In this heartfelt episode of the Step Stories podcast, host Robin Breuner welcomes author and podcast host Anne Gudger, who shares her journey through loss, healing, and the formation of a blended family. Anne discusses her powerful memoir 'The Fifth Chamber,' the traumatic loss of her first husband, Kent, and the transformative strength she discovered through her experiences. Anne opens up about raising her son, Jake, with her second husband, Scott, who embraced the role of father without feeling threatened by the memory of Kent. They delve into the challenges and rewards of maintaining a connection to Kent's memory while integrating Scott fully into the family. Anne also talks about her successful podcast, 'Coffee Grief and Gratitude,' co-hosted with her daughter Maria, and provides valuable insights into handling complex family dynamics with love and openness. Tune in for an inspiring discussion filled with stories of resilience, love, and the power of family, both biological and chosen.

Anne Gudger

Email: annegudger@gmail.com

Website: www.annegudger.com

Instagram:www.instagram.com/annegudger

Facebook: www.facebook.com/annegudger

Podcast: www.annegudger.com/podcast-coffee-grief-and-gratitude

Robin Breuner

Email: robinbreuner@gmail.com

Website: www.robinbreuner.com

Instagram: stepstoriesIG

Facebook:Robin Breuner FB

Linkedin: RobinBreunerLinkIN

Podcast: Step Stories Podcast

Threads: @robinbreuner

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this inaugural episode of The Step Stories Podcast, host Robin Breuner sits down with her friend Dave Feingold to explore his remarkable journey from a difficult childhood filled with family trauma to a balanced and fulfilling life. Dave, a seasoned real estate lawyer, shares intimate details of growing up in a tumultuous household, dealing with multiple divorces, abusive relationships, and a father he describes as a misogynistic narcissist with inappropriate behaviors. Despite these challenges, Dave has cultivated a strong, loving family of his own, being married to his childhood sweetheart Liz for 41 years and raising three wonderful children. This episode touches on the impact of birth order, the coping mechanisms Dave developed, and the profound influence Liz's stable family had on his life. Dave also reflects on breaking the cycle of dysfunction by supporting 'bonus kids' and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and apologizing for parental mistakes.

Robin Breuner

Email robinbreuner@gmail.com

Website www.robinbreuner.com

Instagram: stepstoriesIG

Facebook: Robin Breuner FB

Linkedin: RobinBreunerLinkIN

Podcast: Step Stories Podcast

Threads: @robinbreuner

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

StepStories is an honest and heartfelt podcast exploring the real life experiences of blended families. Host Robin Breuner, who has lived life as both a stepdaughter and a mother, brings deep empathy and understanding to conversations about the challenges and joys of blended family life.

Each week, Robin talks with stepmothers, stepfathers, stepchildren and step-siblings - sharing stories that reveal the love, tension, heartbreak, frustrations and resilience found within these unique family dynamics. From families who've found harmony to those still working through the challenges, whether past or present, StepStories shines a light on every side of the journey.

Through authentic storytelling and open dialogue, Robin creates a space for reflection, healing, and connection. Whether you are or have been part of a blended family, or simply curious about the bonds that hold people together, StepStories offers honesty, hope, and heart in every episode.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.