Shows
StepStories PodcastEp. 42 – Amy Evans: How One Mom Blended a Family, Battled Cancer, and Lives with GratitudeHost Robin Brunner welcomes Step Stories guest Amy Evans, a wife, mother, stepmother, and cancer survivor from Peachtree City, Georgia, to share lessons from building a blended family of four kids (Carson, Jack, Lydia, and Gage) and navigating years marked by serious illness. Amy describes easing the kids into the relationship through “play date” introductions, aligning parenting styles, and thoughtfully blending traditions like Christmas and family ornaments. She recounts the family supporting the children through their stepfather’s stage four colon cancer and death, her own 2015 triple negative breast cancer treatment, and later her father-in-law’s multiple myeloma while living w...
2026-10-2254 minStepStories PodcastBEST OF - Dr. Patricia Papernow: Connection Not CorrectionJoin host Robin Breuner in this week’s Best Of episode of the Step Stories Podcast as she welcomes renowned stepfamily expert Dr. Patricia Papernow, who has spent five decades researching, teaching, and practicing in stepfamily relationships and is the author of Surviving and Thriving in Stepfamily Relationships and The Stepfamily Handbook. Dr. Papernow explains why stepfamilies differ fundamentally from first-time families, why clinicians receive little stepfamily training despite widespread prevalence, and why what works is not intuitive. She emphasizes that parents should retain discipline and authoritative limit-setting, while stepparents build trust through “connection, not correction,” warmth, and one-to-one time...
2026-10-1550 minStepStories PodcastEp. 41 – Tracey Mishel: The Tightrope Between Parents Many Adopted Kids WalkOn this week’s episode of the Step Stories Podcast, Host Robin Breuner welcomes writer Tracey Mishel about her adoption and blended-family experience. Adopted through the Louise Wise Adoption Agency, Tracey grew up in Suffern, New York, knowing she was adopted, alongside an older adopted brother, amid family anxiety and conflict. As a high school senior she received a surprise call from her birth mother, Toby, triggering fear from her adoptive parents and warnings from the agency; Tracey initially cut off contact, then later exchanged letters while hiding it from her parents. She eventually met Toby around a friend’s As...
2026-10-0844 minStepStories PodcastBEST OF - Kristen SkilesIn this week's Best Of episode, Robin interviews stepmom coach Kristen Skiles, founder of Stepmomming.com, host of Stepmom Made Easy, and author of “Stepmomming Made Easy,” to discuss her work supporting stepmoms worldwide and her annual virtual Stepmom Con. Kristen shares her blended-family story, including marrying a single dad, navigating early high-conflict dynamics, and the unusual experience of her husband’s ex-wife and her new husband living with them for three months, which challenged boundaries but helped Kristen release unrealistic expectations and accept she isn’t her stepdaughter’s mom. They talk about adding two sons after a fertility...
2026-10-0136 minStepStories PodcastEp. 40 - Suzanne Sherman: What Does It Mean To Live In The Long ShadowRobin Breuner welcomes author and memoir coach Suzanne Sherman to discuss her book, Living in the Long Shadow: Surviving a Legacy of Mental Illness (publishing Sept. 29). Suzanne recounts her earliest memories of her mother’s sudden-onset schizophrenia, her father’s lack of explanation, and the family’s upheaval, including her mother’s overdose attempt when Suzanne was 10 and later diagnosis and treatment with Thorazine. She describes her parents’ separation, her father dating a woman who became her stepmother, and how Suzanne, at 14, moved in with her father and new wife, initially facing rejection behind closed doors before the relationship improved o...
2026-09-2450 minStepStories PodcastEp. 39 – Alex Feldman: Everyone Can Teach You SomethingHost Robin Breuner welcomes Alex Feldman to this week’s episode of the Step Stories podcast to discuss his complex blended-family upbringing and how it shaped his empathy and worldview. Alex describes growing up in Santa Cruz with divorced parents who co-parented 50/50 while living four blocks apart, and how his father’s earlier marriages and relationships resulted in much older half-siblings (Lauren and Jenna) and a half-brother (Evan), plus a stepbrother (Chris). He shares developing closer sibling relationships mainly in adulthood, the role Jenna played as a family “glue,” and his reflections on being the youngest and receiving more consiste...
2026-09-1740 minStepStories PodcastEp. 38 – Diana Daniele: We Three Who Made a FourthOn this week’s episode of the Step Stories Podcast, Host Robin Breuner welcomes PR specialist, writer, and advocate Diana Daniele to talk about her blended family and health journey. Diana describes secondary infertility, choosing adoption, and how social workers coached her on respectful adoption language and on not owing strangers personal details; she recounts being asked “Where’s the real mom?” and later apologizing to her daughter for sharing her adoption status. She explains raising a biological son and adopted daughter seven years apart, fearing sibling rivalry (“I’m the real child”) that never materialized, and discusses open adoption, ongo...
2026-09-1047 min
The Stepmom Diaries | Blended Family & Stepmom Support PodcastWhat Stepmoms Can Learn From an Adult Stepdaughter | Robin BreunerWhat does your stepchild actually need from you, even if they cannot put it into words? In this episode of The Stepmom Diaries, Cameron sits down with Robin Breuner, host of Step Stories: Thriving and Surviving Life in Blended Families, to talk about the stepmom and stepchild relationship from a perspective stepmoms do not often get to hear: the adult stepdaughter looking back. Robin shares what she wishes her own stepmothers had understood, what she now sees differently as an adult, and why giving stepchildren space to maintain their relationship with their biological parent can...
2026-09-0325 minStepStories PodcastBEST OF: Cameron Normand - How to Survive being the “Stuck Outsider” with StepFamily Solutions Coach, Cameron NormandIn this week’s Best Of episode of The Step Stories podcast, Robin sits down with Cameron Normand, CEO of Stepfamily Solutions and host of the Stepmom Diaries podcast. Cameron shares how she shifted from a 23-year career as a lawyer and policy executive on Capitol Hill and for Warner Bros. and Sony Pictures into stepfamily coaching after becoming a stepmom of four in a high-conflict situation and struggling to find resources. They discuss why stepfamilies are underserved, how untrained guidance can harm families, and Cameron’s Step Family Coach Academy built around research and Dr. Patricia Papernow’s framew...
2026-09-0342 minStepStories PodcastEp. 37 - Laughter Through Tears with Michael VintonHost Robin Breuner welcomes Michael Vinton—comedian, actor, nonprofit director, and host of Unspoken Grief—to this week’s episode of the Step Stories Podcast to talk about building a blended family through adoption and fostering. Michael shares how he and his husband Tony pursued private open adoption in 2015–2016, including meeting their first daughter Zanna’s birth parents, and explains challenges for same-sex adoptive parents across different state laws. He contrasts fostering—where reunification is the goal—with adoption, describing multiple heartbreaking foster placements that returned home. Michael recounts how their second daughter, Sabrina, came to them via safe surrender afte...
2026-08-2743 minStepStories PodcastEp. 36 – How My Eyes Have OpenedOn this week’s episode of the Step Stories Podcast, Host Robin Breuner shares a curated set of powerful clips from a few memorable guests from the show’s first 3 seasons. Christina Nelson (Radical Stepmoms) describes the conditional, often excluded experience of stepmothers—especially around Mother’s Day and family milestones—and how misunderstandings between stepmoms and stepkids can escalate without honest communication. Author Hope Edelman advises widowed fathers to wait at least a year (ideally two) before serious dating or remarriage, to support children through “firsts,” while also noting the risks of never moving forward. Barbara Sabido discusses fostering, att...
2026-08-2029 minStepStories PodcastEp. 35 – Reema Zaman: What Does it Mean “To Belong” to a Family, to a Relationship, to Yourself?In this episode of the Step Stories podcast, host Robin Breuner interviews author and memoirist Reema Zaman (I Am Yours) about divorce, blended families, and how childhood family dynamics shape adult relationships. Zaman, originally from Bangladesh and raised in Thailand, shares her perspective as the oldest child of her parents’ arranged marriage, what she witnessed in an unhealthy home, and how her mother’s quiet deference changed after leaving the marriage. She discusses how the divorce affected siblings differently, the “tax” divorce can bring, and why she still advocates for divorce when a marriage is unhealthy. Reema also describes her moth...
2026-08-1353 minStepStories PodcastBEST OF - Greg Eskridge: How to Resurrect a Life after Childhood Trauma and Thirty Years in PrisonIn this week’s Best Of episode of The Step Stories Podcast, host Robin Breuner sits down with Greg Eskridge, whom she met through Diane Kahn’s Humans of San Quentin. Greg describes being raised by a single mother who moved from Memphis to Southern California, later enduring severe abuse from his mother’s partner, running away at age 10, and cycling through 15–20 foster and boys’ homes while surviving unhoused. He recounts the fight outside a Shakey’s Pizza that led him, at 20, to fatally shoot someone, for which he received 58 years to life plus two life terms. After decades at San Quent...
2026-08-0643 minStepStories PodcastEp. 34 – Laura House: How to be a Safe Adult for a StepkidOn this week’s episode of the Step Stories podcast, host Robin Breuner talks with writer and stand-up comedian Laura House about step-parenting older teenagers and navigating blended-family dynamics with authenticity. Laura explains why you can’t force connection, how she approached her stepkids (then 18 and 19) by giving them space and aiming to be a “safe adult” rather than a controlling authority, and how a health crisis—her partner Brian’s emergency triple bypass—deepened family bonds. She also shares her adoption story: knowing she was adopted early, searching for her birth mother through sealed and redacted records, feeling rejected after...
2026-07-3055 minStepStories PodcastEp. 33 – Karis Nafte: Who Keeps the Dog?On this week’s episode of the Step Stories Podcast, Host Robin Bruener welcomes South Africa–based animal expert and pet custody mediator Karis Nafte, author of “Who Keeps the Dog: Navigating Pet Custody During Divorce,” to discuss how pets are often overlooked in divorce and blended-family transitions. Nafte explains that sharing a dog between two homes may not work because frequent moves can stress dogs, and custody decisions should prioritize what’s best for the animal based on practical realities like housing, schedules, and the dog’s needs. She shares strategies and stories about integrating pets into new households—s...
2026-07-2349 minStepStories PodcastEp. 32 – Lanee Blaise: A Masterclass in BlendingOn this week’s episode of the Step Stories podcast, Host Robin Breuner interviews Lanee Blaise, an executive producer of film and TV projects and co-writer of the family-friendly drama Blended, about friends becoming family after a tragedy. Lanee shares her own blended-family experience: her parents divorced when she was four, both remarried within a year, and all four parents worked cooperatively, including managing long-distance visits and holiday travel. She describes gaining multiple step- and half-siblings, often taking on caregiving responsibilities, and how her upbringing shaped her parenting and nearly 30-year marriage. Lanee emphasizes that time, forgiveness, and consistent ag...
2026-07-1644 min
Radical StepmomsSeason 9: Episode 7: The experience of growing up with a stepmom with guest, RobinChristina chats with Robin, who shares her experience of being the stepchild. Robin’s mother passed away when she was young and her father quickly remarried. Robin gives guidance to stepmoms navigating the loss of a bio-parent, and how her perception of stepmoms has changed over time. What should a stepmom do or not do? What’s the partner’s role in the dynamic? Listen in! About My Guest: Robin Breuner is an author, freelance journalist, and podcast host based in Marin County, California. A former bookseller and author host at Book Passage, she has engaged...
2026-07-1550 minStepStories PodcastEp. 31 – Dr Rob Scheer: A Child Just Needs to Feel LovedOn this week’s episode of the Step Stories Podcast, host Robin Bruener interviews Dr. Rob Scheer, a former foster child who entered care at 12 carrying belongings in a trash bag, was pushed out at 18, and later joined the U.S. Navy to build a future. Rob and his husband Reece built their family through foster care, adopting five children—each arriving with a trash bag and significant trauma—and sharing lessons on consistency, grace, empathy, and unconditional love. Rob describes creating Comfort Cases to replace trash bags with backpacks filled with essentials and comfort items, delivering over 320,000 to all 50...
2026-07-0940 minStepStories PodcastEp. 30 – Debbie Loeffler: How a Stepfather’s Example Paved the Way for a Future StepmotherOn this week’s episode of the Step Stories podcast, host Robin Breuner interviews Debbie Loeffler about her path into step motherhood and what helped her build strong relationships in a blended family. Debbie shares how her parents’ divorce and her stepfather’s confident, “let the kids come to you” approach shaped the way she first met and bonded with her husband’s two children. She discusses delaying introductions, maintaining boundaries, and navigating a stepson’s anxious, difficult teen years while recognizing discipline should come from the biological parents. Debbie emphasizes starting with goodwill, staying out of ex-spouse conflict, and being proa...
2026-07-0940 minStepStories PodcastEp. 29 – Christina Nelson: Radical StepmomStep Stories Podcast Host Robin Breuner welcomes Christina Nelson from the Radical Stepmoms podcast to discuss the realities of step motherhood and creating a safe space to talk about the good, bad, and ugly of raising a step child. Christina explains the contradictions stepmoms face, the pressure of others’ expectations, and how stepmoms can feel conditional in their own families despite major sacrifices. She shares her story of meeting her husband when he had a three-year-old son, being in her stepson’s life for 13 years, and later having a daughter together, plus how their 50/50 parenting plan in Washington State prov...
2026-07-0945 minStepStories PodcastEp. 30 – Debbie Loeffler: How a Stepfather’s Example Paved the Way for a Future StepmotherOn this week’s episode of the Step Stories podcast, host
Robin Breuner interviews Debbie Loeffler about her path into step motherhood and what helped her build strong relationships in a blended family. Debbie shares how her parents’ divorce and her stepfather’s confident, “let the kids come to you” approach shaped the way she first met and bonded with her husband’s two children. She discusses delaying introductions, maintaining boundaries, and navigating a stepson’s anxious, difficult teen years while recognizing discipline should come from the biological parents. Debbie emphasizes starting with goodwill, staying out of ex-spouse conflict, and being proa...
2026-07-0243 minStepStories PodcastEp. 29 – Christina Nelson: Radical StepmomsStep Stories Podcast Host Robin Breuner welcomes Christina
Nelson from the Radical Stepmoms podcast to discuss the realities of step
motherhood and creating a safe space to talk about the good, bad, and ugly of raising a step child. Christina explains the contradictions stepmoms face, the pressure of others’ expectations, and how stepmoms can feel conditional in their own families despite major sacrifices. She shares her story of meeting her husband when he had a three-year-old son, being in her stepson’s life for 13 years, and later having a daughter together, plus how their 50/50 parenting plan in Washington State prov...
2026-06-2548 minStepStories PodcastEp. 28 – Mallary Tenore Tarpley: Fighting Family Upheaval One Bite at a TimeIn this week’s episode of the Step Stories podcast, Host Robin Breuner interviews UT Austin writing professor and journalist Mallary Tenore Tarpley about her memoir, Slip: Life in the Middle of Eating Disorder Recovery, and how losing her mother to metastatic breast cancer at 11 shaped her grief, identity, and anorexia. They discuss the “middle place” between acute illness and full recovery, why eating disorders can be driven by control, trauma, and genetic/environmental factors, and how stereotypes like “skinny white affluent girl” limit recognition and care. Mallary shares how her father dating and later remarrying intensified her disordered behaviors...
2026-06-1854 minStepStories PodcastEp. 27 – Kiki Goshay: Fostering Inclusivity in Family and in Caring for the WorldIn this week’s episode of the Step Stories podcast, Host Robin Breuner interviews filmmaker and environmental advocate Kiki Goshay about blended families, divorce, and fostering. Kiki describes being split between parents after her Irish Catholic parents’ divorce, the pain of parents who didn’t respect each other, and how her father’s new wife limited time with him. She recounts her mother’s later remarriage into a 12-child household that felt like two families under one roof, emphasizing that love and belonging take time and shouldn’t be forced. Kiki shares why she became a foster mom, the challenges o...
2026-06-1144 minStepStories PodcastBEST OF: Julia Nurse - A Mother’s Love Is Never LostIn this week’s best of episode of the Step Stories podcast, host Robin Breuner talks with Julia Nurse, who shares her powerful story of growing up as the youngest of 12 siblings after losing her mother to breast cancer at the age of nine. Julia reflects on the chaotic yet nurturing environment of her large family, the struggles her father faced, and the invaluable support of her older siblings. Now a birth and postpartum doula in San Francisco, Julia discusses how her past has shaped her vocation in nurturing others through major life transitions. Along the way, she emphasizes th...
2026-06-0448 minStepStories PodcastBEST OF - Patrick Giamanco: You’ve Just Gotta Be ThereIn this week’s heartwarming episode of the Step Stories Podcast, host Robin Breuner welcomes Patrick Giamanco, a devoted stepfather of three daughters. Patrick shares his incredible journey from meeting his wife Katie to becoming a crucial part of her daughters' lives. Robin and Patrick discuss the significant challenges and rewarding moments of stepparenting, touching on the importance of patience, presence, and strategic involvement. Patrick recounts personal anecdotes, from his early days of making breakfast for the girls to their unforgettable family trips, offering valuable insights into building strong, nurturing relationships. This episode is packed with genuine advice and up...
2026-05-2843 minStepStories PodcastEp. 26 – Donna Kendrick: Widow, Wisdom and WealthOn this week’s episode of the Step Stories Podcast, Host Robin Breuner introduces financial advisor Donna Kendrick, host of Widow Wisdom and Wealth and author of A Guide to Widowhood and The Life Stages Financial Guides. Donna recounts losing her first husband in 2013 while raising three kids after years abroad in Rome, leaving the workforce, and relying on prior planning such as estate documents and life insurance. She explains why many widows switch financial advisors and how her experience led her to build a practice serving widows and families in transition, including divorce. Donna discusses blending her family af...
2026-05-2145 minStepStories PodcastEp. 25 – Carly Schwartz: I’ll Try Anything TwiceOn this week’s episode of the Step Stories Podcast, host Robin Breuner interviews author and journalist Carly Schwartz about her memoir “I’ll Try Anything Twice: Misadventures of a Self-Medicated Life,” her journalism career (Northwestern Medill, editor-in-chief of the San Francisco Examiner, founding HuffPost San Francisco), and her current storytelling work in climate tech, robotics, and responsible AI. Carly describes growing up in Connecticut after leaving San Francisco as a baby, intense emotions and overachievement, and a family history of depression, suicide, and bipolar disorder. She discusses her parents’ divorce during her freshman year of college, her own escalating...
2026-05-1449 minStepStories PodcastEp. 24 – Genevieve Kingston: Did I Ever Tell You?Step Stories Podcast host Robin Breuner welcomes author, actor, and playwright Genevieve Kingston this week to discuss her memoir Did I Ever Tell You?, inspired by her Modern Love column and named a best memoir of 2024 by Oprah Daily. Kingston shares how her mother, diagnosed with cancer when Genevieve was three and gone by nearly twelve, left letters and gifts for birthdays and milestones through age 30—creating an ongoing conversation that shaped Kingston’s identity and grief. They explore growing up with a terminally ill parent, the vital role of friends and extended family, and the challenges that followed her...
2026-05-0753 minStepStories PodcastEp. 23 - Barbara Sabido: How To Blend An Unconventional FamilyOn this week’s episode of the Step Stories podcast, host Robin Breuner introduces Barbara Sabido, a married mother of four who fostered 17 children over 17 years, mainly newborns to age six, describing how she started after meeting a veteran foster mom, how her sons were interviewed during licensing, and how placements ranged from 24 hours to a year. Barbara shares the emotional challenge of saying goodbye, her retired police-officer husband’s role and boundaries, and lessons about avoiding judgment of biological families while keeping children’s needs first, including limited ongoing contact depending on reunified or adoptive families’ wishes. She also dis...
2026-04-3043 minStepStories PodcastEp. 22 - Thomas MacKenzie: Learning How To Take Your TimeOn this week’s episode of the Step Stories Podcast, Host Robin Breuner interviews longtime friend Tom McKenzie, a divorced father of two living in Jupiter, Florida, about his family’s step story. Tom recalls learning at age seven that his parents were divorcing, moving from an affluent home in Mission Hills to a smaller house and new schools, feeling different, and coping with an emotionally checked-out mother. After a summer in Spain at 14, he returned to find his home sold, his belongings gone, and his mother in New York, leading him to live full-time with his father. Tom cred...
2026-04-2350 minStepStories PodcastEp. 21 – Kristen SkilesHost Robin Bruner kicks off season 3 by welcoming stepmom coach Kristen Skiles, founder of Stepmomming.com, host of Stepmom Made Easy, and author of “Stepmomming Made Easy,” to discuss her work supporting stepmoms worldwide and her upcoming second annual virtual Stepmom Con (April 22–24). Kristen shares her blended-family story, including marrying a single dad, navigating early high-conflict dynamics, and the unusual experience of her husband’s ex-wife and her new husband living with them for three months, which challenged boundaries but helped Kristen release unrealistic expectations and accept she isn’t her stepdaughter’s mom. They talk about adding two sons after a...
2026-04-1637 minStepStories PodcastBEST OF - Hope EdelmanIn this week’s Best Of episode, Robin Breuner welcomes the esteemed author Hope Edelman to discuss her influential work on grief, particularly for girls and women who have lost their mothers. Edelman, the author of pivotal books like 'Motherless Daughters' and 'The AfterGrief,' shares her journey of writing her groundbreaking first book at a young age, the impact it has had worldwide, and the importance of giving voice to motherless daughters. They delve into the complexities of stepmother relationships, dealing with loss, and the crucial role of maintaining connections to one's departed mother. With profound insights, Hope al...
2026-04-0950 minStepStories PodcastBEST OF - Shay StubblefieldIn this Best Of episode of the Step Stories podcast, host Robin Breuner welcomes Shay Stubblefield, a self-employed barber with a unique background to discuss his experiences with blended families, personal growth, and new ventures. Shay shares insights about his unconventional journey through various careers, his deep connection to art and poetry, and his reflections on being raised in a diverse family. He opens up about coping with his father's addiction, the impact of his mother and other supportive figures in his life, and his evolving role as a partner to his new girlfriend and her 6-year-old son. Together...
2026-04-0235 minStepStories PodcastEp. 20 – Dr. Patricia PapernowJoin host Robin Breuner in this week’s episode of the Step Stories Podcast as she welcomes renowned stepfamily expert Dr. Patricia Papernow, who has spent five decades researching, teaching, and practicing in stepfamily relationships and is the author of Surviving and Thriving in Stepfamily Relationships and The Stepfamily Handbook. Dr. Papernow explains why stepfamilies differ fundamentally from first-time families, why clinicians receive little stepfamily training despite widespread prevalence, and why what works is not intuitive. She emphasizes that parents should retain discipline and authoritative limit-setting, while stepparents build trust through “connection, not correction,” warmth, and one-to-one time; harsh discip...
2026-03-2650 minStepStories PodcastEp. 19 - Cameron NormandJoin host Robin Bruener in this week’s episode of The Step Stories podcast as she sits down with Cameron Normand, CEO of Stepfamily Solutions and host of the Stepmom Diaries podcast. Cameron shares how she shifted from a 23-year career as a lawyer and policy executive on Capitol Hill and for Warner Bros. and Sony Pictures into stepfamily coaching after becoming a stepmom of four in a high-conflict situation and struggling to find resources. They discuss why stepfamilies are underserved, how untrained guidance can harm families, and Cameron’s Step Family Coach Academy built around research and Dr. Patr...
2026-03-1939 minStepStories PodcastEp. 18 – Dr. Todd JensenOn this week’s episode of The Step Stories Podcast, host Robin Breuner interviews Dr. Todd Jensen, assistant professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and director of the Thriving through Family Transitions Research Lab, about research on blended families and youth wellbeing during family structural transitions. Jensen explains why relationship quality, especially stepparent–stepchild connection, can support behavioral, psychological, and physical health outcomes, and clarifies terms like “social parent” and stepparent, including non-married long-term partners. They also discuss adolescence as a challenging transition period, blending family cultures slowly with patience, and why adults often shoulder more res...
2026-03-1239 minStepStories PodcastEp. 17 - Greg EskridgeIn this week’s episode of The Step Stories Podcast, host Robin Breuner sits down with Greg Eskridge, whom she met through Diane Kahn’s Humans of San Quentin. Greg describes being raised by a single mother who moved from Memphis to Southern California, later enduring severe abuse from his mother’s partner, running away at age 10, and cycling through 15–20 foster and boys’ homes while surviving unhoused. He recounts the fight outside a Shakey’s Pizza that led him, at 20, to fatally shoot someone, for which he received 58 years to life plus two life terms. After decades at San Quentin, Gre...
2026-03-0543 minStepStories PodcastEp. 16 – Susan GalambaOn this week’s episode of the Step Stories podcast, host Robin Breuner interviews her longtime friend Susan Galamba, a respected family law attorney practicing in Kansas and Missouri, about setting blended families up for success after divorce. Susan explains how divorce settlement terms and parenting plans can address future issues involving a new partner or stepparent. They also discuss how remarriage can complicate finances through child support, maintenance/alimony, debt, and the influence of a new spouse, as well as why estate planning, powers of attorney, and beneficiary decisions matter in blended families—especially with older parents and adul...
2026-02-2639 minStepStories PodcastBest Of – Michelle BennettIn this week’s episode of Step Stories, host Robin Breuner talks to Michelle Bennett to discuss their shared experience of growing up as 'motherless daughters.' Michelle's journey, marked by the tragic loss of her mother at 13 and an eventual diagnosis of complex PTSD, is both inspiring and deeply moving. The conversation also shines a spotlight on Michelle's experiences in becoming a stepmother to her husband’s two boys. She offers profound insights on maintaining respect for biological parents, the importance of keeping ego aside, and the necessity of open communication within blended families. Tune in to discover Mich...
2026-02-1933 minStepStories PodcastEp. 15 – Scott SlaughterIn this week’s insightful episode of the Step Stories podcast, host Robin Breuner interviews Scott Slaughter, a stepfather and recovery advocate, about his experiences navigating life within blended families. Scott shares his journey from growing up in a complex family structure, struggling with alcoholism, and eventually meeting his partner, Laura Cathcart Robbins, in a recovery program. He candidly discusses the challenges and rewards of becoming a stepfather to Laura's two sons while maintaining a relationship with his own daughters. This episode offers valuable lessons on the importance of patience, communication, and prioritizing happiness in blended family dynamics
2026-02-1231 minStepStories PodcastEp. 14 - Julia NurseIn this week’s episode of the Step Stories podcast, host Robin Breuner talks with Julia Nurse, who shares her powerful story of growing up as the youngest of 12 siblings after losing her mother to breast cancer at the age of nine. Julia reflects on the chaotic yet nurturing environment of her large family, the struggles her father faced, and the invaluable support of her older siblings. Now a birth and postpartum doula in San Francisco, Julia discusses how her past has shaped her vocation in nurturing others through major life transitions. Along the way, she emphasizes the importance of...
2026-02-0546 minStepStories PodcastEp. 13 – Diane KahnJoin host Robin Breuner on the Step Stories podcast as she delves into an inspiring conversation with Diane Kahn, founder of 'Humans of San Quentin.' Diane shares her passion for interviewing incarcerated individuals and unveiling their stories of humanity and accountability. They discuss the history and transformation of San Quentin Prison, the impact of broken and blended families on inmates, and the overarching themes of kindness, empathy, and self-forgiveness. Diane also highlights her personal background in a blended family and the importance of teaching empathy to children. Don't miss this deep dive into the human side of incarceration...
2026-01-2941 minStepStories PodcastEp. 12 – Natalie BreunerIn this week’s episode of the Step Stories podcast, host Robin Breuner is joined by her daughter Natalie for a candid discussion about their family dynamics. They delve into Robin's personal journey growing up in blended families, the impact of losing parents at a young age, and navigating the complexities of stepfamily relationships. Natalie shares her unique perspective on being parented by individuals who emerged from such backgrounds while recounting her own adventurous year of travel and recent engagements. Together, they explore themes of grief, resilience, conflict resolution, and the importance of extended family support. This episode offers an...
2026-01-2246 minStepStories PodcastEp. 11 – Carrie SiravoJoin host Robin Breuner in this heartwarming episode of the Step Stories Podcast as she welcomes guest Carrie Siravo. Carrie, a hairstylist and salon owner from Florida, shares her deeply personal journey from a painful divorce to creating a successful blended family. Discover how Carrie navigated the challenges of single motherhood, the emotional turmoil of separation during pregnancy, and ultimately finding love again with her husband Steven. Carrie offers insight into balancing life as a working mom, the importance of family support, and the evolving dynamics with her ex-husband. This inspirational story is not only a testament to resilience a...
2026-01-1537 minStepStories PodcastEp. 10 – Sierra SchanenIn this heartfelt episode of the Step Stories podcast, host Robin Breuner sits down with Sierra, a remarkable woman who has navigated the tumultuous waters of a chaotic childhood and emerged stronger. Sierra shares her experiences growing up in a blended family marked by instability and frequent parental separations. From being the rock for her younger siblings to dealing with her father's multiple relationships, Sierra's story is one of resilience and growth. Now 28 and married, she reflects on the impact of her upbringing on her decisions as an adult. This episode promises to offer valuable insights and relatable experiences...
2026-01-0839 minStepStories PodcastBEST OF - Laura Cathcart RobbinsIn this week’s episode of Step Stories, host Robin Breuner sits down with Laura Cathcart Robbins, the bestselling author of 'Stash: My Life in Hiding' and the host of 'The Only One in the Room' podcast. In this engaging episode, Laura opens up about her memoir, her childhood experiences as a stepdaughter, and how these shaped her life, her struggles with addiction, and her journey to reclaiming her authentic self. She shares personal anecdotes of overcoming trauma, the importance of speaking out, and the power of resilience. We also dive into her relationship with her stepfather, her career tr...
2026-01-0242 minStepStories PodcastBEST OF - Dave FeingoldIn this best of episode of The Step Stories Podcast, host Robin Breuner sits down with her friend Dave Feingold to explore his remarkable journey from a difficult childhood filled with family trauma to a balanced and fulfilling life. Dave, a seasoned real estate lawyer, shares intimate details of growing up in a tumultuous household, dealing with multiple divorces, abusive relationships, and a father he describes as a misogynistic narcissist with inappropriate behaviors. Despite these challenges, Dave has cultivated a strong, loving family of his own, being married to his childhood sweetheart Liz for 41 years and...
2025-12-2640 minStepStories PodcastEp. 9 – Hope EdelmanIn this week’s episode of the Step Stories podcast, host Robin Breuner welcomes the esteemed author Hope Edelman to discuss her influential work on grief, particularly for girls and women who have lost their mothers. Edelman, the author of pivotal books like 'Motherless Daughters' and 'The AfterGrief,' shares her journey of writing her groundbreaking first book at a young age, the impact it has had worldwide, and the importance of giving voice to motherless daughters. They delve into the complexities of stepmother relationships, dealing with loss, and the crucial role of maintaining connections to one's departed mother. Wi...
2025-12-1850 minStepStories PodcastEp. 8 – Patrick GiamancoIn this week’s heartwarming episode of the Step Stories Podcast, host Robin Breuner welcomes Patrick Giamanco, a devoted stepfather of three daughters. Patrick shares his incredible journey from meeting his wife Katie to becoming a crucial part of her daughters' lives. Robin and Patrick discuss the significant challenges and rewarding moments of stepparenting, touching on the importance of patience, presence, and strategic involvement. Patrick recounts personal anecdotes, from his early days of making breakfast for the girls to their unforgettable family trips, offering valuable insights into building strong, nurturing relationships. This episode is packed with genuine advice and up...
2025-12-1142 minStepStories PodcastEp. 7 – Amy BonettiIn this week’s heartfelt episode of the Step Stories Podcast, host Robin Breuner sits down with Amy Bonetti to explore the profound story of a daughter's enduring love for her mother. Amy reflects on her remarkable life journey, starting with her move to San Diego in 1978 and her experiences working for tech giants like Apple and Atari. She shares intimate memories of her mother's tumultuous relationships, the impact of her mother's illness, and the strength and grace her mother exhibited through multiple marriages and life's many challenges. Amidst the highs and lows, Amy recounts the family's encounters with fa...
2025-12-0438 minStepStories PodcastEp. 6 – Shay StubblefieldIn this episode of the Step Stories podcast, host Robin Breuner welcomes Shay Stubblefield, a self-employed barber with a unique background to discuss his experiences with blended families, personal growth, and new ventures. Shay shares insights about his unconventional journey through various careers, his deep connection to art and poetry, and his reflections on being raised in a diverse family. He opens up about coping with his father's addiction, the impact of his mother and other supportive figures in his life, and his evolving role as a partner to his new girlfriend and her 6-year-old son. Together, they explore...
2025-11-2831 minStepStories PodcastEp. 5 - Erin BeckerIn this week’s episode of the Step Stories podcast, host Robin Breuner welcomes her friend Erin Becker for an enriching conversation about growing up as a stepchild. Erin shares her experiences navigating the complexities of a blended family, how her childhood shaped her perspective on trauma, resilience, and healing, and the surprising gifts that can come from non-traditional family dynamics. Erin, who is an artist, poet, designer, gardener, and community activist, also discusses the importance of inner healing and her personal journey through a 12-step program. The conversation includes insights into balancing family life while supporting her husband's ca...
2025-11-2040 minStepStories PodcastEp. 4 – Laura Cathcart RobbinsIn this week’s episode of Step Stories, host Robin Breuner sits down with Laura Cathcart Robbins, the bestselling author of 'Stash: My Life in Hiding' and the host of 'The Only One in the Room' podcast. In this engaging episode, Laura opens up about her memoir, her childhood experiences as a stepdaughter, and how these shaped her life, her struggles with addiction, and her journey to reclaiming her authentic self. She shares personal anecdotes of overcoming trauma, the importance of speaking out, and the power of resilience. We also dive into her relationship with her stepfather, her career tr...
2025-11-1341 minStepStories PodcastEp. 3 - Michelle BennettIn this week’s episode of Step Stories, host Robin Breuner talks to Michelle Bennett to discuss their shared experience of growing up as 'motherless daughters.' Michelle's journey, marked by the tragic loss of her mother at 13 and an eventual diagnosis of complex PTSD, is both inspiring and deeply moving. The conversation also shines a spotlight on Michelle's experiences in becoming a stepmother to her husband’s two boys. She offers profound insights on maintaining respect for biological parents, the importance of keeping ego aside, and the necessity of open communication within blended families. Tune in to discover Mich...
2025-11-0634 minStepStories PodcastEp. 2 – Anne GudgerIn this heartfelt episode of the Step Stories podcast, host Robin Breuner welcomes author and podcast host Anne Gudger, who shares her journey through loss, healing, and the formation of a blended family. Anne discusses her powerful memoir 'The Fifth Chamber,' the traumatic loss of her first husband, Kent, and the transformative strength she discovered through her experiences. Anne opens up about raising her son, Jake, with her second husband, Scott, who embraced the role of father without feeling threatened by the memory of Kent. They delve into the challenges and rewards of maintaining a connection to Kent's...
2025-10-3039 minStepStories PodcastEp. 1 - Dave FeingoldIn this inaugural episode of The Step Stories Podcast, host Robin Breuner sits down with her friend Dave Feingold to explore his remarkable journey from a difficult childhood filled with family trauma to a balanced and fulfilling life. Dave, a seasoned real estate lawyer, shares intimate details of growing up in a tumultuous household, dealing with multiple divorces, abusive relationships, and a father he describes as a misogynistic narcissist with inappropriate behaviors. Despite these challenges, Dave has cultivated a strong, loving family of his own, being married to his childhood sweetheart Liz for 41 years and raising...
2025-10-2345 minStepStories PodcastStep Stories Podcast TrailerStepStories is an honest and heartfelt podcast exploring the real life experiences of blended families. Host Robin Breuner, who has lived life as both a stepdaughter and a mother, brings deep empathy and understanding to conversations about the challenges and joys of blended family life.Each week, Robin talks with stepmothers, stepfathers, stepchildren and step-siblings - sharing stories that reveal the love, tension, heartbreak, frustrations and resilience found within these unique family dynamics. From families who've found harmony to those still working through the challenges, whether past or present, StepStories shines a light on every side of...
2025-10-0902 min