Best of Both Worlds Podcast

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 c...

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 a...

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 lif...

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...

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 que...

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...

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...

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 gratit...

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 mo...

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 hou...

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 lis...

Laura and Sarah recently took a podcasting/relaxation retreat together, and got to record together for the time in years! This episode is quite meta, as it's all about retreats -- why you might consider taking one, how to plan a retreat, micro-retreats, and more. In the Q&A, a variation on a common question is asked -- with a flexible job that the listener generally is happy with, does it make...

In the intro, Sarah and Laura discuss recent kids' birthday parties, from video game trucks to cold playgrounds. Then, Sarah interviews Molly Beck, podcast listener and tech entrepreneur. They chat about family logistics, her work story, division of labor in their house (50/50!), and much more! For the Q&A portion, a listener writes in asking for tips on making the morning process of leaving t...

In the intro, Sarah and Laura discuss their creative processes -- how do they come up with ideas, content, writing? Then, social psychology professor and author Tessa West joins Laura to chat about "Jerks at Work" -- her phrasing and part of the title of her upcoming book, Jerks at Work: Toxic Coworkers and What to Do About Them. In the Q&A, a science professor writes in asking how to help stu...

This episode is centered around all things Disney! Laura and Sarah open by discussion Disney memories from childhood and then move on to more recent trips. They share their some tips as well as their favorite and not-so-favorite things about going there at different family ages + stages. In the Q&A, they discuss Disney alternatives, including Legoland and Universal! Episode Sponsors: Better He...

Laura and Sarah open this episode by discussing the sports their kids are currently engaged in. Then, Laura interviews Rebecca Smith, Director of Complete Performance Coaching and founder of the #PerformHappy community for sport parents. In the Q&A, Sarah and Laura brainstorm sports ideas for a child that is perhaps a bit less physically inclined. Episode sponsors: Microban : Try Microban 24 S...

In the intro, Sarah & Laura chat about her recent (rather tough) call week, including some future strategies. Then in the interview portion, Laura interviews Anandi Raman Creath, software engineer and mother of 2 based in Phoenix. Anandi has achieved career satisfaction and success while working remotely with some flexibility, and she approaches both work and life with intention and creativity...

This conversational episode features a few life updates from each host (most of them very minor, but still fun to chat about). Then, Laura gets into a discussion of some of the interesting patterns she's seen in time tracking logs for her upcoming book. Then there are 3 questions featured. The first is a physician looking to take on a leadership position asking for tips about how to present hersel...

In this episode, Laura and Sarah answer frequently asked questions around moving! Both are relocating (though not very far) in similar time frames. Laura has moved in, Sarah is working on some minor home improvements first. They discuss logistics of the move itself, selling while you are still living in your home, the merits of renting vs buying, and more. In the Q&A, a listener writes in aski...

In this episode, Sarah interviews Teneshia Warner, CEO of EGAMI, a successful marketing and multicultural communications firm. Teneshia's latest project is an intriguing one-year dream projection that includes 90 day Bi Stretch pushes, described as a "soul-searching, life-transforming 12-week boot camp" to help you get from where you are to where you dream to be. Sarah and Laura open by discussing...

In this Q&A mailbag episode, Laura and Sarah answer questions submitted via Patreon. Topics include keeping yearly goals in mind, ways to handle childcare while traveling for work, ideas for non-overlapping spring breaks, tips for transitioning to a new job, and finally an in-depth discussion of "kid dates". If you are interested, the patron community can be found at http://patreon.com/bestofb...

In this episode, Sarah and Laura open with a discussion about stories and narratives and how they can be complicated (and not always helpful!). Then, Kindra Hall joins Laura to discuss the more positive aspects of the stories we tell -- both in work and in life. In the Q&A, a listener writes in regarding the challenges of meshing a conservative religious culture and values system with working...

In this fun interview episode, Laura and Sarah open by discussing their own personal 'unicorn space' activities. Then, author Eve Rodsky (author of Fair Play and the newly released Finding Your Unicorn Space: Reclaim Your Creative Life in a Too-Busy World) joins Laura for a fascinating discussion about the value of having time and activities just for ourselves. In the Q&A, Laura and Sarah answ...

In this second part of the 2021 Year In Review series, Laura and Sarah discuss personal hits, misses, and highlights. Sarah shares the outcome of many of her previously set 2021 goals, and Laura goes through some of the most memorable adventures and achievements of her year. (Pro tip: travel with toddlers is never going to be a cakewalk!). Episode Sponsors: Organize 365: To learn more about Lisa W...

In this episode, Sarah and Laura chat about their own "best of" lists for 2021! This episode is chock full of media recommendations, from books to music to podcasts. They discuss the superficial (cosmetics + jeans) and beyond! Sponsors for this episode include: Mercato: Sign up for Mercato Green for unlimited free delivery and support your local neighborhood grocers, the people who are passionate...