Segment from Mommy Dearest

The Mother behind Mothers’ Day

Producer Nate DiMeo tells the story of Anna Jarvis and the history of Mother’s Day.

00:00:00 / 00:00:00

Where are the History Gals?

Historian Linda Kerber discusses the role of women in the Founding period, and the concept of “republican motherhood.”

00:04:08

The Motherhood Paradox

The hosts explore the question of why it’s been so difficult to be a good mother in a country that equates motherhood with being American?

00:05:08

Listener Call 1

The hosts talk with a listener who asks, given immigration and diversity in the United States, what is “motherhood” in America?

00:04:00

Listener Call 2

The hosts talk with a listener who wonders about the role of male experts in offering advice on preparing for pregnancy.

00:06:20

Getting By With a Little Help from Friends

Brian chats with Liz, a mother who has posted over 19,000 comments to Mothering.com, “the birthplace of the natural family lifestyle.”

00:03:16

An Expert on Parenting Experts

Brian talks with journalist Ann Hulbert about the early 20^th Century advice that mothers not smother their children with love.

00:09:14

Listener Call 3

The hosts talk with a listener asking about differences in mothering styles between white and African-American mothers.

00:04:44

Listener Call 4

The hosts talk with a special guest – Ed’s mom!

00:03:51

The Mother behind Mothers’ Day

Producer Nate DiMeo tells the story of Anna Jarvis and the history of Mother’s Day.

00:05:33

Celebrating Mom

The hosts discuss the commercialization of Mother’s Day.

00:04:19