The Stepmom Diaries | Blended Family & Stepmom Support Podcast

Stepfamily Solutions

The Stepmom Diaries is a podcast for stepmoms navigating blended family life, marriage stress, coparenting conflict, emotional burnout, and the realities nobody talks about. Hosted by Cameron Normand of Stepfamily Solutions, this podcast keeps it honest with relatable conversations about stepmom life, relationships, identity, resentment, boundaries, and building healthier blended families. As a second wife and stepmom to four kids, Cameron combines real-life experience with practical support to help stepmoms feel less alone, less overwhelmed, and more confident in their role.

  1. 1d ago

    Lost Yourself in Stepmotherhood? How Curiosity Can Help You Find Yourself Again | Amy Nesbitt

    When you became a stepmom, you probably expected your life to change. What you may not have expected was how easy it would be to lose yourself in the process. Between navigating stepfamily dynamics, supporting your partner, caring for children, managing schedules, and trying to keep the peace, many stepmoms quietly put their own dreams, interests, and identity on hold. In this episode, Cameron sits down with former Apple executive, creator of Whole Wellness Mamas, and speaker Amy Nesbitt to explore how curiosity can become one of the most powerful tools for rediscovering yourself. Rather than making massive life changes, Amy shares how small "experiments" can help you reconnect with the person you've always been—and maybe even discover someone new. They also discuss how curiosity can improve marriages, strengthen relationships with stepchildren, reduce conflict, and help blended families communicate with more empathy. In this episode, you'll learn: Why so many stepmoms lose their identity after joining a blended family How curiosity helps you reconnect with yourself The power of tiny experiments instead of overwhelming life changes Practical ways to make time for yourself without guilt Simple ways to connect with your stepchildren through shared experiences How curiosity can reduce conflict in stepfamily dynamics Whether you've been a stepmom for six months or sixteen years, this conversation will remind you that rediscovering yourself doesn't require changing your entire life- it simply begins with being curious. Resources Mentioned • Learn more about Amy Nesbitt: https://wholewellnessmamas.com • Follow Amy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholewellnessmamas • This Japanese American Life YouTube Channel • Amy Reads YouTube Channel • Join the waitlist for The Stepmom Summit: https://thestepmomsummit.com  • Free Resource: Download our 10 Essential Scripts for Stepmoms https://stepfamilycertification.com/stepmom-scripts    Love The Stepmom Diaries? Please consider rating and reviewing The Stepmom Diaries on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Your feedback helps the show grow and reach more blended families who need honest conversations like this one.

  2. Jul 23

    Amy Porterfield on Finding Your Identity as a Stepmom

    Finding your stepmom identity can feel overwhelming, especially when you are trying to figure out where you fit in your blended family. Bestselling author Amy Porterfield knows that feeling well. Long before she became one of the world's most recognized business educators, she was learning the same lessons so many stepmoms face today. In this candid conversation, Amy opens up about the emotional journey of discovering her stepmom identity. She shares what it was like trying to earn her stepson's love, the pressure she felt to be the "perfect" stepmom, and the moment she realized she did not need to replace his mom to build a meaningful relationship. If you have ever questioned your place in your blended family or wondered whether you are doing enough, this episode will remind you that your stepmom identity is not something you earn. It is something you grow into over time. In this episode, you'll learn: Why developing your stepmom identity takes time and why that is completely normal. How to build a meaningful relationship with your stepchildren without trying to replace their mom. Why perfectionism keeps so many stepmoms from feeling confident in their role. How embracing your unique place in your blended family leads to stronger relationships. Resources Mentioned Amy Porterfield Get your copy of Two Weeks Notice The Amy Porterfield Show podcast  Ready to feel less alone in your stepfamily journey? Join thousands of stepmoms at the FREE 2026 Stepmom Summit for expert advice, real conversations, and practical tools to help you thrive: https://thestepmomsummit.com/  Free Resource: 10 Essential Scripts for Stepmoms: https://stepfamilycertification.com/stepmom-scripts   Love The Stepmom Diaries? Please consider rating and reviewing The Stepmom Diaries on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Your feedback helps the show grow and reach more blended families who need honest conversations like this one.

  3. Jul 16

    Is It Really Parental Alienation? How to Recognize the Signs and Protect Your Family | Amy J.L. Baker, PhD

    One day your stepchild is excited to see you and your spouse... and the next they're distant, angry, or refusing visits altogether. Is it normal family conflict? Is it the stress of divorce? Or could it be parental alienation? In this episode, Cameron sits down with internationally recognized researcher and author Amy J.L. Baker, PhD, to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in divorce and blended families. Together, they discuss what parental alienation really is, how it differs from legitimate estrangement, and what parents and stepparents should know if they suspect someone is interfering with a child's relationship with the other parent. Dr. Baker also explains her evidence-based Five-Factor Model, common parental alienation strategies, and how stepparents can support their partner without making an already difficult situation worse. In this episode, you'll learn: What parental alienation actually is, and what it isn't The difference between alienation and justified estrangement The Five-Factor Model used to identify parental alienation Common strategies that can damage a parent-child relationship If this episode encouraged or helped you, please share it with another stepmom, parent, or blended family who may need to hear this conversation. Resources Mentioned Amy J.L. Baker, PhD: https://www.amyjlbaker.com/  Adult Children of Parental Alienation Syndrome by Amy J.L. Baker Ready to feel less alone in your stepfamily journey? Join thousands of stepmoms at the FREE 2026 Stepmom Summit for expert advice, real conversations, and practical tools to help you thrive: https://thestepmomsummit.com/  Free Resource: 10 Essential Scripts for Stepmoms: https://stepfamilycertification.com/stepmom-scripts   Love The Stepmom Diaries? Please consider rating and reviewing The Stepmom Diaries on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Your feedback helps the show grow and reach more blended families who need honest conversations like this one.

  4. Jul 2

    The Comments Every Stepmom Hates and Exactly How to Respond | Listener Favorite Replay

    We've all been there. Someone makes a comment about being a stepmom that they probably mean well... but it still stings. "You knew what you were getting into." "At least you get a break." "They're not really your kids." In the moment, it's hard to know what to say. Later, you think of the perfect response. This listener-favorite replay is packed with practical, gracious ways to respond to some of the most common (and frustrating) comments stepmoms hear—while also helping friends and family better understand the realities of blended family life. Whether you're new to your stepfamily or years into the journey, this episode will help you navigate these awkward conversations with confidence and compassion. In this episode: Why "You knew what you were getting into" misses the reality of stepfamily life Thoughtful responses to common stepmom comments How to respond to friends and family without becoming defensive Ways to protect your peace while building stronger relationships If this episode encourages you, please share it with another stepmom who needs the reminder that she's not alone. Resources Mentioned Grab our FREE "10 Essential Scripts for Stepmoms": https://stepfamilycertification.com/stepmom-scripts Love The Stepmom Diaries? Please consider rating and reviewing The Stepmom Diaries on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Your feedback helps the show grow and reach more blended families who need honest conversations like this one.

  5. Jun 25

    What LGBTQ Families Want You to Know About Parenting, Acceptance, and Belonging | Jaimie Kelton & José Rolón

    Have you ever realized that the things that make a family look different on the outside don't change what matters most on the inside? In this episode, I sit down with Jaimie Kelton and José Rolón to talk about LGBTQ families, parenting, belonging, and the many ways families are built. From infertility and surrogacy to stepfamily dynamics and family acceptance, we explore the challenges and joys of creating a family that may not fit society's traditional expectations. What stood out most in this conversation is how much LGBTQ families and blended families have in common. The desire to love, connect, belong, and create a safe home for our children is universal. In this episode, we cover: • The unique paths many LGBTQ families take to parenthood • Why representation and visibility matter for kids and families • The double standards faced by stepmoms, stepdads, and modern families • How to teach children about different family structures with openness and acceptance If this episode resonates with you, share it with a friend and help us continue creating conversations that celebrate all kinds of families. Resources Mentioned Follow Love Take Two Podcast The Queer Family Podcast Follow José Rolón on Instagram @NYCGayDad https://www.instagram.com/thequeerfamilypodcast/ Get our free Stepmom Scripts Guide with real-life scripts for common stepfamily conversations: https://stepfamilycertification.com/stepmom-scripts   Love The Stepmom Diaries? Please consider rating and reviewing The Stepmom Diaries on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support helps us reach more blended families looking for practical guidance, validation, and encouragement.

  6. Jun 18

    When the Rules Change House to House: How Kids Navigate Values Across Two Homes | Bailey Oliver Blackburn, PhD

    Ever feel like your stepkids are living in two completely different worlds? The rules change from house to house, expectations don't always match, and somehow everyone expects the kids to make sense of it all. In this episode, I sit down with researcher, professor, stepmom, and former stepchild Bailey Oliver Blackburn, PhD to discuss new research on co-parenting with different values and what happens when children are navigating two households with very different beliefs, expectations, and parenting styles. Bailey shares insights from a recent study exploring how co-parents manage divergent values, the impact on children, and the communication strategies that help families reduce conflict and support kids without forcing them to choose sides. In This Episode, We Cover: • What happens when children are raised across households with different values and beliefs • The surprising challenges families reported beyond politics and religion • How parents can discuss values without putting kids in loyalty binds • Why high-conflict co-parenting and parallel parenting deserve more research If you've ever wondered how to protect your relationship with your stepkids while navigating differences between households, this conversation offers practical insights and plenty of reassurance that you're not alone. Resources Mentioned Bailey Oliver Blackburn: https://www.baileyoliverblackburn.com UA Little Rock Department of Applied Communication: https://ualr.edu/appliedcommunication/ Get our FREE 10 Essential Scripts for Stepmoms and get the exact words for your toughest stepmom conversations! https://stepfamilycertification.com/stepmom-scripts  Join the waitlist for our free Stepmom Summit happening virtually September 14th-18th, 2026: https://thestepmomsummit.com/  Love The Stepmom Diaries? Please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support helps us reach more stepmoms and blended families who need these conversations.

4.9
out of 5
65 Ratings

About

The Stepmom Diaries is a podcast for stepmoms navigating blended family life, marriage stress, coparenting conflict, emotional burnout, and the realities nobody talks about. Hosted by Cameron Normand of Stepfamily Solutions, this podcast keeps it honest with relatable conversations about stepmom life, relationships, identity, resentment, boundaries, and building healthier blended families. As a second wife and stepmom to four kids, Cameron combines real-life experience with practical support to help stepmoms feel less alone, less overwhelmed, and more confident in their role.