Episode 27:

In today’s episode of the Babies and Boardrooms Podcast, hosts Larissa and Tarrah get raw about the chaos of working-mom life: Larissa unpacks the crushing guilt of a Vegas work trip while her son struggled in a split-home routine, wondering if she “failed” her cycle-breaker vow. Tarrah pushes back—maybe divorce was the gift. They dive into mismatched drive-in marriages (and bosses), why clutter overloads ADHD brains, and how they’re ditching overscheduled weekends for screen-free Sundays, laundry lessons, and 15-minute couch cuddles. From outsourcing regrets to homeschool rhythms, this episode is a reminder: prioritize what matters most, drop the rest, and give yourself grace when you spiral!

Follow our socials: IG: @babies.and.boardrooms; LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tarrahspeerlee/; https://www.linkedin.com/in/larissa-santos-77a1a752/ 

In this episode of Babies and Boardrooms, hosts Larissa and Tarrah get real about the messy, beautiful chaos of balancing high-powered careers with parenthood. From morning meltdowns to late-night work crises, they share unfiltered stories of juggling global roles and parenting without the luxury of lunch breaks or a predictable 9-to-5.

This episode dives deep into the pivotal role leadership plays in supporting working moms. Larissa and Tarrah explore how exceptional leaders empower and uplift, while insecure or disengaged managers can derail careers and damage brands. Through personal anecdotes, they reveal the challenges of navigating unsupportive work environments, overcoming misperceptions, and advocating for themselves to not just survive—but thrive.

Key Takeaways:

• Debunking the myth of "perfect" work-life balance
• How great leadership fosters success for working parents
• Strategies for overcoming unsupportive managers
• Actionable tips for advocating for yourself in the workplace

Tune in for relatable stories, practical insights, and inspiration for working parents striving to excel in both the boardroom and family life.

Follow our socials: 

IG: @babies.and.boardrooms

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tarrahspeerlee/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/larissa-santos-77a1a752/ 

🔥 Feel the Heat, Find the Balance! Buckle up for an electrifying episode of Babies and Boardrooms that dives deep into the fiery world of burnout with the incredible Lori Prutsman, the Burnout Coach! Join hosts Larissa and Tarrah for this conversation full of raw emotion, eye-opening insights, and game-changing strategies to reclaim your life from burnout’s grip.

Episode Highlights

• A Crash That Changed Everything: Lori shares the jaw-dropping story of a car accident that flipped her workaholic world upside down, forcing a three-month medical leave that sparked her transformation from corporate HR powerhouse to burnout-busting coach.
• From Amazon to Awakening: With stints in senior HR roles at Amazon and Booking.com, Lori unveils the gritty reality of corporate burnout and how it pushed her to the edge—physically and emotionally.
• Burnout Decoded: Lori breaks down the World Health Organization’s definition of burnout, separating it from everyday stress with crystal-clear insights that’ll make you rethink your hustle.
• Tools to Thrive: Get ready for actionable tips! Lori drops practical strategies for spotting burnout early, slowing down, setting boundaries, and embracing self-compassion to rebuild your energy and focus.
• Real Talk on Life’s Juggle: Larissa opens up about her own health scare, while Tarrah gets candid about marital burnout. Together with Lori, they explore how burnout sneaks into careers, parenting, and relationships—and how to fight back.
• Data + Stories = Inspiration: Packed with stats, personal anecdotes, and no-nonsense advice, this episode is your roadmap to balancing work, family, and self without burning out.

Why You Can’t Miss This

This isn’t just another podcast episode—it’s a wake-up call! Whether you’re a working parent juggling diaper changes and deadlines or a professional chasing balance, Lori’s story and strategies will hit home. Tune in for a mix of heartfelt storytelling, hard-hitting data, and practical tools to help you thrive in the chaos.

🎧 Listen Now: Grab your headphones and join Larissa, Tarrah, and Lori for a conversation that’s as relatable as it is transformative. Available on [insert platform links here].

Connect with Us

• Follow Lori Prutsman, the Burnout Coach, @seattleburnoutcoach on Instagram and www.loriprustman.com
• Join the Babies and Boardrooms community @babies.and.Boardrooms on Instagram for more tips on thriving as a working parent.
• Share your burnout story with us using #BabiesAndBoardrooms—we’d love to hear from you!

✨ Ready to douse the flames of burnout? Dive into this episode and take the first step toward a healthier, happier you!

In this candid and empowering episode, hosts Larissa Santos and Tarrah Lee tackle the unfiltered realities of juggling demanding careers and motherhood. From navigating sudden nanny exits to orchestrating epic pre-K graduation celebrations, they share raw, relatable stories of mental overload, family-first priorities, and workplace challenges. 

The duo explores the emotional weight of childcare transitions, the strength found in community support, and the power of setting firm boundaries at work. They debunk stigmas that undermine working moms, reframing motherhood as a dynamic superpower that drives unmatched efficiency, empathy, and leadership.

Discover creative childcare strategies, learn how to advocate for your worth, and join the conversation to redefine success on your terms. Connect with us for more inspiration!

Follow our socials:
IG: @babies.and.boardrooms
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tarrahspeerlee/; https://www.linkedin.com/in/larissa-santos-77a1a752/

In this can’t-miss episode, hosts Larissa Santos and Tarrah Lee chat with Karen Siddiqi—Partner Success Leader at Five9, mom of two, and master of juggling it all. Karen spills the tea on thriving through global leadership gigs, job switches, and parenting with a husband gone 70% of the time. Think real talk: saying “no” to classroom crafts, dodging workplace nonsense, and even stepping back from leading 250 people to put family first.

With her multi-generational crew and mom squad in her corner, Karen’s built a support system that actually works. She’s dropping gems—like how to set boundaries, negotiate that raise, and snag “me time” without guilt. From shutting down micromanagers to embracing life’s messy seasons, her advice is gold for any working mom ready to ditch survival mode.

Takeaways:

• Kick the “perfect balance” myth to the curb
• Advocate like a pro for your career and sanity
• Make bold moves that fit your life

Tune in for wit, wisdom, and a fresh take on owning your whole self. Then join our Babies and Boardrooms crew—share your story and let’s thrive together!

Follow our socials: IG: @babies.and.boardrooms; LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tarrahspeerlee/; https://www.linkedin.com/in/larissa-santos-77a1a752/ 

Have you ever felt like you’re spinning in a whirlwind, juggling work, parenting, and a never-ending to-do list? You’re not alone. In this episode of Babies and Boardrooms, we dive into the mental load that comes with motherhood, exploring why it’s so exhausting, how it affects our relationships, and what can be done to create a more balanced partnership.

Tarrah and Larissa share their personal experiences of living with the imbalance—whether it’s managing household chores or taking on the emotional labor as the “default parent.” They discuss the invisible work that often goes unacknowledged and offer pragmatic strategies, such as the “Master Execution List,” to lighten the load.

If you’ve ever felt invisible at home or found it difficult to ask for help, this conversation is for you. Tune in to learn how you can reclaim balance, foster teamwork in your relationship, and avoid the burnout trap.

Featured Book:
In this episode, we also reference Drop the Ball by Tiffany Dufu, which explores how working mothers can let go of perfectionism and embrace the power of asking for help. It’s a game-changer for anyone looking to ease their mental load.

Discussion Questions:

• What is the biggest challenge you face with the mental load of motherhood?
• How can you start creating more balance in your own life and relationship?

Connect with Us:

• Instagram: @babies.and.boardrooms
• Tarrah's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tarrahspeerlee/
• Larissa's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/larissa-santos-77a1a752/

In this inspiring episode, Tarrah and Larissa welcome Susan Ramirez, the founder and CEO of National Angels, a nonprofit dedicated to changing the lives of children, youth, and families experiencing foster care. Under Susan’s leadership, National Angels has evolved into a high-impact, results-driven organization, expanding to 21 chapters across 15 states.

Susan shares her powerful journey, beginning with a pivotal moment at a foster care conference in 2010 that led her to leave her corporate career and become a full-time advocate for foster youth. She opens up about the heartbreaking realities of the foster system – from the emotional and psychological toll of multiple placements to the overmedication of children and the devastating lack of stability many face.

In this episode, Susan emphasizes the urgent need for community support and mentorship, reminding us that while not everyone may be called to foster or adopt, we all have a role to play in making a difference. She also sheds light on the innovative programs at National Angels, like Love Box® and Dare to Dream®, which provide long-term support for foster families and children, helping to create sustainable change in the child welfare system.

This topic is deeply personal for our co-host, Larissa, who herself came from the foster care system. Her first-hand experiences and understanding of the struggles foster children face make this conversation even more powerful. The issue of foster care is not just an advocacy cause—it’s something Larissa has lived, making this episode a truly heartfelt and important one for both of us. 

Listen in for an eye-opening conversation about the foster care crisis, the power of human connection, and how small acts of kindness can lead to life-changing impacts.

For more about National Angels and to get involved:

https://www.nationalangels.org/

Angel Alliance Community of Monthly Donors:
https://nationalangels.app.neoncrm.com/forms/angelalliance

Follow Us:

• Instagram: @babies.and.boardrooms
• LinkedIn: Tarrah Speer Lee
• Larissa Santos

Happy New Year from the Babies and Boardrooms Podcast. Tarrah and Larissa talk about their holiday experiences and what they hope to achieve in 2025. They mention building snowmen in Toronto, going on tropical adventures, and RV explorations as some of the magic family trips. It has been brought to light that such moments create long-lasting memories, and not material gifts, and it is such moments that define the lives of children.

Tarrah and Larissa both share their traditions for reflecting on the past year and planning for the future. They dive into their methods for setting intentions instead of lofty goals, breaking them into actionable steps. Key themes include prioritizing presence, cultivating family connections, and focusing on personal and professional growth. They touch on creating vision boards, incorporating family traditions, and balancing health, wellness, and work.

It also reveals their intentions for 2025: getting closer to their family, having consistent podcasting content, increasing wealth through real estate, and creating books and masterclasses. This heartfelt discussion inspires listeners with a practical plan on how to enter the year clear and purposeful while staying in touch with the meaningful connections of life.

Ready to start the year with purpose and presence? Don’t forget to subscribe to the Babies and Boardrooms Podcast for episodes packed with insights and actionable tips!

Follow our socials: IG: @babies.and.boardrooms; LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tarrahspeerlee/; https://www.linkedin.com/in/larissa-santos-77a1a752/ 

In this episode, Tarrah and Larissa were joined by Casey Magoulas, a former HR leader at Cisco, who shares her own recent experience of being laid off and navigating today's ultra-competitive job market. With applicant tracking systems fueled by AI now flooding recruiters with applications, Casey explains why it's harder and more important than ever to stand out.

Together, they dive into the power of personal branding, especially on LinkedIn. Casey breaks down what focusing on your own brand can do for you versus not just the company you might be representing. From putting together engaging content to even authentic connections, she takes action and shares tips about how job seekers can even generate leads and stand above the crowd.

Whether you are in the middle of a career transition or just trying to future-proof your professional presence, this episode contains some very valuable insights as you take control of your own career story.

Don't forget to share your favorite takeaway from this episode on social media and tag us!

Follow our socials: IG: @babies.and.boardrooms; LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tarrahspeerlee/; https://www.linkedin.com/in/larissa-santos-77a1a752/ 

This special Veterans Day episode of the Babies and Boardrooms podcast features host Tarrah and her husband, former Army Special Forces Green Beret Veteran, Justin Lee. Justin opens up about his military background, the reality of the transition into the cvilian world, and the personal challenges faced during this monumental change. 
 
 Justin draws from personal experiences in the military - having seen the implications that deployments have on family life emotionally and how hard it is for a Veteran to transition to another career after being in the military. Justin progresses through the healing journey by presenting alternative treatments for trauma and the 'always-on' mentality of Special Operations. 

Tune in to hear this special Veteran's Day episode with Larissa and Tarrah!

 __________________
 For more information on VETS (Veteran's Exploring Treatment Solutions), visit https://vetsolutions.org/
 
  For more information on civilian opportunities for treatment Ambio Life Sciences
 https://ambio.life/
 
 To hear the podcasts referenced on the podcast, head to the Shawn Ryan podcast on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/5eodRZd3qR9VT1ip1wI7xQ?si=dcazGwfHTYyUhAAByATLUQ

• Episode 10 with Marcus Capone (Former SEAL Team 6) and Amber Capone of Veteran's Exploring Treatment Solutions
• Episode 15 with DJ Shipley - SEAL Team 6 

 Follow our socials: IG: @babies.and.boardrooms; LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tarrahspeerlee/; https://www.linkedin.com/in/larissa-santos-77a1a752/