episodes

Toddlers don’t possess "theory of mind"– the ability to understand other people's mental states, and that those emotions can differ from their own. If smacking Mommy's face makes a 2-year-old feel curious, he really might not know it’s inappropriate.

Katherine May is the author of WINTERING: THE POWER OF REST AND RETREAT IN DIFFICULT TIMES. In this episode, which originally aired in December 2020, May explains how we can apply the lessons of nature’s actual winters to our metaphorical ones.

We look back on the year that was and discuss the episodes that were our favorites: the ones that surprised us, taught us the most, and made us laugh. Check the show notes for the one-click playlist of all our favorites!

When our kids tell us about their elementary school crushes– or we find out thanks to notes in their backpack– it can be exciting, confusing, or hilarious. Here’s how to talk about crushes with our younger kids and why it might be best to ‘lean out.’

Kids are hardwired to push our buttons. We’re hardwired to freak out when they do. Carla Naumburg, author of HOW TO STOP LOSING YOUR SH*T WITH YOUR KIDS, explains in this "Best Of" episode how managing our triggers can help.

We asked our listeners to tell us their holiday worsts, and in this "best of " episode we discuss them all, plus a few of our own. Think your holiday season has been a little crazy? Hold our eggnog.

Being a parent when you’ve lost your own parent is a special grief journey. Rashida Dinehart of The Grieving Mamas Podcast tells Margaret how her own stages of grief have progressed, and how she says moms on this journey can protect themselves.

According to a recent study, 41% of men strongly agreed that they can relax during the holidays. Only 27% of women felt the same. It’s the most everything time of the year, and we’re doing– and feeling– all the things.

When we have to balance time with our partner’s family and our own at the holidays, it gets difficult to make everyone feel loved and appreciated. The key to making it work? Establishing clear expectations ahead of time, and then holding your ground.

Danielle Silverstein, along with her husband Adam, host the podcast Marriage and Martinis. Their show presents a real, authentic marriage at its core, with all the love, hate, teamwork, struggles, laughter, humiliation, and ever-changing dynamics that comprise a spousal relationship. They are also the co-authors of the e-book THE DATE NIGHT QUESTIONS EXPERIENCE, full of questions crafted to spark intimate, productive, and satisfying discussions with our partners. We talk about the great divide...

We asked our listeners: What's something you tried thinking it would go great, and instead it spectacularly backfired?

If kids already have limited food repertoires, seeing them reduce their list of acceptable foods is very stressful. What should a parent do when her child’s picky eating actually increases with age? How can parents push back without power struggles?

Rachel Nielson hosts 3 in 30 Takeaways, a podcast for moms who want to love motherhood as much as they love their kids. She tells us how noticing the "flecks of gold" in her life has actually changed her parenting– and how we can start that practice.

Studies show an uncertain connection between becoming a parent and increased pleasure, so asking whether having kids makes us happy is complicated– and might not be the point. What are parenting’s rewards? What can we do to raise happiness levels?

When you have little kids feeling tired can start to feel like a permanent state. Kids are master energy-sappers and with, say, a baby and a toddler at home it's easy to feel like being rested is a thing of the past. But there is hope for sleep in the future of even the most tired mom and there are even a few things we can try to make us less tired during those super-tough baby years.

In this “Best Of” interview Dr. Edward Hallowell, co-author of ADHD 2.0: New Science and Essential Strategies for Thriving with Distraction--From Childhood Through Adulthood, explains the growing understanding of brains with “variable attention.”

We asked our listeners to tell us all the things that others might call crazy but which totally work for them. From packing the laundry to eating the same lunch every day for five years to toothbrushes in the kitchen, these are the ideas that don't sound so crazy, come to think of it. Following us on Instagram? Join the fun! http://instagram.com/whatfreshhellcast Special thanks to our sponsors for this month: Once Upon a Farm fruit and vegetable blends are made with whole, organic, farm-fresh...

When moms have a second baby it’s common for them to fear how it will change their relationship with their first child. And whether they’ll have enough love to give them both. Trust us: you will. And you’ll give that older kid the gift of a new bond.

Zibby Owens is a podcaster, writer, publisher, and mom who doesn’t have time to exercise, see friends, sleep– or even get sick. Her new anthology MOMS DON’T HAVE TIME TO HAVE KIDS offers 49 essays on what most moms don’t– and yet must– make time for.

Half of adults in their 30s and 40s say they handle some of their parents’ caregiving, even if it’s mostly logistical or financial. When you’re also taking care of your kids, it’s a lot. We talk “sandwich generation” stress and how to get more help.

Tiffany Jenkins is as hilarious as she is honest. She’s a comedian, blogger, author, podcaster, and mom who uses her platforms to help and inspire others struggling with motherhood, mental health, and addiction, and those who just need a good laugh.

From making doctors’ appointments, to “just a reminder” emails that are definitely first notices, to book fairs, to eternally elusive rain boots on a wet morning, here are a few of the things that we (and our listeners) really hate.

Margaret and Amy interview Claire Lerner, a child development specialist with more than 30 years of experience, and author of Why Is My Child in Charge? A Roadmap to End Power Struggles, Increase Cooperation, and Find Joy in Parenting Young Children.

We’re so used to being stuck at home that the thought of social stimulation has become somewhat anxiety-arousing. When did that happen? How can we turn that story around and find our way back to the friends and connections we’ve missed for so long?