Stepping Forward Podcast

How has COVID-19 affected your blended family? Sara and Rachel discuss some of the potential impacts. Please share your experiences with us! SteppingForwardPodcast@gmail.com

Do you tend to bottle things up or talk them out? Are you an introvert, extrovert, or ambivert? What about your partner? Your kids/ stepkids? Let’s talk about it (taco ‘bout it?). You can reach us at steppingforwardpodcast@gmail.com.

Have you ever been chewed out by the coparent for sending the “wrong” stuff for visitation? Do you ever send clothes to the other house, never to be seen or heard from again? Yeah, us, too. Commiserate with us in this episode. What’s your unique arrangement? Let us know at steppingforwardpodcast@gmail.com.

A podcast for blended families.

Does your stepchild have a disability but you’re lost somewhere in the IEP (Individualized Education Program) or 504 Plan process? As a school psychologist and a school speech-language pathologist (respectively), Sara and Rachel are uniquely poised to provide some insights into the confusion that can surround getting help for disabilities in schools. As always, you can reach us at steppingforwardpodcast@gmail.com.

In this episode, we get a bio mom perspective from Whit from The Real Sh*t with Brit and Whit (Podcast). She opens up and has some very vulnerable moments where she gets very real. Learn more about Whit on her show, and (as always) feel free to email us at steppingforwardpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, Rachel and Sara discuss research in the field of epigenetics and how it can inform the way we parent, partner, and respond to trauma. As always, please reach out to us at SteppingForwardPodcast@gmail.com. Keep on Stepping!

Sara and Rachel ask each other questions in this light-hearted episode. We wish you the happiest of New Years! As always, you can reach us at steppingforwardpodcast@gmail.com.

In this episode, we connect with Paulina, writer and director of the movie Mail order Monster. Paulina dedicated the movie to her stepmom, and parts of the movie are based on Paulina’s experiences as a child in a blended family. You’ll love hearing Paulina’s thoughts and motivations behind different creative choices, as well as learning about her wonderful stepmother. You can learn more about the movie at https://mailordermonstermovie.com/. As always, you can reach us through social media, or at steppingforwardpodcast@gmail.com

Are blended holidays giving you the blues? Are they a logistical nightmare? Or have you found your place in all the chaos? Remember you’re not alone. Things get crazy sometimes, but step parents are strong and can make it through with healthy boundaries and a flexible mindset. Send us your holiday traditions and stories at steppingforwardpodcast@gmail.com.

Rachel and Sara interview Jennifer Conkey of LeadHership Coaching. She and her partner are both working stepmoms who are striving to make the best life for themselves and their children. Join us for some awesome insights and laughs. As always, you can reach us at steppingforwardpodcast@gmail.com. Keep on Stepping!

Sara and Rachel interview Quinn, a two-time stepdad whose 9-year-old stepson has nonverbal autism. He shares a lot of insights and thoughts with us as we chat about his experiences. Remember you can reach us at steppingforwardpodcast@gmail.com. Also, send us a screenshot of your iTunes reviewd of our show to enter a drawing for a custom vinyl!

In this episode, Rachel and Sara Interview Celeste, author of the blog The Family Turf. You can find out more about Celeste and her blended family experiences at thefamilyturf.com. As always, you can reach Sara and Rachel at steppingforwardpodcast@gmail.com. Send us an email or a voice memo with your comments or questions. Also, remember to enter our contest for a custom vinyl by reviewing us on iTunes and sending a screenshot of your review to our email!

Has the coparent in your situation ever shaved one of the kids’ hair? Gotten them piercings or a tattoo without talking to you guys first? Man, that sucks. We’ve been there! You can reach us at steppingforwardpodcast@gmail.com. Write a review on Apple Podcasts, take a screenshot, and send it to us for your chance to win a custom vinyl print for your car or wall!

In this episode, Sara and Rachel discuss a question from a stepmom who has been in the picture for a while, but still has not been allowed to meet the kids because of the bio mom in her situation. What would you do? Send us your answer at steppingforwardpodcast@gmail.com.

In this episode, Sara and Rachel talk with Kelly and Stephanie, whose first spouses passed away. They are blending a family of 8 kids from elementary age to mid-twenties. Grab your popcorn and your tissues, because these two have tender moments, but they’ve also got jokes when you least expect them! Remember you can reach Sara and Rachel at steppingforwarpodcast@gmail.com or on Insta/Twitter @stepforwardshow

In this interview with Katie Fisher from Katie’s Quick Tips, Rachel and Sara discuss several aspects of stepparenting. Katie became a stepmom at 19 years old, and she has a lot of wonderful perspectives to lend to the stepparent narrative. You can find her on Instagram at katiesquicktips. Remember you can reach Sara and Rachel at steppingforwardpodcast@gmail.com.

**Apologies for the late release** In this episode, Sara and Rachel discuss blended family traditions and how we have to be more flexible and creative than most. Also, if you can explain why some kids put lost teeth in a glass of water, please email us at steppingforwardpodcast@gmail.com.

In this episode, Rachel interviews her parents, who are step grandparents and step great-grandparents, although they don’t use the “step” designation. They offer some perspectives on what it’s like to watch their kids and grandkids navigate blended family dynamics. They also give some advice on managing gifts, gatherings, and being intentionally inclusive.

In this episode, Sara interviews her stepdaughters about their experience in a blended family. Please pardon the sound quality. We will be back to our regular microphones next week! Reach us at SteppingForwardPodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, Sara interviews her mom about some of the dynamics of being a stepgrandparent and the challenges of grandparenting from afar. Remember to check out our #STEPtember calendar on social media and enter our challenge for a chance to win a $25 Amazon giftcard. Happy Stepping! steppingforwardpodcast@gmail.com

Go online to get our #STEPtember Challenge Calendar and hashtag us on social media for your chance to win a $25 giftcard in the month of Steptember 2019. In this episode, Rachel interviews her stepkids and gets some insights into their thoughts, preferences, and ideas. You might learn something about your kids or stepkids that you never thought of! Reach us at steppingforwardpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, we interview Taylor Proctor of Happiness Abound. Taylor is a Transformational Happiness Mentor, and (you guessed it) she is here to talk to us about creating happiness in our crazy step-parent lives! This is a gem of an episode with some really good tips and exercises for accessing the  age old"out with the bad, in with the good" mantra. If you like what you hear, check out Taylor's podcast here. With over 400 available episodes, you're sure to find some helpful insights into finding and making your own joy. ;-) You can reach us at steppingforwardpodcast@gmail.com, or on social media @stepforwardshow.

What do you think of when you hear "BM"? How about "mini-wife syndrome"? In this episode, Sara and Rachel dig into the jargon that gets slung around in the blended family world. All we can say is, no matter what you think BM stands for, you'd better not be throwing it at anyone. ;-) Reach us at steppingforwardpodcast@gmail.com.

Enjoy this interview with Heidi Farrell of "Not Just a Stepmom". We talk different (musician) personalities, age gaps between kids, and big life changes for everyone. Contact us at steppingforwardpodcast@gmail.com or through social media (@stepforwardshow). 

Sara and Rachel interview Erika Weight, another stepmom. Erika is a school teacher who speaks openly about the struggles of stepparenting and the emotions that go along with that struggle. She has a frankness about her that allows us to get right to all the relatable things about stepparenting, the good, the bad, and the ugly. You’ll notice a few names were bleeped out of this episode in post-production. It can be hard to talk about your family without dropping names, and we always want to respect the privacy of our blended families!

If you've ever felt like you need superpowers in order to survive stepparenthood, you'll love this interview with Tim Watson of Blendcredible Podcast. Tim has a passion for stepparenting that we all could use in our lives. He is positive, kind, and charismatic. You'll hear Sara, Rachel, and Tim discuss how he got that way and why he believes that every blended family has the power to be Blendcredible!

Rachel and Sara interview Tuniscia Okeke, CEO of Blending Our Love, Inc., and author of Empowered Stepmother and Developing the Mindset of a Champion Stepmother. Enjoy a slice of Tuniscia's contagious positive energy and love for stepparents! You can also watch her videos to see the awesome communication style she has with her (step)son Ike. You guys will seriously love her!

In this episode, Sara and Rachel interview Melanie Anthony, who runs a stepmom retreat in Austin Texas each year. To register for the conference, go to StepmomsAlive.com. You'll love Melanie's straightforward, Texan approach to being a stepmama. Email us questions at SteppingForwardPodcast@gmail.com, or find Sara at SaraSusov.com.

Rachel and Sara answer some questions about themselves so you can get to know them better and get an insight into their personalities. You can reach us at SteppingForwardPodcast@gmail.com.

Sara and Rachel discuss how all kids are buttheads sometimes, not just stepkids, and how to tell the difference between regular buttheadery and blended buttheadery. You can reach us at steppingforwardpodcast@gmail.com, and you can find Sara at sarasusov.com.

Sara and Rachel review an email interview from an anonymous stepmom. She discusses moving around the world to join her blended family, how time affects coparenting relationships, and dealing with some tough emotions. Contact us at steppingforwardpodcast@gmail.com.

"I would not hesitate to give my life for each one of them." --Kristin Rach and Sara provide the details of an email interview with Kristin, a stepmom of 6 years. Her family has had some unconventional custody arrangements, and we really think you'll like to hear about those. Kristin talks about the good times, the hard times, and how her faith in God has gotten her through both. As always, reach us at steppingforwardpodcast@gmail.com, or get step parent coaching from Sara at SaraSusov.com.

Sara and Rachel discuss infertility as step parents. It's not fun or even funny, but we have to find ways to cope with the tough things, like not being able to have as many babies as we want, or any babies at all. Does this sound relatable? Have you felt this grief? Join us for a discussion. As always, you can reach us at steppingforwardpodcast@gmail.com, and you can find Sara's step parent coaching site at SaraSusov.com.

Rachel and Sara discuss self-care as a step parent. They make some recommendations for different activities to find and maintain your sanity. Remember, you can reach us at steppingforwardpodcast@gmail.com, and you can find Sara's step parent coaching page at SaraSusov.com.

Sara and Rachel interview Brit from the podcast "Real Shit with Brit and Whit", which you can catch here. Brit is a stepmom who gets real with us in this fun episode about the emotional reality of stepparenting. Remember, you can reach us at steppingforwadpodcast@gmail.com. Catch us on Instagram and Twitter @stepforwardshow, and find us on Facebook. You can also catch Sara at her website, sarasusov.com.

Rachel and Sara discuss the complex emotions stepparents experience surrounding the holidays of Mother's Day and Father's Day. What has your experience been with Mother's or Father's Day? Send us a voice memo or written email at steppingforwardpodcast@gmail.com. 

Sara and Rachel discuss the different types of abuse and how to address those in your relationship with you significant other. This episode has possible triggers, although nothing graphic is discussed. Please be kind to yourself and listen to something calming and/or happy after listening to this episode. If you are looking for a step parenting coach, you can reach out to Sara on her website, SaraSusov.com. Email us at steppingforwardpodcast@gmail.com. Please rate and review us on iTunes. Thanks for listening!

Join Rachel and Sara for a discussion about step parent mindfulness, anxiety, and mental health. If you're interested in one-on-one coaching sessions with Sara, please visit her website at SaraSusov.com. You can email us at steppingforwardpodcast@gmail.com. Remember to rate and review us on iTunes or anywhere you can. 

In this episode, Rachel and Sara interview Ember, a stepmom of 18 years, who also happens to be Rachel's sister. She has had varied step parent experiences that are likely to be relatable to many of our listeners. Also, (spoiler alert) Ember is technically no longer a stepmom; she recently adopted her step children as adults. Find out more by listening. Remember to subscribe and rate us, please!

Sara and Rachel explore the topic of flexibility. Within your boundaries, it's great to be flexible! If you are looking for a step parent coach, you can find Sara's website at sarasusov.com. You can also find her blog there. Email us your questions, thoughts, and comments at steppingforwardpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, we continue talking about boundaries in blended families. There are many types of boundaries for many different relationships, but all are important. Take some time to examine your boundaries regularly. 

Rachel and Sara discuss creating healthy boundaries with your partner and protecting your energy as a stepparent. Contact us with emails or voicemails at steppingforwardpodcast@gmail.com. If you have any interest in being on the podcast or topics you'd like us to cover, please let us know.

Sara and Rachel discuss the ins and outs of meeting the kids for the first time, as well as ways to reframe potentially negative interactions and move forward with your stepkids. Also, Rachel had an "oops" moment and said her stepchild's name, so pardon the sound effect mid-episode. Send us your emails and voicemails at steppingforwardpodcast@gmail.com.

BE PREPARED! Sara and Rachel (who were never Boy Scouts, in case you were wondering) address some questions to ask before becoming a stepparent, or what to ask your spouse now that you don't know already. Find the list of questions we talk about here.

Meet Sara and Rachel, two stepmoms who want to support you on your stepparenting journey. We will will introduce ourselves and the podcast, and we hope to hear from you soon so we can meet you! email us at steppingforwardpodcast@gmail.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Join us in a podcast designed specifically for stepparents! We're destigmatizing the role of the wicked stepmother and stepping forward to parent our stepkids the way they need to be parented. Find us on March 24th wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.