The Mom Hour

You can learn a lot about a person by taking a peek inside their purse. (Also: it’s time we cleaned out our purses!) In this episode of More Than Mom from The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah do a deep dive into their bags, laughing as they go. We also challenge listeners to share the contents of their bags with US–leave us a comment or send us an email if you unearthed something more random than the top two finds from this episode (you have to listen to find out what they are!).LINKS MENTIONED:The More Than Mom episode where we talked about what kind of purses we likeAll the More Than Mom episodes are hereMORE 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.

Part of the fun of having so many kids between us is that we never run out of things to talk about! Join Meagan and Sarah for a quick look at what each of our eight kids is going through these days–this lets cover the phases from preschool through teen in a way that’s personal, funny, and encouraging.LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah mentioned the Calm app and its meditations for kids specificallyThe Opposite of Worry: The Playful Parenting Approach to Childhood Anxieties and Fears (affiliate link) by Lawrence J. CohenWatch Isaac and Owen in a dueling floss-off on Meagan’s Instagram pageWatch Violet crack up after reading about a fat dog on Sarah’s Instagram pageCalm appMORE 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.

Singer-songwriter and mom of two Sarah Sample joins The Mom Hour co-host Sarah Powers for a chat that feels like two old friends catching up. That’s because Sarah and Sarah ARE two old friends–of 25 years! Musician Sarah talks honestly about creativity in motherhood, being a traveling working mom, and making big career shifts in your mid-thirties, PLUS you’ll get a hilarious peek into what one of your favorite podcast co-hosts was like as a teenager.LINKS MENTIONED:REDWING, Sarah Sample’s 6th album (available April 2018), available at www.sarahsample.com and wherever you get your musicBird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life (affiliate link) by Anne LamottBig Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear (affiliate link) by Elizabeth Gilbert, and the podcast that goes with it, Magic LessonsFollow Sarah Sample on Instagram @SarahSample88MORE 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.

Meagan and Sarah share what they feed their families for breakfast and lunch (and we’re keeping it VERY real here) in Episode 151 of The Mom Hour. We also take a look back and how we survived the breakfast and lunchtime challenges that come with early motherhood. This episode kicks off our new Feeding A Family series, so look for more episodes soon on dinnertime, sweets and snacks, and more.LINKS MENTIONED:Earlier episodes of The Mom Hour on feeding a family:The Picky Eater Problem (Episode 39)Meal Planning & Grocery Shopping (Episode 23)A Week of Real-Life Dinners (Episode 72)Saving Money on Groceries & Household Supplies (Episode 55)Kids in the Kitchen (Episode 70)Meagan’s cast iron grill plan, the Le Creuset Bistro Grill L2085-32BP (affiliate link)Sarah uses Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Classic lunch bags and Spencer Bento Box insertsCheck out all the nominees (including us!) for the 2018 Iris Awards hereThe books Katie recommended are The Last Mrs. Parrish (Liz Constantine) and Behind Closed Doors (B. A. Paris)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.

Beaches or big cities? Rental cars or public transport? Where have we been and where would we love to go? Join Meagan and Sarah for a More Than Mom episode all about TRAVEL!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.

Meagan first shared that her marriage had ended last spring and we’ve heard from a lot of listeners that you guys would like an update on how things are going as she adjusts to life as a divorced mom. In Episode 150 Sarah checks in with Meagan on everything from how home life and work life have changed, to things like dating, friendships, parenting, health, and self-care–all of which have evolved over the last year and half.LINKS MENTIONED:Self-Care As Self-Preservation, Episode 104Meagan’s and Sarah’s Working-Mom Lives, Episode 140MORE 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.

Setting up toddler playgroups, feeling overwhelmed by housework, and how to handle teachers who don’t see your kid the way you do. We got GREAT listener questions for this episode and do our best to answer this week! PLUS you’ll hear Meagan’s daughter Clara interviewed on Jonny & Meagan Mornings from 98.3 The Coast and it will just about make your week. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS)Fit 4 Mom (formerly Stroller Strides, stroller fitness for moms, and a great way to meet people)The Myth of the Mom Tribe, Episode 14410 Habits of Happy Moms, Episodes 137 and 138Jonny and Meagan Mornings, 98.3 The CoastMORE 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.

If the mere thought of a tri-fold science project display board makes you want to run for the hills, we’re right there with you. But we’ve also come to accept that as kids move into upper elementary, middle, and high school, school projects and increased homework demands are par for the course.Join Meagan and Sarah for a frank discussion about how we find the balance between supporting the work that comes home from school without hovering or helicoptering. We share successes and failures from our own experience, plus offer ideas for navigating homework parenting without going crazy. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Homework: At What Cost? Episode 45, where we bemoaned homework in the younger elementary yearsMy kid has a “project” due. What’s ok to help with, and what’s not? Love this post by KJ Dell’AntoniaThe Gift of Failure by Jessica LaheyDid you like this episode? We have a roundup of all our school-related shows on this page.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.

Hobbies outside of everyday work, life, and parenting ebb and flow as your season of life changes, but it’s fun to think about what creative pursuits you’ll add back in as time opens up. In today’s More Than Mom episode Meagan and Sarah speak from the perspective of moms whose kids are getting older, and who are pursuing hobbies in our own (often very different) ways. We talk about what hobbies we’re enjoying now, which ones we could imagine trying, in theory, without needing a total life overhaul, and then some “maybe someday” hobbies we can see ourselves enjoying much later on. It’s a fun one – enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Love hobby talk? Here are some older episodes from our archives you might enjoy.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.

Whether you’re expecting a new baby or love showering friends with thoughtful baby gifts, this episode is for you. Meagan and Sarah enlist the help of some savvy new moms to get the latest product must-haves, plus rely on our own experience and the benefit of hindsight to dissect what’s really essential, what you can probably pass on, and which gifts go the distance. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:All the product links are in their own lists below. Special thanks to our own Katie Addiss and the awesome focus group of new moms from Denver and Minneapolis for their contributions and ideas!Struggles, Successes & Discoveries (Episode 133 that contains the lengthy discussion about cleaning humidifiers)Gift Ideas For Babies, Toddlers & Little Kids (one of our holiday gift guide episodes that contains more great gift ideas for new babies, including some of our favorite books and toys for baby’s first year)Baby Shower Gift IdeasAmazon links are affiliates. That means if you click through and make a purchase you’ll be helping support The Mom Hour at no additional cost to you. Thank you for helping us continue to produce the podcast!Go-to gifts from moms who know what’s up:All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon – Sarah’s new favorite book to give as a new baby giftZutano Cozie Fleece Baby Booties With GrippersSoft moccasins for pre-walkers, like any made by Robeez or these from MinnetonkaWe both love Tea Collection for their soft cotton play clothes and jammiesBoppy Newborn LoungerLeachco Podster Sling-Style Infant Seat LoungerBoppy Nursing Pillow and PositionerMagnificent Baby Unisex Newborn FootieA pretty Chewbeads Necklace for momFisher-Price Deluxe Rock ‘n Play SleeperSkip Hop 3-Stage Activity CenterLittle Giraffe Luxe BlanketFisher-Price Bath TubWubbaNub Infant PacifierGifts and gadgets we scoffed at until we realized they really ARE that great:Fridababy NoseFrida Nasal Aspirator (aka “the snotsucker”)Windi the Gaspasser by FridababyBurp cloths shaped to stay on your shoulder, like theseBaby Bargains: Secrets to Saving 20% to 50% on baby cribs, car seats, strollers, high chairs and much, much more! (recommended for moms who want to sort through what’s worth the extra money and what you can go cheaper on)Working moms in our focus group recommend registering for a LOT of pumping storage bags because you’ll go through them faster than you think!Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Sling N Seat Tub (because bathing baby in a sink is harder than you think!)Keekaroo Peanut Changer (so you never have to wash changing pad covers again)Katie’s new favorite humidifier is this one: Ultrasonic Cool Mist HumidifierSupposed “essentials” that some of us found over-rated (and others did not!)Teeny tiny newborn-sized dresses for baby girlsImpractical shoes for babies who can’t walkExpensive sound machines (that’s what electric fans are for!)Co-sleeper bassinets, or any pricey one-purpose place for baby to sleepSuper adorable but not-super-necessary diaper stackers, like this oneDockatotMORE 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.