episodes

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 for home care and self-care.

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 work on employees, particularly working women.

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 needs again.

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.

Does your child clam up when other adults try to have a conversation with them or even say hello? That's perfectly normal for young kids, but there are also ways you can help break the ice, as Amy explains.

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.

Pinterest promised us picturesque family photos at golden hour and meaningful conversations around the dinner table every night. No one told us parenting would be easy, but is it supposed to be this hard? Here’s how to inject more fun into parenting.

Do you worry that your kids are headed towards learned helplessness if you do too many things for them on the regular? Margaret explains you can reciprocate the help your kids give you around the house without letting them off the hook too easily.

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.

Are our kids growing up more slowly than we did? Is that necessarily a bad thing? Can we encourage our late bloomers to pick up the pace?

Does your kid ask for your help with homework, then snarl at you? Does your kid procrastinate and then panic, blaming you while he spirals? Is there a middle ground between letting a kid like this fail, or continuing the fight about doing the work?

Think there’s an expiration date on dream-chasing? Think you’re too old to make bold choices? Wendi Aarons, author of I’M WEARING TUNICS NOW, tells us about second acts, self-acceptance, and celebrating what happens when we get older and wiser.

What did you grow up believing would be a consistent presence in your adult life? Quicksand? Dinner parties? The Bermuda Triangle? Movies, TV, and certain bubble bath ads definitely led us astray when it came to the realities of adult life.

Does your child have a mouth you wouldn't want him to kiss you with? If your child is on a swearing streak at home, here are some tips for handling it.

Society has held that maternal instinct kicks in as soon as a baby is born, and that women are wired to be superior caretakers. Chelsea Conaboy, author of MOTHER BRAIN, tells us that the parental brain is real- but far more complicated than we think.

When it’s time to pivot, it’s easy to focus on what doors are closed. That’s when it’s important to remember that with one foot planted firmly in place, we still have 360 degrees of choice on where to head next. Here’s how we’ve pivoted in our lives.

Does your kid like to punish himself whenever he performs poorly at something and insist that he's the worst at it? A listener struggles with her son's constant negativity when it comes to his own abilities.