Episode 09 | Becoming A Stepparent | Gina Grad, Radio/Podcast Host & Author of My Extra Mom

What Nobody Tells Us

Today's guest is one of my favorite people in the world: Gina Grad. Gina is a long-time radio and podcast host and author of My Extra Mom, which was inspired by her experience coming into the life of her now-husband's son, whom she affectionately refers to as KidBoy. Gina is one of the most warm-hearted, kind, loving and hilarious people I know, and she and I discuss the good, bad and ugly of becoming a stepparent, which is one of the most important yet most-villianized roles someone can take on.

Gina debunks the myths and shifts pre-conceived notions away from the idea of “the evil stepmother” to what being a stepmom is truly about – a person who joins a family already in progress and adds to the joy, protection, and love that already exists. Our conversation goes deep on all things related to her role as stepmom to her stepson, aka Kidboy:

• Gina's thoughts on having kids and whether she wanted a biological child
• How and when Gina first met her stepson while dating his dad, Andy
• The amazing moment Gina knew she "had made it" with Kidboy
• How Gina and her now-husband, Andy, clarified their own roles in the child's life
• Why Gina, Andy and Kidboy butted heads and experienced miscommunication, and how other stepparents can avoid making the same mistakes
• How Gina and Andy involved Kidboy in their wedding and why a united front was so important
• The importance of a 3rd party, neutral figure in helping determine parenting roles
• Hilarious anecdotes about how Gina was thrown into the parenting deep-end without any prior experience
• Why there is no "one right way" to step/parent a child
• All the things nobody told Gina -- or tells anyone -- about what to do and not do when about to become a stepparent

Gina and I had the best time recording this episode and I hope you enjoy listening and learning to our conversation!