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In today's episode, I sit down with Mia Wisinski of Playful Heart Parenting to talk about one of the most underrated tools in your stepmom toolbox: play. We explore what it means to "activate play mode" in everyday moments, how playfulness helps sidestep power struggles and build real connection with your stepkids, and why you don't need to be creative or schedule fun for any of this to work. If you've ever felt like stepmom life is too heavy to be lighthearted, this episode will change the way you show up in your home starting today. Mia Wisinski is the creator of Playful Heart Parenting and has been a theater educator, performer, and songwriter, but her favorite role by far is being Mommy to Zal and Novi, and "Mama Mia" (stepmom) to Aliya. Mia is deeply passionate about play, creativity, and laughter. As a naturally silly person, she was surprised by how quickly she lost touch with that part of herself after stepping into a stepmom role, and bit by bit she found her way back and saw just how powerfully play could shift the whole energy of her home. That journey led her to start Playful Heart Parenting in 2023, and since then she has connected with hundreds of thousands of parents who are looking to bring more lightness, humor, and connection into everyday life. Links Mentioned:  Playful Heart Parenting on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playfulheartparenting  Mia's Website: https://www.playfulheartparenting.com/  StepmomCon Free Ticket (featuring Mia!): stepmomcon.com Ready to create a stepmom life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happier Let's work together: https://stepmomming.com/stepmom-support-coaching/ Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy Grab your free ticket for StepmomCon now, and mark your calendars for April 22-24! https://stepmomcon.com/

In today's episode, I'm setting aside the research and the action plans to speak directly to the stepmom who is barely holding it together right now. If you have ever felt like you are damned if you do and damned if you don't, like you are expected to love like a parent but treated like an outsider, this episode is for you. I want you to know that your struggle is not a reflection of your worth or your effort; this role is genuinely one of the hardest things a woman can take on, and you are not failing it. Grab a quiet moment, press play, and let yourself be seen. Ready to create a stepmom life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happier Let's work together: https://stepmomming.com/stepmom-support-coaching/ Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy Grab your free ticket for StepmomCon now, and mark your calendars for April 22-24! https://stepmomcon.com/

In today's episode, I sit down with life coach Michelle Zunter to talk about what it really looks like to go from part-time to full-time stepmom, overnight and without warning. We explore the resentment, survival mode, and identity loss that can come with suddenly holding the bag, and why finding something that's just yours is the key to staying afloat. If you've ever felt unseen, exhausted, or like you're playing whack-a-mole with your stepmom challenges, this honest and validating conversation will remind you that the struggle is real. And so is the growth on the other side. Michelle Zunter is a California-based writer who brings over 15 years of stepmom experience to her work. Michelle has written countless articles on the topic of stepparenting for multiple publications, with a strong emphasis on self-reflection, compassion, and personal growth. Michelle's complete collection of articles is archived at The Pondering Nook on Substack, where she currently writes about stepparenting, parenting, relationships, marriage, divorce, aging, and self-improvement. Michelle created "The Pondering Stepmom Podcast," available on Substack, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts, and authored No Little Girl Ever Dreams of Becoming a Stepmom: A Companion Guide for the Stepmom Journey. More recently, Michelle has launched her coaching business as a certified mindset and life coach for women. Links Mentioned:  The Pondering Nook on Substack: https://ponderingnook.substack.com/ Michelle's Book (affiliate): https://amzn.to/471GMCx Ready to create a stepmom life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happier Let's work together: https://stepmomming.com/stepmom-support-coaching/ Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy Grab your free ticket for StepmomCon now, and mark your calendars for April 22-24! https://stepmomcon.com/

In today's episode, I sit down with internationally recognized anxiety expert, author, and 16-year stepmom Wendy Tamis Robbins to talk about the evolving journey of stepfamily relationships. We explore why stepfamily life triggers our fight-or-flight response, how to stop playing the victim and start showing up with agency and healthy boundaries, and why less is often more when it comes to connecting with your stepkids. If you've ever felt like you're navigating a minefield trying to figure out your role, this episode will remind you that the connection you're building is worth every season of growth. Wendy Tamis Robbins is an internationally recognized anxiety expert, master coach, speaker, digital course creator, podcaster, author and founder of CAVE Club - her coaching community exclusively for professional women. After 26 years in Big Law as a corporate attorney and a battle with colon cancer, Wendy left to pursue her passion in coaching high-achieving women on how to live their best life unapologetically. Her bestselling book The Box: An Invitation to Freedom from Anxiety chronicled her journey to finding freedom from 40 years of mental illness. She speaks regularly at academic institutions like Harvard Law School, has been featured by Boston Magazine, BBC Studios, NBC and Fox News. And she is a frequent contributor to Thrive Global, Law360 and Stepmom Magazine. She has been a stepmom of two for over 16 years. Learn more at . Links Mentioned: wendytamisrobbins.com/stepmom Wendy's Book (affiliate): https://amzn.to/47jjSXm Ready to create a stepmom life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happier Let’s work together: https://stepmomming.com/stepmom-support-coaching/ Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy Grab your free ticket for StepmomCon now, and mark your calendars for April 22-24! https://stepmomcon.com/

In this episode of Stepmomming Made Easy, I sit down with Todd Jensen, PhD, MSW to unpack what research really says about building strong stepfamily relationships—especially when pre-teen and teen stepchildren are involved. We talk about why authenticity matters more than perfection, why discipline may not be your domain, and how to create connection without forcing it. If you’ve ever wondered how to show up as your true self and still build meaningful relationships with your stepkids, this episode offers validation and science-backed guidance you can use right away. Todd Jensen, PhD, MSW is the Gary Stuck Faculty Scholar in Education and an Assistant Professor of Human Development and Family Science in the School of Education and a Faculty Fellow of the Carolina Population Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His scholarship focuses on understanding how to leverage youths’ connection to stepparents as a unique developmental asset and identifying factors that promote high-quality stepparent-child relationships, particularly those involving adolescent children. Links Mentioned:  https://www.instagram.com/drtoddjensen/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddjensenphd/ Research Article: https://doi.org/10.1080/28375300.2025.2530241 Ready to create a stepmom life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happier Let’s work together: https://stepmomming.com/stepmom-support-coaching/ Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy Grab your free ticket for StepmomCon now, and mark your calendars for April 22-24! https://stepmomcon.com/

In this episode of Stepmomming Made Easy, I sit down with certified marriage and stepfamily life coach Heidi Farrell to unpack one of the most common challenges stepmoms face—parenting differences. We explore why discipline and household expectations can feel so personal, and how communication, empathy, and boundaries can rebuild connection with your partner. Heidi introduces her Communicate, Motivate, Separate, Celebrate framework to help couples navigate disagreements with compassion and teamwork. If you’ve ever felt like an outsider in your own home, this conversation will remind you that harmony is possible—one small shift at a time. Heidi Farrell is a certified Marriage and Stepfamily Life Coach in Nebraska, who works with couples, adolescents and kids through the challenges of boundary-setting, emotional regulation, marriage and parenting challenges, and communication issues. Walking through her own struggles as a stepmom and of two kids, combined with adding three of her own children, led her to start writing at NotJustaStepmom.com, where she shares ways to find hope and harmony in the heart and home. Heidi has been married to Tim for 15 years. Her two stepkids are now in their 20s, and her “ours” children are 14, 12, and 10. Heidi has a coaching office in Kearney, Nebraska, where she offers in-person or Zoom options. She also offers weekend coaching intensives for couples who are serious about making deep, meaningful changes in one impactful weekend. You can read more about Heidi and her coaching at HeidiFarrellCoaching.com. Look for her upcoming book, entitled “Unexpected Stepmom," and her eBook about adding an “ours baby” to a stepfamily on her website.   Links Mentioned:  www.HeidiFarrellCoaching.com www.facebook.com/notjustastepmom www.instagram.com/notjustastepmom  Ready to start setting boundaries, stepmom? Grab my FREE GUIDE Basics of a Boundary: https://stepmomming.com/boundaries-basics-guide/ Let’s work together: https://stepmomming.com/stepmom-support-coaching/ Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy Grab your free ticket for StepmomCon now, and mark your calendars for April 22-24! https://stepmomcon.com/

In this episode, I sit down with stepfamily coach and licensed counselor Rachel Dunne to talk about grief, loss, and healing as a stepmom. We dive into how stepfamily life is built on loss and why acknowledging that truth is the first step toward peace. Rachel shares how to process grief, release shame, and give yourself permission to feel all the emotions that come with stepmom life. If you’ve ever felt the weight of "It wasn’t supposed to be this way," this conversation will bring validation, hope, and healing. Rachel Dunne is a wife, mom, stepmom, stepfamily coach, and licensed counselor with a passion for helping stepmoms find peace and purpose in the chaos of blended family life. She has been coaching stepmoms all over the world for the past five years, and in 2023 became a licensed mental health counselor to strengthen and expand her ability to serve stepfamilies with both professional expertise and personal understanding. For the past two years, Rachel has been helping train professionals to become certified stepfamily coaches with the StepFamily Foundation. She is also a strong advocate for the mental health of stepmoms and is currently pursuing her PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision, with a focus on stepfamily dynamics and the well-being of women in blended families. Known for her honest yet compassionate approach, Rachel brings a faith-based perspective to her work, offering stepmoms a safe place to be real about their struggles while pointing them toward hope, healing, and practical strategies for daily life. Links Mentioned:  www.Racheldunnecoaching.com www.instagram.com/spiritualstepmom Ready to create a stepmom life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happier Let’s work together: https://stepmomming.com/stepmom-support-coaching/ Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy Grab your free ticket for StepmomCon now, and mark your calendars for April 22-24! https://stepmomcon.com/

So many stepmoms I meet feel underappreciated. In this episode, I kick off season four by naming and unpacking the invisible load so many stepmoms carry behind the scenes. I explore the mental and emotional labor of keeping everyone and everything together, and how unspoken expectations and a desire for appreciation can lead to resentment and burnout. I’ll help you check your motivations, set healthier boundaries, and remember that your worth isn’t measured by how much you do, but by who you are. Ready to create a stepmom life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happier Let’s work together: https://stepmomming.com/stepmom-support-coaching/ Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy Grab your free ticket for StepmomCon now, and mark your calendars for April 22-24! https://stepmomcon.com/

In this powerful episode, I dive deep into a critical challenge for stepmoms: living life beyond the custody schedule. Drawing from a chapter in my upcoming book Stepmomming Made Easy, I share personal insights on how custody arrangements shouldn't dictate your entire life.  I explore how constantly planning around your stepchild's schedule can lead to burnout, resentment, and missed opportunities. The key message? Live your life 100% of the time, not just 50%. By maintaining a full, balanced life, you actually model healthier relationships for your stepchildren and protect your own mental well-being.  This episode offers validation and practical strategies for stepmoms feeling trapped by rigid custody schedules, empowering them to make intentional choices that support their happiness and family dynamics. Links Mentioned:  Pre-order Stepmomming Made Easy and receive 3 value-packed bonuses: https://stepmomming.com/book/ Ready to create a stepmom life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happier Let’s work together: https://stepmomming.com/stepmom-support-coaching/ Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy Grab your free ticket for StepmomCon now, and mark your calendars for April 22-24! https://stepmomcon.com/

In this powerful episode, Amelia Nagoski, co-author of Burnout, dives deep into the unique challenges stepmoms face. She explores critical concepts like human giver syndrome, the stress response cycle, and how stepmoms can prevent burnout.  Amelia shares her personal stepmom journey, offering compassionate, science-backed strategies to help stepmoms navigate complex family dynamics while maintaining their mental and emotional well-being. Whether you're struggling with burnout or seeking practical tools for self-preservation, this episode provides invaluable guidance for stepmoms. Amelia Nagoski, D.M.A. (it stands for Doctorate of Musical Arts) is the co-author, with her sister Emily, of the New York Times bestselling Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle and the Burnout workbook. Her job is to run around waving her arms and making funny noises and generally doing whatever it takes to help singers get in touch with their internal experience. She lives in New England with her husband and two rescue dogs. Links Mentioned:  Burnout Book: https://www.amazon.com/Burnout-Secret-Unlocking-Stress-Cycle/dp/1984818325/ Burnout Workbook: https://www.amazon.com/Burnout-Workbook-Advice-Exercises-Unlock/dp/0593578376/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/burnoutbookgroup Ready to create a stepmom life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happier Let’s work together: https://stepmomming.com/stepmom-support-coaching/ Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy Grab your free ticket for StepmomCon now, and mark your calendars for April 22-24! https://stepmomcon.com/

Today, I'm joined by guest Michelle Dempsey-Multack, and we are discussing the unique challenges and perspectives of stepparenting and co-parenting. As a stepmom, biological mom who shares custody of her own daughter, and someone who grew up with stepparents, Michelle shares valuable advice on building healthy relationships, managing family dynamics, and prioritizing the needs of the children. The discussion covers common misconceptions, the importance of empathy, and strategies for creating a supportive environment for blended families. Michelle Dempsey-Multack, MS, CDS is a Certified Divorce and Co-Parenting Specialist, bestselling author, educator for divorce coaches, and top 1% podcaster known for her ability to inspire and empower moms through their divorce and co-parenting journeys. Michelle’s passion for “putting the child first” in the divorce process while helping everyone she reaches feel supported and empowered, makes her a sought after coach by clients as well as divorce industry professionals from around the globe. Michelle’s unique perspective on divorce and co-parenting has helped thousands of women find the permission to move on confidently after divorce as they move towards a more intentional and holistic co-parenting experience – one that their kids can be proud of one day. Michelle solidified her place as a thought leader in the divorce space with the recent publication of her bestselling book, Moms Moving On: Real Life Advice on Conquering Divorce, Co-Parenting Through Conflict, and Becoming Your Best Self from Simon and Schuster. Links Mentioned:  Instagram: @themichelledempsey & @movingonmethod  https://michelledempsey.com Moms Moving On book (affiliate): https://amzn.to/3BONJKW Ready to create a stepmom life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happier Let’s work together: https://stepmomming.com/stepmom-support-coaching/ Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy Grab your free ticket for StepmomCon now, and mark your calendars for April 22-24! https://stepmomcon.com/

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Ainsley Keller from The Stepcollective to talk all things holidays! From managing expectations and navigating traditions to tackling tricky schedules, we cover it all. Ainsley also shares her powerful holiday mantra: Connection Over Perfection—a game-changer every stepmom needs this season. If the holidays have you feeling overwhelmed, this episode is your reminder that joy is within reach. Tune in and let’s make this holiday season one to truly enjoy! Ainsley supports stepparents and future stepparents helping them to embrace their role with intention, resilience and a deeper understanding of themselves and their families.  She has first-hand experience of life as a step parent coupled with decades of experience as a corporate director and executive leadership coach. Ainsley combines a passion for nurturing and developing individuals with positive change to harness healthy & empowered family relationships.  She is proud to be accredited as an Associate Credentialed Coach (ACC) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF), trained in restorative communication as well as group coaching. Ainsley also holds an MBA from Bayes Business School in London, UK. Links Mentioned:  https://www.instagram.com/the.stepcollective/ https://thestepcollective.co.uk Ready to create a stepmom life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happier Let’s work together: https://stepmomming.com/stepmom-support-coaching/ Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy Grab your free ticket for StepmomCon now, and mark your calendars for April 22-24! https://stepmomcon.com/

In today's episode, I welcome back Anita Inglis to share her expert advice on navigating tough conversations with your partner as a stepmom. We discuss common communication challenges and strategies for effective dialogue. Anita provides valuable insights on preparing for difficult talks, handling defensive responses, and recognizing abusive relationships. This is a must-listen episode packed with actionable tips. Links Mentioned: https://step-familydynamics.com/ https://www.facebook.com/StepFamilyDynamicscom Join Core State Curation: https://anitainglis.ezycourse.com/stepmomming-landing-page Ready to create a stepmom life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happier Let’s work together: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/ Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy Grab your free ticket for StepmomCon now, and mark your calendars for April 22-24! https://stepmomcon.com/

Calling all childless stepmoms! In today's vulnerable and heartfelt conversation, childless stepmom Lauren shares her struggles with infertility and how it impacted her role as a stepmom. She opens up about the resentment, guilt, and loss of identity she experienced, as well as the strategies that helped her maintain hope. Lauren provides invaluable advice for other childless stepmoms navigating this complex journey, emphasizing the importance of self-care, community, and redefining one's identity beyond the stepmom role. This episode offers a safe space for childless stepmoms everywhere to feel seen, heard, and supported. Lauren is a stepmom of seven years and a proud mom to an 18-month-old. When she first stepped into the world of blended families, she searched for resources that specifically supported childless stepmoms—only to come up empty-handed. Determined to fill this gap, she created Blooming Stepmom, a platform dedicated to empowering stepmoms who often feel misunderstood or undervalued in their roles. Over the past five years, Lauren has become a passionate advocate for childless stepmoms, helping them navigate the unique dynamics of their families while finding confidence and fulfillment in their lives. From addressing the challenges of co-parenting to embracing a role that doesn’t include being a biological parent, Lauren has supported countless women in redefining what it means to be a stepmom. Now, as the co-host of a weekly podcast, Lauren extends her mission to a broader audience, sharing relatable stories, actionable advice, and encouragement for stepmoms everywhere. Through candid conversations and heartfelt advocacy, she’s creating a community where stepmoms can thrive and feel truly seen. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloomingstepmom Lauren's Podcast: Raising His Kids Ready to create a stepmom life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happier Let’s work together: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/ Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy Grab your free ticket for StepmomCon now, and mark your calendars for April 22-24! https://stepmomcon.com/

I'm thrilled to share this conversation with Brenda Ockun, the founder of Stepmom Magazine, who has been a wealth of knowledge and support for stepmoms worldwide for 15 years. Brenda and I dive into the common struggles stepmoms face, including the complex relationship with the ex and the tendency to lose oneself in the role... and we answer the one question every new stepmom asks herself, "Does it EVER get better?!" Brenda Ockun is Founder & Publisher of StepMom Magazine—the how-to guide for any woman who dates, lives with, or is married to someone who has kids.   Written by licensed therapists, published authors and stepfamily experts, StepMom Magazine is a monthly, online publication in its 15th year and is read by stepmoms in more than 20 countries. The magazine addresses important topics like: Co-parenting, Disengaging, Loyalty Binds, Outsider Syndrome, Parental Alienation and Bonding with Stepchildren.   Brenda leveraged a degree in communications and 20 years as a marketing executive to launch StepMom Magazine, creating the resource she wished was available when she met her husband. Brenda’s been a guest on NPR’s “Talk of the Nation,” “Good Morning America” and the “Steve Harvey Show”—and she’s been quoted in “The Washington Post,” “USA Today,” “The Huffington Post” and other major publications.   A stepmom of two, ages 28 and 31, Brenda lives in Upstate New York with her husband Gregg and their Rhodesian Ridgebacks: Lilly and Moose. A champion to causes that matter to stepmoms the world over, Brenda says that “even when stepfamily life is good, it’s complicated!” Links Mentioned: Website: StepMomMagazine.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stepmom_magazine/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StepMomMagazine/ Ready to start setting boundaries, stepmom? Grab my FREE GUIDE Basics of a Boundary: https://stepmomming.com/boundaries-basics-guide/ Let’s work together: https://stepmomming.com/quick-links/ Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy Grab your free ticket for StepmomCon now, and mark your calendars for April 22-24! https://stepmomcon.com/