Best of Both Worlds Podcast

Heather Avis is a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and passionate advocate for Down syndrome awareness. She shares her inspiring adoption journey and emphasizes the need to shift the narrative surrounding disabilities. Topics include fostering resilience in children, celebrating uniqueness, and promoting inclusivity in society. Heather discusses the joys and challenges of parenting kids with special needs while offering valuable travel tips for families. Her new children's book, "I Like You So Much," also highlights themes of acceptance and self-love.

Extended family relationships can be a delightful puzzle! The hosts discuss the ups and downs of holiday travel and the role of family babysitters. They share humorous stories about planning family gatherings and the importance of setting boundaries. A fun question about future family roles adds a thought-provoking twist. Plus, hear insights on remote work logistics for summer fun with kids. Tune in for tips on nurturing connections and embracing the complexities of family life!

Kristen Holmes, CNN's Senior White House correspondent and mother of two, candidly discusses her journey through pregnancy while covering a presidential campaign. She shares unique strategies for balancing her demanding career with early parenthood. Kristen reflects on the emotional transitions of maternity leave and the complexities of family planning, including the pros and cons of age gaps between siblings. Her insights offer a fascinating look into the challenges and triumphs of navigating motherhood in a high-pressure environment.

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.

The hosts conduct their mid-year goal review, hilariously discussing personal and professional aspirations while highlighting the importance of reflection. They share insights on resilience through health challenges and adapting fitness goals. Family connections take center stage as they recount memorable experiences. The conversation also touches on decluttering, summer reading tips, and the joy of pursuing personal interests amid life's chaos. They mix in fun family-friendly ads, making it both entertaining and informative.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.