The Mom Hour

Let’s talk travel habits! How do you settle into a rental property? Do you unpack in a hotel room? Are you a fan of rental cars, or do you rely on ride-sharing apps? These are just a few of the things Meagan and Sarah discuss in today’s episode on traveling without kids and the unique habits that come with it. Join us as we share our personal quirks (and strong feelings) on things like rental cars, tech use while on vacation, our use (or non-use) of navigation apps, and how we make accommodations feel more like home. Enjoy!This is Part 3 of a three-part travel series running this winter! You can listen to Part 1 here, and listen to Part 2 here.HELPFUL LINKS:Check out our Family Travel Hub for episodes and blog posts to help with all your traveling-with-kids needs!Traveling As Business Besties (Meagan & Sarah From Dallas Together!)We mentioned this episode, where we deep-dive on our airport personalities: Getting There Is Half The Fun (Especially When You’re Flying Solo)O

Mornings set the tone for the day, so how are we spending ours lately? Today we define – and debate! – a “successful” start to the day, and dig into some of the mythology surrounding morning routines. From quiet time to busy school morning routines, we’ll share how different environments shape our mornings and talk about the little habits that help us feel grounded and ready to take on the day. Join us!HELPFUL LINKS:Last week’s episode Evening Routines Lately: Episode 507 and Morning Routines & Morning Makeovers: Episode 222 pair nicely with this one.OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Pre-Order Meagan’s book: The Last Parenting Book You’ll Ever Read: How We Let Our Kids Go and Embrace What’s NextVisit 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

Does a peaceful evening beget a better morning? Let's find out. Today Meagan and Sarah talk about our evening routines lately, and next week we'll do the same with mornings. Now that our kids are older, we try to make time for the little things that make winding down feel calm and intentional. Plus, we share how we shut down our homes and families for the night, and how our loved ones—both human and animal—fit into the mix. Nighty-night!HELPFUL LINKS:Episodes from the archives on routines:Morning Routines & Morning Makeovers: Episode 222Routines, Rituals, and Traditions (Part 2): Episode 129Routines, Rituals, and Traditions (Part 1): Episode 128Bedtime Routines at Every Stage: Episode 80Realistic Hair & Skincare Routines: Episode 48Routines For A Happy Mom-Life: Episode 20Interested in gua sha (which Meagan talked about having an at-home routine similar to)? We learned a lot from this Good Housekeeping articleSarah uses DRMTLGY retinol and neck creamSarah keeps this cuter

“I wish I’d yelled less,” “I should’ve tidied up more”—sound familiar? We’re pretty hard on ourselves as moms, especially when we’re deep in the thick of parenting. With a little distance it’s a bit easier to recognize how much we’ve actually done for our families. Today Meagan and Sarah reflect on our early parenting years and give credit where credit is due and offer compassion to our younger selves. Turns out, we were doing the best we could with what we had – just like you!HELPFUL LINKS:We mentioned an episode looking back on regrets: Regrets, We’ve Had A Few: Episode 440Episodes from the archives you may enjoy:Nurturing Grandparent-Grandkid Relationships: Episode 390Kinkeeping: Episode 488Motherly Love In Theory & Practice: Episode 451Glad I Did / Wish I’d Done: Back To School: Episode 377Glad I Did / Wish I’d Done: Tech And Devices: Episode 368Glad I Did / Wish I’d Done: Summer Planning: Episode 359OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Pre-Order Meagan’s book: The Last Parenting Book You’ll Ever Read: How W

From crafting the perfect window display to chatting with customers and hand-picking the best products, Meagan shares the fun (and not-so-glamorous) side of running a business. Whether it’s her specialty tea shop or her family’s bookstore, Meagan has plenty of insights on what it takes to bring a dream to life. Sarah is here to ask all the questions, so tune in for an inspiring and candid conversation about entrepreneurship, retail, and everything in between!HELPFUL LINKS:Meagan’s a partner of a public market, The Mill ManistiqueMeagan opened a tea shop!Follow @papermillbooks or @themillmanistique or @bevytea on instagramEpisodes from the archives you may enjoy:How Do You Know What’s Next?: Episode 503More Than Mom: Dream BusinessesHaving Kids Young & Building A Creative Business With Camp Climb Founder Emma Hicks: Voices 37OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Pre-Order Meagan’s book: The Last Parenting Book You’ll Ever Read: How We Let Our Kids Go and Embrace What’s NextVisit our w

From tracking flight prices to snagging a hotel deal, packing your bags to prepping the home front, there’s a ton to talk about when it comes to travel planning. Join Meagan and Sarah as we discuss what works for us, how we feel about reviews on vacation rental sites, and where are strengths and weaknesses lie when it comes to packing a suitcase and preparing to leave home. Let’s get ready to travel!This is Part 2 of a three-part travel series running this winter! You can listen to Part 1 here, and check back in March for Part 3.HELPFUL LINKS:Check out our Family Travel Hub for episodes and blog posts to help with all your traveling-with-kids needs!Sarah’s packing cubes are similar to these, from show sponsor Quince (visit quince.com/themomhour for free shipping at 365-day returns)Sarah loves her Luka Duffel from Calpak TravelSarah uses Google Flights for tracking flight pricesOTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Pre-Order Meagan’s book: The Last Parenting Book You’ll Eve

Perfectly crisped bacon with zero grease splatter, an onion diced evenly and confidently, and a sparkling clean kitchen sink. These are just a few of the kitchen confidence-boosters Meagan and Sarah have worked on over the years. Today’s episode is all about the skills we’ve developed – and even mastered – that help us enjoy home cooking more. Join us!HELPFUL LINKS:Episodes From The Archives You May Enjoy:Reclaiming Our Kitchens: Episode 490Sipping, Steeping, Hydrating & Celebrating: Let’s Talk About Beverages!: Episode 467Kitchen Gadgets & Gear, Part 2: Episode 432Kitchen Gadgets & Gear, Part 1: Episode 431MORE about Loving Beans from MeaganMeagan shares more about Making Sourdough in this substack articleOTHER 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 P

From big career pivots to giant life decisions, how do we know when it’s time to take a leap? How much dreaming and scheming comes before the moment of action? And how do you know what’s on the other side of a bend in the road? (Spoiler: you don’t.) Meagan and Sarah share a podcast-related update and explore these questions together. Join us!HELPFUL LINKS:Sarah recommends this episode of The Culture Study Podcast: Is The Golden Age Of Podcasts Over? and these episodes of 10 Things To Tell You: 10 Things All Podcast Fans Should Know and If I Were Starting A Podcast Today…Episodes From The Archives:BONUS: What’s Ahead This Summer (Personally And On The Podcast)Meet Meagan & Sarah: Episode 458Business Behind-The-Scenes & State Of The Podcast Chat: Episode 396Email usOTHER 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 newsl

Meagan and Sarah tackle MORE of your listener questions! From handling school emails about your kid’s behavior to accepting that you’re not the ‘fun parent’, from encouraging teens to read more to nudging a reluctant 8-year-old into extracurriculars, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!HELPFUL LINKS:Episodes From The Archives You May Enjoy:“Fun” For The Whole Family: Episode 408Reading & Literacy Tips by Age & StageEmotional Labor, Burnout & Completing The Stress Cycle: Episode 285Managing Kids’ Extracurriculars (What We’ve Learned & What’s On Tap This Fall): Episode 330Pre-Order Meagan’s Book: The Last Parenting Book You’ll Ever Read: How We Let Our Kids Go and Embrace What’s NextOTHER 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/p

A preschooler with a bit of a hoarding tendency, mom-guilt related to not providing the same school experience to all three of her kids, and sadness about a firstborn child heading off to college. Meagan and Sarah offer our advice to moms with these parenting questions, PLUS we unpack the “glad I did / wish I’d done” conceit, offering our thoughts to a mom who wants to know what we’d do differently if we knew then what we know now. Join us for Listener Questions in Episode 501!Pre-Order Meagan’s Book: The Last Parenting Book You’ll Ever Read: How We Let Our Kids Go and Embrace What’s NextHELPFUL LINKS:Glad I Did / Wish I’d Done: Back To SchoolGlad I Did / Wish I’d Done: Tech & DevicesGlad I Did / Wish I’d Done: Summer PlanningRegrets, We’ve Had A FewOTHER 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/pri

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 KidsHom

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 fo

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 Vacuum

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 & Intent

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 Chr

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 Holiday

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 Ap

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 HolidaysBakin

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.

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