Working Mumma

Carina O’Brien
  • 5.0 (10)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Working Mumma

How can I manage the juggle of being a mum and having a career? Welcome to the Working Mumma podcast to support your transition from maternity leave to working mum and beyond so you can thrive in motherhood and a career. I’m your host, Carina O’Brien, founder of Working Mumma and fellow working mum with 2 young boys. Join me each episode as I explore life returning to work after maternity leave and as a working mum with a mix of solo episodes, amazing interviews with experts, and women sharing their experiences of juggling life and motherhood. Each episode is focused on supporting women to have the resources, mindset, tools, and confidence to support them in successfully managing the juggle. As a working mum, I know it can feel lonely and isolating in wanting to have a career and be a mum. There is a lot of support out there relating to pregnancy and when we first have a baby. The next big phase is returning to work and juggling motherhood and career, but often we feel alone and unsupported in our quest to ‘have it all’. This leads us to doubting ourselves and our decisions. On the Working Mummast podcast, we help give you the tools, support & confidence so you can work, have a career and be a mum – you can have both. Continue the conversation on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/working-mumma/, access free resources https://workingmumma.com.au/resources/ or join the Working Mumma Village membership https://workingmumma.com.au/working-mumma-village/.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Job Search, Resume and Interview tips with Ash Battye

    In this episode of the Working Mumma Podcast, I’m joined by HR and hiring expert Ash Battye, founder of Career Pursuit. Ash has over a decade of experience in recruitment and HR and is passionate about helping businesses find the right talent while supporting job seekers—especially mums—on their return-to-work journey.

    42 min

  2. FEB 11

    Making Work Work: How We Can Create a Better System for Working Parents

    We dive into the reality of juggling work and family life and why the traditional concept of work-life balance sets working mums up to fail. Louise shares her journey as a corporate leader turned business owner, her passion for systemic change in the workplace, and why her experience as a neurodivergent mum to two children has shaped her advocacy for more inclusive workplaces.

    41 min

  3. FEB 5

    Lighten the Mental Load: How to Set Yourself Up for a Smoother Year

    Feeling overwhelmed by the mental load? In this episode, we help working mums reflect, reassess, and take control of their mental load for a smoother, more intentional year. Learn how to manage tasks, delegate, and create balance at work and home

    25 min

  4. JAN 27

    Navigating Transitions: How to Help Your Kids Starting Childcare or School with Gen Muir

    Transitions are part of every parenting journey, but they can often feel overwhelming—for both parents and kids! In this episode, I sit down with parenting expert Gen Muir to discuss navigating these pivotal moments with confidence and connection for both your child and you. From starting daycare or school to navigating new situations, we dive into the common challenges children face during these transitions. Gen shares her expert tips on managing big emotions, building resilience, and creating a safe space for your little ones during times of change. We also explore how you can stay emotionally grounded as a parent amidst all the chaos (we know this can be challenging!). This episode is packed with practical advice and heartfelt insights that every working mum needs in her toolkit. If you’re navigating or preparing for a big change such as starting daycare or school this conversation will leave you feeling equipped, inspired, and ready to tackle those transitions with a smile. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The emotional impact of transitions on kids and how to support them Why connection is key and how to strengthen your bond with your child during big changes Simple strategies to help your kids—and yourself—manage those tricky emotions How to create "pregame chats" and post-event moments that ease the adjustment process Hacks for balancing your own emotions while juggling the mental load with your children  Resources and Links Connect with Gen Muir on Instagram: @ConnectedParentingAU Visit Gen’s website: connectedparenting.com.au Check out Gen’s book: Little People, Big Feelings   Connect with Carina on LinkedIn  Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/   Subscribe & Review Loved this episode? Make sure to hit subscribe so you never miss an empowering conversation. And if you found it helpful, please leave a review—it helps us reach more working mums just like you!

    34 min

  5. JAN 22

    Debunking Work-Life Balance: Why It’s a Myth and What Works Instead

    In this episode of the Working Mumma podcast, I challenge the widely accepted idea and myth of work-life balance, explaining why it often sets working mums up for stress, guilt, and burnout. Balance isn’t a destination; it’s not something you achieve and then check off your list. Life is dynamic and constantly changing, especially as a working mum. I share strategies including boundaries and work-life integration as more sustainable approaches to navigating the demands of work and family life. Tune in to discover practical strategies for prioritizing what matters most and living with greater intention. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: * Why the concept of work-life balance is unrealistic and unhelpful* The emotional toll of chasing balance and how it contributes to burnout* The power of boundaries and how to set them effectively* What work-life integration looks like and how it differs from balance* Practical strategies to navigate the demands of work and family without guilt     ******************************** Let's connect on LinkedIn  Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/

    14 min

  6. JAN 15

    THROWBACK: Practical Strategies to Conquer Mum Guilt with Sarah Purins

    If you have experienced mum guilt, you aren't alone. Over 98% of mothers have experienced mum guilt. In this episode, I speak with mindset coach and mother, Sarah Purins about how to cope with mum guilt. Sarah and I chat about the triggers and influences of mum guilt, such as societal expectations, personal pressures, and unwanted opinions from others. She discusses two types of guilt and shares tips and strategies on how to navigate mum guilt when it appears using her GUILT method.  Sarah shares practical tips for working mums to balance their careers and family life without feeling overwhelmed by guilt. Sarah's insights highlight the significance of reframing one's mindset to foster a more positive outlook on their dual roles. This is a great episode that you might want to bookmark and come back to when you experience mum guilt to help you work through the mindset and emotions.    ************************************************************************* Connect with Sarah via Instagram @sarahkate.coaching Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommuity for regular inspiration and tips on working mum life or connect with Carina on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/carina-obrien.  Join the free Working Mumma Community Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/

    50 min

  7. JAN 12

    THROWBACK: Embracing the 'Good Enough' approach to motherhood with Dr. Sophie Brock

    In this insightful episode of the Working Mumma podcast, I chat with Dr. Sophie Brock, a renowned motherhood studies sociologist, to delve into the constant pressure that mothers face in their quest for perfection (secret - there is no such thing). Sophie has an extensive background and career journey in sociology, focusing on motherhood, sheds light on how cultural and societal norms shape the unrealistic expectations placed on mothers today. We explored the term "good enough mother," and the social constructs that don't reflect women today, particularly as working mothers. Sophie shared the common myths and misconceptions that fuel the pursuit of perfection in motherhood, revealing the detrimental effects this mindset can have and debunking the 'perfect mother myth'. Sophie shares practical advice and strategies and provides steps that you can take to begin letting go of the need to be perfect and embrace a more compassionate, "good enough" approach to parenting. We also speak about social media's role in perpetuating the perfect mother myth and how setting realistic expectations can lead to a more fulfilling and authentic motherhood experience. Tune in to gain valuable insights and to hear Sophie's vision for what modern motherhood can truly be. ************************************************************************* Connect with Sophie via Instagram @drsophiebrock or her website drsophiebrock.com Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommuity for regular inspiration and tips on working mum life or connect with Carina on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/carina-obrien.  Join the free Working Mumma Community Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/

    56 min

  8. JAN 9

    THROWBACK: Overcoming imposter syndrome and self doubt after maternity leave

    In this episode, we delve deep into the emotional and mental toll of returning to work after maternity leave. Guests, Clinical Psychologists Kass and Alicia, share their expert advice on overcoming the feelings of self-doubt and imposter syndrome prevalent among working mothers as they return to work after maternity leave. They further question the default narratives about motherhood while stressing the need for understanding, support, and growth. This engaging conversation challenges the stereotypes around working mothers and highlights how motherhood reveals and sharpens priorities, fostering an unapologetic, more rounded approach towards personal and professional commitments. In this episode, we also debunk motherhood myths, including the "baby brain" concept, and highlight that motherhood only enhances a woman's capabilities at work, not reduces it. Far from reducing efficiency, parenthood strengthens women's multitasking ability and overall productivity. Kass and Alicia emphasize the need for women, especially mothers, to trust themselves, embrace their motherly lessons, and withstand societal biases. Join us as we explore the nagging feelings of self-doubt and impostor syndrome - how they impact our daily lives and relationships. We shed light on how to navigate these emotions confidently and reclaim your place in the world of work.   SHOW LINKS: - Connect with Kass and Alicia on Instagram @tend_women - Join the Working Mumma Village: workingmumma.com.au/working-mumma-village.  - Get the 3 steps to sharing the mental load workingmumma.com.au/mental-load - Let's connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/working-mumma  - Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity

    50 min
See All (143)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

How can I manage the juggle of being a mum and having a career? Welcome to the Working Mumma podcast to support your transition from maternity leave to working mum and beyond so you can thrive in motherhood and a career. I’m your host, Carina O’Brien, founder of Working Mumma and fellow working mum with 2 young boys. Join me each episode as I explore life returning to work after maternity leave and as a working mum with a mix of solo episodes, amazing interviews with experts, and women sharing their experiences of juggling life and motherhood. Each episode is focused on supporting women to have the resources, mindset, tools, and confidence to support them in successfully managing the juggle. As a working mum, I know it can feel lonely and isolating in wanting to have a career and be a mum. There is a lot of support out there relating to pregnancy and when we first have a baby. The next big phase is returning to work and juggling motherhood and career, but often we feel alone and unsupported in our quest to ‘have it all’. This leads us to doubting ourselves and our decisions. On the Working Mummast podcast, we help give you the tools, support & confidence so you can work, have a career and be a mum – you can have both. Continue the conversation on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/working-mumma/, access free resources https://workingmumma.com.au/resources/ or join the Working Mumma Village membership https://workingmumma.com.au/working-mumma-village/.

Information

  • Creator
    Carina O’Brien
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    143
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Carina O’Brien
  • Show Website
    Working Mumma

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada