363: How Did We Get Here?

363: How Did We Get Here?

Author: Lori Sims & David Sims May 15, 2026 Duration: 1:07:22

** Disclaimer:

This episode includes discussion of addiction, overdosing, and alleged inappropriate touching between a stepparent and stepchild **

In this episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori sits down with longtime friend Tabatha Hartman to discuss her challenging journey through grief, blending families, addiction, and parental alienation. Tabatha shares how her life changed after the loss of her ex-husband, the struggles her daughter endured, and the tough choices she faced as a mother and stepmom. The conversation delves into issues such as therapy for grieving children, navigating false allegations, maintaining boundaries, and building resilience amid chaos. Tabatha Hartman also talks about her memoir, "How Did We Get Here?", written to help others facing similar struggles. The episode offers raw, honest insight into coping with loss, healing family relationships, and the ongoing impact of addiction.

  • In this episode, we discuss:

    • Coping with the death of a co-parent and its effects on blended families

    • Parenting through grief and supporting children after loss

    • Legal battles and parental alienation within stepfamilies

    • The impact of addiction and relapse on families

    • Setting boundaries and making difficult decisions as a parent

    • The journey of repairing and rebuilding fractured parent-child relationships

    • The reality of false allegations and how to navigate them

    • Writing as a tool for processing grief and trauma

    • The ongoing effects of addiction and generational cycles

    • How open communication and resilience can help families move forward


Navigating the complexities of a stepfamily can feel like an isolating journey, but it doesn’t have to be. The Nacho Kids Podcast: Blended Family Lifesaver offers a genuine conversation for anyone in the thick of it, hosted by Lori and David Sims. As founders of Nacho Kids and experienced blended family coaches themselves, they bring both personal insight and professional guidance to each episode. This isn’t about abstract theory; it’s real talk about the daily struggles, from co-parenting tensions and sibling dynamics to maintaining your own relationship sanity. You’ll hear from the hosts and their guests as they share candid stories of both setbacks and hard-won successes, creating a sense of community. At the heart of this podcast is the practical, life-changing framework of the Nacho Kids Method, which provides tangible strategies for saving relationships and building a peaceful home. Tune in for honest discussions that replace judgment with support, offering the tools and reassurance needed to thrive in your blended family life. Each conversation is designed to make you feel understood and equipped, turning overwhelming challenges into manageable steps forward.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Nacho Kids Podcast: Blended Family Lifesaver
Podcast Episodes
366: Loss, Reconciliation, and Growth in the blend [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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365: The Second Time Around [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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362: Comparison Will Make You Miserable [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Comparisons are the Thief of Joy—But What About in Blended Families? In episode NKP362 of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori and David dive deep into the pitfalls of comparison, especially when it comes to blended families, ki…
361: Keep The Target Off Your Back [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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In this episode, Lori and David dig into real-life stepfamily scenarios from handling dinnertime food drama with stepkids, to discovering vapes hidden in a teenager's room. They discuss the importance of keeping the "tar…
360: Stepmom Becomes Only Legal Parent to Stepdaughter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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358: Mother's Day Doesn't Have to Suck [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:47
Mother's Day is almost here, and stepmoms everywhere are bracing for the rollercoaster of emotions that this Hallmark holiday can bring. In this honest, lighthearted episode, Lori & David break down the myths, expectatio…
357: Estate Planning In Stepfamilies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:31
Discover crucial insights into estate planning, divorce mediation, and the complexities of blended families in this heartfelt episode featuring attorney Tamara Arnold. Learn why preparing legal documents for life's unexp…
356: Who Pays For College In A Stepfamily [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:59
Curious how blended families navigate the tricky question of paying for college? Lori and David tackle financial planning, family dynamics, and the reality of college costs in stepfamilies with honesty and humor. In this…