The Stepmom Side Podcast

Welcome to another episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast ! In this episode, Alicia dives into a tough but important topic: what to do when your partner doesn’t back you up as a stepmom. If you’re feeling unsupported, frustrated, or like you’re handling everything on your own, you’re not alone. Alicia shares actionable advice to help you navigate this challenge and start feeling more supported and co...

Feeling overwhelmed by the demands of stepmom life? In this episode, we tackle the relentless cycle of burnout and share practical strategies to reclaim your peace. From setting boundaries to finding your support system, this episode will help you take the first steps toward a calmer, more confident life. Plus, discover how connecting with like-minded stepmoms in The Stepmom Side Community can tra...

In this episode, Casey McGuire Davidson, a life sobriety coach, shares her personal journey with alcohol and its profound impact on her relationships, parenting, and well-being. Casey discusses the societal pressures and stigmas surrounding alcohol consumption, especially for high-achieving women and mothers, and how "mommy wine culture" perpetuates harmful coping mechanisms. She opens u...

Welcome to the first episode of the year! In this episode, Alicia shares how choosing a single word for the year can set the tone for success, clarity, and peace in your stepmom journey. Her word for the year, Intentional , is all about making purposeful choices in time management, relationships, work, and self-care. She also invites you to reflect on what you want your year to feel like and walks...

In this reflective episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast , we’re diving into the highs, the lows, and everything in between from 2024. Alicia gets real about her challenges, celebrates her wins, and shares what she’s looking forward to in 2025. If you’re ready to reflect on your own year and find inspiration for the year ahead, this episode is for you. What We Cover: The struggles of 2024: wasted ti...

In this episode, Alicia dives into the all-too-common feeling of being a third wheel in your own family as a stepmom. From understanding the root causes to actionable steps and mindset shifts, this episode is packed with insights to help you reclaim your seat at the family table. What You’ll Learn: Why feeling like an outsider happens and what it means. How to address these feelings with your part...

Does it feel like you’re the only one laying down the law while your partner lets things slide? Are you starting to resent your stepkids when the real issue is a lack of teamwork with your partner? In this episode, Alicia breaks down why your frustration with discipline isn’t really about the kids—it’s about getting on the same page with your partner. Alicia shares insights, practical tips, and mi...

Holidays as a stepmom can feel like walking a tightrope between honoring old traditions and creating space for something new. But here’s the thing: the holidays aren’t just about the past—they’re about building a future full of joy, connection, and belonging. In this episode, we’re diving into how you can confidently ditch outdated traditions, create fresh ones, and build a holiday season that fee...

The holidays are supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year , but for stepmoms? Let’s be real—it’s often a mix of logistical nightmares, emotional overload, and a whole lot of deep breathing. In this episode, Alicia is tackling the holiday stressors stepmoms face, straight from her Instagram broadcast channel: Stepmom Support. From co-parenting chaos to feeling like an outsider at family g...

In this episode, Alicia tackles a common, yet often tricky, part of stepmom life: having your stepkids come back home from college. If you’re feeling torn between enjoying the holiday reunion and dreading the disruption to your routine, this episode is for you! Alicia dives into real strategies for setting respectful boundaries and practical ground rules, so everyone can enjoy their time together...

In this episode, I tackle one of the biggest pressures in stepfamily life: the expectation to create a “blended” family. Society makes us feel like a stepfamily isn’t successful unless everyone’s close and connected immediately, but real-life doesn’t always work like that. Lets break down the difference between blending and bonding and why forcing “blended” family dynamics often leads to more tens...

As a stepmom, the holiday season can feel like you’re juggling everyone else’s needs—and there’s never enough time for you . In this episode, Alicia breaks down why self-care isn’t just a nice-to-have but a must-do during the holidays. From sneaking in “me-time” pockets to setting boundaries with your schedule (yes, it’s okay to say “I’m busy!”), she shares simple, powerful strategies for protecti...

In this episode, Alicia dives into a classic struggle: surviving family gatherings without losing your mind (or your peace). Whether it’s Aunt Judy offering unsolicited advice or cousins asking uncomfortable questions about your role as a stepmom, family events can turn into an emotional minefield real quick. Here’s what we’re covering today: Why Family Gatherings Attract Unsolicited Opinions: Is...

In this episode, Alicia is joined by a fellow stepmom, Lauren from Blended by Distance, to dive deep into the rollercoaster of emotions and challenges stepmoms face. They get real about some of the biggest hurdles that can make stepmoms question our sanity...  Here’s what is covered: Losing Yourself : That feeling when you wake up and realize you’ve put yourself last for way too long. We talk abou...

In this episode, I dive into the rarely discussed but very real phenomenon of stepmom-specific anxiety . If you’ve ever felt like you're constantly on edge, waiting for the next family drama to erupt—whether it's the stepkids, the ex, or just life in general—this episode is for you. I'm breaking down what makes this anxiety unique, why you might be feeling it, and, most importantly,...

In today’s episode, I'm diving into a topic that doesn’t get enough attention— Dad Guilt in a Stepfamily . You’ve probably heard a lot about stepmom guilt, but what about the dads? Many dads in stepfamilies feel torn between their kids and their new family. That guilt can impact everything from how they parent to how they show up in their marriage. I'll break down what dad guilt looks li...

Is your home feeling more chaotic than calm? In this episode, I sit down with a decluttering expert Amy Slenker-Smith to tackle all things mess-related . Whether you’re drowning in toys, paperwork, or just stuff you can’t seem to part with, this episode is packed with practical tips and mindset shifts to help you reclaim your space—and your sanity. We dive into the emotional attachment to items, h...

In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, we’re diving deep into the legal side of stepfamily dynamics with none other than Tracey J. Coates, Managing Partner of Coates Family Law, PLLC. Tracey is a powerhouse attorney who represents high-net-worth and high-profile clients in domestic relations cases, including divorce, child custody, and adoption, and estate planning. Tracey is the host of the...

Ever feel like your partner’s ex is always around—at every event, in every conversation, and all over social media? In today’s episode, we dive into the awkward and often frustrating reality of dealing with your partner’s ex and how to keep your cool when it feels like they’re *everywhere.* I’m breaking down: - Why it can feel like the ex is always around (even if they’re not!) - How to communicat...

So, your stepkid doesn't like you? Join the club, girlfriend. You aren't the only stepmom that's felt that.  In this episode, I discuss: -how it's really not something personal (promise!) -how to deal with the disrespect -why taking time for YOU is so important -ways to build respect (little by little) and more! Support the show Want a specific topic covered? Let me know here ....

Dr. Jakubowski is a well-respected international influencer on helping kids live happier, healthier lives. She has touched the lives of thousands of families in multiple states with her ability to connect and help kids experience success from challenging behaviors. With a doctorate in Educational Leadership, and nearly 20  years of experience in education as a teacher, assistant principal and prin...

Melanie Stern is a psychotherapist specializing in alcohol and substance use issues and individual adult therapy. She tailors treatment to the individual to reveal the root of the problem with therapeutic process that is informed by psychoanalytic thinking, systems, CBT techniques, and trauma-based theory and practice. She is also a mother and step-mother, enjoys running and being by the beach, an...

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 an...

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 anywh...

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 strength...