Must In-Laws Be Outlaws?

Cathy Riva Bloomgarden
  • 5.0 (30)
  • Relationships

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. 3d ago

    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?

  2. 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

  3. 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.

  4. Jul 29

    RE-RELEASE: Episode 1 Where It All Began

    It's been almost 6 months and we wanted to take a moment to reflect on where it all began! Partnerships, relationships and how to navigate our differences together. Thank you for listening, laughing and sending us your questions and feedback. We love hearing from you, so please reach out @mustinlawsbeoutlaws

  5. Jul 22

    Autism, ADHD and Family Dynamics: Part 2 Neurodiversity in Relationships

    Part 2 of our first ever LIVE podcast, we welcome guests: Spencer Pusey, 34 years old, autistic decoration specialist at Spectrum Designs, and a Port Washington native, and Kelli Fisher, 37 years old, autistic social media manager at Spectrum Designs. Spectrum Designs is a nonprofit social enterprise that creates custom apparel and promotional products while providing meaningful employment opportunities for autistic adults and others with disabilities. Their mission is to prove that inclusion isn't charity—it's good business. Every order supports a workplace where neurodivergent employees earn competitive wages, build careers, and showcase their talents while delivering high-quality products to businesses and organizations nationwide. The topic is Neurodiversity in Relationships: Understanding ADHD and Autism. We are honored to be joined by the incredible team from Spectrum Designs, Kelli Fisher and Spencer Pusey, who are helping us better understand autism and showing what's possible when people are valued for their unique strengths. This topic is deeply personal to our family. Our close family members have ADHD and it's taught us that understanding how someone is wired can transform a relationship. Together with our special guests from Spectrum Designs and teen, Riley Bloomgarden, who shares her own personal experience with ADHD we will discuss: How differently wired brains experience the worldCommon communication misunderstandingsLeading with curiosity instead of judgement

    Autism, ADHD and Family Dynamics: Part 2 Neurodiversity in Relationships

  6. Jul 15

    Autism, ADHD and Family Dynamics: Part 1 on Neurodiversity in Relationships

    On our first ever LIVE podcast, we welcome guests: Spencer Pusey, 34 years old, autistic decoration specialist at Spectrum Designs, and a Port Washington native, and Kelli Fisher, 37 years old, autistic social media manager at Spectrum Designs. Spectrum Designs is a nonprofit social enterprise that creates custom apparel and promotional products while providing meaningful employment opportunities for autistic adults and others with disabilities. Their mission is to prove that inclusion isn't charity—it's good business. Every order supports a workplace where neurodivergent employees earn competitive wages, build careers, and showcase their talents while delivering high-quality products to businesses and organizations nationwide. The topic is Neurodiversity in Relationships: Understanding ADHD and Autism. We are honored to be joined by the incredible team from Spectrum Designs, Kelli Fisher and Spencer Pusey, who are helping us better understand autism and showing what's possible when people are valued for their unique strengths. This topic is deeply personal to our family. Our close family members have ADHD and it's taught us that understanding how someone is wired can transform a relationship. Together with our special guests from Spectrum Designs and teen, Riley Bloomgarden, who shares her own personal experience with ADHD we will discuss: How differently wired brains experience the worldCommon communication misunderstandingsLeading with curiosity instead of judgementHow to create community in all relationships and the workforce

    Autism, ADHD and Family Dynamics: Part 1 on Neurodiversity in Relationships

  7. Jul 1

    How Do You Handle Stress: Bonus Content

    Bonus Content - A conversation on stress and how Lucette and Cathy each have their own strategy.

    How Do You Handle Stress: Bonus Content

  8. Jun 24

    The Conversation We All Need to Have About Aging Parents

    What happens when the people who once cared for us begin navigating their own vulnerabilities? In this candid discussion, Lucette, just weeks away from turning 84, shares her perspective on aging, purpose, family, and the future. Together we explore the emotional landscape of growing older and what adult children can learn by asking the questions that matter most.

    The Conversation We All Need to Have About Aging Parents
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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
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Cathy Riva Bloomgarden
  • Show Website
    Must In-Laws Be Outlaws?