AnchorMoms: The Podcast

Celebrating the "good stuff" in the wake of Hurricane Helene.  A local Western North Carolina writer says it's important to focus on the triumphs after so much devastation . Also, why it's important to allow your kids to see you cry and when too much emotion might cross the line . Lastly, Meta is working to capture younger uses.  Why Gen Zers might be turning to Facebook to learning...

As life slowly returns to "normal", the AnchorMoms have updates on their own lives as well as how Western North Carolina is recovering from Helene. They discuss one local writer's reason for keeping his family in Asheville, and how he's explaining it to his children. Plus, with this week's big election, how much should you tell your kids and their friends about your political views? A mom and an e...

Halloween is here and the AnchorMOMS are determined not to cancel spooky season in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Speaking of Helene, one writer says the way we experience natural disasters has changed thanks to social media and smart phones . Why those outside of Western North Carolina saw the images in the immediate aftermath of the storm, before those of us directly impacted.  And...

The AnchorMoms continue to grapple with big feelings in the wake of Hurricane Helene. One of the hardest questions: how do we talk to our children in the aftermath of such devastation? This week we invite licensed counselor, Suzy Lynch, to guide parents through these tough conversations. It's advice that many parents will find useful while navigating our "new normal." Find us on App...

As residents in Western North Carolina continue to recover from the aftermath of Helene, many kids have yet to return to school. Several schools remain without water and power and as administrators work on a plan for reopening, parents and students are left wondering what to do.  Some experts say it could take years for children to recover, long after communities rebuild. Additional...

Katie and Karen are navigating unchartered territory after the unprecedented damage left by Hurricane Helene. The AnchorMoms share their personal stories during the storm and the challenge of being both parents and journalists. If you are interested in donating or helping out the relief efforts, here is that information:   https://donate.mannafoodbank.org/   https://www.belovedasheville....

You have probably heard about Helene's tragic impact in Western North Carolina. Katie and Karen (and their families) are safe, but our city, our neighborhoods, our lives were torn apart by this storm. We don't have water, cell service, or power but are hanging in there. Katie and Karen are working when they can while also juggling taking care of little ones through a natural disaster. Meteorologis...

Another parent is charged in the connection to a school shooting. This time the father of the suspected Georgia school shooter is facing several serious charges because investigators believe he knew his son had access to a weapon . Will charging parents serve as a deterrent for future gun violence or are prosecutors over stepping?  Gen Z and millennial workers are burnt out and unha...

One mom defends her solo birthday trip to Switzerland.  The appeal of celebrating all by your lonesome in a country far, far away.  The pop culture term "sharenting" isn't new but some of the potential consequences are . Why mental health is now playing a role in what parents share on social media. And from social media to screen time, Buzzfeed has compiled horrifying stories from t...

The Surgeon General issued a groundbreaking mental health advisory for the well being of parents.  The AnchorMOMS dive in. Why they say the advisory is so momentous. Plus, parents have never had so many choices...including the decision to become a parent in the first place.  How this is such a departure from past generations and what it might mean for our future. Lastly, a...

Fall is in full swing and so are those after school activities. Que the push notifications.  One mom laments the onslaught of every alert for every activity everyday . And all hail the rise of the "Venmo mom".  One mom writing she sends money instead of volunteering at her kids' school.  Is donating money just as good (or even better) than donating your time? The Anch...

Back to school season has a way of bringing out *all* of the emotions. Yet, what if you feel anxious not on behalf of your kids, but because of other moms?  What do do when it seems like all of the other parents have it together (they don't) and you're failing (you're not). The AnchorMOMS get emotional this episode. Plus, more and more people are becoming estranged from family...

Some parents are skipping groceries to buy school supplies.  How this year's back to school shopping is breaking records.  One mom from the UK living in the US has beef with food portion sizes in America.  Why her TikTok is going viral. Plus, moms have thoughts on one writer who suggests getting kids free "pup cups" at Starbucks instead of buying cake pops . The hack that'...

Back to School mode has been activated for many parents and students across the country. It's a time that can be stressful for kids. The AnchorMOMS have tips from an expert on how to ease the transition.  And speaking of heading back to the classroom, the cost of school supplies is skyrocketing.  One writer has ways to save you money . Lastly, there's an entire generation...

Summer camp is a rite of passage for many kids but now counselors find themselves banning items previous generations never dreamed of.  How the Summer of Sephora is extending to the most unlikely places.  And as families in the U.S. scramble to take and afford maternity leave, one country is extending paid leave to even grandparents.  Will US lawmakers and employers take notice?&nbs...

The lengths some Olympic athletes are going to to both compete AND parent and how things have changed over the decades.  And the new research showing families are drowning in debt just to buy groceries . How the statistics are impacting motherhood. Plus, one mom is charging for playdates . Why some say her tab is outrageous and others say it's a fair price.   MUMS the...

A new poll says nearly every parent struggles to get their kids to sleep.  Experts have some tips.  Plus, how the new "Inside Out 2" movie is helping parents talk about emotions that we all experience.  Lastly, what do you do when an adult crosses a line with your kid?  One mom says an argument at summer camp between her child and another camper led to another parent oversteppi...

Planning for your own demise can be a real downer, but  one writer says her parents are busy drawing up plans . Why she says she's grateful.   Also,  epic parent teacher conferences gone wrong . You gotta read these to believe them.   Plus, your daily caffeine fix is costing you.  One mom adds up the hidden costs of random little treats and it's astounding . Or i...

Are pushy parents carving out their kids' future success or just plain monsters ? The AnchorMOMS weigh in on the benefits (and pitfalls) of parents who micromanage.    And one dad is upset when a family member feeds his toddler a food that's off limits. He's wondering if he crossed the line.    Plus, in a world where everyone says their kid is "dysregulated" -- what does it rea...

One writer speaks out against the  pregnancy speculation in regards to celebrities including the likes of Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga . Why it's harmful for generations of girls and women. And  millennials are tired of being picked on . The writer is arguing previous generations have never been under the microscope like this. Plus,  summertime used to mean carefree play and a break f...

Summer is in full swing and many moms are  longing for the carefree days of their own summer break . One writer says those unsupervised summer days for her kids aren't really possible.  And further proof that moms really do the heavy lifting. The AnchorMOMS have  the surprising number of calories it takes to carry a pregnancy .   Plus, yet another parenting trend:  Lo...

Turns out parenthood makes your brain smaller.  The Anchormoms dive into the science behind the research.    Is it OK to let your kids quit activities?  One writer says absolutely.   And the surprising statistics behind charitable giving that benefits women and girls and  the one philanthropist doing something about it . Mums the Word:  L.L. Bean Boat a...

It's a special edition of AnchorMOMS!   The AnchorDADS (aka Katie and Karen's husbands) join the podcast to weigh in on the pitfalls of modern day parenthood.   Plus,  a dad doesn't know what he did wrong after he backs up his wife during an interaction with their 4-year-old.   And  why millennial dads are doing work previously reserved for moms.  MUMS...

Should moms ALWAYS prioritize their children over themselves?  It feels like the self-sacrifice is hitting a whole new level these days... Did our moms feel this pressure? And why this mentality may not benefit our kids.  Plus, summer break is upon us along with the stress of entertaining children for over two months. But don't worry,  the Anchormoms share a list of 25 Target finds...

It's  "Maycember"   and every parent you know is trying to keep the end of the school year pandemonium at bay.  Plus,  how NOT to be a crazy sports parent on the sidelines and the harm it could be doing to your kids.  Speaking of sports,  have you noticed how post-game snacks have gotten super-sized ? One mom is scratching her head at the now extravagant goody bags se...