What Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face of Motherhood is a comedy parenting podcast. The hosts of the show are Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables. Amy is a standup comedian and the author of a parenting book. Margaret writes for television. Both cohosts are raising three children but have different attitudes about parenting. While Margaret has a "live and let live" attitude, Amy needs everything organized.
Nothing can fully prepare a person for the challenges of parenting. It's like operating a complex machine with manuals containing contradictory information. Many parenting gurus claim to have unlocked parenting secrets. It can be easy to feel inadequate when those solutions don't work for one's kids. Amy and Margaret don't claim to have solutions to parenting problems on the podcast. Their simple acknowledgment that those problems exist makes parents feel seen.
In every episode, Amy and Margaret address a new topic. They have tips on navigating 5th grade, reacting to a "no" from children, and relationships with grandparents. Some of the topics come from podcast listeners. One fan wants advice about how to tell their partner they feel "touched out." Another needs guidance for parenting a child with a serious illness. Some episodes take a "Deep Dive" into a particular question. These are specific to non-neurotypical children. Parenting neurodivergent children comes with a unique set of challenges. Topics include maturity, sensitivity, and navigating expectations.
Podcast listeners might also appreciate the weekly interviews with parenting experts. Dr. Tracy Dalgleish explores why relationships change after having children. Alyssa Blask Campbell touts the benefits of emotional intelligence. Esau McCaulley has tips for talking about racism with children.
What Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face of Motherhood is an entertaining listen. More than that, it's a non-judgmental space. Amy and Margaret are frank about the fact that parenting can be hard and even unpleasant. Moms and dads are free to admit to sometimes feeling exhausted or annoyed. Parents who need a break from some experts' toxic positivity and silver-bullet approaches will find a haven of acceptance here.
Episodes