Stepmom Sanity

Co-parenting is hard. Co-parenting with a toxic ex? That can feel like warfare. In this episode of the Stepmom Sanity Podcast, host Cheryl Shumake and co-host Ashara Hood dive deep into the emotional, mental, and spiritual challenges of navigating a high-conflict co-parenting relationship. They share their personal experiences—moments of triumph,heartbreak, and everything in between. They unpack w...

On this episode of the Stepmom Sanity Podcast, I sit down with my daughter, Kayla, to share an honest conversation about her experience transitioning into a blended family. We talk about the highs, the lows, and everything in between — from navigating new relationships to finding stability in the midst of change. Whether you’re a stepmom, a biological parent, or a child in a blended family, this h...

In this raw and uplifting episode of StepmomSanity , we sit down with Shayla Huber, author of 10 Things I Hate About My Husband: How God Healed My Heart,Restored My Marriage, and Set Me Free. Shayla shares her honest journey through marital struggles, the breaking point that brought her to her knees, and how God transformed her heart, reignited her marriage, and led her to true freedom. Together,...

Navigating past relationships, co-parenting dynamics, and emotional baggage can make cultivating a healthy sex life feel complicated—but it doesn’t have to be. Christian Sexpert, Angela Griffith, will help us uncover how couples can embrace God’s design for intimacy, heal from past wounds, and celebrate connection in their marriage. Whether you're feeling disconnected or looking to strengthen...

As women in blended families we often deal with tension, comparison, or unmet expectations threatening to pull our families apart.  Navigating these relationships can feel overwhelming, especially when waiting on God to fulfill His promises in your family. What can we learn about faith, grace, and navigating difficult relationships from Sarah and Hagar? How do their stories challenge and encourage...

Being a stepmom is a beautiful calling, but let’s be real—it’s easy to feel like you’re losing yourself in the process. Between blending families, managing expectations, and navigating relationships, it can feel like your identity takes a back seat. But here's the truth: you are so much more than the roles you play. Today, we’re tackling this head-on with a conversation about not losing yourself a...

"Navigating co-parenting is already complex, but when a differently abled child is involved, the challenges and blessings grow tenfold. In this heart-to-heart episode, we unpack the unique journey of stepmoms co-parenting special needs children. Discover practical wisdom and faith-driven strategies to build trust, foster unity, and nurture your role with confidence and compassion. Whether you’re s...

Join us for the re-release of Parts 1 and 2 of this Q&A with the Smart Stepmom herself, Laura Petherbridge! Follow Laura on Facebook and Instagram @smartstepmom Connect with her and subscribe to her email list at www.smartstepmom.com

Q and A with the OG herself, Laura Petherbridge, co-author of best-selling book, The Smart Stepmom , and founder of the ministry by the same name. Connect with Laura at www.thesmartstepmom.com

Join Cheryl and Dr. James and Gina Dellaripa as they chat about their innovative communication tool used in courts, and families of all types, to help those families decrease family stress, increase family harmony, and live like a family. Connect with our Guests Email : admin@thefamilycore.com Website Socials: Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube Channel Register for Blended and Blessed Join the Ste...

Author and speaker Kia Stephens shares about her book, Overcoming Father Wounds: Exchanging Your Pain for God's Perfect Love, speaking to wounded women everywhere about the power of God's love to transform them and redeem their brokenness. Listen as she declares that our father wounds do not have the last word in your life; God does, and gives practical tips for helping the daughter's...

How would you feel if you could change the narrative on your family? What if your brokenness is not only okay, but beautiful in the eyes of our Lord? Our guest, Elisa Morgan, helps us reframe our thinking so we can receive the blessing of brokenness and broken people. Elisa Morgan (MDiv) has authored over twenty-five books including T he Beauty of Broken, Hello, Beauty Full, She Did What She Could...

It's been said that we train others how to treat us. But what if we don't know how to do that? What if we struggle with accommodating unacceptable behavior? Even worse, what if we think it's biblical to do so? Our guest today unpacks the importance of establishing and maintaining good boundaries in your blended family. Download Thick Skin Tender Heart: Biblical Ways to Build Healthy Boundaries Pur...

It has been said that ministry to blended families is a high-need low-demand endeavor. However, if we're going to have healthy, functioning blended families we need the cheering and support of our church communities. For every pastor, ministry leader, and Joe next door, wanting to be part of the team that meets the demand, this conversation may just be the nudge you need. Connect with Ron Deal Reg...

In Blended and Redeemed, Scott and Vanessa have provided a roadmap through the challenges unique to living in a step family. Their vulnerable and empathetic voice invites readers to honest reflection. Their unwavering adherence to the Word of God invites readers to challenge their hard emotions with hard truth. Using their own story as a backdrop, Scott and Vanessa demonstrate how practical steps...

A well-adjusted, inclusive bonus grandparent can make a huge a difference in helping a blended family bond... and a divisive grandparent can cause great harm.  Join Cheryl, author, Jennifer Elwood, and Cheryl's mother, Gwen Brown, as they chat about grandparenting in a blended family. Find our more about Jennifer and here ministry here .  Follow Jennifer on Facebook and Instagram . ...

Join Cheryl and Ron Deal as they chat about overcoming territory wars in blended families. If you are struggling in an us vs. them dynamic in your home, you will want to listen in. Link to Purchase Books Mentioned in Podcast Episode: Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Waiting to Be Wanted: A Stepmom's Guide to Loving Before Being Loved Smart Stepfamily Guide to Financial Planning Building Love Toget...

As Christ-following, Bonus Moms, we are called to love and serve children who may act out of hurt, without absorbing the pain of their hurtful actions. Putting Christ at the center of our stepmothering is imperative for accomplishing God's purpose in and through us for our families. Join Cheryl and Summer Butler as they chat about rising to the call of Christ-Centered Stepmothering.  LINKS TO...

Financial issues have the ability to dash your dreams for couple unity and family bonding. Listen in as Cheryl provides beyond the basic money moves every blended family should make. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW: Crown The Smart Stepfamily Guide to Financial Planning: Money Management Before and After You Blend a Family by Ron Deal, Greg Pettys, and David O. Edwards Give, Save & Spend: Fina...

Join Cheryl in this Special Edition Father's Day conversation with her husband, Jonathan. 

Have you ever wondered if you were noticed, or appreciated? Well, you are. We see you and we are cheering for you. And every year we choose a Stepmom of the Year to remind her, and you, that what we do matters. Join Cheryl as she chats with our Stepmom Sanity Stepmom of the Year, Jennifer Kolf. Be encouraged as Jennifer shares her triumphs, challenges, and common sense approach to stepmomming in g...

Most couples, no matter how in love they may be, struggle with spiritual intimacy. I know Jonathan and I do. But what if, rather than drive us apart, these struggles are opportunities to press towards deeper intimacy, not just with each other but the Lord ? What if, there was a resource that helped us have conversations designed to humble us, invite God into our marriage, and pull us towards one a...

Join Cheryl, her mom, and a few of her friends as they discuss what it means to have a "living hope" in these turbulent times.  Connect with our guests: Sara Broyhill Anderson:                Website: Fruits of Faith Ministries Facebook: Fruits of Faith Ministries Instagram: Fruits of Faith Ministries Youtube: Fruits o...

Join Cheryl as she chats with Ebony Mason, co-founder of "Blendistry."  Ebony shares her unique way for tackling holiday stress unique to blended families. Blendistry is an outreach ministry for blended families to grow closer to each other and God through their shared stories of struggles and triumphs. Blendistry  “Blending Families Through Ministry” 205-253-0616 blendistry@yahoo.com ww...

What if someone gave you a roadmap for entering blended family marriage well? What if you, as a pastor, step-couple coach, or counselor, knew exactly what to do to help the engaged couples you serve lay a foundation for success?  Bestselling author of The Smart Stepfamily series, and director of Family Life Blended, Ron Deal, has written just such a resource. Listen in as Cheryl and Ron discu...