What Fresh Hell

episodes

July 31, 2023

Ask Amy: I've Already Got the End-of-Summer Scaries

How do we relieve ourselves of the pressure to make every summer day Pinterest-worthy for our children, especially when all we do is break up fights and tell them no? Amy helps a listener combat her end-of-summer scaries.

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July 28, 2023

Fresh Take: Ash Brandin, The Gamer Educator

Most of us think our kids should have less screen time. At least that’s the guilt trip we’ve been sold. But what if we can take a more “value neutral” approach? Ash Brandin, @TheGamerEducator, tells us how families can make …

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July 26, 2023

Teaching Kids About Money

In a world where we walk around most days without cash or even credit cards, paying for things with our phones and watches, how can we teach our kids how money works—and that it doesn't grow on trees? Here are …

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July 24, 2023

Ask Margaret: Ground Rules for House Guests

House guests are fun. They're also overwhelming, even when they're the same people who raised you. Here's how to set ground rules that work for everyone.

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July 21, 2023

Fresh Take: Erin Pepler

Why are mothers expected to say pregnancy is an unending forty weeks of bliss, even when their reality may very much differ? Erin Pepler author of the new book “Send Me Into the Woods Alone” talks about breaking the silence …

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July 19, 2023

Why Was This a Thing? Rules We Once Lived By

Whistling inside? No baseball caps at dinner? No showers during a lightning storm? What odd rules of life did Amy and Margaret once cling to?

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July 17, 2023

Ask Amy: When Should Kids Stop Sharing a Room?

When siblings share a room, is there an age when it becomes better for them to have separate spaces? It depends on the kids, but here are the factors you might keep in mind.

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July 14, 2023

Fresh Take: Raena Boston on Mom Scams

What if we thought of mom guilt and the gender pay gap as "scams" that were being run on mothers? Raena Boston, founder of the Working Momtras, explains why parenting is inherently political.

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July 13, 2023

July Bonus TEASER: Ask Us Anything

Best infinite purse snack? How does the family feel about the podcast? When is the What Fresh Hell sitcom coming out? For the July bonus episode, it's time to ask Amy and Margaret anything!

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July 12, 2023

Let's Stop Caring What People Think

Why do we care so much what other people think? Does anyone truly possess the magical ability to ignore the judgments of others? How do we tell the difference between whose opinions matter and whose definitely do not?

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July 10, 2023

Ask Margaret: My Kid Is Super Slow in the Mornings

What do you do with a child who always runs late because they move at a (seemingly purposeful) glacial pace? It might be time to consider what your kid is gaining from the situation.

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July 7, 2023

Fresh Take: Hari Kondabolu on "Vacation Baby"

What was it like being a first-time parent during the pandemic? How does having a baby change life as a standup comedian? Hari Kondabolu, whose comedy special "Vacation Baby" is available on YouTube, tells us all about it.

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July 5, 2023

BEST OF: Setting Boundaries

Boundaries aren’t just for relationships that have already been damaged. Healthy boundaries with our partners, friends, and extended family are what make long-term relationships possible. Here’s how to set boundaries early and often.

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July 3, 2023

Ask Amy: My Kid Loses Everything!

All kids lose stuff sometimes. Some kids lose stuff all the time. Sometimes it's ADHD or general inattention. Sometimes it's just a slower development of executive function. No matter what, it's frustrating (and expensive). What's a parent to do?

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June 30, 2023

Fresh Take: Alexandra Robbins on the Lives of Teachers

Teachers are among the most vital, hardworking, and selfless members of the workforce. They are also among the most undervalued. Alexandra Robbins, author of THE TEACHERS, tells us more.

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June 28, 2023

The Best Advice for Dealing with Teenagers

How do we support our teenagers while providing them with firm yet reasonable boundaries? We asked our listeners for their best advice on raising teens, and they had so much great advice!

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June 26, 2023

Ask Margaret: How Can I Stop Repeating Myself?

A listener asks for advice on repeating herself; she knows she's not supposed to tell her toddler things 1,000 times, but isn't sure how to stop.

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June 23, 2023

Fresh Take: Sara Olsher on Talking to Our Kids About Hard Things

How can we be honest with kids about the reality of hard seasons in life without "ruining" their childhood? Sara Olsher, founder of Mighty + Bright, discusses how she helped her toddler navigate both her divorce and her cancer diagnosis.

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June 21, 2023

Is This a Midlife Crisis?

"Have I wasted my life? Should I have gotten married so young? Should I have gone to law school?" As we approach "middle age," whatever that is, can we avoid the midlife crisis? If not, how can we can put …

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June 19, 2023

Ask Amy: Everything Is Fine—Except My Mom Guilt

How do we let go of mom guilt that lingers even after everything works out fine? Amy gives a listener tips for getting closure on a stressful situation.

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June 16, 2023

Fresh Take: Rainesford Stauffer on Rethinking Ambition

What does it mean to be ambitious in today's society, and why are women always told they have too much or too little, but never the right amount? Rainesford Stauffer, author of the new book ALL THE GOLD STARS, explains …

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June 14, 2023

Are Vacations Worth It?

Are vacations worth the planning, packing, schlepping, and laundry once you get there? We discuss why vacations can be so hard—and how to make summer travels happy for everyone.

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June 12, 2023

Ask Margaret: My Kid Is Reacting Badly to Their New Sibling

What do we do when our kids start acting out after their baby status is usurped by a younger sibling? Keep in mind: it's just a phase.

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June 9, 2023

Fresh Take: Jamilah Mapp and Erica Dickerson of "Good Moms Bad Choice…

How do we deal with the societal pressure to perform motherhood perfectly every single day? Jamilah Mapp and Erica Dickerson of the "Good Moms Bad Choices" podcast discuss the power of showing up as our authentic selves..

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