Best of Both Worlds Podcast

In this episode, Sarah shares the concept of a 5 year travel plan - something she put together on a whim, but is happy she did!Of course, we all know that nothing is set in stone -- especially after the last couple of years -- but it's fun to dream, and there are some things you might do to prepare for trip that is still quite far away.Then, Sarah and Laura share their own (potential, optimistic) 5 year family travel plans and then move onto travel tips, including some trips from our listeners! In the Q&A, a listener writes in looking for moving tips. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Laura and Sarah discuss strategies for "layering" different kinds of childcare, dispelling the common notion that choosing nanny vs daycare is an either/or decision. They play childcare matchmakers, thinking up theoretical best-fit coverage for different kinds of families.Then, in the Q&A a listener writes in with a thought provoking question about gray hair! Does going au naturale after many years of dye pose a threat to one's career? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Laura and Sarah discuss what they feel they are "lazy geniuses" about, and then the self-appointed Lazy Genius Kendra Adachi herself joins Laura for a fun discussion filled with tips about how to focus on what matters to you (and how NOT to dwell on what doesn't)!In the Q&A, a listener writes in about feeling exhausted overwhelmed while pursuing medical training with two young children. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Busy, or just full -- you can decide. But either way, it can be challenging to fit in quality time with a partner while in the thick of your parenting years. Laura and Sarah discuss the strategies they have used to keep their relationships strong, as both have been married for >15 years and hope to grow old with their respective partners!They talk pain points, date nights, and more. In the Q&A, they address a listener question about how to cope (and what, if anything, to do) when her equal parenting values do not match those of her friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is all about enjoying the energy of fall. Laura and Sarah discuss pumpkin things, boots, fall fun lists and ways to embrace the cozy vibes of the fall season. They also discuss Q4 and how the last 3 months of the year can be a great time to take stock, fit in remaining goals, and start scaffolding for a great next year.In the Q&A, Laura and Sarah answer a listener question and share opposing processes for dealing with piles of kindergarten art. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Sarah and Laura discuss their own fall reading and share recs for adult and kids' titles. Then, Dr. Lakeisha Johnson, a speech language pathologist and communication science professor joins Sarah to discuss promoting literacy and love for reading in all children, from pre-birth to adolescence.She also shares her advice for curating a diverse children's bookshelf, from seasonal titles to those currently underpresented in the children's literature space. Find out even more at Maya's Book Nook, her site dedicated to promoting language and literacy skills through diverse children's literature: mayasbooknook.com.Finally, in the Q&A, Laura and Sarah address an interesting listener question from overseas about navigating a third (long) maternity leave. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Laura and Sarah review a full "day in the live", while acknowledging there are no "typical" days! Sarah also notes that Day in the Life reports also often sound much smoother than real life. In the Q&A, a listener writes in about feeling down and missing the 'normal' social activities of times past. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Sarah and Laura discuss their own life/career breakthrough moments, and then bestselling author and career expert Dorie Clark joins Laura for a fascinating discussion on playing the career "long game", and how staying consistent yet open to trying different opportunities can eventually lead to great things over time. In the Q&A, a listener calls in about coping with the difficulty of working through her first trimester while she is feeling far less than her best. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's episode features Part 2 of your questions, answered! Topics in this episode include advice for first time parents, thoughts on transition from 1 to 2 (also 3 to 4) kids, red-shirting kindergarteners, sickday routines, tracking caregiver hours, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode centered around mornings, Sarah and Laura share their own current routines and then welcome Women's Health Magazine editor Liz Plosser to the show to chat about developing a robust morning routine that serves you. In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking Laura and Sarah to discuss some of the downsides of remote work and how one can bring some of the benefits of "in person" to a now-remote position. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's time for another mailbag episode to answer your listener questions! Topics covered in this one include caffeine during pregnancy, ideas for food options (kid friendly meals + work lunches), habits, missing non-remote work, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the episode, Sarah and Laura open with a discussion of school supply buying escapades as well as this year's school logistics. Then, they dive into the subject on many people's minds -- how to grapple with this year's COVID surge and the start of school. Sarah shares her impressions of Florida's current situation, and they both discuss contingency plans for inevitable quarantines. In the Q&A, a listener writes in with a common dilemma - stay in a "gilded cage" at work with good work/life balance, or look for more challenge? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Laura and Sarah open with a list and discussion of Laura's top ten work-related tips. Then, guest and meetings expert Helena Weiss Duman joins Laura to discuss the building blocks of an efficient, effective work meeting. Finally, the Q&A addresses a listener's question about running during pregnancy: how hard to push? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a full episode that was pretty negative recently (Compare & Despair, #207), Laura and Sarah decided to bring some positivity to the mix with an episode filled with (mostly little) things they are grateful for an appreciate in life, from subscription skincare boxes to summer footwear to things found in nature. In the Q&A, they answer a frequently asked question about the right amount of childcare backup coverage when there are two inflexible careers in play. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Allison Daminger is a PhD candidate in sociology and social policy at Harvard, and in this fascinating episode she shares her insights and research findings she's had so far while studying this hot topic. Before her interview segment, Laura and Sarah do a back and forth exchange about which tasks go to which parent in each household. In the Q&A, a listener writes in about her difficulties keeping a consistent childcare provider. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode begins with a discussion about screen time -- different policies for different ages, stages, and personalities. Then, Sarah interviews Emily Oster (a rare repeat interview guest!) about decision-making. They chat about COVID, risk, family decisions, math, and Emily's new book, The Family Firm. In the Q&A, a listener writes in wondering if she can do anything to bring more peace and enjoyment to mornings with a toddler. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode inspired by a recent blog post of Sarah's, Sarah and Laura have a candid discussion about comparisons: where the urge to compare comes from, how it makes each of them feel, their own "compare & despair" triggers, and ways to combat these feelings. In the Q&A, a listener writes in about dealing with unexpected extra demands at work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah and Laura are very excited to have Rachel Rodgers on today's episode. Rachel Rodgers is an author and CEO of Hello Seven, a company dedicating to helping marginalized populations build wealth. In the conversation, Laura and Rachel discuss entrepreneurship, the way the concept of wealth is regarded in women especially, and much more. In the Q&A, a listener with a recent promotion writes in asking about how to learn to be more assertive in her new leadership role. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the intro, Laura and Sarah discuss their current engagement in community activism and giving. Then, Kathleen joins Laura to discuss how she has found success in her career as well as joy in giving back to those in need. In the Q&A, Laura and Sarah answer an audio question about managing kids' clothing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this fun and conversational graduation-themed episode, Sarah and Laura first think back to their own graduation experiences. Which were the most memorable? Then, Sarah and Laura delve into tips they would love to impact on their former selves at each of their own graduation milestones! Finally, in the Q&A, the hosts discuss an increasingly common new dilemma: how to handle upcoming shifts for some back into the in-person workplace? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode opens with a discussion of Laura's recent planner matchmaking adventures after doing a guest spot on Sarah's planning podcast, Best Laid Plans. Then, Sarah and Laura review their midyear goals.What has been accomplished, and what needs to leave the list entirely? Both discuss areas of work, family, and personal goals. Finally, they answer a listener's question about using a summer flex hour option vs regular old paid leave. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura and Sarah open this episode by talking about taking time off and breaks in general, and why it is so important to think about proactively. Then, Dr. Joan Dunlop, a pediatric allergist/immunologist at Johns Hopkins, joins Sarah to tell her story about taking time out of the workforce and looking beyond the traditional medical career path.Her journey went outside the 'usual' but in it she was able to find a way that truly worked for her personal and career goals. She also shares some insight into how she makes things work today. Finally, this episode closes with a great success story from a listener! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Laura and Sarah share a more intimate look at their highest and lowest parenting moments. Each of them discuss moments of pride . . . and those moments that are almost exactly the opposite. Finally, they end on a positive note, feedback-sandwich style: positive things they have noticed about each kid that make them feel happy and warm inside (yes, all 8 of them!). In the Q&A, they address a listener's question about how to categorize and think about an unpaid side venture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a milestone to reach 200 episodes, and Sarah & Laura wanted to celebrate! In this episode, they chat about how the podcast got its start, when it could end, and various highs and lows. Sarah also describes the podcast-making process and how it's evolved. Then, both delve into favorite guests and episodes from the last 100, and big takeaways from these guests as well as each other. The Q&A features an audio question from Lauren, asking for tips on working from home with an infant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a summer fun episode! Laura and Sarah reminisce about summers past (day camp + the Jersey Shore figure prominently!) and then they move onto the Summer of 2021, which is looking at this point to be much better than Summer 2020. They discuss camps, potential travel, summer reading, and more! In the Q&A, Laura and Sarah answer a question relating to retaining aspects of slower pandemic-style living. Is it still something they are seeking? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this fun conversational episode, Sarah and Laura run through their top 5 pet peeves in life - plus a bonus! Themes include technology, people who not respect time or boundaries, and the concept of a "relaxing" vacation with toddlers. The Q&A features a listener contending with the rapidly changing financial landscape that can come with divorce.P.S. In honor of Sarah's birthday, we would love it if you left us a review on your favorite podcast platform! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Curran Schiefelbein is a software engineer who has worked full time, part-time, and has stayed home at various points in her career. Her story is poignant and includes the tragic loss of her husband to illness, and she describes how she weathered returning to the workforce while learning to navigate her new life as a widow. In the introduction, Laura and Sarah also share some listener tips on returning to work after a break, and the question features a listener wanting to maximize quality time while she and her husband work somewhat opposite schedules. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this all Q&A episode, Laura and Sarah answer seven questions, including their very first audio query (submit your own if you would like -- just visit the show notes page on Laura's blog for details!). Topics covered include setting personal weekly goals, navigating grandparent gifts (with an aside on the accumulation of 'stuff'), transitioning from one to two (or more) kids, and a fascinating "what if" question asking each whether they wished they had taken time off to stay home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura and Sarah share what is going on regularly in their families. They discuss schedules, morning routines, weekends, kid bedtimes, and a full week of actual dinners, with a few digressions along the way! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is all about . . . email. That may sound dry, but both Laura and Sarah recently finished Cal Newport's A World Without Email (Laura reviewed in the WSJ!) and had many thoughts about the role our inboxes play in our lives, for better or (sometimes) for worse. They discuss their own inbox habits, tips for managing the deluge, and perhaps some ways of finding some more peace. In the Q&A, they answer a listener question about studying for an important licensing exam as a busy parent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah and Laura open with a travel discussion -- finally feeling like certain trips are safe to plan again! They discuss vacation rentals vs hotels and why both have moved towards the former for family trips! Then, they welcome You Need A Budget's founder and CEO Jesse Mecham for a fascinating discussion about the role of budgets and the benefits of having one. Then in the Q&A, they answer a very numbers-oriented budget question related to the cost of preschool + a nanny. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode opens with a celebration of Annabel's 9th birthday (this week) which leads to a discussion on tweenhood and then puberty! Sarah shares her pediatric endocrinology expertise to discuss typical puberty and when it is 'normal' to start, and how it can vary depending on a number of factors. Then, Megan Hyatt Miller -- CEO of Michael Hyatt and Co. -- joins Sarah for an interview! They discuss the "double win": ways to win at work and succeed at life while enjoying life raising a family. Megan's new book is called Win at Work and Succeed at Life: 5 Principles to Free Yourself from the Cult of Overwork and will be released later this month. In the Q&A, they address a listener query about returning to full-time work after a 7-year break. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura discusses some progress on her house renovation front (did you know what "muntins" are?) and Sarah reveals her much (MUCH) lower scale recent home improvement. Then, Redfin's Chief Economist Daryl Fairweather joins Sarah to discuss current trends related to home buying and moving, as well as her own setup for making work and life fit together in a major leadership position with two very young children. In the Q&A, they share thoughts on a common listener dilemma - what to do when you have employed childcare and still need SOME childcare, but not full time? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura and Sarah admit they do not have all the answers to the immense challenging that is parenting a toddler. But what you will find in this episode is plenty of commiseration about how tough the toddler parenting years can be, as well as tips that have helped us both in the past (and present, in Laura's case!). In the Q&A, they answer a fun Q&A from a listener asking about things many people do regularly that they choose to skip. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura and Sarah intended for this episode to be about getting out of ruts, but first, came a debate -- are ruts even a bad thing? Where does routine cross over into "rut" territory, and can that vary? They discuss individual tolerances to repetition and then dive into ideas for getting out of ruts, should you find yourself in one! In the Q&A, they answer a listener question about being ~40 with two kids and deciding whether to go for #3. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Sarah and Laura open by discussing their own podcast listening habits, from playback speed to queue management. Then, Laura interviews Dr. Christine Koh from the lovely podcast Edit Your Life! They chat about minimalism, and if that works for people with varied interests, how to manage your space during a pandemic, and the importance of restorative care. Finally, Sarah and Laura answer a question from perhaps a budding podcaster: how far in advance do they plan their episodes? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Laura and Sarah discuss practices for both individuals and companies to promote wellness and engagement in the workplace. Sarah shares ideas from blog readers and her own experiences, and Laura adds what she has learned in her work and research so far. Then, both dissect their own levels of wellness (and Sarah delves into that of her husband!). In the Q&A, they share tips on an age-old question: how to efficiently get out the door with a toddler! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode starts with a discussion of summer 2021: are camp spreadsheets yet in effect? Laura and Sarah discuss the merits of keeping things simple (especially this year!). Then, Laura interviews former WSJ journalist Joann Lublin about what she has discovered studying the ways executive mothers navigate work and life. (Her new book on the topic -- Power Moms -- released earlier this month!). In the Q&A, Laura and Sarah answer a listener question about handling undefined chunks of time when kids are young. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is all about . . . fun! One of Laura's goals for the year was to cultivate more fun in her life, so this episode is an exploration of exactly what we find fun and how one might go about having more of it! In the Q&A, they answer a listener question looking for work-from-home lunch inspiration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah and Laura open up with a discussion of winter doldrums (or lack thereof), and strategies for getting through February, which can feel like a long month (even though it's not!). Then, Sarah interviews Marlise Pierre-Wright, a 3rd-year medical student at Northwestern University and mother to a 5-month-old. Marlise made the decision to start her family during medical school and wrote an excellent article about it to help others. We chat all about the knowledge she has shared, what she has learned, and what the experience has been like. In the Q&A, Laura and Sarah answer a set of questions from a professor due with her first baby this spring about maternity leave, summer childcare, and more.Marlise Pierre-Wright's interesting article can be found here: https://in-training.org/yes-its-possible-to-have-a-baby-in-medical-school-heres-how-21345 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Sarah and Laura talk about their current parenting stages, and then Sarah asks Laura all about issues pertaining to parenting tweens and teens, something Laura has been experiencing for the past few years. Topics discussed include getting one on one time, how involved to get with school work, current social life/screen time issues -- and more. In the Q&A, Laura answers a question about time tracking.Go to fittrack.com/bestof to take 50% off your order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this first episode of the new year, Laura and Sarah ponder 2021 exercise ambitions. Then, Dr. Christina Shenvi, an emergency medicine physician who also coaches medical students and faculty on productivity, joins Laura to discuss both of their favorite topics: time management! Christina shares how she teaches people to think about their time, and how she maximizes her focus as a busy working mom of four. In the Q&A, Sarah and Laura answer a question about job searching while pregnant.Go to fittrack.com/bestof to take 50% off your order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the intro, Sarah and Laura talk a little about the entertainment they currently enjoy. Then, Laura interviews Kristen Meinzer, the co-host of Movie Therapy with Rafer & Kristen, and By the Book (with Jolenta Greenberg). They discuss how TV and movies are helping people get through the pandemic, and some good shows to check out now. They also talk about the self-help books Kristen loves (and hates!) and what makes a good self-help book. In the Q&A, Laura and Sarah answer a question about transitioning from working from home back to parenting mode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's another Q&A Mailbag episode! Topics are wide-ranging and fun, from travel tips (because someday we will travel again!), toy recommendations, postpartum fashion advice, postwork rituals, and conversation starters for your kids at dinner. Show sponsor: Sweaty Betty - for Power Leggings and more! Get 20% off your purchase by visiting http://sweatybetty.com/bestof and use code "BESTOF" at checkout! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SHU opens up about her family's experience with COVD-19 and subsequent quarantine. Everyone is currently doing okay as this airs, so her story has a hopeful ending! She shares their story, from getting test results to being on home lockdown over winter break (and beyond). In the Q&A, a listener writes in about home office space, and Laura and Sarah share ideas for finding private areas to work when both parents are having to stay out of the way of kids + a child care provider. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the intro, Laura and Sarah talk about current weekend days with kids. Then guest Simone de Munoz joins Sarah to chat about balancing her own life and work as a nonprofit analyst who also wrote her debut novel coming out next spring! Her novel is a thriller novel called Manflu about a pandemic and a vaccine scientist -- and oddly enough it was started pre-COVID! She was able to finish it during the pandemic despite being home with her two children! Her book comes out in March 2021, and in this episode she delves into her experience with the writing process, crafting her career in the non-profit sector, and also a bit about life with an au pair. In the Q&A, Laura and Sarah answer a listener question about planning things like vacations in a new year with some uncertainty. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's an annual tradition - Laura and Sarah get together to review 2021 goals! Yes, this year may look different, but there are still lots of interesting things to pursue and think about. While it didn't come as easily as in years past, Laura and Sarah identified goals in the areas of work, family, personal, and relationships. If you're looking for ideas, hearing some of the goals in this episode may help! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year was like no other (understatement!) and so Laura and Sarah take some time to review the lessons learned under the circumstances. They discuss newfound habits, those new baby days, and much more. From red wine and dairy to puzzles and hikes, they delve deep into the things that made 2020 different and what they plan to carry on into the new year. In the Q&A, Laura addresses a listener's question about pregnancy in one's 40s. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Sarah and Laura share their favorite childhood gifts, and then move on to some general tips around gift giving and gift shopping. Learn how Laura keeps her gifts organized with 5 kids to shop for, and how she makes extended family gift giving simple but still lovely. Sarah discusses the challenges of 8 nights of Hanukkah, plus contending with kid and parent birthdays around the holidays (both families have them!). Finally, both share their gifting standbys, from toys that withstand the test of time to colleague, employee, and friend gifts. In the Q&A, a listener writes in about going to leadership "lunch and learns." To go or not to go? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura and Sarah open up this episode by talking about some big news -- Laura is moving (though not very far!). She discusses how they made their decision while Sarah shares her family's plans to remain renters indefinitely. Then, Laura welcomes guest Ahlia Kitwana, founder of Little Black Buddha, a new company that helps people through career transitions. Ahlia is also a mom of three and an engineer. She discusses how she's combined work and life (including her appearance in I Know How She Does It!), what nudged her to go out on her own, and her advice for others contemplating a similar move. In the Q&A, a listener writes in with a common dilemma - whether to go back to work post-baby even when childcare costs rival her salary.This episode is sponsored by Fiverr and Eby. For 20% off your first Eby order, visit joineby.com, and use code WORLDS20. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.