Must In-Laws Be Outlaws?

Cathy Riva Bloomgarden
  • 5.0 (30)
  • Relationships
  • Updated Weekly

Ever wondered what could happen if we stopped being right and started being open? Must In-Laws Be Outlaws? is a playful, honest, and surprisingly heartfelt podcast hosted by a mother-in-law, Lucette Bloomgarden and daughter-in-law, Cathy Riva Bloomgarden, who didn't exactly start out as best friends. In fact, if you met them in the early days, you might have politely wondered how they would ever share a holiday table - let alone a microphone. This podcast is the story of how two women navigated misunderstanding, judgement, hurt feelings and unspoken expectations... and chose a different ending and how you can too. Instead of remaining "outlaws" in each other's lives, they leaned into curiosity, compassion, humor, and radical honesty - and slowly transformed a strained relationship into one rooted in respect, trust and genuine friendship. This podcast is for anyone who has struggled in any kind of a relationship whether with family, in-laws, friends or even themselves. Each episode blends real-life stories, thoughtful reflection, and laugh-out-loud moments as they explore what it actually takes to soften a guarded heart, find forgiveness, and build meaningful connection - especially with someone you didn't choose but are deeply connected to. From awkward beginnings and emotional landmines to breakthroughs, boundaries, and unexpected joy, nothing is off-limits. With insight, humor, and lived wisdom from two generations, this podcast offers a refreshing perspective on how relationships can evolve when we listen differently, speak honestly, and choose connection over conflict. Expect warmth, wit, a few hard truths, and plenty of laughter- because healing doesn't have to be heavy, and growth can be joyful. Come curious. Leave lighter. And discover that sometimes, the most unexpected relationships can become the most meaningful ones. Find us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/mustinlawsbeoutlaws

  1. 20h ago

    Navigating Sudden Family Illness: Balancing Caregiving and Personal Life

    Cathy & Lucette Bloomgarden interview author and Intuitive Business Coach, Priscilla Stephen, who recently had to readjust her family's life and business to help her 84-year-old mom who had a sudden need for care. She temporarily relocated from California to NY to assist her mom, who is now in recovery, from a series surgery. We talk about balancing care-giving with self-care and how to juggle everything in the face of a sudden and life threatening change to a parent. As she puts it "Two months, one surgery, and a whole lot of WTF moments". Crisis Action Checklist Suggestion for the Sandwich Generation: If you are navigating this right now, use this immediate prioritized sequence to stabilize the situation: Secure the Legal Forms: If your parent is competent, immediately have them sign a Durable Financial Power of Attorney and a Healthcare Proxy/Advance Directive. If they are incapacitated and no POA exists, ask the hospital social worker about emergency guardianship or "surrogate decision-maker" statutory laws in your state.Forms to have: Healthcare Proxy / Medical Power of Attorney-Designates someone to make medical decisions. Without it, doctors may refuse to share diagnoses or treatment options due to privacy laws.Durable Financial Power of Attorney-Grants authority to manage bills, bank accounts, and property.Allows you to use their money to pay for their care, care facilities, and household bills.Living Will / Advance Directive- Outlines explicit end-of-life medical preferences.Prevents traumatic family disputes over life-prolonging treatments during a medical crash.HIPAA Authorization- Names individuals authorized to receive medical updates.Ensures nurses and doctors can legally speak to you on the phone regarding daily care.Halt the Discharge Until Safe: Do not let a hospital discharge your parent if you feel it is unsafe. You have the right to request a formal review from a Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) to appeal a premature Medicare discharge.Locate the Paperwork: Create a central binder or digital folder. Gather their health insurance/Medicare cards, a master list of all current medications, their birth certificate, and bank statements. Deploy a Care Navigator: Go to the Aging Life Care Association to find a local Care Manager, or utilize the federal Eldercare Locator to find your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for free resource guidance.Protect Your Job & Health: Request an urgent meeting with your HR department to discuss FMLA or flexible working hours. Delegate child care duties (school pickups, meals) to friends, neighbors, or parent networks immediately—you cannot be in two places at once.

    Navigating Sudden Family Illness: Balancing Caregiving and Personal Life

  2. Oct 14

    When Divorce Happens Does The In-Law Relationship Have to End?

    This episode explores the dynamics of in-law relationships after a marriage ends, emphasizing that these relationships can continue positively with the right approach. The hosts share personal stories, practical advice, and insights on maintaining family bonds beyond divorce. Key Topics Impact of divorce on in-law relationshipsPersonal stories of family bonds after divorceStrategies for maintaining positive relationships with in-lawsThe role of forgiveness and understanding in family dynamicsThe importance of non-judgmental communication and boundaries

    When Divorce Happens Does The In-Law Relationship Have to End?

  3. Oct 7

    Permission to Be Brave, Play, and Grow: How Investing In Yourself Helps Every Relationship

    Permission to Be Brave, Play, and Grow Finding Your Voice: An investment into the most important relationship - with yourself. Plus a preview of new song by Cathy Riva "Let's Go Play". This episode is for any adult—especially parents and people entering a new chapter of life—who want to try something unfamiliar, reconnect with their identity beyond their roles, or find the courage to follow a creative curiosity. It may also resonate with anyone working to build a more understanding relationship with their in-laws. The conversation centers on Cathy’s year long new hobby, writing and recording an album as a way to invest in herself, find courage, and explore who she is beyond family and work roles. It also touches on the trust and mutual change that helped a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law build a close relationship. Cathy's Album is out on all platforms of music November 19th. What would you like to give yourself permission to do next or What are you already doing that invokes Play?

    Permission to Be Brave, Play, and Grow: How Investing In Yourself Helps Every Relationship

  4. Sep 30

    Who Gets The Holidays? The In-Law Tradition Problem

    When you marry someone, you don't just marry a person. You marry their traditions, too. In this episode, Cathy and Lucette explore the nuances of family traditions, relationships, and the importance of inclusiveness and communication in building strong bonds across cultural and generational lines. key topics The role of family traditions in bonding and conflictHow to handle cultural differences in family celebrationsThe importance of communication and flexibility in relationshipsStories of family traditions and their significanceStrategies for inclusiveness and understanding in family dynamicskeywordsfamily traditions, relationships, inclusiveness, communication, cultural differences, mother-in-law, daughter-in-law, holiday customs, family bonding

    Who Gets The Holidays? The In-Law Tradition Problem

  5. Sep 23

    I Didn't Ask You! How to Handle Unsolicited Advice

    What happens when someone you love gives you advice you absolutely did not ask for? This week we are talking about unsolicited advice- from BOTH sides of the mother-in-law/ daughter-in-law relationship. When is it helpful? When is it overstepping? And how do you say, "Thanks, but no thanks" without starting a family feud? Plus... We are both putting ourselves WAY outside our comfort zones. Cathy is going to record her debut album - and the nerves are kicking in. Meanwhile, Lucette has big news: she found a publisher for her thriller! A mother-in-law with a book. A daughter-in-law with an album. Both coming out this year. Apparently, reinvention doesn't have an expiration date. And, yes... we still have plenty of advice for each other. Whether anyone asked for it is another story. Please reach out with your thoughts (I promise we want to know) @mustinlawsbeoutlaws and mustinlawsbeoutlaws@gmail.com.

    I Didn't Ask You! How to Handle Unsolicited Advice

  6. Sep 16

    Could Expectations Kill You?

    What do you do when your Mother-in-law moves in? And the joke of the day where expectations and pre-conceptions take an unexpected turn! Get curious, put yourself in their shoes and buckle up as Cathy Bloomgarden and Lucette Bloomgarden jump into another audience question and communication is key! Monthly family meetings could create connection.

    Could Expectations Kill You?

  7. Sep 9

    We're back! Summer Adventures, Empty Nests & a Mother-in-Law Who Won't Go Home

    After a summer hiatus, Cathy and Lucette are back - with stories, changes, laughs and a little empty nest reality. We catch up on our summer adventures, talk about what it feels like when kids leave for college and the house suddenly gets a whole lot quieter, and then tackle a listener dilemma that may sound VERY familiar: What do you do when your Mother-in-Law is always at your house... and you just want some space? How do you set boundaries without hurting feelings? We are talking privacy, family expectations and how to protect your relationships without turning your in-laws into outlaws. We didn't always get along. Now we are the best of friends. And we have thoughts. Tune in and reach out @mustinlawsbeoutlaws and mustinlawsbeoutlaws@gmail.com

    We're back! Summer Adventures, Empty Nests & a Mother-in-Law Who Won't Go Home

  8. Aug 12

    RE-RELEASE: Episode 4 - Boundary or Blessing? When Your Mother-in-Law Takes Over the House

    Summer hiatus Re-Release episode 4. When a mother-in-law comes over and begins rearranging furniture, it can feel intrusive, or event disrespectful- even if her intentions are good. Only you can decide how important this issue truly is: sometimes letting small things go can preserve harmony, but when it affects your sense of family independence in your own home, it's important to set gentle, but clear boundaries.

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Trailer

5
out of 5
30 Ratings

About

Ever wondered what could happen if we stopped being right and started being open? Must In-Laws Be Outlaws? is a playful, honest, and surprisingly heartfelt podcast hosted by a mother-in-law, Lucette Bloomgarden and daughter-in-law, Cathy Riva Bloomgarden, who didn't exactly start out as best friends. In fact, if you met them in the early days, you might have politely wondered how they would ever share a holiday table - let alone a microphone. This podcast is the story of how two women navigated misunderstanding, judgement, hurt feelings and unspoken expectations... and chose a different ending and how you can too. Instead of remaining "outlaws" in each other's lives, they leaned into curiosity, compassion, humor, and radical honesty - and slowly transformed a strained relationship into one rooted in respect, trust and genuine friendship. This podcast is for anyone who has struggled in any kind of a relationship whether with family, in-laws, friends or even themselves. Each episode blends real-life stories, thoughtful reflection, and laugh-out-loud moments as they explore what it actually takes to soften a guarded heart, find forgiveness, and build meaningful connection - especially with someone you didn't choose but are deeply connected to. From awkward beginnings and emotional landmines to breakthroughs, boundaries, and unexpected joy, nothing is off-limits. With insight, humor, and lived wisdom from two generations, this podcast offers a refreshing perspective on how relationships can evolve when we listen differently, speak honestly, and choose connection over conflict. Expect warmth, wit, a few hard truths, and plenty of laughter- because healing doesn't have to be heavy, and growth can be joyful. Come curious. Leave lighter. And discover that sometimes, the most unexpected relationships can become the most meaningful ones. Find us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/mustinlawsbeoutlaws

Information

  • Creator
    Cathy Riva Bloomgarden
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Cathy Riva Bloomgarden
  • Show Website
    Must In-Laws Be Outlaws?