Sarah and Laura share current meal planning challenges. Then, Sarah interviews Allison Schaaf, mother of 2, meal-planning expert, and founder of PrepDish. They chat about effective and efficient meal planning, Allison's favorite kitchen hacks, and how her business has evolved and grown.
Find PrepDish and try it for 2 weeks free at prepdish.com/bestof
Find Miscarriage Hope Desk (Allison's nonprofit, with support and resources for those impacted by miscarriage) here: https://miscarriagehopedesk.com
Allison's podcast: Meal Prep Monday, https://prepdish.com/mealprepmonday

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Meal Planning + More with Allison Schaaf, Founder of PrepDish EP 320

Laura is a time management expert and Sarah definitely has strong feelings about planning tools and techniques. Today, they share their favorite time management tips -- everything from multitasking (or not) to the value of having adequate childcare!
In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking a popular question: if you know you want them, how do you decide when to start having kids?

Episode Sponsors:
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Favorite Time Management Tips! EP 319

Sarah and Laura discuss some challenges related to seeking routine healthcare. Then, Sarah interviews Dr. Lisa Doggett -- a family physician with years of experienced caring for undeserved populations. When her youngest child was just 2, Lisa became ill with multiple sclerosis. She discusses how she navigated this difficult path, including how her perspectives on our health care system were shaped by her experiences.
Dr. Lisa Doggett's book is called Up the Down Escalator, and it was just released this August. It can be found here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Up-the-Down-Escalator/Lisa-Doggett/9780757324864
In the Q&A, a listener writes in wondering whether she should leave her current role which was provides great "balance" but has not felt challenging or interesting enough.

Episode Sponsors:
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Lisa Doggett Shares a Physician's Perspective on Living with Chronic Illness EP 318

Laura and Sarah love chatting about the back to school season, and this year is no exception! With kids ranging from preschool to 11th grade, topics run the gamut from school lunch to homework to daytime/nighttime routines and more.
In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking about the logistics of 1:1 days with kids, including managing fairness between kids.

Episode Sponsors:
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Annual Back to School Extravaganza! EP 317

In this episode, Sarah and Laura answer a listener question about the 'later stage' parts of moving - how long does it take to really feel like you are *home* in a new place? Then, they answer a variety of mailbag submissions from questions about later evening activities for kids, boundary setting, hormonal mood changes, and more!

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Moving + Mailbag EP 316

An ERG is an Employee Resource Groups, often created at larger companies to help provide support for specific groups of employees, especially those traditionally underrepresented in the workplace.
Experts Sarah Johal (Parents in Tech Alliance) and Lori Mihalich-Levin (of Working Parent Group Network + Mindful Return) discuss and offer great advice for those who may be interested in leading or participating in these groups in their own workplaces.
In the Q&A, Laura and Sarah answer a question about school lunch bags + containers.
Episode Sponsors:
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All About ERGs (Employee Resource Groups) with Sarah Johal and Lori Mihalich-Levin EP 315

Sarah and Laura open this episode chatting about recent longer family vacations they have taken, and then they delve into workday shutdown! This post was inspired by a recent blog post of Sarah's (https://theshubox.com/2023/07/feeling-done.html) - many readers commented they also struggled feeling 'finished' at the end of a less clearly defined workday (academics, entrepreneurs, part time workers, and more!).
Laura and Sarah discuss whether feeling 'done' is really something worth aiming for, and strategies to cultivate that sense if it is something you are seeking.
In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking about swim class for kids - when / how to do it, and are lessons worthwhile in young children?
Episode Sponsors:
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Feeling Done: Bringing Closure to Your Work Day (Or Not!) EP 314

In this episode recorded together, Sarah and Laura answer a variety of questions from Patreon + Instagram!
Episode Sponsors:
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Live Mailbag Fun! EP 313

In today's episode, Laura and Sarah open with a discussion of their own family biking habits. Then, attorney and DC-dweller Sonja Ralston joins Sarah to share her story of how their family got into cargo biking - a way to avoid parking woes, lower the family's carbon footprint, build in some outdoor time every day, get in some daily movement, and more.
Some useful links shared by Sonja:
Article mentioned by Sonja: https://slate.com/business/2023/06/e-bike-buying-changed-my-life.html
A great e-bike buying guide that recently made the rounds in our biking community; discusses cargo bikes on slides 13, 15, 17: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1KSB5rYiJlXgCRzQmd8dtzWzN7fodlIA8pxlwQ-jp-8s/edit (it's also linked in Dan's article) 
DC Family Biking Facebook group mentioned: https://www.facebook.com/groups/646044372194372/  
For a quick visual of the different kinds of family biking setups, this video from our monthly neighborhood ride in April is pretty good: https://twitter.com/MarkSussman_/status/1670038128944398336?s=20 (we pass by at the :20-:22 mark)
In the Q&A, Sarah and Laura discuss tips for a common parenting dilemma - how to get kids to take medicine (ie, antibiotics) without a battle?
Episode Sponsors:
Better Help: This episode is sponsored by Better Help. Discover your potential with Better Help. As a listener, you’ll get 10% off your first month by visiting our sponsor at betterhelp.com/bestof
Pampers: Check out Pampers Cruisers 360 -- the best diaper for active babies!
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Family Cargo Biking Basics: Commuting, City Living and Fun with Sonja Ralston EP 312

Cindy Everett has a big job (CFO) and little kids (3 + 5) -- but she still makes time for some fascinating and unusual hobbies, from architecture to WWE wrestling! She chats with Laura about family logistics, making time for what she loves, and more in this fun episode.
In the Q&A, a listener ponders taking a remote position with a company based on another time zone. Things to consider?
Episode Sponsors:
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Unusual Hobbies and Enjoying Life with Cindy Everett, CFO and Mother of 2 EP 311

This topic is frequently requested, so Laura and Sarah are here today to discuss many aspects about having &gt;2 children! They discuss cost, logistical issues, career considerations (spoiler: both believe you can have multiple kids AND a big/meaningful career!), and some positive aspects of having a more crowded dinner table!
In the Q&A, they address a listener looking for kid-friendly packing tips!
Episode Sponsors:
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Thinking of Having a Third Child? Things to Consider . . .EP 310

In this mid-year check in episode (now a BOBW tradition!), Sarah and Laura review progress on their 2023 goals, from work to fitness to family and more. Both refer to the 2023 annual goals episode - if you're curious, you can find that episode linked here:
https://lauravanderkam.com/2022/12/best-of-both-worlds-podcast-2023-goals/
In the Q&A, they answer a question on babysitter onboarding.
Book Sarah mentioned in love of the week: Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson

Episode Sponsors:
Better Help: This episode is sponsored by Better Help. Discover your potential with Better Help. As a listener, you’ll get 10% off your first month by visiting our sponsor at betterhelp.com/bestof
Pampers: Check out Pampers Cruisers 360 -- the best diaper for active babies!
Notion: Do your most efficient work with Notion Projects. You can try it for free today at notion.com/bestof -- check it out today!
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Mid-Year Check In! EP 309

In this final installment of the BOBW Screen + Tech miniseries, Sarah and Laura discuss approaches to their own adult screen time. They discuss their favorite books on the topic, differing opinions on social media, and more.
In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking for advice on finding more time to read.
Episode Sponsors:
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Thoughts on Our Own Screen Time (Screen + Tech Series, #3/3) EP 308

In the second installment of the BOBW screen + tech miniseries, Laura interviews Devorah Heitner, the author of Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World and Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World (out this September!).
They discuss how things have changed and how to navigate moving forward, along with other fascinating discussions around kids + tech.
In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking for tips around getting enough sleep with a newborn (due soon!) and toddler with continuing sleep issues.
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Growing Up in Public with Devorah Heitner (Screen Series #2 of 3) EP 307

In today's episode, Laura and Sarah discuss their different approaches to kids and tech. Sarah discusses their recent experiment with "screen free May" and Laura addresses the escalating complexities as kids get older.
In the Q&A, a listener writes in about ideas for how to best use time on a writing retreat.
Episode Sponsors:
Better Help: This episode is sponsored by Better Help. Discover your potential with Better Help. As a listener, you’ll get 10% off your first month by visiting our sponsor at betterhelp.com/bestof
eBay: Come listen to the go to source for all things eBay -- check out the eBay for Business Podcast weekly!
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Kids + Screen Time (Screen Series: Part 1 of 3) EP 306

Megan Stepaniak is a long time BOBW listener and Patreon member, and she has worked in several management-level positions within large companies over the years. She put her hand up as a 'regular person' guest to chat work + life, and we were excited to have her on to discuss everything from the benefits of exploring lateral career moves to general life management! Megan has 3 children from pre-K to 6th grade, and her husband works full time from home. She shares her personal version of making work + life fit together in this episode.
In the Q&A, Sarah and Laura answer a fun question: what podcasts are they currently enjoying?
Episode Sponsors:
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Lateral Moves and Life Management with Megan Stepaniak EP 305

Amy Bushatz is a journalist, military spouse, mother of 2, freelance writer, podcaster, AND she is currently director and executive editor of military.com! Amy is passionate about the power of spending time outside in nature, even if the weather isn't always the most temperate -- which is definitely the case, as she lives in Alaska! She joins Laura for this interview and shares her current challenges and continued passion for being in nature.
In the Q&A, Laura and Sarah tackle a common dilemma: if your partner travels frequently for work, what can you do to make life at home feel more doable?
Episode Sponsors:
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Getting Outside with Amy Bushatz EP 304

Lisa Woodruff is the CEO and founder of Organize 365, and she is known for her ideas and energy. She joins Sarah to discuss her latest adventures in pursuing a PhD at age 50 while continuing to run her successful business! She discusses her reasons for wanting this education and the ways in which she has adjusted her lifestyle (hint: LOTS of planning) to fit in this endeavor.
In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking about how much time the podcast takes!
Episode Sponsors:
The Power of Teamwork: Adobe’s new podcast, “The Power of Teamwork,” dives deep into the culture of teams, talking to the biggest names in technology, entertainment, business, and beyond. Listen and subscribe now.
Better Help: This episode is sponsored by Better Help. Discover your potential with Better Help. As a listener, you’ll get 10% off your first month by visiting our sponsor at betterhelp.com/bestof
Storyworth: A meaningful gift for any close relative or friend! Right now, for a limited time, you’ll save $10 on your first purchase when you go to StoryWorth.com/bestof.
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Spring Cleaning & Going Back to School with Lisa Woodruff EP 303

Laura and Sarah discuss all things *SUMMER* in this episode!
They start with what they are looking forward to, and then move to discussing camp (full coverage vs spotty?), travel, summer fun, summer goal setting, favorite summer fashions + treats, and more.
In the Q&A, they answer a listener looking for advice in choosing between options for after-school care for their first child entering kindergarten..
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2023 Summer Preview! Camp, Travel, Fun Lists & More EP 302

In this episode, Laura interviews Sheena Iyengar, a Columbia Business School professor and author. Sheena was is the daughter of Indian immigrants and started losing her sight at 9 years old, becoming completely blind by 16.
She has built a remarkable career writing and innovating while growing her family, and she discusses her unique path with Laura as well as what inspired her latest release, Think Bigger: How to Innovate.
Episode Sponsors:
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