The Mom Hour

Mom Hour Media

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

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Our Editor's Take

The Mom Hour serves mothers everywhere who are eager for support and community. Who better to offer these than two moms who know what that feels like? Hosts Meagan and Sarah talk about the quirks of mothering and provide tips for the savvy working mom. Podcast listeners may learn about the best parenting hacks out there today.

Sarah and Meagan are relatable moms. From the first episode of The Mom Hour podcast, they share their failures and successes. The duo knows what it's like when a toddler melts down in public. The hosts have also had meltdowns in front of their kids. Meagan and Sarah share how they regulate their emotions during challenging moments. Teenagers have their moments, too. In one episode, psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour discusses helping teens manage enormous feelings. In another, Sarah Hart-Unger talks about her life as a full-time doctor and mom of three little ones. Her tips for time management may help many busy mothers.

Other show subjects include snacking rules for preschoolers, birthdays, and parenting in the era of social media. The plethora of mom advice online can overwhelm parents. But why not use social media for fun? Sarah and Meagan talk about how much they enjoy being social online. It's a beautiful way to connect with parents of all kinds from all over the globe.

The hosts also know that sometimes one needs a break. In an episode on weddings, they remind each other that being a parent is only one aspect of who they are. While gushing over Meagan's wedding photos, Sarah reveals her favorite part of witnessing a marriage.

Some Mom Hour episodes have the hosts answering listener questions. Parents can hear their advice on getting back to school after the summer. They can also learn how Meagan and Sarah would decline a party invitation for a child who doesn't want to attend. Kid politics can be tricky, too.

On this delightful parenting podcast, moms-and dads—can find helpful advice and a good laugh. New podcast episodes of The Mom Hour come out several days a week.

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Kids & FamilyKids & Family
Listener Questions & Our Advice: Episode 439
Nov 14 2023
Listener Questions & Our Advice: Episode 439
Kassidi wants to become a more confident home cook and asks us where to begin. Natalie needs strategies for easing the long wind-down at bedtime for her co-sleeping toddler. Joy is considering traveling with young kids on her own but wonders what age is best to go for it, what activities to partake in and what to avoid when you’re on a mom-only trip with kids. In Episode 439, Meagan and Sarah take these questions from our community and offer tips and validation. Enjoy!HELPFUL LINKS:Listener Question episodes from the archivesThe Laundry Awards: Episode 398 was mentioned by listener KassidyCookbooks/Kitchen Books/ Podcasts mentioned (Bookshop.org links are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase AND your purchases help support independent booksellers):The America’s Test Kitchen Family Cookbook (10th Anniversary Edition)Meagan and Sarah share foundational cookbooks they remember from growing up and young adulthood, which have pros and cons for the modern beginner: Joy Of Cooking and Better Homes & Gardens New Cook BookHalf Baked HarvestMelissa D’Arabian cookbookDidn’t I just Feed You (Podcast)The Lazy Genius KitchenNew York Times CookingMeagan mentioned Mom Meltdowns, Oh No! Episode 01, about traveling solo with young kids.OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Do This Now; Enjoy The Holidays Later: Episode 437
Oct 31 2023
Do This Now; Enjoy The Holidays Later: Episode 437
It’s that time–the run-up to winter holidays is officially HERE! While we’re still early in the season, Meagan and Sarah offer practical, do-able ideas for taking action now to relieve stress and pressure later in the year. We also share tips from The Mom Hour listener community on everything from making holiday meals easier to getting ahead on gift ideas for kids. Join us!HELPFUL LINKS:Our Facebook Community shared lots of great ideas for “Do This Now, Enjoy The Holidays Later” in this facebook postThe Mom Hour Holiday Headquarters is live for 2023! Check back often for updates and additions.Episodes similar to this one:Do This Now; Enjoy Summer Later (Part One): Episode 411Do This Now; Enjoy Summer Later (Part Two): Episode 412Sarah listened to the audiobook Calm Christmas And A Happy New Year by Beth Kempton that includes a pdf for reflecting on the past year. There’s also a Calm Christmas Podcast if you want to take a listen. Beth’s motivational style is very gentle and cozy.The Lazy Genius has a Holiday Docket is a workbook with 7 practical steps to help you enjoy the holidays and celebrate the season well – our community highly recommends!OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#Influenced: Episode 436
Oct 24 2023
#Influenced: Episode 436
From wool underwear to fussy ice cubes, make-up fails to planners that don’t stick: we’ve been #Influenced and we’re hear to talk about it. (Technically, we’re talking about it again – we chatted on this topic in 2021 but these are all-new revelations!) Join Meagan and Sarah to hear what we’ve been #influenced to buy, to do, to make, and to consume recently. Plus, we touch upon what the algorithm gets right about us, AND what it gets wrong (Instagram thinks Meagan is a witch and Sarah is 70+ years old!). Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:More Than Mom: #Influenced is an episode from the archives (2021)Sarah was influenced early on by bloggers who are still creating content like Kristen Howerton, Rebecca Woolf, and The Mom Edit.Meagan was influenced early on by bloggers who partnered with the socially-concious fashion brand ABLESarah’s loving Me Undies, thanks to podcast advertisingWe both love Olive & June (a sponsor!), and seeing everyone’s manis on Instagram influenced Sarah to consistently paint her nailsBeth Kempton inspired Meagan to write a book and start writing on SubstackMeagan loves her Hatch Clock (affiliate link)Sarah would be lost without Todoist (affiliate link)ThreadUp is Sarah’s favorite place to shopMeagan uses Bobbi Brown Miracle BalmMeagan is trying out Wool& dressesOTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
When Will This Get Easier?: Episode 435
Oct 17 2023
When Will This Get Easier?: Episode 435
People tell me ‘oh, you’re in it’ or ‘don’t worry, it gets better,’ but as a mom of a two-year-old and a six-month-old, I’m like: ‘Okay, but…WHEN? When does that actually happen?”Good question. When DOES parenting start to get a little easier? Today Meagan and Sarah try our best to get specific with the above question, posed by Sarah Limberg from our contributor team. We chat about specific parenting milestones that felt like leveling-up when we were in the trenches, and offer hope and realism in equal measure to those of you in this season. Join us!HELPFUL LINKS:The Mom Hour was featured in Real Simple‘s subscriber magazine Celebrate. If you subscribe to Real Simple, look for us, and check out the online version here (last page!).The Last Parenting Book You’ll Ever Read is coming in 2025! Congratulations, Meagan!Meagan’s article about parenting teenagers was featured in The Washington Post.Sarah recommended following The Washington Post’s parenting section. Here’s a few episodes featuring The Washington Post parenting section experts:BONUS: Not Aunt Becky!? The College Scam & Parenting CultureParenting Outside The Lines: Voices 66 With Meghan LeahyHere’s a link to Meghan Leahy’s On Parenting Advice Column with The Washington Post.Sarah has a piece in her local paper about family photo shoots. Link coming soon!Relevant Episodes From The Archives About Having More Babies (Or Not):Are You “Done” Having Babies?: Episode 07Should I Get Pregnant Again? Episode 187What’s One More? The Practical Realities of 3+ Kid Families: Episode 230A member of our team Sarah Limberg–who inspired this episode– is taking over our instagram stories this week. Follow Along!OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Kitchen Gadgets & Gear, Part 2: Episode 432
Sep 26 2023
Kitchen Gadgets & Gear, Part 2: Episode 432
As busy moms and business owners we’re often on the go – and, cliché as it is, almost always with a beverage in hand! In part two of our conversation about kitchen gadgets and gear, Meagan and Sarah go deep into all of the beverage products that keep our drinks hot, cold, room-temp, fizzy, cute, and spill-proof. We also get into kitchen-adjacent gear that helps us clean and organize the space where we feed our families. Enjoy!HELPFUL LINKS:Kitchen Gadgets & Gear Part 1: Episode 431Episodes that pair well with this one:Kitchen Storage & Organization: Episode 312More Than Mom: Our Fantasy KitchensSmall Steps Toward Sustainability In The KitchenCheck out more kitchen gadgets loved by our contributors in this blog post.Beverage products we mentionedBurr Coffee Grinder from KitchenAidThe Ember Mug (affiliate link)SparkelWe both love Hydro Flask; Sarah recently upgraded to the 32-oz All Around Travel Tumbler for water drinking, and we both love their coffee tumblers for traveling with hot beveragesBerkey Water FiltersOrganization and cleaning products we mentionedOXO Herb KeeperBristle Brush For Cleaning BottlesBeeswax Wrap (affiliate link)One of us knew what a Salt Pig is – and the other does now! (affiliate link)Sarah has this Dyson Omni-Glide Cordless Vacuum and loves it (affiliate link)Last Call for the Reinvent Retreat (registration closes October 2)OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The Beauty Of A Soft Start:  Episode 429
Sep 5 2023
The Beauty Of A Soft Start: Episode 429
Are you a “Today’s The Day!” type, or do you prefer to ease gently into a new adventure, challenge, or season? Whether you get excited to dive into a slew of new initiatives with the turning over of that shiny, crisp edge of a calendar page (like Sarah!), or really prefer to transition on your own internal timeline (like Meagan!), this episode is for you. Join us as we explore the many upsides to a soft start (in motherhood, business, health, and more) in an effort to take the pressure off moms this fall. Enjoy!HELPFUL LINKS:Sarah mentioned being an under-buyer usually, with a tendency to buy stuff as a new unknown approaches – here’s Gretchen Rubin’s explanation of under- vs over-buying.Meagan & Sarah spoke of soft starts around chores. Here are a few episodes featuring chores, delegation and home management you may like:Chores & Delegation: Episode 15Chores, Life Skills, & Household Contributions: Episode 191Our Favorite Resources For An Inspired January: Episode 399Meagan’s hosting a retreat this October. Today is the LAST CALL to use the code MOMHOUR and get 15% off your registration.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Beyond The Mom Bun (Talking About Our Hair!): Episode 427
Aug 22 2023
Beyond The Mom Bun (Talking About Our Hair!): Episode 427
Sarah stopped dyeing her hair and growing out her natural grays last fall – almost a year ago – and Meagan is contemplating a new style! Today Meagan asks Sarah ALL the gray grow-out questions to catch up on the progress, and talks about why she might be ready for a new look herself. We also share some hair wins and hair woes from this season of life, and how it’s different from early motherhood. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah has been enjoying Prose for her shampoo and conditioner.Meagan bought a Tyme curling iron and left it at her sister-in-law’s but she’s determined to try it again!Sarah bought this Hot Tools Pro Artist Nano Ceramic Tapered Curling Wand after her most recent haircutYou may like these episodes from the archives:More Than Mom: Hair Styling & Hair MaintenanceMore Than Mom: Jewelry!Cozy Winter Style Inspiration: Episode 397More Than Mom: Empties! (Products We Love So Much We Want More…)More Than Mom: Fall Style UpdateMeagan’s hosting a retreat this October. If you use the code MOMHOUR you can get 15% off now through August 30.Click here to visit the slideshow of hair photos!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
MORE Back-To-School Listener Questions & Our Advice: Episode 426
Aug 15 2023
MORE Back-To-School Listener Questions & Our Advice: Episode 426
Lizzie will have all three kids in full-time school for the first time and wonders how her identity as a stay-at-home mom will shift. Shelby, mom of three, is sending her oldest to kindergarten and struggles with the idea that the bell schedule and school calendar may dominate her family’s life. Helena’s 8-year-old has sensory issues and they battle over brushing hair and getting dressed; with the school year approaching, Helena looks for a happy medium between allowing her kid autonomy over how she looks and requiring a baseline of “clean and groomed.” Finally, Hannah asks Meagan and Sarah how to motivate kids to get out the door on time each day. Join us for more back-to-school listener questions!LINKS MENTIONED:Last week’s Back-To-School Listener Questions & Our Advice episodeMORE listener questions from the archivesGlad I Did / Wish I’d Done: Back To School: Episode 377Here are a few episodes/blogs on Morning Routines:Inside The Morning Hustle: Voices 64 With Lisa Payne & Ashley SchafluetzelHouse Rules For Easier Mornings: Episode 328Morning Routines & Morning Makeovers: Episode 222Making Mornings Easier: Episode 67Is Your Preschooler Ready For The First Day? At-Home Routines To Practice Before School StartsMeagan’s hosting a retreat this October. If you use the code MOMHOUR you can get 15% off now through August 30.OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Back-To-School Listener Questions & Our Advice: Episode 425
Aug 8 2023
Back-To-School Listener Questions & Our Advice: Episode 425
Stephanie worries she didn’t “do enough” for her children this summer by way of plans, vacations, and educational activities. Sara asks if we have rituals for ourSELVES to mark the back-to-school season, and Caitlyn needs tips for encouraging a painfully shy kid to walk in the preschool door. Kaylee wonders how to transition from opting out of homework in the younger grades to helping an older elementary student learn to prioritize it. Finally, Melanie asks how to politely decline an invite to a party your child doesn’t want to attend (without lying). Join Meagan and Sarah as we provide reassurance and advice for this back to school season!HELPFUL LINKS:Separation Without (Quite So Much) Anxiety: Episode 382Our team member Chaunie wrote 10 Things I’m Looking Forward To Doing The Day My Kids Go Back To School.For more on Sarah’s homework mentality, check out Homework: At What Cost? Episode 45.MORE listener questions from the archivesGlad I Did / Wish I’d Done: Back To School: Episode 377Meagan’s hosting a retreat in October for mid-life moms. You can attend virtually or in person. If you use the code MOMHOUR you can get 15% off now through August 30.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.