

Best of Both Worlds Podcast
iHeartPodcasts
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 16, 2025 • 34min
2026 Patreon Curriculum + Launching Sarah's Book, Best Laid Plans! EP 437
Laura and Sarah unveil their exciting Patreon curriculum for 2026, diving into themed meetups and a book club focused on Sarah's new release, Best Laid Plans. Sarah shares her journey to writing the book and how teaching shaped her approach. They discuss the importance of tracking reading and the concept of planning privilege, especially in family dynamics. Listeners are encouraged to support the book launch, with insights on making planning both visible and valued in daily life.

Dec 9, 2025 • 35min
Get Festive: Holiday Planning & Fun, 2025 Edition EP 436
In today's episode, Laura and Sarah discuss all things holiday! First, Laura reminder listeners of Sarah's book, coming out next week as this airs (12/16) -- for preorder bonuses, check out theshubox.com/preorders!Then, they delve into several aspects of the holiday season, from Holiday Fun lists to gifting strategies to dealing with looooong winter breaks and beyond.In the Q&A, a listener asks Laura and Sarah for tips on how to get SOME daylight exposure during the work days of winter (particularly for those in an office setting where it might be a little trickier to leave).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 2, 2025 • 37min
One Journey to Motherhood with Rebecca Thompson EP 435
In today's episode, Sarah and Laura reflect on their own paths to motherhood, and then Dr. Rebecca Thompson joins Laura to share about her own complicated journey.Please note: this episode contains discussion of fertility issues and loss, so please skip this one if this kind of content is not for you.In the Q&A, Laura and Sarah answer a listener question on how a book goes from idea to finished copy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 35min
Dreaming Big: Lessons from BLP Live EP 434
Join Laura and Sarah as they share their Thanksgiving plans and dive into the art of dreaming big. They discuss creating 100 Dreams lists and long-term visioning. Highlights from their recent planning retreat include icebreakers, personal revelations, and community bonding. They offer tips for hosting your own DIY retreat and emphasize the importance of realistic goal-setting. Plus, discover how to rework old dreams lists into fresh ideas and tune into their personal highlights and community news!

13 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 36min
7 Daily Practices to Enhance Your Life with Xtend Barre's Andrea Leigh Rogers EP 433
Andrea Leigh Rogers, a talented dancer and the founder of Xtend Barre, shares her journey from dancer to creator of a thriving exercise brand. She discusses her new book, highlighting seven daily practices that enhance energy and productivity in just 30 minutes. Key topics include the importance of breathwork for grounding, the benefits of stretching for longevity, and tips for mindful eating, like enjoying a phone-free first meal. Andrea also introduces a unique six-item to-do list method to boost focus and motivation in daily life.

Nov 11, 2025 • 37min
Keep it Hot: WORK Edition! EP 432
Discover refreshing ways to reignite your passion for work! Learn how reflecting on what you love about your job can counteract negativity. Engage more with colleagues through social events to boost enjoyment. Explore how to delegate low-value tasks and use new technologies for efficiency. Enjoy intentional breaks to recharge and utilize professional development funds for skill enhancement. Plus, is the FIRE movement right for you? Dive into trade-offs and flexible options!

12 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 38min
Finding Your Life's Purpose with Suzy Welch EP 431
Suzy Welch, a New York Times bestselling author and NYU professor, shares her journey from crime reporter to business journalist. She discusses the importance of aligning passion, skill, and economic viability when pursuing a career. Suzy introduces her 'Becoming You' method, which assesses values, aptitudes, and interests to help individuals find their purpose. She also offers practical advice on balancing family life and navigating career challenges, along with strategies for ambitious parents to advance at work.

16 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 33min
How to Fall in Love with Your Weekends EP 430
Discover a 5-part formula for transforming your weekends into something you truly enjoy! The hosts discuss the unique challenges of weekends with young kids versus older ones. Learn proactive planning strategies, including anchor events to create memorable moments. They emphasize the importance of balancing chores with leisure, and even suggest hiring babysitters for needed breaks. Tune in for insightful tips on structuring your weekend for both fun and relaxation!

Oct 21, 2025 • 32min
Things Making Us Happy Now: Fall Edition EP 429
In a lively chat about autumn delights, the hosts share their newfound joys, from Laura's beloved planner to fresh-caught fish. They discuss the mental health benefits of small pleasures and how homegrown tomatoes can elevate simple dinners. Sarah highlights the fun of ice cream Fridays as a family ritual, while Laura shines a light on regional favorites like deviled eggs. They also tackle carpool logistics with practical tips for success, ensuring smoother rides. Get ready for a cozy fall filled with seasonal treats and meaningful connections!

Oct 14, 2025 • 39min
The Busy Woman's Guide to Reading More EP 428
In this engaging discussion, the hosts share their recent reads, highlighting diverse genres. They explore practical tips for fitting more reading into a busy schedule, including the ongoing debate of paper versus electronic books. A powerful message emerges about the importance of curating your reading life. They offer insights on how to abandon books that don't resonate and highlight the joys of book clubs. Plus, they provide advice on fostering a love of reading in children, making it a perfect episode for busy bibliophiles.


