AnchorMoms: The Podcast

Covid finally caught up with Katie's family forcing the AnchorMOMS to Skype-like the olden days of 2020.  Katie give an update on quarantine life and the challenges of being stuck at home with her entire family (read 3-year-old here) for days.   Also, a popular Netflix show calls into question  just how much credit American Moms give their young kids.  Would you let 2-year...

Boxes, boxes, boxes! Cleaning out your kids' closets can be A LOT. Thrift, donate, give away, or if you're Katie: just keep them all. The AnchorMOMS tackle the sentimental task of giving up on those baby clothes.   And the  silent battle with postpartum depression.  What one mom is begging others to consider when their loved one has a new baby. It's information that could save...

It's the AnchorMOMS last episode before BABY #4! Karen gears up for the new babe and maternity leave.  Plus, solo bath and bedtime? Is there anything worse? An expert weighs in for those times when your kids are crazy, time is ticking and mama is wishing that it's actually HER bedtime.   And, why over being overworked and exhausted prized in our parenting culture? Some tips on what to give up in t...

We have a real-life AnchorDAD in the house! If you've been wondering where the dudes are... this episode is for you.  Katie and Karen's former colleague Evan Donovan joins the ladies to talk about all things parenting. Evan is now an anchor and reporter in Florida and has two young sons.   Why do kids almost always take Dad's last name? And where did the tradition come from? Evan weighs in with a...

A new study says being the youngest in the class could have long-lasting impacts on your student’s mental health and academic performance. The surprising information and what to consider if your child has a later birthday.  Plus, the AnchorMOMS tackle a serious subject: how to make sure you set your kids up for success after you are gone. From a will to photo albums, things to consider right now…e...

Katie and Karen are joined by fellow podcasters and moms Meteorologists Kirstie Zontini and McCall Vrydaghs. The duo hosts a twice-monthly podcast focused on all things weather and science. So, as you might imagine, they enjoy the decidedly unscientific AnchorMOMS podcast.   The ladies take on a study that says having kids doesn't actually make you happy. Why all the moms agree this could be true,...

Katie talks about her recent surgery and why she thought it important to open up the conversation about her diagnosis. Plus, Karen's big kids get the COVID vaccine just ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. Her firsthand account of how Ellarae and Henry are feeling. Speaking of Thanksgiving, the AnchorMoms have some expert tips on staying safe this year during gatherings. And moms doing all the thing...

This week the AnchorMOMS are joined by freelance journalist and mom Lia Hobel. Lia used to be in TV news and shares one of the true detriments of the profession: too much hairspray. Why sometimes you need an emergency haircut after an election night involving heat lamps.     Plus, 35 ways to save hundreds on groceries. We promise---a lot of these, you’ve never thought of.   And the ladies have tip...

Quad Cities morning anchor Morgan Ottier joins the AnchorMOMS this week for a candid chat about mom life and surviving the cray, crack-of-dawn hours. Morgan answers Katie and Karen’s big three questions, including…ahem…when nature calls during a live broadcast.  Also, one writer compares her obsession with Instagram to alcoholism. Why she says quitting the social media network was key to her well-...

Tell us you’re old without telling us you’re old. Katie complains of back pain while Karen struggles to put her teeth in. The AnchorMOMS talk about the perils of aging (at 30 something).  Perhaps the ladies are getting old before their time because they’re suffering from “momsomnia”. What it is and how you can grab some extra zzzzzs.   Also, dozens of questions to ask your kiddos to get better ans...

Hello, goblins and ghouls! It's our annual Halloween episode! But wait, with Covid running rampant last year, Halloween 2020 was actually scarier than those trick-or-treaters at your door.   THIS year IS different. What the experts are recommending for a safe 2021 holiday.   Also, the AnchorMOMS have some Halloween Mom Truths . Example A: your fav kid is the one that carves the pumpkin to look lik...

An overheard convo on the playground between Karen’s 6-year-old and a friend has Karen questioning her identity. Let’s just say, kids say the darndest things.  And how gender researchers divide up chores. What we can learn from the experts.  Plus, 4 different parenting styles and which is the best for raising confident kids. Mums the Word,  In the Hair and Now!  Find us on Apple Podcast , Spotify...

Katie and Karen chat it up with Pittsburgh meteorologist and mom Ashley Dougherty!  The ladies discuss a controversial YouTuber who was forced to deactivate her account after she was caught on camera coaxing her son to cry. Why it’s a hard watch, even if you’re not a parent.  I’m Officially A Soccer Mom, And Now I Remember Why I Am Not A Fan of Team Sports - “Many of my concerns and anxieties are...

The AnchorMOMS welcome a soon-to-be-mama near and dear to their hearts. Reporter and co-worker Stephanie Santostasi joins Katie and Karen to talk all things parenthood.   The ladies think they’ve heard it all until Steph tells them the craziest thing that’s happened to her in TV News. Friends, it’s a doozy. Let’s just, #IStandWithSteph is a hashtag we now use and love.   Also, more women are holdi...

This week Katie and Karen welcome a newsy that is the very definition of an “AnchorMOM.” Meet Michigan anchor and mom of 5 (yes, count em’ 5 kids) Lauren Thompson. This past Spring, her entire family got COVID... including all those kids! Lauren shares her experience and has advice for other families worried about Coronavirus creating upheaval at work and home.   She also talks about her wildest i...

If you’re a parent, you can’t escape COVID...and we’re not talking about just contracting the virus, we’re talking about the domino effect it has on nearly every corner of life. The AnchorMOMS are no exception.  Katie and Karen share their own recent stories and how they’re coping with the uncertainty.  How To Keep Your Child Safe From The Delta Variant  And a mom is body-shamed by (of all people!...

The AnchorMOMS chat with soon-to-be-mama meteorologist Lauryn Ricketts .   Lauryn and Katie go back a decade to their first gigs in TV News. Fast forward, and Lauryn is a big success at NBC 4 Washington, but her path to motherhood has been anything but easy.   Lauryn opens up about losing her son late into her first pregnancy and how she navigated the unimaginable grief during a global pandemic. ...

We’re back baby! The AnchorMOMS kick off a whole new season…and there’s A LOT to talk about. Karen and Katie talk new babies, a new school year and a new podcast format.   They also address #showergate2021 .  How often should you bathe your kids? If your answer is never, you’re probably in good company.   And do you have a favorite child? Karen does, but shhhhhhhh…it’s a secret.   The ladies also...

It’s a sad day for the AnchorMOMS as they say goodbye to one of the originals - Ingrid Allstaedt.  After more than a decade in TV News and with baby number 3 on the way, Ingrid has decided to take a step back from her career and focus on her growing family. That means she must say goodbye to AnchorMOMS as well.  Katie and Karen celebrate their friendship with Ingrid, both on and off the podcast. T...

Grab the tissues.  A big announcement about the future of AnchorMOMS: The Podcast is coming your way.   The Moms also consider the possibility of putting “mom” on their resume.  Why there’s a push to list mom-skills when applying for a job, and how it could backfire.   Also, a new dad who is disappointed his wife wants to become a stay-at-home mom…and why the AnchorMOMS get fired up!   Lastly, a f...

The AnchorMOMS just wrapped up vacays and, true to form, there was excitement, adventure…and puke…mixed in with some sleepless children.  Nothing says family vacation like a little exhaustion, are we right?   Also, some parents who are staunchly “pro-vax” are hesitant about the Covid Vaccine.  The Moms weigh in regarding getting their own kids vaccinated.   Also, letting your kids play with box cu...