What Fresh Hell

“What Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face of Motherhood” is a hilarious podcast exploring the joys and challenges of parenthood and adulting in general. Join hosts Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables as they navigate motherhood, careers, relationships, and the ever-changing landscape of women’s lives with a little research, a big dose of relatable stories, and a whole lot of laughter.

“What Fresh Hell” is a Webby-honored podcast with 12 million downloads and hundreds of episodes. Use the search function in the upper-right corner to find the topics you want to hear more about. From toddlers to teens, from toxic positivity to rejoining the workforce, we’ve talked about it.

Recent episodes

Dec. 3, 2025

Saying "No" Is Also Work

Amy and Margaret break down why saying no is real work with real consequences and practical ways to set boundaries without guilt, protecting your time, energy, and sanity.
Dec. 1, 2025

DEEP DIVE: Are We Helping or Are We Helicoptering?

No one wants to be a helicopter parent. Every parent needs to be helpful. But how much, how often, and how can we find the best overall balance?
Nov. 28, 2025

Fresh Take: Glen Henry, FATHER YOURSELF FIRST

Amy and Margaret talk with Glen Henry, author of the new book FATHER YOURSELF FIRST, about breaking cycles, parenting with intention, and healing your inner child.
Nov. 26, 2025

BEST OF: I Love My Family, But They Need To Stop Doing This

Mothers would do anything for their families, but they would also like them to stop saying and doing some things that drive them absolutely bonkers. Here are some of the things our mom friends can't stand.
Nov. 24, 2025

DEEP DIVE: Lynn Lyons and Robin Hutson of "Flusterclux"

When anxiety is part of family systems, our well-meaning attempts to assuage kids can instead serve to further reinforce it. Psychologist Lynn Lyons and Robin Hutson, co-hosts of the podcast Flusterclux, explain what actually works for anxiety.
Nov. 21, 2025

Fresh Take: Dr. Michael Milobsky

Dr. Michael Milobsky, host of the podcast "Your Kids Will Be Fine," offers his pediatrician expert advice to our listener questions.
Nov. 19, 2025

Holiday Hacks

Amy and Margaret share listeners' most practical holiday hacks—and a few of their own—for simplifying meals, traditions, and expectations for a saner, happier holiday season.
Nov. 17, 2025

DEEP DIVE: Dr. Gabor Maté and Dr. Gordon Neufeld on Maintaining Healthy Connection with Our Kids

Society tells us that it's both unavoidable and appropriate for kids to shift their focus from their parents to their peers as they grow. In their book HOLD ON TO YOUR KIDS, Dr. Gabor Maté and Dr. Gordon Neufeld explain why we should push back on "peer orientation."
Nov. 14, 2025

Fresh Take: Kate Baer, HOW ABOUT NOW

Kate Baer tells us about her new poetry collection HOW ABOUT NOW—written through illness, motherhood, and major life changes—and how poetry helps her make sense of time, the body, marriage, and what it means to keep going.
Nov. 12, 2025

Boys Online: What the Latest Data Shows

We break down what the latest research on boys' online lives shows. Learn how digital culture shapes boys today and how you can help them navigate their online world successfully.

Reviews

Funny, helpful, cathartic

"I love the dynamic between Amy and Margaret as opposites in many ways who share the same values. Every week I learn something and/or laugh a lot. Can’t beat a parenting podcast that makes me feel bet…"

EVH16 | June 25, 2025

Long time fan of this show

"I’ve listened to Amy and Margaret for almost 6 years now, and this show is consistently great and reliable. Interesting guests and interviews, always. During the dark early days of the pandemic they …"

Bri.M. | June 26, 2025

The Best Friends I’ve Never Met

"I’ve been listening to these ladies for years. Even as my children have gotten older, these podcasts and conversations are still so relatable and enjoyable! I feel like Margaret and Amy are my bestie…"

MirandaFitt | June 26, 2025

The best parenting podcast!

"Amy and Margaret are delightful, and their podcast is always informative. I started listening when my twins were toddlers, and I have always appreciated Amy and Margaret’s “it gets better” message to…"

kateskone | June 26, 2025

Great for Dads too!

"Margaret and Amy talk about everyday and useful topics, and are really refreshing and funny to listen to. It’s super useful as a dad, both as a parent in general as well as to better understand what …"

LocalLou | July 30, 2025

Finally!

"Finally, a podcast I am truly following! I eagerly wait for every episode to drop each week. I’ve never really meshed well enough with a podcast to feel that way before. Amy and Margaret have the per…"

charitypickett | Aug. 4, 2025

Real, Raw….. Motherhood!

"As a first time mom, these ladies have been my spirit guides as I adjust to this new chapter of life. In the loneliness of postpartum, I had this podcast to keep me company at all hours of the day an…"

Hallejellis | Aug. 13, 2025

High point of each week: when a new WFH episode drops

"I’ve been listening to this delightful pair for about four years now, and tuning into the podcast has become a weekly staple in my life. They’re funny, thoughtful, and tackle really interesting topic…"

Elise Vinnik | Aug. 14, 2025

Funny Hosts With Practical Advice

"I have been listening to this podcast (I would have to guess) 8 years. For me the messaging from this podcast is, “It is all going to be alright” and “Don’t take it too seriously.” This was helpful f…"

Memphis627 | Nov. 4, 2024

Amazing show

"I Have been listening for over 4 years. I am a mom of 3 (5, 4, and 10 month old). Have got me through tough times with lots of laughs and heart. Keep the good episodes coming!"

Beckinator88 | Aug. 8, 2024

The episode is coming from INSIDE THE CAR…

"I would just about swear these hosts have my house/car tapped and are using my daily chaos to come us with episode topics, they are THAT relevant. Thank you WFH for dishing up what I need to hear wit…"

notks | Aug. 14, 2024

Y’all are the best!

"I’ve tried many parenting podcasts and yours is hands down the best. You have a great banter and balance. I appreciate the variety of topics and the tempo of each show is a nice constant- it feels li…"

s ren | June 22, 2021

Humor, Advice & Solidarity

"Perfect balance of humor, practical advice and stories that give solidarity in the ups and downs of parenting. Been listening for years and love Amy & Margaret! Highly recommend!"

Fun app for toddlers! | Oct. 21, 2021

A definite must listen!

"Just this morning I was yet again losing the battle of getting both of my kids out the door to school- when I got in the car for my daily commute I turned on WFH for some comic relief and commiserati…"

WLWmom2two | Oct. 24, 2023

Recommend to Every Mom

"I started listening to WFH about a year ago, and now I don’t miss a show. I’m Actually going back thru the archives so I don’t miss anything, they are so funny, real and provide a good range of paren…"

HeLLa79 | Oct. 19, 2023

WWAMD (What would Amy & Margaret Do?)

"After listening for well over a year now, I often find myself wondering what would Amy & Margaret do when I encounter life’s daily surprises & hiccups. This podcast is one of those rare gems - a true…"

Court C N | Dec. 6, 2023

My favorite parenting podcast!

"This is the perfect parenting podcast—interesting and informative topics, great dynamic between the hosts, and fun to listen to. I always come away feeling like I just hung out with two friends who t…"

amber girl | Dec. 4, 2023

Got me through a lot

"The humor and humanity of this podcast has seen m through a lot. Living far away from family and with no friends with kids around, Margaret and Amy have been my surrogate mom friends through the pand…"

HannahGlennWriter | March 15, 2024

Brilliant!

"Love this podcast. A perfect mix of light hearted and humor, and truly profound and meaningful conversations on parenting."

hpatnaik | June 13, 2024

Keeping it Real 💯

"I consistently listen to this show. The hosts Amy and Margaret have super relevant topics that help me other my very different from each other kids. The suggestions and topics are “real” and things t…"

Used to be happy with it | May 21, 2024

Amazing tips that make my day easier

"Loving this show! Great tips on why we do what we do and how to do better. Super helpful in knowing what to do to raise better humans and model better behavior. Thank you Margaret and Amy!"

Bre Brighter | May 17, 2024

Highlight of My Week

"The moment I hear the music at the beginning of each episode, my blood pressure drops. I hoard episodes to listen to while I do laundry, mundane computer work, etc. This is BY FAR my favorite podcast…"

E. S. Pearson | April 10, 2024

Informational, insightful and fun

"I’ve been listening to this podcast since I had my youngest son almost 6 years ago. I was a mom of 3 under 3, just trying to survive each day and I immediately connected with this show! Time and time…"

jamiehaley | April 10, 2024

Best Parenting Podcast!

"This is my favorite podcast and the only one I have listened to consistently for YEARS! These two are so funny and down to earth, but still full of practical advice. I don’t really write reviews but…"

kth912 | Aug. 10, 2024

Funny, informative and backed by stats!

"I love that they keep the discussions light and interesting but still stuff plenty of facts and statistics from studies in to the discussions! My favorite podcast about motherhood!"

Donns Leigh | Aug. 8, 2024

Global reach

"International listener and fan. No matter where you are in the mom life, from littles to college/workworld-bound, Margaret and Amy have something for everyone. Informative and humorous, I look forwar…"

Tapatia64 | Aug. 9, 2024

The perfect balance of knowledge and fun

"I started listening and at the time believed that just like any other podcast it would run its cycle and become less interesting, after all, there is “only so much” to talk about parenting right?! O …"

jasonari | Aug. 26, 2024