
Best of Both Worlds Podcast
Love your career? Love your family? Best of Both Worlds is the show for you! Hosts Laura Vanderkam, author of I Know How She Does It and a mom of five, and Sarah Hart-Unger, a practicing physician and mom of three, discuss work/life balance, career development, parenting, time management, productivity, and making time for fun. Tune in each week for strategies to help you thrive in all spheres of life.
Latest episodes

10 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 41min
Dressing for Self-Respect: Work Wardrobe Secrets with Fashion Expert Marcy Syms EP 414
In this discussion with Marcy Syms, former CEO of an apparel corporation and author, the profound connection between clothing and self-respect is revealed. Marcy emphasizes the importance of investing in a work wardrobe that reflects personal value and boosts confidence. She shares tips on how to shop smarter, both online and in-person, and the psychological impact of fit on self-image. The conversation also touches on balancing family life with career, underlining that smart wardrobe choices can enhance both professional and personal success.

Jul 1, 2025 • 35min
2025 Mid-Year Review: Ups, Downs, and Surprises EP 413
In today’s episode, Laura and Sarah share their traditional mid-year review! They revisit 2025 goals in several categories, including personal, career, relationships, and household, and reflect on their chosen words of the year.In the Q&A, a listener asks for tips about when to fit in more summer reading.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

30 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 34min
Skip the Misery: From Ice Baths to Spa Showers EP 412
The hosts discuss rejecting unnecessary suffering in favor of finding joy in daily routines. They highlight strategies to enhance mundane tasks, transform morning rituals, and incorporate small pleasures into busy lives. Listeners learn about the significance of creating joyful work breaks and celebrating minor achievements. Additionally, they explore innovative wellness practices like ice baths and spa showers, debating their benefits on mental and physical well-being. Practical tips for enjoying life on a budget round out the conversation.

6 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 38min
Kids + Tech from Silicon Valley Insider Rachel Fuld Cohen EP 411
Rachel Fuld Cohen, co-founder and COO of Silicon Society, shares her insights on integrating technology into family life. She emphasizes the importance of personalized learning experiences powered by AI for children. The conversation details practical tips for balancing tech use with traditional learning to optimize child development. They also dive into favorite must-have apps that enhance everyday routines and explore how technology can prevent summer learning loss. Rachel provides a fresh perspective on navigating parenting in the tech era.

Jun 10, 2025 • 36min
Fun for the Whole Family (Even with a 13-Year Age Gap!) EP 410
In today's episode, Sarah and Laura chat about the start to their summers, and then dive into the topic of whole-family fun. Laura's kids are 5-18, and Sarah's are 7-13 -- both acknowledge the challenge that "whole family fun" can present especially with decent-sized age gaps, and provide some ideas to help (or in some cases, arguments for throwing in the towel and splitting things up!).In the Q&A, a listener writes in for tips on traveling across time zones (in both directions!).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 3, 2025 • 44min
Preserving Family Memories + More with Chatbooks Founder Vanessa Quigley EP 409
Sarah and Laura share their current practices for preserving family memories, and then Vanessa Quigley joins Sarah to share her experiences in building Chatbooks, as well as her take on why printing family memories are so important. She also discusses her entrepreneurial journey and some of the ways in which Chatbooks has become a company known for its family-friendly culture.In the Q&A, a listener writes in looking for advice on how to discuss her prior job-hopping (related to her husband's career journey) with new potential employers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 27, 2025 • 41min
Advancement at Work with Lareina Yee, Author of The Broken Rung EP 408
In this discussion, Lareina Yee, a Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company and co-author of The Broken Rung, sheds light on the barriers women face in achieving leadership roles. She shares insights on the gender gap in promotions and practical strategies to navigate career advancement challenges. Lareina emphasizes the importance of networking, feedback, and the proactive pursuit of opportunities. Listeners will also gain advice on optimizing workplace partnerships, making this a must-listen for anyone seeking to elevate their career in a competitive landscape.

May 20, 2025 • 34min
Thinking Through Summer: Top 5 Edition EP 407
In today's episode, Laura and Sarah discuss all things summer, with the format of:- 5 ways to celebrate the kickoff of summer- 5 summer challenges- 5 things they want to do- 5 summer-themed loves of the week!In the Q&A, they discuss the common dilemma of handling that last week of summer before school starts (when camp options are sparse!)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

19 snips
May 13, 2025 • 42min
Later Phases of Parenting + Midlife Leisure Pursuits with Meagan Francis EP 406
Meagan Francis, author of 'The Last Parenting Book You'll Ever Read' and former co-host of The Mom Hour, shares her insights on navigating the later stages of parenting. She discusses launching kids into adulthood and the emotional complexities of empty nesting. Meagan emphasizes the importance of rediscovering personal interests and self-acceptance during midlife. They also explore essential life skills for young adults and the joys of grandparenting, illustrating how these transitions can lead to new adventures and fulfilling leisure pursuits.

18 snips
May 6, 2025 • 42min
Hybrid Careers and More with Dr. Tiffany Moon (of Real Housewives of Dallas!) EP 405
In this episode, Dr. Tiffany Moon, a talented anesthesiologist, reality TV star from Real Housewives of Dallas, and author, shares her journey of balancing a demanding career with personal life. She discusses the challenges of public scrutiny and the concept of 'weaponized professionalism.' Tiffany also embraces her Asian immigrant background, emphasizing personal growth and setting boundaries. Plus, she offers creative date night ideas that go beyond the usual dinner and movie, advocating for fun and unique experiences to build connections.