The Stepmom Side Podcast

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The Stepmom Side Podcast

Alicia Krasko

116 episodes

1 day ago

What if you don’t like your stepkids? It’s the question that stepmoms whisper to themselves and rarely admit out loud. In this episode, Alicia unpacks why these feelings show up, why they don’t make you a “bad stepmom,” and how to move through them without shame. You’ll learn: Why it’s normal to not always like your stepkidsHow societal expectations set stepmoms up for guiltSimple shifts to ease the tension when relationships feel strainedHow to release the pressure to force a bondThis is you...

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Society & Culture,

All content for The Stepmom Side Podcast is the property of Alicia Krasko and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

What if you don’t like your stepkids? It’s the question that stepmoms whisper to themselves and rarely admit out loud. In this episode, Alicia unpacks why these feelings show up, why they don’t make you a “bad stepmom,” and how to move through them without shame. You’ll learn: Why it’s normal to not always like your stepkidsHow societal expectations set stepmoms up for guiltSimple shifts to ease the tension when relationships feel strainedHow to release the pressure to force a bondThis is you...

Show more...

Society & Culture,

Episodes (20/116)

The Stepmom Side Podcast

#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, unfiltered story of hitting rock bottom as a stepmom, googling “how to get divorced,” and feeling like an outsider in her own home. Alicia explains the turning point when she admitted she needed help, how outside support transformed her stepmom journey, and why she decided to step ...

1 day ago

22 minutes

The Stepmom Side Podcast

#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 so you can finally feel “equal.” If that’s you, you are not alone. In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia dives deep into what she calls the messy middle of stepmomming—the stage where you’ve been in the role long enough to know the hard s...

1 week ago

41 minutes

The Stepmom Side Podcast

#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. She explains why your brain grabs the past when you don’t feel safe, the hidden cost of re-hashing old wounds, and a step-by-step plan to stop using history as ammunition so you can build the future you actually want. Who this is for: Stepmoms who feel caught bet...

2 weeks ago

29 minutes

The Stepmom Side Podcast

#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 ever felt like your thoughts are racing, your chest is tight, and everything feels like too much, this episode will help you feel safe and grounded. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why spiraling is normal and not a personal failureCommon triggers tha...

3 weeks ago

27 minutes

The Stepmom Side Podcast

#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, and screenshots. Learn why it’s essential for your peace, your relationship, and your stepmom sanity. You’ll discover: What an Ex-Files is and how to set one upWhy it protects your relationshipWhen to use it (and when not to)How it helps you release frustration...

4 weeks ago

22 minutes

The Stepmom Side Podcast

#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 insecurity. But how can you cope with these feelings and build healthier boundaries? Tune in as Alicia shares her personal experiences, provides insight into the complex family dynamics, and offers practical advice to navigate these tricky situations with confi...

1 month ago

30 minutes

The Stepmom Side Podcast

#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 Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia is getting real about how to handle stress when stepping back isn’t an option. Spoiler: she’s not about to suggest you go meditate in the pantry—unless that’s the only room with a door that locks. You’ll walk away with practical tools to regu...

1 month ago

20 minutes

The Stepmom Side Podcast

#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, Alicia shares real talk from her own life, plus tools you can use to start healing. If you've ever felt like your value is tied to how much you give—or that you're doing way more emotional labor than anyone else—this episode is your sign to pause, reflect, and star...

1 month ago

47 minutes

The Stepmom Side Podcast

#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 not about the dishes.) They dig into: Why your drama triangle has assigned seatingHow to tell if you're reacting from love or fearWhat your partner’s defensiveness actually means (it’s not about you… kinda)Why kids shapeshift between houses and how it’s not ...

1 month ago

1 hour 4 minutes

The Stepmom Side Podcast

#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) 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 bitterness?” • “Am I the only one who dreads vacations with the stepkids?” • “How much are we sp...

2 months ago

41 minutes

The Stepmom Side Podcast

#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, 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 from stepmoms just like you who are trying to survive the emotional rollercoaster of blended fami...

2 months ago

44 minutes

The Stepmom Side Podcast

#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... 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 her marriage—when she felt so second-best and confused that she literally googled “how to get...

2 months ago

12 minutes

The Stepmom Side Podcast

#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 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 the process. Plus, Alicia shares how couples coaching can help partners reconnect and communicate ...

2 months ago

6 minutes

The Stepmom Side Podcast

#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, 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 burnout happens—and why so many stepmoms feel like they’ve completely lost touch with what they enjoy. From fe...

3 months ago

10 minutes

The Stepmom Side Podcast

#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 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 experience with outsider syndrome and challenges the toxic lies stepmoms tell themselves like: “No ...

3 months ago

7 minutes

The Stepmom Side Podcast

#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 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 schedule makes you cry), and shares tools to help you find rhythm, protect your time, and reset after...

3 months ago

19 minutes

The Stepmom Side Podcast

#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 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 comfort zone and why breaking free is the key to reclaiming your confidence, peace, and freedom as...

3 months ago

17 minutes

The Stepmom Side Podcast

#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 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 expectations before moving in, handle the third-wheel vibes when your partner and his ex still do holidays or spo...

4 months ago

23 minutes

The Stepmom Side Podcast

#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 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 home a safe and stable space for your family, this episode has you covered. Key Topics Covered: ...

4 months ago

45 minutes

The Stepmom Side Podcast

#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 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 guess what? You’re not alone. Alicia will be sharing actionable tips to help you work through these frustrat...

4 months ago

32 minutes