Laugh your way through the ups and downs of blended family life in Episode 324 of the Nacho Kids Podcast! Hosts David and Lori bring their signature humor and honesty to a fresh discussion about the realities of stepfamily dynamics—proving it’s always a hot mess, but never without a laugh.

In this episode, you’ll:

• Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into David and Lori’s relationship as they share candid moments and jokes about married life in a blended family.

• Hear how they transform challenging topics—like issues around stepkids and “family sucking otherwise”—into opportunities for connection and laughter.

• Feel validated if you’ve ever struggled with tough family topics, as the hosts keep things real while still making space for joy and fun.

Although there’s no featured guest in this episode, David and Lori’s chemistry and honest banter will make you feel like you’re sitting at the kitchen table with old friends. This episode is perfect for anyone navigating the stepparent journey or looking for a little comic relief in the midst of family chaos.

Don’t forget to subscribe, share your favorite moment, and leave us a review so we can keep spreading the laughter!

Find more episodes and resources:
Website: nachokids.com
Facebook: Nacho Kids
Instagram: @nachokids

Join the Nacho Kids community and turn your “hot mess” into your happy place!

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, host Lori welcomes back Michaela Bucchianeri to explore emotional regulation, a crucial skill for every stepmom and stepfamily member. Michaela breaks down the myth that emotions are the enemy and shares actionable tips for managing stress responses like fight, flight, and fawn. Discover practical tools for building emotional vocabulary, reframing negative thoughts, and intentionally choosing which situations to engage in. Learn why emotional awareness is vital in step-parenting, how to avoid people-pleasing traps, and ways to protect your mental and physical health from chronic stress. Perfect for stepmoms seeking healthier relationships, self-regulation, and a happier blended family life.

Key elements:

• Emotions aren’t the enemy - learn to work with them, not suppress them.

• Stress responses (fight, flight, freeze, fawn) and their impact on stepfamily life.

• Ways to expand emotional vocabulary for better self-awareness and communication.

• Tips for reframing situations to reduce conflict and emotional overwhelm.

• The importance of intentionally choosing situations to protect your emotional energy.

• How people-pleasing and over-functioning can cause long-term burnout.

• Actionable self-regulation techniques to support your health and stepfamily dynamics.

Perfect for stepmoms and blended families seeking actionable advice on emotional wellness, setting boundaries, and strengthening relationships.
#stepmomlife #emotionregulation #blendedfamilytips

Resources Mentioned

• NachoKids.com

• NachoKidsAcademy.com

Nacho Parenting Testimonial:

I stopped crying in the bathroom after coaching with Lori. I finally feel like “ME” again. Forever Grateful! S.B., Nashville, TN, USA

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, hosts Lori and David dive into the everyday challenges stepparents face, using real-life examples from their blended family. From disputes over GPS navigation and vacuum cleaner filters to the ongoing “dishes dilemma,” the couple offers a candid, humorous look into the emotional triggers that can arise in blended households. Lori emphasizes how the Nacho Method not only reduces stress within the stepfamily dynamic but also helps handle life’s daily annoyances more calmly. Whether it’s tackling chores, navigating relationships with stepkids, or learning to nacho stressful moments, this episode delivers actionable tips for maintaining peace and sanity in your blended family.

Key Topics:

• Handling household chores and responsibilities
• Communication and conflict in relationships
• Role imbalance in blended families
• Emotional responses and stress management
• Finding practical solutions for daily frustrations

Nacho Kids Academy Testimonial:

This Academy didn't only help my blend, it helped ME! ~ S.D., Melbourne, Australia

#NachoKids #StepfamilyAdvice #BlendedFamilyStress