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The Mom Hour

Kids & Family Podcasts

Co-hosts Meagan Francis and Sarah Powers have eight kids between them, little to grown. Weekly conversations offer practical tips and real-life encouragement for moms who want to enjoy motherhood more, and cut back on comparison, worry, and stress. We’re not experts, we’re moms who’ve been there. We’re not perfect, we’re real. Welcome to The Mom Hour.

Location:

United States

Description:

Co-hosts Meagan Francis and Sarah Powers have eight kids between them, little to grown. Weekly conversations offer practical tips and real-life encouragement for moms who want to enjoy motherhood more, and cut back on comparison, worry, and stress. We’re not experts, we’re moms who’ve been there. We’re not perfect, we’re real. Welcome to The Mom Hour.

Twitter:

@themomhour

Language:

English

Contact:

4802132203


Episodes

Introducing: Pop Culture Moms, From ABC Audio & Good Morning America

3/15/2024
Today we’re sharing an episode of another podcast we think you might love: Pop Culture Moms. Hosts Andie and Sabrina are toddler moms and best friends of 20 years. In this new podcast they’re taking their obsession with TV and movies to the next level by talking to celebrities, writers and fellow “scholars” of pop culture about what they can learn from the fictional moms they love most. In the excerpt you’ll hear today, former MTV News correspondent SuChin Pak talks about reparenting ourselves when we become parents. Listen to Pop Culture Moms here! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:00:05:15

Rethinking Instagram: Episode 456

3/12/2024
Is it time to break up with Instagram? Or just hit pause on the relationship? Today Meagan and Sarah dive in to some of the reasons behind our personal absences from the social platform lately. Without judgment about anybody else’s online behavior, we reflect on what’s working and not working about our own. We own up to some icky-feeling habits, share observations about what it takes to change said habits, and how we envision our futures on the platform. Join us! HELPFUL LINKS: Do Today’s New Moms Have It Easier? Or Harder?#Influenced: Episode 436More Than Mom: #InfluencedMore Than Mom: Social MediaYour Media Diet: Is It Healthy? Episode 03@papermillbooksOTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on FacebookSign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:01:04:03

Supporting Your College-Bound Kid: Episode 455

3/5/2024
Parents of teens, listen up! (And parents of littles, join us for a preview!) Helping your teen figure out what’s next after graduation – and how to cover the cost – is a delicate dance. Today Meagan shares her current struggles navigating the parenting waters of college-bound teens; she reflects on how her fourth kid’s journey looks a bit different than that of his older brothers, what role she plays in the process, and ways it has challenged her as a mom – all while Sarah takes notes for herself! Enjoy! HELPFUL LINKS PBS NewsHour articleCollege Plans & Family Culture (Hopes, Dreams, Memories & More): Episode 376BONUS: Re-Learning How To Learn (And Teach!) At The College LevelBONUS: Not Aunt Becky!? The College Scam & Parenting CultureDr. Lisa DamourBonus: Dr. Lisa Damour On Supporting Teens Through Big EmotionsOTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on FacebookSign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:00:53:13

Living A Writerly Life: Episode 454

2/27/2024
Join Meagan and Sarah for a peek behind the scenes of our writerly lives and an update on what we’re working on lately. We share how we got started (including our tips for others wanting to explore writing), how our writing has looked quite different over the years (including where and how we write) and what we’re currently working on. We also bring listeners up to speed on an exciting new collaboration that we’ve only hinted at in the past… Tune in to find out more! HELPFUL LINKS: The Mother’s Gratitude Journal: An Easy Guide to Capturing Everyday Joys and Milestone MomentsMore Than Mom: Romanticizing The Hard StuffMore Than Mom: Writing, Motherhood & Creative PracticeSubstackHow I Started WritingHow To Start A Freelance Career Without Spending MoneyThe Tea’s MadeOur Cozy & Creative SpacesOTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on FacebookSign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:01:01:44

"Always In Rotation" Dinners: Episode 453

2/20/2024
New recipes can shake up cooking routines, but there’s something to be said for the tried-and-true meals, too. Today Meagan and Sarah share the family dinners that always make it into our current cooking rotations. They’re the meals we know how to shop for, prepare, and that the kids are comfortable eating as is (or know how to put their own twist on it). We also touch on “always in rotation” dinners from bygone eras, and what new recipes we’re hoping to try this year. Join us! LINKS MENTIONED: this rice cookerPulled Pork, 5 WaysTrader Joe’s Microwavable Spanish RiceSubstackMoo Shu Pork Bowl recipe from Hello FreshA Week Of Real-Life Dinners: Episode 336A Week of Real-Life Dinners: (Vol. 4) Episode 305A Week Of Real-Life Dinners (Vol. 3): Episode 254A Week Of Real-Life Dinners (Vol. 2): Episode 196A Week of Real-Life Dinners (Vol. 1): Episode 72OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on FacebookSign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:00:53:00

Is Your Family Ready For A Dog?

2/16/2024
Whether you have puppy fever or are overwhelmed by the idea of getting a dog, this episode will meet you where you are. Join regular contributors Joanna and Joanne as they check in about recent adventures adding furry family members to their homes. They offer advice for things to consider before getting a dog, chat about how a dog can impact your lifestyle, your budget, and your mental load, and offer tips for introducing a dog to a new baby and getting kids involved in pet care. Enjoy! HELPFUL LINKS: Joanna MartinJoanne Ruelos DiazThe Dog WizardShould I Get A Dogcustom dog bookmarkHeavenly Angel’s Animal Rescuesearch-and-find your dog bookrescue organizationMore Than Mom: Pets!All About Family Pets: Episode 71Pandemic Puppies, Foster Kittens & A Small Animal Pet Debate: Episode 286Lessons In Motherhood From Chickens & Kittens: Episode 379OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on FacebookSign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:00:52:26

Getting Things Done When Life Is... A Lot: Episode 452

2/13/2024
The kids are sick. Your spouse is traveling. The laundry is piling up. Motherhood can be A LOT, even in the best of times, but when normalcy is thrown off, the stakes get even higher. Today Meagan and Sarah share our best tips for surviving the day – and getting the bare minimum done – when it all just feels like too much. Join us! HELPFUL LINKS: How Do I Make Time For It All?TodoistWhen Will This Get Easier?: Episode 435On “Taking A Break” As A Mom (And Human!): Episode 423Emotional Labor, Burnout & Completing The Stress Cycle: Episode 285 MORE HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on FacebookSign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:00:41:54

Motherly Love In Theory & Practice: Episode 451

2/6/2024
What does loving your children actually feel like? Is it a split-second, life-altering love like we hear about, or is it a deep background hum that builds over time? Is there a difference between loving our kids and loving the motherhood experience? Today Meagan and Sarah unpack motherly love, including our specific styles of showing love to – and receiving it from – our kids. Enjoy! HELPFUL LINKS: Speaking Our Kids’ Love Languages (And Knowing Our Own): Episode 29610 Things We Love About Teenagers: Episode 449OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on FacebookSign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:00:55:57

What We're Wearing Lately: Episode 450

1/30/2024
Let’s check in about clothes! As work-from-home moms in our forties, winter “fashion” is mostly about cozy comfort. Join Meagan and Sarah as we share what we’re wearing lately, including a surprising headache-related accessory, a total 180 on long-sleeved pajamas, and a bralette misfire. We also look to you, dear listener, to help us source some wardrobe pieces we’re in need of. Help us out! HELPFUL LINKS: Bliss Triangle BraletteBlissWool leggingsLands’ End Pajama SetsCloudsurferTheraICE Headache Relief Capheat neck wrapQuinceCozy Winter Style Inspiration: Episode 397More Than Mom: Fall Style Update OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on FacebookSign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:00:49:56

10 Things We Love About Teenagers: Episode 449

1/23/2024
You’ve been warned: raising teens can actually be…sort of wonderful. And also hard (but what season of motherhood isn’t?). Today Meagan and Sarah share what specific things we love about teenagers, from their thoughtful conversations to their little-kid-selves peeking out around every corner of their nearly-adult bodies. Along the way we share some recent stories about our own teenagers and what makes them great. Join us! HELPFUL LINKS: 10 Things We Love About The 4th Trimester: Episode 28010 Things We Love About Raising Siblings: Episode 24810 Things We Love About Toddlers: Episode 243many reasons our listeners love teenagers in this post OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on FacebookSign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:00:45:23

How Do I Make Time For It All? [Classic Replay]

1/19/2024
Overwhelmed? Tired of people suggesting you “just relax!” or “go easy on yourself!”? Wondering if you should be playing with your kids more? This episode is for you. In this classic replay from 2016, Meagan and Sarah answer a question from Sheena (mom to a four-year-old, a two-year-old, and an infant!) about how to make time for things that need to be done around the house AND still connect with her kids. We normalize feeling overwhelmed, offer concrete tips for staying reasonably caught up, and share our experience balancing expectations, reality, and good-enough productivity. Join us! “Hi Sarah and Meagan, this is Sheena from Oregon, and I have two questions that both relate to time management. I have a 4-year-old, a 2-year-old and a 3-month-old and I’m finding that I’m always behind, and I’m wondering if you have any tips for how to get ahead? Also, how do you find time in the day to play? I find that I’m always just trying to get the kids busy so I can get on to my next task, and I never have time to just sit down and play. Thanks for your advice!” HELPFUL LINKS: click the (+) sign follow and subscribeEpisode 10: We Hate Fun!The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeedtime management and productivity OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on FacebookSign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:00:38:46

Parenting Lessons From Travel Abroad: Episode 448

1/16/2024
Sarah’s family (with kids ages 15, 13, and 10) recently returned from their first big overseas travel adventure, and today we’re reflecting on her lessons learned. Taking the family across multiple time zones and out of the comforts of routine comes with challenges, to be sure, but also with opportunities for clarifying and crystalizing family culture in a way that’s harder to do at home. Join us to get all of Meagan’s questions answered and hear Sarah’s takeaways on the parenting lessons she’ll carry forward even after returning home. HELPFUL LINKS: leave us a voicemailTips For Traveling With Teens (Meagan’s Florida Family Vacation)Family Travel Mishaps & Why We Go Anyway: Voices 76Real Moms Share Their Best Family Travel Advice: Episode 356House Rules For Travel And Vacation: Episode 319 OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on FacebookSign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:00:54:41

Household Efficiency Hacks: Episode 447

1/9/2024
Keeping schedules aligned, staying on top of basic tidying, and managing endless loads of laundry are just a few of the household systems facing modern parents. In today’s episode, regular contributors Joanna and Sarah share their best hacks for keeping the household afloat during the little years. They talk everything from calendar systems to smart speakers, laundry shortcuts to robot vacuums – plus how to get kids to help around the house and where their systems could use a New Year reset. Enjoy! HELPFUL LINKS Joanna MartinSarah LimbergKate StricklerThe Home ResetRoborockTodoistA Week Of Real-Life Housework (Part One): Episode 370A Week Of Real-Life Housework (Part Two): Episode 371Chores & Household Responsibilities: Episode 434House Rules For Tidying Up: Episode 413The Lazy GeniusThe Girl Next Door OTHER HELPFUL LINKS Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on FacebookSign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:01:00:16

Meagan & Sarah Get Sustainable (Slowly): Episode 446

1/2/2024
It’s a buzzword, and it’s not going anywhere, but what does “sustainability” even MEAN? Meagan and Sarah are here to discuss their personal interpretations, as well as the ways in which we’ve each moved toward more mindful consumption. We talk shopping, cleaner cleaning products, reducing consumables, simplifying how we eat, and more. We’re also very honest about the many ways we’re just not that sustainable – yet (or ever!). Happy New Year! HELPFUL LINKS: Sunkissed PantryBeeswax ClothThredUpLululemon Like NewZero Waste Shop OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on FacebookSign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:01:00:26

Books & Reading Reflections for 2023: Episode 445

12/26/2023
Grab a warm beverage and settle in for an end-of-year books chat! Meagan and Sarah look back over our reading in 2023 to share what we’ve read, what stuck with us, and how our reading habits have continued to evolve. Meagan also shares an update about Paper Mill Books, the independent bookstore in the Upper Penninsula of Michigan that she helped open earlier this year. Join us – you may just find a new book or two to throw on your TBR pile for 2024! HELPFUL LINKS: bookstoreEpisodes from the archives about books and readingGoodreadsThe StoryGraphDemon CopperheadHonor The Space Between UsWe All Want Impossible Thingswriting on SubstackThe Emotional Lives Of Teenagersin this episodehereOnce Upon A RiverUnraveling What I Learned About Life While Shearing Sheep, Dyeing Wool, and Making the World’s Ugliest SweaterHey, Hun: Sales, Sisterhood, Supremacy And The Other Lies Behind Multilevel MarketingMajor Pettigrew’s Last StandThe Art Of GatheringTomorrow and Tomorrow and TomorrowTom LakeThe Tea CircleThe Comfort of Crows OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on FacebookSign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:00:54:12

Do Today's New Moms Have It Easier? Or Harder?: Episode 444

12/19/2023
Is new parenthood better or worse today than it was 10 years ago? Meagan and Sarah dive deep into this question today, unpacking nuanced issues like tech solutions for age-old problems, the availability of information and solutions for every struggle, and the benefits and drawbacks of connecting online. The consensus? It’s complicted. Join us! HELPFUL LINKS Facebook PostOnline Behavior For Grown UpsWhat’s New In Baby Gear & Baby Shower Registries: Voices 77 with Kia Hammond and Katherine DeVriesThings We Shouldn’t Have Freaked Out About (As New Moms): Episode 19When Will This Get Easier?: Episode 435Things We Shouldn’t Have Freaked Out About (Breastfeeding Edition): Episode 114 OTHER HELPFUL LINKS Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on FacebookSign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:00:53:04

Pressure, Perfection, And Comparison During The Holidays [Classic Replay]

12/15/2023
Tis’ the season to….feel the insane amount of pressure to be the “perfect” holiday mom. In this classic from the archives, Meagan and Sarah offer ever-relevant gut checks on some of the biggest pressures moms feel during the holiday season, and offer concrete tips for releasing yourself from expectations of perfection to enjoy what’s left of this holiday season. Join us! Our holiday episodes often make brief mention of magical night visitors. If you have curious ears about, you’ve been warned! HELPFUL LINKS tips for getting started.How To Incorporate Handmade Gifts Into Your Holiday Giving6 Easy (We Promise!) Homemade Holiday Gifts You Can Make With Your KidsTime Management & Productivity Tips For Working MomsVoices episode25 day holiday pep talk blogDecember Intentions For Busy MomsMoms Deserve A Magical Holiday, Too#Influenced: Episode 436 OTHER HELPFUL LINKS Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on FacebookSign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:00:56:58

House Rules For Easier Bedtimes: Episode 443

12/12/2023
There’s no time like bedtime to institute a few house rules that help diffuse power struggles, ease negotiation tensions, and shorten that long list of stalling techniques we’ve all come to know and fear. Today’s latest House Rules episode brings together our community’s best shortcuts and hacks for easier bedtimes, along with Meagan’s and Sarah’s personal experiences with evening shenanigans at every age and stage. Enjoy! Helpful Links Click to see the Facebook ThreadHatch Clock House Rules For Tidying Up: Episode 413House Rules For Gifting & Giving: Episode 393House Rules For After School: Episode 380House Rules for Playdates: Episode 340Bedtime Routines at Every Stage: Episode 80 Other Helpful Links Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on FacebookSign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:00:30:39

Creating Holiday Memories [Classic Replay]

12/8/2023
Feeling overwhelmed, or like the season is passing too quickly? Let today’s episode – a classic from the archives – help you pause, reflect, and reset. Meagan and Sarah offer our thoughts on how memories really “get made,” why simply changing what we notice around us can shift our mood, and what busy moms can do to capture the fleeting season to look back upon later. Join us! This conversation originally aired as three separate mini-episodes, so you’ll hear us reference “yesterday” and “tomorrow” a few times – rest assured, that whole series has been edited into one full-length experience, all here for you today! HELPFUL LINKS: Comet, The Red-Nosed MinivanMore Than Mom: Weddingscalendar planning essayHow To Take Better Photos of Your Kids: Episode 81Family Photography & Capturing Moments with Amy Tripple: Voices 19Substack6 Things You Can Do To Get Dreamy Holiday Photos On Your Smartphone OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on FacebookSign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:00:55:44

Inconsequential Holiday Gripes: Episode 442

12/5/2023
It feels good to complain once in a while – especially during the holidays. Today Meagan and Sarah laugh our way through a “vent sesh,” sharing mostly inconsequential gripes about what’s bugging us this year. While we often appreciate a positive reframe, we also know the cathartic power of airing a petty vent (or six). Plus, we share what’s new this holiday season for each of us. Join us! Helpful Links: holiday decoratingpie-from-scratch Substack articleHonoring Cultural & Faith Traditions At The Holidays: Voices 82Home For The Holidays With Little Kids & Big Kids: Episode 341A Charcuterie Of Holiday Emotions Other Helpful Links: Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on FacebookSign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:00:54:13