New recipes can shake up cooking routines, but there’s something to be said for the tried-and-true meals, too. Today Meagan and Sarah share the family dinners that always make it into our current cooking rotations. They’re the meals we know how to shop for, prepare, and that the kids are comfortable eating as is (or know how to put their own twist on it). We also touch on “always in rotation” dinners from bygone eras, and what new recipes we’re hoping to try this year. Join us!

LINKS MENTIONED:We both have this rice cookerMeagan’s Pulled Pork, 5 Ways blog postSarah’s family loves this Trader Joe’s Microwavable Spanish RiceMeagan mentioned her word of the year is “Beans” which is explained in this Substack postMeagan has her own personal take on this Moo Shu Pork Bowl recipe from Hello FreshEpisodes From The Archives On Feeding A Family:A Week Of Real-Life Dinners: Episode 336A Week of Real-Life Dinners: (Vol. 4) Episode 305A Week Of Real-Life Dinners (Vol. 3): Episode 254A Week Of Real-Life Dinners (Vol. 2): Episode 196A Week of Real-Life Dinners (Vol. 1): Episode 72OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletter


See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"Always In Rotation" Dinners: Episode 453

Co-hosts Meagan Francis and Sarah Powers have eight kids between them, little to grown. Weekly conversations offer practical tips and real-life encouragement for moms who want to enjoy motherhood more, and cut back on comparison, worry, and stress. We’re not experts, we’re moms who’ve been there. We’re not perfect, we’re real. Welcome to The Mom Hour. 


Kids & Family

With A.I., social media, and virtual reality top of mind for many parents, we’re flipping the script today and looking at all that the physical, tangible, and tactile world have to offer our families. Acknowledging that it’s not a zero-sum proposition (we’re pro-technology in lots of ways!), Meagan and Sarah share specific ways in which we keep real, embodied, sensory experiences part of our own lives, and how we incorporate them into our family cultures. Join us!

HELPFUL LINKS:Meagan mentioned a book about movement Grow Wild, by Katy BowmanSarah shared her European Travels with her family in Parenting Lessons From Travel Abroad: Episode 448


OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletter


See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Real Vs. Artificial (And How We Help Our Kids Tell The Difference)

Sleeping with a watch on, tubing mascara and face razors make the list in this grab bag of new things we are trying lately. Some of them we love, some of them we really want to like but just don't, and others we need your feedback! Join us for an fun, honest chat about the some new things we're trying lately.




HELPFUL LINKS:Episodes from the archives on products we love:What We’re Wearing Lately: Episode 450More Than Mom: Empties! (Products We Love So Much We Want More…)More Than Mom: Products We’re Loving LatelyHome & Life Products We’re Loving: Episode 246Cleaning Products We Can’t Live Without: Episode 346Sarah's Products:Costco Sports BraCeraVe Daily Moisturizing LotionAutoSleep AppDuolingo AppThrive Cosmetics Tubing Mascara is making a mess of Sarah's bathroom; any suggestions?Painless Learning PlacematsMeagan's Products:Wool X LeggingsElf PrimerFlamingo Face RazorsCubii Under The Desk Elliptical Aveda Shampoo and ConditionerSun Touchable White GlowGlossier Lip ColorsHappy Feet Socks Listeners! Anyone have an Oura Ring? Email us your thoughts!OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletter


See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

New Products & Honest Opinions: Episode 463

Joy wonders how parenting changes as kids hit new milestones. As Emily’s youngest approaches kindergarten, she wants to find purpose beyond motherhood. Chelsea struggles in a new remote work position and questions whether she made the right career move. And Dana asks when and how to start conversations with her kids about the expectations she has for them after high school. This week we’re back with MORE listener questions – enjoy!

HELPFUL LINKS:Listener Question episodes from the archives.Emily and Chelsea mentioned working motherhood and purpose in their listener questions. Click here to find more episodes and blog posts on working motherhood.If you’re looking for more content about parenting teens, check out the playlist 18 podcast episodes from our archives.Meagan and Sarah mention the various jobs they’ve held in Living A Writerly Life: Episode 454OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletter


See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Preparing Kids (And Ourselves!) For Summer Independence [Classic Replay]

Rebekah struggles with a culture of “husband bashing” and negativity in her local mom circles. Ainsley wonders how she and her husband will handle being outnumbered once their third child arrives. Candice wants to feel seen in all she does for her family – prompting Meagan and Sarah to explore different kinds of invisible labor and unpack the work we sometimes assign ourselves. And Amanda asks us to give an update on our current food values. In Episode 461, Meagan and Sarah take these questions from our community and offer tips and validation. Enjoy!

HELPFUL LINKS:Listener Question episodes from the archivesDo you relate to Rebekah’s mom friend question? Here’s more on friendships in motherhood from the archives: Friendships in Motherhood, Part One (Redefining “Ride Or Die”): Episode 307 and Friendships In Motherhood, Part Two (Deepening & Widening Your Circle): Episode 308.Episodes from the archives on Mental Load and Invisible LaborEmotional Labor, Burnout & Completing The Stress Cycle: Episode 285Letting Go of Perfect-Holiday-Mom Pressure (For Real This Time): Episode 290Episodes from the archives on FoodFamily Food Values & What’s Working For Us: Episode 244 and Defining Your Family’s Food Values: Episode 113 references Meagan and Sarah’s food values from the pastOTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletter


See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"Always In Rotation" Dinners: Episode 453

Download our free app to listen on your phone