Podcast appearances and mentions of Amy Wilson

How do we get kids to *want* to put their phones down? This week we're talking to bestselling author Catherine Price about her latest book, The Amazing Generation: Your Guide to Fun and Freedom in a Screen-Filled World, co-written with social psychologist Jonathan Haidt. Instead of focusing on parental controls and screen-time battles, The Amazing Generation speaks directly to kids, inviting them to question the promises of Big Tech and reclaim real friendship, real freedom, and real fun. We discuss: Why empowering kids works better than scaring them How smartphones and social media shape adolescent brain development The growing youth rebellion against addictive tech How to shift from conflict to collaboration when it comes to screens Here's where you can find Catherine and her work: www.catherineprice.com https://catherineprice.substack.com www.amazinggeneration.com Buy THE AMAZING GENERATION: https://bookshop.org/a/12099/9798217111916 What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/ What Fresh Hell podcast, mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent, The Amazing Generation book, Catherine Price interview, Jonathan Haidt Anxious Generation, screen time for kids, social media and teens, tech addiction in children, smartphone brain development, how to break up with your phone, defend mode discover mode, empowering kids about technology, youth rebellion against big tech, parenting in a digital world, AI and teenagers, family screen time solutions, helping kids quit social media, real life vs social media, attention economy and kids, middle school smartphone advice, raising kids without smartphones, tech literacy for families Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do siblings really need to get along as children to have healthy relationships as adults? We challenge one of parenting's most deeply held assumptions: that sibling closeness is the ultimate goal. We explain why sibling rivalry is developmentally normal and how fighting can actually be a sign of connection—not failure. Finally, we talk about what parents can influence—and what they can't—when it comes to sibling bonds. If your worried because your kids currently fight nonstop—or currently barely speak—this episode will help you reframe what's normal, what's healthy, and what truly matters in the long run. Here are links to some of the resources mentioned in the episode: Our Fresh Take with Susan Dominus, author of THE FAMILY DYNAMIC Our episode Sibling Rivalry Our Fresh Take with Dawn Huebner on Sibling Rivalry (And What Parents Usually Do Wrong) Kevin Henkes: JULIUS, THE BABY OF THE WORLD Stephen P. Bank and Michael D. Kahn: ⁠THE SIBLING BOND Rachel Nuwer for Scientific American: How Childhood Relationships Affect Your Adult Attachment Style, according to Large New Study Keely A. Dugan et. al for The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology: A prospective longitudinal study of the associations between childhood and adolescent interpersonal experiences and adult attachment orientations Dr. Ammara Khalid for RIA Social Services: On Sibling Relationships: Attachment and Birth Order Leijten, P. et. al for Journal of Family Psychotherapy: Parenting programs to improve sibling interactions: a meta-analysis. Sign up for What Fresh Hell Plus on Supporting Cast to get all episodes ad-free, plus monthly bonus episodes. Supporting Cast works right where you already listen! Go to whatfreshhell.supportingcast.fm to subscribe in two taps for just $4.99 a month, or $39.99 a year.  What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/ What Fresh Hell podcast, mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent, sibling relationships, sibling rivalry, do siblings need to get along, sibling conflict, parenting siblings, raising siblings, siblings fighting, sibling bond, how to handle sibling rivalry, is sibling fighting normal, why siblings fight, how to help siblings get along, parenting tips for sibling conflict, sibling dynamics psychology, sibling relationship in adulthood, how siblings shape identity, family conflict parenting, should siblings be close, is it bad if siblings don't get along, how to stop sibling fighting, what is normal sibling rivalry, kids arguing all the time, brothers and sisters fighting, parenting guilt siblings Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Based on a recent listener question about how to start to let go as our kids get older, this "Deep Dive" series highlights some of our past interview episodes on the topic. Are teenagers destined to be "over" everything? ⁠Jenny Anderson⁠ and ⁠Rebecca Winthrop⁠, authors of ⁠THE DISENGAGED TEEN⁠, explain what's behind what they call the "teen disengagement crisis" and how parents can act. Jenny Anderson is an award-winning journalist, author, and speaker with more than 25 years of experience. Rebecca Winthrop is the director of the Center for Universal Education at Brookings and an adjunct professor at Georgetown University. Jenny, Rebecca, and Margaret discuss: The four different modes of learning that teens tend to engage in What academic disengagement in a teen really signals about them How parents can help their kids get more excited about learning Here's where you can find Jenny and Rebecca: ⁠www.jennywestanderson.org⁠ ⁠www.rebeccawinthrop.com⁠ ⁠www.thedisengagedteen.com⁠ @jennyandersonwrites and @drrebeccawinthrop on IG #DisengagedTeen #LearnBetterLiveBetter Buy THE DISENGAGED TEEN: ⁠https://bookshop.org/a/12099/9780593727072⁠ We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/⁠⁠ What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Margaret Ables and Amy Wilson. mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent, parental stress, kids stress, decluttering, meal prepping, time management, teen disengagement, disengaged teen, high school boredom, Jenny Anderson, Rebecca Winthrop, The Disengaged Teen, teen motivation, student engagement, education psychology, parenting teens, academic burnout, learning styles, four modes of learning, school stress, teen mental health, re-engaging teens, motivation in teens, parenting strategies, education reform, adolescent development, emotional learning, growth mindset, student success, learning motivation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Amy and Margaret talk with Dr. Allison Alford, communication scholar and author of the new book Good Daughtering: The Work You've Always Done, the Credit You've Never Gotten, and How to Finally Feel Like Enough. Dr. Alford explains the concept of daughtering—the emotional, logistical, and mental labor adult daughters perform to assist their parents and to hold families together. Drawing on more than a decade of qualitative research, she explains how this work is often unrecognized and uncounted. We discuss kin-keeping, invisible labor, and the pressures women face to be “good daughters.” Dr. Alford explains how cultural expectations, gender norms, and family systems reinforce this burden—and why naming it is the first step toward change. You are already doing more than you think—and you deserve credit for it. Here's where you can find Allison: www.daughtering101.com @daughtering101 on FB, IG, and TikTok Buy GOOD DAUGHTERING: https://bookshop.org/a/12099/9780063436428 Read Sensemaking in Organizations: Reflections on Karl Weick and Social Theory What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/ What Fresh Hell podcast, mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent, daughtering, invisible labor, emotional labor, kin keeping, adult daughters, family roles, mental load, caregiving expectations, good daughter, women's identity, boundaries, communication in families, motherhood podcast, Fresh Hell podcast, Allison Alford, Good Daughtering book Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why are some kids shy? Is there harm in giving a kid's personality that label? In this episode, we explore the differences between shyness, introversion, and behavioral inhibition, and why fear—not preference—is often at the heart of shy behavior. We also discuss when shyness becomes a concern, and when it's time to seek extra support. Finally, we share practical strategies for helping shy or slow-to-warm-up kids feel safe without forcing them to change. Here are links to some of the resources mentioned in the episode: Psychology Today: Shyness Dartmouth Health Children's Blog: The Difference Between Shy and Introvert APA Dictionary of Psychology: Behavioral Inhibition Healthychildren.org: Understanding Your Child's Temperament: Why It's Important Katherine Martinelli for Child Mind Institute: Helping Young Children Who Are Socially Anxious Arlin Cuncic for Verywell Mind: Differences Between Shyness and Social Anxiety Disorder Deborah Ko for Medium: Redefining Extraversion: How Cultural Differences Shape Our Understanding of Leadership APA on YouTube: Why are some kids shy? With Koraly Pérez-Edgar, PhD What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Margaret Ables and Amy Wilson. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/⁠ mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent, shy children, why are some kids shy, behavioral inhibition, child temperament, introversion vs shyness, social anxiety in kids, slow to warm up child, parenting shy kids, anxious children, child social anxiety, labels and kids, supporting shy kids, child development psychology, fear-based behavior, parenting podcast shyness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Based on a recent listener question about how to start to let go as our kids get older, this "Deep Dive" series highlights some of our past interview episodes on the topic. Julie Lythcott-Haims is the author of the parenting bestseller How to Raise an Adult, which opened the minds of loving but hovering parents everywhere. In this episode, we discuss her follow up book ⁠Your Turn: How To Be An Adult⁠, which Julie calls "a compassionate beckoning into the freedoms and responsibilities of adulthood." Adulting is a mindset. That might explain why many of us whose drivers' licenses indicate grown-up status still don't feel ready to be in charge of anything– including the children with whom we have somehow been entrusted. But trying and failing doesn't mean you're not ready to be an adult. Failing and trying again, Lythcott-Haims argues, is what makes us adults in the first place. This episode is full of advice on how to move the parent/child paradigm (gradually) from vertical to horizontal– and on why becoming an adult is actually a path to joy. As Julie explains in this episode: "Whether we're 8 or we're 18, or 28 or 38 or 48, we are yearning to make our way down a path that is ours to lay. We want to be loved and cared about along the way, but we do not want someone else to lead our lives for us." Find out more at ⁠julielythcotthaims.com,⁠ on social media ⁠@jlythcotthaims⁠, and find YOUR TURN in our Bookshop store: https://bookshop.org/a/12099/9781250137777. This episode originally aired on April 16, 2021. What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/ What Fresh Hell podcast, mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent, Julie Lythcott-Haims, How to Raise an Adult, Your Turn book, adulting mindset, becoming an adult, parenting young adults, overparenting, helicopter parenting, raising independent kids, transitioning to adulthood, parent child relationship, letting go as a parent, autonomy in adulthood, failure and growth, resilience skills, emotional independence, purpose and meaning, identity development, joy in adulthood, modern parenting, parenting teens, parenting adult children, life skills for young adults, boundaries with adult kids, self-directed life, compassionate parenting, personal growth podcast, psychology of adulthood, human development, mental health and growth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Margaret and Amy talk with safety expert and digital creator Dannah Eve, author of the new book STREET SMARTS, about the steps women can take to be safer in our daily lives—and how to teach age-appropriate techniques to our children. Drawing on her background in criminology and her experience as a parent, Dannah shares practical strategies for trusting your instincts, recognizing red flags, and navigating both physical and digital spaces with confidence. The conversation explores why women are often taught to suppress their intuition, the science behind fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses, and how rehearsing “what if” scenarios can help families respond more effectively in real-life situations. Margaret, Amy, and Dannah also discuss how to talk to kids about tricky people without resorting to outdated “stranger danger” messaging, and how open communication is a powerful tool for parents to have. This episode is an empowering guide to raising confident kids and helping women feel safer, more aware, and more in control in today's world. Here's where you can find Dannah: www.dannaheve.com @dannah_eve on IG, TikTok, and YouTube Buy STREET SMARTS: https://bookshop.org/a/12099/9780063438880 What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/ What Fresh Hell podcast, mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent, women's safety, street smarts, dannah eve, parenting and safety, digital safety for kids, online grooming, sextortion, trusting your instincts, fight flight freeze fawn, intuition and safety, raising confident kids, parenting in the digital age, scams and fraud awareness, family safety tips, empowering women, tricky people vs stranger danger, situational awareness, personal safety strategies, safety education for families Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's time to confront one of life's most uncomfortable truths: how our moms were often right—especially when we were convinced they were totally wrong. From dead-end relationships to to coat-free winters, Amy and Margaret reflect on the advice they might have once ignored, but now repeat to their own kids. We also discuss our listeners' own versions of mom wisdom: trusting your intuition about friends and partners, wearing sunscreen, following up on job applications, buying fewer but better things, making lists, and remembering to eat, walk, or take a bath when emotions run high. Here are links to some of the resources mentioned in the episode: Our Fresh Take with Gabrielle Blair The thread in our FB group about all the things our listeners' moms were right about What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/ What Fresh Hell podcast, mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent, parenting podcast, mother daughter relationships, parenting teenagers, mom advice, generational wisdom, teenage rebellion, parenting humor, midlife parenting, letting kids fail, choosing battles, emotional regulation, What Fresh Hell podcast, modern motherhood Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Based on a recent listener question about how to start to let go as our kids get older, this "Deep Dive" series highlights some of our past interview episodes on the topic. There's a mental health crisis among teens. Teens are also highly emotional creatures by design. Adolescent psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour thinks the two are starting to get conflated– and that means parents and educators can sometimes overcorrect in their responses to teens' emotional outbursts. ⁠⁠Dr. Lisa Damour⁠⁠ co-hosts the Ask Lisa podcast and writes about adolescents for the The New York Times, in addition to her clinical practice. Her book discussed in this episode is ⁠⁠The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents⁠⁠.  Amy and Lisa explore: Why good sleep is the first thing we need to help dysregulated teens solve What the pandemic actually revealed about teens' mental health Key myths and misconceptions about adolescent emotions Dr. Lisa says that we– and our teenagers– can gain much by asking if the strong emotion a teen may be feeling is uncomfortable or unmanageable. If it's uncomfortable, learning to sit with that is part of the process of healthy emotional maturation. Here's where you can find Lisa: Our ⁠⁠previous interview ⁠⁠with Dr. Lisa ⁠⁠https://drlisadamour.com/⁠⁠ @lisa.damour on IG ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/lisadamourphd⁠⁠ Buy Lisa's book: ⁠⁠https://bookshop.org/a/12099/9780593500019⁠⁠ This episode originally aired on February 24, 2023. What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/⁠ What Fresh Hell podcast, mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent, teen mental health, adolescent emotions, letting go as kids grow up, parenting teenagers, Dr. Lisa Damour, Ask Lisa podcast, teen emotional regulation, teen anxiety and stress, pandemic teen mental health, parenting teens through big emotions, how to help dysregulated teens, teen sleep and mental health, emotional development in adolescence, teen mental health myths, supporting teen independence, raising emotionally healthy teens, The Emotional Lives of Teenagers, Untangled, Under Pressure, connected and compassionate teens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We welcome back family counselor Erin Cox to talk about how we talk about the immigration raids and ICE detentions taking place in the United States, the children who are being detained, and the fear all children are absorbing from the news, social media, and their communities. We discuss what's happening on the ground in places like Minnesota, Texas, and Portland; why it's making so many of us feel frightened and disoriented; and what we can do as parents whose children are directly impacted—and for those kids who are learning about it online. We discuss how children communicate distress through behavior and play and why empathy and emotional vocabulary are essential tools we can teach our children. Erin explains the importance of co-regulation—how children borrow calm from the adults in their lives—and shares ways parents can care for their own nervous systems so they can show up as a steady presence. While fear may be the point of these tactics, connection, community, and resilience are how we can respond. Here are links to some of the resources mentioned in the episode: Follow Erin on IG @loveuwitherin Corina Knoll for The New York Times: A Winter of Anguish for Minneapolis Children A.O. Scott for The New York Times: In Under 500 Words, a Judge Weaponized Wit to Free the Child Detained by ICE Hennepin County Sheriff Dewanna Witt talks to CBS News' Nicole Sganga about the situation in Minnesota Elora Mukherjee for The New York Times: Liam Ramos Was Just One of Hundreds of Children at This Detention Center. Release Them All. Sahara Sajjadi for Copper Courier: Three-year-old child forced to serve as her own attorney in Tucson immigration court Camilo Montoya-Galvez for CBS News: ICE halts "all movement" at Texas detention facility due to measles infections CBS News: Columbia Heights schools, where 5-year-old Liam Ramos attends, closed Monday due to bomb threat David Martin Davies for Texas Public Radio: Reps. Castro and Crockett Describe Conditions at ICE Dilley Detention Center Laura Kelly Fanucci for America: The Jesuit Review: I'm a Minnesota Catholic Mom — Here's What My Neighbors Are Saying About ICE The Marshall Project: ‘Why Is This Happening to Us?' Daily Number of Kids in ICE Detention Jumps 6x Under Trump Lily Hay Newman et. al for WIRED: What to Do If ICE Invades Your Neighborhood Ken Burns documentary The American Revolution James Baraz and Shoshana Alexander: AWAKENING JOY What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Margaret Ables and Amy Wilson. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/⁠ mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent, parenting in crisis, talking to kids about ICE, immigration fear children, kids and anxiety, family separation, safety planning for kids, co-regulation, empathy for children, trauma-informed parenting, kids and current events, emotional regulation parents, helping anxious kids, resilience in families, parenting during political stress, how to talk to kids about scary news Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Still not feeling that new-year excitement? That's because forcing productivity during the darkest months is a losing battle. Would it make you feel better to learn that January and February were once considered such black holes of nothingness that they did not appear on the calendar *at all*? In this episode, we're declaring that February is the new January. We discuss the history of the calendar, why January is the worst time to start anew, and how modern life works against our natural rhythms. We also discuss the Lunar New Year, how the Year of the Snake has a few more weeks before we enter the Year of the Horse, and how we're going to use our February for reflection, not reinvention. Keep resting! You're a mammal! Here are links to some of the resources mentioned in the episode: Our Fresh Take with Dr. Greg Hammer Our Fresh Take with Katherine May Annie Scott on Substack: The Wankery Verdict: New Year, New You! Erin Blakemore for National Geographic: The new year once started in March—here's why Aadrika Sominder for The Hindustan Times: As the Year of the Snake ends, the Year of the Horse begins: Here's what this Chinese zodiac transition means for you r/LTL_Chinese: Year of the Fire Horse 2026

When we imagine peer pressure, we imagine coming to the rescue by slapping drugs and alcohol out of our kids' hands after their friends undoubtedly tell them they should definitely try some. But peer pressure--who feels it, why, and exactly WHAT kids are being pressured to do--is a complex issue. In this episode, Amy and Margaret discuss: The biological imperative adolescents have to take risks in front of their peers What kids report actually feeling peer pressured to do- the answers aren't what expected How to actually prepare our kids to counter the peer pressure they face This episode was originally released on April 13, 2022. Here are links to past episodes with similar topics: ⁠"When Other Kids Are Bad Influences"⁠ ⁠"What Is Up With Teenagers?"⁠ Here are links to resources mentioned in this episode: Juliana Menasce Horowitz and Nikki Graf for the Pew Research Center: ⁠"Most U.S. Teens See Anxiety and Depression as a Major Problem Among Their Peers"⁠ Centerstone.org: "⁠What is Peer Pressure and Who is at Risk?⁠" Science Daily: ⁠"Peer pressure? It's hardwired into our brains, study finds"⁠ ⁠Laurence Steinberg⁠ and ⁠Kathryn C. Monahan⁠: ⁠Age Differences in Resistance to Peer Influence⁠ Jess Shatkin, ⁠Born to Be Wild: Why Teens Take Risks, and How We Can Help Keep Them Safe⁠ Jessica Lahey, ⁠The Addiction Inoculation: Raising Healthy Kids in a Culture of Dependence⁠ Sign up for What Fresh Hell Plus on Supporting Cast to get all episodes ad-free, plus monthly bonus episodes. Supporting Cast works right where you already listen! Go to whatfreshhell.supportingcast.fm to subscribe in two taps for just $4.99 a month, or $39.99 a year. What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/ What Fresh Hell podcast, mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent, peer pressure Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Amy talks with developmental psychologists Dr. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek and Dr. Roberta Golinkoff, authors of the newly revised parenting classic EINSTEIN NEVER USED FLASHCARDS, about why today's parents feel more pressured than ever to optimize every moment of childhood—and why research shows that approach often backfires. From academic preschools to AI toys, screen time to early reading, Kathy and Roberta explain what actually supports healthy learning and development. You'll learn: Why play-based learning leads to better academic and emotional outcomes The five key conditions for how the human brain learns best Why “faster” and “earlier” aren't better for child development How everyday moments (like the grocery store or setting the table) are powerful learning opportunities The effects of AI toys and excessive screen use How simple games build executive function and social skills A practical mantra for overwhelmed parents: reflect, resist, recenter This episode offers science-backed reassurance that children don't need flashcards, apps, or enrichment overload—what they need most is playful, joyful, human connection. Here's where you can find Drs. Hirsh-Pasek and Golinkoff: @drkathyanddrro on IG Buy EINSTEIN NEVER USED FLASHCARDS: https://bookshop.org/a/12099/9780593980767 What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/ What Fresh Hell podcast, mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent, play-based learning, Einstein Never Used Flashcards, child development, early childhood education, parenting advice, executive function, screen time for kids, AI toys, learning through play, social emotional development, preschool learning, developmental psychology, parenting pressure, raising kids, how children learn, educational research, parent anxiety, technology and kids Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why do some moments feel enormous while others vanish from memory? Why do two people experience the same event and walk away with completely different interpretations? And why do we so often repeat stories about ourselves that keep us stuck? In this episode, we explore narrative identity—the science-backed idea that who we are is shaped not just by what happens to us, but by the story we tell about what happens. But small shifts in perspective can radically change those narratives. In this episode we unpack what it means to notice the script, question it, and rewrite it. We also dive into the research showing that the ability to find agency and redemption in our stories is one of the strongest predictors of mental health. Here are links to some of the resources mentioned in the episode: Emory University blog: Changing the narrative of your self Leo Babauta for ZenHabits.net: Mental Badassery: Becoming Aware of the Stories We Tell Ourselves Listen to David Foster Wallace's commencement speech at Kenyon College. Samantha Boardman for Psychology Today: Take Control of the Story You Tell About Yourself Bruce Feiler for The New York Times: The Stories That Bind Us What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/ What Fresh Hell podcast, mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent, narrative identity, personal narratives, storytelling and identity, self story psychology, meaning making, memory and perception, how the brain creates meaning, cognitive bias, sense of self, psychology of storytelling, rewriting your story, mental health and narratives, agency and redemption, neuroscience of identity, parenting and mindset, family narratives, personal growth podcast, self awareness psychology, behavioral psychology, mindset shifts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What do we do as parents when our kids aren't great at making friends, or their friends are outgrowing them, or we feel that their friends are a bad influence? Sometimes, we're not supposed to do anything at all. Sometimes our kids really need our support. How can we tell the difference? In this episode, Amy and Margaret discuss: what might contribute to trouble making friends the skills kids can develop to become better friends what to do when you don't like your kid's friends This episode was originally released on November 6, 2024. Here are links to some of the resources mentioned in the episode: Michelle Icard for CNN: ⁠Parents ‘should be seen and not heard' when it comes to kids and their friendships⁠ Parenting.org: ⁠My Child Has No Friends⁠ Julia Morrill for Health Matters: ⁠How Parents Can Help Their Kids Make Friends⁠ Lexi Walters Wright for Understood.org: ⁠4 skills for making friends⁠  Claire McCarthy for Harvard Health Publishing: ⁠Helping children make friends: What parents can do⁠ Kelsey Borresen for HuffPost: ⁠What To Do If You Don't Like Your Kid's Friend⁠ What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Margaret Ables and Amy Wilson. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/⁠ mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent, rejection, kid rejection, friendships, kids friendships, kids friends, kids making friends, kids social skills Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Margaret talks with clinical psychologist Dr. Meredith Elkins, author of the new book PARENTING ANXIETY, about how anxiety really works—and how parents can stop unintentionally reinforcing it in themselves and their kids. Dr. Elkins, a faculty member at Harvard Medical School and director of the McLean Anxiety Mastery Program, shares insights from her new book Parenting Anxiety: Breaking the Cycle of Worry and Raising Resilient Kids. Together, they unpack why anxiety isn't something to eliminate, how avoidance makes fear stronger, and why modern “intensive parenting” may be increasing anxiety for both parents and children. You'll learn the three key markers that distinguish normal anxiety from an anxiety disorder (interference, distress, and duration), why psychological flexibility is one of the most important skills we can teach kids, and how cognitive behavioral therapy—especially exposure—helps people face fear instead of shrinking from it. This conversation offers practical, compassionate tools for parents who want to support anxious kids without over-accommodating, and for anyone who wants to change their relationship with anxiety itself. Here's where you can find Dr. Elkins: https://www.meredithelkinsphd.com/ @drmeredithelkins on IG and FB LinkedIn Buy PARENTING ANXIETY: https://bookshop.org/a/12099/9780593798812 What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/ What Fresh Hell podcast, mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent, parenting anxiety, child anxiety, anxiety in children, anxiety disorders, psychological flexibility, cognitive behavioral therapy, CBT for anxiety, exposure therapy, intensive parenting, mental health for parents, anxiety coping skills, raising resilient kids, parenting mental health, postpartum anxiety, intrusive thoughts, anxiety management, Harvard psychologist, Meredith Elkins, anxiety treatment, family mental health Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From socks-and-slides footwear to mysteriously disappearing spoons and phone chargers, teens and tweens can really rack up the infractions. In this episode, Amy and Margaret break down the baffling behaviors that define life with older kids—tween and teen “crimes"—as reported by parents in the What Fresh Hell community. Paradoxical and criminal behavior further includes having “nothing to wear” despite a full closet, hoarding personal money while freely spending that of your parents, and needing an immediate text response while ignoring all incoming messages. Here are links to some of the resources mentioned in the episode: Our episode "Teaching Kids About Money" An embarrassed teen at school pickup The speakers Margaret purchased for her teens' rooms What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/ What Fresh Hell podcast, mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent, tween parenting, teen parenting, parenting tweens and teens, teen behavior, tween behavior, funny parenting podcast, parenting humor, life with teenagers, teen habits parents hate, executive function teens, teen independence, parenting frustrations, What Fresh Hell podcast, raising teenagers, parenting community stories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When we have a kid who just doesn't seem to fit in—or who is a loner, if a fairly content one—it can be hard for parents. But putting our own anxiety about it aside, and getting clear on the lagging skills and social cues that may not quite be in place, is the best way to help kids get on a better path. This episode is full of specific and useful advice! Amy and Margaret discuss: all the reasons kids can have trouble making (and keeping) friends five "unwritten social rules" that some kids take longer to comprehend how figuring out the specific issues at play can lead to the most useful solutions This episode was originally released on May 29, 2024. Here are links to some of the resources mentioned in the episode: Jamie Howard, et. al for Child Mind Institute: ⁠Kids Who Need a Little Help to Make Friends⁠ The Sue Larkey podcast: ⁠Promoting Social Understanding – Social Scripts⁠ Gwen Dewar for Parenting Science: ⁠How to help kids make friends: 12 evidence-based tips⁠ Christine Comizio for U.S. News Health: ⁠Understanding Kids' Friendship Struggles: Common Causes and Solutions⁠ Lexi Walters Wright for Understood.org: ⁠5 “unwritten” social rules that some kids miss⁠ Andrew M.I. Lee for Understood.org: ⁠Why some kids have trouble making friends⁠ ADHD Dude: ⁠"How to Help Your ADHD Child Keep Friends"⁠ What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Margaret Ables and Amy Wilson. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/⁠ mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent, friendships, making friends Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why does winter affect our mood—and why are teens especially vulnerable? Amy talks with Dr. Greg Hammer, author of the book A MINDFUL TEEN, about the science behind the winter blues, teen mental health, and how simple mindfulness practices can help families feel better. Dr. Hammer explains how reduced sunlight, disrupted sleep, less physical activity, and holiday stress all contribute to seasonal mood changes—and why teens, who are already sleep-deprived and under pressure, can struggle even more during the winter months. The conversation explores the difference between everyday winter blues and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and when parents should consider professional support. Amy and Dr. Hammer also discuss the definition of "mindfulness" and the GAIN method—Dr. Hammer's practical, accessible framework built around Gratitude, Acceptance, Intention, and Non-Judgment. Dr. Hammer shares how mindfulness can be practiced in as little as three minutes a day, why self-judgment fuels stress and burnout, and how parents can model emotional regulation without lecturing their teens. Here's where you can find Dr. Hammer: www.greghammermd.com www.amindfulteen.com Buy A MINDFUL TEEN: https://bookshop.org/a/12099/9798881806118 @greghammermd on IG What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/ What Fresh Hell podcast, mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent, winter blues, seasonal affective disorder, mindfulness for teens, teen mental health, parenting teenagers, teen anxiety and depression, mindfulness practice, mental health in winter, Dr. Greg Hammer, A Mindful Teen book Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why does deciding what's for dinner every night feel way harder than making major decisions at work? Here's why decision-making can feel so overwhelming—and what actually helps. You'll learn the psychology behind choice overload, decision fatigue, and regret aversion, and how too many options, depleted mental energy, and fear of future regret can lead to avoidance, default choices, or endless second-guessing. Amy and Margaret share practical tools for simplifying decisions, including narrowing options, offloading choices, and applying frameworks like the Eisenhower Matrix. This episode offers reassurance that decision stress is normal—and actionable ways to reduce it, save your cognitive energy for what matters most, and move forward with more confidence and less regret. Here are links to some of the resources mentioned in the episode: Science of People: “Choice Paralysis: 8 Techniques to Make Better Decisions” Marlynn Wei, M.D., J.D. for Psychology Today: “How High Performers Overcome Decision Fatigue” The Decision Lab: “Regret Aversion” The Decision Lab: “Choice Overload Bias” Alexander Chernev, Ulf Böckenholt & Joseph Goodman for Journal of Consumer Psychology: "Choice overload: A conceptual review and meta‐analysis" Huiqiao Jia, Chiuhsiang Joe Lin & Eric Min-yang Wang for Scientific Reports: “Effects of Mental Fatigue on Risk Preference and Feedback Processing in Risk Decision-Making” What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/ Get 50% Off Monarch Money, the all-in-one financial tool at ⁠www.monarchmoney.com/FRESH Ready to raise money-smart kids? Start now with your first month FREE at acornsearly.com/FRESH! What Fresh Hell podcast, mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent, how to make better decisions, decision fatigue, choice overload, regret aversion, parenting decisions, decision making psychology, analysis paralysis, decision making strategies, paradox of choice, simplify decisions, cognitive overload, parenting stress, behavioral science decisions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Most of us hear “bullying” and picture a sand-kicking, lunch-money-stealing menace. But today's bullying can take other forms. Research by Dr. Charisse Nixon shows that about 7% of kids report experiencing physical aggression once a week— but that HALF of kids report experiencing relational aggression at least once a month.  On the other hand, as bullying expert Signe Whitson explains, some things get termed “bullying” that are more correctly described as mean or rude. Knowing the difference as parents will help our children navigate these waters more effectively.  In this episode we discuss how to help our children understand what bullying is, plus how to know if our kids are being bullied themselves— since it's the kids who are truly frightened and struggling who are often the most likely not to tell us.  We also discuss whether, how much, and in what ways parents should intervene— somewhere in the middle ground between “so find new friends!” and beating the bully up yourself. (Spoiler alert: don't do either of those things.)  This episode was originally released on June 12, 2024. Here are links to some of the resources mentioned in this episode: Katie Hurley for Washington Post On Parenting: ⁠"What does childhood anxiety look like? Probably not what you think."⁠ Katie Hurley for PBS Kids: ⁠What to Do If Your Child Is Being Bullied⁠ Sherri Gordon for Very Well Family: ⁠7 Tips for Helping Kids Deal With Being Ostracized⁠ Sumathi Reddy for WSJ: ⁠Little Children and Already Acting Mean⁠ Signe Whitson for Huffington Post: ⁠Rude Vs. Mean Vs. Bullying: Defining The Differences⁠ Louis Sachar: ⁠There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom⁠  Join Our Facebook Group! ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/whatfreshhellcast ⁠ What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/⁠ mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent, bullying, bullies, bullied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What happens when the ambition that once fueled your identity no longer fits your life? Margaret talks with writer and producer Amil Niazi about her new book, LIFE AFTER AMBITION, and the complicated relationship between work, motherhood, and meaning. Amil shares how her understanding of ambition evolved—from a bottomless pursuit shaped by hustle culture, immigrant expectations, and meritocracy myths, to a more honest reckoning with limits, inequality, and the idea of “enough.” They discuss how the gig economy and instability of modern work make traditional success narratives feel hollow, especially for women and parents. The conversation also explores how ambition intersects with motherhood, including the hidden labor of working moms, the pressure to appear endlessly capable, and the cost of keeping personal struggles invisible at work. Amil reflects on modeling healthier values around work for her children, breaking generational patterns, and finding fulfillment without constant striving. This episode offers a thoughtful, compassionate look at redefining success—and permission to step off the treadmill without losing purpose. Here's where you can find Amil: @amilniazi on IG @amil on X Buy LIFE AFTER AMBITION: https://bookshop.org/a/12099/9781668056035 What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/ Get 50% Off Monarch Money, the all-in-one financial tool at ⁠www.monarchmoney.com/FRESH Ready to raise money-smart kids? Start now with your first month FREE at acornsearly.com/FRESH! What Fresh Hell podcast, mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent, life after ambition, redefining ambition, motherhood and work, hustle culture, meritocracy myth, working mothers, women and ambition, gig economy parenting, work life balance, career identity, parenting and ambition, choosing enough, modern motherhood Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why do kids often act so differently at school than they do at home? In this episode, you'll learn how skills like adaptability and “theory of mind” develop over time, why younger kids struggle more with behavior shifts, and how structure, transitions, and social pressure shape school-day behavior. We explore concepts like afterschool restraint collapse, social battery depletion, and masking—and why post-school meltdowns are usually a good sign, in that your home is a place your kid feels safe. You'll learn some practical strategies for making things easier, including creating afterschool rituals, using visual schedules, feeding kids early and often, collaborating with teachers, and getting curious instead of reactive when behavior changes. Here are links to some of the resources mentioned in the episode: Our Fresh Take with Ryan Wexelblatt Beth Arky for Child Mind Institute: "Why Are Kids Different at Home and at School?" Sign up for What Fresh Hell Plus on Supporting Cast to get all episodes ad-free, plus monthly bonus episodes. Supporting Cast works right where you already listen! Go to whatfreshhell.supportingcast.fm to subscribe in two taps for just $4.99 a month, or $39.99 a year. What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/ Get 50% Off Monarch Money, the all-in-one financial tool at ⁠www.monarchmoney.com/FRESH Ready to raise money-smart kids? Start now with your first month FREE at acornsearly.com/FRESH! What Fresh Hell podcast, mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent, kids behave differently at school and home, afterschool restraint collapse, child behavior school vs home, parenting behavior issues, why kids melt down after school, child development theory of mind, school transitions and kids, emotional regulation in children, social battery kids, parenting strategies after school, collaboration with teachers, child behavior communication Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

To accompany us on our holiday road trips, here's one of our favorite funny family-friendly episodes: Things We Weirdly Enjoy. What oddities do you love that others might look askance at? Is it your magical singing rice cooker? The silence just before it snows? T errible Ikea instructions? Amy and Margaret share their weird pleasures and chime in on some listener suggestions as well. Sign up for the What Fresh Hell newsletter! Once a month you'll get our favorite recent episodes, plus links to other things to read and watch and listen to, and upcoming special events: ⁠http://eepurl.com/h8ze3z⁠ What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables. This episode was originally released on January 25th, 2023. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/ Get 50% Off Monarch Money, the all-in-one financial tool at ⁠www.monarchmoney.com/FRESH Ready to raise money-smart kids? Start now with your first month FREE at acornsearly.com/FRESH! What Fresh Hell podcast, mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What's your scariest mom-ster story? Do you leave half-empty cups everywhere like Margaret? Do you leave hairs on the shower wall like Amy? We asked our listeners when they were the mom-sters, and some of the answers sent chills down our spines! In this episode, Amy and Margaret discuss: "Driver's License" (wait, is it not cool anymore?) The secret to moms' bad moods Recycling rules (and how we don't respect them) What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables. This episode was originally released on October 26th, 2022. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/ Get 50% Off Monarch Money, the all-in-one financial tool at ⁠www.monarchmoney.com/FRESH Ready to raise money-smart kids? Start now with your first month FREE at acornsearly.com/FRESH! What Fresh Hell podcast, mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

To wrap up 2025, we're re-running some of our favorite guest episodes from this year. When we're faced with difficulties, how can we put them into perspective and move forward? Jessica N. Turner, author of the new book I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE BETTER THAN THIS, discusses the experiences that led her to look at life differently and how she has learned to make "imperfect choices." Jessica, Amy, and Margaret discuss: What led Jessica to write this book What Jessica's large online audience of women taught her about grief Strategies for processing grief and disappointment Here's where you can find Jessica: ⁠www.jessicanturner.com⁠ @jessicanturner on IG @TheMomCreative on FB Buy I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE BETTER THAN THIS: ⁠https://bookshop.org/a/12099/9781546006718⁠ We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/⁠ Get 50% Off Monarch Money, the all-in-one financial tool at ⁠www.monarchmoney.com/FRESH Ready to raise money-smart kids? Start now with your first month FREE at acornsearly.com/FRESH! What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Margaret Ables and Amy Wilson. mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, toddler, baby, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent, #betterthanthis, grief, trauma, stages of grief, disappointment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For the holidays, we're re-running some of our very favorite holiday-themed episodes! It's hard not to feel like we've got to be doing ALL the things at the holidays, especially when social media tells us we should be. Here are some tips for taking perspective at the holidays and operating in "high magic, low effort" mode. We discuss: pre-gaming with your (older) kids about the preferred responses to less-preferred gifts starting with what family members really do love most about the holidays (their answers will surprise you) why you don't have to go the Nutcracker, or lights at the zoo, or Aunt Martha's house, this year, let alone every year Rosie Colosi for Today Parents: ⁠⁠Moms are challenging the idea that they are the sole keepers of holiday ‘magic'⁠⁠ SNL's "Christmas Morning" sketch: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOVCtUdaMCU⁠ ⁠Read all of our listeners' great advice on the original Facebook thread⁠... and here, as promised, is Amy's recipe for the⁠ Italian pepper cookies⁠ that seem to be unique to northeast Pennsylvania... Italian Pepper Cookies (makes about 72 cookies, more if they're small) 1/2 cup Crisco  2 cups of milk or water (or more if needed) If dough is really sticky you can add a little bit more of milk 1/2 lb. raisins  1 cup cocoa 2 1/2 cups sugar 4 tbsp. baking powder 7 cups of flour (add more if needed) 1 1/2 tsps. cinnamon 1 1/2 tsps. cloves (not whole) 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla 1 1/2 tsps. black pepper (if you don't want them too spicy, you can cut back on the pepper, I never do though) Optional, you can add nuts or I've seen people add chocolate chips too. We aren't big nut eaters, so I've never made them with nuts. Preheat oven to 375 Cream sugar and Crisco together in a bowl  In a different bowl, sift together all the dry ingredients. Add sifted dry ingredients to creamed sugar and Crisco alternately with milk. Mix well. It will be very sticky, it's easier to work with your hands. I usually coat my hands with some Pam to be able to work the dough. Add your raisins and mix it up more.  Using your hands, take enough dough to roll a small ball (my mom likes them big, I like them smaller) Place cookie balls on your cookie trays (I usually fit around 16 on a tray, all depends on the size of your cookie balls)  Bake in oven for 8-10 minutes. Icing: 2 cups confectioner's sugar 1 to 2 tablespoons milk 1/2 teaspoon butter splash vanilla For icing: Mix together all ingredients, adding milk until achieving creamy consistency, not stiff. When cookies are slightly cooled, top with icing. Sign up for the What Fresh Hell newsletter! Once a month you'll get our favorite recent episodes, plus links to other things to read and watch and listen to, and upcoming special events: ⁠http://eepurl.com/h8ze3z⁠ We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/⁠ Get 50% Off Monarch Money, the all-in-one financial tool at ⁠www.monarchmoney.com/FRESH Ready to raise money-smart kids? Start now with your first month FREE at acornsearly.com/FRESH! What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Margaret Ables and Amy Wilson. Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Santa, Elf on the Shelf, gift exchange, holiday, holiday shopping, holiday gifts, mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, toddler, holiday recipes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this best-of, listener-driven episode, we talk about all the things that our listeners say should not be things, like: prairie dresses thank you cards school theme days Dinosaurs ...and so many more! What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables. This episode was originally released on April 6th, 2022. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/ Get 50% Off Monarch Money, the all-in-one financial tool at ⁠www.monarchmoney.com/FRESH Ready to raise money-smart kids? Start now with your first month FREE at acornsearly.com/FRESH! What Fresh Hell podcast, mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Amy talks with Sophie Kihm, editor-in-chief of Nameberry (the world's largest baby name website!) about the top baby name trends predicted for 2026, and why naming a child feels more complicated—and more meaningful—than ever. Sophie explains how Nameberry analyzes real-time search and save data, alongside Social Security statistics, to forecast which baby names are poised to rise quickly through the ranks. Together, Amy and Sophie walk through Nameberry's 10 biggest baby naming trends for 2026, from ancient civilization names and soulful, subtle spiritual names to showgirl-inspired choices influenced by pop culture and Taylor Swift. Along the way, Sophie shares how modern parents use Nameberry tools like forums, "Name DNA," and curated lists to find baby names that feel personal, flexible, and future-proof. Here's where you can find Sophie and Nameberry: https:://nameberry.com @nameberry on IG @nameberry.com on TikTok Read about the top 10 trends for baby names in 2026 here What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/ Get 50% Off Monarch Money, the all-in-one financial tool at ⁠www.monarchmoney.com/FRESH Ready to raise money-smart kids? Start now with your first month FREE at acornsearly.com/FRESH! What Fresh Hell podcast, mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent, baby name trends 2026, baby names 2026, Nameberry baby names, Sophie Kihm Nameberry, baby naming trends, modern baby names, unique baby names, rising baby names, gender-neutral baby names, baby name popularity trends, ancient baby names, vintage baby names, boomer baby names, romantic fantasy baby names, anime baby names, Utah baby names, number baby names, vowel-heavy baby names, literary baby names, baby name ideas, baby name inspiration, name nerd podcast, parenting podcast episode, pop culture baby names Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why is the "most wonderful time of the year" also the time, all too often, when our kids are at their worst? Drawing on research from child psychologists, developmental experts, and real-life family dynamics, Amy and Margaret explore this extremely familiar dynamic, and explain how disrupted routines, sensory overload, anxiety, social expectations, and good old-fashioned exhaustion collide to push kids past their emotional thresholds. They discuss: How blown-up routines remove a key emotional “protective factor” for kids Why holiday excitement + uncertainty creates anxiety (for kids and adults) The “migraine threshold” analogy for understanding meltdowns How neurodivergent kids experience holiday environments differently Why expectations—ours and theirs—fuel disappointment When misbehavior is emotional dysregulation vs. strategic escape How to rethink traditions so they actually work for the kids you have Practical ways to add back small routines, reduce overwhelm, and prepare kids ahead of time If holiday gatherings feel harder than they “should,” this episode offers compassion, insight, and doable strategies to help every kid (and parent) get through the season with less stress. Here are links to some of the resources mentioned in the episode: Selman, S. B., & Dilworth-Bart, J. E. (2024). “Routines and child development: A systematic review.” Journal of Family Theory & Review Amhefferan for In the Now Counseling blog: Why Do Kids Misbehave On Holidays? Howcast: How to Handle Your Child's Holiday Stress with Dr. Robin Goodman Melinda Wenner Moyer on Substack: Why Do my Kids Turn Into Monsters Over the Holidays? Melinda Wenner Moyer for Slate: Better Not Pout, Better Not Cry Melinda Wenner Moyer on Substack: Managing the Post-Holiday "Why Are My Kids Acting Like This?" Slump Megan Devine for Empowering Parents: How to Manage Tantrums, Misbehavior, and Meltdowns During the Holidays What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Margaret Ables and Amy Wilson.   We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/⁠ Get 50% Off Monarch Money, the all-in-one financial tool at ⁠www.monarchmoney.com/FRESH Ready to raise money-smart kids? Start now with your first month FREE at acornsearly.com/FRESH! why kids melt down at the holidays, holiday meltdowns kids, kids holiday behavior, child emotional regulation holidays, holiday stress for kids, parenting holiday tips, disrupted routines kids, sensory overload holidays, family holiday expectations, managing holiday overwhelm, neurodivergent kids holidays, parenting during the holidays, child anxiety during holidays, traveling with kids during the holidays, preventing holiday meltdowns, Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables, What Fresh Hell podcast, holiday family stress tips, mindset and resilience for parents, mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we're discussing whether these parts of our lives (then as children, now as parents) are better then or better now: Halloween costumes holidays at school jeans what's for lunch cleaning the house What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables. This episode was originally released on October 30th, 2019. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/ Get 50% Off Monarch Money, the all-in-one financial tool at ⁠www.monarchmoney.com/FRESH Ready to raise money-smart kids? Start now with your first month FREE at acornsearly.com/FRESH! What Fresh Hell podcast, mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we sit down with writer, illustrator, and community-builder Sophie Lucido Johnson, author of KIN: THE FUTURE OF FAMILY, to explore how adults can create deeper, more fulfilling friendship networks. Sophie shares why modern culture pushes us toward hyper-independence, how to break out of the loneliness cycle, and the simple daily practices that strengthen connection. They discuss the difference between friendships and partnerships, why we need multiple kinds of support people, and how to nurture relationships with curiosity, generosity, and reciprocity. Sophie also talks about community care, asking for help, borrowing instead of buying, and the small acts that make neighborhoods feel like actual communities. Whether you're feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or simply craving richer relationships, this episode offers warm, practical, and often funny reminders that we don't have to do life alone — and that we're all better off when we rely on each other. Here's where you can find Sophie: @sophielucidojohnson on IG and FB https://www.sophielucidojohnson.com/ Buy KIN: https://bookshop.org/a/12099/9781668060650 What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Margaret Ables and Amy Wilson. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/⁠ Get 50% Off Monarch Money, the all-in-one financial tool at ⁠www.monarchmoney.com/FRESH Ready to raise money-smart kids? Start now with your first month FREE at acornsearly.com/FRESH! mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent, Sophie Lucido Johnson, Sophie Lucido Johnson interview, Kin book Sophie Johnson, adult friendships, how to make friends as an adult, building community as a parent, interdependence vs independence, community care, reducing loneliness, parenting podcast interview, What Fresh Hell podcast, Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables, creating support networks, nurturing friendships, reciprocity in relationships, borrowing instead of buying, neighborhood connection, emotional support systems Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we discuss some of our favorite parables— and what they can teach us about the meaning we attach to everyday frustrations with modern parenting, stress, and family dynamics. Stories are sticky for our brains, and these are the lessons that have helped us notice our reactions, question our assumptions, and navigate everything from holiday family drama to college applications to sibling squabbles with greater awareness. This a great episode to share with friends who may not be parents but love a smart, funny take on modern life! Here are links to some of the resources mentioned in the episode: Our episode on radical acceptance The Parable of the Empty Boat, from The Secular Buddhism Podcast with Noah Rasheta What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Margaret Ables and Amy Wilson. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/⁠ Get 50% Off Monarch Money, the all-in-one financial tool at ⁠www.monarchmoney.com/FRESH Ready to raise money-smart kids? Start now with your first month FREE at acornsearly.com/FRESH! parenting parables, empty boat parable meaning, two wolves story explanation, Chinese farmer parable, boiling frog metaphor, drowning man parable, parenting mindset shifts, handling family dynamics, dealing with frustration, managing anxiety as a parent, Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables, What Fresh Hell podcast, holiday family stress tips, mindset and resilience for parents, mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season 2, Episode 14Guest: Amy Wilson — Nurse & Higher-Ed Simulation Specialist; youth fencing parent; advocate for neurodivergent athletesWhat we coverWhy “calm down” isn't a strategy: replacing emotions (anger → engagement, under-arousal → activation)Fencing's unique demands: fast decisions, constant stimuli, and doing it alone on the stripThe concept: regulate first, then choose to go explosive (“pull the pin on purpose”)Early warning signs of dysregulation: posture shifts, breath changes, jittering, gear fidgetingPrevention beats cleanup: proactive routines that keep athletes near the “middle” zoneWhy fencing can be great for neurodivergent athletes (stimulus, boundaries, cross-body movement)Parent–coach partnership: advocacy without power struggles; translating coach feedbackTools that work: visual charts, nonverbal cues, brief written notes, peer feedback, snacks/hydrationEmergency resets (when the fuse pops): safe sensory “pattern interrupts” and fast re-engagementEnvironment tactics: control what you can control without over-calming a kid who needs to competePractical toolkitObserve first: posture, breath, timing, self-touching (e.g., body cord)Visual feedback card (12 simple icons): on-target, watched lights, stayed centered, didn't fall, breath, etc. Use silent hash marks during bouts and review between.Between bouts script: “Does your body need anything?” (water, snack, bathroom, hug) → “Do you want feedback?”Proactive role-play at home: rehearse day-of scenarios and the visual card so it's familiarBreak-glass reset options: cold/ice in hand, pleasant sensory (safe “treat”), quick drawing/notes—replace the feeling, don't debate itParent self-care & coverage: tag-team when possible so your presence stays steady and usefulTimestamps0:00 — Why “regulate, then explode” beats “calm down”1:18 — Bringing nursing/simulation methods to the strip2:52 — What makes fencing uniquely tough for kids' regulation3:12 — Emotional regulation vs. “be calm”4:30 — Early signs of drifting out of the optimal zone5:53 — “Pull the pin on purpose” explained7:05 — Why intervene; what's at risk if we don't11:05 — Why fencing can be great for neurodivergent athletes14:46 — How to start: observe, map home strategies → strip strategies18:31 — Partnering with coaches; translating instruction23:51 — Visual tools (the 12-icon card) and peer evaluations29:50 — When the fuse pops: safe sensory interrupts and quick resets32:08 — Controlling what you can control without over-calming38:14 — Quick hits for parents: what to pack, what to say (and avoid), how to check inQuotable“Don't calm it away—regulate it and then pull the pin on purpose.” — Amy Wilson“The loudest thing at a tournament isn't the beeping—it's a kid's negative thought loop.” — Amy WilsonCall to actionTry one tool at your next practice or tournament: a simple 6–12 icon feedback card, the two-question check-in (“Does your body need anything?” / “Do you want feedback?”), or a pre-planned sensory reset. Share what worked with your coach.Resources from AmyBout Feedback Image SheetEmotional Regulation Pattern IdentifierWe also benefitted greatly from the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center's ADHD Parenting Seminars. CCHMC's Center for ADHD is "one of the largest in the country devoted entirely to improving the care of children and adolescents with ADHD." Center for ADHD | Cincinnati Children'sCreditsHost: Bryan Wendell • Guest: Amy Wilson --First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

My newsletter: https://simonowens.substack.com/   By the time Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables came together to launch a parenting podcast in 2016, both had already achieved some mainstream success in traditional Hollywood. Amy landed multiple roles in TV sitcoms and Margaret had worked for several years as a senior writer at Nickelodeon. They teamed up on the podcast, which is called What Fresh Hell, because it offered them more creative freedom and ownership over their work. Within years, advertisers were beating down their door to reach their enormous audience, which mostly consists of moms. In 2022, they leveraged that success to launch Adalyst Media, a podcast network that sells ads for other shows targeting female audiences. In a recent interview, Amy walked me through why she left traditional Hollywood, their decision to launch a network, and how she thinks the podcast industry will evolve in the coming years.

Episode #127. This week, I'm joined by the multi-talented Amy Wilson—writer, actor, and co-host of the hit podcast What Fresh Hell. We talk about the invisible weight of being the “helpful one,” the push-pull of people-pleasing, and why creativity can't live in the leftovers of our time. Amy shares the real story behind her new book Happy to Help—a funny, thoughtful collection of essays for anyone who's ever stayed too long, tried too hard, or ignored their own needs. We dive into what happens when we try to fix everything—until we can't. We talk boundaries, burnout, and the power of giving yourself permission to write messy, live messy, and be okay with not having it all figured out. If you've been waiting for permission to make space for your creativity, your joy, and your voice—this is it. Take a walk, grab a puzzle, and let this conversation remind you: your time matters too. Mentioned in the Show: Positive Intelligence Saboteur Assessment When Did I Get Like This? by Amy Wilson The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron Connect with Amy Wilson: Website LinkedIn Instagram

Welcome to this compelling episode of the Mind Movement Health Podcast, where your host Kate Boyle revisits one of the most impactful discussions from the archives. In this popular episode, pharmacist and certified nutrition coach Amy Wilson joins Kate to share invaluable insights into the critical relationship between blood sugar levels, inflammation, and aging. Throughout their conversation, Amy reveals practical strategies for reversing high blood sugar levels and even tackling pre-diabetes and diabetes through diet, exercise, and thoughtful lifestyle adjustments. The discussion also highlights the effects of caffeine and alcohol on your overall health and why a good night's sleep is an essential component of wellness. Whether this episode is a new discovery or a revisit, it's packed with actionable takeaways. Learn how to simplify your dietary choices, manage stress, and understand why traditional diets may not offer the long-term solutions you're seeking. Don't miss this opportunity to explore how embracing these changes could lead to a healthier, stronger you, while enjoying a vibrant life at any age.   Connect with Amy: Amy K. Wilson is a Board Certified Geriatric Pharmacist, a certified fitness professional, and a certified nutrition coach using the FASTer Way to Fat Loss platform, who is disrupting the diet industry and helping her clients take their health back.   Amy's mission is to empower and equip her clients to take charge of their health and find balance in their lives. With over 30 years of experience, Amy specializes in developing individualized health plans that navigate through her client's individual barriers, allowing them to be successful in their efforts. Amy is passionate about helping people prevent and reverse diseases with nutrition and fitness.   Through her personal and professional experience, she has seen first hand how diet and exercise can change a person's life, and how the right nutritional program can be the key to improving their health and fitness. She has seen her clients reverse their pre-diabetes, diabetes, high cholesterol, and more. She is driven to help her clients feel in control of their body and mind, while no longer feeling enslaved by their scale.   Website http://amykwilson.com (For Freebie send a message that says “mind movement' and she will send you a free 5-day meal guide) LinkedIn URL https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-wilson-rph-bcgp Facebook URL https://www.facebook.com/amywilsonfitness YouTube URL https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkD50thvW_4kJZSd2E8qWtw Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thenutritioncoachpharmacist     Connect with Kate: Website: www.MindMovementHealth.com.au Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MindMovementHealth Instagram: http://instagram.com/MindMovementHealth

When we're faced with difficulties, how can we put them into perspective and move forward? Jessica N. Turner, author of the new book I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE BETTER THAN THIS, discusses the experiences that led her to look at life differently and how she has learned to make "imperfect choices." Jessica N. Turner has spent the last two decades as a content creator and tastemaker for busy moms looking for hacks to live life with more intention and less stress. Jessica, Amy, and Margaret discuss: What led Jessica to write this book What Jessica's large online audience of women taught her about grief Strategies for processing grief and disappointment Here's where you can find Jessica: www.jessicanturner.com @jessicanturner on IG @TheMomCreative on FB Buy I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE BETTER THAN THIS: https://bookshop.org/a/12099/9781546006718 We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/ What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Margaret Ables and Amy Wilson. mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, toddler, baby, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent, #betterthanthis, grief, trauma, stages of grief, disappointment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This Deep Dive series is all about why motherhood is so gosh darn hard. Turns out there are sociopolitical forces at play that make motherhood way harder than it needs to be. Listen to the full playlist on Spotify. "Mom rage" is a thing, and it feels shameful because it feels so far from where we are supposed to be as mothers and as women. Writer Anne Lamott called it "a closely guarded secret, as if the myth of maternal bliss is so sacrosanct that we can't even admit these feelings to ourselves." But it's more universal than we admit, and its triggers more predictable. There are also practical ways we can all recognize it sooner when it might be building within ourselves. In this episode, we discuss: How a "sequence of provocations" can dramatically increase anger Why lack of sleep is a major cause of mom rage Things that work to lengthen our fuses If you found this episode useful, here are some other episodes of ours you might listen to next: Fresh Take: Carla Naumburg Tells Us How To Stop Losing It With Our Kids (May 2021) Sometimes We Lose It (Dec 2018) How to Yell Less (Dec 2024) Here are links to some of the resources we mentioned in the episode: @momuninterrupted on Instagram: "Nighttime Parenting" Anne Lamott for Salon: "Mother Rage: Theory and Practice" Pallavi Pundir for Vice: ‘It's Like I Was Possessed': Women Reveal the Deepest, Darkest Moments of Their ‘Mom Rage' Minna Dubin for The New York Times: "The Rage Mothers Don't Talk About" Minna Dubin for The New York Times: ‘I Am Going to Physically Explode': Mom Rage in a Pandemic NBC Boston: What Is Mom Rage? Why Are So Many Women Feeling It? Mairead Heffron for Image: The secret rage of motherhood: ‘I never imagined that my child could be both the trigger and target of my anger' We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/ What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Margaret Ables and Amy Wilson. mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, toddler, baby, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent, mom blame, mom rage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How can we show kids that their neighborhoods are wonderful places to explore, learn, and grow? Tamron Hall, author of the NYT-bestselling book HARLEM HONEY, discusses why fostering hometown curiosity in kids is so important. Tamron Hall is a two-time Emmy Award-winning television host and executive producer of syndicated talk show Tamron Hall. Tamron and Margaret discuss: Becoming a mom later in life Navigating anxiety in our kids Why Mom going off to work at the beginning of HARLEM HONEY is so important Here's where you can find Tamron: https://tamronhallshow.com/ Buy HARLEM HONEY: https://bookshop.org/a/12099/9780063244849 @tamronhall on IG, FB, Threads, TikTok, and X We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/ What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Margaret Ables and Amy Wilson. mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent, parental stress, emotions, kids emotions, parent emotions, uncertainty, Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This Deep Dive series is all about why motherhood is so gosh darn hard. Turns out there are sociopolitical forces at play that make motherhood way harder than it needs to be. Listen to the full playlist on Spotify. Mothers have long been held at fault for anything that might occur in their children's lives, from autism ("refrigerator mothers") to colic, and everything in between. Why is there such a long history of blaming everything on Mom? In this episode, we discuss how mom blame has manifested in both psychology and parenting advice over the years, and how we can start to push back on it in our own lives. Here are links to some of the resources mentioned in the episode: Joseph E. Davis, PhD for Psychology Today: "For a Moratorium on Parent Blaming" Mitzi M. Waltz, PhD for the AMA Journal of Ethics: "Mothers and Autism: The Evolution of a Discourse of Blame" Rosjke Hasseldine for Medium: "How Mother Blaming Harms the Mother-Daughter Bond" Bonnie Zucker for Scary Mommy: "From a Psychologist: No, It's Not All Mom's Fault" We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/ What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Margaret Ables and Amy Wilson. mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, toddler, baby, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How does disability affect parenting, and what can disabled parents teach us all about parenthood? Jessica Slice, author of the new book UNFIT PARENT, discusses her journey as a disabled parent and the incredible joy she's found along the way. Jessica Slice is a disabled author, speaker, and essayist. She has been published in Modern Love, The New York Times and The Washington Post among many others. Jessica and Margaret discuss: Her journey towards accepting her disabled status How her disability prepared her for parenthood in an unexpected way How disabled parents are stigmatized and targeted by society Here's where you can find Jessica: www.jessicaslice.com @jessicaslice on IG Buy UNFIT PARENT: https://bookshop.org/a/12099/9780807013243 Rachel Fairbank for National Geographic: "What Is POTS? This Strange Disorder Has Doubled Since the Pandemic" We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/ What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Margaret Ables and Amy Wilson. mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent, parental stress, disability, disability awareness, disabled parenting, disabled parent, parenting while disabled #jessicaslice #unfitparent #disabledparenting #booksbydisabledauthors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I am so excited to have podcaster, actor, and author Amy Wilson on the show to talk about her newest book, Happy to Help: Adventures of a People Pleaser. I felt seen by Amy's essays and reflections, and I think you will, too. We talked about so much– Amy's early introduction to putting others first by caring for her younger siblings, why modern productivity advice often just makes us feel bad, Amy's views on perfectionism, saying no and feeling scared, the freedom in saying "it's not for me," and the importance of being present. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/708

There's a reason "gentle parenting" has become synonymous in some circles—and on social media—with never ever telling a child "no," even in the most extreme circumstances. But where did "gentle parenting" begin, what does the research really say about it, and what can it actually offer parents in the way of making their lives easier? Amy and Margaret discuss: The original definition of "gentle parenting"—and how it leaves the door open for broad interpretations What research has actually shown about the effects of gentle parenting—and how those who consider themselves gentle parents are faring What the disagreements surrounding gentle parenting tells us about parenting in the modern world Here are links to some of the resources mentioned in the episode: Jessica Winter for the New Yorker: The Harsh Realm of 'Gentle Parenting' Kathryn Watson for Oprah Daily: The Truth About Gentle Parenting Annie Pezalla for The Conversation: Gentle parenting can be really hard on parents, new research suggests Anne E. Pezalla, et. al for the Public Library of Science Journal: “Trying to remain calm…but I do reach my limit sometimes”: An exploration of the meaning of gentle parenting Sarah Shemkus for the Boston Globe: ‘I'm hanging on for dear life.' The parenting style pushing parents to the brink. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/ What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Margaret Ables and Amy Wilson. mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, toddler, baby, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent, gentle parenting, permissive parenting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This month's Deep Dive series is all about how much fun we are—or aren't—having while raising our kids. Listen to the whole playlist on Spotify. There are some things in life that sound more fun in the planning stage than they are in the execution, and those things are statistically proven to be done more frequently by parents. We asked our listeners to tell us their lists of things that should be fun, but aren't. As the record will show, our listeners are sadly, completely correct. Don't say you weren't warned. Here's the link to the episode of The Mom Hour episode a few of our listeners mentioned: We Hate Fun! Sign up for "What Fresh Hell + " to get every one of our episodes ad-free, plus monthly bonus episodes. Go to whatfreshhell.supportingcast.fm to subscribe in two taps: $4.99 a month, or $39.99 a year. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/ What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Margaret Ables and Amy Wilson. mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent, parental stress, emotions, kids emotions, parent emotions, uncertainty, fun with kids, fun parenting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this conversation, Dr. Rebecca N. Thompson, author of the new book HELD TOGETHER, shares her experiences as a family medicine physician specializing in women's and children's health, focusing on her journey through pregnancy complications and losses. She discusses the importance of storytelling in healing, the interconnectedness of personal and professional experiences, and the collaborative nature of her book, 'Held Together.' Through the stories of herself and others, she emphasizes the complexities of motherhood, the medical profession, and the shared struggles that unite us all. Rebecca N. Thompson, MD, is a family medicine and public health physician who specializes in women's and children's health. Dr. Thompson and Amy discuss: Dr. Thompson's journey through pregnancy loss shaped her medical focus. Storytelling can be a powerful tool for healing and connection. Women often hide their struggles due to fear of pity or shame. The importance of sharing personal stories to foster understanding. Here's where you can find Dr. Thompson and buy HELD TOGETHER: www.rebeccanthompson.com We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/ What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Margaret Ables and Amy Wilson. mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent, parental stress, pregnancy, pregnancy loss, new mother, pregnancy complication, miscarriage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are your kids steadily wearing you down on the topic of getting a puppy? Are you convinced that a "low-maintenance" pet like a turtle or fish will be a happy compromise for everyone? Here are some important points to consider if you are thinking about getting a family pet. Amy and Margaret discuss: Their soon-to-be-patented "pet decision matrix" Why smaller, "lower maintenance" pets are NOT less work than bigger ones How having a pet affects things like family travel, budget, and household labor Here are links to some of the resources mentioned in the episode: Malinda Larkin for AVMA: "Pet population continues to increase while pet spending declines" Jacob Bogage for The Washington Post: "Americans Adopted Millions of Dogs During the Pandemic. Now What Do We Do With Them?"  Lisa Damour for NYT: "What Do Teenagers Need? Ask the Family Dog" View our pet decision matrix! We're on Spotify! Please rate us and follow us there, even if you listen elsewhere. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend! https://spoti.fi/41ZShqS We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/ What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Margaret Ables and Amy Wilson. mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent, family pet, family dog, family cat, pet care, getting a pet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This month's Deep Dive series is all about how much fun we are—or aren't—having while raising our kids. Listen to the whole playlist on Spotify. We all fall into the trap of thinking that every day with our kids has to contain a “snow globe moment,” a social media-worthy image of perfect joy for our entire family. And even if part of us knows that's not realistic, another part of us thinks that it's all supposed to be fun. That there must be something wrong with us if we don't love every single moment of our chaotic lives with little ones. But once we kick that shame to the curb, there really are ways to make our lives as parents more fun and lighthearted. Even on a regular Tuesday. In this episode, we discuss: How we can be lighthearted, even when things aren't fun How we can have fun even when things aren't easy How we can have fun even when our kids definitely aren't Our basic takeaway: parenting definitely gets a little more fun as our kids get a little bit easier… and by “easier,” we mean “not throwing themselves into mortal danger every ninety seconds because they don't know any better.” The first step to having more fun may simply be to wish that it were so. As motivational speaker Danielle LaPorte explains: “Knowing how you want to feel is the most potent form of clarity you can have.” We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/ What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Margaret Ables and Amy Wilson. mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent, parental stress, emotions, kids emotions, parent emotions, uncertainty, fun with kids, fun parenting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jolenta and Kristen try on a tip from Amy Wilson, record audio diaries, report back.  We want to hear from you! Share your own experiences with friendship and loneliness on our private facebook community: facebook.com/groups/kristenandjolenta or write to us at kristenandjolenta@gmail.com     And join our Patreon Community to get biweekly episodes of our new show: Dean & Kristen Look Back! In each episode, Dean and Kristen revisit their time on By The Book, share behind-the-scenes secrets, and give updates on their lives. Patreon is also the home of our weekly advice column, our Patreon-only season of By The Book, nearly 200 minisodes, the written rules of every self-help book we've lived by, and more: patreon.com/listentobythebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Friends are great. But they can also be exhausting. What's the best way to strike the balance between being there and burning out? Amy Wilson, author of Happy To Help: Adventures of a People Pleaser, and cohost of What Fresh Hell, shares her thoughts.  We want to hear from you! Share your own experiences with friendship and loneliness on our private facebook community: facebook.com/groups/kristenandjolenta or write to us at kristenandjolenta@gmail.com     And join our Patreon Community to get biweekly episodes of our new show: Dean & Kristen Look Back! In each episode, Dean and Kristen revisit their time on By The Book, share behind-the-scenes secrets, and give updates on their lives. Patreon is also the home of our weekly advice column, our Patreon-only season of By The Book, nearly 200 minisodes, the written rules of every self-help book we've lived by, and more: patreon.com/listentobythebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices