Work Like a Mother

Toni-Anne Mayembe: How to Stay Consistent May 10, 2022

Today, Bridget chats with Toni-Ann Mayembe, podcaster and dentist.

Toni-Ann Mayembe joins us to discuss the importance of routines for ourselves and our children. Toni-Ann explains how she started her podcast and what her Sunday routines are that get her through the week. Toni-Ann provides practical tips that may help things run a bit more smoothly in your home too.

Links Referenced in the Episode:

NeighborSchools Blog- Don't have time to listen? Read the blog with highlights from

Real Happy Mom Podcast and Blog- Listen to Toni-Ann's podcast where she shares a lot more helpful tips about routines!

Deepti Sharma: Pivoting & Political Purpose May 03, 2022

Today, Bridget chats with Deepti Sharma- Serial Entrepreneur.

Deepti’s career centers on her passions- food, community and advocacy. She is unafraid to pivot to figure out a new solution to make less than ideal circumstances work- both at home and in her career. And you know what’s most inspiring? Deepti continues to chase her dreams. She always knew that she wanted to have a greater impact in her community so she ran for City Council in New York City last year. I hope we all seek a bit of inspiration from Deepti. Becoming a mom really can open new paths and opportunities for us.

Links Referenced in the Episode:

NeighborSchools Blog- Don't have time to listen? Read the blog with highlights from

Foodtoeat- Check out Deepti's amazing start-up, Foodtoeat!
Here's a video that explains how Deepti and Foodtoeat pivoted their mission during COVID.

Toyosi Babalola: How to Democratize Childcare Apr 26, 2022

Today, Bridget chats with Toyosi Babalola- Founder and CEO of Ablué.

Do you have these moments that stop you in your tracks and make you realize that you just can’t do it all? Toyosi did too. She realized, prior to the pandemic that she couldn’t be home with her daughter and work her demanding full-time IT job. Toyosi was raised in Nigeria by a “village” of adults who supported her and helped share the load of raising a child. Even though she was in America, she needed to create a village to help her raise her child. Toyosi started Abulé, a startup that connects parents to support each other and share the load of parenting. This amazing startup will help you find your village too.

Links Referenced in the Episode:

NeighborSchools Blog- Don't have time to listen? Read the blog with highlights from Toyosi's conversation with Bridget

Abulé is Toyosi's startup working to democratize childcare. Go check it out!

Jessi Duley: Why Shame Has no Place in Motherhood Apr 19, 2022

Today, Bridget chats with Jessi Duley, Founder of BurnCycle Spin Studios.

Rarely do you get to meet someone who is willing to tell it how it is and truly expose all of their vulnerabilities, successes, faults and passions. Jessi Duley, a fearless entrepreneur and founder of Burncycle, a spin studio in the Pacific Northwest, takes truth telling to a whole other level. If only we all had the courage to be as honest with ourselves and each other as Jessi.

Links Referenced in the Episode:

NeighborSchools Blog- Don't have time to listen? Read the blog with highlights from Jessi's episode
Shame Raging Video- Have you seen this? If not you have to check it out!
The Dip- The business book that Jessi references
Burn Cycle- Jessi's spin studios in the Pacific NorthWest
Burn Cycle Digital Studio- You can take Jessi's classes online!

Jasmine Bradshaw: How to Raise an Anti-Racist Apr 12, 2022

Today, Bridget chats with Jasmine Bradshaw an anti-racist educator, podcaster and mother.

When Jasmine was pregnant with her first child, she dove into anti-racism research and realized that there was a large divide between the world of academia and practical application. Jasmine launched the podcast First Name Basis to provide resources and tips for families. Her resources help parents and children engage in developmentally appropriate conversations about race, religion and differences to help parents raise the next generation to be more anti-racist.

Links Referenced in the Episode:
NeighborSchools Blog- Don't have time to listen? Read the blog with highlights from Jasmine's episode
First Name Basis- Jasmine's Podcast
Anti-Racist Experts- @proftriciarose and Ta-Nehisi Coates
Anti-Bias Education for Young Children and Ourselves by Louise Derman-Sparks- a book that Jasmine references in the episode
Ally Elementary- Jasmine's resources and curriculum. Aroadmap for raising the courageous, anti-racist allies our communities need.
A Bit of Optimism- The episode of Simon Sinek's podcast featuring Omar Brownson about gratitude that Bridget refers to
Flecks of Gold Journal- a journal that Jasmine recommends to help you focus on those golden moments of motherhood

Rapid Fire Responses:
Mom Gear- Itzy Ritzy Diaper bag
Who to Follow - @britthawthorne
What's on your Nightstand- Flecks of Gold Journal

Eve Rodsky: Unicorn Spaces & Domestic Work Apr 05, 2022

Today, Bridget chats with Eve RodskyNew York Times best-selling author of Fair Play and the newly released, National Bestseller, Find Your Unicorn Space.

Not only is Eve advocating for gender equity for women on a National level, she is also empowering women by giving a voice to the frustration that so many of us feel. Yet Eve doesn’t just name the problem- that women are shouldering the burden of unpaid domestic work. She presents a solution to rebalance partnerships and ease this frustration. You have to listen to this conversation and then go check out Eve’s best sellings books- Fair Play and Find your Unicorn Space.

Links Referenced in the Episode:

NeighborSchools Blog- Don't have time to listen? Read the blog with highlights from Bridget's conversation with Eve.

Fair Play- Eve's best selling book about coming up with a 21st-century solution to an age-old problem: women shouldering the brunt of domestic responsibilities, regardless of whether they work outside the home.
Find Your Unicorn Space is Eve's new book that teaches anyone how to create time in their already-busy life to tap into their unique expression of creativity and find purpose that will allow them to live a happier, more fulfilled life.
Time Out: A Fair Play PodcastInspired to value your own time and invest in yourself? Check out Eve's new podcast.

Ashley Mitchell: How to Heal and Empower Through Movement Mar 29, 2022

Today, Bridget chats with Ashley Mitchell- Wellness Professional and DEI Consultant.

Ashley’s entire life has revolved around movement and exercise. She was raised by a professional boxer and marathon runner and was very active when she was growing up. Now, she inspires and leads others to move as a fitness instructor. Movement has also helped Ashley process trauma and grief in her own life. This passion led her to found a non-profit to bring movement as a form of processing and healing for kids experiencing trauma or the stresses of daily life. Yet Ashley also struggled with the complicated expectations from the world of physical fitness after the birth of her first son. Ashley has worked to give herself grace and not fall prey to the bounce back culture 6 months postpartum from the birth of her son.

Links Referenced in the Episode:

NeighborSchools Blog- Don't have time to listen? Read the blog with highlights from Bridget's conversation with Ashley

The Courage Campaign- The non-profit that Ashley founded
Black Girl Magic Mama- Ashley's blog
Ashley Mitchell: Boston Wellness Is White-Washed. Now Is the Time to Be Better- Ashley's article

Cait Zogby: Why Kids Can’t Always Come First Mar 22, 2022

Today, Bridget chats with Cait Zogby, Co-Founder and Chief Community Officer of MotherNation.

Cait connected with a friend when they were both postpartum. Though they had very different pregnancy and postpartum experiences, they both felt like they were failing in spite of having access to a tremendous amount of resources. Cait and her friend founded MotherNation to provide support for moms and build the skills to integrate their own needs into the demands of motherhood. She shares incredible advice to help you prioritize your own needs too.

Links Referenced in the Episode:

NeighborSchools Blog- Don't have time to listen? Read the blog with highlights from Cait's episode.
Mother Nation- Cait's company that creates spaces for Mothers to care for themselves and each other. Get and give support up close through personalized Circles, and from all of MotherNation through our Private Online Community.

Reshma Saujani: How to Fight a System Designed to Exploit You Mar 15, 2022

Today, Bridget chats with Reshma Saujani, Founder and CEO of Marshall Plan for Moms.

This week, Reshma joins us to discuss her experience as a working mom, society’s assumption that moms are America’s social safety net, and the necessity to fix a broken system that was never intended for working moms. How can we create a society that demands true equity for all women? Reshma encourages moms to stop being martyrs and create “good trouble” to demand wholesale structural change.

Links Referenced in the Episode:

NeighborSchools Blog- Don't have time to listen? Read the blog with highlights from Reshma's episode.
Marshall Plan for Moms- a national movement to center women in our economic recovery and champion public and private sector policies that support all moms.
Marshall Plan for Moms Op Ed- Here's Reshma's Op Ed that inspired the movement.

Pay Up- Reshma's new book where she confronts the “big lie” of corporate feminism and presents a bold plan to address the burnout and inequity harming America’s working women today.

Reshma's TED talk- Teach Girls Bravery not Perfection

Hitha Palepu: The Importance of Letting Your Humanity Show Mar 08, 2022

Today Bridget chats with Hitha Palepu. Mother, CEO of Rhoshan Pharmaceuticals, and Author of We’re Speaking.

Hitha self identifies as a multi-hyphenate as an entrepreneur, investor, writer, and speaker. Though Hitha is incredibly accomplished professionally, her Work Like a Mother interview convinced me that she is human and not a superhero with a cape. Hitha details her morning routine with her family, explained how she curates her #5smartreads list, and shared her tips for getting out of weeknight meal prep for her kids. Hitha unapologetically shares her struggles as a working mom during a pandemic. She uses her privilege to give others permission to speak out and advocate for themselves and their families too.

Links Referenced in the Episode:
NeighborSchools Blog- Don't have time to listen to the full episode? Check out the highlights of Bridget's conversation with Hitha on the blog.
#5SmartReads- a weekly digest of the news you should know, books you should read and things that will make your life better that Hitha publishes each week
We're Speaking: The Life Lessons of Kamala Harris- the book that Hitha published this fall
Forest App- The App that Hitha recommends for productivity

Katie Lowes: Hollywood, Motherhood & Keeping It Real Mar 01, 2022

Today, Bridget chats with “Inventing Anna” and “Scandal” actor, Katie Lowes.

This week, Katie joins us to discuss launching her podcast, Katie’s Crib, navigating pregnancy and postpartum in Hollywood and why access to quality child care matters. Katie keeps it real and connects with the challenges that all moms face, juggling career and family.

Links Referenced in the Episode:

NeighborSchools Blog- Don't have time to listen? Read the blog with highlights from Katie's episode

Katie's Crib- Check out Katie's awesome podcast. She keeps it real with all things parenting.

Rapid Fire Responses:

Mom Gear- Boogie Wipes!Is your kid's nose also a faucet? Katie couldn't rave about these enough!

Who to Follow on IG- @janetlansbury, @kids.eat.in.color @workspaceforchildren @busytoddler @food_for_tots @drbeckyatgoodinside @manifestdestini

Dr. Amber Thornton: The Power of No Feb 22, 2022

Today, Bridget chats with Dr. Amber Thornton Clinical Psychologist and Millennial Motherhood Wellness Expert and Founder/Creator of Balanced Working Mama.

Dr. Thornton wasn’t sure that she wanted to become a mom because she was fearful that she would have to give up her career, her identity and her drive. Instead, Dr. Thornton sets really clear boundaries that empower her to pursue her career, prioritize her family and also center her own wellness. Dr. Thornton shares a lot of practical tips to help moms unapologetically take care of ourselves so that we can take care of others.

Links Referenced in the Episode:
NeighborSchools Blog- Don't have time to listen? Read the blog with highlights from Dr. Thornton's episode.

SudShare- Laundry Service that Dr. Thornton raves about
S4 EP 7: The Moms are Not OK- The episode of The Double Shift featuring Dr. Amber Thornton

Katherine Goldstein: How America’s Letting Down Moms Feb 15, 2022

Today, Bridget chats with Katherine Goldstein- Journalist, and Creator and Host of The Double Shift Podcast.

Once Katherine became a mom, she became acutely aware of how society was failing mothers. She, like so many of us, fell victim to blaming ourselves rather than acknowledging that the challenges that mothers face are societal issues. But then Katherine channeled her journalist skills to “stop feeling guilty and start feeling mad”. Katherine is a passionate advocate for mothers. She uses her platform as a podcast host of the award winning Double Shift and as a writer to inspire other moms to advocate and take action.

Links from Today's Episode
NeighborSchools Blog - If you don't have time to listen to the whole episode, go check out the highlights on NeighborSchools' blog

Chamber of Mothers- The advocacy group that Katherine recommends. The Chamber of Mothers is a collective movement to focus America's priorities on mothers’ rights. Their first goal is to secure federal paid family and medical leave.
The Double Shift- Katherine's award winning podcast
The Double Shift Newsletter- The Double Shift is going on indefinite hiatus but stay up to date on their amazing work through this newsletter
American moms: let's stop feeling guilty and start getting mad- Katherine's article in the Guardian

Rapid Fire Responses:
Mom Gear- Medella Freestyle Hands-free Pump
Who to follow on IG- @babiesafter35
Mom Hack- TickTick- Katherine's list app that she, her husband and her caregiver all use

Zoë, Editor of PEOPLE Digital, Normalizes Many Paths to Parenthood Through Me Becoming Mom Podcast Dec 14, 2021

Zoë Ruderman, editor of PEOPLE digital, was excited to quickly get pregnant after she and her husband decided to start a family. However, that elation was shortlived when Zoë had her first miscarriage. Zoë and her husband endured repeated miscarriages and were eventually advised to try IVF to conceive. Though Zoë never lost faith that she would one day get pregnant and have a family, she kept her IVF journey private to protect herself from needing to spend the emotional energy to explain her journey to others. Inspired by her own path to parenthood, Zoë launched the podcast, Me Becoming Mom. The mission of Me Becoming Mom is to destigmatize the many paths to parenthood. She wants people to hear the stories of celebrities to normalize the many ways that people can start families.

Links Referenced in the Episode:

Podcast: Zoe’s podcast, Me Becoming Mom

Article: to read more about Me Becoming Mom

Book: Emily Oster’s Book, Expecting Better that Bridget and Zoë nerd out on in the episode

Keeping it Real with Momtourage Dec 07, 2021

When Keri Setaro and Ashley Hearon-Smith auditioned and were casted as “mom friends” on their first podcast, Scary mommy speaks, neither of them envisioned their careers revolving around the topic of motherhood. Yet these two moms and (actual) close friends help other moms find themselves outside of their roles as mothers in their new podcast, Momtourage. Keri said it best- motherhood is messy, hard and beautiful. These two will help you laugh hysterically and feel less alone as they keep it real about all things motherhood.

Jenny Best Founded Solid Starts to Assist Parents with Baby-Led Weaning Nov 30, 2021

Jenny scoured the internet for helpful information about introducing real food to her 6 month old twins. Her three year old was a picky eater and she wanted to avoid the same situation with her twins. She ended up down the endless google rabbit hole. Why wasn’t there a singular resource for parents to reference when introducing solid foods to their kids? Jenny decided to create that resource for parents, one ingredient at a time. Solid Starts help parents feel confident introducing real food to their littles through a finger food first approach. Parents love having a resource to create a healthy food culture with their families.

Michele Founds KultureCity: to Create Full Inclusion for Families Living with Invisible Disabilities Nov 23, 2021

Michele’s son was diagnosed with autism at the age of 4. Suddenly she and her family stopped getting invited over to friends’ houses for dinner and were asked to leave restaurants and shows. Michele and her family were rocked by the social isolation and the doors that were closed to them. Though Michele didn’t previously consider herself a runner, she started running daily to take care of herself and cope with the challenges she and her family faced. And then she decided to tackle the societal issues impacting her family by founding KultureCity. KultureCity is a non-profit which creates sensory accessibility and full inclusion for those with invisible disabilities.

How to Keep Your Kids Safe: Water Safety Tips with 4x Olympian Amanda Beard Nov 16, 2021

Amanda Beard's entire life has revolved around the water. When the 4X Olympic swimmer finished her competitive swimming career, she just couldn’t stay away. The mom of two co-founded a learn to swim school in Washington State to pass on her love of swimming and promote water safety. Amanda serves on the board of Hope Floats as an advocate for water safety and drowning prevention.

Sarah Finds Passion and Purpose at Nanit Nov 09, 2021

Sarah built a career as a leader in ecommerce working for more than two decades for various companies. Yet, when Nanit approached Sarah, she jumped at the opportunity to switch careers to help parents use technology to ease their worries. With little kids at home, Sarah could connect and relate to parents who were looking for any tools and tricks to make parenting a little easier.

The Wine Can’t Wait: The Juggle When it’s not a Traditional 9-5 Nov 02, 2021

Shalini Sekhar fell in love with wine, but she never imagined this love affair with wine would turn into a career. She initially studied music and earned her masters in Music Performance. She began working in a tasting room to pass the time while searching for a teaching job when she and her husband relocated to California in 2005. But soon she realized that her passion for wine was pushing her to pursue a full-time career in the wine business. She’s now widely recognized for her success, including accolades like Winemaker of the Year and has paved the way as a woman of color in the wine industry. All while juggling life with two kids and navigating a hectic schedule because the wine harvest doesn’t follow traditional 9-5 hours.

Amanda Goetz: On Setting Intentions and Taking Control Oct 26, 2021

Amanda Goetz built her own personal toolkit to develop the skills that she needs personally and professionally to be successful. Amanda just raised 2M in a round of funding to launch her startup, House of Wise. Yet she wasn’t willing to back down from pillars of the business that felt important to her as a working mom. The company has a 4 day work week, work hours are flexible and are driven by outputs and outcomes rather than hours. Amanda leads by example, juggling being a single parent to 3 kids and getting the CBD startup off the ground.

Defining Motherhood and Success on Your Own Terms Oct 19, 2021

Blessing grew up in Lagos, Nigeria. She was determined to dream big and be successful in spite of the societal expectations that boys went to school and pursued careers and women prepared to stay at home. Blessing came to the USA for college and pursued chemical engineering. Once she entered the male dominated profession, she learned to stand up and advocate for herself and other working moms. Blessing continues that work through Mother Honestly- a community that brings together women and empowers them to stop comparing themselves to others and start defining their own success.

Lindsey’s Mission: A Successful Business and a Supportive Community for Moms Oct 12, 2021

When Lindsey first had the idea to create a clip to keep her daughter’s pacifiers away from their family dog, she had no idea how successful the company would become 8 years later. Yet the part of the business that she is most proud of is the amazing community of moms that Ryan and Rose has brought together. The community of moms embraces differences and supports one another through their motherhood journeys.

CEO Sandy Abdallah Leads MAM to be a Family First Company Oct 05, 2021

Sandy became CEO of MAM during the pandemic and is leading the company towards being a family first company. She models this by setting a culture that allows her colleagues to be flexible and respond to priorities whether they are at home or at work. Sandy and MAM also launched a path to parenthood campaign to embrace the many diverse ways that individuals become parents.

It Can’t all be Perfect- Choose What You’re Going to Get a C in Sep 28, 2021

Early in Stephanie’s career as a working mom, she thought she had to do it all. She wanted to cook her children a nutritious breakfast each morning, have a smooth morning routine, pack bags with everything the children needed for school, get everyone to childcare on time, get to work on time, work efficiently throughout the day and have an equally smooth evening routine.

She quickly realized it’s impossible to do it all perfectly and it adds unnecessary stress and pressure to even try. Stephanie’s strategy? Decide on what you want to prioritize doing really well, and then be okay getting a C on everything else. Give yourself a break and accept that no one expects for everything to be perfect.

Emily Oster: The Data Driven Guide to Parenting Aug 03, 2021

As an economist and professor, Emily Oster is accustomed to using data to inform the decisions that she made in her own life. When Emily got pregnant with her daughter, Penelope, she was shocked by the lack of data provided by doctors to back up the common rules of pregnancy. Emily started to analyze the data behind many common pregnancy rules, and wrote a book, Expecting Better to improve decision-making for pregnant women. As her kids have grown up, her research has continued through 2 subsequent books, Crib Sheet, focusing on birth to preschool and Family Firm, which comes out today, focusing on the early school years.

Leslie Forde: Mom’s Hierarchy of Needs Jul 27, 2021

A male colleague once asked Leslie, why are moms always so stressed? Leslie grabbed a sheet of paper and scribbled down her first draft of her Mom’s Hierarchy of Needs. Leslie responded- moms are stressed because they prioritize everyone else’s needs before themselves. Self care happens only once everyone else’s needs are met. Leslie quit her job to focus full time on helping moms prioritize their own self care. Leslie has talked to countless moms through her research and study and has transformed Mom’s Hierarchy of Needs into a new business helping employers retain working parents and create inclusive workplaces where caregivers can thrive.

Karri Bowen-Poole: Making space for play Jul 20, 2021

Karri carved out a niche using her expertise as an educator and a parent to customize playroom designs to meet families’ needs. She put an ad in a local paper and started receiving phone calls from parents desperate to get their kids off technology and engaged in other forms of entertainment. Smart Playrooms aims to design playrooms that will engage children in open-ended creative thinking to promote independence, creativity, problem-solving and cooperation.

Raising the Next Generation: Moms as Activists and Advocates Jul 13, 2021

Quiana believes that all mothers are inherently activists and advocates. We are raising the next generation of changemakers and we shouldn’t take this role lightly. Some moms advocate in the books that we read to our children and the lessons we teach in hopes to raise our children to spread kindness, acceptance and love. Quiana inspires, encourages and challenges the system. She connects with an amazing community through her Harlem Lovebirds blog and social media presence. She also is a very active member of Moms Demand Action, an organization advocating for anti-gun violence and pro-gun safety. She juggles this role as an advocate, in addition to running a marketing, PR and graphic design firm and being a mother to her 2 children.

Artist Inspired by her Daughter to Spark Change Jul 06, 2021

Though Nadia’s passion has always been art and film, she took a 15 year hiatus from creating to pursue a career in law. However, when Nadia’s daughter Aria was born, she was reinspired to pick back up and make art her career as a powerful way to raise awareness and spark change. Nadia creates vivid powerful art that centers people of color and messages of social justice, resistance and hope.

Mia Carr: How motherhood inspired her to build an empire Jun 29, 2021

The Snuggle Me Organic was born when Mia Carr struggled to juggle twin newborns and a 2 year old. Desperately needing an extra pair of arms, Mia and her mother in law started sewing prototypes of a pillow that would simulate the touch of a parent. The idea exploded into an extremely successful family run business. Yet what continues to make Mia so successful is her authenticity and her deep connection with her brand’s amazing community of moms. As a mom of 7, Mia gets it, she’s been through it, and her gift of words to convey that connection on social media propelled the brand to its success.

Dr. Fradin’s Advice as a Pediatrician and a Mom: How to Navigate the Reopening with Kids Jun 22, 2021

When the reality of COVID set in last March, we were all trying to figure out how we were going to cope without childcare in addition to the stress and anxiety of living through a scary pandemic. Dr. Kelly Fradin, a pediatrician and mother of two, watched many parents panic and wondered how she could help. As we were all bracing, doing less and gearing up for the worst, Dr. Fradin decided to write a book, Parenting in a Pandemic, as a guide to help us all through the unknown. Dr. Fradin remains a reliable source of scientific data based advice for parents through her Instagram @adviceigivemyfriends. This episode is full of practical advice and tips for parents trying to navigate trips to the grocery store, playdates, the playground, childcare, cousin visits and so much more.

Dr. Christine Koh and Minimalist Parenting: How to be Okay Doing Less Jun 15, 2021

When Dr. Christine Koh wrote her minimalist parenting book 8 years ago, little did she know how relevant it would be for all of us today. The pandemic didn’t give us a choice- it forced us all to slow down, look inward and do less. Now, many parents and families are starting to resurface after an incredibly trying and challenging year and are trying to navigate how to find the new normal. Dr. Koh’s advice is more relevant now than ever- optimize your time and your life so you’re not feeling so bound to the details and so you can actually live and enjoy the time with your family. Find your level of chaos and crazy and just take it down a notch.

How Mothers Shape Us Jun 08, 2021

In her groundbreaking debut The Three Mothers, scholar Anna Malaika Tubbs celebrates Black motherhood by telling the story of the women who shaped three civil rights icons. Anna’s book shines a light on the mothers of Martin Luther King, Malcom X and James Baldwin as activists- fighting racism and inequality and as humans- raising black boys with joy and resilience. Throughout this journey of researching and writing the book, Anna herself became a mom. And she is a force. Anna connects to these three women through their shared experience as Black women, as mothers and as humans.

Neighborhood Villages Launches Podcast with Kristen Bell and Gloria Riviera to Raise Awareness About the Childcare Crisis in our Nation Jun 01, 2021

The daily struggles of working parents existed long before the pandemic, but now it’s impossible to ignore them. We’re so inspired by our friends over at Neighborhood Villages for partnering with Kristen Bell and Gloria Riviera to launch the No One is Coming to Save Us podcast. It’s a 4 part-series that breaks down how we’re all breaking down: parents, teachers, child care providers and how we can get ourselves out of it NOW because we can’t afford to wait.

Dr. Karp & SNOO: a Working Mom’s Best Friend May 25, 2021

As a pediatrician, Dr. Harvey Karp spent countless hours at appointments listening to the joys, concerns and desperations of new parents in the earliest and most vulnerable stages of parenting. What did they need more than anything? Sleep. The medical research was clear- sleep is essential for newborns and their parents. Dr. Karp set out to help both newborns and parents get more of it. He invented SNOO, a responsive baby bassinet that recreates the environment in the womb, while keeping babies safely on their backs all night long. Dr. Karp has dedicated his life’s work to empowering parents by helping them and their babies get more sleep. Now he’s on a mission to make SNOO more accessible through a rental option, health insurance and through partnerships with employers so every new parent can sleep more.

Slumberkins' Mission to Make Emotional Development Mainstream for Kids May 18, 2021

You can’t remove “mom” from the founding story of Slumberkins. Best friends and behavioral-health experts Callie and Kelly were on maternity leave at the same time, and spent a lot of those early months together, leaning on each other for all the support that new moms need. And then During all those long walks and nap times, they had an idea. What if they created characters and stories to teach social-emotional skills to young children? With a tiny bit of seed money and childcare help from Kelly’s parents, the two started sewing, and Slumberkin’s was born. What started as a passion project has blossomed into a full-blown world of educational wonder, with sales and success surpassing their wildest dreams, and a big-time TV series currently in production.

How to Make a Career Leap During Maternity Leave May 11, 2021

Throughout her pregnancy, Liz didn’t think twice about her return to work plans. She’d take the 3 month maternity leave, and return to an advertising job that she loved. Baby came, 3-month maternity leave came and went, but Liz wasn’t ready. But she also wasn’t ready to stay home full time either. Looking at her baby girl, she felt compelled to do something that would leave a positive impact in the world. At the suggestion of a friend, Liz made a major career move with a baby at home, from the world of advertising to the world of diapers. She was buried in them at home, and she knew there had to be a better, more sustainable way.

When Motherhood Changes Us More Radically: a Conversation with Veronica Jackson May 04, 2021

Veronica had just released her third album and was a rising star in the club music scene when she got pregnant with her son. Her career was taking off, and people saw her as one of the divas of the 1990’s club music scene so she had every intention of recording more albums. But it didn’t quite work out that way. CJ was diagnosed with autism at a very young age. So Veronica took on new roles as a full-time caregiver and a tireless advocate for autism awareness. But she also mourned the career and dreams that she had envisioned for herself. In today’s episode, Veronica opens up and shares how she’s managed to pursue her own creative passions while being the primary caregiver since her husband Chris has a demanding Broadway career starring in Hamilton.

Bouncing Back from Pregnancy to World Championships with USA Bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor Apr 27, 2021

For professional athletes, there is never a “good time” to have a kid. Elana Meyers Taylor, an Olympic bobsledder, weighed the decision with her husband. The thought of taking significant time off from training and competition for pregnancy and postpartum recovery was daunting, even potentially career ending. But Elana always wanted to be a mom. Though she struggled to get pregnant, fertility treatment wasn’t an option because hormones were illegal by drug testing regulations. After 2 years, Elana got pregnant. Elana’s pregnancy was relatively uneventful, by her standards anyway - as she juggled training and routine doctors appointments. Elana was induced at 36 weeks and after 8 days in the NICU, Nico was diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Elana and her family didn’t skip a beat. Less than 12 months later, Elana returned to the track and Nico was at the bottom waiting for her after her race.

Postpartum Care Reimagined: a conversation with Sara Reardon, aka “The Vagina Whisperer” Apr 20, 2021

As soon as she started her physical therapy program, Sara knew that she wanted to focus on the pelvic floor. At first she was mostly curious to learn more about her own body, but curiosity turned into passion as soon as she became a mom. Like so many of us, Sara was surprised and disappointed to learn how moms are treated by the healthcare system during postpartum care. Today she’s a leading voice on pelvic floor issues, and runs her own PT center in New Orleans dedicated to helping women through pregnancy and postpartum. Sara started @thevaginawhisperer, an online community to normalize pelvic floor issues that often make women feel isolated, uncomfortable and alone. It’s all part of her personal mission to reimagine postpartum care, one mom at a time.

Anti-Racist Parenting with Alexandria Scott of Ditto Kids Magazine Mar 02, 2021

As a Black mother raising multiracial children, Alexandria always knew that she’d have to talk to her kids about race and racism. And yet she was shocked when it started so early - her daughter was just 3 years old when a racist comment from another child sent them both spinning. Starting in on these tough conversations, Alexandria realized that even though she was a Black woman and mom, she was lacking the experience and framework to know what to say to her young children. What was developmentally appropriate? How much could she share while still shielding them from the cruel world of systemic racism? Answering those questions, for herself and for others, inspired Alexandria to take an actively anti-racist approach to parenting and creat Ditto kids, a magazine to help other parents do the same.

I was Born to be a Mom Feb 23, 2021

Alexandra was born to be a mom and she knew it from a young age. She even remembers as a child volunteering to change diapers so she could spend more time with them! So when she turned 30, still single and determined as ever to have kids of her own, she decided not to wait any longer and go for it. .. Alexandra shares her infertility journey, her experience with IVF, her ectopic pregnancy, her life as a single mom to two incredible kids, and her journey coming out as her authentic self to and for her kids.

How one Mom Helps Others Celebrate their Children Feb 16, 2021

When Melissa made the first Tiny Tags pendant, at her kitchen table in 2012, she felt like she was onto something, but didn’t know just how big it might get. Her inspiration was simple but beautiful: make a piece of jewelry that she could wear with her all the time and remind herself of her newborn son. These simple, elegant pieces soon caught the attention of moms everywhere, and she’s since sold over 200,000 necklaces to moms who want to celebrate and cherish their children and their roles as mothers. As she’s grown the business, she’s heard from countless parents who share genuine and heartfelt stories about how important these pieces of jewelry have been to them, which is a constant reminder of the impact of bringing her passion and vision to the world.

Juggling Career, Motherhood, and Expectations from our Families Feb 09, 2021

Zaileen was in 2nd grade when she brought home a flyer for a local youth hockey league and asked her mom if she could play. No, her mom explained, Indian girls don’t play hockey, but maybe it would be good for her little brother when he got older. Zaileen wouldn’t take no for an answer, and snuck in to the rink anyway. Her determination paid off- hockey and sports continue to play a major role in her life. But she still grapples with cultural expectations that conflict with the way she wants to raise her sons. Though her family would prefer her to be a stay at home mom, be private about mental health concerns after pregnancy, and raise her sons, Zaileen continues to do what feels right to her, even if it conflicts with her family’s views. As the head of Partnership Development and Innovation for the 2028 Olympics she still has to remind her partner and family that the juggle is worth it.

How One Mama Passes on Family Lactation Recipes to Help New Moms Feb 02, 2021

When Anhoni had her two children, her mother filled her kitchen with delicious treats to aid with lactation and postpartum healing. The family recipes, rooted in ayurvedic medicinal system, have been helping women in Anhoni’s family for generations. Anhoni started a company, Mrs. Patel’s to pass along these healthy and delicious treats to help as many new mamas as possible.

If My Mom Could Do It, So Can I Jan 26, 2021

Growing up, Loira was the oldest of four and she spent a lot of time translating for her mom and helping out with her younger siblings. Like so many women, her mom had to work to provide for the family, but also needed child care in order to work. Today, Loira’s financial situation is different than her mother’s was, but as she raises her two children, she still doubts herself - My mom made it work on so much less, how dare you complain or struggle given your circumstances? What do I have to complain about? In answering that question, she’s embraced a new mindset and worked to channel her mother’s strength - If my mom can do it, I can do it too. And Loira has done it all- from directing documentaries while working a full time job, and continuing her passion as a DJ and being a single mother to 2 kids.

This is Why Ingrid Created Working Momkind Jan 19, 2021

When Ingrid’s son was 1 week old and her family left after their initial visit, she felt incredibly isolated, overwhelmed and alone. During a feed on those sleepless nights she pulled out her phone to find something that would help, but she found nothing. Where was a group of women who were actively talking about the sleepless nights, the worries, and the sore nipples? Ingrid decided to do something about it. She created workingmomkind, an online community focused on bringing moms together to cheer each other on and lend a hand when it’s needed most. A community free of judgment and far away from perfect but offering the support that Ingrid and hundreds of thousands of moms need.

How Two Boston Nurses Founded NAPS to Support New Parents Jan 12, 2021

When Jamie and Emily were labor and delivery nurses at Boston-area hospitals in their twenties, they would constantly hear from parents who would say, “If only I could take you home with us!” The thought of the first few nights at home was terrifying. This gave Jamie and Emily an idea- why not provide that support for new moms? That’s when NAPS was born. 9 years later, NAPS has evolved from providing overnight nursing care and in-home lactation consults to an all encompassing program that supports parents from pregnancy through the toddler years. Jamie and Emily founded NAPS to support women in a non-judgmental way that leaves them feeling confident and proud of the decisions they make for themselves and their families.

Nurture by NAPS is an online learning platform with members-only content that guides you through every stage of pregnancy and parenting. It combines video how-to’s, live Q&As, in-depth care guides and a super popular ‘Ask a Nurse’ forum to help you thrive as a parent. Through Nurture by NAPS, you can get access to parenting experts and answers to nearly every question that arises from conception through preschool. As a Work Like a Mother listener, your first month is free using the code Nurture1monthfree.

Talking Sh*t with the Potty Training Expert Jan 05, 2021

When Jamie was a social worker, she was desperate to help her clients teach their 4 and 5 years olds how to potty train. She went to the “experts”- her mother and friends to teach her the tricks. When Jamie became a mom and potty trained her son at 22 months, she couldn’t figure out why it was such a big deal. She realized the moms in her community were wildly misinformed about potty training and moms were desperate to get her help. She offered potty training classes, but couldn’t keep up with the demand. Now the author of the #1 best selling potty training book, Oh Crap! Jamie keeps it real and funny AND she gets you through that dreaded stage of parenting.

Why We Need to Consider the Mental and Social Health of our Kids and Families During this Pandemic Dec 29, 2020

At the start of the pandemic, Julia never could have foreseen her current reality, but after one of her tweets caught some attention, she was asked to write an article for The Atlantic about the risk of Covid from a population health perspective. Six articles later, Julia has become a voice of reason, helping us understand the connection between the AIDS epidemic and the COVID pandemic and the need to balance not only the risks of our physical health, but also our mental and social health. And she lives this every day as she weighs the risks of sending her 6 year old to hybrid school and her 3 year old to daycare while she and her husband both work full-time. Though Julia is all too aware of the challenges that we face, she has great advice as we grapple with the seemingly impossible decisions each day.

From Maternity Leave to Starring in Hamilton, Mandy Gonzalez’s Story is more Relatable Than you May Think Dec 22, 2020

Mandy Gonzalez worked incredibly hard to make it to Broadway. She was thrilled that she had “made it” in her role as Elphaba in Wicked but also knew that she wanted a family too. Though many told her that she couldn’t have both- a career on broadway and a family- Mandy was unwilling to compromise. Mandy took a few years off to have her daughter, but realized that her work was equally important to her as her family. Even though Mandy previously held leading roles in In the Heights, Aida, and Wicked, she faced rejection after rejection. Directors doubted she was “ready” to return to work full time. But Mandy refused to take no for an answer and made opportunities for herself. Mandy is now in her fourth year starring as Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton. And though she stars in 8 shows a week on Broadway, Mandy still finds a way to make the juggle work for her career and her family- as all moms do.

My Infertility Journey Led me to Adopt Three Kids Dec 15, 2020

After four challenging and heartbreaking years trying to conceive, Heather decided that she had had enough - enough invasive procedures, enough unsolicited advice from friends, and enough heartbreak. She and her husband decided to adopt. Initially they thought they’d adopt through a private agency, but they changed course and ended up adopting a very young baby with Down syndrome. 3 kids later, Heather’s parenting journey has been full of challenges, acceptance, learning and love. Heather advocates to shift the narrative about adoption and down syndrome through her books, podcast and social media presence.

Building a Movement of Mothers Dec 08, 2020

Ai-jen Poo, Executive Director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, has spent her entire career fighting for women’s rights. Inspired by her mother and grandmother who raised her, Ai-jen realizes the power of care squads and communities in raising children. She advocates for domestic workers who, as she describes it, work a “triple shift” - they have their job (or multiple jobs), they are moms, and they are advocates, fighting for change from these systems and policies that oppress them. At a policy level, Ai-jen is fighting for Universal Family Care, because she believes that everyone deserves affordable child care, paid leave, elder care, and assistance for people with disabilities. Our country needs to turn our attention to leaders like Ai-jen to listen, then act on the needs of our mothers.

Moms, Remember Your Dreams. They Matter too. Dec 01, 2020

Most moms reading this will know Christine Platt as the author behind the beloved Ana and Andrews series of children’s books. But writing was a second, or even third, act for Christine. You may also know her as the afrominimalist, or the Managing Director of the Antiracist Research & Policy Center at American University. And that’s after a career in corporate law, while raising her young daughter. How on earth? Christine shares how she never lost sight of her passion - even if at times she had to put her dreams on hold - and how she fights to protect time, even if only a few minutes a day, to nourish those passions and never lose herself in the process of raising her child.

Real Talk with Caitlin Murray of BigTimeAdulting Sep 28, 2020

Caitlin’s world got turned upside down when her son got sick just before Christmas. Something in her gut said it wasn’t just a normal fever; that something might be really wrong with Callum. Following his cancer diagnosis, Caitlin started a small blog to share updates on their battle with cancer with family and friends. Eventually she realized that the blog served two purposes, yes, it kept others up to speed, but it also proved to be a much needed outlet for Caitlin on a personal level. That blog was the start of BigTimeAdulting, and soon she added the Instagram profile that’s become a must-follow for 70,000+ moms who laugh and cry right along with her. Her #momdance videos have reached millions, and although we may come for the comedy, we stay for the real talk. How does Caitlin do it all? Putting one foot in front of the other and affirming that she is doing the best she can - both for herself and for her kids.

We Had it all Planned... and Then I Gave Birth to a Medically Complex Child Sep 21, 2020

Like a lot of hard working, driven women, Elysian McNiff Koglmeier had some reservations about how a baby would impact her career and her social life. But she was ready and after a relatively standard pregnancy, she gave birth to her first child, a boy they named Odin. And that’s when her story takes a sharp and unexpected turn. Odin was born with Treacher Collins syndrome, a rare condition that impairs physical development and requires 24/7 care. She learned that her beautiful newborn was what parents and professionals call a “medically complex child.” Odin’s medical needs would come to dominate their lives, and force Elyse to reconsider her vision and plans for her own life, both personally and professionally.

Ownership Matters: One Mom’s Mission to Bring Black Voices to Boston Radio Sep 14, 2020

Want to know the hardest way to host a radio show? Launch a new station from scratch. Sound crazy? No, what’s really crazy is that in 2019 there wasn’t a single female Black-owned radio station in greater Boston. Ownership matters, airtime matters. And it matters to Danielle Johnson. So two years ago this single mom hatched her first foray into entrepreneurship with Spark FM, a digital radio station bringing Urban and Caribbean music to residents of New England. At home she’s mom to an 8-year old with ADHD navigating remote learning, and somehow she still manages to carve out time for Girls Radio, a non-profit dedicated to mentoring and empowering young women in Dorchester through radio and other media.

Lean on Your People, Mama Sep 07, 2020

Samantha was one of the first of her friends to get pregnant. She was ready, prepared, and excited. Then came her first daughter, her first maternity leave, and her first experience feeling isolated at home. Was it supposed to feel this hard? With her husband working long hours, she realized that she needed people in her life who understood what she was going through, and that she could lean on. Between her first child and her third, her approach to motherhood totally changed. She found a community, learned to lean on those people who are there for her, and say “yes” when friends do offer to help - and what a difference it has made. These days Samantha is the Director of Special Education at Match Community Day School, and an informal mentor to new moms in her school and beyond. Every mom out there would be lucky to have a mom friend like Samantha in their lives.

Dr. Joia & the Mission Behind the National Birth Equity Collaborative Aug 31, 2020

Dr. Joia always knew she wanted to be a doctor, and assumed she would follow in her father’s footsteps as an ophthalmologist. Until, that is, she got pregnant. That experience shifted her perspective, and she went on to become an OBGYN. Then she had her second son, who arrived prematurely. But her only significant risk factor? Being Black. Following her birth experience, Dr. Joia practiced as an OBGYN for many years helping Black women bring healthy babies into this world. Looking to scale up her impact and create systemic, lasting change, Dr. Joia went on to create the National Birth Equity Collaborative. Through training, advocacy, research and community-centered collaboration, their mission is to create solutions that optimize Black maternal and infant health across the country and make sure that every Black baby will celebrate a healthy first birthday.

The Fifth Trimester: Gender Equity at Work and at Home in 2020 Aug 24, 2020

After the birth of her first son, and following a standard 3-month maternity leave, Lauren returned to work as an editor at Glamour. It was hard, and she never felt a need to pretend it was easy. She didn’t go around broadcasting her struggles in the office, but she didn’t feel like she had anything to hide either. Soon coworkers started to acknowledge her and even thank her for being a role model and “speaking up.” Those small moments and recognitions made Lauren realize there was a much bigger story here that needed to be told. A journalist at heart, Lauren dove in and researched all aspects of working-motherhood, particularly the return to work phase that she would come to call the “fifth trimester.” Since 2017 her book and consultancy of the same name have brought these insights and conversations to offices, boardrooms, and living rooms across the country, and helped thousands of women, myself included, navigate and understand what it means to return to work.

Why DA Rollins’ Proudest Achievement is Being a Mom Aug 17, 2020

Suffolk District Attorney Rachael Rollins has smashed through the proverbial glass ceiling more than once. As the first woman to serve as DA in Suffolk County, and the first woman of color to serve as DA in all of Massachusetts, she’s a role model to many and a vocal advocate for women’s empowerment and social justice. And yet, when we sat down to reflect on her career, she shared that the accomplishment she’s most proud of is being a mom. DA Rollins explains why being a mom makes women better executives, explains her role as both DA and a social justice champion, and the importance of raising “good, kind people.”

Speaking Up During Pregnancy: a clinic with Dr. West-Livingston Aug 10, 2020

When she sets her sights on a goal, Dr. Lauren West-Livingston doesn’t miss. She’s a go getter. So even after many months of fertility treatments and multiple miscarriages, when she finally did get pregnant (IVF) she wasn’t planning to slow down. But morning sickness hit her hard and she realized that she couldn’t just keep taking on more and more. So while three months pregnant and preparing to defend her dissertation, Lauren switched gears. No more apologizing, no more “I hope it’s ok if…” - she asserted herself, let others help her out, and set boundaries that worked for her. Along the way she received plenty of well-intentioned “advice” and ultimately had her baby girl, Joy, just a few weeks after defending her dissertation.

This is why Mindfulness Matters for Mamas: Overcoming PPD and Empowering Moms Everywhere Aug 03, 2020

Postpartum depression affects over half a million new moms every year, and Carina was one of them. When traditional therapy didn’t feel right, Carina circled back to something her own mother shared with her many years ago: yoga, mindfulness, and meditation. But with a newborn at home, she couldn’t exactly go out to a 90-minute yoga class. Instead she found strength in “sips of self-care” and small habits, practiced regularly, that have helped her redefine her life. Carina shares a beautiful story of struggle, strength, finding her calling, and the creation of Mindful Mamas to help thousands more do the same.

Making Every Minute Count: Finding Quality Time with a Family of 6 Jul 27, 2020

Every morning Janelle hops in her car and drives an hour to the hospital, where she manages a team of 150 essential workers. Every evening she drives an hour home, where she’s mom to 4 children and partner to an equally busy husband. If that routine sounds grueling, that’s not how Janelle would describe it. She likes to work; always has, and has always done well. And she loves being a mom. Followers on Instagram may know her as “Her Fabulous Mess” but Janelle’s approach to working motherhood is graceful, impressive, and inspiring.

Big Career Moves with New Little Ones Jul 20, 2020

Returning from maternity leave looks different for everyone. Some feel ready, some feel pure dread, most of us feel something between exhaustion and delirium. But not many moms I know feel energized and ready to polish up the resume and pursue a fifth-trimester career move. But it seems to work for Christina, because she’s now done exactly that, twice. Each time she found a bigger opportunity that pushed her personally and professionally, and ultimately landed her her current role with Folia Health where she’s able to leverage her health-tech expertise for a mission that is near and dear to her heart. Christina reflects on her journey and the advice she shares with future moms.

How Becoming a Mom Led Me to Become an Entrepreneur Jul 13, 2020

I’m thrilled to welcome Sarah DeHaan, owner of owen + sage, to Work Like a Mother. This week we’re also joined by Jackie, her 3 year old son who decided that today wasn’t a nap day. We already said these would be real-life conversations with working-moms 😉. So let’s dive in.

Sarah loved retail and was rising through the ranks at Athleta until her first, Jackie, came along and made her start to question everything. She found herself feeling stuck. The career she loved just wasn’t allowing her to be the mom she so wanted to be. With the birth of Finley, her second, she was determined to find an alternative that would work for her and her family. Now the owner of owen + sage, a modern baby outfitter, Sarah shares how the pressure of corporate retail led her to become an entrepreneur and discover a career she can love again.

Intro: There's No Playbook for a Working Mama Jul 13, 2020

This week, after a tough fourth trimester during covid-19 with my new son Brooks, I went back to work. At home. WFH and Zoom jokes aside, this is my second child, my second maternity leave, and my second time going back to work. I’ve done this before. I felt (more) prepared. I’ve got this. Ha. Well, this week I remembered that there is no playbook for working moms. Not the first time, not the second time. Maybe never? The one thing I do have is an incredible community of fellow working mamas, and being able to learn from them and share with them has given me comfort, support, and the courage to charge ahead. They’ve been invaluable to me on this journey so now I want to share them, and their stories, with all of you – check out our big announcement at the end.

Check out the whole series: Work Like a Mother and follow us on Instagram for the video recordings and upcoming IGTV appearances.

Trailer Jul 01, 2020

Bridget Garsh huddles over her mic after putting her boys to sleep to sneak in this preview of NeighborSchools' new show. Join us.

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