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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 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stepping-forward-podcast/support

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. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stepping-forward-podcast/support

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. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stepping-forward-podcast/support

A podcast for blended families. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stepping-forward-podcast/support

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. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stepping-forward-podcast/support

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 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stepping-forward-podcast/support

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! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stepping-forward-podcast/support

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. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stepping-forward-podcast/support

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 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stepping-forward-podcast/support

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. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stepping-forward-podcast/support

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! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stepping-forward-podcast/support

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! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stepping-forward-podcast/support

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! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stepping-forward-podcast/support

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! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stepping-forward-podcast/support

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. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stepping-forward-podcast/support

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 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stepping-forward-podcast/support

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. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stepping-forward-podcast/support

**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. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stepping-forward-podcast/support

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. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stepping-forward-podcast/support

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 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stepping-forward-podcast/support