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

Feb. 2, 2026

DEEP DIVE: Peer Pressure

Peer pressure affects everyone in the human species, and even some self-conscious monkeys. What is it about sitting with the cool kids, and how can we help our own kids understand they don’t have to follow all of the other lemmings over the cliff?
Jan. 30, 2026

Fresh Take: Dr. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek and Dr. Roberta Golinkoff

Developmental psychologists Kathy Hirsh-Pasek and Roberta Golinkoff, authors of EINSTEIN NEVER USED FLASHCARDS, explain why play—not pressure—is how kids really learn. They share research-backed ways parents can support healthy development.
Jan. 28, 2026

Watch Your Story: Becoming Aware of the Narratives We Live By

Why do our brains create "stories" about our own lives? And what happens when those stories don't serve us? We discuss "narrative identity," and how questioning and rewriting our stories can boost our mental health.
Jan. 26, 2026

DEEP DIVE: Helping Kids Manage Their Friendships

When our kids aren't good at making friends, we feel their pain and want to help them. Here's what we can do to give our kids the skills they'll need to be good friends.
Jan. 23, 2026

Fresh Take: Meredith Elkins, PARENTING ANXIETY

Clinical psychologist Dr. Meredith Elkins, author of the new book PARENTING ANXIETY, explains why anxiety isn’t the enemy—and how avoidance makes it worse. Learn how to raise resilient kids without reinforcing fear.
Jan. 21, 2026

Tween and Teen Crimes

Missing spoons, stolen chargers, and intense clouds of AXE body spray. Amy and Margaret break down the funniest, most frustrating tween and teen crimes—and why so many of these baffling behaviors are (unfortunately) normal.
Jan. 19, 2026

DEEP DIVE: When Our Kids Are Bad at Making Friends

How can we help kids who aren't great at making friends—who don't pick up on the subtle social rules that make friendships work? Here's how to teach kids to make—and keep—peer connections.
Jan. 16, 2026

Fresh Take: Dr. Greg Hammer on the Winter Blues—and How Mindfulness Can Help

Why do the winter blues hit so hard? Mindfulness expert Dr. Greg Hammer explains the science behind it, why teens are particularly susceptible, and how a mindfulness practice can support mental health.
Jan. 14, 2026

How to Make Better Decisions (And Stress Less About Them)

Why does decision-making feel so exhausting—especially for parents? Here's a breakdown of the science of choice overload, decision fatigue, and regret aversion, plus some research-backed strategies to make decisions easier and less stressful.
Jan. 12, 2026

DEEP DIVE: When Your Kid is Being Bullied

Is your kid being bullied? Should you as the parent get involved? Will that only make things worse? It's easy to feel helpless at these times. Getting clear about what's happening can help.

Reviews

Best parenting podcast, hands down!

"I LOVE Amy and Margaret! They bring humor and insight to the most important work that a person can do! The weight of motherhood can feel overwhelming and paralyzing. Amy and Margaret blend persona…"

EmilyC MN | Jan. 28, 2026

Smart, funny, and relatable

"I’ve been listening to this podcast for years. Hilarious, smart, and relatable. Amy and Margaret feel like old friends at this point, but the content is still fresh and interesting. I look forward t…"

Pchin14 | Jan. 28, 2026

Relatable, Funny, Informative

"This is the podcast I most look forward to listening to every week. Margaret and Amy always manage to find the sweet spot that lies at the intersection of helpful, interesting, funny, relatable and …"

Marie12746 | Jan. 29, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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