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.

Turkey, traditions and lightning-round fun! In this festive episode, Meagan and Sarah banter through a series of Thanksgiving-themed questions, from favorite dishes to décor and more. We also reflect on how Thanksgiving has evolved for us over the years—sharing stories from childhood, family traditions, and how we make the holiday work for our families today. Join us for laughs, nostalgia, and all things Thanksgiving!

HELPFUL LINKS

• Episodes From The Archives You May Enjoy:
• Do This Now; Enjoy The Holidays Later: Episode 437
• Tricky Family Dynamics: Episode 438
• Holiday Hills To Die On (And How To Let Go A Little): Episode 388
• Sane & Satisfying Holiday Entertaining: Episode 130
• Is Your Family Table Growing Or Shrinking?: Episode 481
• Family Food Values & What’s Working For Us: Episode 244

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Sign up for our newsletter
• 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!)

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

In early motherhood the kitchen can be full chaos: sippy cups, art projects, and endless daily responsibilities. But as kids get older, there may be room for moms to reclaim this space for ourselves. Meagan and Sarah explore the physical changes our kitchens have undergone—decluttering countertops, creating inviting cooking spaces, and personalizing our surroundings. We also dive into the mental and emotional aspects of this journey and the small steps you can take to make it happen – even if you’re not quite done with the sippys. Join us!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Pre-Order Meagan’s book, The Last Parenting Book You’ll Ever Read: How We Let Our Kids Go And Embrace What’s Nest (This is an affiliate link.)
• Sarah loved IKEA’s kids tableware when her kids were little
• Sarah mentioned reading House Love by Patric Richardson, a joyful guide to cleaning, organizing and loving the home you’re in.(This is an affiliate link.)
• Episodes From The Archives You May Enjoy:
• Is Your Family Table Growing Or Shrinking?: Episode 481
• The Muscle Memory Of Motherhood: Episode 363
• “Always In Rotation” Dinners: Episode 453
• Small Home Refreshes To Kick Off Summer: Episode 466
• Kitchen Gadgets & Gear, Part 1: Episode 431 and Kitchen Gadgets & Gear, Part 2: Episode 432

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.

The world feels pretty heavy right now, and doom-scrolling doesn’t help. Today Meagan and Sarah talk about the tricky balance between staying informed as global citizens and not letting it all overwhelm us. We look at how overwhelm can lead to inaction and, on the flip side, how taking small actions – especially in our local communities – can provide a sense of purpose and even hope. Plus, we’ve got some practical ideas on how you can make a real difference in your community. Join us!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Interested in donating blood? Start here.
• Episodes From The Archives You May Enjoy:
• Headlines, Heartache & Helping: Episode 124
• More Than Mom: Social Media
• Real Vs. Artificial (And How We Help Our Kids Tell The Difference)
• Rethinking Instagram: Episode 456

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.

Ever thought about treating yourself to a completely frivolous outing? What about a great meal in a restaurant – table for one? Meagan and Sarah are here to explore the benefits of solo activities! We chat about the joys and quirks of spending time alone—do we really love it, or is it a little scary? What types of outings feel restorative to do alone, and which ones would we rather buddy up for? Get ready for creative ideas to carve out some me-time in the midst of mom-life. Join us!

This is Part 1 of 3 in our ‘Treat Yo Self’ series this fall. Check back in mid-November for Part 2!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Sarah is reading The Artist’s Way, at Meagan’s recommendation (affiliate link)
• Meagan and Sarah referenced the Treat Yo Self episode of Parks and Recreation.
• Getting There Is Half The Fun (Especially When You’re Flying Solo) (this More Than Mom episode pairs nicely with this one!)
• Meagan talked about taking a solo trip to her childhood hometown – read more about it here

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.

Are you responsible for nurturing close bonds, planning family togetherness, and preserving tradition across generations? You might be a kinkeeper (and you probably have feelings about it!). Today Meagan and Sarah unpack the concept of kinkeeping, share our personal feelings about the work of living in and raising a connected family (our thoughts might surprise you!), and look at patterns from our own families of origin that adhere to – or break from – traditional kinkeeping roles. Join us!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• The New York Times piece The Constant Work to Keep a Family Connected Has a Name by Danielle Friedman got us thinking about this topic (gift link – no need to have a subscription)
• Why Dad’s Side of the Family Tends to Miss Out by Chiara Dello Joio in The Atlantic (gift link – no need to have a subscription)
• The Plight of the Eldest Daughter by Sarah Sloat, also in The Atlantic (also a gift link)
• Meagan referenced the episode Fall Traditions With Tweens & Teens: Episode 487
• Episodes You May Enjoy From The Archives:
• Nurturing Grandparent-Grandkid Relationships: Episode 390
• Seasonally-Inspired Homemaking & Parenting: Voices 79 With Katherine DeVries
• Genealogy & Family History: Episode 441

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.