
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

Jul 16, 2024 • 36min
Mailbag! Podcasting/business questions, back-to-work advice, dream travel destinations, and more! EP 363
In today's episode, Laura and Sarah chat live, answering listener questions about a variety of topics! Topics include:- all about the podcast itself (the time it takes, division of labor, etc)- advice for returning to work part time- dream travel destinations- thoughts about future child care arrangements- ways to address loaded questions at work after mat leave return- where do all the episode / blog post / writing ideas come from!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 9, 2024 • 38min
Intentional Subtraction with Amy Laski of the Difference Lab EP 362
In today's episode, Sarah interviews Amy Laski of the Difference Lab., and they discuss the idea of intentional subtraction -- removing things rather than just shuffling priorities or succumbing to "cram-it-all-in syndrome". Sarah and Laura discuss their own thoughts on this concept, and then Amy joins Sarah to provide her in-depth perspective on this idea and how it can be applied in both personal and business settings. She also shares her career path and her current day-in-the-life with 3 tweens/teens at home.In the Q&A, Laura and Sarah address a listener question on kid 1:1 days. Does it need to be a full day, or do other variations work?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 2, 2024 • 41min
The Best Career Advice and Much More with Jessi Hempel EP 361
Jessi Hempel, host of Hello Monday, discusses navigating work/life balance and parenting roles in a two-mom household. Topics include career changes, facing rejection, decision-making in families, financial responsibilities, and morning routines in Brooklyn.

Jun 25, 2024 • 43min
Mid-Year Check In 2024! EP 360
Laura and Sarah share their progress on 2024 goals in work, relationships, and personal domains. They discuss daily habits and long-term goals, including where they keep all their goals. The podcast covers career reflections, family goals, achievements, back pain, writing motivation, and pursuing personal milestones.

Jun 18, 2024 • 40min
Summer Struggles: Bedtime, Bathing Suits, Bugs & Beyond EP 359
Sarah and Laura discuss common summer struggles like bedtime routines, bathing suit shopping, screen time dilemmas, and more. They also share tips on managing teenage sleep patterns, summer wardrobe choices, bug defense, and academic activities. The episode includes a Q&A on creating a 'last minute school request' emergency kit.

Jun 11, 2024 • 38min
Modern Friendship with Anna Goldfarb EP 358
Author Anna Goldfarb discusses building adult friendships in a digital world with practical tips. She emphasizes the importance of shared interests and goals in nurturing strong connections. The podcast also delves into navigating friendships through life's busiest moments and offers strategies for maintaining relationships when close couple friends are going through a divorce.

Jun 4, 2024 • 48min
Myths of Working Parenthood EP 357
Debunking myths about working parenthood, including sleep deprivation, free time scarcity, and missing milestones. Discussing balancing work and parenting, navigating guilt, and the transformation of ambitions after becoming a parent. Exploring stereotypes about parenthood altering personal identity and career goals, while promoting efficiency and skill development in a professional setting.

May 28, 2024 • 42min
Parenting in the Teen Years with Ellen Galinsky EP 356
In today's episode, Sarah and Laura open with a discussion of teen parenting (mostly with Laura's experience so far!) and then Sarah interviews Ellen Galinsky, longtime researcher and author about all things related to teenhood, as inspired by Galinsky's recent book: The Breakthrough Years: A New Scientific Framework for Raising Thriving Teens.One thing that sets Galinsky apart is how positive she is about this phase of life. Of course there are challenges, but there are so many wonderful things about this incredibly important developmental phase.You can find Ellen's new book wherever books are sold, or visit her website:https://ellengalinsky.comIn the Q&A, Laura and Sarah answer a question about going from 3 kids to more -- how do you know whether to go for it?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 21, 2024 • 41min
Conquer the World in 40 Hours a Week EP 355
Learn how to excel in your career without burning out by prioritizing tasks, building career capital, and being efficient in 40 hours a week. Strategies for managing work-life balance, navigating meetings effectively, and balancing family time are also discussed. Enjoy a thrilling recount of a memorable trip to South Dakota with exciting experiences like catching walleye and observing bison.

May 14, 2024 • 42min
Packing Like a Pro & Travel Q&A EP 354
Explore stress-free packing tips for travel, including carry-on vs. check luggage, packing cubes, and unpacking at destination. Learn about managing selective eaters on trips, ski school options, and tips for solo parenting with young children. Discover efficient packing strategies, luggage options, and travel essentials for a seamless trip.
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