When my podcast, The Mom Hour, debuted in March 2015, there were only a handful of parenting shows in publication. Most of my fellow moms at preschool pickup were only vaguely aware of what a podcast was. Popular parenting media centered around online articles and a few big-time bloggers, with a side of YouTube for funny parodies and a sprinkle of Facebook groups for middle-of-the-night commiseration.
I noticed a shift around 2018, when audio started becoming a go-to for busy parents looking for expert advice, friendly connection, informative entertainment, or a combination of all three. And it makes so much sense: Whether you’re rocking a newborn in the wee hours, driving in circles to extend a toddler’s nap, or pushing the stroller or folding the laundry, podcasts can keep your brain company while your hands are occupied in a way that other forms of media can’t.
Today, there are so many options to choose from. There’s no one right way to be a great parent, and the perfect podcast for you is one that reminds you of that. Here are 15 shows that don’t preach or judge, and that just might make your next sleepless night a little less lonely.