Best of Both Worlds Podcast

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:...

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 of...

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 an...

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 o...

* 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, includin...

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...

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 om...

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 : Conveni...

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 co...

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 inte...

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 prod...

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 t...

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 "anxie...

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...