Christina welcomes stepmom Tarah and her husband EJ to discuss their transitions into blending. The three discuss why resentment builds in blended families and how to address it before it causes emotional distance. Where and why do many couples get stuck and what can they do to prepare and heal? Tarah and EJ offer their professional and personal experience in assisting couples out of the trenches - Listen in!
About My Guest
Tarah Kerwin is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and co-founder of Relationship Renovation, a thriving therapy practice in Tucson, AZ, dedicated to transforming couples’ lives through authentic connection and empowerment. With a Master’s in Clinical Psychology, she leads the innovative Relationship Renovation @ Home Program, designed to support couples on a national and global level with essential tools to strengthen their relationships from anywhere. As the co-host of the popular Relationship Renovation Podcast, Tarah delves into the complexities of love, helping listeners navigate real-life challenges with empathy and insight.
https://relationshiprenovation.com/
So much more than a podcast!!!
Follow along on Instagram
Need some support? Schedule with Christina!
Become a Member and hang with other stepmoms!
www.radicalstepmomspodcast.com
Christina welcomes Lisa, a mom who divorced and is currently dating a man with kids. Many of them adults. Lisa shares her story of divorce, protecting and respecting her kids, and how she's had to grow so she doesn't fall into that high conflict category. Even when her kids are grown, how are they impacted by her new relationship? Christina also shares her personal experience of being the stepkid, and now wearing both mom and stepmom hats. Listen in!
Meet Our Guest!
Lisa Sander is a 24-year veteran nurse turned coach, speaker, and co-host of Our Healer, Our Protector. She’s known for something she calls The Healing Chair Talk, a space where people naturally open up and experience emotional breakthroughs. After decades of supporting patients and peers within the hospital system, Lisa felt a calling to help people reconnect with themselves, with one another, and with God. Today, she works with individuals, couples, and families seeking transformation, especially during times of deep transition.
So much more than a podcast!!!
Follow along on Instagram
Need some support? Schedule with Christina!
Become a Member and hang with other stepmoms!
www.radicalstepmomspodcast.com
Christina welcomes Cynthia and Mackenzie to discuss how becoming a stepmom can impact our relationships with our family and friends. As our lives evolve into parenthood, how do our own parents embrace our new identities? What happens if our friends don’t support us? Do your parents takes on the step-grandparent role? What do you do when you want to be seen in your role, but your closest loved ones don’t understand? Listen in!
So much more than a podcast!!!
Want to meet other stepmoms? Become a Member !
Need that extra support? Schedule a session with Christina!
Instagram: @radicalstepmomspodcast
Christina welcomes Amy who shares what it took to create her stepmom identity. In the beginning of our relationships, we’re just putting the pieces together. We’re learning about the ex, experiencing how society views stepmoms, and figuring out what parts of parenting we’re “allowed” to do. How do we form our identity without losing ourselves? Listen in as Amy shares how she survives…out of spite.
About My Guest:
Amy Marie Ayres is a wife, stepmom, mother, author, and a passionate advocate for embracing life’s complexities with creativity and authenticity. Navigating the challenges of blended family dynamics, she brings humor, adaptability, and a deep understanding of resilience to her parenting journey. As someone who thrives on exploration—both personally and creatively—Amy believes in the power of honest conversations, and breaking free from societal expectations. Whether supporting neurodivergent voices, balancing motherhood with personal growth, or redefining what it means to be a stepmom, she approaches every aspect of life with openness and individuality.
www.amymarieayres.comSo much more than a podcast!!!
Instagram: @radicalstepmomspodcast
Schedule a session with Christina!
Become a Member and meet other stepmoms!
www.radicalstepmomspodcast.com
Christina welcomes back Michelle to talk about real and tactical tips for navigating the chaos of summer—when there’s no school or camp buffer, exchanges get messy, routines fall apart, and stepmoms often end up managing more than they expected. Michelle and Christiina talk about boundaries, managing expectations with partners, and keeping your sanity when everything feels unpredictable. What can you do now to protect your peace this summer? Listen in!
About My Guest:
Coach Michelle is a high conflict resolution coach, an attorney, and a badass single mom. She helps parents disengage from high conflict relationships, getting them out of court, and stepping back into their lives. Her unique combination as a certified Martha Beck life coach, a lawyer for almost 20 years, her field of study in Psychology, and her own personal family law experience, makes Michelle a well-rounded coach, capable of helping parents learn how to disengage from a challenging and protracted co-parenting relationship.
Find her on IG: coachmichellesd
Website: www.coachmichelle.club
So much more than a podcast!!!
Instagram: @radicalstepmomspodcast
Schedule with Christina: https://chatwithchristina.as.me/
Become a Member: https://www.patreon.com/radicalstepmomspodcast
Christina welcomes Aimee to chat about her long-term decision to not have children, and then falling in love with a man who has 2 kids. PLOT TWIST! Aimee shares how she jumped right in, then needed to find her boundaries before she lost herself. How do you manage the guilt while disengaging? How do you find your role when you never wanted to “mother”? Christina and Aimee discuss parenting with intent, communication as a stepmom and more! Listen in!
About My Guest:
Aimee is almost 3 years into her stepmom role, helping raise 2 pretty amazing kids. Before meeting their dad, she had made the decision to be childless by choice. Although it has been one of the most difficult roles for her to navigate (because this can get messy,) it has been the most rewarding.Instagram: @aimeestockton
So much more than a podcast!
Did you know there are exclusive Bonus Episodes? Become a Member of the Rad Community and get access!
Instagram: @radicalstepmomspodcast
Need some extra support? Schedule with Christina!
Christina chats with Shayla about how dynamics are just different when your partner was never married to the mom. There was no wedding, no long history... what unique issues does this bring up? Shayla shares about the custody loss for 50/50, feeling protective of your partner and the frustration with “single” moms. Why do exes get more upset after you're married? How do you “love them like your own” but not too much? Shayla also discusses her unexplained fertility journey and shares a message to the stepmoms who can relate to her journey. Listen in!
About My Guest:
Hi! I’m Shayla, a 28 year old wife and step mom to an amazing 7 year old boy! Being a step mom is one of my favorite roles in life, even with all of the ups and downs that come with it. My husband and I have been trying to have an “ours” baby since we got married in 2023 and are currently waiting for our second frozen embryo transfer which will hopefully be happening in April or May. I love sharing my story on social media and connecting with other women with similar stories! It’s my goal that every woman has a place to feel safe and seen.
Find her on IG: @shaydemp
So much more than a podcast!
Instagram: @radicalstepmomspodcast
Need some extra support? Schedule with Christina!
Become a Member of the Rad Community and meet other stepmoms!
Christina welcomes Katherine to share her story of blending into an interracial family. What happens when your mother-in-law isn’t happy you’re white? How do you find confidence in your stepmom role when it’s clear you’re not the mom? Christina and Katherine discuss positive relationships with the ex, bringing home an ours baby and so much more. Listen in!
So much more than a podcast!
Instagram: @radicalstepmomspodcast
Need some extra support? Schedule with Christina!
Become a Member of the Rad Community and meet other stepmoms!
Christina welcomes Nicole to chat about the dynamics of being in a queer blended family and balancing boundaries with compassion. Nicole shares when her optimism for a peace was confronted with the reality of conflict and how she remains authentic even when the other co-parent is watching. How does her stepdaughter feel about having 4 moms? What is Nicole striving for now? Listen in!
About My Guest
Hello, I'm Nicole! I'm a wife in a queer relationship and a stepmom of 4 years to a beautiful 6 year old girl. I work in the social work field with children and families. I enjoy reading, hiking, sand volleyball and a good margarita. I take pride in myself for bringing to this stepmom journey consistency, organization and great listening skills.
Instagram: jean_shorts88
So much more than a podcast!!!
Instagram: @radicalstepmomspodcast
Need some extra support? Schedule with Christina!
Become a Member of the Rad Community and meet other stepmoms!
www.radicalstepmomspodcast.com
Christina welcomes Courtney who shares her reflections on stepmotherhood. Courtney, a BM and stepmom, discusses the red flags she didn’t see in her relationship, the thresholds of bullshit she uncovered and when she realized it was time to leave. What is a non-negotiable when it comes to blending a family? How do you forgive yourself for not seeing it sooner? Listen in!
So much more than a podcast!!!
Instagram: @radicalstepmomspodcast
Need some extra support? Schedule with Christina!
Want to meet other rad stepmoms, and get access to exclusive content? Become a Member!
Christina welcomes Kelly to discuss stepmom identity and finding your voice. We’ve all experienced situations that have made us feel small or ignored. Did your SK not include you in their family project? Does the ex completely ignore you? What do your stepkids call you and how does it make you feel? Kelly and Christina chat about it all and more! Listen in!
About My Guest:
Kelly Christ is a writer, teacher, blogger and radio host who has dedicated much of her life to reinventing herself--one trivial pursuit at a time. She writes and speaks about letting go--if only to learn how to do it herself. She married the man of her dreams (in a pandemic) and is a stepmom to two high schoolers.
Find her on IG @kellyachrist
Mentioned in this Episode: Essays on Stepmotherhood and Letting Go
Stoop Storytelling Stepmom Story
So much more than a podcast!!!
Instagram: @radicalstepmomspodcast
Need some 1:1 support? Schedule with Christina
Want more community? Become a Rad Member!
Sensitive Content: This episode talks about pregnancy and loss. Please care for yourselves as you need.
Christina welcomes Carly to share her story of falling in love, pursuing friendship with the ex, and navigating loss alongside stepmotherhood. As we all know, stepmotherhood doesn’t pause to acknowledge your happiest moments, and it won’t for your deepest moments of grief. Listen in as Carly shares her daughter’s story, and how her darkest times brought her a rainbow.
Sending so much love to all you mamas who know this grief. You are loved, and your baby is loved.
About My Guest
I am a wife, stepmom to a 9 year-old girl, and mom to a one-year-old baby boy. I’m also a mom of an angel who never made it earthside but changed my life and motherhood journey forever. There is a special kind of pain you experience from mothering someone else’s child while simultaneously mourning the death of your own baby. I hope to speak to other stepmamas who may have or might one day experience what I did. I want to let them know to hang in there, there are rainbows after the storm.
Find her on IG: @Carlybhunt
So much more than a podcast!!!
Instagram: @radicalstepmomspodcast
Christina welcomes back Courtney and introduces Courtney’s husband, Mark. Courtney and Mark have been through a lot together and share their experience in dealing with high conflict, endless court battles, false allegations and how they managed to preserve their marriage in the process. Courtney speaks about her newly published book, “Uncaged” and gives her words of support and wisdom to other women feeling the weight of expectations. Has your health ever been impacted by the stress of stepmotherhood? Do you ever feel consumed by drama and conflict? Listen in as Courtney shares about her journey through health and healing.
About My Guest:
Courtney is a fiercely loving momma, wife, and stepmom who lives on the East Coast with her family and furbaby, Dexter. She finds that her perfectly imperfect soul is most at peace when she is closest to a body of water. Drawing inspiration from life’s waves—both calm and stormy—she channels her passion for happily ever after into all facets of her life. Dr. Courtney is a seasoned divorce recovery specialist, mindset mentor, and co-parenting coach who also holds a DNP, a doctorate degree in Nursing. Her first life career, coupled with a traumatic family court journey, transitioned her into her second life career where she has dedicated her life to turning pain into purpose. When she’s not coaching, you can find her soaking up the coastal breeze looking for sea glass, writing in a quiet corner, or creating memories with her family.
Check out Courtney's book, "Uncaged"
Find her on IG - @drcourt_everafter
So much more than a podcast!!!
Instagram: @radicalstepmomspodcast
Schedule with a 1:1 with Christina
Become a Member and meet other radical stepmoms!
Christina welcomes Jessica to hear her perspective on being a full-time stepmom, mom and having an ours baby. What have been her own challenges and areas for growth sharing custody of her kids? How has she adapted to full time stepmom life, and what advice does she give others? Christina and Jessica chat about “fairness” between siblings, being called “mom”. In this episode we talk about the messy, beautiful, and rewarding experience of step-parenting full-time—so join us as we unpack it all!
About My Guest:
Hey I’m Jessica Richter - wife, mom of 3 and step mom to 4, and Mental Health Therapist. I’m here to share my journey as a stepmom, but more importantly, as a full-time parent. In this space, we’ll explore the unique challenges of raising children who aren’t biologically yours, while balancing that role with being a mom to your own biological kids. It’s a tough job—being the full-time caregiver, making all the decisions, managing all the emotions—yet still carrying the title of “just the step mom.”
Find her on IG: jes.richter
So much more than a podcast!!!
Schedule with Christina and get some 1:1 support.
Become a Member and make some stepmom friends!
Christina welcomes Nathalie who shares her story of finding love and KIDS in her early 20’s. Young stepmoms have a unique journey. Nathalie shares how her friendships evolved or dissolved after taking on the stepmom role, having a partner in the military and managing custody schedules and oh-yes, high conflict situations. What can new, young stepmoms learn from Nathalie? Listen in!
About My Guest:
My name is Nathalie and I'm a 22-year-old stepmom. I became a stepmom 2 years ago, going into my final year of undergraduate. I am now in my Master's in Social Work, where I've learned the struggles of managing my personal life, along with the schedules of my partner and stepkid.
Find her on IG: @nathalieepoulinn
So much more than a podcast!!!
Find me and other rad stepmoms on Instagram
Schedule with Christina and get some 1:1 support.
Become a Member and make some stepmom friends!
Christina welcomes Alexandra Nolan to chat how to create harmony within your blended family. Establishing a new family system takes time, so what can we do as parents and stepmoms to foster security, love and respect? Listen in as Alexandra and Christina talk loyalty binds, family identity and finding your footing as a stepmom.
About My Guest
Alexandra Nolan is a dynamic parenting educator, aspiring All About Parenting Trainer, and successful momtrepreneur. As a mother of three boys, she seamlessly blends personal experience with evidence-based strategies to empower parents across the United States.
Currently pursuing her certification, Alexandra specializes in applying Self-Determination Theory to foster intrinsic motivation in children, helping families create nurturing environments that promote autonomy, competence, and relatedness.
Her journey from a struggling parent to a passionate advocate for positive parenting techniques makes her uniquely qualified to guide others through their parenting challenges. Alexandra’s approach focuses on achieving balance in parenting styles, moving away from fear-based methods towards more effective, scientifically-backed strategies. Her workshops and webinars offer practical tools for parents to raise confident, responsible children while strengthening family bonds. Alexandra’s mission is to transform parenting experiences by bridging the gap between parenting science and everyday family life.
So much more than a podcast!!!
Instagram
Schedule with Christina and get some 1:1 support.
Become a Member and make some stepmom friends!
Christina is excited to welcome J.P. to the podcast to get a dad/partner perspective! JP shares about his co-parenting dynamic and what he considers when dating and potentially welcoming a stepmom into the blended mix. How does he view the stepmom role? What responsibility does the dad/partner have in the “blended process”? And what red flags does he suggest the stepmom pay attention to?
We talk about it all and more! Listen in!
About My Guest:
41 year old Single Girl Dad to a 9 year old. Have gone from Conflict to Collaboration in Co-parenting and now Coach, Speak, and Advocate to help others do the same.
Find him on IG here.
So much more than a podcast!!!
Schedule with Christina and get some 1:1 support.
Become a Member and make some stepmom friends!
Christina welcomes back Coach Michelle Michele to discuss the foundations of navigating a high conflict co-parenting relationship. If we’re in a high conflict dynamic we know the toll it can take on our relationship and our own mental health. We can all name one bad habit we have or one need that isn’t being met. What can you start implementing right now that will save time, money and resources in the long run? Listen in!
About My Guest:
Coach Michelle is a high conflict resolution coach, an attorney, and a badass single mom. She helps parents disengage from high conflict relationships, getting them out of court, and stepping back into their lives. Her unique combination as a certified Martha Beck life coach, a lawyer for almost 20 years, her field of study in Psychology, and her own personal family law experience, makes Michelle a well-rounded coach, capable of helping parents learn how to disengage from a challenging and protracted co-parenting relationship.
Find her on IG: @coachmichellesd
Website: www.coachmichelle.club
So much more than a podcast!!!
Instagram: @radicalstepmomspodcast
Schedule a session with Christina
Join the Rad community to meet other stepmoms and gain access to exclusive content!
Welcome to Season 8! Christina kicks off with a new series that will sound a little more like a 1:1 session. Meet Victoria, a stepmom who started her role in a less traditional way that adds an interesting dynamic. She is grieving the newlywed era she never got to have, wants to disengage but doesn’t know where to start and wonders how an “ours baby” will fit into the high conflict mix. Listen in as Victoria and I talk through her experience and what tools she can start using…now!
About My Guest:
Hi! I’m Victoria, I’m 26, a Christian, Gemini, farmer wanna be, chaos coordinator, and proud North Carolinian. I love country music, conspiracy theories, and chickens. Find her on IG: victoria_smathers_
So much more than a podcast!!!
Instagram: @radicalstepmomspodcast
Need a little more support? Schedule with me!
Become a member and meet other stepmoms!
