

The Mom Hour
Mom Hour Media
Co-hosts Meagan Francis and Sarah Powers 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, where you'll find more than 800 episodes on parenting and motherhood at every stage. Production of new episodes ended in June 2025; enjoy the back catalog!
Episodes
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Aug 22, 2023 • 50min
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.

Aug 15, 2023 • 50min
Listener Questions, Back-To-School Edition (Vol. 2): 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.

Aug 8, 2023 • 50min
Listener Questions, Back-To-School Edition (Vol. 1): 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.

Aug 1, 2023 • 52min
Summer So Far (& More To Come!): Episode 424
We’re Baaaack! It’s been about a month since you’ve heard from present-day Meagan and Sarah and we have lots to share. Find out where we’ve traveled this summer (so far), how Sarah has done some outdoor adventuring in spite of herself, what the status of Meagan’s small town bookstore venture is, and what else we have planned before the new school year begins. Join us for a friendly catch-up episode!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan started off the summer getting hitched! If you missed it, we discuss it in More Than Mom: Weddings.Meagan visited Oswald’s Bear Ranch in the Upper Peninsula with Clara.Sarah and her family enjoyed visiting the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland Oregon this summer.Meagan is utilizing 23andme and Ancestry for filling in some unknowns about her family.Meagan’s book store is opening in Upper Michigan late summer/early fall! Have a listen to learn more about it.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.

Jul 28, 2023 • 22min
It Gets Easier, Mostly [Katherine & Lisa Respond To Ep100]
News flash: even if it looks like other parents have all their you-know-what together when you feel like you don’t, that’s almost never the case. We’re all flying blind most of the time – and better off when we acknowledge it! In today’s episode, a response to Tuesday’s classic replay, regular contributors Katherine and Lisa discuss how no two children are the same and how they’ve accepting that it’s OKAY to parent each child differently has made life easier. Enjoy!If you haven’t already listened to Tuesday’s episode, we recommend starting there before hitting play on this one!All month long we’re bringing back some beloved episodes from the early years of The Mom Hour – with fresh bonus conversations dropping every Friday on the same topic! Here’s a playlist of some of our very favorite classic oldies – and here’s a full list of every episode in chronological order.LINKS MENTIONED:Follow Katherine DeVries on InstagramFollow Lisa Payne on InstagramEnjoyed listening to Katherine and Lisa? Here are episodes from the archives featuring them:Seasonally-Inspired Homemaking & Parenting: Voices 79 With Katherine DeVriesWhat’s New In Baby Gear & Baby Shower Registries: Voices 77 with Kia Hammond and Katherine DeVriesBooks We’re Loving Lately: Voices 72 With Joanna Martin & Katherine DeVriesConstantly Connected (The Joys & Challenges Of Parenting In The Smartphone Era): Voices 83MORE 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.

Jul 25, 2023 • 37min
It's All Gonna Be OK (And Other Truths Moms Need To Hear) [Classic Replay]
Sometimes, you just need to hear that it’s all going to be OK. That you’re not alone. That what you’re doing matters. In this classic replay of Episode 100 from 2017, Meagan and Sarah offer some of our most oft-repeated pieces of advice and encouragement – because no matter where you are in your parenting journey, it never hurts to be reminded that you’re doing a good job. Join us!All month long we’re bringing back some beloved episodes from the early years of The Mom Hour – with fresh bonus conversations dropping every Friday on the same topic! Here’s a playlist of some of our very favorite classic oldies – and here’s a full list of every episode in chronological order.LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan wrote the blog post: You Probably Won’t Remember This Later…And That’s OK.Meagan and Sarah reintroduced these “mom truths” in episode 369.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.

Jul 21, 2023 • 38min
Real-Life Routines For Better Sleep [Emily & Kia Respond To Ep87]
Taking walks, eating healthy and staying hydrated are just a few small things that can help save your sanity while coping with sleep deprivation. And while it sounds simple, it’s easier said than done. In today’s episode, regular contributors Kia and Emily discuss how they survive the long nights, early mornings and short stretches of sleep that are so common during the early stages of motherhood. Enjoy!If you haven’t already listened to Tuesday’s episode, we recommend starting there before hitting play on this one!All month long we’re bringing back some beloved episodes from the early years of The Mom Hour – with fresh bonus conversations dropping every Friday on the same topic! Here’s a playlist of some of our very favorite classic oldies – and here’s a full list of every episode in chronological order.LINKS MENTIONED:Follow Kia Hammond on InstagramFollow Emily Roark on InstagramA few episodes from the archives featuring Kia and/or Emily:What’s New In Baby Gear & Baby Shower Registries: Voices 77 with Kia Hammond and Katherine DeVriesReal Stories About Postpartum Mental Health: Voices 74 With Emily Roark And Kia HammondPreparing Kids (Of All Ages) For A New Baby: Voices 67 With Kia HammondTeen Parents, Parenting Teens (Young Motherhood, Raising Teen Girls & More!): Episode 414Emily used a Hynobabies sleep track for her toddler to help her fall asleep (didn’t work for her toddler, but maybe it will for you!).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.

Jul 18, 2023 • 51min
Coping With Sleep Deprivation [Classic Replay]
Not sleeping? You’re not alone. In today’s replay of 2017’s classic episode on sleep deprivation, Meagan and Sarah offer helpful tips for making it through the day when your nights are long and, uh, eventful. Whether you have a new baby, a kid with bad dreams, or a struggle with insomnia yourself, we’re here to help. (If we could bring coffee, we’d do that too.) Enjoy!All month long we’re bringing back some beloved episodes from the early years of The Mom Hour – with fresh bonus conversations dropping every Friday on the same topic! Here’s a playlist of some of our very favorite classic oldies – and here’s a full list of every episode in chronological order.LINKS MENTIONED:Coping Tips for Sleep-Deprived Moms (Sarah wrote this article that we follow along with in this episode.)If you enjoyed this episode, and on the struggle bus about sleep, you might like:More Than Mom: Sleep!Will I Ever Sleep Again?: Episode 301What our friend Kelsey from The Girl Next Door podcast learned from her sleep coach (rising*shining)Sarah recommended checking out Dr. Catherine Pearlman’s website, The Family Coach to help moms and dads with typical parenting issues like sleep.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.

Jul 14, 2023 • 40min
Making Quality Time Actually Happen [Joanna & Joanne Respond To Ep86]
When they’re tiny, babies and toddlers need us so much that “spending time” together is mostly about fulfilling their needs. But as kids get older and more independent, how do we prioritize time together in a way that naturally suits each kid’s (and each mom’s) personality and needs? In today’s episode, regular contributors Joanna and Joanne discuss how they approach one-on-one time with their kids (spoiler alert–it can be super simple) and how sometimes, WE can be our biggest road blocks to making it happen. Enjoy!If you haven’t already listened to Tuesday’s episode, we recommend starting there before hitting play on this one!All month long we’re bringing back some beloved episodes from the early years of The Mom Hour – with fresh bonus conversations dropping every Friday on the same topic! Here’s a playlist of some of our very favorite classic oldies – and here’s a full list of every episode in chronological order.LINKS MENTIONED:Follow Joanna Martin on InstagramFollow Joanne Ruelos Diaz on InstagramJoanna mentioned Kathryn Whitaker, a blogger with six kids, who blogs about spending time with each child (here’s where Kathryn talks about 10 year old trips)Joanne mentioned doing anti-coloring books with her son.Interested in learning what Harry Potter House you’re in? Joanne and Joanna took the quiz to find out they are Huffelpuffs!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.

Jul 11, 2023 • 44min
How (And Why) To Spend One-On-One Time With Your Kids [Classic Replay]
If the idea of “special time” feels impossible, impractical, and a little bit guilt-laden, you’re not alone. Spending one-on-one time with your kids is both valuable AND wildly difficult, and as moms of many kids, Meagan and Sarah are here to unpack why. In this classic replay of Episode 86 from 2017, we share why a good-enough approach to quality one-on-one time has helped our own relationships with our kids, and how (like, literally, HOW) we manage to make it work. Join us!All month long we’re bringing back some beloved episodes from the early years of The Mom Hour – with fresh bonus conversations dropping every Friday on the same topic! Here’s a playlist of some of our very favorite classic oldies – and here’s a full list of every episode in chronological order.LINKS MENTIONED:Access show notes from the original episode (includes links we mentioned!)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.