Sounds like an exaggeration. It’s not.
These are 3 podcasts that saved me and have continued to save me as I figure out this mothering thing. Because just in case I’ve lead you to believe otherwise, I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I AM DOING.
One Bad Mother – This is a comedy podcast about motherhood, and it’s a freaking riot.
Want to feel totally ok about the highs and lows of parenting? You hate it, you love it. Think you are the only one who loves your kids so much, yet wish they would just LEAVE YOU THE EFF ALONE?
The hosts Biz and Theresa GET IT.
My favorite segment is Genius/Fail, where moms call in to report genius mom moments or fails. More then once I’ve wanted to call and report a bedtime fail. Listen to this and you will not feel alone, even in your darkest mom moments.
Oh, and it’s not just ha-ha’s. They tackle proper issues, like an interview with Alissa Quart, author of SQUEEZED: Why Our Families Can’t Afford America in ep. 264 and lice ep. 272 (there are two types of mom: those who have dealt with lice, and those who haven’t…yet.)
However, start with ep 256, during which there is a remarkable conversation on lack of maternal mental services after birth and what to do about it. Seriously, if you are pregnant, just had a bebe, please, please listen to this and make a postpartum plan for your mental health, I learned after my first go that once the baby is out, mothers are practically left to fend for themselves by the medical community.
Aside: The New York Times ran a opinion piece last week called “America is Blaming Pregnant Woman for their Own Deaths” WORTH A READ.
The Longest Shortest Time – Described as a “parenting show for everyone.”
This is the first parenting podcast that made sense to me. It’s thoughtful and deep, funny and non judgement and goes beyond white, cis gender parenting issues. The host, Hilary Frank is the Terry Gross of our time.
Listen to these chronologically, start from the beginning.
Highlights – there is an amazing mini-series on two parents, Trystan and Biff, one of whom happens to be trans and pregnant! ep 60, 62, 80,81, 125!)
Also an episode on babymaking while queer, ep 114 and an truly eye-opening ep on birth injuries. I didn’t know pain during sex WASN’T NORMAL until I listened to that episode (ep 49.), so that’s cool. GO LISTEN.
Now, bad news – there was a switch of hosts in ep 148, and the new host hasn’t really landed for me. The topics are still interesting, but it’s not the same without Hilary.
Good news, there are 147 episodes to keep you company while you pump (at least, that’s how I binged these.)
Respectful Parenting: Janet Lansbury Unruffled – This is practical parenting advice from an expert, Janet Lansbury.
Veda is a spirited child, with some empathetic qualities. (Either that, or is she just an asshole, so let’s go with spirited.) Parenting her is often jumping from one big emotion to the next bigger emotion, it’s grinding. Janet Lansbury talks about children with deep kindness and understanding.
Listening to these quick episodes (they run about 15 minutes each) empowers me. I don’t feel so alone in my struggle, and I understand my kid better. And if nothing else, Veda will need a little less therapy as an adult because of Janet’s calm advice.
Did I miss any mom podcasts that you love? Help a girl out and let me know what I should be listening to. Happy listening you Bad Mothers!
Love, bluebirdface
Hi, I'm Ariana. 
Leave a Reply