Best of Both Worlds Podcast

Whitney English, an accomplished author and designer, shares her insights on organizing before decorating, rooted in her new book, 'Organize First, Decorate Second.' She emphasizes how thoughtful organization enhances both functionality and aesthetics in living spaces. Whitney and Laura also discuss personal organizing challenges, especially those related to ADHD. The conversation touches on gentle decluttering techniques, the importance of editing, and even includes a fun segment on swimwear recommendations, making organization both practical and engaging.

Dive into the pros and cons of returning to office life after remote work! The hosts share personal experiences and tips to navigate this transition smoothly. Discover effective strategies for balancing work and home life, especially for parents managing childcare challenges. They also explore the evolving dynamics of remote and hybrid work, advocating for a flexible approach. Plus, listen for a fun discussion on beverage choices that adds a lighthearted touch to the serious topic of workplace reintegration!

In this engaging discussion, Jessica Turner, author and influencer, shares her inspiring journey after her husband's unexpected coming out. She dives into the challenges of unmet expectations in marriage and parenting, offering insights into co-parenting and personal growth post-divorce. Jessica emphasizes the importance of self-worth in modern dating and navigating career shifts, reflecting on how her experiences shaped her new book. The conversation is packed with relatable stories that resonate with anyone facing life's disappointments.

The hosts celebrate their 400th milestone with reflections on their podcasting journey, filled with laughter and insights. They discuss the challenge of carving out deep work time, emphasizing its importance for productivity. Practical tips are shared for maximizing focus, especially for those navigating parenting and flexible work setups. The conversation also touches on optimizing appointment schedules and the financial value of investing in childcare, highlighting the need for balance in both work and home life.

In this fun conversational episode, Sarah and Laura play the "Never Have I Ever" game, revealing some fun facts about each of their lives. This is a lighter episode, but if you've ever been curious as to whether either of them have had wardrobe malfunctions or danced on a bar, this one is for you :)In the Q&A, a listener asks for advice hosting a spring gathering, wanting to keep things really simple.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura interviews Sarah as she shares recent personal challenges and health updates. They explore the difficulties of planning amidst uncertainty and the necessity of pivoting when plans go awry. A dramatic near-fatal half marathon experience reveals the importance of recognizing physical symptoms. With humor and heartwarming anecdotes, they discuss surprising health scares, recovery journeys, and the support of community during tough times. Together, they reflect on adapting to new lifestyles after health setbacks, finding balance, and embracing gratitude.

Note: If you have differently-abled children, you might want to skip this episode if a discussion of typically-timed childhood milestones would be triggering to you.The counterpoint to the classic "Just You Wait . . ." adage, this episode discusses lots of positive aspects of kids growing older, more verbal, and independent -- from baby and toddler milestones to Laura's (positive!) experiences with teens.In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking about WHEN personal/family tasks get done.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What comes up when you Google yourself, and are you happy the result? Sarah and Laura discuss ways of letting the world know about your expertise, from providing evidence of your competency, the value of persistence, being open to opportunity, and more!In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking for non-travel spring break ideas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashley Graber and Maria Evans, licensed therapists and co-authors of "Raising Calm Kids in a World of Worry," share vital strategies for nurturing emotional well-being in children. They discuss how to tackle childhood anxiety, emphasizing open communication and trust. With relatable anecdotes, they offer tips for parents to foster resilience, manage worries, and create safe spaces for dialogue. They even address the lighter side of childhood habits, like nail biting, while sharing insights that resonate with both kids and adults.

Nancy Reddy, author of "The Good Mother Myth," dives into the unrealistic expectations imposed on mothers and the origins of the "good mother" stereotype. She examines how societal pressures contribute to feelings of guilt and inadequacy among parents. Reddy advocates for embracing daycare as a beneficial choice for children's development, while encouraging mothers to maintain their personal identities beyond parenting. The conversation also emphasizes the value of unstructured family time and fostering genuine connections amidst parenting challenges.