StepStories Podcast

Robin Breuner

StepStories is an honest and heartfelt podcast exploring the real-life experiences of blended families. Host Robin Breuner, who has lived life as both a stepdaughter and a mother, brings deep empathy and understanding to conversations about the challenges and joys of blended family life. Each week, Robin talks with stepmothers, stepfathers, stepchildren, and step-siblings—sharing stories that reveal the love, tension, heartbreak, frustrations, and resilience found within these unique family dynamics. From families who've found harmony to those still working through the challenges, whether past or present, StepStories shines a light on every side of the journey. Through authentic storytelling and open dialogue, Robin creates a space for reflection, healing, and connection. Whether you are or have been part of a blended family, or are simply curious about the bonds that hold people together, StepStories offers honesty, hope, and heart in every episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 2D AGO

    Ep. 21 – Kristen Skiles

    Host Robin Bruner kicks off season 3 by welcoming stepmom coach Kristen Skiles, founder of Stepmomming.com, host of Stepmom Made Easy, and author of “Stepmomming Made Easy,” to discuss her work supporting stepmoms worldwide and her upcoming second annual virtual Stepmom Con (April 22–24). Kristen shares her blended-family story, including marrying a single dad, navigating early high-conflict dynamics, and the unusual experience of her husband’s ex-wife and her new husband living with them for three months, which challenged boundaries but helped Kristen release unrealistic expectations and accept she isn’t her stepdaughter’s mom. They talk about adding two sons after a fertility journey, Kristen’s experience as a stepdaughter, why remarriage divorce rates are high, differences for stepmoms partnered with widowers, and what Stepmom Con offers, including expert interviews, live chat, connection hours, and upgrade options.   STEPMOMCON: https://stepmomcon.com/?affiliate=llcsoh123   Kristen Skiles Email:       kristen@stepmomming.com Website: Stepmomming.com Instagram: Kristen Skiles (@stepmomming) Facebook: Stepmomming Blog   Pintrest:   Stepmomming with Kristen Skiles Threads:   Stepmomming Made Easy Books:      Stepmomming Made Easy Strategies Everything/   Robin Breuner  Email:  robinbreuner@gmail.com Website:  www.robinbreuner.com Instagram: stepstoriespodcastIG Facebook: stepstoriespodcastFB Linkedin:  RobinBreunerLinkIN Podcast:  StepStories Podcast Threads:  @robinbreuner YouTube: StepStories Podcast YouTube TikTok:     www.tiktok.com/@stepstoriespodcast/video/7569378260706938126 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    37 min

  2. APR 9

    BEST OF - Hope Edelman

    In this week’s Best Of episode, Robin Breuner welcomes the esteemed author Hope Edelman to discuss her influential work on grief, particularly for girls and women who have lost their mothers. Edelman, the author of pivotal books like 'Motherless Daughters' and 'The AfterGrief,' shares her journey of writing her groundbreaking first book at a young age, the impact it has had worldwide, and the importance of giving voice to motherless daughters. They delve into the complexities of stepmother relationships, dealing with loss, and the crucial role of maintaining connections to one's departed mother. With profound insights, Hope also talks about her retreats, online support groups, and the powerful community she's built for motherless daughters. This episode provides invaluable perspectives for anyone grappling with grief, particularly in blended family dynamics.   Hope Edelman Email: hopeedelman@gmail.com Website: www.hopeedelman.com           www.motherlessdaughters.com Instagram: @hope_edelman Facebook: www.facebook.com/hopeedelmanauther Robin Breuner  Email: robinbreuner@gmail.com Website: www.robinbreuner.com Instagram: stepstoriespodcastIG Facebook: stepstoriespodcastFB Linkedin:  RobinBreunerLinkIN Podcast:  StepStories Podcast Threads: @robinbreuner YouTube: StepStories Podcast YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    50 min

  3. APR 2

    BEST OF - Shay Stubblefield

    In this Best Of episode of the Step Stories podcast, host Robin Breuner welcomes Shay Stubblefield, a self-employed barber with a unique background to discuss his experiences with blended families, personal growth, and new ventures. Shay shares insights about his unconventional journey through various careers, his deep connection to art and poetry, and his reflections on being raised in a diverse family. He opens up about coping with his father's addiction, the impact of his mother and other supportive figures in his life, and his evolving role as a partner to his new girlfriend and her 6-year-old son. Together, they explore the challenges and rewards of becoming a part of a blended family.  Shay Stubblefield Email: shaystubb@gmail.com Website: www.fadesbyshay.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/shaystubblefield   Robin Breuner  Email: robinbreuner@gmail.com Website: www.robinbreuner.com Instagram: stepstoriespodcastIG Facebook:stepstoriespodcastFB Linkedin: RobinBreunerLinkIN Podcast:  StepStories Podcast Threads: @robinbreuner YouTube: StepStories Podcast YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    36 min

  4. MAR 26

    Ep. 20 – Dr. Patricia Papernow

    Join host Robin Breuner in this week’s episode of the Step Stories Podcast as she welcomes renowned stepfamily expert Dr. Patricia Papernow, who has spent five decades researching, teaching, and practicing in stepfamily relationships and is the author of Surviving and Thriving in Stepfamily Relationships and The Stepfamily Handbook. Dr. Papernow explains why stepfamilies differ fundamentally from first-time families, why clinicians receive little stepfamily training despite widespread prevalence, and why what works is not intuitive. She emphasizes that parents should retain discipline and authoritative limit-setting, while stepparents build trust through “connection, not correction,” warmth, and one-to-one time; harsh discipline by stepparents can be toxic. They discuss “stuck insider/outsider” dynamics, moving slowly for kids, communication skills, gray divorce and later-life stepfamilies, and planning for end-of-life care, inheritance, and sentimental items, including after a parent’s death.   Dr. Patricia Papernow  Email:ppapernow@gmail.com Website:https://stepfamilyrelationships.com/ Books:Surviving and Thriving in Stepfamily Relationships The Stepfamily Handbook   Robin Breuner  Email:  robinbreuner@gmail.com Website:  www.robinbreuner.com Instagram: stepstoriespodcastIG Facebook: stepstoriespodcastFB Linkedin:  RobinBreunerLinkIN Podcast:  StepStories Podcast Threads:  @robinbreuner YouTube: StepStories Podcast YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    50 min

  5. MAR 19

    Ep. 19 - Cameron Normand

    Join host Robin Bruener in this week’s episode of The Step Stories podcast as she sits down with Cameron Normand, CEO of Stepfamily Solutions and host of the Stepmom Diaries podcast. Cameron shares how she shifted from a 23-year career as a lawyer and policy executive on Capitol Hill and for Warner Bros. and Sony Pictures into stepfamily coaching after becoming a stepmom of four in a high-conflict situation and struggling to find resources. They discuss why stepfamilies are underserved, how untrained guidance can harm families, and Cameron’s Step Family Coach Academy built around research and Dr. Patricia Papernow’s framework. Cameron highlights common challenges like the “stuck outsider” role, Mother’s Day and event dynamics, the importance of encouraging parent–child one-on-one time, and key advice for stepparents: focus on connection over correction and be less hard on yourself.   Cameron Normand Email:  cameron@stepfamilysolutions.com Website: https://stepfamilysolutions.com/contributors/cameron-normand/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/stepfamilysolutions Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/stepfamilysolutions LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stepfamily-solutions/ Podcast: Stepmom Diaries  TikTok:   https://www.tiktok.com/@stepfamilysolutions Pintrest : https://ro.pinterest.com/stepfamilysolutions/   Robin Breuner  Email:  robinbreuner@gmail.com Website:  www.robinbreuner.com Instagram: stepstoriespodcastIG Facebook: stepstoriespodcastFB Linkedin:  RobinBreunerLinkIN Podcast:  StepStories Podcast Threads:  @robinbreuner YouTube: StepStories Podcast YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    40 min

  6. MAR 12

    Ep. 18 – Dr. Todd Jensen

    On this week’s episode of The Step Stories Podcast, host Robin Breuner interviews Dr. Todd Jensen, assistant professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and director of the Thriving through Family Transitions Research Lab, about research on blended families and youth wellbeing during family structural transitions. Jensen explains why relationship quality, especially stepparent–stepchild connection, can support behavioral, psychological, and physical health outcomes, and clarifies terms like “social parent” and stepparent, including non-married long-term partners. They also discuss adolescence as a challenging transition period, blending family cultures slowly with patience, and why adults often shoulder more responsibility. Jensen also notes overlaps with military family transitions, shares   Dr. Todd Jensen Instagram: @drtoddjensen Twitter/X: @toddmjensen Linkedin: LinkedIn Bluesky: @toddmjensen.bsky.social Website: toddmjensen.com Email jensen@unc.edu  Robin Breuner  Email:  robinbreuner@gmail.com Website:  www.robinbreuner.com Instagram: stepstoriespodcastIG Facebook: stepstoriespodcastFB Linkedin:  RobinBreunerLinkIN Podcast:  StepStories Podcast Threads:  @robinbreuner YouTube: StepStories Podcast YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    39 min

  7. MAR 5

    Ep. 17 - Greg Eskridge

    In this week’s episode of The Step Stories Podcast, host Robin Breuner sits down with Greg Eskridge, whom she met through Diane Kahn’s Humans of San Quentin. Greg describes being raised by a single mother who moved from Memphis to Southern California, later enduring severe abuse from his mother’s partner, running away at age 10, and cycling through 15–20 foster and boys’ homes while surviving unhoused. He recounts the fight outside a Shakey’s Pizza that led him, at 20, to fatally shoot someone, for which he received 58 years to life plus two life terms. After decades at San Quentin, Greg explains his deep remorse, his rehabilitation in prison, a recall of sentence after laws changed, and his current work as co-director of the Uncuffed radio program amplifying incarcerated people’s stories.   Greg Eskridge Email:   gregory23.eskridge@gmail.com Website: KALW Instagram:      We.Are.Uncuffed Facebook:      Uncuffed Linkedin:       Greg Eskridge   Robin Breuner  Email:  robinbreuner@gmail.com Website:  www.robinbreuner.com Instagram: stepstoriespodcastIG Facebook: stepstoriespodcastFB Linkedin:  RobinBreunerLinkIN Podcast:  StepStories Podcast Threads:  @robinbreuner YouTube: StepStories Podcast YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    44 min

  8. FEB 26

    Ep. 16 – Susan Galamba

    On this week’s episode of the Step Stories podcast, host Robin Breuner interviews her longtime friend Susan Galamba, a respected family law attorney practicing in Kansas and Missouri, about setting blended families up for success after divorce. Susan explains how divorce settlement terms and parenting plans can address future issues involving a new partner or stepparent. They also discuss how remarriage can complicate finances through child support, maintenance/alimony, debt, and the influence of a new spouse, as well as why estate planning, powers of attorney, and beneficiary decisions matter in blended families—especially with older parents and adult children.   Susan Galamba Book: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Underwear-Susan-Saper-Galamba/dp/1475122454   Robin Breuner  Email:  robinbreuner@gmail.com Website:  www.robinbreuner.com Instagram: stepstoriespodcastIG Facebook: stepstoriespodcastFB Linkedin:  RobinBreunerLinkIN Podcast:  StepStories Podcast Threads:  @robinbreuner YouTube: StepStories Podcast YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    40 min
See All (27)

5
out of 5
32 Ratings

About

StepStories is an honest and heartfelt podcast exploring the real-life experiences of blended families. Host Robin Breuner, who has lived life as both a stepdaughter and a mother, brings deep empathy and understanding to conversations about the challenges and joys of blended family life. Each week, Robin talks with stepmothers, stepfathers, stepchildren, and step-siblings—sharing stories that reveal the love, tension, heartbreak, frustrations, and resilience found within these unique family dynamics. From families who've found harmony to those still working through the challenges, whether past or present, StepStories shines a light on every side of the journey. Through authentic storytelling and open dialogue, Robin creates a space for reflection, healing, and connection. Whether you are or have been part of a blended family, or are simply curious about the bonds that hold people together, StepStories offers honesty, hope, and heart in every episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Robin Breuner
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Robin Breuner
  • Show Website
    StepStories Podcast

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