In the blend

Laila Sultan, lawyer, life coach and mum, joins the podcast to share how her experience of growing up in a blended family shaped her approach to co-parenting, motherhood and money.

In this conversation, Laila opens up about the challenges of modern motherhood — from the pressure to balance career and family, to the often-overlooked economic risks mothers take on when raising children. She highlights the importance of financial literacy, open conversations about money within families, and the role of supportive policies like paid parental leave.

From teaching children financial responsibility to exploring the unique financial negotiations that come with blended families, Laila offers practical insights alongside her lived wisdom.

www.gomama.com.au/
@gomamaofficial_/

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Kris Byrnes, personal development coach, Master NLP practitioner and mum of four (including two stepdaughters), joins the podcast to unpack one of the biggest questions many stepmums quietly ask themselves: Will I ever be enough?

Drawing on her lived experience of growing up in a blended family and stepping into the role of instant mother in her early twenties, Kris shares openly about breaking the “evil stepmother” stereotype, navigating feelings of self-doubt, and the importance of building trust with stepchildren from the ground up.

From practical ways to meet kids where they are, to strategies for protecting your own identity and self-worth, Kris offers heartfelt insights for stepmums at every stage of the journey. This episode is a reminder that feeling “enough” starts within — and that change always begins with you.

@insideoutwithkris

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Mitch Tambo, singer, speaker and proud Gamilaraay man, joins the podcast alongside his partner Voice of LeLe for an inspiring conversation about love, culture, and blended family life.

Together, Mitch and LeLe share their journey as a couple navigating the ups and downs of co-parenting, step-parenting, and creating strong connections with their children. From the importance of cultural identity to the everyday rituals that bring their family closer, they offer honest reflections on what it means to show up fully — for yourself, your partner, and your kids.

With warmth, humour and deep wisdom, this episode is a celebration of connection, patience, and the power of storytelling in modern family life.

@mitchtambo
@voiceoflele

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In this conversation, Nathan discusses the critical stages of child brain development, particularly the first thousand days, and how these stages influence emotional and social development in children, especially in blended families. He emphasises the importance of language, predictability, and communication in fostering healthy relationships and emotional regulation. Nathan also provides practical strategies for parents navigating the complexities of blended family dynamics, including the significance of validation, external relationships, and appropriate discipline.

www.nathanwallis.com

Instagram:

@nathandwallis

Facebook:

@nathanwallisxfactoreducation

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In this conversation, Nathan discusses the critical stages of child brain development, particularly the first thousand days, and how these stages influence emotional and social development in children, especially in blended families. He emphasises the importance of language, predictability, and communication in fostering healthy relationships and emotional regulation. Nathan also provides practical strategies for parents navigating the complexities of blended family dynamics, including the significance of validation, external relationships, and appropriate discipline.

www.nathanwallis.com

Instagram:

@nathandwallis

Facebook:

@nathanwallisxfactoreducation

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I sit down with a very special guest—my mum. As a grandmother in a blended family and a doctor, she brings unique personal and professional insights to the complexities of family dynamics.

We explore her approach to being a grandparent in a blended family, from making each grandchild feel special during holidays to staying connected through technology when distance is a factor. My mum shares her thoughts on creating a warm, inclusive environment and the importance of building individual bonds with each grandchild.

She also reflects on the challenges of her role, highlighting the need to provide support without overstepping boundaries and the value of being a safe, supportive figure for grandchildren navigating family transitions.

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In this episode, I sit down with a very special guest—my mum. As a grandmother in a blended family and a doctor, she brings unique personal and professional insights to the complexities of family dynamics.

We explore her approach to being a grandparent in a blended family, from making each grandchild feel special during holidays to staying connected through technology when distance is a factor. My mum shares her thoughts on creating a warm, inclusive environment and the importance of building individual bonds with each grandchild.

She also reflects on the challenges of her role, highlighting the need to provide support without overstepping boundaries and the value of being a safe, supportive figure for grandchildren navigating family transitions.

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Kat John, authenticity coach, speaker, and author of Authentic: Coming Home to Your True Self, shares her journey as a stepmum and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Kat opens up about navigating relationships with her stepdaughters, supporting her partner, and staying true to herself in the complex dynamics of a blended family.

@kat.john

With a focus on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and connection, Kat offers practical tools to help step-parents embrace authenticity and build stronger relationships. This episode is filled with wisdom and inspiration for anyone navigating blended family life and one you'll come back to again and again!

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In this favourite tips episode of In The Blend, we revisit a powerful conversation with Mikki Gardner, with strategies for handling those heated moments when emotions run high. Mikki shares her three-step framework for managing triggers, emphasising the importance of hitting the pause button, taking deep breaths, and giving yourself permission to step back before responding.

For the full episode visit https://intheblend.com.au/podcast/susan-haworth-on-expert-advice-from-the-stepmom-whisperer/

Don't Miss: The Bonus Mum Blueprint is launching in just a few weeks! This course dives deep into self-care and emotional regulation, especially for stepmums. Sign up now to join the waitlist at www.intheblend.com.au.

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Lindsay Cameron, a co-parenting coach, shares her journey and strategies for effective co-parenting during this chat. She emphasises the importance of setting aside ego and emotions to prioritise the well-being of the children. Lindsay also advises parents to pause and respond rather than react in heated moments, and to avoid negative communication in front of the children. She recommends establishing effective communication through shared digital calendars and regular meetings to discuss co-parenting matters. Lindsay also highlights the significance of emotional intelligence and seeking professional help, such as therapy and coaching, to navigate challenges.

Instagram: @lindsay_cameron_

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