

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

Jul 10, 2020 • 45min
Supporting Kids’ Behavioral Health As The Pandemic Stretches On: Voices 50
Regression. Clinginess. Tantrums. Bedtime battles. Mood struggles. We’re hearing from moms all over the world about the toll that 2020 is taking on children, from toddlers up through teens. We’ve had so many posts and questions in our Facebook group that for this month’s Voices interview we decided to bring back Dr. Erin Lanphier, a child psychologist, therapist in private practice, and university professor. Dr. Erin chats with Sarah about these and other struggles kids are having right now, how to know when it’s time to act versus cut your kid a little slack, and what options are available for parents who want to seek outside support for behavioral or mental health struggles. Join us for an incredibly helpful conversation.LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to Voices 42 with Dr. Erin Lanphier on Removing The Stigma Of Kids In TherapyListeners are connecting in fun ways in our Facebook group – full of helpful moms (please answer the questions when you request to join!)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 7, 2020 • 57min
Feeding A Family When Things Are In Flux: Episode 268
No matter what’s going on in the world around you, the people need to eat. In Episode 268 of The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah break down the process of feeding a family when you’re going through a major life transition (or, say, a global pandemic). We talk about why meal plans are even MORE crucial in chaotic times, how to get fruits and veggies into the kids even when you’re serving up convenience food more often than you’d like, and how to stick to your “food values” even as you let some of your standards slide for a season. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:We mentioned the two episodes we did at the beginning of the pandemic, A Week Of Real Life Dinners (COVID 19 Edition) and Freezer Meals, Pantry Staples & The New Reality Of Food Prep With Stacie Billis: Voices 47Sarah mentioned our episode Family Food Values & What’s Working For UsMeagan’s recipe for her Pork & Sweet Potato HashCheck out all of our episodes on the topic of feeding a familyMORE 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.

Jun 30, 2020 • 42min
Big Moves, Part Two (Prepping, Packing, Relocating): Episode 267
Moving while momming is no small task–and we’ve been there, trust us. Meagan has mastered the art of the DIY cross-town move to a new home with a whole bunch of kids; Sarah’s moves have been fewer and farther between, but also farther in distance and bigger in scope. Join us as we continue last week’s discussion about big moves and get into the details of actually packing up and relocating your family. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:This episode is a continuation of our episode on moving last week, Big Moves, Part One (Dreaming, Planning, Deciding)You might also like these episodes:Moving, Remodeling & Other Home Transitions: Episode 153Moving With Kids & Cultivating Community: Episode 56This Is Where You Belong with Melody Warnick: Voices 03Sarah ordered colored packing tape like this (affiliate link) to execute her color-coded boxes systemMORE 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.

Jun 23, 2020 • 57min
Big Moves, Part One (Dreaming, Planning, Deciding): Episode 266
Do you dream of packing up the family and moving somewhere new? Or starting fresh in a different home or neighborhood? Maybe the idea of a move isn’t yours, but has been introduced by a job change or prompted by family circumstance. In this first of a two-part series on big moves, Meagan and Sarah talk about fantasy moves, aspirational moves, and making the decision to actually move our families. We also look at all the considerations we’ve made when planning a big move–from schools and neighborhoods to house features and commute times. Whether you’re dreaming of a move or happy where you are, this is a fun one. Join us!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.

Jun 16, 2020 • 48min
More Things We Shouldn’t Have Freaked Out About: Episode 265
In hindsight, was the worry worth it? That’s the question Meagan and Sarah are looking at in this week’s episode, as we bring back a popular series all about things that stressed us out as less experienced moms. From nutrition and discipline to kids’ friendships and developmental milestones, we look at the worries that kept us up at night and how it all turned out in the end. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to our other Things We Shouldn’t Have Freaked Out About episodesWe mentioned Meagan’s NBC News THINK piece Parenting kids over 18 is still parenting. You just get less control and the stakes are higher.Sarah recommended the book No More Mean Girls: The Secret to Raising Strong, Confident and Compassionate Girls (affiliate link)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.

Jun 12, 2020 • 45min
Starting Small With Self-Reliant Living: Voices 49
For the first time in generations, many of us are reexamining how often we shop, where we get our groceries, and what household essentials we might be able to make at home instead of running out to buy. But this month’s Voices guest Kris Bordessa has been teaching families how to live more sustainably for years. Hear Meagan get Kris’s take on the bake-your-own-bread craze, why so many adults feel like they never reallylearned to cook, and how growing your own food or making soap doesn’t have to be overwhelming. They also discuss Kris’s new book, Attainable Sustainable: The Lost Art of Self-Reliant Living. Check it out!LINKS MENTIONED:Check out Kris Bordessa’s book Attainable Sustainable: The Lost Art of Self-Reliant Living (affiliate link)Learn more on Kris’ blog Attainable SustainableConnect with Kris on Instagram, Facebook and TwitterMORE 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.

Jun 9, 2020 • 52min
Flattering Summer Fashion For Moms: Episode 264
We may be staying closer to home this summer, but we still want to feel good about the way we look! Join Meagan and Sarah for an update on our warm weather wardrobes, from which pieces have served us in past summers to what we’re eyeing for purchase this year. We talk about tops and bottoms, undergarments and swimwear, shoes and accessories. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:TopsSarah’s favorite t shirts are these Whisper cotton from MadewellWe both love dolman sleeve tops even in summertime, like this one from Jane (affiliate link) that Sarah has in three colorsBottomsWe both like linen shorts from Target with pockets, like these (affiliate link)Meagan wears her Fabletics Leggings most mornings (affiliate link)Sarah loves these Denim shorts from Jane (affiliate link)Sarah talked about her comfy pants in this episode, and again they are: Lululemon Align Jogger Crop, Fold Over Linen Pants from Jane (affiliate link), Lively Wide-Leg Lounge Pants for MadewellShoesSarah wears Havaiana Flip Flops all summer long (affiliate link)Kyrgies are still great for the summer! (We got ours as part of our sponsor relationship and both LOVE them. You can still use code THEMOMHOUR to get 15% off your order.)SwimMeagan just bought a few new swimsuits from Dokifans, and has had good luck in the past with Soma, MiracleSuit (that link gets you 20% off!), Modcloth (try code MODMOM), Urban Outfitters, and Victoria’s SecretSarah thinks these J. Crew boy short bikini bottoms are greatDresses/Rompers/UndergarmentsMeagan and Sarah both love their Harper Wilde Bras, particularly the Harper Wilde Base BraJersey swing dresses (like these from Old Navy) double as cover-ups, and THIS ONE has pockets!AccessoriesSarah bought this kimono from Jane (affiliate link)Email us your feedback and questions to hello@themomhour.com. We love hearing from 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.

Jun 5, 2020 • 1h 25min
Talking About Racism As A Family (A Candid Conversation With Meagan’s Niece & Nephew)
As we’ve seen in the aftermath of the George Floyd murder, there is still so much work to be done around racial injustice. For white people, that’s often accompanied by confusion and uncertainty that can keep us stuck in a loop of discomfort and defensiveness. But if we want things to change, we need to be part of the conversation – even if that means risking our own comfort and challenging the status quo.While books, documentaries and social media can be important catalysts for change on a large scale (and we have some to recommend below), one of the most impactful ways to learn and grow is through in-person conversations with real people in our lives.In this special episode of The Mom Hour, Meagan talks to her niece Cecily and her nephew Mario about their experiences as young black people living in today’s world. The discussions are at times raw and may make you squirm, but we’re hoping they will also make you think, learn, and hopefully, continue the conversation in your own homes, families, and communities.Book lists and resource roundups:PICTURE BOOKS THAT TEACH KIDS TO COMBAT RACISMYou believe that Black Lives Matter. You are non-Black. You don’t know what to say or do. So start here. (Cool Mom Picks)This blog post from Karen Walrond’s Chookooloonks has books, documentaries, IG follows, and moreMOVING FROM OUTRAGE TO ACTION: TALKING RACIAL JUSTICE WITH LATASHA MORRISON (Selfie Podcast)How White Parents Can Use Media to Raise Anti-Racist Kids (Commonsense.org)How to Talk to Kids About Race with Amber Coleman-Mortley (Edit Your Life)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.

Jun 3, 2020 • 45min
(Realistic) Summer Schedule Intentions: Episode 263
Summer 2020 isn’t going to be like any other summer in our memories–and it’s not going to look like whatever we’d dreamed up in midwinter before the pandemic hit. Still, Meagan and Sarah have ideas for how we’d like to set up ourselves and our families for healthy routines, regular self care, and (is it possible?) even some fun outings this summer. Join us for a look ahead at the next few months as we set our realistic intentions for summer 2020.This episode was recorded on May 31, 2020.A NOTE ON EPISODES RELEASED DURING COVID-19: Things change so quickly these days–including recommendations for health and safety, as well as our own thoughts and feelings–so you may hear things that feel a bit dated if you’re catching up on older episodes. Just know that we’re experiencing this in real time just like you, and that we’re working hard to follow the latest recommendations for the safety of our families and our communities. We’re also working hard to bring you timely, relevant podcast episodes in a world that’s changing very quickly.LINKS MENTIONED:We are both reading and thinking a lot lately about how to use our voices to be an ally for people of color. Here are just a few resources we’ve found helpful:Instagram accounts: @blackcoffeewithwhitefriends @beabridgebuilder @hereweeread@thegreatunlearn @theconsciouskid @callmedoctor_t @parentingwhileblk @beingblackatschool@ijeomaoluo @mireillecharperBook lists and resource roundups:PICTURE BOOKS THAT TEACH KIDS TO COMBAT RACISMYou believe that Black Lives Matter. You are non-Black. You don’t know what to say or do. So start here. (Cool Mom Picks)This blog post from Karen Walrond’s Chookooloonks has books, documentaries, IG follows, and moreMOVING FROM OUTRAGE TO ACTION: TALKING RACIAL JUSTICE WITH LATASHA MORRISON(Selfie Podcast)How White Parents Can Use Media to Raise Anti-Racist Kids (Commonsense.org)Meagan mentioned our episode Two White Moms Talk Awkwardly About Race (Episode 9 from June 2015)Meagan’s time blocking calendar was based on this post from Diane KinneyLeave us a comment on Instagram or in our Facebook group , or you can email us at hello@themomhour.comMORE 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.

May 31, 2020 • 47min
Pandemic Perspectives: Church Leader + Café Manager + Daycare Owner
Allison is a minister in a church, finding new ways to lead her congregation while awaiting her second baby; Alison deals with the guilt of laying off foodservice employees and permanently shutting down a location of her café business; Starlynn owns an in-home daycare serving front-line families while navigating changing rules and regulations. All three are also working moms with all the demands of mothering and living through a global pandemic. Find out what’s hard, what’s hopeful, and what life is like in our final (for now!) episode of Pandemic Perspectives. This episode was recorded on April 30, 2020.A NOTE ON EPISODES RELEASED DURING COVID-19: Things change so quickly these days–including recommendations for health and safety, as well as our own thoughts and feelings–so you may hear things that feel a bit dated if you’re catching up on older episodes. Just know that we’re experiencing this in real time just like you, and that we’re working hard to follow the latest recommendations for the safety of our families and our communities.AND ALSO: Our Pandemic Perspective guests are moms just like you, doing their best with the resources they have. Their opinions do not necessarily represent those of the podcast, and the information they offer should not be taken as advice, medical or otherwise. 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.


