The Art of Hobbyness (The Art of Hobbyness)

Ever feel like life's challenges are pulling you away from balance?  In this episode, Erin and Tam chat with Meaghan, a yoga instructor who helps women find peace, set boundaries, and reclaim their energy.  She shares how tough experiences shaped her journey to success and how she weaves astrology into self-care.  Whether you're into movement, mindfulness, or just looking for a new way to recharge, this conversation will inspire you to turn life's twists into personal growth.

@meaghan.m.dunham

www.meaghanmdunham.com

Erin and Tam discuss the Hobby Gap and the process of discovering your Hidden Hobby.

Tara Clark, from Modern Mom Probs, joins Erin and Tam to discuss parallel playing with your children, habit stacking to maximize your daily activities, and how hobbies play a key role in self-care.  

Links: https://modernmomprobs.com/

Erin and Tam interview Dan Miller, a self proclaimed hobby enthusiast, and rightfully so.  Join Erin and Tam as they walk with Dan through the era's of his life, exploring the hobbies he pursued and the lessons he learned along the way.

In this episode Erin and Tam interview Terri Fry of Mom Like That.  Terri introduces the hobby of Bullet Journaling, how to get creative with little scraps of paper, and self reflecting on when to walk away from a hobby that is no longer bringing you joy.

@momlikethat_

@byterrifry

Tam and Erin discuss the first hobbies that they will attempt.

In this episode, Erin takes another shot at learning a musical instrument, this time with the piano. She shares how her approach differs from learning the guitar, offering fresh insights, and reflecting on what she’s discovered along the way.

Erin and Tam interview Dr. Vera Marques.  Hailing from the U.K., Vera is a dentist who enjoys a multitude of different hobbies.  The ladies explore how to manage multiple hobbies and finding peace with not being perfect in every hobby you pursue.

In this episode, Erin and Tam dive into Erin's new hobby - Puzzles.  Rollup Puzzle Mat 

Puzzle Mat w/ Sorting Tray

Puzzle Board

Easy DIY Puzzle

Erin & Tam interview Allie McQuaid, Millennial Mom Therapist and dive into the transformative journey of Matrescence (the process of becoming a mother) and how hobbies can play a vital role in rediscovering yourself along the way. 

@millennialmomtherapist www.treehousetherapyllc.com

Erin & Tam break down the difference between consumption and production hobbies.  Exploring how each type impacts your creativity and sense of accomplishment, while also highlighting the importance of finding the right balance between the two.

In this episode, Tam talks about Demolition Man (yes that Sylvestor Stallone movie) and taking a watercoloring class at the Studio at Bowood Farms in St. Louis Missouri.  

https://bowoodfarms.com/collections/the-studio

Erin and Tam sit down with Robin Haugen, founder of neonrobin.com and manager of The Studio at Bowood Farms in St. Louis, Missouri. Robin shares her journey from leaving corporate America to embrace a life filled with creativity. From drawing with her mom to the art of decluttering, Robin offers a bird’s-eye view on discovering creativity in every aspect of life.

Links Neonrobin.com @neon.robin @bowoodfarms bowoodfarms.com

Inspired by scenes from her favorite holiday movies, Tam gives the hobby of wax seals a try. 

Erin and Tam chat with two friends, Erin and Heather hosts of Three Kitchens Podcast, who transformed their shared love of swapping recipes into a joyful hobby—and a podcast! Hear how they embrace their unique strengths while navigating the ups and downs of creating together. Tune in for a fun conversation about their journey, tips for fighting perfectionism in the kitchen, and why home cooking is more than just making meals—it’s about connection and creativity!

https://www.threekitchenspodcast.com/

@three_kitchens_podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/three-kitchens-podcast/id1562889622

Tam and Erin discuss Tam's new hobby - Bird Watching.  Tam breaks down the challenges of finding birds and the thrill of finding community.

Join Tam and Erin as they dive into how embracing hobbies can be a game changer in overcoming perfectionism. In this episode, we explore personal journeys, share practical strategies, and uncover the surprising ways creative outlets can help us let go of unrealistic standards. Discover actionable tips to manage stress, boost creativity, and cultivate a mindset that celebrates progress over perfection. Whether you're seeking balance in your busy life or a spark of inspiration to try something new, this conversation offers insights to help you transform your relationship with perfectionism.

@theartofhobbyness

www.artofhobbyness.com

In this episode, Erin & Tam chat with hobby blogger, Mckayla of The Comma Mama Co., who embraces the power of “me time” after the kids fall asleep. She shares how she built a supportive space for hobby lovers, tips for balancing self-care with motherhood, and how her SEO skills helped grow a hobby-focused community.

Links:

thecommamamaco.com

@commamama.co

In this episode Tam takes on skateboarding.  She discusses her goals within the sport, over coming childhood hobby hangups, and setting new standards for what she wants out of a hobby.

In this episode, Tam shares her misadventures in punch needling, a craft she thought would be her new favorite.  However, it may end up leaving her unpunched, poked, and maybe even a little bruised(emotionally, of course).  This episode is a reminder that not every hobby is a natural fit. But, sometimes, one crafter's chaos is another crafter's creative gold.

Can AI actually make hobbies easier and more fun for millennial moms?  In this episode, Erin & Tam explore how AI-powered tools can help busy moms learn new skills, spark creativity, and even find more time for hobbies.  We're diving in to the ways technology can support (but not replace!) our creative passions.

www.artofhobbyness.com

@theartofhobbyness

In this episode, Erin and Tam sit down with Dr. Kelly Kessler, host of the Rewiring Health Podcast, to explore the cycle of self-abandonment that many millennial women experience. Together, they dive into how this pattern affects the nervous system and how using hobbies as a tool for nervous system regulation and self-connection can restore the balance.

@drkellykessler

@rewiringhealthpodcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rewiring-health/id1627787362

https://youtube.com/@drkellykessler?si=hJIwLE3qOrfvumWp

In this episode, Tam shares her journey of learning the French language as her latest hobby.  She and Erin reflect on how exploring new hobbies over the years has improved their ability to learn and grow. Tune in to learn how practicing hobbies can strengthen your creative muscles in unexpected ways!

Erin & Tam chat with Tami Hackbarth from the 100% Guilt-Free Self-Care Podcast. Together, they explore what it means to reclaim self-care so you have the energy to build the life you want. Tami reminds us that self-care isn’t selfish.

Links: @tamihackbarth

www.tamihackbarth.com (https://www.tamihackbarth.com)

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/100-guilt-free-self-care/id1460142083 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/100-guilt-free-self-care/id1460142083)

Erin and Tam chat about Erin's new hobby - learning to play the guitar!

Cats, cat toys, and rescueing cats... I think there's a theme.  Tam and Erin interview Kateri Cotter on turning a hobby into a non for profit business. Links:

Kateri's Etsy

The Cheshire Grin Cat Cafe - Cat Cafe St. Louis - St. Louis, Missouri

In this episode, Erin shares how a culinary class in Japan gave her the courage to pursue a long-time interest in homemade pasta-making. Tune in as Erin dives into her favorite pasta-making tools, the joys of sharing a hobby with her partner, and her journey since Starter Baby.

Erin and Tam interview Abby Eckel and get her thoughts on women finding fulfillment outside of motherhood.

@AbbyEckel

https://linktr.ee/abbyeckel

In this episode Erin & Tam walk their listeners through 3 simple steps to find their Hidden Hobby.  Hidden Hobby describes a passion or interest that you have always had but never recognized or pursued.  It's that spark of joy you feel when you engage in an activity without even realizing that it could be considered a hobby!

Feeling stuck in the daily grind? Hobbies aren’t just a fun way to pass the time, they’re scientifically proven to boost happiness, reduce stress, and bring more joy into your life. In this episode, Erin & Tam dive into how creative hobbies can improve mental well-being, share personal stories of hobbies that have lifted their moods, and explore practical ways to make time for joy in your busy schedule.

@theartofhobbyness

Artofhobbyness.com

Are you a millennial mom who’s having an existential crisis? Us too! Follow Erin and Tam, two late 30’s, millennial moms who realized they have put themselves last for far too long and need to redefine who they are. We are on a journey to rediscover ourselves through hobbies, hopefully creating a new chapter prioritizing ourselves while hoping to find happiness every step of the way.

In this episode, Erin & Tam explore the benefits of raising children who love hobbies. They share how creative pursuits can boost confidence, spark joy, and support emotional well-being, plus how embracing your own hobbies can inspire your little ones to discover their passions.

https://www.artofhobbyness.com/

@theartofhobbyness

In this episode, Erin & Tam dive into the overwhelming stress many millennial women experience during the holiday season. From the pressure to create a “perfect” Christmas to juggling endless to-do lists and parties. They explore why the season can feel more like a marathon than a celebration and how letting go of the “Shoulds” can bring back the joy!

Tam and Erin discuss the concept of arrival happiness fallacy and how it pertains to life and hobbies.

On this episode Erin dives into the positives and negatives of her Sourdough Era.

In this episode, Erin & Tam chat with Dimitra Lerikos, of Zest for the Table, to explore the art of cooking as a hobby that nourishes more than just the body. Listen as they dive into Dimitra’s deep connection with Mediterranean cuisine and how it fosters mindfulness, sparks creativity, and brings people together.

@zestforthetable

www.zesttable.com

Erin and Tam discuss "By Proxy Hobbies" -  how their self-care activities have evolved since becoming mothers, while prioritizing their own interests and their kids' interests, to find balance in the chaos.

Erin and Tam dive deeper into their Hidden Hobbies and talk about self love, strength in numbers, and how meaningful this journey is to the both of them.

Why are millennial moms turning to cozy hobbies like knitting, journaling, and gaming?  In this episode, Erin & Tam explore the rise of slow, comforting pastimes and how they help combat burnout and tech fatigue.

@theartofhobbyness

www.artofhobbyness.com

In this episode, Erin and Tam interview Marriage and Motherhood coach, Michelle Purta to discuss how prioritizing self-care isn’t just about you, but also about showing up as your best self for you, your partner, and your kids. They also discuss the pressures moms feel to be responsible, why self-care is easier when it’s rooted in something you genuinely enjoy, and the importance of making self-care a non-negotiable part of your day.

@michellepurtacoaching

The Marriage & Motherhood Podcast

https://www.michellepurta.com

https://youtube.com/@michellepurta?si=lk3goNxxrtDHDYr0

Turns out, air dry clay is just adult Play-Doh, and Tam is obsessed. In this episode, Tam shares how this ridiculously easy, low-barrier-to-entry hobby became her new favorite and how letting go of perfectionism is the key to actually enjoying the process. Plus, she makes the case for why air dry clay might just be the ultimate gateway hobby because once you start molding, don’t be surprised if you’re suddenly picking up a paintbrush, a pottery wheel, or diving into another creative pursuit next.

@theartofhobbyness

Artofhobbyness.com

Tam and Erin dive deeper into how a millennial woman finds a hobby but also how she finds the line between selfishness and putting her self first.

Tam and Erin discuss criteria to quantify their experiences in their pursuit of a hobby.

Tie Flying, Fly Ties, TIE Fighters... man that's hard to say! Anyway, Tam talks about her new hobby experience.

After her recent trip to Japan, Erin reviews traveling as a hobby both with kids and without.

On a special Father's Day edition Tam and Erin finally get their husbands behind the mic to chat about how they navigate finding time for hobbies in between parenting and their careers.  

In this episode, Erin & Tam reflect on their first year exploring Hobbyness and dive into how to set intentional goals for creativity and self-care in the new year. Tune in to discover how to let go of hobbies that no longer serve you, embrace the fun of being a beginner, and make space for what truly sparks joy. Let’s create a year of fulfillment, self-care, and hobbies!

In this episode, Erin & Tam interview Dr. Laura Brenner.   Laura pivoted her career in dentistry to chase her passion of creating a community around encouraging professionals to explore hobbies and creativity. 

In this episode, Tam and Erin discuss Tam's new hobby - Calligraphy.  Tam breaks down the differences between Traditional, Modern, and Faux Calligraphy.  And by using the Art of Hobbyness rating system, we learn how Tam REALLY feels about Calligraphy.

Erin and Tam interview Drew Goodin, who we have nicknamed The Most Interesting Man in the World for his multitude of hobbies.  Drew is also an award winning STEM game developer and teacher.  His hobbies range from black and white photography to perfecting his creme brûlée.