AnchorMoms: The Podcast

This week the Moms have an emotional conversation with perhaps the ultimate AnchorMOM.   Meet Latricia Thomas.  She’s an award-winning evening anchor, managing editor and mother of three.  Latricia is an advocate for supporting those with Down Syndrome as she navigates the joy and challenges of her own journey. Her oldest daughter and youngest son both have Down Syndrome.  Latricia offers support...

Hugging took a back seat during the Coronavirus Pandemic, and the lack of touch has made a big impact. Why that personal connection is so important and how it could even affect your physical health.  Sleep train. Don’t sleep train. Eat all organic. Don’t drink coffee. Drink coffee. Use timeouts. Don’t use timesouts. The Cult of the Perfect Mother is alive and well. Why one writer says it makes par...

New mask rules (or lack thereof) are being celebrated across the nation.  But, if you have kids, put away the confetti.  Why one mom says the new rules put unvaccinated children at risk.   Also, do you have a familect?  The secret language of families and friends and why it brings us closer to those we love.   And picky eaters, listen up.  Do dad’s eating habits have an impact on the kids?  One mo...

It’s one of the most taboo topics when it comes to being a new mom: breastfeeding.  Nursing can be very difficult and there’s a lot of pressure for women to continue, no matter the success.  A celebrity steps forward to say she switched to formula, and she’s not sorry about it.  Also, an aunt that was cool when an author was young, suddenly seems downright irresponsible in adulthood.  Do you let t...

That 2020-21 Baby Boom post-pandemic?  It’s a bust!  The birth rate fell significantly last year.  What does it all mean? Researchers are still trying to figure it all out, but the Coronavirus likely played a significant role.  Why the drop in births will likely have impacts for decades.   Plus, babies having babies.  One writer says she’s not sorry she became a mom at an early age. Why geography,...

Sacrificing your social life for your kids?  Yes, yes, yes…moms across America are raising their hand.  Decades ago this wasn’t the norm.  Parents had a life beyond their homes and children.  Fast forward to today, and many parents equate intensive parenting with better opportunities for their kids.  Why the practice can be both detrimental for parents and children.  Plus, a sister weighs in on he...

Parents, go ahead… and exhale.  In many places, summer camps are a go this year!  The CDC has guidance on what parents can expect in terms of pandemic restrictions.  The AnchorMOMS break it all down.  Speaking of summer camps, if you’re a mom, you likely made the arrangements for your kid’s camp.  A new article says moms shoulder most of the mental load when it comes to household planning.  What c...

To travel or not to travel in a post-pandemic world? Experts weigh in on what to consider before you hop on that flight.   And macho-men rejoice! Turns out masculine traits could be linked to better parenting for some dads. The moms weigh in on their first-hand experience with the AnchorDads.   Lastly, Zooming is so 2021…but would you zoom during labor? Some women are. We’ll tell you why and some...

The AnchorMOMS chat it up with a fellow mom who was so frustrated with the way her breasts changed after having babies…that she launched her own business.  Erin Mehagan is the owner of Livie Lou Laine. Erin says post kids and breastfeeding, she couldn’t find bras that were flattering. She went so far as to consider plastic surgery before launching her own bra line.  The Moms find out what makes th...

If you’re in a position to dole out some advice to a new mom-to-be…the AnchorMOMS have some advice for YOU.   One writer says she was overwhelmed by negativity from others throughout her pregnancy.  The delicate balance between being pragmatic…and being pessimistic.   Also, are Westerners raising kids weird?  Moms in other cultures probably think so.   And raising kids who clean-up, might mean put...

Maternity sportswear that’s actually cute? Yes, please. The new ad that hits home for moms and soon-to-be moms will most certainly bring you to tears.  Also, should we praise our kids a little less? Why a new book says it may be contributing to attention-seeking behavior.  And we mourn infertility, but why don’t we even talk about how heartbreaking the decision to STOP having kids can be? One woma...

Honey, I need you to sleep on the couch tonight…because I don’t want to catch your bad mood. Is crankiness contagious? The answer might be yes, according to experts. Why some people are more susceptible to others’ moods and what it could mean for your relationship.   Also, you teach your kids to apologize, but how do you say you’re sorry to your kids. We have advice.   Lastly, despite yesterday’s...

Now that more and more loved-ones are getting vaccinated, what activities are safe? Playdates? Grandparent hugs?  The AnchorMOMS are breaking down new guidance from the CDC.   Plus, the mental-load of new motherhood. It’s a lot. Why the Moms say it can take a lot of women by surprise.   Lastly, is there some clever secret to getting your toddler to do chores? Why things might get messy, before the...

This week the AnchorMOMS tackle the ultimate mom dilemma: to minivan or not minivan? Only these ladies can turn the mom-mobile into the most hotly contested purchase of 2021.   The pros, the cons and Ingrid’s dignity all on the line during this spirited debate.   Also, speaking of “spirited”, what happens when your preschooler favors a certain gesture that involves the middle finger? Hilarity obvi...

Calling all mom athletes! Let’s be real, it’s hard to squeeze in that workout and making sure you eat your vegetables... Forget about it!  This week the AnchorMOMS are breaking it all down with two dieticians and certified fitness coaches, who also happen to be moms.  The ladies answer the AnchorMOMS’ burning questions. When it is time to start exercising after having a baby? How about some easy t...

The ladies chat it up with a fellow AnchorMOM. Meet Denise Hnytka!  She’s a mom of two and an evening anchor at WQAD in the Quad Cities. They talk about the woes of social media, pandemic fitness, mom-ing whilst anchoring in your basement and what led Denise to launch her own podcast.  She’s candid about her own bout of postpartum depression and how the surprising response from viewers and listene...

The kids are finally excelling at virtual school.  You’re nailing those Zoom meetings.  You somehow got the dog to the vet on time last week.  But, when did you last see your girlfriends?   If it’s been a minute, you’re not alone.  Tips on reconnecting with those long-lost friends.   Also, how about the mom stereotypes on sit-coms?  Why they’re both ridiculous and harmful.  Lastly, groping your ma...

You’d have to be living under a rock to avoid pregnancy and baby announcements on social media.  And while the happy news frequently prompts an avalanche of congratulatory responses, they can also be a devastating trigger for some.   This week the AnchorMOMs talk to new mom who previously struggled with pregnancy loss.  If you’re dealing with infertility or pregnancy loss, this episode is for you....

Let's face it, most women these days are waiting longer to start having children. So, what do you do when you're finally ready but can't get that positive pregnancy test?  This week, we take on an issue so many of us face - infertility. It comes in many forms and can seem overwhelming. The AnchorMOMS sit down with a local OBGYN expert who has seen it all over the decades.  What to do, what NOT do...

How much is too much when it comes to allowing your kid independence. One author lets her elementary school child ride public transportation and the AnchorMOMS have all of the opinions.   Have a love/hate relationship with nursing and pumping? You’re not alone. One high profile meteorologist discusses the high emotions that come with breastfeeding.   Plus, remember the days of those knock-down, dr...

It’s no secret that it’s a divisive world out there, and when you’re a mom, there’s no escaping it. But how do you talk to your kids about the Capitol riots and political unrest, especially when you're struggling yourself? Advice on the touchy topic.   Also, who better to fight climate change than moms? Why a new campaign is targeting mothers and their new strategy.   Lastly, some fun sustainable...

The Anchormoms are back in their true form this week, starting of the pod with a story about babies and what else? Poop!   Hitting the news… The ladies tackle the five parenting trends to watch for in 2021. This sparks a heated debate over “funny” onesies…that include “Don’t look at me. That smell is my dad.”   And a major news publication may have the answer as to whether you should try for that...

She’s not only a talented former Fox Orlando news anchor, but admittedly an AnchorMOM’s girl crush.  Sonni Abatta is a mom of three and “made it” in the television news business. So why’d she quit the business at the height of her career?  Listen to Sonni’s story, and you’ll understand why she made the move.   Sonni is a podcaster, live show host and blogger. She also seems to have her life togeth...

Like nearly all things, the Covid-19 Pandemic is impacting children’s letters to Santa this 2020 Holiday Season. A peek at the mailbag and why it’s not just kids writing to the big guy this year.  Plus, has Covid lowered our parental standards? “Sure kid, have all the screen time...we’re in a global pandemic”—maybe only works for the first 6 months of a worldwide crisis. Should we give ourselves a...

An update on the great 2020 Decision: Christmas inflatables. Who knew a couple of tacky decorations could create such passionate feelings.   Also, Meghan Markle’s big New York Times op-ed. Why it marks an important turning point for pregnancy loss.   And is the pandemic leading to a baby bust? Why fewer women are choosing to get pregnant and how it could mean a leg-up for babies born in 2021.   La...