On today’s episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori sits down with "Bookworm Stepmom," for a heartfelt and engaging conversation about navigating the highs and lows of blended family life. Stepmom opens up about her journey from single and childless to stepmom of two girls and mom to two more young children, one of whom is autistic. They dig into the realities of co-parenting with an ex, maintaining balance in a blended household, and how stepmom’s personal experiences as a stepchild shape her compassionate approach to stepmotherhood. From honest discussions about the challenges of special needs parenting and managing finances for the future, to candid stories about family dynamics, Bookworm Stepmom shares wisdom, humor, and practical tips for anyone in a blended family. Whether you’re a stepparent, bio parent, or just love an honest family story, this episode is packed with lessons and laughs you won’t want to miss!

In this episode, we discuss:

• Expanding the family with "ours" kids
• Dealing with high-conflict and jealousy
• Navigating divorce, affairs, and co-parenting
• Parenting Special Needs ("Ours") Child
• Financial planning and inheritance in Blended Families

Nacho Kids Academy Success Stories:

I Didn't Need to Leave - I Just Needed to Nacho

I was emotionally exhausted, constantly fighting invisible battles in my own home. My stepkids ignored me, my partner seemed stuck in the middle, and every day felt like I was losing a piece of myself. I thought the only way to find peace was to leave.

Then I found the Nacho Kids Academy.

At first, I was skeptical - how could not parenting actually help? But the step-by-step guidance, real-life examples, and support inside the Academy opened my eyes. I learned how to let go of the responsibilities that were never mine to begin with. I stopped trying to fix things I didn’t break. And I finally started healing.

The results? Less tension. More laughter. A stronger marriage. And oddly enough, a better connection with my stepkids now that I’ve stepped back.

Nachoing didn’t mean giving up. It meant choosing peace—and I’ll never look back. If you're struggling, this isn't just a course. It's a lifeline."

~ Jessica T. - A now happy stepmom! Thanks Nacho!

Welcome back to the Nacho Kids Podcast! In this heartfelt and relatable episode, hosts David and Lori dive into the annual struggle of graduation ticket allocations. With only a handful of coveted seats for high school and college ceremonies, blended and extended families are often left negotiating who gets a spot in the audience—and who doesn’t. Through personal stories and a bit of humor, David and Lori explore the emotional minefield that limited tickets can create for parents, step-parents, grandparents, and, most importantly, the graduates themselves. They emphasize the importance of keeping the celebration focused on the students and share creative ideas for making everyone feel included, even if they can’t physically be at the ceremony. Whether it’s planning an after-party or tuning in to a livestream, they remind listeners that graduation is about honoring the kids without piling on extra stress. Join them as they navigate one of the tricky realities of modern family life.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Graduation Ticket Challenges
• Emotional Impact on Graduates and Families
• Solutions When Tickets are Limited

Nacho Kids Academy Success Stories:

"Before finding Nacho Kids Academy, I was on the verge of leaving my marriage. I loved my husband, but the constant tension with his kids and the drama with the ex was tearing me apart. I felt like I was walking on eggshells in my own home, trying to parent kids who didn’t want me there.

Joining Nacho Kids Academy was a game-changer. I learned how to step back without stepping away, how to Nacho the things that weren’t my responsibility and focus on my relationship with my husband and myself. The coaching calls, the community, the step-by-step layers, it all gave me tools I didn’t even know I needed.

Now, my home feels peaceful again. I can show up as a loving partner without feeling like I’m constantly battling for space or respect. And the best part? My relationship with my stepkids has actually improved because I’m no longer forcing something that wasn’t working.

If you’re a stepparent feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or ready to give up, please, do yourself a favor and join Nacho Kids Academy. It saved my marriage and my sanity." - Sarah M., Stepmom of 2

In this enlightening episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, we explore the fascinating world of stepfamilies in American history with our special guest, Lisa Wilson, the esteemed author of "A History of Stepfamilies in Early America." Lisa shares her journey of uncovering the untold stories and patterns of stepfamilies, reflecting on her personal experiences as a member of such a family. Delving into historical dynamics, Lisa discusses how the perception and roles within stepfamilies have evolved over centuries, from the challenges of integrating into what was once an emotionally-focused family model to combating age-old prejudices against stepmothers.

Lori and David, our hosts, invite listeners to a thoughtful conversation about the societal shifts that have affected family structures, highlighting the continuity of certain challenges stepfamilies face today, reminiscent of those from the 18th century. They touch on topics like the legal rights of step-parents, the economic considerations of remarriage, and even the portrayal of stepparents in popular culture.

Join us as we navigate this intriguing historical landscape, uncovering insights that resonate with modern stepfamilies and fostering a greater understanding of how these blended households have always been a fundamental part of the American family fabric.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Historical context of stepfamilies
• Stepparents' challenges and shifts in family dynamics
• Societal perceptions and misconceptions
• Modern Community and family structures

Nacho Kids Academy Success Stories:

“I thought I had tried everything. Books, blogs, even therapy, but nothing helped me feel less like an outsider in my own home. Then I found Nacho Kids Academy. Within weeks, the stress in our home dropped dramatically. I finally understood that I didn’t have to fix everything or be the 'bonus mom of the year.' I learned how to support my partner without losing myself. The daily tension? Gone. The constant guilt? Lifted. The relationship with my stepkids isn’t perfect, but for the first time, it’s not painful. Nacho Kids gave me my peace and my power back.”- Sarah M., Stepmom of 3 and Proud Nacho’er