episodes

How do you explain to your kids that going away for the weekend doesn't mean you're leaving them forever? Amy explains how to "rebrand" your trip to minimize separation anxiety and toddler tears.

Do we have to monetize, publicize, and optimize all of our hobbies into a legit "side-hustle" that must also fulfill us? Guest Liz Gumbinner, co-host of the podcast "Spawned," talks with Margaret about the pressure to perform in every aspect …

We asked our listeners about the things that make them unreasonably happy. From petrichor to butter cubes to sausage dogs in sweaters, the weirdness certainly abounded.

What happens when you're faced with two conflicting performances, graduations, or other important events? Margaret shares her own experience juggling her three kids' different activities.

=How do we find "balance" in our lives as moms– and why does that sound like such hard work? Dr. Amber Thornton, host of the podcast "Balanced Working Mama," tells us where mom guilt really comes from - and how …

We still have three more weeks until we find out whether we have six more weeks of winter (spoiler alert: we will). Losing your mind a little bit? You're not alone.

Has your child ever been excluded from their friend group all of a sudden for no apparent reason? Middle-school ostracization is real, and it really hurts– and it's hard for a parent to know how much to become involved.

What are the magical tidbits that they should teach in parenting classes but don't? We talked with comedian and writer Ophira Eisenberg about what parenting classes would include, her new podcast "Parenting Is a Joke," and why kids put their …

Even when we moms DO have the courage to ask for help, we don't always know what to ask for. So we asked our listeners about the best help they've given - and received - as moms.

Worried that your kids are missing out on magical experiences you've been neglecting to provide them with? Here's how to put your "Mom FOMO" at ease.

Is there a happy medium between doing everything for our kids and letting them run feral? Cindy Muchnick, author of THE PARENT COMPASS, explains how setting our own intentional course as parents is the key.

It’s hard not to compare kids to their siblings, particularly when their personalities can seem so diametrically opposed. If we notice those differences as parents– and compare our kids, implicitly or explicitly– is that a good thing or a bad …

Have you ever felt disappointed, rather than excited, at learning your baby's sex? Amy answers a question from a listener who is feeling disappointed that her third child is also a boy.

Turns out Western parenting isn’t the way things need to be–the key to happy kids is doing less. Michaeleen Doucleff, author of "Hunt, Gather, Parent," explains what ancient cultures can teach us about helping kids thrive by being hands-off.

How do we find the strength to break harmful patterns from our own childhood with our kids? Why is it so hard? Do we truly have the ability to change?

Processing our own parent’s terminal illness– while helping our own kids feel better about the approaching loss of a grandparent– can feel overwhelming. Drawing from personal experience, Margaret explains how to get through this difficult time.

In this “Best Of” interview KC Davis, author of HOW TO KEEP HOUSE WHILE DROWNING and host of the podcast STRUGGLE CARE, tells us how to move beyond houses full of dirty dishes, LEGOs, and overwhelm with a gentler method …

It's time for a debrief on the best interviews, comedic moments, and long-held grudges in our favorite What Fresh Hell episodes of 2022!

Do you have an in-law who tends to give your child presents that they don't necessarily love? It's not easy dealing with unwanted gifts from relatives, but with some patience and guidance, we can help our kids navigate these situations.

Remote work is here to stay. So how to we integrate it into our lives in a healthy way? Natalie Mayslich and Blessing Adesiyan, authors of the The Modern Workplace Report, share what they've learned about the effects of remote …

Why does it seem like the holiday season starts earlier and earlier every year? And how do we navigate the many obligations and traditions thereof without crying into our creamed white onions?

Having trouble giving all sides of your family equal air-time at the holidays? Margaret explains how to plan ahead so that the season is one of peace and joy, rather than tears and guilt.

Are you always putting your children and spouse first - to the detriment of your own health? Heather Chauvin, host of the "Emotionally Uncomfortable" podcast, explains how it took a stage-four cancer diagnosis for her to start prioritizing her own …

Kneecaps? Tiny holes? Freeform jazz? We've all got something that gives us the heebie jeebies, even if no one else understands. We asked our listeners to send us their most oddly specific fears - here's what they said.