Up To Date

A Place For Pandemic Moms To Let It All Out

By Steve Kraske,

Published February 15, 2021 at 1:29 PM CST

Ways To Subscribe

Vanessa Radford thought she "was going to die" when she had Covid-19 earlier this year. She's still struggling as she looks for work and homeschools her three kids. — After almost a year of being with their kids full time, some mothers are in need of venting their frustrations with pandemic living.

Voicemails left on The New York Times' hotline exemplify the pressure of balancing home and career during the coronavirus pandemic.

Jessica Bennett was part of the effort behind The New York Times' "Primal Scream" hotline for frustrated mothers. Bennett recalls some of the more memorable messages that ranged from tears to swearing to actual screams. She also spoke about her role as the first and only gender editor for the paper.

Jessica Bennett, current editor at large for The New York Times focusing on gender, politics and culture

Tags

Up To Date Podcast parenting women gender home school Coronavirus

Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

See stories by Steve Kraske

Chris Young

Chris Young is an Assistant Producer for KCUR’s Up To Date. Contact him at chrisy@kcur.org.

See stories by Chris Young

Danie Alexander

As senior producer of Up To Date, I want our listeners to hear familiar and new voices that shine light on the issues and challenges facing the myriad communities KCUR serves, and to expose our audiences to the wonderful and the creative in the Kansas City area. Just as important to me is an obligation to mentor the next generation of producers to ensure that the important conversations continue. Reach me at alexanderdk@kcur.org.

See stories by Danie Alexander