Shows
Stepmom SanityCo-Parenting with a Toxic ExCo-parenting is hard. Co-parenting with a toxic ex? That can feel like warfare. In this episode of the Stepmom Sanity Podcast, host Cheryl Shumake and co-host Ashara Hood dive deep into the emotional, mental, and spiritual challenges of navigating a high-conflict co-parenting relationship.They share their personal experiences—moments of triumph,heartbreak, and everything in between. They unpack what it looks like to set boundaries, manage expectations, and lean into your faith when the other parent is intent on stirring chaos. Whether you’re feeling defeated, angry, or just plain tired, this episode will remind you that you’...2025-04-011h 02
Stepmom SanityBlending with Grace: A Candid Conversation with My DaughterOn this episode of the Stepmom Sanity Podcast, I sit down with my daughter, Kayla, to share an honest conversation about her experience transitioning into a blended family. We talk about the highs, the lows, and everything in between — from navigating new relationships to finding stability in the midst of change. Whether you’re a stepmom, a biological parent, or a child in a blended family, this heartfelt episode offers a unique perspective filled with grace, truth, and hope.Connect with Cheryl here:The First Treasured RetreatThe She ShedStepmom Sani...2025-03-0751 min
Stepmom Sanity10 Things I Hate About My Husband with Shayla HuberIn this raw and uplifting episode ofStepmomSanity, we sit down with Shayla Huber, author of10 Things I Hate About My Husband: How God Healed My Heart,Restored My Marriage, and Set Me Free. Shayla shares her honest journey through marital struggles, the breaking point that brought her to her knees, and how God transformed her heart, reignited her marriage, and led her to true freedom.Together, we unpack the lessons she learned—wisdom that every woman, especially those navigating the complexities of blended family life, can apply to strengthen their marriage and renew their mindset. Whether you’re f...2025-02-1345 min
FamilyLife Blended® Podcast157 “I see you”: Creating Community for Brown & Black Blended FamiliesCheryl Shumake wants to reach brown & black blended families with brown & black voices. She & Clifton Howard talk with Ron Deal about her new ministry, Sawubona, which means “I see you” & its goal to break through the barriers with culture-informed spaces2025-02-1044 min
FamilyLife Blended® Podcast157 “I see you”: Creating Community for Brown & Black Blended FamiliesCheryl Shumake wants to reach brown & black blended families with brown & black voices. She & Clifton Howard talk with Ron Deal about her new ministry, Sawubona, which means “I see you” & its goal to break through the barriers with culture-informed spaces2025-02-1044 min
FamilyLife Blended® Podcast157 "I see you": Creating Community for Brown & Black Blended FamiliesCheryl Shumake wants to reach brown & black blended families with brown & black voices. She & Clifton Howard talk with Ron Deal about her new ministry, Sawubona, which means “I see you” & its goal to break through the barriers with culture-informed spaces Show Notes and Resources Watch Blended & Blessed from anywhere in the world! Join us on the 2026 Love Like You Mean It Cruise Learn more about Cheryl Sawubona Ministries Send a tax deductible gift Ron's upcoming events Blended Small Group Ministry Map See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy2025-02-1044 min
Stepmom SanityGood Sex God's Way: A Celebration of Intimacy for Blended Family CouplesNavigating past relationships, co-parenting dynamics,
and emotional baggage can make cultivating a healthy sex life feel complicated—but it doesn’t have to be.
Christian Sexpert, Angela Griffith, will help us uncover how couples can embrace God’s design for intimacy, heal from past wounds, and celebrate connection in their marriage.
Whether you're feeling disconnected or looking to strengthen the bond with your spouse, this episode offers biblical wisdom and practical advice to help couples rediscover the joy of good sex.
#GoodSexGodsWay
#BlendedFamilyIntimacy
#StepmomSanity
#AngelaGriffithChristianSexpert
#ChristCenteredConnection
LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE:
Ange...2025-02-0647 min
Stepmom SanityPromise Shaped: Lessons from Sarah on Faith and FearAs women in blended families we often deal with tension, comparison, or unmet expectations threatening to pull our families apart. Navigating these relationships can feel overwhelming, especially when waiting on God to fulfill His promises in your family.
What can we learn about faith, grace, and navigating difficult relationships from Sarah and Hagar? How do their stories challenge and encourage us as stepmoms who are often walking through seasons of waiting and trusting God’s
plan?
Discover how God’s promises shape us in seasons of waiting,
tension, and uncertainty. Join Cheryl and guest, Shannon
Popkin as they...2025-01-2446 min
Stepmom SanityMore Than A StepmomBeing a stepmom is a beautiful calling, but let’s be real—it’s easy to feel like you’re losing yourself in the process. Between blending families, managing expectations, and navigating relationships, it can feel like your identity
takes a back seat. But here's the truth: you are so much more than the roles you play.
Today, we’re tackling this head-on with a conversation about not losing yourself as a stepmom with Heidi Farrell, founder of Not Just a Stepmom.
Connect with Heidi here:
Website: notjustastepmom.com
FB: @notjustastepmom – Heidi Farrel...2025-01-0736 min
Pickens’ Realities & Blended Family TruthsBeing Black & Blended and Church Resistance to Blended Family Ministries | EP 10 PT 2In part 2 of episode 10, Jessica, Jayla, and special guest, Cheryl Shumake continue discussions of the compounding stresses of being Black in America and being part of a blended family. They also discuss the lack of existing church ministries and programs designed specifically to support blended families, and how that further puts blended families at risk.
Cheryl Shumake is the Executive Director of Sawubona Blended Families and Founder of Stepmom Sanity. Cheryl shares her personal journey as a stepmom and the realities of navigating life in a Black and blended family and also shares the inspiring s...2024-12-0748 minPickens’ Realities & Blended Family TruthsBeing Black & Blended & Church Resistance to Blended Family Ministries & Supports | EP 10 Part 1In this powerful and transparent continuation of our discussion, Jessica and Jayla dive even deeper into the unique challenges and stresses of being Black and part of a blended family.
This week, we’re joined by a special guest, Cheryl Shumake, Executive Director of Sawubona Blended Families and Founder of Stepmom Sanity. Cheryl opens up about her personal journey as a stepmom and the realities of navigating life in a Black and blended family. She also shares the inspiring story behind the creation of Sawubona Blended Families, an organization dedicated to supporting and empowering blended fam...2024-12-0739 min
Stepmom SanityCo-Parenting a Differently Abled Child with Dr. Richelle
"Navigating co-parenting is already complex, but when a differently abled child is involved, the challenges and blessings grow tenfold. In this heart-to-heart episode, we unpack the unique journey of stepmoms co-parenting special needs children. Discover practical wisdom and faith-driven strategies to build trust, foster unity, and nurture your role with confidence and compassion. Whether you’re stepping in with love or learning to share the load, this episode will uplift and equip you for the path ahead. Join us as we embrace the beauty in the unique and the strength found in togetherness."
Connect with Dr. Richelle Wh...2024-11-1237 min
Stepmom SanityStaying Sane and Stepping Smart with Laura PetherbridgeJoin us for the re-release of Parts 1 and 2 of this Q&A with the Smart Stepmom herself, Laura Petherbridge!
Follow Laura on Facebook and Instagram @smartstepmom
Connect with her and subscribe to her email list at www.smartstepmom.com
2024-10-0426 min
Stepmom SanityStaying Sane and Stepping Smart Part 1 with Laura Petherbridge (part 1)Q and A with the OG herself, Laura Petherbridge, co-author of best-selling book, The Smart Stepmom, and founder of the ministry by the same name.
Connect with Laura at www.thesmartstepmom.com2024-10-0430 min
Inside Out with CourtnayeEmbracing Brokenness with Cheryl ShumakeHave you ever felt so broken that you wanted to know how to endure the hurt, pain, or crushing? Are you there now or know someone who is going through a season or moment of brokenness. If so, then join Courtnaye and Cheryl Shumake, speaker, author, founder of Stepmom Sanity, co-founder of Sawubona Blended Families, and blogger for Our Daily Bread’s "God Hears Her" platform, for an enlightening conversation about "Embracing Brokenness." Tune in! Resources: Connect with Cheryl Shumake here: https://www.stepmomsanity.com Grab my FREE Life Management Planner for Busy Chr...2024-06-1138 min
Stepmom SanityLauren R Part 1Walking in their shoes2024-05-1154 min
FamilyLife Blended® Podcast134: Being a Stepparent: Is it a Blessing?Are there blessings in blended family life? Yes! But they might not show up in ways we expect or as quickly as we’d like. In this 2023 Blended and Blessed presentation, Cheryl Shumake talks about the many bonus blessings she has experienced and the strength God gave her during seasons of weariness to keep going when she wanted to quit. Cheryl says, “God meets us in the waiting to strengthen us for the walking.” God wants to guide our steps when we face challenges. He knows that our convictions of creating long-term relationships can waver when weariness sets in. Bu...2024-03-2630 minStepmom SanityStepping Smart and Staying Sane with Laura Petherbridge pt 2Second half of the conversation with Laura Petherbridge2024-03-2627 min
Blended Kingdom Families PodcastThe Heart of Step-parenting: A Stepmom's Perspective with Special Guest Cheryl ShumakeOn this week’s podcast episode, hosts Scott and Vanessa Martindale are joined by a special guest, Cheryl Shumake, a stepmom with a powerful ministry dedicated to supporting and inspiring stepmoms. Cheryl shares her insights on navigating the challenges of blended families and discusses her latest book, "Waiting to Be Wanted: A Stepmom's Guide to Loving Before Being Loved."The conversation delves into the importance of empathy, the 100% chance of success in blended families when done God's way, and the role of faith in the journey of step-parenting. Cheryl encourages listeners to shift their fo...2023-11-2724 min
God Hears Her Podcast132. Becoming a Bonus Mom (with Cheryl Shumake)Guest Bio: Ask Cheryl about her greatest adventure and she’ll tell you, “That I know and love Jesus and get to make Him known.” She is a Bible teacher, author, speaker, and founder of Stepmom Sanity, a Christ-centered circle of support, providing help and hope for stepmoms who are “there” from stepmoms who’ve been there. She has authored 4 books including her most recent, Waiting to Be Wanted: A Stepmom’s Guide to Loving Before Being Loved. Cheryl uses her skills, education, and training as a Master Coach to equip blended families, support women in spiritual formation, and...2023-07-1029 minGod Hears Her Podcast132. Becoming a Bonus Mom (with Cheryl Shumake)Guest Bio: Ask Cheryl about her greatest adventure and she’ll tell you, “That I know and love Jesus and get to make Him known.” She is a Bible teacher, author, speaker, and founder of Stepmom Sanity, a Christ-centered circle of support, providing help and hope for stepmoms who are “there” from stepmoms who’ve been there. She has authored 4 books including her most recent, Waiting to Be Wanted: A Stepmom’s Guide to Loving Before Being Loved. Cheryl uses her skills, education, and training as a Master Coach to equip blended families, support women in spiritual formation, and...2023-07-1029 min
Stepmom SanityThe Family Core: A Strategy to Help Your Family BlendJoin Cheryl and Dr. James and Gina Dellaripa as they chat about their innovative communication tool used in courts, and families of all types, to help those families decrease family stress, increase family harmony, and live like a family.
Connect with our Guests
Email: admin@thefamilycore.com
Website
Socials:
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
YouTube Channel
Register for Blended and Blessed
Join the Stepmom Sanity Community
2023-04-0746 min
A Cup of GratitudeSeason 5 - Episode 13 - Finding Gratitude in FamilyThis week I speak with Cheryl Shumake. Ask Cheryl about her greatest adventure and she’ll tell you, “That I know and love Jesus and get to make Him known.” She is a Bible teacher, author, speaker, and founder of Stepmom Sanity; a Christ-centered, sister circle of support, providing help and hope for stepmoms who are “there” from stepmoms who’ve been there. She has authored 4 books including her most recent, Waiting to Be Wanted, A Stepmom’s Guide to Loving Before Being Loved. Cheryl uses her skills, education, and training as a Master Coach to equip blended families to su...2023-03-271h 15