The Stepmom Side Podcast

Alicia Krasko
  • 4.9 (55)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. 1d ago

    #165: It’s Not a Character Flaw: How Perimenopause Affects Memory, Mood and Stress with Jennifer Gularson

    If you’ve recently found yourself forgetting appointments, waking up drenched in sweat at 2 a.m., struggling to concentrate, or feeling completely overwhelmed by things you used to manage without a problem, it may not be a character flaw. It could be perimenopause. In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia sits down with Jennifer Gularson, PA-C, IFMCP, to unpack what really happens to women’s bodies and brains during perimenopause and menopause. Jennifer explains why perimenopause symptoms can begin while a woman is still having regular periods—and why those symptoms may disappear for months before returning with a vengeance. They discuss estrogen fluctuations, brain fog, forgetfulness, hot flashes, night sweats, changing periods, anxiety, sleep disruption, fatigue, and the sudden feeling that your usual ability to handle life has packed a bag and left without notice. They also have an honest conversation about libido, painful sex, vaginal dryness, emotional safety, mental load, and why “just try to get in the mood” is deeply unhelpful advice. In this episode, they discuss: What perimenopause is and how early symptoms can beginWhy symptoms can fluctuate from one cycle or month to the nextHow estrogen and progesterone changes affect memory, mood, sleep, and stress toleranceLesser-known perimenopause symptoms women may not recognizeWhy women may wake up hot, sweaty, or wide awake at 2 or 3 a.m.How hormonal changes can make an already-full mental load feel unmanageableThe difference between birth control and menopausal hormone therapyThis conversation offers women language for what they may be experiencing, options to discuss with a qualified provider, and an important reminder: struggling with energy, memory, sleep, mood, or stress during perimenopause does not mean they are failing. Learn more about Jennifer and her services at Your Best Life with Jennifer. Join The Stepmom Side Community for support from stepmoms who understand the mental and emotional load of blended-family life. Explore coaching with Alicia for personalized support with boundaries, relationships, resentment, and finding relief at home. This episode is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Support the show Want a specific topic covered? Let me know here. After you listen to this, tag me on Instagram @aliciakrasko and let me know what you think! Get all the FREE RESOURCES here. Want to learn more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside. All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.com Get on the list,  get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

  2. Sep 1

    #164: When Back-to-School Stress Turns Into Resentment Toward Your Partner

    Back-to-school stress can expose an unequal division of labor in a blended family—especially when the stepmom is managing school supplies, schedules, transportation, meals, forms, and everyone’s emotions while her partner waits to be told what to do. In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia explains why resentment is rarely about one forgotten form or shopping trip. It often develops because the stepmom is carrying the invisible mental load: noticing what needs to happen, planning it, assigning tasks, answering questions, following up, and preventing anything from falling apart. Alicia explores the difference between completing a task and taking complete ownership of it, why “Just tell me what you need” still leaves one person managing the household, and how overfunctioning can unintentionally teach a partner to underfunction. In this episode, Alicia discusses: Why invisible labor increases during the school yearHow back-to-school responsibilities become a source of relationship resentmentWhy completing a task is different from owning itWhy asking a stepmom to delegate still leaves her carrying the mental loadHow overfunctioning creates an unhealthy family patternWhy stepmoms often stay silent until they explode...and more!Resentment does not always mean a stepmom is ungrateful or controlling. It may be a sign that she has been carrying more responsibility than she can sustainably manage—and that the couple needs clearer roles, stronger follow-through, and a more honest division of labor. Explore couples coaching with Alicia for support with blended-family roles, resentment, communication, parenting stress, and partnership here. Join The Stepmom Side Community for practical support from women who understand the realities of stepfamily life here.  Support the show Want a specific topic covered? Let me know here. After you listen to this, tag me on Instagram @aliciakrasko and let me know what you think! Get all the FREE RESOURCES here. Want to learn more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside. All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.com Get on the list,  get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

  3. Aug 25

    #163: Homework Battles in Blended Families: What Is the Stepmom’s Role?

    What should a stepmom do when her stepchild refuses to complete homework—or when she cares more about missing assignments than her partner does? Homework battles in blended families are rarely only about schoolwork. Different expectations between homes, unclear stepparent roles, limited authority, and a lack of partner support can leave the stepmom managing assignments, checking the school portal, enforcing consequences, and becoming resentful. In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia shares her experience with unfinished homework, different academic expectations between households, and monitoring schoolwork more closely than her partner. Alicia explains why a stepmom’s homework role should depend on her relationship with the child, how involved she is in the child’s daily life, and whether her partner provides real support and authority. In this episode, Alicia discusses: Why homework becomes emotionally loaded in blended familiesThe difference between helping with homework and owning the processWhat to do when a stepmom cares more about schoolwork than the parentManaging different homework rules between two householdsGiving children age-appropriate responsibility for schoolwork...and more!A stepmom can care about her stepchild’s education without becoming solely responsible for it. The healthiest role is one that is clearly discussed, supported by her partner, and appropriate for her relationship with the child. Join The Stepmom Side Community for practical support with blended-family roles, boundaries, relationships, and expectations: https://aliciakrasko.com/community Explore one-on-one stepmom coaching with Alicia: https://aliciakrasko.com/coaching Support the show Want a specific topic covered? Let me know here. After you listen to this, tag me on Instagram @aliciakrasko and let me know what you think! Get all the FREE RESOURCES here. Want to learn more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside. All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.com Get on the list,  get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

  4. Aug 18

    #162: Different Rules at Each House: How to Create a School Routine That Works

    What should a stepmom do when the rules are completely different at each house? Different bedtimes, screen limits, homework expectations, chores, and consequences can make school routines especially difficult in blended families. Children may resist the rules, struggle on transition days, or repeatedly remind the stepmom that things are different at their mom’s house. In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia explains how blended families can create consistent school routines within their own homes—even when consistency between homes is impossible. Drawing from her experience with different expectations around devices, sleep, homework, chores, and discipline, Alicia discusses how she became the strict one, overfunctioned, experienced conflict with her partner, and began feeling resentful. In this episode, Alicia covers: Why different household rules do not automatically mean one home is wrongHow to determine whether a difference is harmful or simply frustratingWhy children compare rules between householdsResponding when a stepchild says, “But Mom lets me”Using “At our house…” without criticizing the other homePreventing the stepmom from becoming the strict one...and more!The two homes do not need identical rules. What matters is creating clear expectations in your own household and ensuring the stepmom is not left to enforce everything alone. Download the free House Expectations resource: https://aliciakrasko.com/expectations Join The Stepmom Side Community: https://aliciakrasko.com/community Explore one-on-one coaching with Alicia: https://aliciakrasko.com/coaching Support the show Want a specific topic covered? Let me know here. After you listen to this, tag me on Instagram @aliciakrasko and let me know what you think! Get all the FREE RESOURCES here. Want to learn more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside. All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.com Get on the list,  get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

  5. Aug 11

    #161: School Events When Your Partner’s Ex Will Be There: How Stepmoms Can Handle the Awkwardness

    School events can trigger outsider syndrome for stepmoms. Especially when their partner’s ex and extended family will be there. Where should everyone sit? Should divorced parents and stepparents attend events together? What happens when a partner acts differently around their ex? And does a stepmom need to attend parent-teacher conferences to prove she cares? In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia shares her experience of feeling ignored, displaced, and unsure where she belonged during school events. She also explains why she sometimes chose not to attend parent-teacher conferences when her role felt unclear. Alicia helps stepmoms prepare for school concerts, sporting events, open houses, conferences, and other activities without forcing an uncomfortable version of “happy co-parenting.” In this episode, Alicia discusses: Why school events can intensify outsider syndrome for stepmomsDeciding whether divorced parents and stepparents should sit togetherWhy separate seating may sometimes be the healthiest optionPlanning for each school event individuallyWhat to do when a partner’s ex ignores or excludes the stepmomHow to respond when a partner acts differently around their ex...and more.There is no universal rule that says every blended family must sit together or attend every event as one group. The healthiest arrangement is the one that reduces tension, supports the child, and allows each adult to behave respectfully. If school events leave you feeling like an outsider, you do not have to work through those feelings alone. Join The Stepmom Side Community: https://aliciakrasko.com/community Explore one-on-one coaching with Alicia: https://aliciakrasko.com/coaching Support the show Want a specific topic covered? Let me know here. After you listen to this, tag me on Instagram @aliciakrasko and let me know what you think! Get all the FREE RESOURCES here. Want to learn more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside. All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.com Get on the list,  get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

  6. Aug 4

    #160: Back-to-School Planning in a Blended Family: Who Is Responsible for What?

    Back-to-school planning can get complicated quickly in a blended family. Who buys the school supplies and clothes? Who completes registration forms, manages transportation, receives school updates, and pays for extracurricular activities? And how involved should a stepmom be when she is affected by these decisions but may not have decision-making authority? In this episode, Alicia shares how back-to-school responsibilities changed when her stepson moved into her home full time—and why responsibility, access, and authority need to be discussed individually. She explains how stepmoms and their partners can divide the workload, prepare for different routines between homes, and prevent one person from silently becoming responsible for everything. Alicia discusses: Deciding who purchases school supplies, clothes, shoes, and equipmentReviewing the parenting agreement before requesting reimbursementDividing registration, forms, transportation, and school communicationChoosing whether a stepmom wants to be an emergency contact or approved for pickup....and more!There is no universal formula for dividing back-to-school responsibilities in a blended family. Some stepmoms want to be highly involved, while others prefer school logistics to remain primarily with the parents. What matters is that the arrangement is discussed, agreed upon, and supported. Download the free House Expectations resource to begin a clearer conversation with your partner: https://aliciakrasko.com/expectations Join The Stepmom Side Community for practical support from women who understand blended-family roles, boundaries, and expectations: https://aliciakrasko.com/community Support the show Want a specific topic covered? Let me know here. After you listen to this, tag me on Instagram @aliciakrasko and let me know what you think! Get all the FREE RESOURCES here. Want to learn more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside. All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.com Get on the list,  get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

  7. Jul 29

    #159: What If I Don’t Like My Stepkids? The Truth No One Talks About (re-release)

    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 your permission slip: you don’t have to like your stepkids 24/7 to be a good stepmom. Support the show Want a specific topic covered? Let me know here. After you listen to this, tag me on Instagram @aliciakrasko and let me know what you think! Get all the FREE RESOURCES here. Want to learn more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside. All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.com Get on the list,  get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

  8. Jul 21

    #158: The Emotional Reality of Stepmom Life with Darlene Sparks

    In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia Krasko sits down with certified stepfamily coach Darlene Sparks for an honest conversation about the realities of stepmom life—because “just love them like your own” is not exactly a complete instruction manual. Darlene shares her experience navigating identity loss, rejection, complicated family relationships, and feeling like an outsider in her own home. Together, Alicia and Darlene discuss how stepmoms can protect their peace without disconnecting from their stepchildren. In this episode: Why many stepmoms feel unprepared for blended family lifeStepmom guilt, stereotypes, and unrealistic expectationsHow self-protection can unintentionally create more distanceSetting boundaries in high-conflict situationsResponding instead of reacting during family conflictLetting go of what a stepmom cannot controlSupporting stepchildren while protecting emotional well-beingThis conversation reminds stepmoms that they can remain loving and involved without sacrificing themselves to keep everyone else comfortable. Connect with Darlene: InstagramTikTokFacebookFind more support: Join The Stepmom Side CommunityExplore private coaching with AliciaSupport the show Want a specific topic covered? Let me know here. After you listen to this, tag me on Instagram @aliciakrasko and let me know what you think! Get all the FREE RESOURCES here. Want to learn more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside. All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.com Get on the list,  get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

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4.9
out of 5
55 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Alicia Krasko
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    165
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Stepmom Side Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Stepmom Side Podcast

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