Best of Both Worlds Podcast

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.

Sam Kelly is a therapist turned course creator with a passion for getting kids to NOTICE and contribute to household management. Sarah and Laura discuss their own current statuses in this realm, and then Sam joins Sarah for the interview portion of the episode.In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking how to manage teens not wanting to participate in as many family activities, in part because they are busy with school and their own stuff?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To open, Laura and Sarah talk about previous visions for their own career. Then, in the interview portion Erika Ayers Badan shares some fascinating ideas around work and what it takes to build a career that is truly fun and fulfilling -- she and Sarah discuss failure, boss challenges, coming back from maternity leave, and much more.In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking about career coaches. Are they useful, and if so, how do you find a good one?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today is a fun but also thought-provoking episode -- Sarah and Laura chose "would you rather?" questions to pose to each other, and both the questions and answers provide a lot of interesting fodder for thought and reflection!Would YOU choose to be more attractive or more intelligent (and what did the hosts pick)?Would you rather work the job you have now for a year at double pay, or take a year off with regular pay?. . . and many others.In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking for a "permission slip" to outsource cleaning even though her current hourly rate is less than that of a service.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the intro, Sarah and Laura discuss memories of college applications. There may or may not have been typewriters involved! Then, Laura welcomes Alice Chen, BrightStory founder and top college admissions counselor to chat about all things college admissions, from building a narrative that makes sense to viewing the process as an opportunity for teens to learn valuable life skills. In the Q&A, Laura and Sarah answer a listener question about paying for college.Find more from Alice and BrightStory here: http://www.brightstory.info/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy birthday to the podcast! Laura and Sarah share their memories from the very beginnings of BOBW, and then reminisce and discuss favorite episodes from the past. They share their biggest surprises, favorite guest eps, favorite conversation eps, and then Laura ends with a piece on the "why" behind the podcast -- illustrating how women can love their jobs AND their families, and truly enjoy doing both.In the Q&A, a listener writes in with job dilemma - choose the one with more flexibility or the one that sounds more enticing overall?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Laura and Sarah discuss the challenges of long weekends home with young kids! These longs stretches of unstructured time can be really challenging when kids are young (babies / toddlers / preschoolers) and so Laura and Sarah share practical strategies to improve your little-kid weekend outlook.In the Q&A, a listener asks: Having a 3rd kid! Do I need a minivan?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura and Sarah celebrate back-to-school season with a discussion of all things school-related! They share their own kids' school stages and transitions, and Laura shares a little bit about what it is like to have a college senior (and driving teen with parking permit!). They discuss lunches, back to school shopping, activities, and more. In the Q&A, they discuss the question of when to (and when not to) plan around kids' activities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Laura and Sarah open with the state of their own digital clutter. Then, Amanda joins Sarah to discuss all things digital decluttering as well as her very simple yet powerful method of brain dumping via Google Sheet.Some notes referenced:Cleaner Kit App for photo cleanupiPhone: swipe notifications --> options --> turn offAmanda's brain dump acronym: 5-step FOCUS Method: Finish It, Outsource It, Cut It, Uncomplicate It, Scooch ItWhere to find Amanda:Indigo Organizing: https://www.indigoorganizing.com/about-amandaHer Podcast: https://www.goodenoughish.comIn the Q&A, a listener writes in asking for advice in helping kids with learning disabilities - what resources and approaches were helpful to navigate these kinds of challenges?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's episode is all about designing your work week! Sarah was given some leeway to choose her clinical days for next year, sparking a whole discussion about strategies once might use to intentionally craft a weekly work rhythm. Laura and Sarah discuss choices that might be made when choosing a part-time schedule or a hybrid WFH/in-office schedule. Finally, they discuss the Ideal Week exercise and how it can be a valuable tool to help really demonstrate whether theoretical schedules and routines would actually fit together in real life!In the Q&A, a listener writes in wondering if investing in a second home might be worthwhile and whether either Laura or Sarah had considered it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Laura and Sarah talk all about REST. They talk about the realities on rest and leisure time as well ways to really enjoy the downtime we do have. Then, they focus on the idea of trading off parenting duties so that (in two-parent homes) BOTH partners can enjoy some much-needed rest and rejuvenation. They discuss common challenges such as variations single parents might consider as well as resistance a partner might have.In the Q&A, a listener and mother of 4 writes in wondering how to think about returning to the workforce at age 29.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Laura and Sarah chat live, answering listener questions about a variety of topics! Topics include:- all about the podcast itself (the time it takes, division of labor, etc)- advice for returning to work part time- dream travel destinations- thoughts about future child care arrangements- ways to address loaded questions at work after mat leave return- where do all the episode / blog post / writing ideas come from!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Sarah interviews Amy Laski of the Difference Lab., and they discuss the idea of intentional subtraction -- removing things rather than just shuffling priorities or succumbing to "cram-it-all-in syndrome". Sarah and Laura discuss their own thoughts on this concept, and then Amy joins Sarah to provide her in-depth perspective on this idea and how it can be applied in both personal and business settings. She also shares her career path and her current day-in-the-life with 3 tweens/teens at home.In the Q&A, Laura and Sarah address a listener question on kid 1:1 days. Does it need to be a full day, or do other variations work?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Laura and Sarah open with a discussion of how much their own jobs have changed in the last decade. Then, Laura interviews Jessi Hempel, host of the Hello Monday Podcast on navigating work/life issues, and they also discuss how parenting roles and expectations might be different (or not!) in a two-mom or two-dad household.In the Q&A, Sarah and Laura provide tips for a listener looking for ideas on resetting or momentum planning after a big goal of accomplishment (like achieving tenure!)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In their traditional midyear episode, Laura and Sarah share progress (or lack thereof, as it may apply!) on 2024 goals, halfway in. They discuss goals in the domains off work, relationships/family, and personal/self, as well as provide updates on daily habits + long term goals.In the Q&A, they address a common question as to where they KEEP all of these goals!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Sarah and Laura tackle some common struggles, starting with BEDTIME. They discuss struggles and strategies in each category, including bathing suit shopping, summer uniforms, kids' summer assignments, screen time dilemmas, and more.In the Q&A, a listener already thinking about *next* academic year writes in asking about creating a "last minute school request" emergency kit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah and Laura open today's episode discussing the ways that they keep their friendships (both near + far-flung) alive. Then, Laura interviews Anna Goldfarb, author of Modern Friendship (released just last week!) -- a practical look at how to make and strengthen friendships as an adult in the current very digital world.In the Q&A, Laura and Sarah answer respond to a question about how to best respond when close couple friends are getting a divorce. Additional wisdom from listeners who have been through this welcome!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Laura and Sarah do a deep analysis of some common myths about working parenthood, from "A stranger will raise your baby!" to "You'll never get any free time every again" to "I can't take on this leadership role, I have (insert # here) kids!" -- and many more.This episode goes out especially to anyone just beginning their parenting journey and wondering whether to believe the hype, but it's also valuable reflection for seasoned parents who continue to both enjoy work and life.In the Q&A, Sarah and Laura chat about a question that came up recently through their Patreon (for more, visit http://patreon.com/bestofbothworldspod ) : "Is it okay to work less than 40 hours if I'm getting my work done?"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Sarah and Laura open with a discussion of teen parenting (mostly with Laura's experience so far!) and then Sarah interviews Ellen Galinsky, longtime researcher and author about all things related to teenhood, as inspired by Galinsky's recent book: The Breakthrough Years: A New Scientific Framework for Raising Thriving Teens.One thing that sets Galinsky apart is how positive she is about this phase of life. Of course there are challenges, but there are so many wonderful things about this incredibly important developmental phase.You can find Ellen's new book wherever books are sold, or visit her website:https://ellengalinsky.comIn the Q&A, Laura and Sarah answer a question about going from 3 kids to more -- how do you know whether to go for it?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's episode is all about building career capital and raising your profile without working around the clock. Sarah and Laura discuss their own work hours, and then discuss strategies in 4 categories listed below:- Building a schedule that prioritizes space for the important- Minimizing other work and making life sustainable- Paying into career capital accounts- Be everyone's favorite to work with!In the Q&A, a listener asks how to tactfully get chattier coworkers to give her some space during downtime so that she can be productive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Laura and Sarah open with some recent travel planning talk, and then delve into all things packing! They share thoughts on carry-on vs check, current luggage situations, packing processes, and include a discuss ion on packing cubes and the merits of unpacking at your destination.Then, they address some listener travel questions. Topics include managing selective eaters on international trips, ski school, and ideas for one parent traveling with her 3 + 5 year old.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's episode features Kathryn Valentine specializes in Gendered Negotiation, or how to negotiate successfully as a woman. Sarah and Laura chat about their feelings around negotiation, and then Kathryn joins Laura to discuss ways to negotiate successfully --including some strategies specifically for women, who have been shown to face different challenges in negotiation.In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking about kid/teen chores - how do you manage chore expectations if older kids are busy with activities?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May is a packed month for most families but usually lots of the events are fun and positive ones! Laura and Sarah discuss strategies for enjoying (not just surviving) your May (and often early June, too!). Laura suggests a 3-part framework: don't get overwhelmed, find the right balance and manage your energy. Sarah and Laura chat about these strategies in depth and how they can be employed throughout and even before this full month.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Sarah interviews Laura Mae Martin, Google's productivity expert and author of Uptime: A Practical Guide to Personal Productivity and Well-Being, which was released earlier this month. They chat meetings, setting priorities, task & calendar management, family life, and more. In the Q&A, Laura and Sarah answer a listener wondering how to balance vacations with nuclear family with extended family requests.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Laura and Sarah discuss when they themselves became "financial grownups" and then expert guest Bobbi Rebell joins Laura to share ways we can encourage a mature approach to money matters even from a young age. In the Q&A, a listener wonders how Laura and Sarah keep track of their calendars without relying on a digital system (like Google or Apple Calendar).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's episode is dedicated to celebrating and preserving the moments that make up our lives, from the cutest baby phases to big milestones -- all of these things enrich our lives and have the power to turn the fleeting present moment into a deeper and more lasting experience. Laura and Sarah talk about the ways they preserve family (and personal) memories, and discuss the value and role of celebrations and traditions in their own families.In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking for fresh date night ideas!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura and Sarah welcome Cal Newport to Best of Both Worlds to chat all things slow productivity and how Cal's stage of parenting influenced a lot of his current thinking around productivity, pacing, and getting things done. In the intro, Sarah and Laura discuss their own planning habits going back to childhood, and in the Q&A a listener writes in asking about how Laura and Sarah read blogs - do they browse through individual urls, or is there another way?Cal Newport's book Slow Productivity released in March 2024 and is available wherever books are sold.Sarah's recommended feed reader: FeedlySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's episode features a fresh crop of mailbag questions! Topics include: split shift childcare handling the daily household chores with young kids different formats for kid activities how has work / productivity changed since COVID thoughts on digital calendar frames retirement plans? dealing with kids that have disparate sleep needs how to handle the tension between wanting to stay up with teens and having your own morning routine the next 5 years of BOBW! Thank you to all for submitting questions - keep them coming! You can always find contact info on our websites, theshubox.com and lauravanderkam.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Laura chats with author Emily P. Freeman about endings, and in particular determining how and when to leave a situation that no longer fits.Emily's new March 2024 release is How to Walk into a Room: The Art of Knowing When to Stay and When to Walk Away, available wherever books are sold.In the Q&A, Sarah and Laura discuss their experiences in coming back from recent injuries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is a departure from the usual topics + format, and is a chance to get to know Laura and Sarah just a little bit better as they share some very random things about themselves that (generally) have not been discussed on the podcast! From physical characteristics (flexibility + left-handedness) to Meyers-Briggs types to ideal superpower and much more - this is a fun conversational chat, recorded live together in Florida.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Meggie Smith is a reproductive endocrinologist at Nashville Fertility Center and she shares her journey to motherhood today, from freezing her eggs during fellowship to moving forward with a pregnancy as a solo parent.In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking for advice on handling 1st trimester fatigue and nausea -- with respect to work, exercise, and more -- when she hasn't shared yet about her pregnancy.Meggie's Planner Pad:https://sugarpaper.com/products/family-planning-pad?variant=37715043877014&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&absrc=Google&abid=&abcampid=16881927835&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5-uuBhDzARIsAAa21T9sDxyQt6cxHlwkEwjjZIOuY-1-YafmOOqiha8eF0GcIkmwKlCYplsaApSOEALw_wcB&tw_source=google&tw_adid=&tw_campaign=16881927835&gad_source=1See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Summer in February? No -- but also, yes! Summer episodes often come out in May, but those camp rosters often fill up by March, and summer childcare can be a major pain point for many working parents. Sarah and Laura have experienced this first hand, and so in today's they share strategies for figuring out the pieces of summer that are best planned well in advance of the summer heat. They talk childcare/camp, travel, fun for themselves, and more..In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking about the time and mental load that can come with home ownership.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Laura and Sarah explore the concept of "Quality Time", one of Gary Chapman's 5 Love Languages. However, they don't limit the conversation to just partner quality time - they also discuss cultivating and deepening quality and connection time with kids and with themselves (with some side tangents about time with friends, too!).In the Q&A, a listener asks for details on Laura and Sarah's daily planning rituals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's episode is about media consumption, from books to movies to music and of course social media too. Sarah and Laura chat about ways to enjoy media more, cultivating an awareness of the types of media we choose to consume, and different feelings about their own personal social media use habits. In the Q&A, a listener asks for tips helping her rising 6th grader plan and organize around schoolwork.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah and Laura reflect back on jobs of the past (including the pretty distant past - remember video stores?) and then introduce an alliterative framework for loving your job more: Passion, People, Progress, and Pleasure.In the Q&A, Laura answers a listener question about her experiences in getting a family dog.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Sarah interviews Dr. Gillian Goddard, an NYC-based endocrinologist who will soon be launching a newsletter on navigating your health and hormones in the post-reproductive years.They discuss perimenopause and the late reproductive years, contraception at 40+, weight gain and perimenopause, estrogen + dementia, and more.In the Q&A, Laura and Sarah answer a listener query about charitable giving.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's episode is all about morning routines, which is fitting since Sarah loves mornings and one of Laura's bestsellers is What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast!Sarah and Laura share their own AM routines in detail, from wakeup alarm to the start of the work day, plus variations on weekends and other scenarios. Then, they discuss some strategies for common morning challenges such as an early-waking baby, too little time for a workout, or super-early Zoom meetings.In the Q&A, they answer a listener question on transitions - how to handle the long transition times that inevitably occur with multiple young kids?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Laura and Sarah share their tried-and-true kid product favorites -- everything from books to brands of clothing! Categories covered include books, magazines, movies/TV; toys; pumps + other baby gear; clothing; food-related. Emphasis is placed on items that made it through 6+ years of kid use!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's Mailbag episode, Sarah and Laura tackle some great questions sent in by listeners. Topics include:- Streamlining things in a busy household with school-aged kids- Did LV or SHU ever consider SAHM life?- Rewriting your narrative- Ways to have BOBW when things are tight and family is not close by?- School/camp/activity decisions- Outsourcing housework - what do you find rewarding to do yourself?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's very January-appropriate episode, Laura and Sarah share their favorite organizing tactics for their calendars, household, and ideas! From car clean-outs to content calendars, this episode has it all.In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking about the logistics of going on a family bike ride with 7 people. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's annual goals episode, Laura and Sarah share their hopes, dreams, and goals for 2024! They each discuss several domains (work / relationships / self) and touch on habits and routines, and Sarah shares a unique take on "24 for 2024". Both will report back in 6 months in the traditional mid-year check-in!Episode Sponsors:Pampers: Try Pampers Cruisers 360 -- the best diaper for active babies! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Sarah interviews Chief Medical Officer Dr. Vanessa Carroll about leading as a women (and mother of 4) in medicine -- a place where the C-suite was historically male-dominated. She shares her story along with tips for others in her position, whether they are in fields like medicine or other spaces with imbalanced gender representation (tech, engineering, and executive roles in general).In the Q&A, Laura and Sarah answer a listener question about part time work -- when does it make sense?Episode Sponsors:Pampers: Try Pampers Cruisers 360 -- the best diaper for active babies!Better Help: Today's episode is sponsored in part by Better Help, a convenient source for online counseling. Visit betterhelp.com/BESTOF today to get 10% off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.