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Stepmonster

by Stepmoms Bailey & Alyse

Stepmonster is a podcast for every stepmom out there who has struggled. We are two friends and stepmoms who were bonded together by the blended family life. Together, we’re tackling the stigma of being the wicked stepmom, AKA, the "stepmonster", and sharing all of our stories for your benefit. You’ll hear us laugh, cry, give advice, and clink our wine glasses to all stepmoms battling the stigma together. Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stepmonsterpodcast/support

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Dec 31, 2025 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. Imposter Syndrome & New Stepmom Advice

    This episode is all about having imposter syndrome as a stepmom, and how to best deal with it. Spoiler alert: you DO BELONG IN THEIR LIVES, and you're doing great. We also talk about our best advice for NEW stepmoms - things we wish we could have done differently, and our best tips to succeed as…

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  2. Minisode | He Slept with His Ex Now We’re Back Together

    Minisode submission: ...."Fast forward to 2021, six months in our new home, and my fiance lets it slip that he had actually slept with his ex-wife BEFORE coming over to my house to tell me he wanted to work on his marriage back in 2018. It hit me like a ton of bricks. Here I was thinking how he…

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  3. Minisode | Tweens, Divorce Threats, & Should She Stick it Out?

    This minisode talks through one stepmom's challenges with her 12-year-old stepkid who is particularly difficult. Refusing to get along, is annoyed by everything, and then on TOP of all of that, her hubs says if she can't figure out how to get along with his kid, he might want a divorce. Should…

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  4. Acceptance, Expectations & Finding Stepmom Support

    As stepmoms, we constantly battle with the need to feel accepted. In this episode, we talk about: The difference between acceptance and appreciation? What should we expect in our homes, if anything? Having certain expectations we may have had early in our stepmom journey and how to overcome them...

  5. Minisode | Stepson Challenges & Learning to Disengage

    This minisode covers a submission from one of our listeners surrounding her stepson, who has been increasingly disrespectful and ungrateful. Layered on top of an already complex situation involving false allegations, CPS, and losing custody of two kids already - this one is a challenge. Listen in...

  6. Family Courts, Prenups & Catching Up

    We're BACK! Spend the first 10 minutes catching up on life with us, but if you want to skip RIGHT to the meat of the episode, skip to minute 11. In this episode, Bailey and Alyse talk through the challenges which come along with having to deal with family courts, or as Alyse calls it, "the clown...

  7. High Conflict Parenting & Alienation w/ Psycho-Legal Consultant Joseph Goldberg

    We are so excited to have Joseph Goldberg as a guest on our show. His last three years have been devoted to the study of research that explains the causal factors of high conflict interpersonal disputes, and family relational problems. The new factors from the neurobiological research put a new...

  8. Minisode | Are Apologies from BM Genuine?

    In this minisode, we unpack a historically tumultuous situation between a stepmom, her partner, and his ex-wife, who has shown to be high conflict. She wants to apologize to the stepmom, but the question remains: is it genuine? And even if it is, are we obligated to accept?

  9. Author & Board-Certified Educational Therapist Shawn Shares Her Stepmom Journey

    Shawn Simon, MA, is a Board Certified Educational Therapist who works with children. Therefore, when she met the man of her dreams, who just happened to come with a couple of kids, she thought being a stepmom would be a breeze. She was wrong. However, as someone born with only one arm, she’s...

  10. Mother’s Day Prep: Expectations, Gifts, & Recognition for Stepmoms

    Perhaps our most important episode of the year, this one is fully dedicated to talking about all things Mother's Day (after a brief 4-min awkward story from Bailey). We talk about how to set proper expectations for yourself, your partner, and your stepkids for the day. We share our own feelings...

  11. Minisode | ”Game Over” for this BM Who is Trying to Out-Crazy Them All

    In this episode, we review a story from stepmom "Mrs. M" who has dealt with more than her fair share of insanity during her stepmom journey thus far. From stalking to restraining orders, name-calling, and insane manipulation - how do you even survive this as a stepmom? We share our advice on how,...

  12. Grief & Shame as a Stepmom - Firsts, The Life You Didn’t Have w/ Guest Megan McLaren

    In this episode we welcome guest, Megan McLaren. Megan resides in Alberta and is a mom to twins, stepmom, social worker, and certified life coach. We tlk through Megan's experience as a stepmom and how she overcame grief and grieving the life she never got to have. She missed out on being the…

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  13. Minisode | Bad Behavior, Walking on Eggshells, & Resent

    During this episode, we read a situation from one of our very own stepmom friends who is dealing with a tough situation all around. Between feeling like a stranger in her own home, constantly walking on eggshells, a High Conflict Bio Mom (HCBM) to deal with, and a stepdaughter who is lashing out...

  14. Double Standards as a Stepmom

    This episode is all about the hottest topic now in the stepmom community: DOUBLE STANDARDS. Why is it that we rally around a parent who says "I need a break" but criticize a stepmom for saying the same thing? Whether it's being able to say "mom things", attending doctor's appointments or sporting...

  15. Minisode | How close is too close to the bio-mom?

    In this episode, we read a submission from a stepmom struggling with the relationship her husband has with his ex. We unpack her story and ask ourselves where the lines are: how close is TOO close? When do you have the right to feel uncomfortable (spoiler: you have the right to feel uncomfortable...

  16. Disrespectful stepkids, a partner that doesn’t get it, & how to handle it all

    This episode digs into all things disrespect-related. Maybe your stepkid makes your home a living hell. Maybe they talk down to you. Maybe they don't respect your boundaries. Hear from Bailey and Alyse how to handle this, how to prevent it, and how another stepmom has handled this herself.

  17. Minisode | HCBM, Manipulation, and Stepmom Hate

    This episode is a mini from a stepmom submission who is dealing with an extreme scenario. In this case, the biomom is actually a therapist (won't be referring anyone to her after hearing this), but is severely manipulating her kids to actively dislike the stepmom. Between inappropriate messages…

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  18. Different houses & rules, being the strict house & long-distance custody with guest, Cheryl

    In this episode, we welcome guest Cheryl (who also happens to be Bailey's momma). Cheryl has been what we'll call sandwiched right in the middle of a blended family - having been through a divorce herself, having full custody of her daughter, and dealing with what it's like to have a kid switch...

  19. Minisode | (TW) Emotional Abuse, Protecting Your Stepkids, Should you Stay?

    *TRIGGER WARNING: EMOTIONAL ABUSE* In this episode, we read a submission from a stepmom in a tough situation. With a partner who struggles with addiction and often lashes out at the kids and her, and who tries to put the stepmom in a situation where she is a supervising party to court-mandated...

  20. Coparenting between Biomom and Stepmom: What you should know w/ Guest Angelina (BM), and Kelly (SM)

    Kelly and Angelina are unlike any stepmom and biomom duo we've met to date. Their relationship didn't start out with hugs and mutual respect. It took a lot of self-awareness, work, and reflection from each of them to get to the point where they could successfully co-parent the same kids together....

  21. Minisode | In-Laws Still Close to BM, Chauffeur Duties for Kids

    Our mini-episodes are entirely dedicated to sharing YOUR story. Each episode features one submission from our followers where we read the situation and give our take. Here is this week's submission: So my main complaint for years now has been the fact that his family was so happy that I came into...

  22. Finances, Clothes Debates, Expense-Sharing, & Stepmom Obligations

    This episode is all about financial considerations in a stepmom role. We discuss everything from a stepmom's obligation to contribute financially (or not), sharing expenses such as clothing and extra-curricular activities, and even wills and estate planning with stepkids involved. Here's a full...

  23. Minisode | Manipulative BM, No Court Order, Bed-Wetting, & Behavior Concerns

    Our mini-episodes are entirely dedicated to sharing YOUR story. Each episode features one submission from our followers where we read the situation and give our take. In this episode, we unpack a complicated situation where there is no court order in place and a biomom who seems to want to make...

  24. Parental Alienation & Always Feeling Defensive

    Parental Alienation is defined as "something which primarily occurs during a high-conflict divorce in which the child identifies strongly with one parent, usually the custodial parent. The other parent is hated and rejected without any justifiable reason, such as abuse." (Source: WebMD). If you...

  25. Growing up w/ ADHD & Autism Spectrum Disorder: Inside the mind with guest, Austin

    In this episode, we have a special guest! Bailey's 25-year-old brother Austin joins us. Austin was diagnosed with ADHD at age 7, and Asperger's Syndrome (now formally called Autism Spectrum Disorder) at age 14. He gives us all a glimpse into his childhood journey and discusses the challenges he…

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  26. Back to School, Stepmom Involvement, Events, & Disengaging

    We're discussing all things school-related for stepmoms in this episode. Here's a full list of topics covered: Back to School Stepmom Involvement Stepmom School Rights Registration Parent-Teacher Conferences Homework Management School Events Graduations Disengaging

  27. Being the Uncool House & Parallel vs. Co vs. Counter Parenting

    In this episode, we talk a lot about being the strict house or the uncool house, and the major differences between parallel parenting, co-parenting, and counter-parenting. Here are some time-stamped topics: 0:00-6:00: Alyse & Bailey catch up, discuss this weekend's AZ stepmom happy hour, and...

  28. Custody, Child Support, Stepmom Rights & Advice w/ Family Law Attorney, Koryn Sheppard

    Episode topic guide: Custody & Evaluations [3:00] Stepmom Involvement & Rights [5:34] How Koryn's perspective as a family law attorney has changed since becoming a stepmom [9:30] Schedule Changes, Schedule Rule Breakers [13:50] Changing Custody Agreements [18:00] Household & Value Differences vs....

  29. Parenting Coordinators, HCBM Wisdom, & Handling Accusations

    *DISCLAIMER* This episode is NOT legal advice and is not to take the place of any conversations with an attorney. This information is simply a perspective from a fellow stepmom. For advice on how to handle your specific situation, please contact a licensed attorney in your state. Now for the fun...

  30. Disengaging, Parenting Disagreements, & Tough Convos w/ your Partner

    In this episode, we unpack the idea of disengaging (together in person for the first time!). The how, the why, the when. With the kids, with the bio mom, or even with parenting in your own house. We also touch on how to handle disagreements in parenting with your SO, and share how we have handled...

  31. Feeling Insecure & Compared, and Discipline vs. Respect

    We've all dealt with some kind of insecurities in our lives, especially in a stepmom role. In this episode, we touch on feedback directly from followers on how they've felt uncertain and insecure. We give you our best advice on how to handle feeling compared, how to be more confident in your…

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  32. Inside a Stepdaughter’s Mind & Things to Avoid for Stepmoms

    So many of us wish we knew what it was like to walk a mile in our stepkids' shoes or just hear raw and real feelings from the horse's mouth. What should we do? What should we avoid? What are things we do to make their lives harder or easier? What were the most awkward moments about being in a...

  33. Mother’s Day as a Stepmom & Unfiltered Feelings About It

    Mother's Day gives us mixed feelings. For some of us, it's a day of celebration and time with our family. For others, it's a day filled with sadness and disappointment. With two diverse dynamics, Alyse and Bailey explore Mother's Day both as a stepmom with an "ours" baby and as a childless…

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  34. Choosing Happy, InstaMOM Challenges, Boundaries w/ BM, & Instagram Q’s

    In this episode, a good friend and fellow stepmom Kali joins us to discuss how she dealt with becoming an InstaMOMMY to her 4 stepkids when she and her husband met, followed by having a child of her own. She also shares with us (and luckily all of you) how she has managed to have a great...

  35. Sneaky Teenagers, Cell Phones, Social Media & Maintaining Sanity

    Being a parent to any kid is rewarding and hard all at the same time. But the teenage years? Buckle up, babes. In this episode, we share some of the best stories from our stepkids' teenage years, talk about the challenges with step-parenting and cell phones, social media, ETC. Join us for a few...

  36. Discipline, resent, COVID homeschooling & outsider feelings w/ full-time stepmom Joslynn Flowers

    We had the pleasure of having Joslynn Flowers, host of the Daily Stepmom Podcast on this episode, and it was wonderful! Joslynn is a full-time stepmom and brings a different perspective to our listeners. We let all our guards down and talked about disciplining your stepkids, feeling resent as a...

  37. A StepDAD’s Perspective on Love, Challenges, & Embarrassing Stories

    This episode is packed full of fun. We'll start off by Bailey finally sharing what her step-daughter found in one of her tampon boxes (WOOPS! Parenting high over here...). Additionally, have you ever been curious as to whether or not being a stepDAD is just as hard as being a stepMOM? We were…

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  38. Handling the Haters

    Listen - haters are inevitable as a stepmom. It might be the bio mom who hates you simply for marrying her ex, it might be the kids who resent you for trying to be their new mom, it may even be your husband's family, or anyone in the world. They feel justified in their feelings and we are here to...

  39. Boundaries, No Nips Rules, & ”Alone-time” Mishaps

    How do you set boundaries with your stepkids? Your partner? The bio mom? We still aren't sure we have it 100% right, but our stumbles along the way are now for your entertainment. Hear how we set boundaries in our homes to keep sane.

  40. Bio-Dad Perspectives on Having a Wife & Ex-Wife

    There are two sides to every story, and this week, we invited our husbands to tell their side. We dig in with them on what it was like to bring another "mom" into the picture, what some of the challenges they had were, and what advice they might give to others.

  41. Co-Parenting & Communication with the Ex, Birthdays & Holidays

    In this episode we deep-dive into the different communication styles Alyse and Bailey have (or don't have) with the bio-mom. We talk through co-parenting challenges, how we handle birthdays, sporting events, and holidays... and most importantly: how we stay sane through it all.

  42. Childless Stepmoms vs. Having an ”Ours” Baby

    The decision to have a baby with your significant other is deeply personal and when you're blending into a family with children already, it can get complicated. In this episode, you'll get to hear two completely different perspectives and scenarios on having an "ours" baby.

  43. Moving in Together and Blending Your Family

    Moving into a blended home and building an environment for all to thrive can be... HARD. There's no getting around that. On this episode we discuss all the challenges that come along with blending a home, moving into the marital home, and eventually having a home you call "ours".

  44. Meet Bailey and Alyse, The Stepmonsters

    Bailey and Alyse are stepmoms to two kids each, and each with their own stories, challenges, laughs, and advice to give. Listen in as we discuss some of the most discussed topics between stepmoms and dads alike.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Stepmonster is a podcast for every stepmom out there who has struggled. We are two friends and stepmoms who were bonded together by the blended family life. Together, we’re tackling the stigma of being the wicked stepmom, AKA, the "stepmonster", and sharing all of our stories for your benefit. You’ll hear us laugh, cry, give advice, and clink our wine glasses to all stepmoms battling the stigma together. Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stepmonsterpodcast/support

HOSTED BY

Stepmoms Bailey & Alyse

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Stepmonster have?

Stepmonster currently has 44 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Stepmonster about?

Stepmonster is a podcast for every stepmom out there who has struggled. We are two friends and stepmoms who were bonded together by the blended family life. Together, we’re tackling the stigma of being the wicked stepmom, AKA, the "stepmonster", and sharing all of our stories for your benefit....

How often does Stepmonster release new episodes?

Stepmonster has 44 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Stepmonster?

You can listen to Stepmonster on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Stepmonster?

Stepmonster is created and hosted by Stepmoms Bailey & Alyse.
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