An archive of Spawned, the Cool Mom Picks parenting podcast: the guests and topics from 2015 to 2023, with related reading on the site today.
For eight years, Kristen and Liz, the founders of Cool Mom Picks, hosted Spawned, a parenting podcast with experts, authors and real parents. It ran from 2015 to 2023, with nearly 300 episodes.
The episodes are no longer available to stream. Below are some of the guests and topics we covered, along with where to find related reading on Cool Mom Picks today.
Screen time, phones and tech
Is raising unplugged kids a terrible idea? (2019). Read more: 4 smart, simple tips to help kids make good media choices with their screen time.
The great screen time debate: where the experts really stand (2017). Read more: 4 smart, simple tips to help kids make good media choices with their screen time.
How much screen time is too much? With Dr. Mike Brooks (2018). Read more: 4 smart, simple tips to help kids make good media choices with their screen time.
Are video games hurting our kids? (2017). Read more: A guide to the top video games kids are playing and watching, that parents should know about.
Kids and video games: what parents need to know (2018). Read more: A guide to the top video games kids are playing and watching, that parents should know about.
How to be a tech-positive parent (2019). Read more: Out-Tech Your Kids: Our new tech-positive podcast for parenting in the digital age.
The pros and cons of quitting Facebook (2018).
How to break up with your phone, with Catherine Price (2019).
Smart tips for tackling digital clutter (2017).
Can we please stop freaking out about kids and social media? (2019). Read more: Social media, sexuality and school shootings: Tips for 10 hard talks every parent will have with their kids.
Teens and the hard talks
The emotional lives of teenagers, with Dr. Lisa Damour (2023). Read more: Cool Mom Picks Book Club Selection 1: Under Pressure, by Lisa Damour.
The ultimate guide to parenting teens, with Dr. Ken Ginsburg (2023). Read more: Connecting with your teens and tweens: A simple, free way you'll both enjoy!.
Fourteen talks to have before your child turns fourteen, with Michelle Icard (2021). Read more: Social media, sexuality and school shootings: Tips for 10 hard talks every parent will have with their kids.
How to talk to kids about sex, with Heidi Croatt (2020). Read more: Social media, sexuality and school shootings: Tips for 10 hard talks every parent will have with their kids.
Why the sex talk with your kids is more important than ever (2022). Read more: Social media, sexuality and school shootings: Tips for 10 hard talks every parent will have with their kids.
Kids and addiction, with Jessica Lahey (2021).
Working parents, time and self-care
The COVID working-mom crisis, with Katherine Goldstein (2020).
How to survive as a new working mother (2019).
Reframing self-care, with Dr. Christine Koh (2021). Read more: The "self care" you might be overlooking.
How to make more time for the things you love, with Jake Knapp (2019). Read more: 10 simple ways to find more time in a busy day. No magic required.
5 time organization techniques that really work (2017). Read more: 10 simple ways to find more time in a busy day. No magic required.
How to enjoy, not endure, your kids, with Casey O'Roarty (2019).
The Lightmaker's Manifesto, with Karen Walrond (2021).
Kids' TV, movies and pop culture
The worst TV shows for kids, with Wendi Aarons (2016).
When to let kids watch R-rated movies (2017).
Escape from Caillou (2015).
Kicking and Screaming, with Jenna and Bodhi Elfman (2016).
Confessions of a class mom, with Laurie Gelman (2017). Read more: In defense of class moms: Would it be so hard to, you know, just say thanks once in awhile?.
Where it started
Episode one (2015).
"You let us watch death, Mom!" (2015).
Escaping the underwear wars (2015).
First they come for our guns, now our tutus (2015).
14 Spawned episodes we still love (2018).
Preserving memories in the 21st century: shouldn't this be easier? (2023). Read more: A comparison of our 9 favorite custom photo book services, for one of our all-time favorite gifts.
Frequently asked questions
What was the Spawned podcast?
Spawned was the Cool Mom Picks parenting podcast, hosted by the site's founders, Kristen and Liz. It ran from 2015 to 2023 and featured experts, authors and parents talking about screen time, teens, working parenthood and more.
Can I still listen to Spawned episodes?
No. The Spawned episodes are no longer available to stream. This page lists many of the guests and topics we covered, with links to related articles on Cool Mom Picks.
Where can I read about the topics Spawned covered?
Cool Mom Picks still covers many of them, including screen time and media choices, the hard talks parents have with kids, connecting with teens, and finding more time in a busy day.
