Best of Both Worlds Podcast

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.

In today's episode, senior consulting partner Lareina Yee comes on to discuss career advancement, with a discussion of what is behind fewer women n top leadership positions. She shares the current challenges, but also practical tips to help avoid missing out on important career opportunities.Lareina Yee is an author of The Broken Rung: When the Career Ladder Breaks for Women--and How They Can Succeed in Spite of It, along with Kweilin Ellingrud and Maria del Mar Martinez.In the Q&A, a listener asks for advice on working with an administrative assistant for the first time -- how can she make sure this partnership is productive, and one that helps her be more effective?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Laura and Sarah discuss all things summer, with the format of:- 5 ways to celebrate the kickoff of summer- 5 summer challenges- 5 things they want to do- 5 summer-themed loves of the week!In the Q&A, they discuss the common dilemma of handling that last week of summer before school starts (when camp options are sparse!)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Meagan chats with Laura about launching kids into the real world (timely!), and they also pivot to talking all things fun and leisure.Meagan's book, The Last Parenting Book You'll Ever Read: How to Let Our Kids Go and Embrace What's Next is out this month and available wherever books are sold. Find lots more from Meagan at meaganfrancis.com .In the Q&A, Laura and Sarah discuss life skills kids should know as they head off to college.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode, Sarah interviews Dr. Tiffany Moon, anesthesiologist and reality TV start (Real Housewives of Dallas)! They chat about Tiffany’s unique life and career journey, Tiffany’s hybrid career, handling negativity as a public figure, and weaponized professionalism.Dr. Tiffany Moon’s new book, Joy Prescriptions: How I Learned to Stop Chasing Perfection and Embrace Connection is out today wherever books are sold.Find more at joyprescriptions.com or @tiffanymoonmd on social media.In the Q&A, a listener asks for date ideas (both home and out!) that aren’t dinner and a movie.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura and Sarah open by discussing topics that people seem to be talking about more openly, including divorce. Listeners had requested a divorce expert, and Sarah Armstrong delivers here as the author of The Mom's Guide to a Good Divorce: What to Think Through When Children are Involved. Sarah has spent years thinking about how to best move forward after this major life change, and shares her wisdom with listeners in this conversation. As a global marketing leader with frequent international travel, Sarah also shares some of her best working parent tips from her newest release, The Art of the Juggling Act.In the Q&A, host Sarah asks for summer ideas for that young teen phase (12-14)!Sarah Armstrong's websites:https://thejugglingact.comhttps://www.momsguidetogooddivorce.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author and designer Whitney English chats with Laura in this episode about organizing and decorating, which she recommends always doing in that order! First, Sarah and Laura chat about Whitney's planner creations, and delve into their own organizing projects. In the Q&A segment, a listener writes in asking for bathing suit recommendations!Whitney's book Organize First, Decorate Second: How to Go from Clutter to Creativity is out April 29th.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode begins with a great soapbox discussion about RTO mandates, and then Sarah and Laura delve into ways to try to help if you are in this situation. Sarah lists some positive aspects she's found about working in an office (in her case, a clinical setting) and then both share tips to help moving forward.In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking for advice as to whether to look at schools when shopping for a new home/neighborhood, and the best ways to do so.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Laura and Sarah open with a discussion of things that seemed like they would be . . .well, better than they actually turned out to be. Then, author Jessica Turner joins Laura to discuss this topic, also covered in her new book called I Thought It Would Be Better Than This: Rise from Disappointment, Regain Control, and Rebuild a Life You Love".Jessica experienced disappointment first hand when her husband came out mid-marriage, leaving her to grapple with the unexpected end of what she thought was a lifelong commitment. Her story and subsequent lessons learned inform this conversation and her new book. Find Jessica at @jessicanturner on instagram and her book wherever books are sold.In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking how to handle it when kids want to spend money on things you don't approve or think are a waste.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Laura and Sarah celebrate reaching the big 4-0-0, with some discussion of accumulated topics and lessons learned.Then, Laura and Sarah share tips of carving out enough time to get focused work done. Everyone knows it's important to have time to really delve into work and concentrate, but the practical aspects of doing that aren't always straightforward, especially if you tend to be the 'default parent' or have a more flexible work-from-home setup. This episode includes concrete things you might do to protect that important time!Finally, the Q&A is related to this big milestone: "Should I stat a podcast?"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this fun conversational episode, Sarah and Laura play the "Never Have I Ever" game, revealing some fun facts about each of their lives. This is a lighter episode, but if you've ever been curious as to whether either of them have had wardrobe malfunctions or danced on a bar, this one is for you :)In the Q&A, a listener asks for advice hosting a spring gathering, wanting to keep things really simple.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah has had quite a bit going on over the past couple of weeks, and Laura interviews her about these events and how she's doing now in this episode. They talk about the challenges of planning ahead when there's more uncertainty, and the ways it can be helpful to pivot when things don't go according to plan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Note: If you have differently-abled children, you might want to skip this episode if a discussion of typically-timed childhood milestones would be triggering to you.The counterpoint to the classic "Just You Wait . . ." adage, this episode discusses lots of positive aspects of kids growing older, more verbal, and independent -- from baby and toddler milestones to Laura's (positive!) experiences with teens.In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking about WHEN personal/family tasks get done.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What comes up when you Google yourself, and are you happy the result? Sarah and Laura discuss ways of letting the world know about your expertise, from providing evidence of your competency, the value of persistence, being open to opportunity, and more!In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking for non-travel spring break ideas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's always plenty to worry about, but things can get overwhelming for kids very quickly. In today's episode, licensed therapists Ashley Graber and Maria Evans chat with Laura about how we can encourage calm, even when the news feed isn't. BONUS: many of these tips apply to adults, too!In the Q&A, a listener wonders: at what age do kids start cutting their own nails!?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does a "good mother" image conjure up for us, and WHERE did we get those ideas, anyway? Nancy Reddy seeks to answer these questions in her book The Good Mother Myth, and this interview goes through many of these myths (those that apply to the early years and the later parenting years, too) with a nod to where they came from and where we might go next.In the Q&A, Laura and Sarah answer a question about how they find babysitters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Sarah and Laura are going to share listener challenges and tips around keeping the spice in their relationships. (Neither will get too personal given the nature of the topic, so grateful for the anonymous contributors!)You might want to use headphones on this one around kids :)Topics addressed include time challenges, hormonal fluctuations, strategies for prioritizing relationships, and more -- with lots of ideas submitted by listeners!In the Q&A, Sarah and Laura answer a listener wondering what the "male podcast equivalent" of BOBW is. (Spoiler: they had a few ideas, but weren't entirely sure - so feel free to let them know!)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is a money-themed episode WITHOUT the usual tips to invest in low-fee index funds and avoid the expensive avocado toast. Laura revisits some of the interesting lessons from her 2012 book All the Money in the World, and provides some thought-provoking money questions that she and Sarah answer. Take these prompts as a chance to do some money-related soul-searching for yourself!Examples:- What would you do with an unexpected windfall? What would change about your life?- What's the biggest financial mistake you've made?- What are your earliest money memories?. . . and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura and Sarah open by discussing "empties" in several categories - the things they find themselves buying over and over again. Then, they discuss the concept of repurposing and share ideas for repurposing in multiple categories, from intellectual property to kids' clothes and household items.In the Q&A, a listener writes in wondering how to handle it when a friend or relative offers them hand-me-downs and they'd prefer not to keep most of them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Sarah and Laura conquer a common January conundrum: task management! Sarah came up with the term "airtight task management" to describe a system that allows for you to effectively corral all of your tasks and also ensure they bubble up at the right times! In general, this involves capturing all of the necessary inputs and prioritizing them in places you know you will look, but there are nuances and variations, too. Laura and Sarah discuss their systems, practices for handling undone tasks, thoughts on digital vs paper systems, and more!In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking how they track the questions that come in! (very meta)!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you're looking to increase your reading in 2025, today's episode is for you!. Sarah and Laura discuss their reading habits and the Traci Thomas joins Sarah to discuss all things books, from reading habits during busy seasons (Traci has twins!), curating your reading lists, getting out of ruts, tracking reading, and much more.In the Q&A, a listener asks about the logistics of having overnight care for a couples getaway.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Laura and Sarah discuss their ideas for a Winter Fun list, even though they definitely have different winter climate experiences. Then, Laura introduces this year's Time Tracking Challenge! Sarah asks Laura questions about her time tracking practices, from methods to insights gained. Laura invites listeners to join her in tracking a week in January - visit her website for details (http://lauravanderkam.com)!In the Q&A, a listener asks if it's really necessary to start thinking about summer camp now . . .See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's that time of here - here comes the annual goals ep, just in time for 2025!Today, Sarah and Laura share their 2025 goals (in mostly-finalized form) in several domains: personal, work, relationships, and home!In the Q&A, they discuss how often they review their own lists: seasonally or more?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the annual "look back" episode, covering 2024 in review! Sarah and Laura share their 2024 highlights, lowlights, and do a detailed reviews of the goals they set one year ago (and shared on the show!). Find out how close they came to their stated goals (spoiler: nailed it in some areas, not so much in others), and stay tuned for next week when they share goals for 2025! Domains discussed included personal, work, relationships, and household.In the Q&A, they answer a question about the role of house manager.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura and Sarah open by discussing the top trips they've ever taken with kids, and whether they ever dreamed of living abroad. Then, Sarah interviewsOneika Raymond! Known as Oneika the Traveller, she is an Emmy-award-winning journalist, speaker, and TV host with a passion for travel and sharing all about it! She has a 5-year old, and shares tips, best destinations, and what she has learned over the years of including her daughter in her adventures starting from a young age.In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking for ideas to get through a long winter break sans childcare! (Episode referenced: https://lauravanderkam.com/2024/08/best-of-both-worlds-podcast-long-weekends-with-little-kids-survival-guide/ )See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Laura and Sarah record live together! They take turns alternating their favorite life hacks, from the philosophical (be okay repeating certain things, if you love them) to the mundane (keyboard shortcuts and apps)!In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking about activities for tweens and teens - what are some things this age group will be excited to do with the family?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode, Sarah chats with Shira Gill, author of LifeStyled, out this week about all things organizing. Shira shares all about her philosophy of “edit then elevate”, and discusses cataloguing all of her belongings, and her advice for getting started w a big intimidating organizing project!In the Q&A, Laura and Sarah answer a listener question about management of tasks that need to happen “soonish”, but not necessarily on a defined date.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Laura and Sarah discuss all things holiday planning, including the idea of going in to plan your holiday season with a 'blank slate' mindset - choosing things to do NOT just based on what you've done before, but because at least someone enjoys them! Laura notes that tradition itself does have value, so likely the things you've done over and over will carry more weight, but nothing necessarily needs to feel 'required'.They discuss various ideas and their own decisions about this year's holiday season in categories: hosting, cooking fancy meals, cards, gifts, parties, decor, and more!In terms of planning next year, Sarah shares two fun options if you'd like a guided planning experience: Detailed 4 hr sessions (with workbook) in Best Laid Plans at Home: Planning 2025 (https://theshubox.com/courses) OR 1 hour visioning/planning 2025 session that will definitely get you started at the BOBW Patreon: (http://patreon.com/bestofbothworldspod)In the Q&A, Sarah and Laura note which gifts they would choose for themselves :)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's episode brings you lots of ideas for lightening your own mental load. Sarah and Laura share their own current 'mental load' challenges, and then Laura shares 7 tips that you might consider if you're looking to feel less overwhelmed by the cognitive and emotional effort it takes to manage life. Strategies discussed include writing things down (always!), batching, automation, embracing vertical ownership, encouraging kids to be independent, spending out when it will help your mental peace, and the all-time favorite: care less.In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking about what the best high-paying AND flexible jobs are. (Interesting question with no straightforward answer!)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Laura and Sarah open with a discussion of what they wishes parents could be less stressed about (or fixated on, as the case may be!). Then, Sarah interviews Gabrielle Blair, longtime (18 yrs!) blogger at Design Mom and coauthor of The Kids Are All Right, along with her husband. Gabrielle feels strongly that current parents worry too much about some of the wrong things, and offers her valuable perspective as a mom of 6.In the Q&A, a listener writes in about kids' activities - is it true that one has to develop soccer talents as a toddler to play in high school? Do the hosts wish they had pushed their kids more in younger childhood?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Need a break from politics? In today's episode, Laura and Sarah provide a 'palate cleanser' of sorts in the form of 168 hours of food! It's always interesting to hear what "real people" do in the everyday, and so this episode captures the minute of 1 week of meals from each of them.It's pumpkin season. . . does this popular fall flavor make an appearance? Listen to find out!In the Q&A, Laura and Sarah share their favorite cookbooks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you are trying to decide on a planner for 2025, you are in luck! Sarah provides guidelines for choosing a planner for 2025, and Laura shares her current planning systems as well. They discuss various choices/preferences that will dictate options available, some popular brands to consider, and more!In the Q&A, a listener writes in wondering what the highest costs are in raising teens. Please note that most of the things discussed are absolutely optional, but they will give you an idea of what teens may ask for and what you may want to provide!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you an "outdoorsy" family? Would you like to enjoy nature with kids more than you do right now? In this episode, Laura interviews Sarah McCarty, head of Run Wild My Child, to learn tactics for getting outside together, even if it isn't your family's natural inclination.In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking about Halloween costumes -- how do you handle it when kids change their minds?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's episode is an expanded Love of the Week in multiple categories, from personal care to clothing to kids' stuff and household goods, with some of the items fall themed or inspired. Then, Sarah and Laura answer a listener question related to energy management as a toddler parent (doing lots of solo parenting, to boot!). Finally, they share their thoughts on a bonus Q&A on common time derailers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura and Sarah open with a brief discussion of the ways their kids have been exposed to service and volunteer work, and then Laura interviews MiaLisa Millares, mom of 3 and executive director of Doing Good Together, a national nonprofit based in Minneapolis that equips families with tools to raise kids who care and contribute. In the Q&A segment, a listener expresses (understandable!!) frustration about not being able to reliably obtain childcare, despite spending a lot of time and energy on the issue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a mixed bag episode!Sarah and Laura open by sharing a bit about their current routines now that the school year has been in full swing for a few weeks. Then, they discuss all things whining, from the inevitability to tips to help tone it down. Finally, they address a great (and interesting!) question from a listener about the merits of preschool vs daycare.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.