I’m relatively new to the podcast scene, and while most people likely fill their library with cold cases and other murder mystery shows, I started my journey with parenting podcasts! Don’t get me wrong; I listen to my fair share of murder mysteries, but these parenting podcasts keep me sane and entertained. Bonus: they don’t give me nightmares.
1. Nursing and Cursing
Whether you’re a breastfeeding mama or not, this is worth a listen. This is a parenting podcast that covers more *poo* than your baby’s full diaper (their words).
These women are lifelong friends (two of them sisters) who live across the U.S., but get together once a week to dish about all sorts of relevant, relatable parenting topics with a healthy dose of sarcasm and swear words.
My favorite part is the segment at the end of each episode called “Nailing It and Failing It,” in which the moms share a success and a failure from the previous week.
This show has made me laugh and cry, sometimes at the same time. Don’t listen if you take yourself – or life – too seriously.
2. Unruffled
My hero, Janet Lansbury, is the host of Unruffled. Talk about an immediate chill pill. Janet’s voice is the most soothing and calming I’ve ever heard.
Each episode addresses a real-life problem of parents who write to Janet. She provides advice and perspective through the lens of her respectful parenting philosophy.
To say this podcast has completely changed my parenting game is an understatement. Seriously – any problem you’re having with your child, Google the problem plus the name “Janet Lansbury,” and I bet you’ll find some answers.
Episodes I play on repeat include “Bossy, Controlling and Emotional Over Random Things” and “Stop Being a Captive to your Children’s Emotions.”
3. Whole Mamas
If you’re into health, wellness and natural remedies, this one’s for you!
The Whole Mamas podcast features Stephanie Greunke, a registered dietitian, and Dr. Elana Roumell, a naturopathic doctor, both trained in functional medicine and passionate about pregnancy, postpartum and pediatrics.
My favorite episodes include “Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts” and this one about creating a simplified cleaning routine.
4. Mama Says Namaste
Hosts Ashley and Nathan Logsdon RV through the United States full-time and “unschool” their three children. Their podcast takes you from chaos to clarity by understanding personality styles, bringing awareness and intention into your home, not waiting for “one day” and highlighting how the uniqueness in each of us strengthens all of us.
This podcast offers such a unique perspective, with Nathan being a stay-at-home dad, and their on-the-go, non-traditional lifestyle. Plus, their family sings the intro song to the podcast! So cute!!
My favorites include their series on “True Parent Struggles” in which they address everything from screen time to bedtime battles, and the episode on “Family Travel: Top 10 Lessons Learned.”
5. Minimal-ish
Minimal-ish is hosted by Desirae Endres, who describes it as “a project in walking towards the version of grace-filled minimalism & intentional living that makes sense in my own life and encouraging you to do the same, week after week.”
This podcast helps me reset and focus on what really matters in life and in parenting. I love that she embraces the fact that minimalism looks different for everyone, and it’s not just about having less “stuff.”
My favorite episodes include “Finding Purpose Right Where You’re At + Getting Past the Grass is Greener Mentality” and “How to Stress Less in Work and Motherhood + The Myth of Balance.”
What are your favorite parenting podcasts? Please share in the comments below!
Of this list, I’ve only listed to Unruffled, which is great. I also really enjoy Slate’s Mom and Dad are Fighting. It’s funny and covers a wide range of topics. The hosts are not experts, just parents who’ve been there, but they generally have great advice.