In this week’s episode, I sit down with one of the podcast’s long-time listeners to talk about what it really feels like to be the homework house — the stable, consistent home that carries the weight of rules, boundaries, responsibility, and yep, all the homework.

We dive into the pride, the pressure, and the emotional toll of always being the reliable one in a blended family. From setting routines to holding firm boundaries, this conversation is a reminder that while being the “safe base” isn’t easy, it matters more than we often give ourselves credit for.

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Raising His Kids: https://raisinghiskids.my.canva.site/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaa_DJPPjVXUICfG2osbftxYJAw6dX0a0ajyQdis4317ndikWcx-CQrV3x4_aem_AWpIBMCZzQL60BCybo8GvLLLErIUmE8Pt1wvvylUXkFqmhiYC4eJUy0qFm4v-_ocZhTGMPyzHXkZv3fs3RWvvUbq

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Co-parenting isn’t always smooth sailing — especially when you’re navigating high-conflict dynamics, new partners, and kids caught in the middle. In this episode, I sit down with Gabriella Pomare — family lawyer, co-parenting mum, and author of The Collaborative Co-Parent — to talk about what it really takes to create a child-focused approach after separation.

We chat about her new book, co-parenting, keeping the children’s best interests at the forefront, managing expectations, and managing relationships for children with their other parents and siblings. Gabriella also answers some listener questions — you’ll just need to listen to find out!

Gabriella combines her professional expertise with her own personal journey, making this conversation both practical and deeply relatable.

If you’ve ever wondered how to set boundaries, keep your kids’ wellbeing front and centre, and maybe even find some hope in the chaos, this one’s for you.

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Gabriella: https://thecollaborativeco-parent.com.au/

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Ever feel like you're doing all the things — but still questioning if you're doing any of it right?

In this episode, I chat with Michaela, a fellow stepmum and clinical psychologist — you might know her on social media as The Anxious Stepmom. We unpack what it’s like to navigate the ups and downs of blended family life while living with anxiety: the emotional toll of constantly second-guessing yourself, the mental load of trying to be everything to everyone, and how anxiety can quietly shape how we show up in our homes and relationships.

You might notice a few jumpy moments — we had some tech glitches mid-recording — but the heart of this conversation still shines through. It’s raw, honest, and full of those “I thought it was just me” moments.

If you’ve ever felt like your brain won’t slow down and your heart is carrying more than it should… this one’s for you.

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Raising His Kids: https://raisinghiskids.my.canva.site/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaa_DJPPjVXUICfG2osbftxYJAw6dX0a0ajyQdis4317ndikWcx-CQrV3x4_aem_AWpIBMCZzQL60BCybo8GvLLLErIUmE8Pt1wvvylUXkFqmhiYC4eJUy0qFm4v-_ocZhTGMPyzHXkZv3fs3RWvvUbq

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Michaela

Website: https://www.theanxiousstepmom.com/

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We pick things back up with more messy custody stories, emotionally charged depositions, school chaos — and plenty of the stuff no one talks about (or plans to talk about) when it comes to court in a blended family.

It’s emotional. It’s honest. It’s a little unhinged in places.

And it’s exactly the kind of chat that reminds you — you’re not the only one going through it.

Some stories will make you nod along.

Others might make you cringe.

But either way, you’ll feel seen.

Tune in as we wrap up this unfiltered two-part episode and unpack the courtroom curveballs so many of us are navigating behind the scenes of blended family life.

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Raising His Kids: https://raisinghiskids.my.canva.site/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaa_DJPPjVXUICfG2osbftxYJAw6dX0a0ajyQdis4317ndikWcx-CQrV3x4_aem_AWpIBMCZzQL60BCybo8GvLLLErIUmE8Pt1wvvylUXkFqmhiYC4eJUy0qFm4v-_ocZhTGMPyzHXkZv3fs3RWvvUbq

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Kassandra:

https://www.wearefamilyish.com/

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In this episode, I’m joined by Kassandra and Kelsee — and while we set out to share our court stories and experiences with custody agreements… let’s just say, we take the scenic route getting there 🤭

From heartfelt moments to unexpected tangents, this is the kind of messy, real conversation that only happens when you feel safe enough to speak your truth — even when you don’t all agree.

This is part one of a multi-part chat (because we had a lot to say), and the full unedited version is already up on Patreon if you want the whole deep dive, sidetracks and all.

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Raising His Kids

https://raisinghiskids.my.canva.site/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaa_DJPPjVXUICfG2osbftxYJAw6dX0a0ajyQdis4317ndikWcx-CQrV3x4_aem_AWpIBMCZzQL60BCybo8GvLLLErIUmE8Pt1wvvylUXkFqmhiYC4eJUy0qFm4v-_ocZhTGMPyzHXkZv3fs3RWvvUbq

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Kassandra

https://www.wearefamilyish.com/

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What is it about sick kids that brings out the worst in co-parenting dynamics? In this episode, Jyl and I unpack the passive-aggressive texts, the missing thermometers at 2am, the drama over doctor visits, and the emotional load that so often falls on one household.

We also touch on how medication decisions, puberty, and step-parent involvement all get tangled up when communication breaks down.

Whether you’re navigating this as a bio parent, bonus parent, or both — you’re not alone. This episode is honest, a little chaotic, and full of those “yep, been there” moments.

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Raising His Kids: https://raisinghiskids.my.canva.site/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaa_DJPPjVXUICfG2osbftxYJAw6dX0a0ajyQdis4317ndikWcx-CQrV3x4_aem_AWpIBMCZzQL60BCybo8GvLLLErIUmE8Pt1wvvylUXkFqmhiYC4eJUy0qFm4v-_ocZhTGMPyzHXkZv3fs3RWvvUbq

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Jyl: https://jylbarlow.com/

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In this deeply honest episode, I sit down with Alex Willumsen — the voice behind Step by Step Brighton — a UK-based stepmum who supports women navigating stepfamily life, particularly those who are childless not by choice.

Alex opens up about the heartbreak of infertility, the emotional toll of raising someone else’s children, and what it’s like to be seen as a “mum figure” while silently grieving the child she never had. We also talk about identity, high-conflict bio mums, and the unspoken tension between biological and childless stepmums.

This episode is for any woman who’s ever questioned her role, her worth, or whether she belongs in the motherhood space.

💞 One step at a time, you will find your place.

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Alex

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stepbystepbrighton

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Raising His Kids: https://raisinghiskids.my.canva.site/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaa_DJPPjVXUICfG2osbftxYJAw6dX0a0ajyQdis4317ndikWcx-CQrV3x4_aem_AWpIBMCZzQL60BCybo8GvLLLErIUmE8Pt1wvvylUXkFqmhiYC4eJUy0qFm4v-_ocZhTGMPyzHXkZv3fs3RWvvUbq

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In this episode of Raising His Kids, Toni is joined by Veronica Grace Andrews—stepmum of over 15 years, former stepmum support group facilitator, and author of You Can Heal Stepmom Burnout.

We talk about the emotional toll of stepmotherhood, how to recognise (and recover from) burnout, and the importance of protecting your peace—especially when your role doesn’t always come with clear boundaries or recognition. Veronica also opens up about the unexpected challenges that can still show up after the kids are grown.

This one’s a must-listen for any mum in a blended family who’s ever felt overwhelmed, unseen, or just plain exhausted. You’re not alone—and you deserve to feel whole again.

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Veronica

https://www.veronicagraceandrews.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healstepmomburnout/

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GET THE BOOK!

Raising His Kids: https://raisinghiskids.my.canva.site/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaa_DJPPjVXUICfG2osbftxYJAw6dX0a0ajyQdis4317ndikWcx-CQrV3x4_aem_AWpIBMCZzQL60BCybo8GvLLLErIUmE8Pt1wvvylUXkFqmhiYC4eJUy0qFm4v-_ocZhTGMPyzHXkZv3fs3RWvvUbq

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