The Stepmom Side Podcast
Do you find yourself googling for "Stepmom help" or "Stepmom struggles" more than you'd care to admit?
If so, you're in the right place. The Stepmom Side Podcast is a conversational podcast about being a Stepmom and what that actually looks like. Host Alicia Krasko covers everything from part-time, full-time, to being an empty nester as a Stepmom.
Every week, you'll get a bit of humor, advice, and a conversation that will have you taking an objective look at how you're showing up. You can expect honest (and uncomfortable) conversations with perspective shifts mixed in to help you create the life you no longer have to google for help.
Episodes
115 episodes
#115: Stepmom vs. Screen Time: When You’re the Only House with Phone Rules
Being the “strict” house isn’t easy — especially when you’re parenting a teenager who has unlimited freedom at their other home.In this episode, Alicia dives into a real stepmom story from Erica, who’s been a stepmom for 11 years and is ...
•
Episode 115
•
27:47
#114: My Why: Stepmom Coaching, The Stepmom Side Community, and Podcast
In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia Krasko opens up about her why—the real reason she started coaching stepmoms, built The Stepmom Side Community, and launched this very podcast.She shares her raw, unfil...
•
Episode 114
•
22:22
#113: The Messy Middle of Stepmom Life: Intrusive Thoughts, Comparison, and Control
Do you ever catch yourself spiraling with intrusive thoughts about not being “enough” as a stepmom? Maybe you wonder if you’ll ever feel as important as your partner’s kids’ mom. Or you feel that rush of pressure to have a baby of your own—just...
•
Episode 113
•
41:56
#112: Getting Over Your Partner’s Past (And How to Stop Throwing It in Their Face)
In this candid episode, Alicia gets real about something most stepmoms won’t say out loud: you want to be over your partner’s past… but reminders keep ambushing you—kids’ faces, old photos, in-law stories, even the house you live in. S...
•
Episode 112
•
29:07
#111: When You’re Spiraling as a Stepmom: Why It Happens and How to Stop
Spiraling happens to every stepmom. You’re not broken—you’re human. In this episode, Alicia breaks down why stepmoms spiral, when it usually happens, and the steps you can take to calm your nervous system and find your footing again. If you’ve ...
•
Episode 111
•
27:43
#110: The Secret Journal Every Stepmom Should Have
Ever wish you could say exactly what’s on your mind to your partner’s ex… but know it’ll only make things worse? In this episode, Alicia shares the concept of an “Ex-Files”—a private place to store your unspoken thoughts, frustrations,...
•
Episode 110
•
22:07
#109: When In-Laws Stay Close to the Ex: Navigating the Challenges as a Stepmom
In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia dives deep into the challenges that come when in-laws stay close to the ex. This dynamic can leave you feeling like the outsider in your own family, causing frustration, jealousy, and...
•
Episode 109
•
30:44
#108: When You Can’t Step Back: Managing Stepmom Stress in the Heat of the Moment
What do you do when someone says, "Just take a break," but you're knee-deep in dinner, the ex is texting, your stepkid is criticizing your cooking, and you’re one eye twitch away from totally losing it?In this episode of The...
•
Episode 108
•
20:08
#107: Breaking Codependency as a Stepmom—Finding Your Worth Beyond Others
This honest and empowering episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast dives deep into how codependency shows up uniquely in the stepmom experience. From emotional overfunctioning and people-pleasing to the fear of abandonment and control, Ali...
•
Episode 107
•
47:34
#106: Why Stepmoms and Their Partners Keep Having the Same Fights with Annmarie Chereso
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 n...
•
Episode 106
•
1:04:05
#105: “Do I Need a Baby to Feel Valid?” and Other Stepmom Struggles
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) q...
•
Episode 105
•
41:12
#104: Overwhelmed on Transition Days? Let’s Talk About It
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, overstimul...
•
Episode 104
•
44:14
#103: You're Not the Fixer: How to Truly Support Your Spouse
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 wit...
•
Episode 103
•
6:35
#102: Stepmom Struggles: Missing the Firsts and Feeling Less Than
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...
•
Episode 102
•
12:03
#101: Finding Me Time Amidst Blended Family Chaos
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, ...
•
Episode 101
•
10:02
#100: You’re Not That Special (And That’s the Best News Ever)
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
•
Episode 100
•
7:39
#99: Summer Break & The Stepkid Shuffle: How to Stay Sane with Kids Going Back and Forth
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...
•
Episode 99
•
19:44
#98: Feeling Powerless as a Stepmom? It Might Be the Victim Mindset
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 th...
•
Episode 98
•
17:17
#97: Not a Stepmom Yet… But Kinda? Navigating the Awkward In-Between
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 f...
•
Episode 97
•
23:08
#96: Documenting for Court: Protecting Your Peace in High-Conflict Co-Parenting with Nika Chadwick
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...
•
Episode 96
•
45:51
#95: Ask Me Anything from Instagram-Stepmom Life Unfiltered: Tackling Disrespect, Boundary Issues, and Mom Drama
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 ...
•
Episode 95
•
32:19
#94: How To Handle It When Your Partner Just Doesn’t Get It and You're A Stepmom
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 re...
•
Episode 94
•
16:07
#93: Different Parenting Styles = Step Hell: How to Parent as a Team in a Blended Family
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 reali...
•
Episode 93
•
16:35
#92: Why It Stings When Your Stepkids Talk About Their Mom (and What to Do About It)
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 emotiona...
•
Episode 92
•
13:43
#91: Mother’s Day When You’re a Stepmom: Finding Peace in the Chaos
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 o...
•
Episode 91
•
13:18