When Googling “Fun Hobbies” Doesn’t Work: Finding What Actually Feeds You (with Erin & Tam of The Art of Hobbyness)

"It should be use human design to figure out your natural self, decondition to get rid of the shoulds, the guilt that you have, with finding play. Pull those back into it and then try to explore hobbies that align with that."- Tam HaydonEpisode 71: Rediscovering Joy Through Hobbies – Conversations with Erin and TamIntroduction:Welcome back to the Return podcast! In this heartwarming and joy-filled episode, Caitlan is joined by Erin and Tam, the creative duo behind The Art of Hobbyness podcast. These two millennial moms are on a mission to help women reconnect with joy, presence, and self-care through hobbies—yes, actual fun outside of work and parenting.We dive into the origin story of their podcast, how motherhood challenged their sense of identity, and how returning to hobbies helped them reclaim a piece of themselves. From navigating guilt to embracing imperfection, they share real talk and practical wisdom about finding time for creative expression in busy lives.Plus, we explore how Human Design has helped each of them understand their energy better—Tam is a Generator, Erin is a Projector—and how their types influence how they rest, recharge, and show up for their passions. Whether you’re a new mom, a recovering perfectionist, or just craving more play in your life, this episode is a cozy permission slip to do something just for you.What You'll Learn in This Episode:How Erin and Tam turned their personal hobby journey into a podcastWhy hobbies are a radical act of self-care for busy womenRealistic tips for making time for joy, even with a packed scheduleThe role of guilt and perfectionism—and how to move through itHow Human Design can support your self-care and creativityWhy hobbies aren’t a luxury, they’re a necessityKey Takeaways:Hobbies reconnect us with our authentic selves and inner child.Perfectionism can block joy—embracing “just for fun” is healing.You don’t need a lot of time to start—just intention and curiosity.Understanding your Human Design type can help you find aligned ways to recharge.Moms deserve creative time, too—it’s not selfish, it’s soul-care.Chapters:00:09 – Meet Erin and Tam: Millennial Moms on a Mission01:15 – The Birth of The Art of Hobbyness03:11 – Finding Time for Hobbies Amidst Busy Lives04:48 – The Importance of Self-Care and Overcoming Guilt06:36 – Practical Tips for Starting New Hobbies14:20 – Surprising Benefits of Hobbies21:20 – Exploring Human Design21:41 – Revealing Energy Types22:35 – Understanding Generator Energy24:05 – Projector and Generator Partnership26:47 – Human Design and Hobbies32:10 – Intentional Self-Care35:00 – Favorite Hobbies and Nostalgia38:07 – The Power of Hobbies40:38 – Connecting with The Art of HobbynessLinks & Resources:Follow The Art of Hobbyness on Instagram: @artofhobbynessListen to The Art of Hobbyness PodcastCheck out their website: www.artofhobbyness.comExplore Caitlan’s current offerings at www.caitlansiegenthaleSupport the showProduced by Caitlan SiegenthalerCover Art by Kiara OparaIf you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend, post it to your Instagram stories, and tag me. And if you really loved it, the best thank-you is a written review on Apple Podcasts or a comment on Spotify. That is a beautiful energetic exchange for Caitlan creating the show.