#100: You’re Not That Special (And That’s the Best News Ever)
In this episode, Alicia is here to lovingly snatch you out of your spiral with a bold-but-needed reminder: You’re not that special. (And yes, that’s the best news you’ll hear today.)Because if you’ve ever thought you were the only stepmom feeling like an outsider, overwhelmed by an ex, or questioning how the hell you ended up in this role—you’re absolutely not alone.Alicia shares her personal experience with outsider syndrome and challenges the toxic lies stepmoms tell themselves like:“No one else deals with this”“I’m never going to be enough”“Everyone else has it together but me”Through truth-telling, pep-talking, and community wisdom, this episode reminds you that you’re not crazy, not alone, and definitely not the only one Googling “how to get divorced” in the Target parking lot.Tune in to hear:Why your stepmom struggles are more common than you thinkHow to stop believing the shamey BS in your brainThe difference between “blending in” and actually belongingAnd why getting in community with other stepmoms might change your lifeWant to feel seen? Join the crew inside The Stepmom Side Community and stop trying to do this all on your own.Want a specific topic covered? Let me know here.After you listen to this, tag me on Instagram @aliciakrasko and let me know what you think!Get all the FREE RESOURCES here.Want to learn more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside.All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.comGet on the list, get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.
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7:39
#99: Summer Break & The Stepkid Shuffle: How to Stay Sane with Kids Going Back and Forth
Summer break in a stepfamily isn’t always sunshine and s’mores—it can be a whirlwind of transitions, mood swings, and scheduling chaos. In this episode, Alicia gets real about the emotional toll of summer break as a stepmom, especially when the stepkids are constantly going back and forth between homes.She breaks down the most common summer struggles (spoiler: you’re not alone if the custody schedule makes you cry), and shares tools to help you find rhythm, protect your time, and reset after each transition.Whether you're feeling burnt out by the back-and-forth or just want permission to prioritize yourself, this episode offers validation, support, and practical tips to make this season feel less like survival mode.Want help setting expectations and boundaries for summer?Join the community: aliciakrasko.com/communityBook a coaching call: aliciakrasko.com/coachingWant a specific topic covered? Let me know here.After you listen to this, tag me on Instagram @aliciakrasko and let me know what you think!Get all the FREE RESOURCES here.Want to learn more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside.All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.comGet on the list, get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.
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19:44
#98: Feeling Powerless as a Stepmom? It Might Be the Victim Mindset
In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia dives into a powerful truth that many stepmoms avoid: staying stuck in victimhood may feel safe—but it’s quietly stealing your joy, your voice, and your power.If you’ve ever thought, “No one gets it,” “Nothing I do matters,” or “I’m just done trying,” this episode is your wake-up call and warm hug in one. Alicia shares how victimhood becomes a comfort zone and why breaking free is the key to reclaiming your confidence, peace, and freedom as a stepmom.You’ll hear:What victimhood actually looks and sounds like (spoiler: it’s sneaky)Why staying stuck can feel easier than choosing changeThe emotional and relational cost of giving away your powerA personal story from Alicia that proves you can take control, even in chaosThis is the episode to listen to when you’re ready to stop surviving and start leading your stepmom life on your terms.🔗 Mentioned in this episode:💥 Join The Stepmom Side Community for support, coaching, and connection: aliciakrasko.com/community💬 Ready for personalized help? Book 1:1 coaching with Alicia: aliciakrasko.com/coachingWant a specific topic covered? Let me know here.After you listen to this, tag me on Instagram @aliciakrasko and let me know what you think!Get all the FREE RESOURCES here.Want to learn more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside.All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.comGet on the list, get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.
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17:17
#97: Not a Stepmom Yet… But Kinda? Navigating the Awkward In-Between
Alicia tackles the unspoken phase of stepmom life—the before. You’ve met the kids. You’re dating the dad. You’re not a stepmom technically, but you're already feeling all the weird, confusing emotions that come with blending families.This “in-between” season is messy, emotional, and full of what the actual efffff moments. Alicia breaks down how to ease into your role, communicate expectations before moving in, handle the third-wheel vibes when your partner and his ex still do holidays or sports events together, and why it's okay to feel overwhelmed before you're even officially in it.Whether you're brand new to stepmom life or standing at the edge wondering if you're about to dive into bonus mom territory—you’ll walk away from this episode with clarity, tools, and that classic Alicia real talk.Inside this episode:What to consider before moving in with your partnerHow to handle feeling like an outsider at kid events and family momentsTips for integrating into the kids’ lives in a way that actually feels good for everyoneThe importance of early conversations around parenting roles, boundaries, and expectationsWhy getting support before you’re a full-time stepmom is a game-changerWant a community that gets it?Join The Stepmom Side Community here.Ready to actually work through your stepmom stressors?Schedule 1:1 coaching with Alicia.Resources mentioned:Set Your Stepfamily Up for Success: How to Create House Expectations that Work for Everyone!Want a specific topic covered? Let me know here.After you listen to this, tag me on Instagram @aliciakrasko and let me know what you think!Get all the FREE RESOURCES here.Want to learn more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside.All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.comGet on the list, get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.
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23:08
#96: Documenting for Court: Protecting Your Peace in High-Conflict Co-Parenting with Nika Chadwick
In this powerful episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia Krasko is joined by Nika Chadwick, an expert in navigating high-conflict co-parenting situations. They dive deep into understanding what high-conflict actually means, how to recognize it, and how to protect your peace and sanity while managing it. Whether you’re facing constant drama, navigating court battles, or just trying to keep your home a safe and stable space for your family, this episode has you covered.Key Topics Covered:What High-Conflict Really Means: Understanding the difference between typical disagreements and true high-conflict situations.The Role of Personality Disorders: How traits like black-and-white thinking and an obsession with conflict can signal a high-conflict personality.Effective Documentation for Court: Tips for documenting incidents that actually matter in court and making your case stronger.The BIFF Communication Strategy: How to communicate with a high-conflict co-parent using messages that are brief, informative, friendly, and firm.Mental Health Protection: Why having a support system outside of family is crucial for your well-being.Real-Life Strategies and Tools: Practical methods like using a color-coded binder, leveraging apps for secure communication, and setting boundaries.Who This Episode Is For:Stepmoms dealing with a high-conflict ex.Anyone navigating a challenging co-parenting relationship.Parents preparing for a custody or court case.Those wanting to protect their mental and emotional health while co-parenting.Connect with Nika Chadwick:Instagram: @nikachadwickcoachingWebsite: NikaChadwick.comTikTok: @nikachadwickcoachingWant a specific topic covered? Let me know here.After you listen to this, tag me on Instagram @aliciakrasko and let me know what you think!Get all the FREE RESOURCES here.Want to learn more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside.All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.comGet on the list, get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.
Do you find yourself googling for "Stepmom help" or "Stepmom struggles" more than you'd care to admit? If so, you're in the right place. The Stepmom Side Podcast is a conversational podcast about being a Stepmom and what that actually looks like. Host Alicia Krasko covers everything from part-time, full-time, to being an empty nester as a Stepmom. Every week, you'll get a bit of humor, advice, and a conversation that will have you taking an objective look at how you're showing up. You can expect honest (and uncomfortable) conversations with perspective shifts mixed in to help you create the life you no longer have to google for help.
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