Stepmomming Made Easy

Kristen Skiles
  • 5.0 (2)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Is stepmomming the most challenging thing you’ve ever done in your life? If so, you’re in the right place! Welcome to the Stepmomming Made Easy podcast, where your host, Certified Stepparent Coach Kristen Skiles will ensure you never feel alone on this stepmom journey again. We’ll never be able to predict every stressor or struggle you could anticipate as a stepmom, but each week, you’ll learn new tools and techniques to prioritize your peace. Tune in for your weekly dose of validation, inspiration, and step-by-step guidance to build a stepmom life you love.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    EP 77: The Stepmom Puzzle: Finding Your Place in the Family with Wendy Tamis Robbins

    In today's episode, I sit down with internationally recognized anxiety expert, author, and 16-year stepmom Wendy Tamis Robbins to talk about the evolving journey of stepfamily relationships. We explore why stepfamily life triggers our fight-or-flight response, how to stop playing the victim and start showing up with agency and healthy boundaries, and why less is often more when it comes to connecting with your stepkids. If you've ever felt like you're navigating a minefield trying to figure out your role, this episode will remind you that the connection you're building is worth every season of growth. Wendy Tamis Robbins is an internationally recognized anxiety expert, master coach, speaker, digital course creator, podcaster, author and founder of CAVE Club - her coaching community exclusively for professional women. After 26 years in Big Law as a corporate attorney and a battle with colon cancer, Wendy left to pursue her passion in coaching high-achieving women on how to live their best life unapologetically. Her bestselling book The Box: An Invitation to Freedom from Anxiety chronicled her journey to finding freedom from 40 years of mental illness. She speaks regularly at academic institutions like Harvard Law School, has been featured by Boston Magazine, BBC Studios, NBC and Fox News. And she is a frequent contributor to Thrive Global, Law360 and Stepmom Magazine. She has been a stepmom of two for over 16 years. Learn more at . Links Mentioned: wendytamisrobbins.com/stepmom Wendy's Book (affiliate): https://amzn.to/47jjSXm Ready to create a stepmom life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happier Let’s work together: https://stepmomming.com/stepmom-support-coaching/ Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy Head over to StepMomMagazine.com and use code Podcast20 to save 20 percent.

    30 min

  2. 3 MAR

    EP 76: You Can't Force It: What Research Says About Teen Stepkids with Dr. Todd Jensen

    In this episode of Stepmomming Made Easy, I sit down with Todd Jensen, PhD, MSW to unpack what research really says about building strong stepfamily relationships—especially when pre-teen and teen stepchildren are involved. We talk about why authenticity matters more than perfection, why discipline may not be your domain, and how to create connection without forcing it. If you’ve ever wondered how to show up as your true self and still build meaningful relationships with your stepkids, this episode offers validation and science-backed guidance you can use right away. Todd Jensen, PhD, MSW is the Gary Stuck Faculty Scholar in Education and an Assistant Professor of Human Development and Family Science in the School of Education and a Faculty Fellow of the Carolina Population Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His scholarship focuses on understanding how to leverage youths’ connection to stepparents as a unique developmental asset and identifying factors that promote high-quality stepparent-child relationships, particularly those involving adolescent children. Links Mentioned:  https://www.instagram.com/drtoddjensen/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddjensenphd/ Research Article: https://doi.org/10.1080/28375300.2025.2530241 Ready to create a stepmom life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happier Let’s work together: https://stepmomming.com/stepmom-support-coaching/ Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy Head over to StepMomMagazine.com and use code Podcast20 to save 20 percent.

    43 min

  3. 24 FEB

    EP 75: Parenting Differences & Connection in Stepfamilies with Heidi Farrell

    In this episode of Stepmomming Made Easy, I sit down with certified marriage and stepfamily life coach Heidi Farrell to unpack one of the most common challenges stepmoms face—parenting differences. We explore why discipline and household expectations can feel so personal, and how communication, empathy, and boundaries can rebuild connection with your partner. Heidi introduces her Communicate, Motivate, Separate, Celebrate framework to help couples navigate disagreements with compassion and teamwork. If you’ve ever felt like an outsider in your own home, this conversation will remind you that harmony is possible—one small shift at a time. Heidi Farrell is a certified Marriage and Stepfamily Life Coach in Nebraska, who works with couples, adolescents and kids through the challenges of boundary-setting, emotional regulation, marriage and parenting challenges, and communication issues. Walking through her own struggles as a stepmom and of two kids, combined with adding three of her own children, led her to start writing at NotJustaStepmom.com, where she shares ways to find hope and harmony in the heart and home. Heidi has been married to Tim for 15 years. Her two stepkids are now in their 20s, and her “ours” children are 14, 12, and 10. Heidi has a coaching office in Kearney, Nebraska, where she offers in-person or Zoom options. She also offers weekend coaching intensives for couples who are serious about making deep, meaningful changes in one impactful weekend. You can read more about Heidi and her coaching at HeidiFarrellCoaching.com. Look for her upcoming book, entitled “Unexpected Stepmom," and her eBook about adding an “ours baby” to a stepfamily on her website.   Links Mentioned:  www.HeidiFarrellCoaching.com www.facebook.com/notjustastepmom www.instagram.com/notjustastepmom  Ready to start setting boundaries, stepmom? Grab my FREE GUIDE Basics of a Boundary: https://stepmomming.com/boundaries-basics-guide/ Let’s work together: https://stepmomming.com/stepmom-support-coaching/ Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy Head over to StepMomMagazine.com and use code Podcast20 to save 20 percent.

    42 min

  4. 17 FEB

    EP 74: It Wasn’t Supposed to Be This Way: Grieving and Growing as a Stepmom with Rachel Dunne

    In this episode, I sit down with stepfamily coach and licensed counselor Rachel Dunne to talk about grief, loss, and healing as a stepmom. We dive into how stepfamily life is built on loss and why acknowledging that truth is the first step toward peace. Rachel shares how to process grief, release shame, and give yourself permission to feel all the emotions that come with stepmom life. If you’ve ever felt the weight of "It wasn’t supposed to be this way," this conversation will bring validation, hope, and healing. Rachel Dunne is a wife, mom, stepmom, stepfamily coach, and licensed counselor with a passion for helping stepmoms find peace and purpose in the chaos of blended family life. She has been coaching stepmoms all over the world for the past five years, and in 2023 became a licensed mental health counselor to strengthen and expand her ability to serve stepfamilies with both professional expertise and personal understanding. For the past two years, Rachel has been helping train professionals to become certified stepfamily coaches with the StepFamily Foundation. She is also a strong advocate for the mental health of stepmoms and is currently pursuing her PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision, with a focus on stepfamily dynamics and the well-being of women in blended families. Known for her honest yet compassionate approach, Rachel brings a faith-based perspective to her work, offering stepmoms a safe place to be real about their struggles while pointing them toward hope, healing, and practical strategies for daily life. Links Mentioned:  www.Racheldunnecoaching.com www.instagram.com/spiritualstepmom Ready to create a stepmom life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happier Let’s work together: https://stepmomming.com/stepmom-support-coaching/ Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy Head over to StepMomMagazine.com and use code Podcast20 to save 20 percent.

    34 min

  5. 10 FEB

    EP 73: The Invisible Mental Load of Being a Stepmom

    So many stepmoms I meet feel underappreciated. In this episode, I kick off season four by naming and unpacking the invisible load so many stepmoms carry behind the scenes. I explore the mental and emotional labor of keeping everyone and everything together, and how unspoken expectations and a desire for appreciation can lead to resentment and burnout. I’ll help you check your motivations, set healthier boundaries, and remember that your worth isn’t measured by how much you do, but by who you are. Ready to create a stepmom life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happier Let’s work together: https://stepmomming.com/stepmom-support-coaching/ Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy Head over to StepMomMagazine.com and use code Podcast20 to save 20 percent.

    10 min

  6. 12/08/2025

    EP 72: You can't live 100% of your life, 50% of the time.

    In this powerful episode, I dive deep into a critical challenge for stepmoms: living life beyond the custody schedule. Drawing from a chapter in my upcoming book Stepmomming Made Easy, I share personal insights on how custody arrangements shouldn't dictate your entire life.  I explore how constantly planning around your stepchild's schedule can lead to burnout, resentment, and missed opportunities. The key message? Live your life 100% of the time, not just 50%. By maintaining a full, balanced life, you actually model healthier relationships for your stepchildren and protect your own mental well-being.  This episode offers validation and practical strategies for stepmoms feeling trapped by rigid custody schedules, empowering them to make intentional choices that support their happiness and family dynamics. Links Mentioned:  Pre-order Stepmomming Made Easy and receive 3 value-packed bonuses: https://stepmomming.com/book/ Ready to create a stepmom life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happier Let’s work together: https://stepmomming.com/stepmom-support-coaching/ Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

    9 min

  7. 05/08/2025

    EP 71: Overcoming Burnout with Amelia Nagoski

    In this powerful episode, Amelia Nagoski, co-author of Burnout, dives deep into the unique challenges stepmoms face. She explores critical concepts like human giver syndrome, the stress response cycle, and how stepmoms can prevent burnout.  Amelia shares her personal stepmom journey, offering compassionate, science-backed strategies to help stepmoms navigate complex family dynamics while maintaining their mental and emotional well-being. Whether you're struggling with burnout or seeking practical tools for self-preservation, this episode provides invaluable guidance for stepmoms. Amelia Nagoski, D.M.A. (it stands for Doctorate of Musical Arts) is the co-author, with her sister Emily, of the New York Times bestselling Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle and the Burnout workbook. Her job is to run around waving her arms and making funny noises and generally doing whatever it takes to help singers get in touch with their internal experience. She lives in New England with her husband and two rescue dogs. Links Mentioned:  Burnout Book: https://www.amazon.com/Burnout-Secret-Unlocking-Stress-Cycle/dp/1984818325/ Burnout Workbook: https://www.amazon.com/Burnout-Workbook-Advice-Exercises-Unlock/dp/0593578376/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/burnoutbookgroup Ready to create a stepmom life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happier Let’s work together: https://stepmomming.com/stepmom-support-coaching/ Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

    44 min

  8. 07/01/2025

    EP 70: Navigating Co-Parenting as a Stepmom and Mom with Michelle Dempsey

    Today, I'm joined by guest Michelle Dempsey-Multack, and we are discussing the unique challenges and perspectives of stepparenting and co-parenting. As a stepmom, biological mom who shares custody of her own daughter, and someone who grew up with stepparents, Michelle shares valuable advice on building healthy relationships, managing family dynamics, and prioritizing the needs of the children. The discussion covers common misconceptions, the importance of empathy, and strategies for creating a supportive environment for blended families. Michelle Dempsey-Multack, MS, CDS is a Certified Divorce and Co-Parenting Specialist, bestselling author, educator for divorce coaches, and top 1% podcaster known for her ability to inspire and empower moms through their divorce and co-parenting journeys. Michelle’s passion for “putting the child first” in the divorce process while helping everyone she reaches feel supported and empowered, makes her a sought after coach by clients as well as divorce industry professionals from around the globe. Michelle’s unique perspective on divorce and co-parenting has helped thousands of women find the permission to move on confidently after divorce as they move towards a more intentional and holistic co-parenting experience – one that their kids can be proud of one day. Michelle solidified her place as a thought leader in the divorce space with the recent publication of her bestselling book, Moms Moving On: Real Life Advice on Conquering Divorce, Co-Parenting Through Conflict, and Becoming Your Best Self from Simon and Schuster. Links Mentioned:  Instagram: @themichelledempsey & @movingonmethod  https://michelledempsey.com Moms Moving On book (affiliate): https://amzn.to/3BONJKW Ready to create a stepmom life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happier Let’s work together: https://stepmomming.com/stepmom-support-coaching/ Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy

    36 min
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5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Is stepmomming the most challenging thing you’ve ever done in your life? If so, you’re in the right place! Welcome to the Stepmomming Made Easy podcast, where your host, Certified Stepparent Coach Kristen Skiles will ensure you never feel alone on this stepmom journey again. We’ll never be able to predict every stressor or struggle you could anticipate as a stepmom, but each week, you’ll learn new tools and techniques to prioritize your peace. Tune in for your weekly dose of validation, inspiration, and step-by-step guidance to build a stepmom life you love.

Information

  • Creator
    Kristen Skiles
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    79
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Stepmomming Made Easy
  • Show Website
    Stepmomming Made Easy

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