The Stepmom Diaries | Blended Family & Stepmom Support Podcast

The Stepmom Diaries is a podcast for stepmoms navigating blended family life, marriage stress, coparenting conflict, emotional burnout, and the realities nobody talks about. Hosted by Cameron Normand of Stepfamily Solutions, this podcast keeps it honest with relatable conversations about stepmom life, relationships, identity, resentment, boundaries, and building healthier blended families. As a second wife and stepmom to four kids, Cameron combines real-life experience with practical support to help stepmoms feel less alone, less overwhelmed, and more confident in their role.

Amy Porterfield on Finding Your Identity as a Stepmom 07/23/2026

Is It Really Parental Alienation? How to Recognize the Signs and Protect Your Family | Amy J.L. Baker, PhD 07/16/2026

Eve Rodsky on the Mental Load in Blended Families 07/09/2026

The Comments Every Stepmom Hates and Exactly How to Respond | Listener Favorite Replay 07/02/2026

What LGBTQ Families Want You to Know About Parenting, Acceptance, and Belonging | Jaimie Kelton & José Rolón 06/25/2026

When the Rules Change House to House: How Kids Navigate Values Across Two Homes | Bailey Oliver Blackburn, PhD 06/18/2026

When the Rules Change House to House: How Kids Navigate Values Across Two Homes | Bailey Oliver Blackburn, PhD Ever feel like your stepkids are living in two completely different worlds? The rules change from house to house, expectations don't always match, and somehow everyone expects the kids to make sense of it all. In this episode, I sit down with researcher, professor, stepmom, and former stepchild Bailey Oliver Blackburn, PhD to discuss new research on co-parenting with different values and what happens when children are navigating two households with very different beliefs, expectations, and parenting styles. Bailey shares insights from a recent study exploring how co-parents manage divergent values, the impact on children, and the communication strategies that help families reduce conflict and support kids without forcing them to choose sides. In This Episode, We Cover: • What happens when children are raised across households with different values and beliefs • The surprising challenges families reported beyond politics and religion • How parents can discuss values without putting kids in loyalty binds • Why high-conflict co-parenting and parallel parenting deserve more research If you've ever wondered how to protect your relationship with your stepkids while navigating differences between households, this conversation offers practical insights and plenty of reassurance that you're not alone. Resources Mentioned Bailey Oliver Blackburn: UA Little Rock Department of Applied Communication: Get our FREE 10 Essential Scripts for Stepmoms and get the exact words for your toughest stepmom conversations! Join the waitlist for our free Stepmom Summit happening virtually September 14th-18th, 2026: Love The Stepmom Diaries? Please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support helps us reach more stepmoms and blended families who need these conversations. /episode/index/show/stepmomdiaries/id/41672430

Why Overwhelmed Stepmoms Feel Like They're Drowning (Even When They're Doing Everything Right) | Lisa Woodruff 06/11/2026

The Worst Things People Say to Stepmoms (And Why They Hurt So Much) 06/04/2026

Why Summer Is So Hard for Stepmoms (And How to Protect Your Peace) 05/28/2026

The Simple Question That Helped Our Blended Family Finally Connect | Ashley Noelle 05/21/2026

123: Stepmom Grief: The Hidden Loss No One Talks About | Rachel Dunne 05/14/2026

122: Mother’s Day for Stepmoms: How to Handle the Hurt, Expectations & Plan Your Day 05/06/2026

121: The Stepmom Identity Crisis No One Talks About: How to Be a Stepmom Without Losing Yourself with Christina Nelson 04/30/2026

120: My Stepkids Keep Pushing Me Away with Mindy Kyle 04/23/2026

119: What Most Parents Miss About Estate Planning in Blended Families (Especially Stepchildren) with Tara Yukawa, CEA 04/16/2026

118: ADHD in Blended Families: Helping Kids Through Transitions with Jennie Anderson 04/09/2026

117: Navigating Education in Blended Families: What Stepmoms Should Know with Houlie Duque 04/02/2026

117: Navigating Education in Blended Families: What Stepmoms Should Know with Houlie Duque When kids live in two households, education decisions can get complicated fast! In this episode, , former teacher and founder of , shares a fresh perspective on how families can rethink learning when co-parenting is part of the picture. As both a biomom and stepmom raising kids in a blended family, Houlie brings real-life insight into how parents can create flexible education plans that support children across two homes. From navigating co-parenting dynamics to designing learning around a child’s strengths, this conversation explores what it really looks like to prioritize a child’s growth in a blended family. If you’ve ever wondered how education decisions work when multiple parents are involved, this episode will open your mind to what’s possible. In This Episode You'll Learn: • How blended families can approach education decisions across two households • Creative ways co-parents can divide responsibilities while supporting their child • Why adaptability and communication are key when raising kids in blended families Resources Mentioned: [https://www.homeschooltogo.org/] An organization that helps families design personalized education plans tailored to each child and family structure [https://courses.homeschooltogo.org/freemasterclass-registration] A 30-minute class explaining how parents can explore alternative education options [] sharing education insights and parenting perspectives [] Your single source of support for building and blending a thriving stepfamily - your go-to resource for blended family life, where we're constantly dropping new videos packed with expert interviews, full podcast episodes, and everything you need whether you're navigating stepfamily life or thinking about becoming a certified stepfamily coach! Love The Stepmom Diaries? Please consider rating and reviewing The Stepmom Diaries on or Podcasts. Your feedback helps the show grow and reach more blended families who need honest conversations like this one. /episode/index/show/stepmomdiaries/id/40606725

116: The Loyalty Bind in Blended Families: Why Kids Feel Torn Between Mom and Stepmom with Barb Goldberg 03/26/2026

116: The Loyalty Bind in Blended Families: Why Kids Feel Torn Between Mom and Stepmom with Barb Goldberg What if your stepchild isn’t rejecting you… but protecting someone else? In this episode, I’m sitting down with the incredible to talk about one of the most misunderstood (and painful) dynamics in blended families: the loyalty bind. If you’ve ever felt hurt, dismissed, or completely invisible as a stepmom, this conversation is for you. Because when kids feel torn between mom and stepmom, it can show up as distance, attitude, silence, or even outright rejection - and it’s easy to take that personally. But often? It’s not about you. In This Episode, We Talk About: What the loyalty bind in blended families actually is - and how it quietly shapes your relationship with your stepkids Why the teenage brain reacts from emotion and survival (and why kids often don’t even remember the hurtful things they say) How stepmoms get stuck in emotional trigger loops - and how to calm your nervous system and break the cycle Why stepmotherhood is a long game - and how kids often grow up, gain perspective, and sometimes even come back around We also talk honestly about the things stepmoms don’t always say out loud - the crying in closets, the normalization of disrespect, and the cultural pressure to “just love them like your own.” This episode offers compassion for kids navigating divorce and blended family dynamics - but it also offers deep validation for stepmoms who are carrying emotional burnout in silence. Resources Mentioned: is a compassionate and empowering resource for stepmothers navigating the complex world of blended families with Barb Goldberg. Follow Barb on & – A supportive community for stepmoms who want help navigating conversations with stepkids, partners, and exes - without losing themselves in the process. Inside, you’ll find coaching, real-life examples, and space to practice these conversations so you’re not guessing anymore. Love The Stepmom Diaries? Please consider rating and reviewing The Stepmom Diaries on or Podcasts. Your feedback helps the show grow and reach more blended families who need honest conversations like this one. /episode/index/show/stepmomdiaries/id/40333490

115: AI Is Already in Your Blended Family (You Just Don’t Know How Yet) with Sarah Dooley 03/12/2026

115: AI Is Already in Your Blended Family (You Just Don’t Know How Yet) with Sarah Dooley AI isn’t “coming.” It’s already here - in your kids’ phones, in their homework, in their group chats, and maybe even in your marriage. And most stepmoms have no idea how deeply it’s shaping their blended family dynamics. If you’ve brushed off AI as a tech trend or something you’ll figure out later, this episode may completely shift your perspective. Because the reality is: kids are already using it, adults are turning to it for emotional support, and families are navigating new territory without even realizing it. In this powerful conversation, I sit down with , to unpack what AI is really doing inside modern families - and how stepmoms can respond proactively instead of reactively. With nearly two decades in tech- including leading AI initiatives at Visa, Sarah brings both corporate expertise and real-life mom experience to this rapidly changing conversation. In Today’s Episode, We’re Talking About: The surprising statistics about how many kids are already using AI - and why parents can’t afford to ignore it How AI relationships are showing up in marriages, therapy spaces, and teen lives (and the boundaries families need to discuss) Why AI is not private - and what every parent should know before sharing personal information Practical ways stepmoms can use AI right now to reduce your mental load This episode isn’t about replacing human connection. It’s about using technology intentionally - so you’re not left behind, your kids are safer, and your mental load is lighter. If you’ve been hesitant, skeptical, or quietly curious about AI, this conversation will help you feel more informed, more confident, and more equipped to navigate this new reality inside your blended family. Resources Mentioned with step-by-step instructions for using AI to reduce your mental load. – A supportive community for stepmoms who want help navigating conversations with stepkids, partners, and exes - without losing themselves in the process. Inside, you’ll find coaching, real-life examples, and space to practice these conversations so you’re not guessing anymore. Love The Stepmom Diaries? Please consider rating and reviewing The Stepmom Diaries on or Podcasts. Your feedback helps the show grow and reach more blended families who need honest conversations like this one. /episode/index/show/stepmomdiaries/id/40257320

Beyond the Podcast: We're on YouTube @StepfamilySolutions 03/09/2026

New to The Stepmom Diaries? Let me tell you all about it! 03/05/2026

114: The #1 Mistake Stepmoms Make: Trying to Prove They Belong with Jessica Frew 02/26/2026

114: The #1 Mistake Stepmoms Make: Trying to Prove They Belong with Jessica Frew The fastest way to experience stepmom burnout from trying to prove she belongs? Over-functioning in a family that was already functioning before you arrived. High-capacity stepmoms don’t come in weak. They come in capable. Responsible. Strong. And quietly determined to earn their seat at the table. But what happens when proving your worth slowly turns into resentment… exhaustion… and losing yourself? In this I chat with decision coach and author Jessica Frew to unpack how stepmom burnout from trying to prove she belongs nearly cost Jessica her marriage - and how setting one boundary at a time changed everything. Jessica shares her powerful blended family story, including why she left her marriage one year in… and what brought her back with a completely different mindset. If you’re a high-functioning stepmom who feels like you’re carrying everyone’s emotional weight, are afraid to look “selfish” by setting boundaries, or are just quietly questioning whether you can keep doing this…then this episode will help you finally put language to what you’ve been living. In Today’s Episode, We’re Talking About: Why stepmom burnout from trying to prove she belongs is so common The emotional cost of over-functioning in a blended family Why you are not the main character in your stepkids’ story - and why that’s freeing The subtle ways resentment builds when you sacrifice yourself to prove your value How to set one boundary at a time without blowing up your marriage The difference between strength and self-abandonment This episode isn’t about walking away. It’s about walking back to yourself. Because protecting your peace isn’t selfish - it’s foundational. If you’ve been trying to earn your place instead of simply standing in it, this conversation will help you reset. Resources Mentioned Shove Your Shoulds by Jessica Frew [https://shoveyourshoulds.com/freebook] A powerful guide to identifying the invisible “shoulds” driving your decisions and releasing the ones that aren’t serving you. Stepfamily Circle Membership [https://stepfamilycircle.com] A supportive community for stepmoms navigating blended family dynamics without losing themselves in the process. If you've lived the blended family journey and ever wondered if your experience could help someone else, this one's for you- I'm hosting a free webinar on how to turn your stepfamily experience into a paid coaching path, even if you've never coached before. Grab your spot at [https://stepfamilysolutions.com/becomeacoach] Love The Stepmom Diaries? Please consider rating and reviewing The Stepmom Diaries on or Podcasts. Your feedback helps the show grow and reach more blended families who need honest conversations like this one. /episode/index/show/stepmomdiaries/id/40235295

113: Why Stepmoms Feel So Much Pressure (and How to Stop Comparing Yourself) with Tara Clark 02/12/2026

112: How to Talk to Your Stepkids Without Conflict: 12 Tips That Work 01/29/2026

111. Why New Year Resolutions Fail for Stepmoms: The Hidden Pattern You Need to Know 01/09/2026

111. Why New Year Resolutions Fail for Stepmoms: The Hidden Pattern You Need to Know If January already feels heavy… if you're tired of trying to feel hopeful... or if you're sitting there thinking, "What is wrong with me?" this episode is for you. January can be hard for stepmoms. And there's a reason no one talks about it. In Today’s Episode, We’re Talking About: Why January hits so hard for stepmoms Why the ‘try harder’ culture and first family advice miss the mark - especially this time of year The patterns that come up every January What not to do in January if you’re a stepmom How to reframe what’s actually happening Resources Mentioned: For Stepmoms: Join the for scripts, strategies, and community support For Aspiring Coaches: Learn how to help families navigate these dynamics with wisdom and expertise at Share This Episode: If this hit home for you, please share it with another stepmom who needs to hear it. Post it in that Facebook group where everyone’s struggling with the same thing. Send it to that friend who’s been texting you about her partner not getting it. The more we talk about this stuff openly, the more we normalize the struggle, and the more stepmoms realize they’re not alone and they’re not crazy. Love The Stepmom Diaries? Please consider rating and reviewing the show! It will help me reach more stepmoms just like you who need this support. Just click and scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “write a review.” Then just let me know what you like best! And the best part about leaving a review? If you send me a screenshot of your review, I’ll send YOU my 20-minute Stepmom Self-Care Blueprint. For FREE. It’s normally $49 and it’s a great tool to quickly set up a self-care plan you’ll actually use. Just head to send me your screenshot and grab your blueprint! Connect with Cameron: Website: Instagram: TikTok: /episode/index/show/stepmomdiaries/id/39667590

110. My Husband Doesn’t Support Me with His Kids: What Every Stepmom Needs to Know 10/24/2025

110. My Husband Doesn’t Support Me with His Kids: What Every Stepmom Needs to Know "My husband is an idiot." That's what a stepmom said to me recently - not once, but multiple times. But behind those words? A mountain of hurt, exhaustion, and feeling completely alone in her own home. If you've ever felt like you're carrying everything by yourself while your partner seems checked out, dismissive, or just doesn't get it - this episode is for you. I'm diving deep into what "he doesn't have my back" really means, why it's about so much more than just everyday disagreements, and most important - what you can actually do about it before resentment poisons everything. This isn't just a communication problem. It's about feeling invisible in your own home. It's about partnership (or the lack of it). And it's time we talk about it. In Today's Episode, We're Talking About: What "he doesn't have my back" REALLY means (hint: it's not just about the kids' behavior) Why your partner might genuinely not see what you're seeing How resentment becomes a marriage emergency disguised as a stepfamily issue The vulnerable conversation that can change everything What to do when he won't engage (and how to know your bottom line) Why generic therapy advice can make stepfamily dynamics worse For coaches: Why this will be a top issue in your practice Resources Mentioned: For Stepmoms: Join the for scripts, strategies, and community support For Aspiring Coaches: Learn how to help families navigate these dynamics with wisdom and expertise at Share This Episode: If this hit home for you, please share it with another stepmom who needs to hear it. Post it in that Facebook group where everyone's struggling with the same thing. Send it to that friend who's been texting you about her partner not getting it. The more we talk about this stuff openly, the more we normalize the struggle, and the more stepmoms realize they're not alone and they're not crazy. Love The Stepmom Diaries? Please consider rating and reviewing the show! It will help me reach more stepmoms just like you who need this support. Just click and scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “write a review.” Then just let me know what you like best! And the best part about leaving a review? If you send me a screenshot of your review, I’ll send YOU my 20-minute Stepmom Self-Care Blueprint. For FREE. It’s normally $49 and it’s a great tool to quickly set up a self-care plan you’ll actually use. Just head to send me your screenshot and grab your blueprint! Connect with Cameron: Website: Instagram: TikTok: /episode/index/show/stepmomdiaries/id/38768155

109. When It’s All Too Much: Mindfulness Tools for Stepmom Life 10/02/2025

109. When It’s All Too Much: Mindfulness Tools for Stepmom Life You're not broken. You're overwhelmed. This episode is for those moments when you’re trying so hard to keep it together, but inside you're screaming. The mental load is crushing you, your patience is hanging by a thread, and even the dog’s breathing feels like too much . . . If that rings a bell, let me reassure you that no, you’re not broken. You’re just overwhelmed. And there are tools to help you manage your stress. This week, I'm joined by licensed therapist and coach Kristin Cogan for a conversation every stepmom (and honestly, every woman) needs. We’re diving into the truth about “mom overwhelm:" what it is, why it hits so hard in blended families, and how mindfulness can help you interrupt the spiral before it swallows you whole. This is the kind of episode you’ll want to save and come back to - especially on the days when you feel like disappearing into the bathroom for a week. ABOUT KRISTIN: Kristin Cogan, MA, LPC, is a licensed therapist, coach, and mom of five based in Texas who helps high-achieving, overwhelmed moms break free from the cycle of stress and self-doubt so they can feel confident, calm, and in control again. With a down-to-earth approach and over a decade of experience, Kristin empowers women to stop surviving and start thriving - on their terms. Learn more about Kristin at Follow her on Instagram: Are you enjoying The Stepmom Diaries? If so, please consider rating and reviewing the show. It will help me reach more stepmoms just like you so they can get MORE out of stepmom life! It’s super easy – all you have to do is click and scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “write a review.” Then just let me know what you like best! And the best part about leaving a review? If you send me a screenshot of your review, I’ll send YOU my 20-minute Stepmom Self-Care Blueprint. For FREE. It’s normally $49 and it’s a great tool to quickly set up a self-care plan you’ll actually use. Just head to send me your screenshot and grab your blueprint! Connect with Cameron: Website: Instagram: TikTok: /episode/index/show/stepmomdiaries/id/38438410

108. Stepmom Triggers and the Power of Choosing Peace Over Panic 09/25/2025

108. Stepmom Triggers and the Power of Choosing Peace Over Panic What if you could take that familiar whisper of "You don't quite belong" and give it the heave-ho? Picture this: at your stepdaughter's sorority Parents Weekend, everyone's wearing their "sorority mom" pins . . . everyone but you. That familiar whisper starts: "I wonder if they notice I don't belong here." But then something incredible happens: you pause, breathe, and choose a different thought. This episode is about that moment - how triggers that used to wreck you now don't have to. You know what I'm talking about: It can be the smallest, most seemingly-insignificant moments that hits stepmoms where we're most vulnerable and surfaces our deepest insecurities. And then before we know it, we embark on the mental gymnastics of analyzing every interaction to verify our assumptions that we have, in fact, been rejected - or that we are, in fact, inadequate . . . and we spiral. Sound familiar? But what if we didn't have to go down that rabbithole of doubt? What if we could catch ourselves in that moment and choose to focus on what's actually true? I'll talk you through how to do just that so next time you can change your experience. And your stepfamily. Connect with Cameron: Website: Instagram: TikTok: Resources Mentioned Join the Stepfamily Circle: Ready to stop navigating stepfamily life alone? The Stepfamily Circle offers ongoing support, group coaching calls, and a community that truly gets it. Learn more at For Aspiring Stepfamily Coaches: Ready to help other stepmoms through coaching? Or just want to dive deep into learning everything about stepfamily life and see what happens from there? Learn about the Stepfamily Coach Academy at Are you enjoying The Stepmom Diaries? If so, please consider rating and reviewing the show. It will help me reach more stepmoms just like you so they can get MORE out of stepmom life! It’s super easy – all you have to do is click and scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “write a review.” Then just let me know what you like best! And the best part about leaving a review? If you send me a screenshot of your review, I’ll send YOU my 20-minute Stepmom Self-Care Blueprint. For FREE. It’s normally $49 and it’s a great tool to quickly set up a self-care plan you’ll actually use. Just head to send me your screenshot and grab your blueprint! /episode/index/show/stepmomdiaries/id/38361005

107. Stop Trying Harder: Why Stepmoms Need Support, Not Perfection 09/12/2025

107. Stop Trying Harder: Why Stepmoms Need Support, Not Perfection "You're not the problem. You're just doing it alone." If you attended the last weekend, you wrapped up in a high - feeling seen and understood. But it’s over now, and you're back in a house that doesn't feel like yours with zero space to land. Today we're talking about why "trying harder" isn't the answer, and what you actually need to create lasting change in your stepfamily life. In This Episode, We Cover: Why Stepmom Life Feels So Isolating The myth of "trying harder" and the stepmom spiral of second-guessing your boundaries and interactions How "trying harder" leads to losing yourself in the effort That you're not actually failing - the system is failing you You don't need to try more - you need to be seen You weren't meant to navigate stepfamily life alone Resources Mentioned Join the Stepfamily Circle: Ready to stop navigating stepfamily life alone? The Stepfamily Circle offers ongoing support, group coaching calls, and a community that truly gets it. Learn more at If you missed For a few more days, you can still grab a and access all of the presentations and $2,000 in bonuses. Don't wait because the opportunity to grab your ticket will expire on September 15th! For Aspiring Stepfamily Coaches: Ready to help other stepmoms through coaching? Or just want to dive deep into learning everything about stepfamily life and see what happens from there? Learn about the Stepfamily Coach Academy at Connect with Cameron: Website: Instagram: TikTok: Are you enjoying The Stepmom Diaries? If so, please consider rating and reviewing the show. It will help me reach more stepmoms just like you so they can get MORE out of stepmom life! It’s super easy – all you have to do is click and scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “write a review.” Then just let me know what you like best! And the best part about leaving a review? If you send me a screenshot of your review, I’ll send YOU my 20-minute Stepmom Self-Care Blueprint. For FREE. It’s normally $49 and it’s a great tool to quickly set up a self-care plan you’ll actually use. Just head to send me your screenshot and grab your blueprint! /episode/index/show/stepmomdiaries/id/38198995

106. I Didn’t Sign Up For This: When Stepmom Life Gets Messy Fast, with Alicia Krasko 08/29/2025

106. I Didn’t Sign Up For This: When Stepmom Life Gets Messy Fast, with Alicia Krasko Every stepmom has that moment where reality hits and you think: “Wait… I didn’t sign up for this.” In today’s episode, I sit down with Alicia Krasko - stepmom coach, podcast host, and CEO of the Stepmom Side Community. Alicia’s story will sound familiar: she went into stepmom life thinking it would be smooth sailing (kids liked her, in-laws liked her, even the ex liked her)… until suddenly, everything changed. In the episode, we talk about: What happens when “happily ever after” collides with blended family reality Why traditional therapy often misses the mark for stepmoms (and what to look for instead) How to handle high-conflict situations without losing yourself The truth about always being asked to be “the bigger person” — and what to do when it feels exhausting Why stepmom struggles look so similar (and why you’re NOT the only one going through this) ✨ Plus, Alicia gives us a sneak peek of her upcoming live session at the , where she’ll dive into extended family drama (yes, we’re talking in-laws) and how to navigate it without losing your peace. If you’ve ever found yourself Googling “how to get divorced” or wondering why stepmom life feels harder than you imagined — this conversation will remind you that you are not alone, and there is a way forward. 🎟️ 🎟️ Links + Resources Mentioned: Connect with Alicia: Grab Alicia’s free guide: Join the Stepmom Summit: The Stepmom Summit Is For You If: You’re tired of doing this alone You love your partner but struggle with “everything that comes with them” You want tools that work outside of therapy sessions and social media scrolls 🎟️ 🎟️ Are you enjoying The Stepmom Diaries? If so, please consider rating and reviewing the show. It will help me reach more stepmoms just like you so they can get MORE out of stepmom life! It’s super easy – all you have to do is click and scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “write a review.” Then just let me know what you like best! And the best part about leaving a review? If you send me a screenshot of your review, I’ll send YOU my 20-minute Stepmom Self-Care Blueprint. For FREE. It’s normally $49 and it’s a great tool to quickly set up a self-care plan you’ll actually use. Just head to send me your screenshot and grab your blueprint! /episode/index/show/stepmomdiaries/id/38019725

The Stepmom Diaries | Blended Family & Stepmom Support Podcast

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