In a world where influencers and professional photos shape our idea of the “perfect home,” it can be overwhelming to develop our own home style. But what if loving your home isn’t about achieving perfection? Today Joanna Martin sits down with special guest Kelsey Wharton from The Girl Next Door Podcast to discuss embracing the homes we have, letting go of unrealistic ideals, and focusing on creating spaces that reflect who we are—not what we see online. We cover simplifying home decor, finding inspiration without the pressure, and discovering the beauty in the everyday spaces we call home. Join us!

Meagan and Sarah have passed the mic over to our team this holiday break. Enjoy the fantastic, all-new podcast episodes they’ve prepared for you, and we’ll talk to you mid-January!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Follow Joanna Martin and Kelsey Wharton on Instagram
• The Girl Next Door Podcast
• Average house size article Joanna mentions
• Studio McGee
• Kelsey’s Matrimoney Podcast with her husband Chris
• Your Year to Shine is Kelsey’s 2025 goal-setting workshop
• Kelsey’s personal blog
• 9-square cube shelf hack to make backpack cubbies

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)
• Sign up for our newslette

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The holidays are full of fun traditions—holiday photos, baking cookies, and matching PJs—but what happens when reality doesn’t live up to our expectations? Jayme and Kia are here to talk about how to embrace the mess and the madness instead of stressing over it. We explore how to shift our mindset, let go of perfection, and find joy in the imperfect moments with our kids and families this season. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by holiday expectations, this episode is for you! Enjoy!

Meagan and Sarah have passed the mic over to our team this holiday break. Enjoy the fantastic, all-new podcast episodes they’ve prepared for you, and we’ll talk to you mid-January!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Returning To Work After Staying Home With Kids: Episode 472 is an episode from the archives featuring both Jayme and Kia
• Jayme wrote the blog post Baking With Kids This Holiday Season: A Strategy For The Hesitant Mom
• Episodes From The Archives on Managing Expectations:
• BONUS: Pressure, Perfection, And Comparison During The Holidays [Classic Replay]
• Letting Go of Perfect-Holiday-Mom Pressure (For Real This Time): Episode 290
• Sane & Satisfying Holiday Entertaining: Episode 130

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)
• Sign up for our newsletter

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we’re sharing an episode of another podcast we think you’ll love: Let’s Begin with Jenna Arnold. If you’ve found yourself overwhelmed by the complexity of parenting while maintaining your own sense of self, we hope you’ll check out this show!

Hosted by activist, author, and mother, Jenna Arnold, in partnership with the early learning experts at Begin, each episode provides a fresh perspective on the parenting and child development topics keeping us up at night–– like parental mental health, fostering resilience, and ensuring our kids are capable, confident, and curious learners.

Hear from the creators of Sesame Street, actress Kristen Bell, licensed therapist Kier Gaines, and more as they provide reassurance and guidance–– unpacking their parenting insecurities along the way. And at the end of each episode you’ll hear expert insight from Dr. Jody LeVos, Begin’s Chief Learning Officer, to help reframe growth and achievement in the classroom and beyond.

Listen to Let’s Begin with Jenna Arnold on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We have bright spots of joy to share today! From apparel to décor, books to beverages, and an extremely festive toilet, Meagan and Sarah share what’s making us happy this holiday season. We’re on break for the next four weeks while the team takes over the mic, so come ring out 2024 with us in silly, festive, more-than-mom fashion. Happy Holidays!

Want to see the reindeer toilet, the advent candles, the Christmas tree brooch, and the Santa ball cap? Head over to our website, where we've included visuals for much of what we talked about in this episode!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Sarah’s Hanna Andersson Onesie
• Last week’s episode was mentioned in this one: Holding On & Letting Go For The Holidays: Episode 494
• Meagan’s podcast The Tea’s Made on December 15 is with a blogger Well Read Tart who does mashups of books and food.
• Meagan’s reading Christmas-specific-cozy-lit these days by Jenny Colgen.
• Cookbooks Sarah Mentioned (all are affiliate links):
• The Pioneer Woman A Year Of Holidays
• Baking For The Holidays
• The Holiday Cookie Book
• The Complete Autumn and Winter Cookbook
• Letters from Father Christmas is a classic Meagan recommends and Sarah likes The Gift of the Magi
• Sarah loves this Jacquie Lawson Advent Calendar
• Check out our Playlist: Less Stressful, More Magical Holidays for more episodes on holidays and celebrations.

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)
• Sign up for our newsletter

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From sentimental pieces we've lost to new styles we’re drawn to, today’s episode is all about our changing relationship with accessories. Meagan and Sarah explore everything from the family stories held by a Christmas tree brooch, to how we feel about statement pieces and right-hand rings. We wrap things up with a fun lightning round about our current jewelry mindsets. It’s a mix of reflection, reinvention, and a touch of glam— join us!

This is Part 3 of 3 in our ‘Treat Yo Self’ series this fall. Check out Part 1 here and Part 2 here. 

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Episodes From The Archives You May Enjoy:
• More Than Mom: Jewelry!
• Cozy Winter Style Inspiration: Episode 397
• BONUS: Six Strategies For A Fall Wardrobe Reboot
• What We’re Wearing Lately: Episode 450

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)
• Sign up for our newsletter

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As our kids grow up, holiday traditions start to shift; as they enter adulthood and begin their own lives, the shifts get even bigger and they’re naturally accompanied by all kinds of feelings. Join Meagan and Sarah as we share honest thoughts on how we envision ‘holiday mom life’ evolving over the next few decades. We look back at our own young adult years, attempt to predict which of our kids might bail on Christmas first, and reflect on how we hope to balance family togetherness with acceptance and letting go.

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Similar Episodes From The Archives:
• Do This Now; Enjoy The Holidays Later: Episode 437
• Home For The Holidays With Little Kids & Big Kids: Episode 341
• Acknowledging Holidays Present (Truth Talk About Where We Are This Season): Episode 292
• Remembering Holidays Past: Episode 291
• Inconsequential Holiday Gripes: Episode 442
• Don’t miss our ‘Treat Yo Self’ series:
• 8 Boring (But Powerful) Ways We’re Caring For Ourselves
• How To Take Yourself On A Date, And Why It Matters

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)
• Sign up for our newsletter

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Christmas AGAIN?? Join the Grinch in stubbornly refusing the joys of the season with season 2 of ‘Tis The Grinch Holiday Podcast! Broadcasting straight from Whoville, with the help of his producer Cindy and loyal dog Max, Grinch is back to rant against Christmas cheer and roast celebrity guests like chestnuts on an open fire. Starring Saturday Night Live’s James Austin Johnson as Dr. Seuss’ iconic holiday hater! Grab your hot cocoa and cozy slippers to find out if the Grinch’s heart will triple this season — or if he’ll send his guests tumbling back down Mt. Crumpit. 

For even more cheer, Wondery+ will offer exclusive minisodes where listeners can join Cindy and Max the Dog as they investigate a crazy Christmas mystery. Listen to ‘Tis the Grinch Holiday Podcast with the whole family here.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's Thanksgiving week here in the U.S., and we're welcoming you around our tables with not one but TWO classic episodes from the archives. Enjoy the double-feature, and we'll talk to you soon!

The Life-Changing Magic Of Opting Out (Episode 161)

No one mom “does it all”–or so we’re told. But what exactly DON’T we do? In Episode 161 Meagan and Sarah share our experience finding ways to opt out of the little (and sometimes not-so-little) tasks and obligations that aren’t meaningful to us as moms, making room for more of what is.

The Life-Changing Magic Of Arbitrary Rules (Episode 173)

Why? Because I said so. Has a nice ring to it, right? Even better, though (and more specific): because it’s a rule in our house. In Episode 173 Meagan and Sarah are talking about the beauty and hilarity of arbitrary rules, drawing from our own experience and some genius listener suggestions.

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Episodes from the archives mentioned:
• Routines, Rituals, and Traditions (Part 1): Episode 128
• Routines, Rituals, and Traditions (Part 2): Episode 129
• How To Survive (And Even Enjoy) Playing Board Games: Episode 112
• Magical Night Visitors (Bunnies, Elves, Fairies, and Jolly Fat Dudes): Episode 96
• Boon Pulp Silicone Feeders

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)
• Sign up for our newsletter

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we’re sharing an episode of the podcast “What It’s Like to Be…” from New York Times bestselling business book author Dan Heath.

In every episode, Dan interviews someone from a different profession: A cattle rancher, a FBI special agent, a professional Santa Claus. He asks what it’s like to do what they do. What does a couples therapist think when a friend asks for relationship advice? Is a Secret Service Agent supposed to pretend like they’re not there when they’re around the president? What does a hair stylist do when a client asks for a celebrity hairstyle that will never work for them?

In the preview you’ll here today, you’ll meet a marine biologist who studies manta rays. You’ll hear how drones have changed her work, what it’s like to get to know individual rays, and why people have such a romantic image of being a “Marine Biologist.” It’s the perfect show to listen to with your kids – it’s family safe but also gives them a preview of different careers – and the kinds of personalities that fit with the work.

You can find more episodes of “What It’s Like to Be…” wherever you get your podcasts.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Who has time to read these days? Let’s discuss how to keep your love of reading alive, even when it feels like there’s no time to pick up a book. We’ll share a few simple ways to stay connected to our bookish selves (even during the busiest seasons) as well as tips for developing your own sense of self as a reader that doesn’t have to participate in trends and goals that don’t serve you. Grab a cozy drink, settle in, and enjoy!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Want to support an independent bookshop? Visit Meagan’s family business, Paper Mill Books, via Bookshop.org
• Want to buy our book? Click here.
• Episodes From The Archives About Books:
• Books & Reading Reflections for 2023: Episode 445
• More Than Mom: Books Talk! (What & How We’re Reading Lately)
• Books We’re Loving Lately: Voices 72 With Joanna Martin & Katherine DeVries
• Raising Readers & Our Favorite Holiday Books: Episode 186
• Cultivating A Reading Life: Voices 73 With Amy Clark
• More Than Mom: Podcast Listening & Book Reading Habits (Plus A Few We’re Loving Lately)
• Blog Posts About Reading and Books:
• Spring Into Summer Reading (How I Get Ready To Enjoy Great Books All Summer Long)
• 12 Picture Books About Starting School
• Exploring Nature Through Books: 7 Beautiful Nonfiction Nature Book Series For Kids
• Spring Into Summer Reading (How I Get Ready To Enjoy Great Books All Summer Long)
• 7 Picture Books To Spring Your Family Into Climate Action
• Hispanic Heritage Month Picture Books For Kids
• The Girl Next Door Podcast talks about books often. Check out the latest Fall Reading Roundup episode.
• Substack is a popular platform where writers can publish articles, newsletters and more!
• Laura Tremaine’s 20-minute reading timer trick
• Link up your kindle to your library’s Libby App.
• Neck Reading Lights help with reading at night.

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)
• Sign up for our newsletter

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Self care sometimes looks a little like tough love – and it’s definitely not always glamorous. Whether it’s appointing that follow-up, making a lifestyle change, or hitting pause for some serious rest, today we’re talking about the ways we’re ‘treating ourselves’ to some actual – if rather boring – midlife lady self care. Join us!

This is Part 2 of 3 in our ‘Treat Yo Self’ series this fall. Check out Part 1 here!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• How To Take Yourself On A Date, And Why It Matters is the first episode in this three-part series.
• Episodes From The Archives Similar To This Episode:
• (Very Specific!) Self-Care Strategies For Stressful Seasons: Episode 253
• Self-Care As Self-Preservation: Episode 104
• Radical Self Care & Cultivating Creativity with Doña Bumgarner: Voices 08
• Rethinking Instagram: Episode 456
• Some of Meagan’s favorite Non-Alcoholic Beer
• HOP WTR
• Partake Brewing
• Athletic Brew
• FUL

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)
• Sign up for our newsletter

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.