Carina O’Brien

Working Mumma

Kids EN ↓ 206 episodes

Working Mumma is the podcast redefining what it means to build and have a career after having children. From the emotional rollercoaster of returning to work, to navigating identity shifts, rebuilding confidence, pay, flexibility and redesigning work to match your new life, where real stories and practical strategies meet. Because motherhood doesn’t end ambition - it reshapes it. Hosted by Carina O’Brien, mum of 2 boys, businesswoman, and founder of Working Mumma, each episode delivers relatable stories, expert interviews, and practical strategies to help you. You will hear from experts, leade...

Author

Carina O’Brien

Category

Kids

Podcast website

workingmumma.podbean.com

Latest episode

Jul 1, 2026

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Episodes

Trying to Be the Perfect Mum? Why It’s Burning You Out and What to Do Instead 01.04.2025

What if trying to be the “perfect mum” is actually what’s holding you back? I’m joined by Fleur Chambers, a multi-award-winning meditation teacher, best-selling author, and creator of the free meditation app, The Happy Habit. Fleur understands firsthand the challenges working mums face and brings a wealth of knowledge on how mindfulness and self-compassion can transform the way we approach work, f...

Career vs Motherhood - Why working mums can't do it all and that's ok 24.03.2025

Ever feel like you’re being pulled in a million directions trying to navigate motherhood and a career - between work, kids, home, family, relationships, and everything in between? You’re not alone. The pressure to "do it all" is real, but here’s the truth: you don’t have to. In this episode, I dive into the myth of having it all, why it’s okay to let things go, and how redefining success on your o...

Raising a Child with Autism While Working? How to Navigate Career Breaks and Starting Again with Porscia Lam 18.03.2025

When Porscia Lam received the news that her son Harry was autistic, her world shifted. She put her legal career on pause to become his full-time therapist, diving headfirst into the world of autism therapy and the challenges of raising a neurodivergent child, all during Melbourne’s long covid lockdowns. Returning to work after a career break is challenging for any parent, but what happens when tha...

How to navigate the transition returning to work after maternity leave 11.03.2025

Returning to work after maternity leave is one of the biggest transitions in your working mum journey. Whether you're excited or feeling overwhelmed, those first 90 days back at work can be an emotional rollercoaster. But with the right mindset, preparation, and strategies, you can navigate this phase with confidence. In this episode, I share: How to prepare before your first day back The key conv...

Struggling to Get Flexible Work? How to Negotiate It and Actually Get It with Dr Ellen Ford 04.03.2025

Return-to-office mandates are making headlines across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and beyond—igniting debate about productivity, flexibility, and the future of work. But what do these policies mean for working mums juggling careers and family life? Do they even have a benefit?  In this episode, I chat with Dr. Ellen Ford, leadership expert, author, and passionate advocate for workplace flexibi...

Feeling Overwhelmed by Mum Guilt? How to Let Go of the Pressure to Do It All 26.02.2025

Mum guilt—it’s real, it’s something a majority of mums experience, and it can make us feel like we’re never doing enough. But what if you could manage that guilt and start feeling more confident in your role as both a mum and in your career? In this episode, I'm tackling the overwhelming pressure on mums to ‘do it all’ and why so many working mums feel guilt about balancing career and family. I br...

Struggling to Land Your Next Role? How to Stand Out in Your Job Search and Interviews 19.02.2025

Returning to work after maternity leave can feel overwhelming—where do you start with updating your resume? How do you explain the gap in a resume? How do you navigate interviews after being out of the workforce for a period of time? What do you do if you’re considering a career change? In this episode of the Working Mumma Podcast, I’m joined by HR and hiring expert Ash Battye, founder of Career P...

Frustrated That Work Isn’t Working for Parents? What Needs to Change and What You Can Do 11.02.2025

As a working parent, trying to navigate the career/parenting juggle is similar to trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. In this episode, I chat with Louise Gilbert, leadership coach, change consultant, and author of Make Work Work for You. We dive into the reality of juggling work and family life and why the traditional concept of work-life balance sets working mums up to fail. Louise shar...

How to lighten the mental load and set yourself up for a smoother year 05.02.2025

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the endless juggle of work, home, and family life? You’re not alone. Research shows that burnout among working mothers is at an all-time high, with much of the stress coming from the invisible mental load—the ongoing responsibility of managing it all. In this episode, we take a moment to pause and reflect on your mental load as the year begins. It’s the perfect time...

Why Work-Life Balance is a myth and practical strategies to help you navigate work and family 22.01.2025

In this episode of the Working Mumma podcast, I challenge the widely accepted idea and myth of work-life balance, explaining why it often sets working mums up for stress, guilt, and burnout. Balance isn’t a destination; it’s not something you achieve and then check off your list. Life is dynamic and constantly changing, especially as a working mum. I share strategies including boundaries and work-...

THROWBACK: Practical Strategies to Conquer Mum Guilt with Sarah Purins 15.01.2025

If you have experienced mum guilt, you aren't alone. Over 98% of mothers have experienced mum guilt. In this episode, I speak with mindset coach and mother, Sarah Purins about how to cope with mum guilt. Sarah and I chat about the triggers and influences of mum guilt, such as societal expectations, personal pressures, and unwanted opinions from others. She discusses two types of guilt and shares t...

THROWBACK: Embracing the 'Good Enough' approach to motherhood with Dr. Sophie Brock 12.01.2025

In this insightful episode of the Working Mumma podcast, I chat with Dr. Sophie Brock, a renowned motherhood studies sociologist, to delve into the constant pressure that mothers face in their quest for perfection (secret - there is no such thing). Sophie has an extensive background and career journey in sociology, focusing on motherhood, sheds light on how cultural and societal norms shape the un...

THROWBACK: Overcoming imposter syndrome and self doubt after maternity leave 09.01.2025

In this episode, we delve deep into the emotional and mental toll of returning to work after maternity leave. Guests, Clinical Psychologists Kass and Alicia, share their expert advice on overcoming the feelings of self-doubt and imposter syndrome prevalent among working mothers as they return to work after maternity leave. They further question the default narratives about motherhood while stressi...

THROWBACK: Redefining Success for Working Mums with Megan Dalla-Camina 07.01.2025

I speak with Megan Dalla-Camina, a single mother, author, and CEO of Women Rising on how to redefine success for working mums. Megan shares her career journey, from her early dreams in performing arts to becoming a corporate executive and starting her company after experiencing extreme burnout. We discuss balancing career and motherhood challenges, including burnout and societal expectations. Mega...

Your Child Is Starting School - How to Navigate the First Year Of A New Juggle 18.11.2024

In this episode of the Working Mumma podcast, Carina shares her personal journey navigating the first year of her child starting prep/foundation year at school while juggling work and mum life. From the emotional rollercoaster of the first day to the realities of balancing school hours of 9-3:30 with business hours of 9-5 and a career, Carina discusses the challenges and triumphs that come with th...

Feeling Lost in the Chaos of Motherhood and Work? How to Find Joy Again with Elke Pascoe 11.11.2024

In this episode of the Working Mama podcast, I speak with Elke Pascoe, founder and CEO of The Little Oak Company. We chat about Elke's inspiring journey of creating a global brand of natural baby formula driven by her own experience (also while a single mum!), the unique challenges and strengths that come with balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, and the systemic changes needed in workplaces...

Travelling for Work and Feeling Guilty? How to Balance It with Family 02.10.2024

In this episode, I reflect on my recent overseas work trip and share some learnings and lessons about balancing professional opportunities with the inevitable "mum guilt." I opened up about the emotional highs and lows of traveling for work, missing my kids and husband, while leaning into the unique experiences and growth that came with the trip.   Key topics I chat about: * Embrace Opportunities...

Working in a Male-Dominated Industry? How to Succeed with Confidence with Rebecca Bangura 03.09.2024

The statistics don't like on gender equality, especially in male dominated industries such as mining, construction and transport. Change is happening and it is great to see the improvements, but it can still be challenging for women navigating male-dominated industries.  In this episode, I speak with coach, facilitator, podcast host, and mother of 3 boys, Rebecca Bangura who shares strategies for...

Redefining Success for Working Mums with Megan Dalla-Camina 27.08.2024

I speak with Megan Dalla-Camina, a single mother, author, and CEO of Women Rising on how to redefine success for working mums. Megan shares her career journey, from her early dreams in performing arts to becoming a corporate executive and starting her company after experiencing extreme burnout. We discuss the challenges of balancing career and motherhood, including burnout and societal expectation...

Embracing Imperfection in Motherhood: Dr. Sophie Brock on the 'Good Enough' Mother 20.08.2024

In this insightful episode of the Working Mumma podcast, I chat with Dr. Sophie Brock, a renowned motherhood studies sociologist, to delve into the constant pressure that mothers face in their quest for perfection (secret - there is no such thing). Sophie has an extensive background and career journey in sociology, focusing on motherhood, sheds light on how cultural and societal norms shape the un...

How to overcome the Superwoman Syndrome with Renee Barnes 05.08.2024

This week I speak with Renee Barnes, founder of the People Paradox, and fellow working mum about Superwoman Syndrome and why it is time to let go of the notion. Renee shares invaluable insights into the challenges and growth opportunities mothers face during this transformative journey. Renee shares what is "Superwoman Syndrome", its origins, and how societal expectations contribute to this unreal...

Feeling Overwhelmed as a Mum? How to Reset and Feel More in Control 31.07.2024

When was the last time you had a moment on your own to acknowledge what a great mum you are? No doubt, it has been a while. In this episode, I want to remind you that you are amazing and not alone in navigating the juggle of motherhood and career. It's not easy, and there are good days and average days, but remember, doing something is better than doing nothing. It’s okay to focus on what’s best f...

Drowning in Mum Guilt? Practical Strategies to Let Go and Feel More in Control with Sarah Purins 16.07.2024

If you have experienced mum guilt, you aren't alone. Over 98% of mothers have experienced mum guilt. In this episode, I speak with mindset coach and mother, Sarah Purins about how to cope with mum guilt. Sarah and I chat about the triggers and influences of mum guilt, such as societal expectations, personal pressures, and unwanted opinions from others. She discusses two types of guilt and shares t...

How to Navigate Mum Guilt at Childcare Drop-Off 10.07.2024

In this episode of the Working Mumma Podcast, I dive into the often overwhelming feeling of mum guilt that accompanies childcare drop-offs. I explore why these emotions arise and share practical strategies to manage and alleviate guilt. During the episode, I share practical strategies and tips to help you to reframe the drop-off experience, acknowledge the benefits of childcare for both your child...

Stuck in Mum Guilt? How to Prioritise Self-Care Without Feeling Selfish 03.07.2024

The topic of 'me time' for working mums is important. Discover why carving out moments for yourself is essential for your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. This episode shares practical tips on managing your time, overcoming guilt, and building a sustainable 'me time' routine. Whether you’re struggling to find a few quiet minutes in your busy day or feeling guilty about prioritizing your...

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