Best of Both Worlds Podcast

Professor Christine Tulley is professor of rhetoric and writing and founder and director of the Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Writing Program at the University of Findlay, and she has a special interest in understanding how women in academics-- especially those with kids -- spend their time. She and Laura get into the data in this interview, and then Sarah and Laura answer a listener question around dealing with the (sometimes inevitable!) need to cancel plans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's reflective episode, Laura and Sarah record live from their South FL recording retreat once again, sharing notes (victories, works in progress, etc) from Quarter (or Quintile) 1. Then, inspired by Sarah's unearthing of her own personal 1990s memorabilia, the two of them discuss how things have changed (or not!) over the past 30 years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin McGoff has built a career around helping people (especially women!) learn the secret language of work -- the ways to give yourself the best shot of moving in the career direction you desire with the right choice of words, actions, and body language. Sarah and Laura open by discussing their own specialized work languages - medicine and writing - and then Sarah interviews Erin, focusing on ways to have tough but effective conversations around things like asking for more flexibility, improved compensation, or even gracefully leaving a role.In the Q&A, a listeners asks for details around virtual assistants.Erin McGoff's book is called The Secret Language of Work and is out now wherever books are sold.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Laura and Sarah discuss the concept of whimsy and how small touches of it might be applied to make life more fun. Then, they share a variety of spring delights -- from changes in the natural world to the rhythms of the school calendar.In the Q&A segment, a listener wonders how to approach things with a child who is hesitant or uninterested in almost any activity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Sarah and Laura chat non-fiction reading, and then interviews Rebecca Newberger Goldstein, a philosopher, writer, and expert on what it means to matter, and why humans instinctually feel pulled to feel like they matter - even to themselves!They talk mattering projects from parenting and relationships to the pursuit of excellence. Rebecca's book is called The Mattering Instinct: How Our Deepest Longing Drives Us And Divides Us, and she has a substack called The Mattering Map.In the Q&A, a listener wonders how Sarah is doing about a year after her heart episode and diagnosis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Laura and Sarah share their insights on cultivating and maintaining friendships -- even during the busy parenting years! Tactics include multitasking friend dates, accepting the "Friendriarch" role, finding activities to do together WITH kids, and more.Then, towards the end of the episode, Kathleen Paley, a friend of both Laura and Sarah joins in to share her thoughts! You can find more from Kathleen at her podcast called The Reframe (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-reframe/id1755909152)!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrea Canning has a lot going on! In addition to her role as a Dateline NBC correspondent, she's a mother of 6, Marine Corps wife, and host of the Dateline True Crime weekly podcast. She shares her career and family building journey with Laura in this episode.Sarah and Laura open chatting about short family visits and answer a Q&A about bday celebration ideas for teens and tweens.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

February doldrums can be real -- or maybe you struggle with mood swings at other times. In this episode, Laura and Sarah share lots of ideas to help you get out of a funk, from focusing on your golden hours to treats, as well as a list of 5-minute uplifters.Episode Note: The strategies in this episode certainly would not be enough on their own for anyone going through a real depressive episode or mental health crisis, and there is no replacement for professional help when there is a need!In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking whether to believe people telling her she'll feel very different about work post-baby.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's Valentine's Day-inspired episode, Sarah and Laura share their current traditions for celebrating this February holiday, and then they chat about the early days of their relationships, as well as the ways they've celebrated love over the years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode, Sarah and Laura open by sharing about their favorite and least favorite (and least favorite) things about the little kids years vs bigger kids years! Then, Sarah interviews Corinne Hammonds, CEO of a NYC charity and mother of 2 — one senior, and one college student all about how life has changed over her past decade of working motherhood.In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking for advice — she is currently driving 4 hours daily in her commute to work and looking for advice on how to move forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episodes, Laura and Sarah discuss their own life updates -- Sarah is working one day a week at a different office, and Laura just got back from her big family trip to the Galapagos Islands -- she shares what her favorite moments were in addition to the biggest challenges.Following this, they delve into a discussion of various life skills -- from cooking to laundry to understanding finances -- how did THEY learn them, and how have they been teaching their kids?Finally, a listener writes in to ask about sleep needs and bedtime - how do the hosts manage this currently?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, both hosts share thoughts on Laura's recent Vanderhakcs post on her favorite habits to embrace for the new years, and add a twist -- the very best habits to AVOID!in the Q&A, a listener wonders about skiing as an adult - how hard is it to learn? Can one still have fun on a family ski vacation if they did not grow up skiing?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi made her name in reality television. More than a decade later she's still filming while building a business that includes multiple locations of The Snooki Shop, the Messy Mawma wine brand, and maybe pickles in 2026! She talks career reinvention, working motherhood, and laundry.In the intro, Laura and Sarah discuss their favorite Jersey shore towns.In the Q&A, a listener wonders about handling breaks when kids attend schools with different schedules.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Laura and Sarah open up with some discussion of ringing in the 2026 New Year, and then Lauren Kurakto, an Episcopal Priest, joins Laura for a fascinating discussion about how she leads a meaningful and fun life while thriving in a career that is (by definition!) variable, unconventional, and often demanding.In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking for Laura and Sarah's take on aptitude tests and categories, from the chronotype to Myers-Briggs to the Enneagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the annual goals episode! Sarah and Laura share what they hope to accomplish and achieve in 2026, in the following categories: Personal, Relationships, Family/Home, Work, and Fun!In the Q&A, a listener wonders about the hosts' feelings on streaks!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's traditional 'end of year review' episode, Laura and Sarah chat about all aspects of 2025! From highlights (there were many) to lowlights (definitely some of those too), they reflect back and discuss their progress on goals set one year prior in multiple domains.For the Q&A, a listener ponders how to steer extended family away from large or "million plastic pieces" types of gifts for kids.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Laura and Sarah introduce their Patreon curriculum for 2026, and then Sarah shares all about her new book, out TODAY!!! -- Best Laid Plans, a Simple System for Planning A Life That You Love. Learn about the book's origin story and what Sarah feels it adds to the productivity canon!In the Q&A, a listener asks for ideas on how to track her reading.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Laura and Sarah discuss all things holiday! First, Laura reminder listeners of Sarah's book, coming out next week as this airs (12/16) -- for preorder bonuses, check out theshubox.com/preorders!Then, they delve into several aspects of the holiday season, from Holiday Fun lists to gifting strategies to dealing with looooong winter breaks and beyond.In the Q&A, a listener asks Laura and Sarah for tips on how to get SOME daylight exposure during the work days of winter (particularly for those in an office setting where it might be a little trickier to leave).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Sarah and Laura reflect on their own paths to motherhood, and then Dr. Rebecca Thompson joins Laura to share about her own complicated journey.Please note: this episode contains discussion of fertility issues and loss, so please skip this one if this kind of content is not for you.In the Q&A, Laura and Sarah answer a listener question on how a book goes from idea to finished copy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Laura and Sarah share upcoming Thanksgiving plans and then discuss the various way they love to dream about the future, from 100 Dreams lists to Long Term Visioning and beyond.Then, they recap BLP Live -- their 3rd annual planning conference held live in South Friday. They share highlights from the experience and provide lots of suggestions for listeners interested in creating a similar experienSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Sarah and Laura open with a discussion of their own favorite daily rituals.Then, Sarah interviews Andrea Leigh Rogers, creator of Xtend Barre (currently on BODi) who is a dance who built her own exercise brand and has navigated some personal challenges in recent years. In her recent book, Small Moves Big Life, she explores 7 daily practices that add up to 30 minutes per day (total) that have been instrumental in helping her live a full, energetic and productive life. She chats with Sarah about all 7 on this episode.In the Q&A, a listener wonders whether Sarah and Laura plan out exercise in advance, or wing it day by day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Sarah and Laura discuss ways to rekindle the flame . . . with your job! While hot fiery passion may not actually be feasible (or even the goal!), there are some ways that might help you enjoy your hours spent at work more. Lots of ideas are discussed in this episode, from increased engagement to professional development and PTO use strategies and more.In the Q&A, a listener asks about how to figure out whether "FIRE" is for her (vs work a few more years to benefit her family).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Laura interviews Suzy Welch, a New York Times best-selling author, business journalist, and television commentator, and also an NYU professor. She and Laura talk career advice and she provides thoughts and advice on finding your purpose -- a topic she talks about in her new book, Becoming You, as well as her popular course at NYU.You can learn more and find Suzy Welch at suzywelch.com.In the Q&A, a listener with young kids writes in wondering how to NOT travel to her extended family for Thanksgiving (without offending her relatives).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Laura and Sarah share a 5-part formula for crafting a weekend that you truly enjoy -- or that at least contains some elements you enjoy! They acknowledge the struggle (it's real!) of weekends feeling like a lot of work during the infant/toddler years and provide suggestions that might help in that era, plus plenty of discussion of how you might built more enjoyment into your weekends during this school aged/teen years.In the Q&A, a listener asks for thoughts on getting a weekend babysitter for a few hours even if one works a full time job during the week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this chatty (and positive) episode, Sarah and Laura trade off naming things making them happy now, in this fall season. Categories run the gamut from Laura's new planner to fresh-caught fish!In the Q&A, they share carpool dos and don'ts for a listener frustrated by a carpool that seems to be taking away more time than it is giving due to logistical challenges and frequent changes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah and Laura kick off this episode with 5 of their most recent reads -- an interesting variety to say the least! Then, they share tips to fit more reading into your life, as well as specifics on how they choose to do it -- including a discussion of paper vs electronic, morning or evening, and how they pick their books.In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking for advice on creating an affirmations folder or collection.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Sarah and Laura talk about their own tendencies to compare + despair at times, as well as what helps them to avoid this! Then, Sarah interviews Kate Strickler, creator of Naptime Kitchen and author of I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen: And Other Lies I Think Will Make Me Happy. Kate shares the areas in which she struggles the most as well as what has worked to overcome this mindset over the years.In the Q&A, a listener writes in excited about an upcoming girls' trip, but wondering how often to FaceTime kids while gone. Will it be reassuring or invoke more stress?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Laura discusses the merits of time tracking, while Sarah shares how her own time tracking has evolved over time. Laura shares some of the most common findings from the (many) others who have shared their time logs with her, and she also talks about why she's kept put the habit for more than TEN years running now!In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking for advice for when one needs more hours to work in a flexible job.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Sarah and Laura open by remembering the spring of 2020, the last time Jen was on the show and a time frame just a bit before the opening of her new memoir, Awake. Jen shares how she's evolved her career with time and what it was like to share her raw experiences in her recent work, which chronicles the dissolution of her marriage after she woke up to hear her husband dictating a text to his girlfriend one fateful night that summer.In the Q&A, a listener wonders how to best handle car logistics with a new teen driver.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Sarah and Laura open talking about the upcoming elementary school year, and then Laura interviews Alyssa Blask Campbell, head of Seed and Sew, an organization devoted to raising emotionally intelligent children.Alyssa can be found at seedandsew.org and @tinyhumansbigemotions on IG.In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking for advice as a beginning runner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Sarah and Laura share things they've learned in their 40s -- a decade people don't necessarily look forward to, but one that they are both definitely enjoying!They also give a round-up of quotes they've found themselves spouting on numerous occasions, from "People are a good use of time" (by Laura!) and several more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Laura and Sarah share their favorite lists to make and to keep! Examples include a 100 Dreams Lists, a Someday Maybe list, Seasonal Fun Lists, various Gift Lists, and more.In the Q&A, a listener writes in wondering how to encourage a reluctant child to attend overnight camp.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Laura and Sarah share their thoughts, plans, and ideas around back to school -- possibly round 9 of this discussion, but it changes every year!They chat about routines, new challenges, college (!), homework, bedtime, and more.In the Q&A, they discuss: packed or school lunch?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Reshma Shah is a board-certified pediatrician and expert on feeding families and plant-based nutrition. In today's episode, Sarah and Laura open by talking about how their families are doing dinner these days, and then Sarah interviews Reshma who provides insights on her Family Table approach, including her recommendations for selective eaters and cultivating a welcoming dinner atmosphere even with kids going off in every direction to different activities.In the Q&A, Laura and Sarah share crowd-pleasing dinner ideas for a listener in a rut.Find Reshma here: https://www.reshmashahmdparentcoaching.comHer recent book is NOURISH: The Definitive Plant-Based Nutrition Guide for Families, available wherever books are sold.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Sarah and Laura discuss maintaining adult friendships, and then Sarah delves into her recent 'friends trip' -- the planning, the execution, and the fun!In the Q&A, Sarah and Laura provide strategies for fitting in work over vacation or while traveling.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this fun episode, Sarah and Laura share their own takes on popular wellness trends that seem to be taking the world by storm. Topics discussed range from cold plunges to GLP-1 medications and beyond, and there are hot takes galore.Then, both hosts share various strategies that help them reset when facing their own habit challenges or just to get out of a rut.In the Q&A, a listener expecting baby #2 asks for ideas for what kinds of big-picture planning questions to think through before the baby arrives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heather Avis is a parent of two children with Down Syndrome. She shares her powerful adoption story and her mission to shift the narratives around special needs. She also has great perspective on helping kids develop resilience and embrace what makes them different.Her new children's book, I Like You So Much, is available wherever books are sold.In the Q&A, a listener writes in wondering how she can get her partner on board with planning travel now that they have a 5-year old.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Extended family relationships: they can be wonderful, and they can be hard!In today's episode, Sarah and Laura talk through some common challenges in this arena -- from conflict over traveling for the holidays to family members as babysitters -- and provide ideas that might help make things a little bit easier.Plus, family text chains and a thought-provoking question: what kind of role do you see yourself playing as an extended family member in 20-30 years?In the Q&A, a listener with young kids writes in asking about the logistics of doing remote work in a different location over the summerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode, Laura interviews Kristen Holmes, a senior White House correspondant for CNN who just had her second child in Janaury (meaning she spent most of the presidential campaign last year pregnant!). She shares her strategies for combining pregnancy, early parenthood, and work while on a big public-facing career track.In the Q&A, a listener asks about age spacing - is there any particular challenge (or upside) to having kids farther part, such as an age gap over 4 years?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode, Sarah interviews Marcy Syms, former CEO of an apparel corporation and current founding trustee and president of the Sy Syms Foundation. Marcy believes that clothing is a form of self-respect, and a powerful PR tool. She discusses why it makes sense to invest time and money into our wardrobes, and how to do so effectively, with some surprisiing suggestions about where and how to shop!Marcy’s book, Leading with Respect: Adventures of an Off-Price Fashion Pioneer, is out in August.In the Q&A, a listener who is not yet making significant earnings (though her partner is) wonders how to navigate the younger-kid years from a financial perspective.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode, Laura and Sarah share their traditional mid-year review! They revisit 2025 goals in several categories, including personal, career, relationships, and household, and reflect on their chosen words of the year.In the Q&A, a listener asks for tips about when to fit in more summer reading.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Laura and Sarah discuss ways to add more joy into every day, as opposed to seeking out opportunities for suffering (ice baths being one trendy example of this)! They discuss elevating daily routines, finding high points in the work day (including good breaks), and making the most of those golden evening hours.In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking for cost-saving tips that don't feel like deprivation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Laura and Sarah share the apps they wouldn't want to go without, and then Rachel Fuld Cohen joins Laura to discuss kids and tech from an insider's perspective; Rachel is co-founder and COO of Silicon Society, an EdTech company focused on creating scalable, personalized, & cutting edge learning experiences in the AI Age, and is passionate about bringing best practices from the tech world to her family (and vice versa!).In the Q&A, a listener asks Sarah and Laura if they do anything specific over the summer to avoid "brain drain".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Sarah and Laura chat about the start to their summers, and then dive into the topic of whole-family fun. Laura's kids are 5-18, and Sarah's are 7-13 -- both acknowledge the challenge that "whole family fun" can present especially with decent-sized age gaps, and provide some ideas to help (or in some cases, arguments for throwing in the towel and splitting things up!).In the Q&A, a listener writes in for tips on traveling across time zones (in both directions!).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah and Laura share their current practices for preserving family memories, and then Vanessa Quigley joins Sarah to share her experiences in building Chatbooks, as well as her take on why printing family memories are so important. She also discusses her entrepreneurial journey and some of the ways in which Chatbooks has become a company known for its family-friendly culture.In the Q&A, a listener writes in looking for advice on how to discuss her prior job-hopping (related to her husband's career journey) with new potential employers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.