What Fresh Hell

episodes

April 14, 2023

Fresh Take: Dr. Lynn Koegel on the Hidden Brilliance of Autism

What if we focused on the strengths of kids with autism rather than getting caught up in their perceived shortcomings or differing needs? Dr. Lynn Koegel, author of HIDDEN BRILLIANCE, discusses how to go about it.

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April 12, 2023

Your Tween, Explained

The word “tween” was popularized by marketers, who sold preteens stuff by treating them like they’re a lot older than they are. Which might explain why your kid is full of sass all of a sudden. But tweens’ brains really are different—here’s how.

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April 10, 2023

Ask Amy: How Can I Support My Friend Struggling with Infertility?

How do we best support our friends dealing with infertility? Pretending we aren't aware that they might be sad isn't usually the best approach.

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April 7, 2023

APRIL BONUS TEASER! Our Humble Showbiz Beginnings

Wig mishaps? Check. Booed off the stage? Check. Trapped in a conference room at an audition for eight hours? Check. In this month's bonus episode, Amy and Margaret regale us with tales of their truly humble early years in show business.

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April 7, 2023

Best Of: Yael Schonbrun on "Work, Parent, Thrive"

Do you feel guilty that you're not at work when you're parenting and not parenting when you're at work? Dr. Yael Schonbrun, author of the new book WORK, PARENT, THRIVE, tells us how we can view work and family as connected rather than in competition.

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April 5, 2023

Please Never Say These Things Again

What are the things you would sincerely ask the entire world never to say again? From "it is what it is" to "these unprecedented times," our listeners had answers.

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April 3, 2023

Ask Margaret: Help! My Boys Won't Stop Roughhousing

Do you feel like you're constantly playing referee for your kids' endless physical play? Margaret explains that less interference is actually more when it comes to (safe) roughhousing amongst our own kids.

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March 31, 2023

Fresh Take: Mara Glatzel on Being "Needy"

What if someone told you that as a parent your own needs matter MORE, not less? That's what Mara Glatzel argues in her new book "NEEDY: How to Advocate for Your Needs and Claim Your Sovereignty."

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March 29, 2023

Do We Rush Kids Too Much?

At every age and stage, what we ask of our kids is often well beyond what should reasonably be expected of them. Sometimes challenge leads to growth; other times it leads to stress and overwhelm, and not just for our kids. So how do we push back?

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March 27, 2023

Ask Amy: My Kid Cries Over Everything

When a kid cries over every bump and scrape, are parents supposed to ignore it? Tough-love them out of it? Or consider whether their child must just be more sensitive?

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March 24, 2023

Fresh Take: Beth Leipholtz on Teaching Inclusion

As the hearing mother of a deaf child, Beth Leipholtz is raising her son in both hearing and Deaf cultures. She tells us about her work as an inclusion and accessibility advocate and about her new children’s book, THE ABCs OF INCLUSION.

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March 22, 2023

Even More Minor But Life-Changing Tips

We received so many minor life-changing tips, we're back with part two! From fixing the tomato stains on Tupperware to strategically placed toothpaste, here are more tiny tips to make life a ton easier.

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March 20, 2023

Ask Margaret: My Kid Keeps Running Away!

Preschoolers love to run. It helps them flex their newfound independence and gives them an exhilarating feeling of freedom. But this behavior can be frustrating – and frightening– for parents. So how do we get our kids to stop taking off on us?

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March 17, 2023

Fresh Take: Katherine May on "Enchantment"

How do we find deep meaning in today's world amidst the bad news all around us? Katherine May, author of "Enchantment: Awakening Our Wonder in an Anxious Age," tells us how she gained new perspective and mental energy by rediscovering the power of enchantment.

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March 15, 2023

It's Not "Nagging"

When women ask repeatedly for something to be done– because it wasn’t done the last time they asked– they’re often rewarded by being told they’re “nagging.” How do we push back on the sexism of this word? And are there more effective ways to get those around us to do their share?

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March 13, 2023

Ask Amy: We Have a Newborn - and Houseguests

What happens when the "help" from family right after a baby is born means constant houseguests (and more work?) Here's how to ask for the postpartum help you actually need.

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March 10, 2023

Fresh Take: Dr. Dana Dorfman on When Worry Works

As parents we try to support our children’s current well-being while also setting them up for future success.  But when worry begins to drive our parenting decisions, it’s time for a reset. Dr. Dana Dorfman, author of WHEN WORRY WORKS, explains how.

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March 8, 2023

Our Quirkiest Personal Rules

Peanut butter on both sides of the PB&J? Parking in a certain spot at Trader Joe's? Setting the alarm for odd-numbered times? We asked our listeners about the weird rules they have put into place - and Amy and Margaret give a glimpse into their personal quirks too.

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March 6, 2023

Ask Margaret: What Do You Do When Your Kid Ruins His Own Playdate?

When our kid throws a fit or storms out of a social gathering, embarrassing themselves AND us, how can we problem-solve in the moment in a way that's not punishing or even more disruptive?

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March 3, 2023

Fresh Take: Francesca Royster on "Choosing Family"

Francesca Royster, author of the memoir CHOOSING FAMILY:A Memoir of Queer Motherhood and Black Resistance, explains what it means to build a “chosen family” of friends, and how to parent while yearning for the world that we want, but don’t have yet.

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March 2, 2023

BONUS TEASER! Our Jobbiest Jobs

What are the worst jobs Amy and Margaret have ever had? Listen to them spill the tea (and ketchup) in this teaser for our March bonus episode.

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March 1, 2023

So What Do You Do All Day?

Tired of people assuming stay-at-home moms have nothing to do? Well, there's not a lot we can do about what other people perceive about stay-at-home-moms, but we can change how we think about our labor as SAHMs to validate ourselves and how hard we really do work.

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Feb. 27, 2023

Ask Amy: How Much Micromanaging Is Too Much?

When do we lay down the law as parents and when do we let our teens make their own choices, especially when we feel the decision they're making will affect their future?

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Feb. 24, 2023

Fresh Take: Lisa Damour on the Emotional Lives of Teenagers

Powerful emotions in teenagers are a feature, not a bug–but when our kids are dysregulated it can feel like something parents are supposed to fix. Dr. Lisa Damour, author of THE EMOTIONAL LIVES OF TEENAGERS, tells us how to become "safe containers."

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