Manic Mommies

MM 217: Magazines We'd Read...Summer Edition - ManicMommies.com - (508) 644-8434

Mon, 7 Jun 2010 13:25:00 GMT

It's finally feeling like summer around these parts, so we decided to kick back with some light reading and share inspirations from the June issues of our favorite magazines. Of course, we couldn't let an episode go by without some talk of Erin's move and Kristin's home improvement projects. Reminds us of that saying, "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results."

MM 216: The Volunteer Family - ManicMommies.com - (508) 644-8434

Tue, 1 Jun 2010 02:42:00 GMT

After the birth of her daughter in 2002, Heather Jack found it difficult to find volunteer opportunities that allowed children to participate. As a result, Heather was inspired to develop The Volunteer Family, a non-profit which identifies over 30,000 volunteer opportunities in 40 states, and has helped connect 13,000 children, parents, and teachers to service learning opportunities. Heather was recently selected by Parenting as one of 51 outstanding mom education advocates from across the country to attend the first annual Mom Congress conference, where she worked on creating Parenting's "Lesson Plan for Change", a guide to empowering parents to get more involved in their children's education that will appear in the October issue of Parenting School Years."

MM 215: Equally Shared Parenting - ManicMommies.com - (508) 644-8434

Mon, 24 May 2010 17:42:00 GMT

Is it possible to have a life with children that doesn't require you or your partner to sacrifice either work or family? Can you share the load and still have time for your favorite hobbies and leisure activities? How can two parents raise their children in a way that allows balance for everyone in the equation? This week we interview Marc and Amy Vachon, co-authors of the books Equally Shared Parenting: Rewriting the Rules for a New Generation of Parents.

MM 214: Life Coach Kristin G. Returns - ManicMommies.com - (508) 644-8434

Mon, 17 May 2010 02:16:00 GMT

Manic Mommies life coach Kristin G. joins us for an update on the coaching sessions she's been conducting with three lucky listeners, revealing the secret that helped one mom gain control over her stressful morning routine. Could this tip help you? Then we ponder all that goes into scheduling our families and the preferred tools for managing the chaos.

Thinking about Escape 2010? We're over 70% sold after two weeks. We'd love to have you join us. Get the full details and tickets at ManicMommies.com

MM 213: Erin & Kristin on the hot seat - ManicMommies.com - (508) 644-8434

Mon, 10 May 2010 02:41:00 GMT

In honor of Mother's Day, long-time listener Mindy (hostess of the crafty Web site wishstudio.com) turns the microphone around and asks us the questions this week! Some are innocent, some are totally embarrassing, some are quite funny. If you've ever wondered what our husbands do for work, what our biggest challenges were when we were new mothers, or what we think about the community of Manic Mommies, you'll want to listen in.

General registration for Escape 2010 in San Antonio opens this week

MM 212: So You Think Your Kid Can Model? - ManicMommies.com - (508) 644-8434

Mon, 3 May 2010 03:19:00 GMT

How many times have you been told your child is so cute he or she should be a model? This week we interview Erin's friend and former co-worker Ben, who is a "stage" dad in NYC. From go-sees to auditions, Ben gives us the real scoop on what it takes for a kid to make it in the big city.

MM 211: Seeking a Momover - ManicMommies.com - (508) 644-8434

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 01:36:00 GMT

Dana Wood, editor and writer of the book Momover joins us to talk about why self-care is so important for moms. Learn the secrets to surviving the emotional, physical and spiritual challenges that emerge for new moms (and those of us who have been moms for years)!

MM 210: Just Let Me Lie Down - ManicMommies.com - (508) 644-8434

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 12:57:00 GMT

We're playing hooky on a Friday afternoon and chat about husbands, naughty moms, girls' nights out and advocating for our kids at school. Erin also interviews Real Simple Editor-in-Chief Kristin van Ogtrop about her new book, "Just Let Me Lie Down."

MM 209: Check Up with Dr. Rob - ManicMommies.com - (508) 644-8434

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 02:27:00 GMT

ADHD. Allergies. Anxiety. And we're only on letter A! This week Dr. Rob joins us for a quick check up where we talk about attention issues among boys (again), car seats and seat belts, alcohol education and selecting the right doctor. Then the mommies chat about finding "me time" when it seems the kids' lives have completely taken over.

MM 208.5: Rewind - Tory Johnson - ManicMommies.com - (508) 644-8434

Mon, 5 Apr 2010 01:35:00 GMT

Erin is searching for her new home, and Kristin is recovering from the Easter madness, so the Manic Mommies dove into the vault with show #19 from April 2006, when we first welcomed Tory Johnson, CEO of WomenForHire.com and workplace contributor for Good Morning America.

We discuss negotiating a raise, mom-friendly work arrangements and how to determine if taking time off for family is feasible. Kristin also shares highlights from her family’s Disney vacation.

MM 208: Be Out There - ManicMommies.com - (508) 644-8434

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 01:14:00 GMT

Research shows that kids are spending half as much time outside as they did 20 years ago – and much more time doing "inside" activities (sound familiar)? Other studies show that offering sufficient outdoor time improves the overall health of our children while lengthening attention spans, diminishing aggressiveness, improving test scores and ultimately advancing learning (plus other benefits). (Thanks to the National Wildlife Federation for the fun facts). This week, Jaime Matyas from the National Wildlife Federation joins us to introduce the NWF's new Be Out There Campaign, which aims to educate tens of million of U.S. moms and dads on the importance of helping their kids have more time outdoors and providing tools to do so.

MM 207: The Happiness Project - ManicMommies.com - (508) 644-8434

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 01:04:00 GMT

Are you happy? What makes you happy? What does it mean to BE happy?? Gretchen Rubin, author of the best-selling book, "The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun," spent a year test-driving studies and theories about how to be happier. In her book, and on her blog, she shares her insights about how we can all be happier.

MM 206: Working moms and at-home dads - www.ManicMommies.com - (508) 644-8434

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:39:00 GMT

While Erin was at home getting her home ready for the weekend's open house, Kristin was in Austin, Texas at the interactive/music/film/whatever conference known as SXSW. While she was there she met Mary Henige, director of social media & digital communications at General Motors, and a working mom! They camped out in a new Corvette to talk about making the shift from a dual income family to one where mom's the primary breadwinner and dad stays home. They also discussed mentoring and how we can help other moms as they try to figure out how to "do it all . . . and then some!"

MM 205: Raising Readers - www.ManicMommies.com - (508) 644-8434

Mon, 8 Mar 2010 12:51:00 GMT

We all know "reading is fundamental." But can we also make it fun? We're joined by Julie Temple Stan, who editorial director of Early Moments Book Club, who shares tips for helping kids embrace (and maybe even enjoy?) reading!

MM 204: Going for Gold - www.ManicMommies.com - (508) 644-8434

Mon, 1 Mar 2010 02:33:00 GMT

Has your family been watching the Winter Olympics? Are you sad to see it all end? This week we're talking about the events our kids enjoyed most, sharing our reactions to the Manic Daddies episode we released last week, and dishing up the dirt on ABC's The Bachelor. Tune in to find out who won our Palm Pre Plus giveaway!

MM 203: The Manic Daddies and 200 Shows - www.ManicMommies.com - (508) 644-8434

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 01:47:00 GMT

Who could have ever imagined we'd actually produce 200 episodes of Manic Mommies? Certainly not our husbands! And yet without them and their continued support, tolerance, acceptance and willingness to be occasionally humiliated before a national and international audience, there would be no Manic Mommies. They listen to our crazy hopes and dreams, they watch the kids when we're traveling for so-called business trips and they prop us up when we've had a bad week in cyberspace. You asked for them and after much prodding and pleading they finally agreed.

MM 202: Are you a naughty mom? - www.ManicMommies.com - (508) 644-8434

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 20:00:00 GMT

It's Valentine's Day and, if you are like us, the last thing on your mind is sex. But Kristen Chase, aka the Mominatrix, is ready to help you discover (or rediscover) your inner naughty mom. She answers some of your questions about getting in the mood, turning off your brain, making time for intimacy and toys for grownups. She also shares her top 5 tips for getting back on track. Visit ManicMommies.com by February 28, 2010 to enter to win signed a copy of The Mominatrix's Guide to Sex.

Sponsor spotlight: Dove Chocolate Discoveries

MM 201: Parenting Beyond Belief - www.ManicMommies.com - (508) 644-8434

Mon, 8 Feb 2010 12:52:00 GMT

According to a recent University of Chicago survey, a growing percentage of Americans consider themselves "spiritual but not religious." By all accounts, this includes parents. This week we're joined by author Dale McGowan, editor of Parenting Beyond Belief: On Raising Ethical, Caring Kids Without Religion to talk more about this trend. Then we chat openly about our own roles as the "spiritual directors" of our families.

MM 200: Coach Me - www.ManicMommies.com - (508) 644-8434

Mon, 1 Feb 2010 01:22:00 GMT

This week Erin is joined by substitute co-host Meredith O'Brien, pop culture and television columnist for MommyTrack'd, who shares her tips for TV worth watching right now. Then our new life coach Kristin G. stops by for coffee and we talk about how coaching can help moms, why it's so important to find that additional "thing" in life that makes you happy, and why it's critical you take time and make space for it.

Winter Blahs, Bon Voyage

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 20:08:00 GMT

It's mid-January and winter blahs have set in. If you can't swing a trip to warmer weather, maybe a trip to the salon will lift your spirits! This week we talk about the Massachusetts election, how to work with your stylist to get the best treatment for your hair, and wonder why our kids are so dramatic sometimes. Surely we're not to blame!

MM 198: Does My Butt Look Big? - www.ManicMommies.com - (508) 644-8434

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 03:35:00 GMT

Some of us can eat Big Macs and still look skinny (ahem, Kristin) and others of us know what we need to do to lose a little weight and yet we're still eating cookies and drinking wine. This week we talk about the 40-year-old spread, enrolling a child in scouting, and picky eaters.

MM 197: Moms' Tech + Kids' Sports - www.ManicMommies.com - (508) 644-8434

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 02:58:00 GMT

It's two shows in one this week as we make the most of Erin's trip to Las Vegas for the Consumer Electronics Show. We chat about the households of the future, what's inside your computer (and why you should care) and our favorite tech gadgets. Later, soccer star and mother Mia Hamm reveals why she has yet to get her 3-year-old twins involved in organized sports.

MM 196: New Year, Same Mommies - www.ManicMommies.com - (508) 644-8434

Mon, 4 Jan 2010 01:19:00 GMT

It may be a new year, but we've got the same manic lifestyles as last: family obligations, household chores, kids behaving badly...And while the holidays may finally be over, we're still reeling from all that the so-called break delivered us. Join us for some long overdue girlfriend time and an exciting announcement that ensures the Manic Mommies will keep on podcasting through 2010!

MM 195.5: Manic Mommies Rewind â Real Simple Money

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 21:41:00 GMT

The Mommies are on vacation, so we're pulling an old episode from the vault....

We talk money with deputy editor Lesley Alderman. Whether youâre a fashion lover, frugal giver, or recovering shopaholic, itâs likely youâll learn a thing or two from this episode. We reveal six top money worriesâfrom spending too much to saving too littleâand share simple tips for getting back on track. Weâve even got a way for you to save on gas!

MM 195: The Sex Therapist Is In - www.ManicMommies.com - (508) 644-8434

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:13:00 GMT

OK, we hate to pry, but with the stress of the holidays and end of the year, has "it" fallen to the bottom of your to-do list? This week we're joined by Dr. Debra Laino, a board-certified sexologist and therapist who shares her professional tips for keeping the sizzle in your relationship. This conversation goes beyond date night, ladies, and is not one for little ears. Then we wrap up with girlfriend gab and call it a year! While we're on vacation, you can follow us on Twitter or Facebook and connect with other listeners under the Big Tent.

MM 194: Holiday Chit Chat - www.ManicMommies.com - (508) 644-8434

Mon, 7 Dec 2009 14:12:00 GMT

The holiday madness is in full swing, and the Manic Mommies are feeling a tad bit overwhelmed. We discuss holiday preparations (budgets, gifts, cards . . . oh my!), the prices of Christmas trees, conversations under the Big Tent, Tiger Woods, and random acts of judgment.

MM 193: Holiday Leftovers - www.ManicMommies.com - (508) 644-8434

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:51:00 GMT

We're stuffed with turkey and a lot of hot air this week, so we're excited to break up the banter with a healthy conversation with Alison Sweeney, Days of Our Lives diva and host of the Biggest Loser. Alison talks about her life as a working mom (in fact she was picking her son up from school when we reached her) and how she manages to find time for the important things in life: her kids, her health and giving back. We follow that up with a generous serving of holiday complaints. Pull up a chair, there's plenty of leftovers.

MM 192: Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite - www.ManicMommies.com - (508) 644-8434

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:12:00 GMT

Due to a scheduling snafu, Alison Sweeney (aka Sammy Brady) couldn't join us this week. So... we're catching up with an old fashioned gab session â discussing Thanksgiving, groceries, lice, bed bugs and what drove Kristin to throw a CD player through her guest room wall.We're catching up with an old fashioned gab session â discussing Thanksgiving, groceries, lice, bed bugs and what drove Kristin to throw a CD player through her guest room wall.

MM 191: Searching for Sibling Harmony at Escape 09 - www.ManicMommies.com - (508) 644-8434

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:16:00 GMT

As parents, and siblings, the Manic Mommies know how important the sibling relationship is, but how much did our siblings impact the grownups we became? And how do we, as parents, nurture the relationship our children have with their siblings? Lisa Hanson and Heather Kempskie, twins, moms and authors of The Sibling Busy Book, joined us at Escape'09 to help us as we all search for sibling harmony.

MM 190: True Mom Confessions from Escape 09 - www.ManicMommies.com - (508) 644-8434

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:00:00 GMT

We're back from Napa and reentry into our everyday lives is not nearly as much fun as getting away with 160 of our dearest fans (although it was so great to hear those squeals of "Mommy!" when we arrived home). Even if you weren't with us in person, you were with us in spirit. Listen in throughout the month to get a feel for the fun and the sisterhood of the weekend â starting with "true mom confessions" with authors Amy Nobile and Trisha Ashworth.

MM 189: The Possibility of Everything - www.ManicMommies.com - (508) 644-8434

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 01:29:00 GMT

What would you do if your 3-year-old daughter had an imaginary friend who caused her to speak a mysterious language and lash out at others? What if parenting books, friends and pediatricians could offer you little help or support? Would you travel to Central America to see a nontraditional healer? Author Hope Edelman did. This week she joins us to talk about her memoir The Possibility of Everything, and her plight to bring harmony and wellness back to her family through some extraordinary means.

MM 188: Pacify Me - www.ManicMommies.com - (508) 644-8434

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:52:00 GMT

After an unexpected week off, the Manic Mommies take a few moments to catch up on recent life events: business travel, poison oak and the first parent-teacher conferences of the year. We're also joined by author/comedian Chris Mancini whose hilarious new book Pacify Me is a laugh out loud read for any new or experienced parent. It's good to get a dad's perspective every once and a while!

MM 187: The Meal Makeover Moms Visit - www.ManicMommies.com - (508) 644-8434

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:53:00 GMT

The Meal Makeover Moms visit Kristin's kitchen to answer all of our healthy eating questions. They also give one of Kristin's family's favorite recipes, Fish Chowder, a meal makeover (it was delicious!).

Special thanks to Meal Makeover Moms Escape Sponsors - Coleman Natural and Cabot.

MM 186: How do you stay fit? - www.ManicMommies.com - (508) 644-8434

Mon, 5 Oct 2009 13:43:00 GMT

The Manic Mommies took a time out to get a little shopping done, meeting listeners and friends at the new Champion store at Wrentham Premium Outlets. During our visit we found out some of the ways they are staying fit - from karate to power jump roping (how dangerous does that sound??), we were so impressed by their commitment to getting moving. Maybe it will inspire Erin and Kristin to do the same!

We also welcome our first Escape sponsor spotlight: Coleman Natural Foods.