Best of Both Worlds Podcast

In this episode, Sarah and Laura answer a listener question about the 'later stage' parts of moving - how long does it take to really feel like you are *home* in a new place? Then, they answer a variety of mailbag submissions from questions about later evening activities for kids, boundary setting, hormonal mood changes, and more! Episode Sponsors: Pampers: Check out Pampers Cruisers 360 -- the be...

An ERG is an Employee Resource Groups, often created at larger companies to help provide support for specific groups of employees, especially those traditionally underrepresented in the workplace. Experts Sarah Johal (Parents in Tech Alliance) and Lori Mihalich-Levin (of Working Parent Group Network + Mindful Return) discuss and offer great advice for those who may be interested in leading or part...

Sarah and Laura open this episode chatting about recent longer family vacations they have taken, and then they delve into workday shutdown! This post was inspired by a recent blog post of Sarah's ( https://theshubox.com/2023/07/feeling-done.html ) - many readers commented they also struggled feeling 'finished' at the end of a less clearly defined workday (academics, entrepreneurs, part time worker...

In this episode recorded together, Sarah and Laura answer a variety of questions from Patreon + Instagram! Episode Sponsors: Pampers : Check out Pampers Cruisers 360 -- the best diaper for active babies! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Laura and Sarah open with a discussion of their own family biking habits. Then, attorney and DC-dweller Sonja Ralston joins Sarah to share her story of how their family got into cargo biking - a way to avoid parking woes, lower the family's carbon footprint, build in some outdoor time every day, get in some daily movement, and more. Some useful links shared by Sonja: Article me...

Cindy Everett has a big job (CFO) and little kids (3 + 5) -- but she still makes time for some fascinating and unusual hobbies, from architecture to WWE wrestling! She chats with Laura about family logistics, making time for what she loves, and more in this fun episode. In the Q&A, a listener ponders taking a remote position with a company based on another time zone. Things to consider? Episod...

This topic is frequently requested, so Laura and Sarah are here today to discuss many aspects about having >2 children! They discuss cost, logistical issues, career considerations (spoiler: both believe you can have multiple kids AND a big/meaningful career!), and some positive aspects of having a more crowded dinner table! In the Q&A, they address a listener looking for kid-friendly packin...

In this mid-year check in episode (now a BOBW tradition!), Sarah and Laura review progress on their 2023 goals, from work to fitness to family and more. Both refer to the 2023 annual goals episode - if you're curious, you can find that episode linked here: https://lauravanderkam.com/2022/12/best-of-both-worlds-podcast-2023-goals/ In the Q&A, they answer a question on babysitter onboarding. Boo...

In this final installment of the BOBW Screen + Tech miniseries, Sarah and Laura discuss approaches to their own adult screen time. They discuss their favorite books on the topic, differing opinions on social media, and more. In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking for advice on finding more time to read. Episode Sponsors: Thrive Causemetics : Fantastic products that also give back! Right now,...

In the second installment of the BOBW screen + tech miniseries, Laura interviews Devorah Heitner, the author of Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World and Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World (out this September!). They discuss how things have changed and how to navigate moving forward, along with other fascinating discussions around kids + tech. In...

In today's episode, Laura and Sarah discuss their different approaches to kids and tech. Sarah discusses their recent experiment with "screen free May" and Laura addresses the escalating complexities as kids get older. In the Q&A, a listener writes in about ideas for how to best use time on a writing retreat. Episode Sponsors: Better Help : This episode is sponsored by Better Help. Discover yo...

Megan Stepaniak is a long time BOBW listener and Patreon member, and she has worked in several management-level positions within large companies over the years. She put her hand up as a 'regular person' guest to chat work + life, and we were excited to have her on to discuss everything from the benefits of exploring lateral career moves to general life management! Megan has 3 children from pre-K t...

Amy Bushatz is a journalist, military spouse, mother of 2, freelance writer, podcaster, AND she is currently director and executive editor of military.com! Amy is passionate about the power of spending time outside in nature, even if the weather isn't always the most temperate -- which is definitely the case, as she lives in Alaska! She joins Laura for this interview and shares her current challen...

Lisa Woodruff is the CEO and founder of Organize 365, and she is known for her ideas and energy. She joins Sarah to discuss her latest adventures in pursuing a PhD at age 50 while continuing to run her successful business! She discusses her reasons for wanting this education and the ways in which she has adjusted her lifestyle (hint: LOTS of planning) to fit in this endeavor. In the Q&A, a lis...

Laura and Sarah discuss all things *SUMMER* in this episode! They start with what they are looking forward to, and then move to discussing camp (full coverage vs spotty?), travel, summer fun, summer goal setting, favorite summer fashions + treats, and more. In the Q&A, they answer a listener looking for advice in choosing between options for after-school care for their first child entering kin...

In this episode, Laura interviews Sheena Iyengar, a Columbia Business School professor and author. Sheena was is the daughter of Indian immigrants and started losing her sight at 9 years old, becoming completely blind by 16. She has built a remarkable career writing and innovating while growing her family, and she discusses her unique path with Laura as well as what inspired her latest release, Th...

Today's episode represents a podcast milestone - #300! Sarah and Laura talk about what has helped them get to this number, and their hopes for many more! They share some of their listener's favorites and then delve into a 100 dreams update and discussion. They identify past accomplishments and dream about what the next 6 years -- and beyond -- might hold. In the Q&A, a listener writes in askin...

Today's episode is all about parties -- and ways to have fun with throwing them! Laura and Sarah discuss memorable parties of the past, and each share some recent party successes (those they have attended as well as thrown). They share the elements of a good gathering as described in Priya Parker's The Art of Gathering, as well as little details NOT to forget (for example: where do people park?)....

Today Gretchen Rubin returns to our podcast to discuss her writing, her current life phase, and her new book, Life in Five Senses with Laura ! This is a fun conversation about her book and much more. Episode Sponsors: Zocdoc : Visit Zocdoc.com/BESTOF and download the Zocdoc app for FREE to find and book a top-rated doctor today. PAIR : Get glasses that stay as fresh as your unique style with Pair....

In the intro, Sarah and Laura discuss some of their strategies for incorporating adventures (big + little) into otherwise full lives. Rachana is a physician and was also one of the featured subjects in the video for Tranquility By Tuesday! She found joy and felt her life was made richer and more memorable after incorporating big & little adventures. In this interview, she chats about this amon...

This "ask us anything" episode was recorded in Florida while Sarah and Laura were together, and listeners did a great job providing a fun and interesting array of topics! These include: - How to handle a negative performance review - Backup slots for social get-togethers - pros & cons - Ways to manage new family dynamics when in-laws move to town - What lessons LV/SHU want to bestow upon their...

In this episode, Sarah and Laura open with a discussion of time spent on children's medical care even with largely healthy kids. However, they are aware this is minimal compared to the challenges parents of medically complex children face. Dr. Kelly Fradin is a pediatrician who understands these challenges from a patient, physician, and parental perspective and she shares her wisdom in this episod...

This episode addresses a common dilemma - kids are in school full time, so is childcare really necessary? Laura and Sarah discuss options and some alternatives, plus a discussion of possible end points. In the Q&A, a listener writes in with a question about preparing for travel away from the the kids (solo or with a partner). Episode Sponsors: Better Help : This episode is sponsored by Better...

In today's episode, Sarah and Laura tackle transitions. They discuss how some might vary in how they handle moving from one activity to the next, as well as how they feel about more fragmented time. They share some strategies to transition well - to make use of smaller bits of time but also to estimate how long moving between activities actually takes. They also discuss ways to help kids make tran...

In today's episode, Sarah and Laura chat about kids' activities and some of the related parenting challenges. They discuss how they handle quitting, disappointment, competitiveness, and more. In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking about how Sarah stays informed about activities and such without social media. Episode Sponsors: Notion:  Work faster, write better, and think bigger! For a limited...