In the blend

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...

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...

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 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 ro...

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 ro...

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 yo...

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 t...

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_

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_

In this episode, we hear from Mia McLeod, the founder of Digital Collective, about her experience as an entrepreneur and a member of a blended family. Mia shares how she started her business and the challenges she faced while navigating the demands of work and family life. She emphasises the importance of communication, flexibility, and self-care in finding balance. Mia also discusses her blended family dynamic and offers advice for other entrepreneurs in similar situations.

@digitalcollectiveco
@businessbosscollective

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we hear from Mia McLeod, the founder of Digital Collective, about her experience as an entrepreneur and a member of a blended family. Mia shares how she started her business and the challenges she faced while navigating the demands of work and family life. She emphasises the importance of communication, flexibility, and self-care in finding balance. Mia also discusses her blended family dynamic and offers advice for other entrepreneurs in similar situations.

@digitalcollectiveco
@businessbosscollective

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gill and Brenda, a husband and wife duo, share their journey into counselling and coaching for blended families, discussing their personal experiences and the challenges they've faced. They emphasise the importance of the couple relationship and provide insights into the differences in parenting styles and communication within blended families. They also discuss the upcoming Better Marriages Australia Conference and the key themes they address in their presentations.

gilandbrenda.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gill and Brenda, a husband and wife duo, share their journey into counselling and coaching for blended families, discussing their personal experiences and the challenges they've faced. They emphasise the importance of the couple relationship and provide insights into the differences in parenting styles and communication within blended families. They also discuss the upcoming Better Marriages Australia Conference and the key themes they address in their presentations.

gilandbrenda.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Mikki Gardner, a certified life and conscious parenting coach, shares her personal journey of co-parenting and the insights from her latest book, 'The People Pleasers Guide to Co-Parenting Well.' She discusses emotional regulation, self-care, and the framework for identifying and overcoming people-pleasing tendencies. Mickey emphasises the importance of self-awareness, agency, and aligned action in navigating co-parenting and step-parenting challenges.

Mikki’s free gift:
www.mikkigardner.com/harmonious-home

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Mikki Gardner, a certified life and conscious parenting coach, shares her personal journey of co-parenting and the insights from her latest book, 'The People Pleasers Guide to Co-Parenting Well.' She discusses emotional regulation, self-care, and the framework for identifying and overcoming people-pleasing tendencies. Mickey emphasises the importance of self-awareness, agency, and aligned action in navigating co-parenting and step-parenting challenges.

Mikki’s free gift:
www.mikkigardner.com/harmonious-home

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Belinda Mercorella, a stepmum, shares her journey of becoming a stepmum at 40. She initially had reservations about dating someone with kids but was attracted to Nigel's dedication to parenting.

Belinda faced challenges in letting go of control and adjusting to living with children. She also felt isolated and faced the decision of whether to add a baby of their own into the mix.

Belinda shares valuable lessons she has learned about herself and being a stepmum, including the importance of communication, flexibility, and self-care.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Belinda Mercorella, a stepmum, shares her journey of becoming a stepmum at 40. She initially had reservations about dating someone with kids but was attracted to Nigel's dedication to parenting.

Belinda faced challenges in letting go of control and adjusting to living with children. She also felt isolated and faced the decision of whether to add a baby of their own into the mix.

Belinda shares valuable lessons she has learned about herself and being a stepmum, including the importance of communication, flexibility, and self-care.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we hear from repeat guest Ron Deal, a leading expert in blended family dynamics and co-author of Building Love Together in Blended Families with Dr. Gary Chapman. We explore how the Five Love Languages apply specifically to blended families, and the importance of these languages in building strong bonds.

Ron shares effective strategies for step-parents to bond with their stepchildren as well as common challenges blended families face in building love and connection.

The conversation also delves into tips for identifying and adapting to the different love languages of each family member...

In this episode, we hear from repeat guest Ron Deal, a leading expert in blended family dynamics and co-author of Building Love Together in Blended Families with Dr. Gary Chapman. We explore how the Five Love Languages apply specifically to blended families, and the importance of these languages in building strong bonds.

Ron shares effective strategies for step-parents to bond with their stepchildren as well as common challenges blended families face in building love and connection.

The conversation also delves into tips for identifying and adapting to the different love languages of each family member...

In this favourite tips episode we rewind to a valuable conversation I had with stepmum specialist (aka The Stepmom Whisperer) Susan Haworth on setting boundaries with an ex-partner. Susan shared a strategy that emphasises the importance of evicting the third person from your marriage or partnership. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or simply unsure about handling ex-related dynamics, Susan's insights are sure to help you through.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we revisit a conversation I had with authors Daniella Rigon and Tracey Duff, creators of "Child-centred Co-Parenting." Tracy shared many valuable co-parenting tips during our chat, including how parenting plans made it easier for her to maintain a harmonious relationship with her ex.

If you're co-parenting, especially after a recent separation, Tracy’s insights will be incredibly insightful and practical.

Listen to the full episode: https://intheblend.com.au/podcast/tracy-duff-and-daniella-rigon-on-embracing-child-centred-co-parenting

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Favourite Tips episode we revisit a conversation I had with psychologist and author Rachel Brace, who has penned two children’s books relating to blended families: Harriet’s Expanding Heart and Max’s Divorce Earthquake. As part of our conversation she offered up some great ideas around how to use story to broach what can be ordinarily difficult conversations with your kids.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During this chat, Caroline Neale shares her experiences and insights as a stepmother in a blended family. She emphasises some of her key learnings from over the years such as the importance of focusing on your partner and maintaining a strong connection, the challenges of balancing multiple roles and the need for clear communication and boundaries. Additionally, we cover the importance of supporting children with trauma and the value of emotional regulation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During this chat, Caroline Neale shares her experiences and insights as a stepmother in a blended family. She emphasises some of her key learnings from over the years such as the importance of focusing on your partner and maintaining a strong connection, the challenges of balancing multiple roles and the need for clear communication and boundaries. Additionally, we cover the importance of supporting children with trauma and the value of emotional regulation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we hear from Jane Libbis, a lawyer and counsellor with experience in stepfamily issues. We cover children's living arrangements and visitation rights in blended families, factors considered by the courts, and the importance of the child's best interests. /the challenges of negotiating time with step-siblings and the impact of new partners on parenting arrangements is also explored. The conversation highlights the benefits of parenting plans and court orders, as well as the importance of effective communication and choosing battles wisely.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we hear from Jane Libbis, a lawyer and counsellor with experience in stepfamily issues. We cover children's living arrangements and visitation rights in blended families, factors considered by the courts, and the importance of the child's best interests. /the challenges of negotiating time with step-siblings and the impact of new partners on parenting arrangements is also explored. The conversation highlights the benefits of parenting plans and court orders, as well as the importance of effective communication and choosing battles wisely.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brittany Phillips shares her personal journey as a stepmum and certified step-family coach. She discusses the challenges of blending families, including sibling rivalry and different parenting styles. Brittany emphasises the importance of effective communication strategies and seeking support in blended families. She also highlights the impact of a new baby on the dynamic and offers advice for navigating co-parenting with exes. Despite the difficulties, Brittany believes that blended families can be a beautiful thing with effort and intentionality.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In tomorrow's episode: 

Brittany Phillips shares her personal journey as a stepmum and certified step-family coach. She discusses the challenges of blending families, including sibling rivalry and different parenting styles. Brittany emphasises the importance of effective communication strategies and seeking support in blended families. She also highlights the impact of a new baby on the dynamic and offers advice for navigating co-parenting with exes. Despite the difficulties, Brittany believes that blended families can be a beautiful thing with effort and intentionality.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this favourite tips segment, we rewind to an excerpt from an episode with renowned expert and author in the field Ron Deal which focuses in on ways stepparents can reduce the perceived level of threat that their relationship may have on the child’s other co-parent.

Ron outlines the importance of the ‘no threat message’ and provides a useful practical example for new step-parents in particular, to set themselves up for success when it comes to their relationship with their partner’s ex.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hanna Pyliotis, a theatre maker and playwright, discusses her play that challenges the traditional portrayal of stepmothers in fairy tales. Inspired by her own experience as a stepmother, Hanna delves into the backstory and life of the stepmother character from Cinderella, exploring themes of love, motherhood, loss, and societal expectations. She aims to humanise stepmothers and create a more balanced and compassionate narrative around their role. Hanna is currently seeking funding to bring the play to life in Australia and France, with the hope of sparking dialogue and empathy among audiences, particularly those in blended families. 

See o...

Hanna Pyliotis, a theatre maker and playwright, discusses her play that challenges the traditional portrayal of stepmothers in fairy tales. Inspired by her own experience as a stepmother, Hanna delves into the backstory and life of the stepmother character from Cinderella, exploring themes of love, motherhood, loss, and societal expectations. She aims to humanise stepmothers and create a more balanced and compassionate narrative around their role. Hanna is currently seeking funding to bring the play to life in Australia and France, with the hope of sparking dialogue and empathy among audiences, particularly those in blended families. 

See o...

In this conversation, Meg Burton Tudman, a holistic health coach, shares insights gleaned from her work in helping women, particularly stepmums, thrive. We discuss topics such as burnout, mindset shifts, setting boundaries, managing stress, self-care, building resilience, and the importance of community support.

Meg has plenty of practical experience and offers tips that can be easily applied to everyday life.

https://www.megburtontudman.com/
https://www.facebook.com/MindsetMasteryWithMeg/
https://www.instagram.com/mindsetmasterywithmeg/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this conversation, Meg Burton Tudman, a holistic health coach, shares insights gleaned from her work in helping women, particularly stepmums, thrive. We discuss topics such as burnout, mindset shifts, setting boundaries, managing stress, self-care, building resilience, and the importance of community support.

Meg has plenty of practical experience and offers tips that can be easily applied to everyday life.

https://www.megburtontudman.com/
https://www.facebook.com/MindsetMasteryWithMeg/
https://www.instagram.com/mindsetmasterywithmeg/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this first episode of season 6, Ishana Artra, a holistic psychologist and stepmum, discusses the challenges faced by stepmums and provides strategies for managing stress and building resilience. She highlights the importance of planning and preparation before entering a stepfamily, as well as the need for support and expert insight during and after challenging situations. Ishana emphasises the power of perception and controlling the mind to navigate the complexities of step-parenthood. She also shares resources, such as stepfamily-trained counsellors and her own website, for further support and knowledge. https://www.iishana.com/about

See omnystudio.com/listener f...

In this first episode of season 6, Ishana Artra, a holistic psychologist and stepmum, discusses the challenges faced by stepmums and provides strategies for managing stress and building resilience. She highlights the importance of planning and preparation before entering a stepfamily, as well as the need for support and expert insight during and after challenging situations. Ishana emphasises the power of perception and controlling the mind to navigate the complexities of step-parenthood. She also shares resources, such as stepfamily-trained counsellors and her own website, for further support and knowledge. https://www.iishana.com/about

See omnystudio.com/listener f...

In this instalment of our "My Favorite Tips" series, we revisit a crucial conversation with psychotherapist and stepfamily specialist, Susan Lancaster. As we approach the festive season, Susan's insights on employing the GAP model for blended families during the holidays offer practical strategies for bridging the gap between expectations and reality.

Explore how to maintain harmony during extended breaks and summer holidays, especially when routines are disrupted. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or uncertain, Susan's tips provide a useful guide for navigating the unique dynamics of blended family life during this special season.

For the full...

In this episode we talk teenagers with Dr. Ginni Mansberg. We cover teenagers' emotions when adjusting to a blended family, loyalty conflicts, their need for independence, co-parenting, communication strategies specifically for teens and more.

If you’ve got a teenager in your blended family brood this is one episode you won’t want to miss.

The New Teen Age

https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-new-teen-age-ginni-mansberg/book/9781922351258.html

Help I have a teenager

https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/help-i-have-a-teenager/

Evidence Skincare

https://www.eskcare.com...

In this episode we talk teenagers with Dr. Ginni Mansberg. We cover teenagers' emotions when adjusting to a blended family, loyalty conflicts, their need for independence, co-parenting, communication strategies specifically for teens and more.

If you’ve got a teenager in your blended family brood this is one episode you won’t want to miss.

The New Teen Age

https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-new-teen-age-ginni-mansberg/book/9781922351258.html

Help I have a teenager

https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/help-i-have-a-teenager/

Evidence Skincare

https://www.eskcare.com/page...

This is the second episode of a two part chat with international stepfamily expert, Dr Patricia Papernow in which we unpack the five key challenges faced by stepfamilies and explore her expert strategies to conquer them. In this episode (Part 2), we pick up where we left off in episode one and delve into the final two of her five key stepfamily challenges. We tackle the crucial theme of building a new family culture and we explore the delicate dynamics of incorporating an ex into your household. Get ready for another dose of wisdom as we continue to unravel the...