What Fresh Hell

episodes

May 31, 2026

DEEP DIVE: Giving Help That Works– And Asking for the Help We Need

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.
May 28, 2026

Fresh Take: The Custody Queens on What Parents Need to Know About Divorce and Separation

What do family law attorneys wish parents knew about divorce before they started the process? Kristen Holstrom and Samantha McBride discuss custody battles, child support, co-parenting conflict, and more.
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May 26, 2026

Why Do We Love Looking Back?

Why is it so much fun to look back— and how does it connect to uncertainty regarding what lies ahead? We discuss motherhood, memory, identity, and how it feels to have most of life's big choices in the rear view mirror.
May 24, 2026

DEEP DIVE: 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."
May 21, 2026

Fresh Take: Dr. Margo Lowy on Living the Full Emotional Truth of Motherhood

Society emphasizes the wonderful and loving parts of motherhood— while pretending the harder emotions don't exist. Dr. Margo Lowy, author of MATERNAL AMBIVALENCE, explains why we must own and feel all of our emotions as mothers.
May 19, 2026

What's the Mom Equivalent of Golf?

Why is it so easy for dads to block off hours for golf while moms struggle to claim leisure time? We explore the parenting “leisure gap,” mom guilt, friendship, hobbies, and how mothers can reclaim meaningful time for themselves.
May 17, 2026

DEEP DIVE: Asking for Big Help (And the Best Ways to Give It)

Why is it so hard to ask for big help, especially when we’re usually grateful to be able to assist a friend in need? How can we become “askable friends” and better helpers? How can we prepare for the big help times in our own lives before they arrive?
May 14, 2026

Fresh Take: Nicholas Epley on Why Talking to Strangers Can Make Us Happier

Why do we avoid deeper connection with others when we're wired for it? Behavioral scientist Nicholas Epley, author of A LITTLE MORE SOCIAL, tells us how small daily interactions really can improve our health and emotional wellbeing.
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May 12, 2026

What Does "Dating" Look Like For Teens and Tweens These Days?

How should parents start talking to kids about romance and consent? Amy and Margaret discuss teen relationships, setting healthy boundaries, relationship red flags, and how to raise kids with strong self-worth and communication skills.
May 11, 2026

DEEP DIVE: Leslie Forde of Mom's Hierarchy of Needs

Do you feel like your health, well-being, and sanity as a mom always comes after your family’s needs– which means there’s no room left to consider such things? Guest Leslie Forde, CEO of Mom's Hierarchy of Needs, explains how to get more intentional.
May 8, 2026

Fresh Take: Rachael Shepard-Ohta and Caitlin Wilder of "You're So Right" Podcast

Co-hosts of the "You’re So Right" podcast, Rachael Shepherd-Ohta and Caitlin Wilder, discuss maternal mental health, motherhood on social media, and their mutual Bravo obsession.
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May 6, 2026

Is American Parenting the Problem? Or Is It Parenting *in* America?

Is American parenting hard because of how we parent—or where we're doing it? We discuss how American culture shapes parenting stress and burnout—and why the support other cultures offer their parents may be the real parenting secret..
May 4, 2026

DEEP DIVE: Olivia Martinez-Hauge on Special Needs Parenting

Olivia Martinez-Hauge is a mom of three kids, two with neurodiversity. She’s also a therapist who treats individuals and families who caregive. We talk parenting special-needs kids, plus how to be better allies to friends who might be on that path.
May 1, 2026

Fresh Take: Elizabeth Preston on What Animals Have to Teach Us About Parenting

Why does modern parenting feel so difficult? Science journalist Elizabeth Preston, author of THE CREATURES' GUIDE TO CARING, explains how animal parenting offers myriad models for human caregiving.
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April 29, 2026

Getting Our Kids to Help Around the House

How do you get kids to contribute to household labor without resorting to threats or bribes? We explore family responsibility, boundaries, and raising capable kids who contribute consistently and willingly.
April 27, 2026

DEEP DIVE: 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.
April 24, 2026

Fresh Take: Leah Ruppanner on "DRAINED" and What the 'Mental Load' Really Means

How can women reclaim their time, rest, and dreams from the everyday weight of the mental load? Leah Ruppanner, author of the new book DRAINED, explains how the mental load shows up in daily life and how to rebalance your energy and priorities.
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April 22, 2026

Emotional Intelligence: Can It Be Taught?

What exactly is emotional intelligence? How does it contribute to our effectiveness and happiness? And is it something we are supposed to teach our kids?
April 20, 2026

DEEP DIVE: Kate Swenson of "Finding Cooper's Voice" on Parenting Autism

Kate Swenson started “Finding Cooper’s Voice”while searching for answers after her son’s autism diagnosis. Her book FOREVER BOY is about Kate’s journey to acceptance, and how sharing her own family’s triumphs and challenges became a road to advocacy.
April 17, 2026

Fresh Take: Fortesa Latifi on the Truth About Kids in Influencer Families

What does it mean for kids to grow up online? Fortesa Latifi, author of the new book LIKE, FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE, explores influencer families, the ethics of sharing children’s lives, and the hidden costs of turning everyday parenting into content.
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April 15, 2026

Little-Known Parenting Milestones

The last day you pick up your child is emotional. But what about the last day you have to wipe their butt? We asked our listeners what small yet significant parenting milestones made their lives ten times easier.
April 13, 2026

DEEP DIVE: Meg Zucker on Empowering Kids with Differences and Disabilities

Meg Zucker is the author of the book BORN EXTRAORDINARY: Empowering Children with Differences and Disabilities. We talk about the work all parents can do to empower all kids.
April 10, 2026

Preparing Our Kids (and Ourselves) as They Leave the Nest, with Christina Geist

How do we make sure our kids know life's most important lessons before they leave the nest? Christina Geist shares heartfelt advice on preparing kids for independence, balancing practical and emotional lessons, and navigating the college transition.
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April 8, 2026

Why We Avoid Uncertainty (And How That Gets In Our Way)

Why do we fear uncertainty? Far more, as it turns out, than we fear actual risk? We explore the psychology behind fear of the unknown, and how it fuels anxiety and complicates our decision-making.
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