The Stepmom Side Podcast

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 seating How to tell if you're reacting from love or fear What your partner’s...

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 bit...

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...

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...

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...

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 bu...

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 ex...

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 sche...

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...

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 expectati...

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...

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...

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 sh...

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...

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...

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...

Alicia dives deep into the emotional rollercoaster of comparing yourself to your partner’s ex. Whether it’s scrolling through social media or feeling like you don’t measure up in the stepfamily dynamic, Alicia talks about why comparison is so common (but totally toxic) for stepmoms. She uncovers how comparison affects your sense of identity, belonging, and energy—and shares actionable steps to bre...

In today’s episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast , we dive into one of the most frustrating and emotionally-charged dynamics stepmoms face: when your partner sides with the kids and leaves you feeling unsupported. Ever find yourself thinking, "Wait, am I the problem here?" or "Why do I feel like I’m living in the emotional Hunger Games?" Trust me, you’re not alone. Here’s what we...

Starting over financially can feel overwhelming—especially after divorce, debt, and career setbacks. In this episode, I sit down with Melissa Hampton, a financial expert and mom who transformed her life after hitting rock bottom. She shares practical strategies for budgeting, debt repayment, and estate planning—plus the mindset shifts that helped her take control of her future. If you’re feeling s...

In this episode, Alicia shares actionable strategies for navigating difficult conversations with your stepchild. From finding the right time to approaching sensitive topics with empathy, you’ll learn how to handle those awkward moments with confidence and grace. Whether you’re discussing rules, feelings, or family dynamics, this episode will help you build trust and create open, meaningful dialogu...

In this episode, Alicia dives into a common struggle many stepmoms face: doing all the “mom” things but not getting the recognition or credit for it. As a stepmom, it can feel emotionally draining to pour your heart and energy into your stepkids, only to be seen as “just” the stepmom. Alicia discusses the disconnect between the work you’re putting in and the lack of acknowledgment, especially when...

In this candid episode, Alicia dives deep into the heartache and humor behind that gut-wrenching moment when your stepchild says, "You're not my mom."She unpacks the emotional roller coaster that comes with blended family life and shares practical tips to help you navigate those painful moments with grace and resilience. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Understanding the Impact: Disco...

In today’s episode, we’re tackling a big one—happiness. More specifically, how YOUR happiness is an inside job , even when stepfamily stress is trying to bulldoze its way into your peace. If you’ve ever felt like your emotions are at the mercy of the ex, your stepkids, or the never-ending co-parenting drama, this episode is for you. Alicia breaks down: ⁃ How stepmoms unknowingly give away their po...

What happens when a stepmom decides to leave her relationship—but she’s deeply connected to her stepkids? This is a heartbreak that no one talks about. Today, Alicia is diving into: How to break the news to your stepkids Whether you should stay in contact after the breakup How to deal with the overwhelming guilt and sadness Healthy ways to cope and move forward Leaving a relationship when stepkids...

In this episode, Alicia is tackling one of the most frustrating issues many stepmoms face: what to do when your partner isn't stepping up with their kids or your "ours baby." It's hard when you feel like you're doing it all on your own, especially when your partner's involvement with their stepkids or shared children is lacking. First, Alicia dives into the common rea...