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In this episode Katie talks to Sam*. 

Sam is Stepmum to an 8 year old girl and despite Sam's stepdaughter having a bio Mum and Dad, Sam picks up most of the childcare and most of the "mumming" work.

Sam chats about how her and her partner's differing views on childcare caused conflict between them and how as time went on she realised he hadn't been totally transparent about the story he'd told about his parenting style!

Sam shares the struggles of becoming a Stepmum and the conflict of having to "treat the child as your own" but not having a say in the way the child is really brought up. She talks openly about her relationship with her partner and shares why she isn't rushing down the aisle despite a 3 year engagement.

Huge thanks to Sam for sharing her story!



*Not her real name

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In this episode Katie talks to Jane*

Jane's husband is a widower and Jane is a stepmum to a 13 year old daughter.

Jane and Katie chat about the complexities of dating, and marrying a widower. 
We discuss navigating creating a new home and family, whilst keeping Jane's stepdaughter's mum's memory alive. 

We talk about how Jane and her stepdaughter's relationship has developed over time, how Jane is really clear she isn't trying to replace her stepdaughter's Mum and how she's had to teach her Husband not to e a Disney Dad!

Jane shares how marrying a widower can mean you are often compared to someone who's seen as "perfect" and how this made her feel.

A great conversation for all stepmums, not just those who are in a relationship with a widower!




*Not her real name

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In this episode Katie talks to Connie, Connie has majority custody of her stepdaughter  and enjoys a close relationship with her.

Connie and Katie chat about the differing relationships with step and bio kids and how jealousy and resentment towards bio mum can be crippling!

A great conversation, thank you Connie!

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In this episode Katie talks to Sarah*

Sarah describes herself as "not particularly child friendly" and actively did NOT want to date someone with children, however when a casual fling turned into love she found herself suddenly dealing with the prospect that the guy she'd fallen for was recently separated with three young children.

Sarah shares openly how there were points she wished the children didn't exist and how she fantasised about it just being her and her husband living a life of travel and romance. She also talks about how she battled with her feelings of not wanting a stepfamily set up for herself, despite the fact her stepchildren were really nice, well behaved kids.

Sarah talks about the adjustment of being single and child free to becoming a stepfamily and all living together and how there was so much she had to learn and how she regrets moving at such a pace to bring them all under the same roof.

I'm very grateful to Sarah to sharing so candidly her negative feelings about not wanting to be a stepmum and not being interested in adopting a stepmother relationship with her stepchildren but at the same time making decisions with them front of mind.




*Not her real name

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Katie chats to Rachel*

Rachel is Stepmum to a little boy who she describes as "the light of her life". Since she started a relationship with her partner they've been subjected to frequent and unfair criticism from his ex, culminating in her involving social services when Rachel and her partner decided to stand up to the Ex.

Rachel shares her story and talks about how she's managed to stay positive, focus on her own family and not lower herself to the tit for tat that can often happen in these situations.

A 'must listen' for anyone dealing with a high conflict ex.


*Not her real name

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In this episode Katie talks to parenting expert,  psychologist, and host of podcast "How not to screw up your kids", Dr Maryhan

As a birth Mum and Stepmum Dr Maryhan really understands the ups and downs of stepmum life and answers a variety of questions from listeners. She doesn't shy away from the tough stuff and we explore topics such as:

- Should you correct your step kids when bio-mum tells lies about you?
- What to do if you don't even like your step kids? 
- What to do when there are different rules in different houses
- What to do when your stepchildren tell lies about you to bio-mum?

A GREAT conversation, I learnt a lot and I am sure you will too!

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In this episode Katie talks to Katrina.

Katrina shares her experiences of being a stepmum in her 40s. She talks about bonding with her stepdaughter in spite of the birth Mum's negativity and she shares how she has got really intentional about her life as a Stepmum, choosing carefully what to give her energy to.

We also discuss how being a stepmum when your partner and stepchild are from different cultures can have it's own unique challenges. 

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In this episode Katie talks to Helen, a stepmum veteran with 20 years experience!

Helen now enjoys a great relationship with her adult step kids and her and her husband are stronger than ever.

Helen shares how she hid her feelings of jealousy, anger and resentment over the years, how she wishes she'd done a lot of things differently and how she's finally learnt to be a bit more compassionate with herself.

We also talk about the importance of asking for what you want and putting your needs up there with everyone else's!

Thank you Helen!

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In this episode Katie talks to Lucy* 

Lucy shares her powerful story of going through the court process with a bio Mum with multiple personality disorders.

We talk about the importance of focusing on your relationship with your partner, knowing your truth, and how to handle some really tricky stepfamily situations.

Thank you Lucy, you are a strong, inspiring and wonderfully kind woman!

Please note this episode contains discussions of emotional, psychological and physical abuse.


*not her real name

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In this episode Katie talks to Kate Hunter. Kate is an Executive Coach who specialises in helping women in leadership to use their mindset to positive effect.

As well as her professional experience Kate also has experience of being in a relationship with someone with children. In this conversation Kate offers practical advice and techniques for managing anxiety, creating and maintaining boundaries and working through anger, jealousy and resentment.

If you're a struggling Stepmum or someone who cares about a stepmum and you want to improve your happiness this is a MUST LISTEN!


Further details on Kate's work are available at http://www.katie-hunter.com or on linked in here 

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