

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
Mentioned books

Jan 17, 2025 • 54min
Travel Daydreams & Destinations
Where would we go if time, money, and (ahem) kids were of little consequence? Where would YOU go? In our first episode in a three-part travel series, Meagan and Sarah talk about dream destinations and what kind of travel experiences we envision as we move out of the intensive ‘family travel planning’ years. We talk about how our personalities inform the way we think about travel, whether we aim for a ‘vibe’ vs. a specific location, and how we feel about traveling with our spouses. Join us!HELPFUL LINKS:Episodes From The Archives On TravelingParenting Lessons From Travel Abroad: Episode 448Tips For Traveling With Teens (Meagan’s Florida Family Vacation)Tips For Traveling With Small Kids (Catie’s Florida Family Vacation)Family Travel Mishaps & Why We Go Anyway: Voices 76Real Moms Share Their Best Family Travel Advice: Episode 356House Rules For Travel And Vacation: Episode 319Disney Planning / Disney Parenting: Episode 410Travel With Kids Blog PostsHometown Travel Guide: Santa Barbara With KidsHometown Travel Guide: St. Louis With KidsHometown Travel Guide: Kansas City Metro With KidsHometown Travel Guide: Glacier National Park With KidsHometown Travel Guide: Los Angeles With KidsHometown Travel Guide: Dallas-Fort Worth With KidsHometown Travel Guide: Indianapolis With KidsHometown Travel Guide: San Diego with KidsVisiting The Outer Banks Of North Carolina With KidsDisneyland With Littles: Where To Splurge, How To Save & How I Really Feel About Mouse EarsOTHER 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.

Jan 14, 2025 • 58min
Meagan & Sarah Are Back! Episode 500
Meagan and Sarah are back from a holiday hiatus and catching up on all the things in our 500th Tuesday episode! We’re chatting about the holiday season, the state of our homes, the latest antics from our pets, and what we’re looking forward to as parents this year. It’s been a minute, so come hang with us for some laughs, real talk, and all the fun as we dive into 2025 together!HELPFUL LINKS:Meagan shared some holiday thoughts on Substack throughout the month of December:Holiday Mothering From An Empty NestMaking Our Own Christmas MagicChristmas Baking and Cozy Holiday BooksThe Lasting Impact Of A Mother At Christmas The Christmas I Learned To RelaxSarah mentioned the episode We're Back! Meagan and Sarah Chat Summer So FarPreorder Meagan's Book The Last Parenting Book You'll Ever Read! (affiliate link)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.

Jan 7, 2025 • 1h 10min
Clean Your Home, Clear Your Mind: Episode 499
Ready to clear the clutter, both in your home and your mind? Catie and Katie are back and we’re diving into all things cleaning — from how a tidy space can lead to a clearer head, to creating cleaning schedules that actually work for your family. We’ll share creative tips on getting the kids involved, plus our favorite products, and how we make cleaning feel a little less like a chore. Whether you’re a cleaning pro or a self-proclaimed mess-maker, we’ve got something to make your space (and mind) feel a lot lighter. 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:The Connection Between Cleanliness and Mental HealthThe One Decision That Helped Me Manage Overwhelming Paper Clutter is a helpful blog post that was mentionedProducts We Mentioned In This Episode:Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion Hand VacuumShark Navigator VacuumDyson Ball Animal VacuumOXO Pop Top Containers for the pantryCereal Containers for the pantryMORE episodes from Katie and Catie:Small Tweaks To Save Big Money: Episode 459Hacks For Slaying Busy Seasons: Episode 460New Year Mom Mantras: Episode 499OTHER 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.

Dec 31, 2024 • 1h 5min
New Year Mantras For Your Motherhood Era: Episode 498
For more peace and purpose in your mom life, consider a mantra! Today Katie Gouldner and Catie Parrish dive into the enchanting world of mantras—what they are, how to create one that fits your current motherhood era, and how to weave it into your daily routine. We’ll share feel-good examples, simple tips, and ways to make your mantra an anchor throughout your day. Whether you’re stepping into a new season or just craving a little more balance, we’ll help you embrace the year ahead with calm, clarity, and confidence. Enjoy the journey!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 Katie Gouldner and Catie Parrish on InstagramMore Episodes From Katie and Catie:Small Tweaks To Save Big Money: Episode 459Hacks For Slaying Busy Seasons: Episode 460Episodes From The Archives on Goal Setting and Beyond:More Than Mom: 2022 Goals & Intentions (What We Said, How It Went & Where Life Surprised Us)More Than Mom: 2022 Goals Check-InOur Favorite Resources For An Inspired January: Episode 399OTHER 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.

Dec 24, 2024 • 1h 20min
How To Feel Better About Your Home (No Matter What It Looks Like): Episode 497
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 InstagramThe Girl Next Door PodcastAverage house size article Joanna mentionsStudio McGeeKelsey’s Matrimoney Podcast with her husband ChrisYour Year to Shine is Kelsey’s 2025 goal-setting workshopKelsey’s personal blog9-square cube shelf hack to make backpack cubbiesOTHER 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 newsletteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 17, 2024 • 55min
Managing Expectations For Holiday "Break": Episode 496
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 KiaJayme wrote the blog post Baking With Kids This Holiday Season: A Strategy For The Hesitant MomEpisodes 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 290Sane & Satisfying Holiday Entertaining: Episode 130OTHER 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.

Dec 13, 2024 • 35min
Introducing: Let's Begin with Jenna Arnold
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 podcastsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 10, 2024 • 52min
What's Making Us Happy This Holiday Season: Episode 495
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 OnesieLast week’s episode was mentioned in this one: Holding On & Letting Go For The Holidays: Episode 494Meagan’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 HolidaysBaking For The HolidaysThe Holiday Cookie BookThe Complete Autumn and Winter CookbookLetters from Father Christmas is a classic Meagan recommends and Sarah likes The Gift of the MagiSarah loves this Jacquie Lawson Advent CalendarCheck out our Playlist: Less Stressful, More Magical Holidays for more episodes on holidays and celebrations.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.

Dec 6, 2024 • 1h
On Jewelry, Midlife Adornment, And Treating Ourselves To Shiny Objects
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 397BONUS: Six Strategies For A Fall Wardrobe RebootWhat We’re Wearing Lately: Episode 450OTHER 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.

Dec 3, 2024 • 55min
Holding On & Letting Go For The Holidays: Episode 494
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 437Home For The Holidays With Little Kids & Big Kids: Episode 341Acknowledging Holidays Present (Truth Talk About Where We Are This Season): Episode 292Remembering Holidays Past: Episode 291Inconsequential Holiday Gripes: Episode 442Don’t miss our ‘Treat Yo Self’ series:8 Boring (But Powerful) Ways We’re Caring For OurselvesHow To Take Yourself On A Date, And Why It MattersOTHER 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.