What does a "good mother" image conjure up for us, and WHERE did we get those ideas, anyway? Nancy Reddy seeks to answer these questions in her book The Good Mother Myth, and this interview goes through many of these myths (those that apply to the early years and the later parenting years, too) with a nod to where they came from and where we might go next.

In the Q&A, Laura and Sarah answer a question about how they find babysitters.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Sarah and Laura are going to share listener challenges and tips around keeping the spice in their relationships. (Neither will get too personal given the nature of the topic, so grateful for the anonymous contributors!)

You might want to use headphones on this one around kids :)

Topics addressed include time challenges, hormonal fluctuations, strategies for prioritizing relationships, and more -- with lots of ideas submitted by listeners!

In the Q&A, Sarah and Laura answer a listener wondering what the "male podcast equivalent" of BOBW is. (Spoiler: they had a few ideas, but weren't entirely sure - so feel free to let them know!)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is a money-themed episode WITHOUT the usual tips to invest in low-fee index funds and avoid the expensive avocado toast. Laura revisits some of the interesting lessons from her 2012 book All the Money in the World, and provides some thought-provoking money questions that she and Sarah answer. Take these prompts as a chance to do some money-related soul-searching for yourself!

Examples:
- What would you do with an unexpected windfall? What would change about your life?
- What's the biggest financial mistake you've made?
- What are your earliest money memories?

. . . and more!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura and Sarah open by discussing "empties" in several categories - the things they find themselves buying over and over again. Then, they discuss the concept of repurposing and share ideas for repurposing in multiple categories, from intellectual property to kids' clothes and household items.

In the Q&A, a listener writes in wondering how to handle it when a friend or relative offers them hand-me-downs and they'd prefer not to keep most of them.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Sarah and Laura conquer a common January conundrum: task management! Sarah came up with the term "airtight task management" to describe a system that allows for you to effectively corral all of your tasks and also ensure they bubble up at the right times! In general, this involves capturing all of the necessary inputs and prioritizing them in places you know you will look, but there are nuances and variations, too. Laura and Sarah discuss their systems, practices for handling undone tasks, thoughts on digital vs paper systems, and more!

In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking how they track the questions that come in! (very meta)!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you're looking to increase your reading in 2025, today's episode is for you!. Sarah and Laura discuss their reading habits and the Traci Thomas joins Sarah to discuss all things books, from reading habits during busy seasons (Traci has twins!), curating your reading lists, getting out of ruts, tracking reading, and much more.

In the Q&A, a listener asks about the logistics of having overnight care for a couples getaway.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Laura and Sarah discuss their ideas for a Winter Fun list, even though they definitely have different winter climate experiences. Then, Laura introduces this year's Time Tracking Challenge! Sarah asks Laura questions about her time tracking practices, from methods to insights gained. Laura invites listeners to join her in tracking a week in January - visit her website for details (http://lauravanderkam.com)!

In the Q&A, a listener asks if it's really necessary to start thinking about summer camp now . . .

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's that time of here - here comes the annual goals ep, just in time for 2025!

Today, Sarah and Laura share their 2025 goals (in mostly-finalized form) in several domains: personal, work, relationships, and home!

In the Q&A, they discuss how often they review their own lists: seasonally or more?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the annual "look back" episode, covering 2024 in review! Sarah and Laura share their 2024 highlights, lowlights, and do a detailed reviews of the goals they set one year ago (and shared on the show!). Find out how close they came to their stated goals (spoiler: nailed it in some areas, not so much in others), and stay tuned for next week when they share goals for 2025! Domains discussed included personal, work, relationships, and household.

In the Q&A, they answer a question about the role of house manager.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura and Sarah open by discussing the top trips they've ever taken with kids, and whether they ever dreamed of living abroad. Then, Sarah interviews
Oneika Raymond! Known as Oneika the Traveller, she is an Emmy-award-winning journalist, speaker, and TV host with a passion for travel and sharing all about it! She has a 5-year old, and shares tips, best destinations, and what she has learned over the years of including her daughter in her adventures starting from a young age.

In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking for ideas to get through a long winter break sans childcare! (Episode referenced: https://lauravanderkam.com/2024/08/best-of-both-worlds-podcast-long-weekends-with-little-kids-survival-guide/ )

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.