New Modern Mom Podcast

What does it really take to hold a high-stakes leadership role without losing yourself (or your sanity) at home?In this rerun episode of The New Modern Mom Podcast, Barbara Mighdoll sits down with Kim Gebbia Chappell, Chief Brand Officer of Bobbie, to unpack the real, unfiltered mechanics of managing chaos across work and motherhood, not by “doing it all,” but by mastering the art of context switching.Kim’s career path is anything but linear: from news reporter to tech, to joining Bobbie in its earliest days (literally in the CEO’s basement), all while becoming a mom of three kids under six. In this conversation, Kim shares how she’s learned to shift gears, mentally, emotionally, and operationally, dozens of times a day. This episode isn’t about balance as a buzzword. It’s about systems, mindset shifts, and permission, permission to ask for what you need, to build support around you, to stop pretending you can do everything, and to redefine success in a season of life that demands flexibility. Kim offers candid insights into advocacy at work, building sustainable home systems, taking career risks as a mom, and letting go of perfection in favor of what actually matters.If you’re navigating a demanding career while raising young kids or simply feeling stretched across too many roles this episode will leave you feeling seen, validated, and equipped with practical ways to move through the chaos with more intention.What you’ll learn in this episode:🧠 The power of context switching — How Kim applies the same mental agility she uses in executive leadership to show up for her kids, her partner, and herself throughout the day.🏗 Building systems that support working motherhood — From childcare “bench strength” to mental-load relief, Kim shares the infrastructure that makes her life sustainable.🍼 Advocating for yourself at work as a mom — The formative moment that changed how Kim asked for what she needed — and why motherhood often turns women into powerful advocates.🚀 Taking career risks with young kids — Why Kim walked away from stability to join a startup, how she trusted her gut, and what she believes about risk, reward, and fulfillment.✨ Letting go of ‘doing it all’ — A mindset shift around perfection, priorities, and redefining success in seasons where capacity is limited but impact is still high.This episode is perfect for moms searching for:→ How to manage a demanding career with young kids→ Real talk on work-life integration (not balance)→ Leadership lessons from a C-suite working mom→ Systems to reduce mental load at home→ Permission to stop trying to do everything perfectly→ How to take smart career risks as a parent→ Navigating motherhood without losing ambitionIf you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly switching roles, executive, caregiver, partner, human, this conversation will remind you that your ability to adapt isn’t a weakness. It’s a skill. And when harnessed intentionally, it can become your greatest strength.Follow Barbara Mighdoll:On Instagram hereSubscribe to Barbara’s newsletter hereFollow Kim:On LinkedIn hereOn Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kimgchappy/"...

Thinking about starting something new, but the plan feels messy, the timing isn’t perfect, and the pressure to “do it right” is keeping you stuck?In the final episode of The Toolkit Series from The New Modern Mom Podcast, host Barbara Mighdoll breaks down what actually moves ideas forward when life is full, time is limited, and perfectionism is loud.Barbara shares the behind-the-scenes story of how she acquired her first fitness studio, launched a media brand, and built a business plan in real time… all without waiting for everything to be clear or perfect.If you’re in a season of considering a business idea, experimenting with a passion project, or building something meaningful while juggling family and work, this episode breaks down what to do next.You’ll learn why execution matters more than ideas, and how to build a business plan that evolves with you.In this episode, listeners will learn:🚀 How to create clarity through actionWhy progress comes from motion, not overplanning, and how to build confidence as you go.🛠️ How to execute with a flexible business planA practical, 5-step system to shrink your idea, start small, and build early traction.🧠 How to start before you feel readyShift your mindset, quiet perfectionism, and take action using skills you already have.Barbara reframes perfectionism as a hidden form of procrastination, and shows why execution matters more than ideas. Because clarity doesn’t show up before you begin. It shows up when you do.This episode is perfect for moms searching for:→ Tools to overcome perfectionism and overthinking→ How to actually move ideas forward in small, manageable steps→ Mindset shifts that support action, confidence, and consistency→ How to start a business or side project before feeling “ready”→ Why execution matters more than having the perfect idea→ Encouragement to start imperfectly and learn as you goFollow Barbara Mighdoll:On Instagram hereSubscribe to Barbara’s newsletter hereAbout New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

What if your vision board wasn’t just a pretty collage you forgot about by February, but a high-level strategic roadmap you actually followed all year long?In this Toolkit Series episode of The New Modern Mom Podcast, Barbara Mighdoll pulls back the curtain on how she transitions from "big picture dreaming" to "tactical execution." Most of us are taught to set vague New Year’s resolutions that fade by Q2, but as an ex-tech exec and mom of two, Barbara knows that structure creates freedom.If you’ve ever felt like life is just "happening" to you, this episode is your invitation to take the wheel. Barbara shares the exact framework she uses during her Annual Personal Offsite, a ritual she started during a major career transition and now relies on to cut through the noise, avoid shiny-object syndrome, and make intentional decisions as a working mom and entrepreneur. From the reflective questions that unlock real insight to the planning framework that turns vision into execution, this episode gives you the tools to plan your year with purpose.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by goal-setting, unsure where to focus your energy, or stuck repeating the same resolutions year after year, this episode will help you step back, zoom out, and design a year that actually feels aligned and doable.What you’ll learn in this episode:🧠 Strategic Vision Boarding: Forget the aesthetics. Learn how to use a vision board as a strategic tool to define your true priorities across career, motherhood, and personal fulfillment.📝 The Internal Audit (9 Powerful Questions): Barbara walks you through the reflective questions she uses to identify energy drains, celebrate wins, and clarify what actually matters before the calendar turns.🏔 How to Run a "Personal Offsite": Why you need to get out of your house (and your head) to do deep-thinking work, plus how to structure your time for maximum insight.🎯 The Annual Operating Plan Framework: A step-by-step breakdown of how to set results, habits, and "why" statements across Barbara’s 6 pillars: Family, Health, Self-Discovery, Career, Relationships, and Finances.📆 Accountability That Works: How to lead your life like a CEO using Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) and calendar systems that make your goals feel doable, not daunting. This episode is perfect for moms searching for:→ How to build a vision board for 2026→ A realistic annual planning framework designed for working moms→ An alternative to New Year’s resolutions that actually holds up past January→ A more grounded, intentional way to step into 2026→ Goal setting for ambitious women→ How to run a personal planning offsite→ Intentional life design for working parentsFollow Barbara Mighdoll:On Instagram hereSubscribe to Barbara’s newsletter hereAbout New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their...

What does it really look like to build wealth as a couple, especially when both partners already have demanding careers, limited bandwidth, and different risk tolerances?In this Toolkit Series episode of The New Modern Mom Podcast, host Barbara Mighdoll sits down with her husband, Jason Mighdoll, the CFO of both New Modern Mom and MNTStudio, for a candid conversation about how to diversify your income and invest intentionally as a team. Together, they unpack what it takes to move from talking about money to taking action and how to find investment strategies that fit your lifestyle.Barbara and Jason have lived this conversation, from early “money dates” to real-world experiments with stocks, real estate, and eventually acquiring a business together. They pull back the curtain on the decisions, trade-offs, and lessons that helped them build a portfolio that reflects both their financial goals and their shared passions.Whether you’re in the “what’s next?” phase of your money journey or trying to align with your partner on the next smart move, this episode will help you figure out how to diversify with purpose and make financial growth a family strategy, not just a solo mission.What you’ll learn:&nbsp;💡 How to identify your income mix and risk tolerance – Why the first step in any couple’s investment plan is understanding disposable income, expenses, and comfort with risk before deciding where to invest.💼 Different ways to diversify your income – From side gigs and freelancing to passive investments, real-estate strategies, and small-business ownership, Barbara and Jason break down each option by effort, risk, and reward.🏠 The realities of “passive” investing – Lessons from owning an Airbnb in Tahoe, including the myth of true passivity, how to vet property managers, and what it actually takes to manage a profitable rental.🏋️‍♀️ Turning passion into profit – How acquiring their first Pilates studio reshaped their view of “active investments,” the importance of finding complementary skills with your partner, and the questions to ask before buying a business.🧰 Your second Money Date toolkit – The step-by-step framework to move from planning to action: assessing your safety net, defining roles (CFO vs COO of the household), researching opportunities, and educating each other before investing.Resources:BiggerPockets - A podcast that features candid interviews with real estate investors, data-driven market insights, and actionable strategies to help you build wealth through property investing.The Real Estate Guys Radio Show - A podcast that offers expert interviews and data-driven strategy for building wealth through real-estate investing.BizBuySell - The leading online marketplace to research, buy, or sell small businesses with detailed financial listings and valuation data.This episode is perfect for moms searching for:→ How to start investing as a couple without feeling overwhelmed→ Marriage and money conversations that actually work in real life→ Creating a family investment strategy that fits your lifestyle and bandwidth→ What to talk about on a money date so it leads to action, not just ideas→ How to diversify your income streams beyond your 9–5→ Building generational wealth with your spouse, even if you...

Ever dreamed of spending the summer abroad but not sure if you should go with an organized program like Boundless Life or plan it all yourself with local camps? In this Toolkit Series episode of The New Modern Mom Podcast, host Barbara Mighdoll unpacks the two most common paths families consider: joining a structured cohort like Boundless Life or taking the DIY route by piecing together your own local camp experience abroad.Barbara’s done both, and this summer, she’s introducing a third option: Roam Collective, a curated summer experience she’s co-creating in Spain taking what she’s learned from both experiences to create her dream program. In this episode, she pulls back the curtain on what each approach actually looks like, from cost breakdowns and childcare setups to how community is built…or not, when you’re navigating new terrain with kids for the summer.Whether you’re dreaming of slow mornings in Europe or just trying to figure out how to keep your kids engaged while you work abroad, this conversation will help you choose the route that fits your lifestyle, bandwidth, and season of life.What you’ll learn:&nbsp;🌍 The pros and cons of organized programs like Boundless Life - What you really get when you join a structured family travel cohort and what you might give up in flexibility or control.🏡 What a DIY summer abroad actually looks like - From researching camps to booking housing and managing logistics, Barbara shares what it takes to pull it off yourself (and why it’s not for everyone).💶 The true cost of each option - Barbara breaks down real numbers for camp fees, housing, and hidden extras plus the mental load that comes with each choice.🧳 How to prepare for either route - Her checklist for getting started: from setting a decision deadline to tracking flights, aligning family goals, and evaluating your planning energy.🧠 A 5-step exercise to make your decision easier - Barbara walks you through the same toolkit she used to decide between Boundless and DIY so you can feel confident about what’s right for your family this summer.Resources:Learn more about Roam Collective hereAccess Barbara’s local summer camp research by signing up hereGet €400 off Boundless Life with code NEWMODERNMOMEspecially helpful for moms searching for:→ How to decide between an organized family travel program and a DIY summer abroad→ Real, honest review of Boundless Life→ Insights on the costs, logistics, and community experience of living abroad with kids→ Tips for planning a summer abroad that actually works with your work schedule→ What to look for in camps, childcare, and housing when traveling with young kids→ A practical framework to choose the best approach for your family’s season of lifeFollow Barbara Mighdoll:On Instagram hereSubscribe to Barbara’s newsletter hereAbout New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible...

Ever feel like your days are packed but still don’t feel purposeful? Like you’re running on autopilot, but not in the ways that actually matter? This mini-episode of the New Modern Mom Podcast Toolkit Series is here to change that.Host, Barbara Mighdoll, introduces you to habit stacking, a simple yet powerful strategy for aligning your daily actions with the life you actually want. Instead of piling on new to-dos or forcing yourself into rigid routines, habit stacking shows you how to pair small intentional habits with things you already do. The result? Less decision fatigue, more flow, and a greater sense of calm in the chaos of working motherhood.What makes this episode unique is Barbara’s reframing of habit stacking: not as a productivity hack, but as a lifestyle design tool. She shares candid examples from her own life, like stretching while brushing her teeth or pairing a money check-in with a date night. She proves that habits can feel natural and enjoyable, not like one more thing on your list. This is the episode you’ll want to return to whenever you feel like your days are running you instead of the other way around.What you’ll learn:&nbsp;✨ The science behind habit stacking — What research really says about how long it takes to form habits and why stacking them onto existing routines makes them stick.🦷 Real-life examples of habit stacking — From brushing your teeth and stretching at night, to pairing workouts with podcasts, to using school drop-off as a cue to connect with friends.💡 Why habit stacking isn’t about doing more — It’s a mindset shift that makes habits the building blocks of the life you’re designing, instead of chores on a checklist.🧘 How habit stacking reduces decision fatigue — Fewer decisions, more flow. Free up mental space for the things that matter most.📓 A practical exercise for working moms — Reverse-engineer your routines by asking how you want to feel at the end of the day, then pair small habits to get there.By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with a toolkit for creating micro-moments of alignment without overhauling your entire schedule.If you’ve ever thought, “I want to feel calmer, more accomplished, or more connected, but I just don’t have the time,” this episode will shift your perspective. Because the truth is: you don’t need more time, you just need smarter stacks.Especially helpful for moms searching for:→ How to design daily routines that align with the life you want→ Practical habit hacks to feel calmer, more connected, and more accomplished→ How to build lasting habits without adding more to your plate→ Simple real-life examples of habit stacking for busy moms→ Ways to reduce decision fatigue and feel more in controlFollow Barbara Mighdoll:On Instagram hereSubscribe to Barbara’s newsletter hereAbout New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.The New Modern Mom

What if your dream of spending a summer in Europe, working remote while your kids are off at camp, wasn’t just a fantasy?In this episode, host Barbara Mighdoll, who has spent the past two summers in Europe with her family, is joined by NYC-based mom Maddy Novich (@CargoBikeMomma), who has spent the past six years sending her kids to summer camp across Europe while traveling as a family, working remotely, and living abroad on a realistic budget.Together, they share a practical, behind-the-scenes conversation on how to plan a family summer abroad with confidence. They cover everything from choosing the right destination and finding English-speaking camps in Europe to budgeting smartly and using home exchanges for affordable, family-friendly housing. Whether you’re exploring worldschooling, curious about Boundless Life, or just ready for a more intentional summer, this episode gives you real advice from two moms who have been there.What You’ll Learn:🌍 Destination or. Camp First? – How to decide where to start and what factors to consider📋 Non-Negotiables Checklist – Walkability, coworking, healthcare, playgrounds, and lifestyle fit🔍 Research Shortcuts – Tips for using YouTube, Instagram, expat groups, and international school directories💶 Camp Costs – What to actually expect and how prices compare to U.S. camps.🏠 Home Exchanges 101 – How to stay in family-ready homes across Europe with minimal cost, plus how to tap into trusted local childcare✅ Vetting Camps With Confidence – Key questions to ask, how to connect with alumni families, and what the enrollment process looks likeEspecially helpful for moms searching for:→ How to plan a European summer abroad with kids while working remote→ Summer camp in Europe for English-speaking families→ Best cities in Europe for kids→ Worldschooling vs Boundless Life vs local camps→ Home exchange tips for affordable family travel→ Budgeting for a European summer with kids→ Remote work tips for parents spending summer in Europe→ How to research and vet local kids' campsFollow Maddy Novich:On Instagram hereSubscribe to Maddy’s newsletter hereFollow Barbara Mighdoll:On Instagram hereSubscribe to Barbara’s newsletter hereAbout New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, <a href="https://www.overlunch.co/"...

What if hiring a house manager is the secret to finally feeling off duty at home?Feeling like you’re drowning in chores, constantly playing catch up, and carrying the invisible load of running your household? You’re not alone, and you’re not doing anything wrong. The truth is, most modern moms are doing the job of multiple people without the actual support.This episode is for the moms who feel like everything runs through them. Host Barbara Mighdoll sits down with Kelly Hubbell, founder of Sage Haus and hiring manager expert, to break down the real role of a house manager (sometimes called a family assistant), and how this kind of support can completely shift the way your home operates.Spoiler: it’s not about doing more, it’s about finally doing less.Whether you’re looking to create breathing room, delegate the chaos, or transition your nanny into a broader support role, this episode is your crash course. Kelly shares what a house manager actually does, where to find the right person, how much they typically cost, and how to onboard them successfully.This episode is part crash course, part pep talk, and part action plan. By the end, you’ll see how applying the same principles you use in your professional life, like hiring, onboarding, and managing, can completely transform how your household runs, no additional coffee required.What You’ll Learn:🍴 What a House Manager Actually Does – From laundry and errands to grocery shopping, meal prep, and after-school supervision, learn how a house manager becomes your second set of hands.💵 Costs, Budgets, and Hours – Understand typical hourly rates across the U.S., how families start small with part-time support, and strategies for aligning your budget with your household’s biggest needs.📝 How to Find and Hire the Right Fit – Where to search for candidates (from Care.com to local Facebook groups), the best job titles to use, and interview questions that reveal whether someone will thrive in your home.📋 Onboarding and Systems That Work – Why your new hire needs a solid playbook, clear expectations, and a 30-day check-in process, just like any great team member.⚠️ Common Mistakes Families Make – From rushing into a subpar hire to not setting clear expectations, Kelly shares how to avoid the most common pitfalls.Especially helpful for moms searching for:→ What does a house manager do?→ How to hire a house manager or family assistant→ How much does a house manager cost per hour?→ House manager job description and interview questions→ How to set up systems and onboarding for a house manager→ House manager vs family assistant vs housekeeperResources to help you get started on your House Manager journey:&nbsp;[Free] Barbara's House Manager Checklist: daily &amp; weekly task checklist Barbara uses in her own home[Free] Quiz: How Many Hours Are You Managing Your Home? Kelly's quick quiz helps you uncover the hidden mental loadHome Systems Course: A two hour deep dive to help you create repeatable routines and train your house manager so you can finally start taking things off of your plate for good.Sage Haus House Manager Hiring Service: Skip the job postings and lengthy...

What if talking about money with your husband didn’t feel like a chore or a fight, but actually brought you closer?In this Toolkit Series episode, host Barbara Mighdoll is joined by her husband Jason Mighdoll for a down-to-earth, behind-the-scenes look at how they went from having totally different money styles to building a shared financial plan that works for both of them.They’re getting into the real stuff: how they learned to talk (and listen) about money, make aligned decisions as a couple, and create space for both big dreams and everyday joy. Yes, this is the same plan that helped them buy two local businesses, go all-in on building MNTSTUDIO, and still make room in the budget for a full summer living in Europe with their kids.Spoiler: There were spreadsheets... and some strong opinions.You’ll hear how Barbara and Jason:Navigated totally different money mindsets (spender vs. saver, anyone?)Created a shared definition of financial freedomStarted their own version of a “Money Date” that actually works—and doesn’t feel stressfulIf you’ve ever wanted to retire early, take a family sabbatical, or just stop having the same argument about Amazon orders, this episode is for you.What You’ll Learn: 💬 Redefining Financial Freedom as a Couple — Why your personal definition matters more than any trending advice🔥 FIRE, but Make It Realistic — Adapting Financial Independence principles without sacrificing joy today💡 Bridging Money Mindsets — What to do when you and your partner have different financial habits📈 From Reactive to Proactive &nbsp;— The apps and systems they use to make financial planning feel doable🛠 The Money Date Blueprint — A 4-step guide to having calm, productive money talks (even if you hate budgeting)Especially helpful for moms searching for:→ Best personal finance podcasts for couples→ How to talk about money with your spouse without fighting→ Financial planning tips for working moms→ Easy ways to align on financial goals in marriage→ Budgeting strategies for dual-income families→ How to plan for early retirement as parents→ Saving for family vacations while investing for the future→ Money management tips for busy parents→ Real-life financial independence stories for moms→ Financial goal setting for couples with kidsListen now and walk away with a few small shifts that’ll make a big difference.Follow Jason Mighdoll:On LinkedIn hereFollow Barbara Mighdoll::On Instagram hereOn LinkedIn hereAbout New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by...

If August feels more like survival mode than a fresh start, you're not alone.In this honest and actionable episode of The New Modern Mom Podcast: Toolkit Series, host Barbara Mighdoll reflects on the logistical chaos that caught her off guard last year: forgotten forms, last-minute lunch packing, zero time for herself, and a mental load that felt completely unmanageable. This year, she’s doing things differently, and she’s sharing the exact five steps she’s putting into practice now to bring more ease, structure, and breathing room into her family’s back-to-school routine.This isn’t about complicated systems or Pinterest-perfect checklists. It’s about real tools for real working moms, tools that help you feel prepared instead of scrambling.Inside this episode, you’ll learn: 📘 A therapist-backed Social Story method that helps ease your child’s back-to-school jitters (and helps you avoid daily drop-off drama) ⏰ Why test-driving your morning routine now, before school starts, can make a huge difference (yes, even if your schedule’s still all over the place) 🎒 How to get your kid involved in school prep in simple, meaningful ways that don’t just add to your to-do list 📋 A night-before checklist that keeps mornings from imploding (plus the visual trick that keeps the whole house on track) 📆 A ChatGPT calendar hack that adds every school holiday and early release to your calendar automatically (because no one has time to do that manually)Whether you're navigating the first year of kindergarten or juggling multiple school drop-offs, this episode is filled with practical tips for working moms who want to start the school year feeling calm, confident, and a little more in control.Perfect for moms searching for: → Back to school tips for working moms → School morning routine hacks → How to prep kids for kindergarten → ChatGPT for busy moms → Family organization tools → Managing the mental load as a parentListen now and walk away with a few small shifts that’ll make a big difference.Resources mentioned:ChatGPT Hack for Back-to-School CalendaringChatGPT Prompt for Creating a Social StoryJoin the August Early Risers Club to commit to no more snoozing your alarmFollow Barbara:On Instagram hereOn LinkedIn hereAbout New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and <a...

Ever stared at an empty suitcase the night before a big international trip with your kids, wondering how on earth you’ll fit it all and not forget something essential? You’re not alone, and this episode is here to save you from the stress spiral.In this Toolkit Series episode from The New Modern Mom Podcast, host Barbara Mighdoll gets real about what it actually takes to pack smart for international travel with little kids. As a seasoned traveler and mom of two, Barbara has done the trial-and-error for you including 8 international trips with babies, toddlers, and now a future kindergartener. And spoiler: it’s not about packing more, it’s about packing smarter.This isn’t your basic “remember your toothbrush” kind of list. Instead, Barbara dives deep into the extras that actually make a difference when you're managing long-haul flights, jet lag, unfamiliar accommodations, and a different routine in a different time zone. From the carry-on must-haves you’ll wish you’d brought, to the important gear you never knew existed, this episode is a must-listen for any parent prepping for international travel, especially if you’re balancing work and family life.Whether you’re a minimalist, a routine-keeper, or a just-in-case packer, you’ll walk away with practical tools and strategies to help you feel confident and prepared, not overwhelmed, before your next family trip abroad.In this episode, you’ll learn:🧳 The three types of parent-packers and how knowing your type leads to a smoother tripUnderstand whether you’re a minimalist, a routine-keeper, or a just-in-case packer, and what that means for your luggage and your sanity.✈️ The on-flight MVPs that make long-haul travel manageableDiscover the carry-on essentials every parent should have on a plane, from mini first aid kits to shelf-stable milk cartons and activity packs that actually work.😴 The sleep essentials that help your kids rest in unfamiliar placesLearn what to pack to recreate your child’s sleep environment on the road, from portable blackout curtains to sound machines and night lights.👶 The gear upgrades that make travel easier (and avoid major meltdowns)Find out why your daily stroller won’t cut it, the hip toddler carrier you never knew you needed, and the car seat vest that changes everything.📝 A simple method to build your personalized packing listBarbara shares her go-to 24-hour routine planning method to make sure you pack only what you actually use, no overpacking or forgotten essentials.Whether you're planning your first trip abroad with littles or you’re a seasoned traveling parent looking to streamline your process, this episode will arm you with the practical tools and real-world mom-tested wisdom to make your next international trip less chaotic and a lot more fun.Need help packing for your next international trip? Grab our go-to international packing list designed specifically for moms traveling with kids, so you can pack with confidence, not chaos.If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow mom planning their next big adventure.Follow Barbara:On Instagram hereOn LinkedIn hereAbout New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host...

Spoiler alert: the secret to “doing it all” is actually doing less.High-achieving working moms have been conditioned to juggle a career, home life, and parenting with near perfection. But the truth? No one is doing it all, especially not alone. In this episode of the Toolkit Series from The New Modern Mom Podcast, we unpack the unspoken truth of how executive moms truly thrive: through strategic delegation and outsourcing.This isn’t just about hiring help. It’s about rewiring how we think about time, control, and worthiness. We dive deep into the real barriers holding us back from asking for (or paying for) help and why overcoming them is the key to unlocking more presence, peace, and productivity in your daily life. From creating systems at home to “stacking your bench” of support, this episode will help you build a smarter, more sustainable rhythm for career and motherhood.Whether you're stuck in a cycle of burnout or just want your Sunday mornings back, this conversation is filled with low-risk, high-impact tips to help you take the first step toward real, lasting relief.In this episode, you’ll learn:🔍 Why even the most successful working moms don’t “do it all”Hear how every guest on the show has leaned on outsourcing and delegation and why owning that is a power move, not a weakness.🧠 How to overcome the mental blocks keeping you from outsourcingBarbara breaks down the guilt, control issues, and cost concerns many moms face and how to reframe them through a career-first lens.👩‍👧‍👦 Kim Gebbia Chappell’s noteworthy “stack your bench” strategyDiscover a practical framework from Kim Gebbia Chappell, Chief Brand Officer of Bobbie, on how to build a trusted roster of caregivers for last-minute flexibility and peace of mind.🧺 What to outsource at home—and how to get creative with supportFrom extending your nanny’s role to using meal kits or laundry services, get inspired with real-life examples to ease your daily load.📋 How to build and onboard your dream support teamLearn how to find and manage paid and unpaid help and utilize tools like ChatGPT, Duckbill, and Faye to streamline delegation.This episode is your permission slip to stop doing it all and start doing what matters most. Whether you’re considering a virtual assistant or a house manager, rethinking your nanny’s role, or just need a framework to start letting go, we’ve got you covered with actionable tools you can use this week.Ready to streamline support at home? These two free resources will help you clearly communicate expectations and set your nanny (or house manager!) up for success so you can finally stop micromanaging and start reclaiming your time.Nanny Onboarding Template: A plug-and-play doc to align on routines, responsibilities, and communication styles from day one.House Manager Checklist: Transitioning your nanny or adding extra help? This guide outlines everything from meal prep to calendar management so your home runs like a well-oiled machine.Follow Barbara:On Instagram hereOn LinkedIn hereFollow Kim:On LinkedIn hereAbout New Modern Mom:...