Best of Both Worlds Podcast

We open with a discussion of kids and independence. Myleen Leary is a professor and shares her journey as a single parent and academic who made the choice to adopt two toddlers from abroad. In Q&A, we tackle a planning question. Better Help is an online counseling resource. Listeners get 10% off your first month with code bestof. Get started at betterhelp.com/bestof! Hello Fresh is a meal kit delivery service! For $80 off your first month go to HelloFresh.com/Bestof80 and enter promo code Bestof80. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy 2nd birthday to BOBW! Today's episode is a celebratory one, as the podcast achieves this exciting milestone and most likely is nearing the 1-million-download mark. Laura and Sarah tell the story of how the podcast came to fruition and then go into a behind-the-scenes look on how the show gets made, from brainstorming to "pod prep: to post-episode processing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode features favorite tips from Laura, Sarah, and a slew of great advice from listeners & readers! In the Q&A, we answer a listener question about transitioning from an hourly to an 'exempt' position. Sponsors are MM Lafleur and LinkedIn Jobs. Offer codes: Get $25 off your first order from mmlafleur with URL mmlafleur.com/bestof and code "BEST OF". Get $50 off your first job post at LinkedIn using the URL LinkedIn.com/bestof Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah discusses the challenge of finding alternative childcare. Sarah and Laura welcome guest Helen Dayen, a finance professional who has pivoted into executive coaching. In Q&A, a listener writes in asking on ways to handle transitions during the workday. Episode sponsors MM LaFleur and Circle. For $25 off of your first MM LaFleur order, go to mmlafleur.com/bestof and enter code "bestof" at checkout! For $30 off of a Circle Home Plus device, go to meetcircle.com/bestof and enter BEST OF at checkout Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah covers the family's summer trip. Laura and Sarah explore ways to fit in health, exercise, sleep, healthy eating, and mental health. In the Q&A, a listener question on ramping up her career. Sponsors: Door Dash - an online food delivery platform working with over 300,000 stores. For $5 off your first order, enter code Best Of at checkout MM LaFleur - a clothing company with beautiful classics for work and excellent service. To enjoy $25 off your first purchase, enter code BESTOF at checkout! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Laura and Sarah are thrilled to welcome organizing and time management expert Julie Morganstern! She delves into organizing time vs space, and then we discuss all things parenting. In this special edition Q&A, we pose listener questions to Julie! Sponsor notes/codes: LinkedIn: To get $50 off your first LinkedIn Jobs post, visit linkedin.com/bestof MM LaFleur: To get $25 your first purchase, visit mmlafleur.com/bestof and enter code "BESTOF" at checkout! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura and Sarah review their own childcare arrangements and the delve into one option that listeners have asked about for quite some time - au pairs! In the Q&A, we address a listener eager to revamp her planning methods for the next academic year. Episode sponsors are Better Help and Circle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura and Sarah take a deep dive into their summer goals with a mid-summer check-in. Then, both hosts discuss routines -- those that work, those that don't, and those that they want to spend more time thinking about. In the Q&A, we address a listener question on sleep troubles in young kids while traveling. Episode Sponsors are Better Help and Door Dash. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura and Sarah open by chatting about summer and debating whether they consider themselves 'nice'. Our guest, Fran Hauser, is a successful media executive and is now succeeding as a startup investor and author. Today's episode sponsor is LOLA, a female-founded company that offers a line of organic cotton tampons, pads, and other feminine care products conveniently delivered to your door via subscription. For 40% off all subscriptions, visit mylola.com and enter code Bestof when you subscribe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura and Sarah celebrate turning 100. Then, guest Andrea Walter joins in to tell her family's fascinating story of adoptive parenting. We also get a classic Day In the Life from this clinical pharmacist. In Q&A, we answer a question about last names and marriage - to change or not to change? Our episode sponsor today is Circle, a device and app to help you regulate and monitor screen time in your family. Get $30 off your device when you visit meetcircle.com/BESTOF and enter BEST OF at checkout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The challenges of big kids vs little ones & In the Q&A, a listener question about adding a third kid to the family? Episode Sponsors: Better Help, a convenient online counseling resource. Best of Both Worlds Podcast listeners get 10% off your first month with discount code bestof at betterhelp.com/bestof! Hello Fresh is a meal kit delivery service that can be fun, convenient, and delicious! For $80 off your first month of HelloFresh, go to HelloFresh.com/Bestof80 and enter promo code Bestof Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We bring you a multitude of FRUGAL parenting tips and a listener question about MOM GUILT. Sponsored by: Better Help, an online counseling resource. Get help at your own pace and on your own time. Better Health offers licensed professional counselors who treat depression, anxiety, stress, family conflicts, sleep issues, and grief management. All sessions are confidential, with 3000 US licensed therapists in 50 states. Get 10% off your 1st month using code bestof at betterhealth.com/bestof! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura and Sarah discuss their latest favorite podcasts and are then joined by Emily Oster, a Ph.D. in economics and a professor at Brown University. She is the author of recent release Crib Sheets: A Data-Driven Guide to Better, More Relaxed Parenting, and she was inspired to dig deep into the data on how we parent when she first became a mother herself. She and her husband now have 2 children. In the Q&A, Laura and Sarah address a listener question about time estimation and avoiding overwork. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back by popular demand, Laura and Sarah revisit... well, many superficial things! From diet and fitness to (ahem) cosmetic enhancements, we discuss our favorites and go off on a few tangents. In the Q&A, we answer a question submitted by a "paper-geek with to-do lists, a posted weekly menu plan, paper wall calendar for the family, and personal day planner" who admits that even she gets planning fatigue. Laura and Sarah discuss this well-known phenomenon and discuss how they cope. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tiffany Dufu is the author of Drop the Ball, a book about eliminating excess and focusing on what matters so that women, in particular, can pursue their biggest dreams. She has since created and is now leading her own business dedicated to helping women find their "Cru" -- think of a diverse and supportive network of local peers. She is an inspiring and passionate speaker and her love of the week might be our favorite yet! In the Q&A, Laura and Sarah answer a listener question about early bedtimes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Laura & Sarah share their thoughts on the recent viral facebook rant from a working mother with 3 kids, in which she ended with "I don't know about you, but I'm ready to lean OUT." There may be a rant-induced rant in here somewhere! We also talk about work updates, some minor changes to the podcast, and answer a question from a listener who is a self-described "Type A perfectionist upholder" and wants to work on lowering her standards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode features Katherine Goldstein, host of The Double Shift, a podcast about the lives of mothers. Learn about how she got into the podcasting business, and how we all feel like there continue to be gaps (and opportunities) in the podcasting sphere when it comes to working motherhood. She shares with us her experiences as a relatively new parent finding her groove (her child is now 3), and her Friday evening ritual. In Q&A, we address an emotionally charged question about overwork and resentme Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is all about camp! Laura and Sarah chat about their camp experiences and plans for their children. Guest Audrey Monke is the author of the book Happy Campers: 9 Summer Camp Secrets For Raising Kids Who Will Become Thriving Adults -- out on the same day as this episode's initial release. Audrey is also a camp co-director and mother of 5. In the Q&A, we answer a physician's question about call and a possible job change out of academic medicine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we recap our spring breaks - Sarah gives the lowdown on their Disney Cruise - Laura reveals their destination chosen a mere 10 days before vacation! Then, the conversation moves to WEEKENDS -- Sarah and Laura talk about the differences in weekend experience with and without a toddler and each share updated ingredients for an ideal weekend. In the Q&A, Laura addresses a listener whose supervisor will not allow her to work from home when her infant is sick. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's episode features a guest all the way in the Netherlands! Sharon Van Herel is a Dutch insurance executive and has made a somewhat unusual choice for their region to stay full time after having children. She talks about leadership, the part-time glass ceiling, differences between Europe (and between European countries) in terms of maternity leave and childcare policies, and more! Our Q&A is inspired by one of the more controversial plotlines on the popular show This Is Us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Laura and Sarah talk all about children's activities. Ballet, robotics, karate, wrestling, swim - these are just a few options in the wide world of extracurriculars available for kids these days! We delve into questions like how much is too much, and how we handle it when kids want to abruptly quit something. In the Q&A, we answer a listener question about pregnancy - did we enjoy it, and does it get easier after the first time? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's episode is a crowd-sourced round up of childcare tips, tricks, and hacks! Our readers & listeners contributed their best tips and submitted them via blogs, emails, and Instagram. There were so many great ones, this may be just part 1! We delve into daycare, date night babysitters, the au pair option and managing nanny care. In the Q&A, we address a listener's question about her nanny: how reasonable is it to expect her caregiver to help with household tasks in addition to providing childcare Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's another goal-focused episode! Laura and Sarah go through their 2019 goals and how things are going - Q1 specifically. In our usual fashion, we address goals in categories: work, relationship/family, and personal. In the Q&A, we answer a listener question about dealing with unexpected days of lost work - specifically the attitude side of things, rather than the logistics! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Laura & Sarah delve into the mysterious topic of SELF-CARE. First, we discuss -- what is it? Is it something specific, fixed, or more relative? Then, we get into our favorite self-care rituals and themes, self-care martyrdom on social media, and self-care vs treats. In the Q&A, we address a tough listener question about whether our podcast advice applies to those without the ability to outsource. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode, we interview our first male guest. Josh Unger is a vascular surgeon with 3 young children ages 1 to almost 7. He is very passionate about work, his family life, and our podcast. He also happens to be Sarah's husband! Join us as he discusses how he and Sarah met, the challenges of balancing work life with 3 kids, and what he considers his own personal 'midlife crisis' (don't worry, no flashy red sports cars have been purchased!). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special book-focused episode, Laura and Sarah chat about Laura's new release - Juliet's School fo Possibilities, a fable on time management, which is out TODAY! We get into the genesis of this idea, explore the (juicy) characters, and find out what Laura is thinking about doing next. In the Q&A, we address a listener who has the (great) problem of two enticing job offers - which to choose? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travel is the topic of today's episode as we get closer to spring break for many of you! Laura and Sarah share upcoming travel plans and then chat with Jody Robbins, a family travel expert based on Canada. She shares some great family travel hacks as well as pro tips on top Canadian destinations for families. In the Q&A, we tackle a great question from a mother of a one-year-old who plays well independently -- what to do while you're with him, but not necessarily providing active parenting? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life Management Systems - From swapping out work/kid bags to bedtime routines, Laura and Sarah chat about the systems that are currently working for their families. Hot topics also include laundry, homework, date nights, and morning routines. Join us as we lament always forgetting the socks at bouncy house places! In the Q&A, we answer a listener's query about starting a side hustle as a new mother to an 8-month-old. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Laura and Sarah interview Amy Rasdal, an independent consultant who also runs Billable with Baby, where she helps other women set up their own successful consulting practices. She also gives some very practical advice -- including her take on what 80% of independent consultants charge per hour! Sarah & Laura also give some general life updates, talk about reading, and address a great listener question: What would you do with two kid-free weeks at home? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah has just moved -- blog, home, schools, and all! So, the two of us talk about the challenges and logistics around moving, from packing to integrating at a new school. We also talk about using tiny slices of time (inspired by the minutes I'll be losing on my commute!). In our Q&A, we discuss a listener's dilemma -- should she keep her job even if the commute is about to double? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gearing up for spring break (or even summer)? In this episode, Laura and Sarah get into traveling with kids, and particularly the planning aspects. We chat about how much energy we like to expend on vacations with kids, how far in advance we tend to set things, up, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Laura and Sarah chat with Katie Forrest, UK criminal defense attorney, and mother to a 10-year-old girl with special needs. She also writes novels on the side! We learned how she handles the challenges that come with raising her daughter while continuing to achieve in both work and her creative endeavors. To open up, we also revisit "superficial things". Our question is a great one about sleep deprivation and sharing that very challenging aspect of parenting with your partner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to our second mailbag Q&A episode! For this fun and spontaneous episode (recorded together from Philadelphia!), Laura and Sarah asked listeners (via Instagram) for some spur-of-the-moment questions - and provided honest, off-the-cuff answers. Topics range from enneagram types to dealing with in-laws, and everything in between! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lori is an attorney, mother of 2, and runs a side business coaching women on creating a mindful return to work after maternity leave. Lori dishes about her daily life in DC with her involvement in all of these important areas, and we talk about the highlights of what she's learned as a post-leave-mentor, from common pitfalls to pumping adventures. Sarah shares her post-pumping thoughts (hint: her life is much easier now!). In Q&A, we discuss 'batching' kids activities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Laura and Sarah take on the question of what it actually means to be organized, and Lisa joins us in the interview segment with popular tips and tricks from her own organizing programs and podcast. In the Q&A, we discuss a reader's question on pregnancy, baby, and parenting books. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura and Sarah dive into 2019 with this episode on 2019 goals for each quarter (or quintile, in SHU's case). In the Q&A, we answer a listener question on maternity leave: what is the right length, and does Sarah wish she could have taken more? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy holidays and we hope this light and shorter episode helps to get some of you through long-haul holiday travel to some fun destinations! Sarah and Laura are excited about winter weather (well - Sarah is!) and enjoy going through 2018 highlights, from personal to professional to family! We spend some extra time on our favorite books of the year and our biggest achievements of 2018. In the Q&A, we talk about entertaining young children through those long winter days. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Laura and Sarah dip a toe into somewhat controversial waters and talk about money: making it, spending it, and their history and feelings about it. Find out whose kids get allowances and who is using a handbag held together with dental floss . . . In the Q&A, we address making the most of family travel when loved ones are separated in far-flung regions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guest Mel Johnson joins Sarah and Laura all the way from the UK to talk about single motherhood by choice. She gives us insight into the process, her decision making, and what it's like to parent as an SMBC (single mother by choice). Laura and Sarah also discuss holiday prep, and Sarah celebrates being DONE with pumping (she's excited!), and our Q&A listener question tackles the holidays and what to do when your nature (introverted, task-oriented, upholder) clashes with that of your relatives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode will release on a milestone birthday for Laura (listen to find out which one!). Join Laura and Sarah as they trade their favorite strategies for getting work done with efficiency and a minimum of angst (hint: so much of this is about finding focus and avoiding overload and distraction!). In the Q&A, they talk fitness with a listener who wanted tips on fitting workouts into an already-full life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kathleen Burns is a partner at a large law firm -- and she achieved this status while having 4 children in the span of 6 years! While Kathleen is truly in the thick of it (her children are 1.5, 3, 5, and 7), she has a number of strategies that help keep her work and home life fitting together well. And as a maternity leave veteran x 4, she helps answer a listener question about maternity leave - both how to prepare, and what it's like to come back. Sarah also talks about her family's upcoming move. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emily Garnett is an attorney and mother of a 3-year-old who was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in November of 2017. We had an inspiring, moving, and educational conversation with her about illness, uncertainty, logistics in the face of a true challenge, and resilience. Laura and Sarah also talk about Thanksgiving and gratitude, and in the Q&A, a listener asks about how a planner might contribute to the "invisible workload" of women (and how to avoid it!). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this thought-provoking episode, we pick apart the concept of emotional labor with Gemma Hartley, whose Harper·s Bazaar article Women Aren·t Nags · We·re Just Fed Up went viral last year. Gemma is releasing a book on the subject the day this episode airs called Fed Up: Emotional Labor, Women, and the Way Forward. Gemma talks about why she feels doing less isn’t always the answer, her feelings on 50/50 splits, and much more. In the intro, Sarah admits she may have planning fatigue, and a listener writes in about whether to prioritize job satisfaction/opportunity vs being home to greet kids after school. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to this year·s Plannerpalooza! Last year, Sarah took a deep dive into her own planning techniques and the system she·s honed for herself over the years. This year, she delves into 10 fantastic paper planner options! There is something for everyone on this list, from giant daily custom planners to beautiful goal setting planners and beyond. If you’re looking for some visual aids, she is featuring reviews weekly of these products (theshubox.com) most Fridays until the new year. In the Q&A, we answer a listener question about how to make use (or not) of a morning hour when there’s an 8 year old looking for attention. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Sarah and Laura chat with Kimmery Martin, emergency medicine physician AND author of the delicious, popular, and medically-inspired novel, The Queen of Hearts. We learn about how her career has taken unexpected turns, her advice to other aspiring authors with day jobs, her workday habits, and we even get a glimpse into her next project. In the Q&A, we tackle a question about handling winter illnesses, and we announce our survey — please take the time to respond if you can! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special MAILBAG episode, Laura & Sarah chat about Halloween and then address some great listener questions. We get into kid room-sharing, dealing with the unpredictable nature of parenting as a type A personality, fresh starts at work, and dealing with a dysfunctional work cycle of overwhelm/recovery. Listen and then submit your question for a future episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our guest this week is Dr. Stacey Simon Ph.D., a scientist who researches sleep - a fascinating and incredibly important subject! She delves into sleep training basics, sleep needs over the age spectrum, and variations in sleep from child to child. We also learn how she makes her life work as a full-time sleep psychologist and mother of 3, including twins! Laura and Sarah also discuss work plans for next year and their own sleep habits. In the Q&A, we answer a tough question about whether to stick out a job that has great benefits but is no longer stimulating. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meagan Francis is a self-described "entrepreneur, conversationalist, and mother of invention." She hosts the popular Mom Hour podcast, and now runs her own podcast network as well! She is also a mother of 5 and has recently gone through a divorce. She has plenty of wisdom to impart in this episode, including my favorite quote: "Just because I can do something doesn’t mean I should.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura came up with the concept of creating a list of 100 dreams in one of her earlier books, 168 Hours, and both Laura and Sarah have a great time revisiting some vintage lists and sharing what is on their new ones. We talk dreams big and little, from fitness and travel aspirations to big family and career goals. In our Q&A, we handle a topic that is frequently mentioned - ways to deal with feeling completely overloaded and overwhelmed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Running for office is an intense experience - and so is having an 18-month old! Anne Johnson Landry chats with us about it is possible to do both, sharing her experience of hitting the campaign trail during those toddler days. Sarah recaps their big summer trip out west, and our Q&A is from a sleep-deprived mother of twins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.