The Stepmom Side Podcast

Have you ever felt like an outsider in your own home? In this heartfelt and practical episode, Alicia breaks down why stepmoms often feel left out of family moments — and what you can do about it.

From unspoken group texts to being excluded from decisions and traditions, Alicia shares real-life examples (including a cringe-worthy moment at Cedar Point) that will have you nodding your head thinking, “Yes. That’s me.”

But more importan...

When your partner sides with the kids, it can feel like betrayal — or at the very least, like you’ve been completely shut out. This episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast digs into those moments of emotional hurt and confusion that so many stepmoms experience but few talk about openly.

We explore the power dynamics at play and the often invisible loyalty binds that pull at your partner — and how those dynamics can impact your marriage,...

In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia gets real about one of the biggest misconceptions stepmoms have — that peace comes when everything is finally perfect....and then hear something going wrong in real time. :)

If you’ve ever thought, “Once the ex chills out… once the kids listen… once my partner gets it — THEN I’ll finally have peace,” this episode will feel like a breath of fresh air.

Alicia shares why chasing perfec...

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 stepkids
• How societal expectations set stepmoms up for guilt
• Simple shifts to ease the tension when relationships fee...

Being the “strict” house isn’t easy — especially when you’re parenting a teenager who has unlimited freedom at their other home.

In this episode, Alicia dives into a real stepmom story from Erica, who’s been a stepmom for 11 years and is now facing the challenges of raising a 13-year-old stepdaughter in two very different households. At Erica’s house, structure, healthy meals, and clear phone boundaries are the norm. At mom’s house,...

In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia Krasko opens up about her why—the real reason she started coaching stepmoms, built The Stepmom Side Community, and launched this very podcast.

She shares her raw, unfiltered story of hitting rock bottom as a stepmom, googling “how to get divorced,” and feeling like an outsider in her own home. Alicia explains the turning point when she admitted she needed help, how outside support ...

Do you ever catch yourself spiraling with intrusive thoughts about not being “enough” as a stepmom? Maybe you wonder if you’ll ever feel as important as your partner’s kids’ mom. Or you feel that rush of pressure to have a baby of your own—just so you can finally feel “equal.”

If that’s you, you are not alone.

In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia dives deep into what she calls the messy middle of stepmomming—the stage ...

In this candid episode, Alicia gets real about something most stepmoms won’t say out loud: you want to be over your partner’s past… but reminders keep ambushing you—kids’ faces, old photos, in-law stories, even the house you live in. She explains why your brain grabs the past when you don’t feel safe, the hidden cost of re-hashing old wounds, and a step-by-step plan to stop using history as ammunition so you can build the future yo...

Spiraling happens to every stepmom. You’re not broken—you’re human. In this episode, Alicia breaks down why stepmoms spiral, when it usually happens, and the steps you can take to calm your nervous system and find your footing again. If you’ve ever felt like your thoughts are racing, your chest is tight, and everything feels like too much, this episode will help you feel safe and grounded.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why s...

Ever wish you could say exactly what’s on your mind to your partner’s ex… but know it’ll only make things worse? In this episode, Alicia shares the concept of an “Ex-Files”—a private place to store your unspoken thoughts, frustrations, and screenshots. Learn why it’s essential for your peace, your relationship, and your stepmom sanity.

You’ll discover:

• What an Ex-Files is and how to set one up
• Why it protects your relationship
• When...

In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia dives deep into the challenges that come when in-laws stay close to the ex. This dynamic can leave you feeling like the outsider in your own family, causing frustration, jealousy, and insecurity. But how can you cope with these feelings and build healthier boundaries? Tune in as Alicia shares her personal experiences, provides insight into the complex family dynamics, and offers p...

What do you do when someone says, "Just take a break," but you're knee-deep in dinner, the ex is texting, your stepkid is criticizing your cooking, and you’re one eye twitch away from totally losing it?

In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia is getting real about how to handle stress when stepping back isn’t an option. Spoiler: she’s not about to suggest you go meditate in the pantry—unless that’s the onl...

This honest and empowering episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast dives deep into how codependency shows up uniquely in the stepmom experience. From emotional overfunctioning and people-pleasing to the fear of abandonment and control, Alicia shares real talk from her own life, plus tools you can use to start healing. If you've ever felt like your value is tied to how much you give—or that you're doing way more emotional labo...

What if conflict isn't the problem—but the portal? In this raw and real episode, Alicia is joined by Annmarie, a fellow stepmom and conflict resolution ninja, to unpack what’s really going on underneath the same old fights. (Spoiler: It’s not about the dishes.)

They dig into:

• Why your drama triangle has assigned seating
• How to tell if you're reacting from love or fear
• What your partner’s defensiveness actually means (it’s...

This episode is a raw, unfiltered Ask Me Anything from the stepmom trenches (on Instagram). Alicia gets real about some of the most vulnerable (and let’s be honest, slightly rage-inducing) questions stepmoms are dealing with—like:

• “Why do I feel like I won’t be good enough until we have a kid together?”
• “Will I ever feel relaxed around the ex?”
• “How the hell do I let go of the hate and bitterness?”
• “Am I the...

Transition days. You know, the ones where your quiet, clean house suddenly turns into a full-blown chaos factory. Whether your stepkids are arriving for the weekend, the week, or every other Tuesday, transition days can bring stress, overstimulation, and a whole lot of feelings you didn’t expect. In this episode, Alicia is answering real questions submitted through her Instagram broadcast channel from stepmoms just like you who are...

Alicia gets real about what it means to support your partner through parenting challenges. From learning when to speak up to knowing when to simply listen, Alicia shares personal stories and practical tips for navigating these tough moments with love and patience. This episode is for anyone who's ever struggled with how to show up for their spouse without stepping on toes—or losing themselves in the process.

Plus, Alicia shares...

In this deeply relatable solo episode, Alicia opens up about a struggle so many stepmoms face but rarely talk about—what it feels like to miss out on the “firsts.” First marriage, first baby, first home, first big life moments with your partner... when you weren’t part of those, it can trigger deep feelings of jealousy, insecurity, and even grief.

Alicia shares a powerful personal story from early in her marriage—when she felt so se...

In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia Krasko gets real about the silent struggle so many stepmoms face: losing themselves in the chaos of blended family life. One day you’re living your carefree (ish) life, and the next, you're the emotional project manager of a household that runs on other people's schedules and drama. Sound familiar?

Alicia breaks down how the gradual burnout happens—and why so many stepmom...