Season 8: Episode 5: Finding stepmotherhood in your early 20’s, the sacrifices and the gains with guest, Nathalie

Christina chats with Shayla about how dynamics are just different when your partner was never married to the mom. There was no wedding, no long history... what unique issues does this bring up? Shayla shares about the custody loss for 50/50, feeling protective of your partner and the frustration with “single” moms. Why do exes get more upset after you're married? How do you “love them like your own” but not too much?  Shayla also discusses her unexplained fertility journey and shares a message to the stepmoms who can relate to her journey. Listen in! About My Guest: Hi! I’m Shayla, a 28 year old wife and step mom to an amazing 7 year old boy! Being a step mom is one of my favorite roles in life, even with all of the ups and downs that come with it. My husband and I have been trying to have an “ours” baby since we got married in 2023 and are currently waiting for our second frozen embryo transfer which will hopefully be happening in April or May. I love sharing my story on social media and connecting with other women with similar stories! It’s my goal that every woman has a place to feel safe and seen.Find her on IG: @shaydempSo much more than a podcast!Instagram: @radicalstepmomspodcastNeed some extra support? ⁠⁠Schedule with Christina!⁠⁠Become a Member of the ⁠⁠Rad Community ⁠⁠and meet other stepmoms!⁠⁠www.radicalstepmomspodcast.com

Christina welcomes Katherine to share her story of blending into an interracial family. What happens when your mother-in-law isn’t happy you’re white? How do you find confidence in your stepmom role when it’s clear you’re not the mom? Christina and Katherine discuss positive relationships with the ex, bringing home an ours baby and so much more. Listen in! So much more than a podcast!Instagram: @radicalstepmomspodcastNeed some extra support? ⁠⁠Schedule with Christina!⁠⁠Become a Member of the ⁠⁠Rad Community ⁠⁠and meet other stepmoms!⁠⁠www.radicalstepmomspodcast.com

Christina welcomes Nicole to chat about the dynamics of being in a queer blended family and balancing boundaries with compassion. Nicole shares when her optimism for a peace was confronted with the reality of conflict and how she remains authentic even when the other co-parent is watching. How does her stepdaughter feel about having 4 moms? What is Nicole striving for now? Listen in! About My GuestHello, I'm Nicole! I'm a wife in a queer relationship and a stepmom of 4 years to a beautiful 6 year old girl. I work in the social work field with children and families. I enjoy reading, hiking, sand volleyball and a good margarita. I take pride in myself for bringing to this stepmom journey consistency, organization and great listening skills.Instagram: jean_shorts88So much more than a podcast!!!Instagram: @radicalstepmomspodcastNeed some extra support? Schedule with Christina!Become a Member of the Rad Community and meet other stepmoms!www.radicalstepmomspodcast.com

Christina welcomes Courtney who shares her reflections on stepmotherhood. Courtney, a BM and stepmom, discusses the red flags she didn’t see in her relationship, the thresholds of bullshit she uncovered and when she realized it was time to leave. What is a non-negotiable when it comes to blending a family? How do you forgive yourself for not seeing it sooner? Listen in!  So much more than a podcast!!!Instagram: @radicalstepmomspodcastNeed some extra support? Schedule with Christina!Want to meet other rad stepmoms, and get access to exclusive content? Become a Member!www.radicalstepmomspodcast.com

Christina welcomes Kelly to discuss stepmom identity and finding your voice. We’ve all experienced situations that have made us feel small or ignored. Did your SK not include you in their family project? Does the ex completely ignore you? What do your stepkids call you and how does it make you feel? Kelly and Christina chat about it all and more! Listen in! About My Guest: Kelly Christ is a writer, teacher, blogger and radio host who has dedicated much of her life to reinventing herself--one trivial pursuit at a time. She writes and speaks about letting go--if only to learn how to do it herself. She married the man of her dreams (in a pandemic) and is a stepmom to two high schoolers.Find her on IG @kellyachristMentioned in this Episode: Essays on Stepmotherhood and Letting GoStoop Storytelling Stepmom StorySo much more than a podcast!!!Instagram: @radicalstepmomspodcastNeed some 1:1 support? Schedule with ChristinaWant more community? Become a Rad Member!www.radicalstepmomspodcast.com

Sensitive Content: This episode talks about pregnancy and loss. Please care for yourselves as you need. Christina welcomes Carly to share her story of falling in love, pursuing friendship with the ex, and navigating loss alongside stepmotherhood. As we all know, stepmotherhood doesn’t pause to acknowledge your happiest moments, and it won’t for your deepest moments of grief. Listen in as Carly shares her daughter’s story, and how her darkest times brought her a rainbow. Sending so much love to all you mamas who know this grief. You are loved, and your baby is loved. About My Guest I am a wife, stepmom to a 9 year-old girl, and mom to a one-year-old baby boy. I’m also a mom of an angel who never made it earthside but changed my life and motherhood journey forever. There is a special kind of pain you experience from mothering someone else’s child while simultaneously mourning the death of your own baby. I hope to speak to other stepmamas who may have or might one day experience what I did. I want to let them know to hang in there, there are rainbows after the storm.Find her on IG: @CarlybhuntSo much more than a podcast!!!Instagram: @radicalstepmomspodcastSchedule with ChristinaBecome a Memberwww.radicalstepmomspodcast.com

Christina welcomes back Courtney and introduces Courtney’s husband, Mark. Courtney and Mark have been through a lot together and share their experience in dealing with high conflict, endless court battles, false allegations and how they managed to preserve their marriage in the process. Courtney speaks about her newly published book, “Uncaged” and gives her words of support and wisdom to other women feeling the weight of expectations. Has your health ever been impacted by the stress of stepmotherhood? Do you ever feel consumed by drama and conflict? Listen in as Courtney shares about her journey through health and healing.  About My Guest:  Courtney is a fiercely loving momma, wife, and stepmom who lives on the East Coast with her family and furbaby, Dexter. She finds that her perfectly imperfect soul is most at peace when she is closest to a body of water. Drawing inspiration from life’s waves—both calm and stormy—she channels her passion for happily ever after into all facets of her life. Dr. Courtney is a seasoned divorce recovery specialist, mindset mentor, and co-parenting coach who also holds a DNP, a doctorate degree in Nursing. Her first life career, coupled with a traumatic family court journey, transitioned her into her second life career where she has dedicated her life to turning pain into purpose. When she’s not coaching, you can find her soaking up the coastal breeze looking for sea glass, writing in a quiet corner, or creating memories with her family. Check out Courtney's book, "Uncaged" Find her on IG - @drcourt_everafter Or her website So much more than a podcast!!! Instagram: @radicalstepmomspodcast Schedule with a 1:1 with Christina Become a Member and meet other radical stepmoms! www.radicalstepmomspodcast.com

Christina welcomes Jessica to hear her perspective on being a full-time stepmom, mom and having an ours baby. What have been her own challenges and areas for growth sharing custody of her kids? How has she adapted to full time stepmom life, and what advice does she give others? Christina and Jessica chat about “fairness” between siblings, being called “mom”. In this episode we talk about the messy, beautiful, and rewarding experience of step-parenting full-time—so join us as we unpack it all! About My Guest:  Hey I’m Jessica Richter - wife, mom of 3 and step mom to 4, and Mental Health Therapist. I’m here to share my journey as a stepmom, but more importantly, as a full-time parent. In this space, we’ll explore the unique challenges of raising children who aren’t biologically yours, while balancing that role with being a mom to your own biological kids. It’s a tough job—being the full-time caregiver, making all the decisions, managing all the emotions—yet still carrying the title of “just the step mom.” Find her on IG:  jes.richter So much more than a podcast!!! ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Schedule with Christina⁠ and get some 1:1 support. ⁠Become a Member⁠ and make some stepmom friends! ⁠www.radicalstepmomspodcast.com

Christina welcomes Nathalie who shares her story of finding love and KIDS in her early 20’s. Young stepmoms have a unique journey. Nathalie shares how her friendships evolved or dissolved after taking on the stepmom role, having a partner in the military and managing custody schedules and oh-yes, high conflict situations. What can new, young stepmoms learn from Nathalie? Listen in!  About My Guest:  My name is Nathalie and I'm a 22-year-old stepmom. I became a stepmom 2 years ago, going into my final year of undergraduate. I am now in my Master's in Social Work, where I've learned the struggles of managing my personal life, along with the schedules of my partner and stepkid. Find her on IG: @nathalieepoulinn So much more than a podcast!!! Find me and other rad stepmoms on ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Schedule with Christina⁠ and get some 1:1 support. ⁠Become a Member⁠ and make some stepmom friends! ⁠www.radicalstepmomspodcast.com

Christina welcomes Alexandra Nolan to chat how to create harmony within your blended family. Establishing a new family system takes time, so what can we do as parents and stepmoms to foster security, love and respect? Listen in as Alexandra and Christina talk loyalty binds, family identity and finding your footing as a stepmom. About My Guest  Alexandra Nolan is a dynamic parenting educator, aspiring All About Parenting Trainer, and successful momtrepreneur. As a mother of three boys, she seamlessly blends personal experience with evidence-based strategies to empower parents across the United States. Currently pursuing her certification, Alexandra specializes in applying Self-Determination Theory to foster intrinsic motivation in children, helping families create nurturing environments that promote autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Her journey from a struggling parent to a passionate advocate for positive parenting techniques makes her uniquely qualified to guide others through their parenting challenges. Alexandra’s approach focuses on achieving balance in parenting styles, moving away from fear-based methods towards more effective, scientifically-backed strategies. Her workshops and webinars offer practical tools for parents to raise confident, responsible children while strengthening family bonds. Alexandra’s mission is to transform parenting experiences by bridging the gap between parenting science and everyday family life. Find her on IG! So much more than a podcast!!! ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Schedule with Christina⁠ and get some 1:1 support. ⁠Become a Member⁠ and make some stepmom friends! ⁠www.radicalstepmomspodcast.com