looked like to fight to stay present for his children through some of the hardest seasons of his life. We also talk about the impact of mental health, how children can become caught in the middle during high-conflict dynamics, the realities of blended family life, and what support from a partner can look like when co-parenting feels anything but peaceful. Randy offers a rare and honest dad’s perspective on loyalty binds, weaponized parenting, stepmom support, and why consistency, documentation, and emotional regulation matter so much. This conversation is raw, validating, and full of insight for stepmoms, dads, and anyone navigating the complexities of high-conflict co-parenting and blended family life. Connect with Randy Keith: Instagram: @present.fathers Website: ⁠https://present-father.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Present-Father ✨ Big Ass Candles | www.bigassluxuries.com and use the code STEPMOM for a discount ✨ Episode sponsor | ⁠www.cozyearth.com⁠ and use code STEPMOM ✨ Pateron private stepmom membership: ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/Stepmomsidechats⁠⁠ ✨ Follow us on Instagram for more stepmom content and to stay connected for future episodes ⁠⁠@stepmomsidechats⁠⁠ ✨ Leave us a review if this episode resonated with you, this helps us reach more stepmoms.
April 28 · 43 min
Mother's Day: Not the Mom… But Doing Everything a Mom Does
In this episode, Alyssa and Becca sit down to unpack what this holiday really feels like as stepmoms, especially when you’re doing all the “mom things” but don’t always get the recognition that comes with it. They reflect on where they started, navigating Mother’s Day as childless stepmoms, and how their experiences have evolved over time. From awkward first holidays to now balancing life as both stepmoms and biological moms, Alyssa and Becca share the honest, unfiltered reality of what this day brings up. They get into the tough questions, what hurts more, no acknowledgment or forced acknowledgment? What role should partners actually play? And how do kids experience this day when they’re caught between two homes? Along the way, Alyssa and Becca talk about expectations, resentment, growth, and why creating your own version of Mother’s Day might be the key to getting through it. If you’ve ever felt invisible, conflicted, or unsure where you fit on Mother’s Day, this conversation will make you feel seen. ✨ Big Ass Candles | www.bigassluxuries.com and use the code STEPMOM for a discount ✨ Episode sponsor | ⁠www.cozyearth.com⁠ and use code STEPMOM ✨ Pateron private stepmom membership: ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/Stepmomsidechats⁠⁠ ✨ Follow us on Instagram for more stepmom content and to stay connected for future episodes ⁠⁠@stepmomsidechats⁠⁠ ✨ Leave us a review if this episode resonated with you, this helps us reach more stepmoms.
April 21 · 48 min
Understanding Your Enneagram as a Stepmom with Ashton Whitmoyer-Ober
In this episode of Alyssa & Becca, we sit down with Ashton Whitmoyer-Ober, an Enneagram coach and speaker, to talk about how understanding your Enneagram type can help you navigate stepmom life with more self-awareness, clarity, and compassion. We get into how different Enneagram types respond to conflict, triggers, boundaries, people-pleasing, resentment, and relationship dynamics, especially inside blended families. We also talk about why stepmom life can feel so emotionally layered, how your core motivations shape the way you react, and what it can look like to better understand both yourself and the people around you. Whether you are the stepmom who overthinks everything, takes things to heart, avoids conflict, or feels like you always have to prove yourself, this conversation offers insight into why you may respond the way you do and how that awareness can help you move through blended family dynamics with more intention. We also answer a listener question and share practical takeaways for stepmoms who want to better understand their triggers, communication patterns, and emotional responses. Connect with Ashton: Instagram: @enneagramashton Website:https://www.enneagramashton.com/ Click here to: Find out your enneagram ✨ Big Ass Candles | www.bigassluxuries.com and use the code STEPMOM for a discount ✨ Episode sponsor | www.cozyearth.com and use code STEPMOM ✨ Pateron private stepmom membership: ⁠https://patreon.com/Stepmomsidechats⁠ ✨ Follow us on Instagram for more stepmom content and to stay connected for future episodes ⁠@stepmomsidechats⁠ ✨ Leave us a review if this episode resonated with you, this helps us reach more stepmoms.
April 14 · 40 min
Stepmoms...we're so back!
Season 2 is here and we’re starting with a conversation so many stepmoms know by heart. In this first episode, Alyssa & Becca talk about the exact moment they realized stepmom life was not what they thought they signed up for. From overfunctioning, unrealistic expectations, and feeling invisible in your own home, to the emotional labor, criticism, and identity shifts no one prepares you for, we’re getting honest about the parts of stepmom life that hit the hardest. We’re also sharing what we wish we would’ve known earlier, the boundaries we wish we’d set sooner, and the biggest lessons we’ve learned along the way. If you’ve ever thought, “Wait… this is not what I expected,” this episode is for you. ✨ Big Ass Candles | www.bigassluxuries.com and use the code STEPMOM for a discount ✨ Episode sponsor | ⁠www.cozyearth.com⁠ and use code STEPMOMBOGO ✨ Pateron private stepmom membership: ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/Stepmomsidechats⁠⁠ ✨ Follow us on Instagram for more stepmom content and to stay connected for future episodes ⁠⁠@stepmomsidechats⁠⁠ ✨ Leave us a review if this episode resonated with you, this helps us reach more stepmoms.
March 10 · 42 min
Would you rather: Stepmom edition
It’s our season finale, and we are showing up caffeinated, chaotic, and completely unfiltered. Alyssa and Becca playing “Would You Rather: Stepmom Edition”, from sports practices vs. parent-teacher conferences to stepping on Legos vs. reading a six-paragraph text from the ex. They also tackle listener-submitted questions about dating a partner with a toddler, long-distance stepkids, and what it’s like when you have less than 50/50 time. Plus, they are sharing a little life update on transition days, stepmom triggers, and why “let it go” is way easier said than done. They discuss taking a short break before Season 2, but how they still be hanging out inside the Stepmom Side Chats membership with lives, Q&As, and support you don’t have to explain. ✨ Pateron private stepmom communities: https://patreon.com/Stepmomsidechats ✨ Follow us on Instagram for more stepmom content and to stay connected for future episodes @stepmomsidechats ✨ Big Ass Candles | https://bigassluxuries.com and use the code STEPMOM for a discount ✨ Leave us a review if this episode resonated with you, this helps us reach more stepmoms.
March 3 · 52 min
Handling raw emotions: staying grounded in co-parenting with Jay Skibbens
This week on Stepmom Side Chats, we sit down with co-parent coach Jay Skibbens for a conversation that goes deep, like identity-shifting, nervous-system-resetting deep. Jay shares his powerful personal story of discovering that the children he had been raising weren’t biologically his and how that experience reshaped his understanding of resentment, emotional regulation, and what co-parenting really requires. From carrying years of anger to learning how to “cook his emotions first,” Jay breaks down why so many blended family conflicts aren’t actually about the kids: they’re about unprocessed triggers. This episode challenges the scripts we’ve all been handed about co-parenting. It’s not about winning. It’s not about controlling the other house. It’s about learning how to stay grounded when the triggers hit, because in blended families, they will. If you’ve ever felt dysregulated on transition day, resentful about schedules, frustrated with your spouse, or triggered by the other home, this conversation is for you. You can find Jay on instagram at @jayskibbens or through his membership, The Grounded Coparent University. The Grounded Coparent University is a private membership teaching regulated co-parenting through structure, tools, and repeatable growth. $49/month. Doors open March 23rd so use this link to get on the waitlist to save your spot: https://jay-skibbens.mykajabi.com/opt-in-9348c019-f9c1-4b91-8ab2-f6ad95ca18ab ✨ Pateron private stepmom communities: https://patreon.com/Stepmomsidechats ✨ Follow us on Instagram for more stepmom content and to stay connected for future episodes @stepmomsidechats ✨ Big Ass Candles | https://bigassluxuries.com and use the code STEPMOM for a discount ✨ Leave us a review if this episode resonated with you, this helps us reach more stepmoms.
February 24 · 43 min
The Blurred Line: Step-parenting, authority, & decision making with Gabriella Pomare
In this episode of Stepmom side chats, Alyssa and Becca sit down with Gabriella Pomare Australian family lawyer, co-parent, and author of The Collaborative Co-Parent for a real conversation about what actually makes co-parenting and blended family life work. We talk about how co-parenting changes over time, why communication and boundaries are everything, and what to do when repartnering shifts the dynamic. Gabriella breaks down the “blurred line” between step-parents and decision-making, how partners can support stepmoms with real unity and authority in the home, and why kids need consistency, even when they’re navigating two households. We also get into high-conflict moments (like school events), resisting the urge to get pulled back into chaos when someone “plays nice,” and how staying child-focused can protect kids from the long-term impact of adult conflict. You can connect with Gabriella on Instagram at @thegabriellapomare, where she shares practical co-parenting tips and blended family insights, and find her resources, guides, and book at thecollaborativeco-parent.com.au. ✨ Pateron private stepmom communities: https://patreon.com/Stepmomsidechats ✨ Follow us on Instagram for more stepmom content and to stay connected for future episodes: @stepmomsidechats ✨ Leave us a review if this episode resonated you, this helps us reach more stepmoms.
February 17 · 51 min
Tapping out: Stepmomming teenagers
Teenagers are already a lot… and stepmomming a teenager can feel like the difficulty level just jumped to “expert.” In this episode, Becca (who’s lived through the teen stage firsthand) and Alyssa (entering the preteen years and slightly terrified) break down what’s developmental vs. what’s actual disrespect and how to respond without escalating into a full-blown power struggle. They talk about the emotional whiplash of mood swings, why long lectures don’t work, and how “connection before correction” can change everything, while still protecting your peace. You’ll hear real-life examples, how to set boundaries without becoming the “bad guy,” when to let dad deliver consequences, and what disengaging looks like when it’s healthy (not giving up). They also answer listener questions like: How do you stop feeling like the third wheel? Can you discipline without ruining the relationship? What if the teen prefers the other home? If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t know what’s normal anymore,” this one’s for you.
February 10 · 39 min
Keeping Up With Bio Mom (and Why We’re Done Trying)
Most stepmoms struggle with feeling never enough, constantly comparing, overextending, and risking burnout. But what if your confidence and boundaries could transform your experience? Discover the secret to breaking the cycle of guilt and comparison, and learn how to create peace and security in your role, even amid the chaos of co-parenting.In this eye-opening episode, Alyssa and Becca share honest stories about the pitfalls of striving for perfection and the power of good enough. They delve into practical ways to set boundaries around snacks, lunches, birthdays, and holidays without losing your sanity or your sense of self. You'll uncover how children narrate their world to process family dynamics and how to respond with confidence, preventing unnecessary competition between households.We break down:✨ How to avoid stepping into a “comparison trap” that sabotages your peace✨ The mindset shifts that build lasting confidence as a stepmom✨ Simple boundaries you can set around food, gifts, and celebrations to reduce stress✨ Strategies to foster connection and safety that make kids feel truly seen and loved✨ The importance of internal reflection on why feelings of inadequacy surface and how to heal them Why does all this matter? Because the true goal isn’t perfection: it’s creating a nurturing environment where your stepkids feel secure, loved, and understood. When you stop measuring yourself by the standards of two households, you unlock the freedom to be your authentic self and foster healthier relationships.Perfect for stepmoms feeling overwhelmed by household chaos, gift competition, or their own inner critic. This episode equips you with real tools to reclaim your peace, build confidence, and show up as your best self, not just for your family, but for yourself. Because in the end, your steady confidence is the greatest gift you can give.
February 3 · 40 min
Support from your partner is hot...just sayin'
Most stepmoms feel unseen and overwhelmed, but what if your partner truly understood what you’re carrying? This episode Alyssa and Becca dive deep into the silent struggles and unmet needs in blended families. Discover how communication, boundaries, and emotional safety are the keys to transforming chaos into connection. We uncover the core issues that fuel resentment between spouses, revealing surprising insights about how men and women process stress and trauma differently, like waffles versus spaghetti! Alyssa and Becca share real stories about feeling unsupported on transition days, managing boundary expectations, and navigating high-conflict bio moms. Learn practical tools to foster alignment with your partner, including the importance of a united front and setting invisible boundaries that protect your sanity. You'll discover why caregiver burnout isn’t just for healthcare workers: stepmoms face it too and how to prioritize your mental health without guilt. We also explore the power of validating each other's feelings, even when you don’t see eye-to-eye. This episode is perfect for stepmoms struggling to feel seen, supported, and loved in a chaotic world and for partners ready to step up and truly support their women. Whether you're feeling the weight of scheduling, emotional triggers, or the endless trauma bond, this conversation offers hope and actionable strategies. If you’re tired of feeling alone in your journey, want your partner to get it without drama, and crave a blueprint for healthier co-parenting, listen now and start creating the harmony you deserve.
January 27 · 48 min
Boundaries, Burnout & Stepmomming with Kristen Skiles
In this episode, hosts Alyssa and Becca welcome Kristen Skiles, founder of Stepmomming, to share her honest journey into stepmom life and how it unexpectedly led to building a supportive platform for blended families. Kristen opens up about her initial hesitation to date a single dad, the realities she faced stepping into motherhood, and how both the challenges and joys shaped her personal and professional path. She reflects on launching a blog alongside her stepdaughter’s biological mom, navigating the complexities of running a business together, and eventually growing Stepmomming into her own space through blogs, podcasts, coaching, and courses designed to uplift stepmoms. The conversation dives deep into one of the most important themes for blended families: boundaries. Kristen shares practical, hard-earned insights on protecting your peace, trusting your intuition, and setting healthy limits to avoid resentment and burnout. From handling tough co-parent dynamics and negative comments to figuring out the stepmom-as-disciplinarian role, she offers grounded advice and encouragement to help stepmoms create harmony at home while honoring themselves.

Stepmom Side Chats

Beyond Love Is Blind: Jessica Batten McGrath Opens Up About Stepmom Life

Diving Deeper Into Stepmotherhood with Christina from Radical Stepmoms

Ours Baby Part 2: Stepkid Jealousy, Dad Guilt & The Fairness Trap

“I Was Brainwashed to Hate My Dad” | A Daughter’s Journey Through Parental Alienation

Emotional Neutrality: The Stepmom Skill Nobody Talks About

Stepmoms, Boundaries & High-Conflict Chaos with Naja Hall

You’re Not the Cruise Director: Surviving Summer as a Stepmom

Your Body Keeps the Score: Stress, Trauma & Why Stepmoms Are Burning Out

The Friendship Shift No One Talks About in Stepmom Life

Present through the Chaos with Randy Keith

Mother's Day: Not the Mom… But Doing Everything a Mom Does

Understanding Your Enneagram as a Stepmom with Ashton Whitmoyer-Ober

Stepmoms...we're so back!

Would you rather: Stepmom edition

Handling raw emotions: staying grounded in co-parenting with Jay Skibbens

The Blurred Line: Step-parenting, authority, & decision making with Gabriella Pomare

Tapping out: Stepmomming teenagers

Keeping Up With Bio Mom (and Why We’re Done Trying)

Support from your partner is hot...just sayin'

Boundaries, Burnout & Stepmomming with Kristen Skiles