Our Favorite Month

We love the month of May for the typical reasons, but most of all we love May because it gives us the opportunity to focus our conversations on our favorite subject...Mom. Through our guests and listeners we reflect on Motherhood - the most difficult job in the world, but the one that holds the greatest rewards.

Frequent guest Michele Borba made us think about how raising kids has changed. And Reeve Lindbergh, daughter of famous author, aviator, mother, and wife of Charles Lindbergh, Anne Morrow Lindbergh reminded us that the doubt, fear, and joy of being a mom has remained constant. And, that parenting is never easy, and it's never over. It just changes.

Big brands are paying attention to "Mom" too. We suspect it's because they know there are approximately 75 million mothers of all ages in the United States today who control 80% of household spending.

With this in mind, we enjoyed our conversation with Kevin Burke about his new website Light Iris. He went to extraordinary efforts to develop a stronger appreciation for what moms go through and how Light Iris can play a small part in helping meet the challenges. We think you'll appreciate his "pregnancy" project montage video posted above.

So as we close out the month of May this year, we hope all moms will continue to receive the accolades, wet kisses and big hugs they much deserve for the remaining months of the year. If you missed any of our programs in the month of May you can find them by clicking on the Family Matters Podcasts link. Finally, if you are a Family Matters listener, remember we're here for you 24/7.

The Missing Piece

Going from a weekend prerecorded radio show to a weekday live radio show was exciting, challenging and not free from glitches (see post below). We had interesting conversations with a pregnant dad (more on him later), a mom who revealed the guilty secrets of modern motherhood and a respected journalist who brought tears to our eyes as she discussed the real life stories from the empty-nesters she interviewed for her latest book. So all in all we laughed a lot, shed a few tears and made mad dashes to the restroom during the commercial breaks. Although, one very important piece was missing - YOU! Oh we know you were listening. The emails you sent and the discussions we had with you after the show aired proved you tuned in but, the phone lines were a little too quiet. We need you. You bring different perspectives, experiences and questions to the conversation. Whether you are a listener in the car, at home or at the live stream via the station's website keep this toll-free number on a sticky note - 888 677-9673 and call us.

Need a little encouragement? We're not above bribing you. In fact all this month we teamed up with tutor.com to help five lucky call-in listeners prevent the summer brain drain. Studies show that on average kids loose one to three months of learning over their summer vacations.
Tutor.com Direct empowers your child by connecting them to a professional tutor the moment they need help, on their schedule... No need to jump out of the pool to run to a tutoring session – just hop online when you have time. The best news is your kids will go back to school prepared to learn, rather than catching up.
So here's your chance to win 300 minutes of online tutoring service. Winners can connect to a tutor in math, science, English or social studies whenever they feel like learning. Remember to be eligible all you have to do is call - we're listening.

A Rocky Start

You've been asking for it ... we've been preparing for it ... more Family Matters Radio. The live, Monday through Friday show was set to debut this past Monday. But you know what they say about the "best laid plans". In our 10 years of co-hosting the show, we have never been sick. Well, I should re-phrase that - we've never missed a show. I made it to the studio after receiving a blood transfusion and Jacquie had to lay down during commercial breaks because she was so sick with the flu! But this nasty virus that has been going around really did her in - and on Mother's Day of all days. She has been fighting it for weeks now and like all good mothers, put everyone else first. But that landed her in bed - and almost in the hospital - on Mother's Day with a 103 temperature. You know what they say "The show must go on." So did I consider going solo? What's Lucy without Ethel? Wilma without Betty? Lavernne without Shirley? So you had to endure another day of "The Best of Family Matters" as my best friend got back on her feet.

A Winning Mom...

On the radio we have the pleasure of talking to national newsmakers, celebrities and experts almost every day. But, it's the stories that our listeners share that have meant the most to us over the years. This Mother's Day, we're reminded of one listener who actually was a winner in our tenth anniversary contest. When she came to the station to collect her prize package that included massages, free dinners for a week, six hours of earth-friendly cleaning services and a makeover at a trendy hair salon, her major concern is that we share with our listeners her passion- blue star mothers. As a mom with children who had served in the military, she felt compelled to reach out to other moms with children serving in the military with her support, love and an open door. So Happy Mother's Day Nikki to you and all the moms who have sacrificed so much. Our hearts and prayers are with you everyday.