Later Phases of Parenting + Midlife Leisure Pursuits with Meagan Francis EP 406

In today’s episode, Sarah interviews Marcy Syms, former CEO of an apparel corporation and current founding trustee and president of the Sy Syms Foundation. Marcy believes that clothing is a form of self-respect, and a powerful PR tool. She discusses why it makes sense to invest time and money into our wardrobes, and how to do so effectively, with some surprisiing suggestions about where and how to shop!Marcy’s book, Leading with Respect: Adventures of an Off-Price Fashion Pioneer, is out in August.In the Q&A, a listener who is not yet making significant earnings (though her partner is) wonders how to navigate the younger-kid years from a financial perspective.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode, Laura and Sarah share their traditional mid-year review! They revisit 2025 goals in several categories, including personal, career, relationships, and household, and reflect on their chosen words of the year.In the Q&A, a listener asks for tips about when to fit in more summer reading.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Laura and Sarah discuss ways to add more joy into every day, as opposed to seeking out opportunities for suffering (ice baths being one trendy example of this)! They discuss elevating daily routines, finding high points in the work day (including good breaks), and making the most of those golden evening hours.In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking for cost-saving tips that don't feel like deprivation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Laura and Sarah share the apps they wouldn't want to go without, and then Rachel Fuld Cohen joins Laura to discuss kids and tech from an insider's perspective; Rachel is co-founder and COO of Silicon Society, an EdTech company focused on creating scalable, personalized, & cutting edge learning experiences in the AI Age, and is passionate about bringing best practices from the tech world to her family (and vice versa!).In the Q&A, a listener asks Sarah and Laura if they do anything specific over the summer to avoid "brain drain".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Sarah and Laura chat about the start to their summers, and then dive into the topic of whole-family fun. Laura's kids are 5-18, and Sarah's are 7-13 -- both acknowledge the challenge that "whole family fun" can present especially with decent-sized age gaps, and provide some ideas to help (or in some cases, arguments for throwing in the towel and splitting things up!).In the Q&A, a listener writes in for tips on traveling across time zones (in both directions!).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah and Laura share their current practices for preserving family memories, and then Vanessa Quigley joins Sarah to share her experiences in building Chatbooks, as well as her take on why printing family memories are so important. She also discusses her entrepreneurial journey and some of the ways in which Chatbooks has become a company known for its family-friendly culture.In the Q&A, a listener writes in looking for advice on how to discuss her prior job-hopping (related to her husband's career journey) with new potential employers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, senior consulting partner Lareina Yee comes on to discuss career advancement, with a discussion of what is behind fewer women n top leadership positions. She shares the current challenges, but also practical tips to help avoid missing out on important career opportunities.Lareina Yee is an author of The Broken Rung: When the Career Ladder Breaks for Women--and How They Can Succeed in Spite of It, along with Kweilin Ellingrud and Maria del Mar Martinez.In the Q&A, a listener asks for advice on working with an administrative assistant for the first time -- how can she make sure this partnership is productive, and one that helps her be more effective?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Laura and Sarah discuss all things summer, with the format of:- 5 ways to celebrate the kickoff of summer- 5 summer challenges- 5 things they want to do- 5 summer-themed loves of the week!In the Q&A, they discuss the common dilemma of handling that last week of summer before school starts (when camp options are sparse!)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Meagan chats with Laura about launching kids into the real world (timely!), and they also pivot to talking all things fun and leisure.Meagan's book, The Last Parenting Book You'll Ever Read: How to Let Our Kids Go and Embrace What's Next is out this month and available wherever books are sold. Find lots more from Meagan at meaganfrancis.com .In the Q&A, Laura and Sarah discuss life skills kids should know as they head off to college.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode, Sarah interviews Dr. Tiffany Moon, anesthesiologist and reality TV start (Real Housewives of Dallas)! They chat about Tiffany’s unique life and career journey, Tiffany’s hybrid career, handling negativity as a public figure, and weaponized professionalism.Dr. Tiffany Moon’s new book, Joy Prescriptions: How I Learned to Stop Chasing Perfection and Embrace Connection is out today wherever books are sold.Find more at joyprescriptions.com or @tiffanymoonmd on social media.In the Q&A, a listener asks for date ideas (both home and out!) that aren’t dinner and a movie.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.