What Fresh Hell: Parenting, Relationships, and Making Life Better, with Two Funny Moms cover art
Podcast · 197 episodes

What Fresh Hell: Parenting, Relationships, and Making Life Better, with Two Funny Moms, page 4

by Margaret Ables and Amy Wilson · English

When you're a parent, every day brings a "fresh hell" to deal with. In other words, there's always something. Think of us as your funny mom friends who are here to remind you: you're not alone, and it won't always be this hard. We're Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables, both busy moms of three kids, but with completely different parenting styles. Margaret is a laid-back to the max; Amy never met a spreadsheet or an organizational system she didn't like. In each episode of "What Fresh Hell" we offer lots of laughs, but also practical advice, parenting strategies, and tips to empower you in your role as a mom. We explore self-help techniques, as well as ways to prioritize your own needs, combat stress, and despite the invisible workload we all deal with, find joy amidst the chaos of motherhood. If you've ever wondered "why is my kid..." then one of us has probably been there, and we're here to tell you what we've learned along the way. We unpack the behaviors and developmental stages of toddlers, tweens, and teenagers, providing insights into their actions and equipping you with effective parenting strategies. We offer our best parenting tips and skills we've learned. We debate the techniques and studies that are everywhere for parents these days, and get to the bottom of what works best to raise happy, healthy, fairly well-behaved kids, while fostering a positive parent-child relationship. If you're the default parent in your household, whether you're a busy mom juggling multiple pickups and dropoffs, or a first-time parent seeking guidance, this podcast is your trusted resource. Join our community of supportive mom friends laughing in the face of motherhood! whatfreshhellpodcast.com

All episodes, page 4

Little-Known Parenting Milestones“What Fresh Hell? Laughing in the face of motherhood” discusses “little-known parenting milestones” that make life easier or change routines as kids grow—often shared via a Facebook mailbag.15 Apr 2026 · 44 min · 22 chapters
DEEP DIVE: Meg Zucker on Empowering Kids with Differences and DisabilitiesMeg Zucker discusses empowering children with differences/disabilities, anti-bullying, and shifting from “kindness” to “friendship,” using her book Born Extraordinary and her nonprofit work.13 Apr 2026 · 30 min · 11 chapters
Preparing Our Kids (and Ourselves) as They Leave the Nest, with Christina GeistPreparing kids (and parents) for leaving home for college, using Christina Geist’s book Before You Fly Away: Life Lessons from Home—50 short “lessons” meant to reduce panic, build trust, and…10 Apr 2026 · 42 min · 18 chapters
Why We Avoid Uncertainty (And How That Gets In Our Way)Why people avoid uncertainty, how that preference affects decisions and parenting, and when it becomes harmful (e.g., catastrophizing, “toxic time travel,” news spirals).8 Apr 2026 · 41 min · 19 chapters
DEEP DIVE: Janice Johnson Dias on Raising Joyful, Change-Making KidsRaising joyful, change-making girls by teaching caregivers to “matter to yourself” first, building authentic selfhood (not performance), and using consistent, passion-led volunteering and exposure to…6 Apr 2026 · 38 min · 11 chapters
Meredith Schwartz on Building a Reading Life You Actually LoveBuilding a “reading life” you enjoy despite phone scrolling, busy seasons, and guilt; finding “delicious reads,” using reader self-knowledge, and permission to DNF or set books aside.3 Apr 2026 · 38 min · 14 chapters
How Can We Get Our Kids to Like Reading?How to get kids to like reading (and read for pleasure) amid screens, reluctant reading, and “invisible workload,” with strategies for different obstacles and realistic expectations.1 Apr 2026 · 40 min · 17 chapters
DEEP DIVE: Donna Jackson Nakazawa on Helping Our Daughters ThriveThe episode is a deep dive with author Donna Jackson Nakazawa on why girls’ anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation are rising, and what parents can do—especially during ages 7–13 (“the in-between…30 Mar 2026 · 33 min · 12 chapters
Fresh Take: Jessica Shaw, "Everyone Gets a Juice Box"Defining neurodivergence and discussing parenting neurodivergent kids—finding community, navigating diagnosis, and supporting teens and travel.27 Mar 2026 · 42 min · 13 chapters
Let's Not Care About Aging GracefullyThe episode argues against the cultural pressure to “age gracefully” by constantly improving appearance.25 Mar 2026 · 39 min · 19 chapters
DEEP DIVE: Chelsey Goodan on How Parents Underestimate Their Teenage GirlsIn this episode, Amy Wilson converses with Chelsey Goodan, the author of "Underestimated: The Wisdom and Power of Teenage Girls".23 Mar 2026 · 32 min · 14 chapters
Fresh Take: Michaeleen Doucleff, DOPAMINE KIDSIn this episode of "What Fresh Hell," hosts Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables welcome back Michaeleen Doucleff, science journalist and parenting expert, to discuss her latest book, Dopamine Kids.20 Mar 2026 · 39 min · 13 chapters
How Not to Live Through Our KidsIn this episode, hosts Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables delve into the complexities of parental ambition and its impact on children's lives.18 Mar 2026 · 46 min · 17 chapters
DEEP DIVE: Dr. Jo-Ann Finkelstein on Raising Resilient GirlsLaughing in the Face of Motherhood16 Mar 2026 · 31 min · 16 chapters
Fresh Take: Jamilah Lemieux, BLACK. SINGLE. MOTHER.Jamilah Lemieux, BLACK. SINGLE. MOTHER.13 Mar 2026 · 39 min · 16 chapters
Parenting Panics Through the AgesLaughing in the Face of Motherhood11 Mar 2026 · 45 min · 17 chapters
DEEP DIVE: Dr. Lisa Damour on Helping Kids Manage AnxietyWhat Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face of Motherhood9 Mar 2026 · 55 min · 25 chapters
Fresh Take: Susan Sutton, The Ember ProjectIn this episode of *What Fresh Hell*, co-hosts Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables interview Susan Sutton, founder of The Ember Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting teen and early…6 Mar 2026 · 42 min · 16 chapters
When *You're* the One Who's DysregulatedWhen *You're* the One Who's Dysregulated4 Mar 2026 · 40 min · 16 chapters
DEEP DIVE: Gabrielle Blair, THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHTHumor and practical advice about parenting, focusing on the challenges and joys of motherhood.2 Mar 2026 · 36 min · 10 chapters
Fresh Take: Catherine Price, THE AMAZING GENERATIONCatherine Price, THE AMAZING GENERATION27 Feb 2026 · 42 min · 16 chapters
Do Siblings Need to Get Along?In this episode, hosts Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables challenge the longstanding belief that sibling closeness is necessary for healthy adult relationships.25 Feb 2026 · 44 min · 21 chapters
DEEP DIVE: Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop, "The Disengaged Teen"In this episode of *What Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face of Motherhood*, hosts Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables engage Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop, authors of *The Disengaged Teen*.23 Feb 2026 · 46 min · 18 chapters
Fresh Take: Dr. Allison Alford, GOOD DAUGHTERINGLaughing in the Face of Motherhood20 Feb 2026 · 44 min · 25 chapters