This is a mailbag (all Q&A) episode with the questions centering around work related issues!. Topics include: * were either Laura or Sarah interested in being a SAHM to young kids? * how to say no to career opportunities that just don't feel doable in your current life stage? * how do you celebrate a win? * best practices for capitalizing on a conference experience after it's over? * tips for managing energy with shift work? * tips for managing direct reports? * favorite leadership & man...
Oct 18, 2022•36 min•Ep 272•Transcript available on Metacast Laura and Sarah open by discussing what makes each of them feel negative (and then positive!) feelings about their own parenting. Then, Sarah interviews Carla Naumburg PhD -- an author who has taken a deep look at how we can treat ourselves (and our kids!) with more self-compassion as parents and as humans. In the Q&A, Laura and Sarah answer a listener question about having time to plan (and maintain the elusive Planner Peace!) with a 3rd baby. Explore more of our guest's fantastic work at: ...
Oct 11, 2022•46 min•Ep 271•Transcript available on Metacast Today, Sarah and Laura discuss Tranquility by Tuesday , Laura's latest book which releases officially 10/11 and is available for preorder now (with some fun bonuses!). Sarah interviews Laura about how the idea grew into a book, what was involved in the research process, and her favorite TBT rules! Preorder wherever books are sold, and check out https://lauravanderkam.com/books/tranquility-by-tuesday/ for even more info! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See omnystudi...
Oct 04, 2022•42 min•Ep 270•Transcript available on Metacast Laura and Sarah open with a status report on sleep in their respective households. Then, Laura chats with sleep expert Lisa Lewis, author of The Sleep-Deprived Teen: Why Our Teenagers Are So Tired, and How Parents and Schools Can Help Them Thrive. In the Q&A, a listener shares a morning routine (breakfast) strategy that has worked for them! Find more of Lisa's work here: https://www.lisallewis.com/book Episode Sponsors: Framebridge : Frame your photos or send someone the perfect gift. Go to ...
Sep 27, 2022•38 min•Ep 269•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Sarah and Laura open by sharing some recent routine wins, and then Ashley joins Sarah to chat all about routine building, troubleshooting, her pivot from nursing to owning her own business, and much much more. Ashley has a launched her very own routine-building planner -- find it at routineandthings.com ! Items mentioned in Love of the Week: Hypoallergenic earrings at Tini Lux ( tinilux.com ) Book rec from Ashley: Life Starts Now by Chanel Dokun Episode Sponsors: Conair : Conair...
Sep 20, 2022•45 min•Ep 268•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Laura and Sarah dissect the "quiet quitting" phenomenon and come up with alternative solutions -- perhaps beautiful boundaries or powerful prioritization would suit you better! Then, they delve into Fall Fun and what might be on their lists this year, from scented candles to fall reading and apple desserts. In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking for where to find time to handle all the 'little life admin' tasks that come along, especially with kids in the picture. Episode S...
Sep 13, 2022•33 min•Ep 267•Transcript available on Metacast Laura and Sarah open with a discussion of their own college application journeys, remembering the word processor days of yore (!). Then, Laura Clarke joins host Laura for a fascinating discussion on the current state of college admissions, college selection, and beyond. In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking about spacing between kids - should she go for #3 shortly after #2? Episode Sponsors: Organize365: To learn more about Lisa Woodruff’s work and her amazing offerings, check out organize...
Sep 06, 2022•46 min•Ep 266•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Laura and Sarah do a summer postmortem of sorts: what worked, what didn't, and what will be good to keep in mind for future summer planning? Sarah also shares some big news in her work/career life. In the Q&A, they address a listener question looking for inspiration on ways to enjoy a slower season at work after a blistering 2021. Episode Sponsors: Better Help : Better Help offers convenient online counseling that can help. As a listener, you’ll get 10% off your first month ...
Aug 30, 2022•35 min•Ep 265•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Laura and Sarah have their annual back to school chat! Laura has 5 kids in 4 schools, and Sarah has 3 kids in 1 school -- one can guess who has the more complex logistics! They discuss this year's challenges and plans, delving into kids' activities, tech, school supply shopping, morning routines, and more! Episode Sponsors: Organize365 : To learn more about Lisa Woodruff’s work and her amazing offerings, check out organize365.com , or go to organize365.com/minicourse for a free ...
Aug 23, 2022•37 min•Ep 264•Transcript available on Metacast This has been a much-requested topic - how do we support our family members who may be growing older and needing more help while still in the busy kid-years? Lauren Smith is a gerontologist and licensed nursing home administrator, currently working as a consultant working with multiple healthcare entities to plan for emergencies; she is also a mother of 3 (ages 3, 6, & 8). Lauren shares lots of wisdom from what she has observed in families over the years, and discusses strategies for navigat...
Aug 16, 2022•40 min•Ep 263•Transcript available on Metacast * Trigger warning -- if you are sensitive to conversations about weight or body size, you may want to skip this episode ** In this episode, Sarah and Laura tackle a sensitive topic that is relevant to many women - body image. Sarah and Laura have somewhat differing personal approaches to this sensitive topic, so they unpack those and discuss their histories with body image over the years, including interactions with pregnancy and nursing. In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking about whether...
Aug 09, 2022•44 min•Ep 262•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Laura discusses here own thoughts about place and choosing where to live, and then interviews Melody Warnick, an expert on place attachment. They explore the power of place and the newfound flexibility many remote workers have found in the current era. In the Q&A, Laura answers a listener question about starting a podcast. Melody's latest book: If You Could Live Anywhere: The Surprising Importance of Place in a Work-from-Anywhere World Episode Sponsors: Better Help : Better ...
Aug 02, 2022•44 min•Ep 261•Transcript available on Metacast Sarah and Laura open with an update on their summer reading lives. Then, Laura interviews listener-requested memoirist Mary Laura Philpott, author of Bomb Shelter and I Miss You When I Blink. In the Q&A, a listener with a 4 month old and 4 year old writes in wondering when she will be able to effectively plan her days again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Jul 26, 2022•45 min•Ep 260•Transcript available on Metacast In today's fun episode, Sarah and Laura are once again together in the same recording space -- this time Laura's home office, outside of Philadelphia! This episode is an on-the-cuff Ask Me Anything, with questions pulled from Laura's Instagram followers. They chat favorite podcasts to listen to, dream trips, podcast income, nanny driving logistics, and more! Episode Sponsors: Better Help : Convenient online counseling that can help. Get 10% off your first month by visiting our sponsor at betterh...
Jul 19, 2022•38 min•Ep 259•Transcript available on Metacast In the intro, Laura and Sarah discuss some recent (very minor) challenges. Then, Sarah and Alyce have a rich conversation about Alyce's experiences raising a daughter with Dravet Syndrome, a genetic form of epilepsy that carries additional complications and challenges. Alyce is a lawyer married to another lawyer, and she shares tips on their sharing of childcare duties, ways to stay emotionally connected, and so much more. Resource mentioned by Alyce: Courageous Parent Network In the Q&A, a ...
Jul 12, 2022•56 min•Ep 258•Transcript available on Metacast At the halfway point of 2022, Sarah and Laura chat about goals! Sarah discusses various ways of looking at our progress and the year thus far, and the two discuss their goals in several different categories: 1) done/successful 2) in progress & looking hopeful 3) still interested but looking less hopeful 4) those that need to be tabled or abandoned altogether In the Q&A, they answer an interesting question about what they choose NOT to spend money on. Episode Sponsors: Better Help: Better...
Jul 05, 2022•38 min•Ep 257•Transcript available on Metacast Sarah & Laura open with a brief discussion of makeup and Sarah's experience with accessories styling, and then they are joined by Jenny Eversole and Rebecca Kirkwood. Jenny is the creator of Style Space (and longterm BOBW listener!) and Rebecca is a makeup artist and clean beauty expert who worked with Laura for a beauty styling session! They chat makeup tips, mistakes to avoid, must-have products, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See omnystudio.com/li...
Jun 28, 2022•38 min•Ep 256•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Laura and Sarah discuss their earlier life concepts of working motherhood - did they think about being 'working moms' when they were young? Then, Laura is joined by Lisa Segner, who has a great career in finance as well as two young sons. Lisa shares her story, including her entry into working parenthood which did not go as well as she had imagined (and even included some second thoughts). In the Q&A, Sarah and Laura an interesting question from a listener about nanny share ...
Jun 21, 2022•39 min•Ep 255•Transcript available on Metacast In the intro, Laura and Sarah open with some thoughts on anxiety and their own experiences. Then, Sarah interviews Maggie Sarachek, one of the two original self-named Anxiety Sisters, and author of the Anxiety Sisters' Survival Guide. She is a clinical social worker, mother, and has spent many years learning about and growing through anxiety, and now her passion is sharing it along with her "anxiety sister" Abbe Greenberg. She discusses the spectrum of anxiety, actionable tips for different leve...
Jun 14, 2022•43 min•Ep 254•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Sarah and Laura open with a discussion of mid-life awakenings (as opposed to the traditional mid-life crisis), and certain things Sarah feels she has gotten clarity on over the past few months upon reaching the (possibly?) wise age of 42. Then, they delve into some listener contributions and questions. A very helpful listener wrote in to share her story and experiences -- she is currently managing an incredibly tough combination of young children + aging parents, including her m...
Jun 06, 2022•35 min•Ep 253•Transcript available on Metacast Laura and Sarah open this episode discussing some of rules from Laura's upcoming nonfiction release, Tranquility by Tuesday (out in October). Then, the episode is dedicated to the experiences (and sometimes challenges of) parenting 6-10 year olds. Sarah and Laura discuss their favorite aspects of this age group as well was some difficulties - some which they have gotten better at, and some which are still just hard! Topics discussed include hobbies and interests, sibling rivalry, 1:1 time, homew...
May 31, 2022•38 min•Ep 252•Transcript available on Metacast Today's episode is a treat - Rebecca Fike (of LagLiv blog fame) who was a fantastic guest in 2018 returns to give an update on how life looks different now - exciting new job, bigger kids, a move, and more pets! Sarah loved catching up with her as she captures how things have changed and evolved over time within her law career and in her family. Sarah & Laura also provide some of their own life updates in the intro, and the Q&A comes from a listener with young kids hoping to get into run...
May 24, 2022•46 min•Ep 252•Transcript available on Metacast In they intro, Sarah and Laura discuss the mildly 'parasocial' relationship they enjoy with podcasters, Youtubers and bloggers. Then, Laura interviews author, teacher, and mother Jess Lahey on the topic of addiction, including how to best prevent the development of this issue, and ways to talk about it with kids. In the Q&A, a listener writes in about the difficulty of caring for aging parents while also caring for children. We would love any listeners with advice to weigh in! Learn more abo...
May 17, 2022•39 min•Ep 250•Transcript available on Metacast Even when you do embrace outsourcing - there's still plenty to do in most households! Sarah and Laura discuss (and sometimes debate :) ) their favorite household management hacks, routines, and tips. Areas discussed include laundry, dishes, picking up, errands, meals/cooking, breakfast, lunches, and more! In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking for advice on nanny interview & reference questions. Episode Sponsors: Better Help : Better Help offers convenient online counseling that can hel...
May 10, 2022•46 min•Ep 249•Transcript available on Metacast In the intro, Sarah discussed with Laura the timing of her kids (none during med school). Then, Lisa joins Sarah for a fascinating (and at times very emotional) discussion of her experiences having her first child during medical school. She shares what she learned, what she experienced (including an atypical presentation of postpartum depression) and what she might do differently in the future. In the Q&A, Sarah answers a listener hoping to explore what she might look for when choosing her f...
May 03, 2022•43 min•Ep 248•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Laura and Sarah delve into weekends. They discuss how they plan their weekends, what elements feel 'essential' in each weekend, and balancing fun for each and every family member. In the Q&A, a listener writes in about potentially going part time to write. Episode Sponsors: Better Help: Better Help offers convenient online counseling that can help. As a listener, you’ll get 10% off your first month by visiting our sponsor at betterhelp.com/bestof Learn more about your ad cho...
Apr 26, 2022•46 min•Ep 247•Transcript available on Metacast In the intro, Sarah and Laura discuss some of their favorite blogs -- those that still write in an honest, real style and depict the high and low moments of parenthood. One joint favorite is The Frugal Girl, and writer Kristen join Sarah for a discussion on this episode. She discusses her experiences in blogging (since 2008!), meal planning and avoiding food waste, and learning to live with gratitude and an optimistic take even in times of challenge. She also shares her journey in going back to ...
Apr 19, 2022•45 min•Ep 246•Transcript available on Metacast Summer 2022 is approaching (and faster than many of us may realize!). If your'e out of practice in summer planning, this episode will get you back on track. Laura and Sarah discuss planning childcare, camps, travel, and personal fun, too! In the Q&A, an introverted listener writes in about not wanting to 'get back out there' post pandemic -- can she avoid in person gatherings forever? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy infor...
Apr 12, 2022•38 min•Ep 245•Transcript available on Metacast Oliver Burkeman is a self-proclaimed self-help enthusiast, but also enjoys taking a look at some of the common advice from other angles. His recent work 4000 Weeks focuses on the finite nature of life, and how the fact that it is truly impossible to do everything might inform how we spend those limited hours. It was a natural pairing to have Laura and Oliver talk about time, from the number of hours in a week to the number of weeks in a lifetime (on average, of course!). In the Q&A, a listen...
Apr 05, 2022•44 min•Ep 244•Transcript available on Metacast The concept of sharing what is "SMLRN" or "saving my life right now" has caught on, and for good reason - lots of great ideas, plus it can also be a powerful gratitude practice when things are tough. Laura and Sarah independently brainstormed and then shared together (live!) for this fun episode. Episode Sponsors: Better Help: Better Help offers convenient online counseling that can help. As a listener, you’ll get 10% off your first month by visiting our sponsor at betterhelp.com/bestof Caraway ...
Mar 29, 2022•29 min•Ep 243•Transcript available on Metacast 
