The Working Mom's Playbook Podcast for All Moms Balancing Careers and Babies

Antonia DePace | First-Time Mom, Former Magazine Editor
  • 5.0 (12)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Working moms have always lived at the intersection of career and motherhood, juggling the pull of family with the desire to build a meaningful, fulfilling professional life. And like most things in parenting, there’s no perfect play to run. Being a working mom means early mornings, late nights, daycare drop-offs, meetings, pumping schedules, mom guilt, mental load, and relying on a village to make it all happen. Even with support, balancing it all is one of the toughest challenges women face. Hosted by Antonia DePace—a former magazine editor turned marketing maven and mom—The Working Mom’s Playbook is a podcast where real moms share real stories about navigating career growth, motherhood, fertility, postpartum health, entrepreneurship, mental wellness, parental leave, working mother challenges, and work-life balance. This is your space to feel seen, supported, and inspired—because let’s be honest, our time is limited, our plates are full, and someone is probably calling for us already. career moms, working moms, working mother challenges, mom lifestyle, mom mental health, new mom style, time management moms, mom support network, breastfeeding career, breastfeeding, parenting career integration, work life balance, mom entrepreneurship, working mom advice, parental leave, mom struggles, infertility stories, mom wellness tips, family career balance, first time mom podcast, new mom tips, pregnancy podcast, postpartum podcast, newborn care podcast, holistic mom podcast, crunchy mom podcast, natural motherhood podcast, non toxic living for moms, holistic parenting podcast, natural baby care, extended breastfeeding benefits, breastfeeding support, postpartum recovery, postpartum workouts, emotional support for new moms, first time mom advice, simple living for moms, natural mom lifestyle, time management for new moms, working moms podcast, women's healthcare gaps, women's health, mom health, mom nutrition, nutrition for moms, maternity leave

  1. APR 8

    Strategies to Unlock Career Success with Ana Welsh | Ep. 18

    Discover actionable frameworks and insights from Ana Welsh, a leadership strategist and educator, on how working moms can stay indispensable, thrive at work, and balance life effectively. This episode of the Working Mom's Playbook, Antonia and Ana delve into practical steps, emotional intelligence, and mindset shifts designed to elevate your career and personal growth. Key Topics Ana Welsh’s inspiring career journey from immigrant to leadership expertThe concept of becoming indispensable: managing yourself, your work, and relationshipsSeasons of life: understanding career phases and self-prioritizationThe importance of signal versus noise in decision-making and focusManaging workplace dynamics through reading the room and body languageThe Signature Self method: authenticity + strategic flexibilityBuilding resilience and confidence through practicing hard thingsUsing AI as a tool to streamline work and focus on high-impact tasksStrategies for working moms to manage energy, relationships, and growth Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction to the episode and guest Ana Welsh 02:20 - Ana Welsh’s career journey and early influential experiences 04:37 - Reflection on life stages and seasons of career development 12:14 - Practical implications of indispensability for working moms 16:00 - The power of signal versus noise in decision making 20:38 - Core components of the Signature Self method 22:13 - Managing workplace relationships through social fluency 23:17 - Leveraging AI and feedback to stay effective and innovative 28:17 - Defining your three words for personal brand and presence 32:04 - Overcoming self-doubt and building confidence to do hard things 34:51 - Reading the room and understanding team dynamics 36:00 - The importance of discernment and body language in leadership 38:40 - Tips for effective communication and mirroring strategies 41:40 - Practical approaches for daily self-checks and staying authentic 44:22 - Recommended books: Positive Intelligence and Likeable Badass 45:08 - Connecting with Ana Welsh and available resources Resources & Links Ana Welsh LeadershipPositive Intelligence by Shirzad ChamineLikeable Badass by Alison FragaleConnect with Ana Welsh: LinkedInInstagramYouTubebest motherhood podcasts, motherhood podcasts, best podcast for babies, best podcast for toddlers, working moms, working mom challenges, career mom, career oriented mom, podcasts for moms, podcasts for working moms, podcasts for women, best podcast for moms, best podcast for working moms, career growth, indispensable, ana welsh speaks, career moms, career growth for moms, networking for moms

    48 min

  2. APR 1

    Life After Divorce: Making Co-Parenting Work for Your Family with Tiff Preston-Thomas | Ep. 17

    The episode continues The Working Mom's Playbook Real Moms Series with Tiff Preston-Thomas, where she discusses her master's research on divorce dynamics and its impact on children. The conversation delves into co-parenting, collaboration, and special occasions post-divorce, emphasizing the importance of personal accountability and a child-focused approach. The conversation covers the redefinition of holiday traditions, the approach to having the divorce conversation with kids, the impact of divorce on children, handling post-divorce conflict, and the impact on children's perspective. Takeaways Psychology is an innate interest for Tiff. Divorce doesn't have to be ugly or detrimental to children. Children are impacted by adult decisions. Co-parenting should focus on the needs of the kids. Special occasions require collaboration between parents. Conversations with kids about divorce should be age-appropriate. Everything related to divorce is temporary. It's important to separate adult emotions from parenting responsibilities. Personal accountability plays a crucial role in co-parenting. Life is too short to fight over trivial matters. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tiff Preston-Thomas03:14 Exploring Divorce Dynamics and Psychology 07:06 The Importance of Positive Co-Parenting 15:30 Navigating Co-Parenting Challenges 15:57 Defining Successful Co-Parenting 21:42 Collaboration During Special Occasions 26:24 Navigating Holiday Traditions in Blended Families 29:51 The Difficult Conversation of Divorce with Children 39:15 Advice for Moms in the Midst of Divorce 40:48 Mindset Shifts for Positive Co-Parenting 42:54 Lessons on Love and Relationships for Children 47:44 Introduction and Gratitude 48:14 Looking Ahead to Future Episodes 48:21 Riverside Intro.mp4 Contact Tiff Preston-Thomas at tprestonthomas@gmail.com Read more about Tiff and her family in Medford Living Magazine divorce, co-parenting, psychology, child outcomes, family dynamics, parenting, divorce advice, positive relationships, family holidays, working moms, best motherhood podcasts, motherhood podcasts, best podcast for babies, best podcast for toddlers, working moms, working mom challenges, career mom, career oriented mom, podcasts for moms, podcasts for working moms, podcasts for women, best podcast for moms, best podcast for working moms

    48 min

  3. MAR 18

    How to Navigate Mom Burnout with Kayla Ogletree | Ep. 16

    In this episode, Antonia DePace and Kayla Ogletree discuss the often-overlooked topic of maternal mental health, focusing on the challenges of burnout, the importance of community support, and the pressures faced by mothers in today's society. They explore the signs of burnout versus fatigue, the impact of isolation, and the unrealistic expectations placed on mothers. The conversation emphasizes the need for open communication, seeking professional help, and practical steps to manage burnout effectively, including microdosing self-care and building a support network. SOURCES https://strengthandnurturecounseling.my.canva.site/ Follow Kayla at @strengthandnurturecounseling Email Kayla at strengthandnurturecounseling@gmail.com Takeaways Maternal mental health is often overlooked and under-discussed. Burnout can manifest as emotional exhaustion and feelings of isolation. Community support is crucial for new mothers to prevent burnout. Identifying the difference between fatigue and burnout is essential for mental health. Invisible labor contributes significantly to maternal resentment and exhaustion. The societal pressures of being a 'good mom' can lead to unrealistic expectations. Returning to work can exacerbate maternal mental health issues if not managed properly. Seeking professional help early can prevent severe mental health crises. Microdosing self-care can help manage burnout effectively. Open communication with partners about needs and responsibilities is vital. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Maternal Mental Health 03:46 Understanding Maternal Burnout 06:43 The Importance of Community Support 09:17 Identifying Burnout vs. Fatigue 11:40 The Impact of Isolation on Mothers 14:29 Recognizing Red Flags of Burnout 16:20 Invisible Labor and Emotional Exhaustion 18:56 The Good Mom Myth 21:35 Returning to Work and Maternal Mental Health 23:58 When to Seek Professional Help 26:14 Practical Steps for Managing Burnout 28:36 Conclusion and Resources 39:01 Introduction and Gratitude 39:31 Looking Ahead to Future Episodes 39:38 Riverside Intro.mp4 maternal mental health, burnout, postpartum support, community, motherhood, mental health awareness, parenting challenges, emotional exhaustion, self-care, seeking help, best motherhood podcasts, motherhood podcasts, best podcast for babies, best podcast for toddlers, working moms, working mom challenges, career mom, career oriented mom, podcasts for moms, podcasts for working moms, podcasts for women, best podcast for moms, best podcast for working moms

    40 min

  4. MAR 11

    How To Best Prepare Your Child for College with Shellee Howard | Ep. 15

    In this episode of the Working Moms Playbook, Antonia DePace interviews Shellee Howard, founder and CEO of College Ready. Shellee shares her journey of helping families navigate the college admissions process, emphasizing the importance of early planning, understanding scholarships, and identifying children's unique strengths. She debunks common myths about college planning and offers practical advice for parents to support their children's educational journeys. The conversation highlights the significance of financial literacy, career assessments, and the need for a strategic approach to college admissions. Takeaways College planning should start as early as possible, ideally when children are learning to read. Parents should focus on their child's unique strengths and interests when planning for college. Scholarships are available for a variety of talents and interests, not just academic performance. It's important to debunk myths about college admissions and financial aid. Parents should actively engage in their child's extracurricular activities to help them find their passions. Financial literacy is crucial for students to understand the implications of their career choices. Career assessments can help students identify their interests and strengths early on. Parents should avoid relying solely on outdated advice from family financial advisors. Extracurricular activities should align with a child's interests, not just be a means to get into college. The college application process is competitive, and early planning can significantly impact outcomes. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to College Ready and Shellee Howard 03:36 The Journey of College Ready 06:46 Understanding College Planning for Parents 09:32 The Importance of Early College Planning 12:35 Debunking College Planning Myths 15:28 Scholarships: Opportunities and Misconceptions 18:30 Finding the Right Scholarships 21:26 Identifying Your Child's Unique Strengths 24:29 Five Steps for Early College Planning 27:31 Navigating Extracurriculars and College Choices 30:39 The Role of Financial Planning in College 33:27 The Importance of Career Assessments 36:26 Final Thoughts and Resources for Parents 49:16 Introduction and Gratitude 49:46 Looking Ahead to Future Episodes 49:53 Riverside Intro.mp4 college planning, scholarships, parenting, education, college admissions, financial planning, student success, early planning, college ready, Shellee Howard, college scholarships, best motherhood podcasts, motherhood podcasts, best podcast for babies, best podcast for toddlers, working moms, working mom challenges, career mom, career oriented mom, podcasts for moms, podcasts for working moms, podcasts for women, best podcast for moms, best podcast for working moms

    50 min

  5. FEB 25

    Simple Home Organization Tips that Working Moms Need with Tink Fisher | Ep. 14

    The episode of the Working Mom's Playbook features a discussion on the challenges of keeping a home clean and organized while juggling a career and motherhood. The guest, Clean House Tink founder Tink Fisher, shares expert advice on creating systems, decluttering, and managing time effectively to maintain an organized home. The conversation covers the importance of creating a cleaning routine, decluttering, and organizing the home to reduce stress and improve quality of life. It emphasizes the significance of creating systems and using the right tools to maintain a clean and clutter-free home. The discussion also highlights the impact of a clean and organized home on mental well-being and family dynamics. Takeaways Organize your home to support your current lifestyle and needs.Seek professional help or support from friends to create effective systems for maintaining an organized home. Cleaning routines and systems reduce overwhelmDecluttering and organizing improve mental well-being Chapters 00:00 The Struggle of Working Moms 02:15 Introducing Tink Fisher and Clean House Professional Organizers 03:22 Tips for a Supportive Home Environment 07:13 Engaging Kids in Organization 09:43 Understanding Stress and Clutter 15:43 Creating Realistic Cleaning Systems 20:21 Implementing Daily Cleaning Routines 20:45 Creating a System for Daily Tasks 21:41 Starting from Clutter: Where to Begin 22:43 The Home-It Rule: Avoiding Clutter 24:17 Getting Spouses on Board with Organization 25:14 The One In, One Out Rule 26:09 Finding Joy in Your Home Again 27:56 Essential Tools for a Clean Home 31:25 Utilizing Vertical Space for Storage 34:12 Involving Kids in Organization 36:06 Encouragement for Moms: You're Doing Great! 38:13 Introduction and Gratitude 38:42 Looking Ahead to Future Episodes LINKS Learn more about Clean House Tink at cleanhousetink.com Follow Tink Fisher at @cleanhousetink KEYWORDS best motherhood podcasts, motherhood podcasts, best podcast for babies, best podcast for toddlers, working moms, working mom challenges, career mom, career oriented mom, podcasts for moms, podcasts for working moms, podcasts for women, best podcast for moms, best podcast for working moms, working moms, home organization, cleaning tips, decluttering, parenting, time management, home management, Tink Fisher, Clean House Professional Organizers, motherhood, cleaning hacks, mom hacks

    40 min

  6. FEB 18

    Making Childcare Affordable Again in the US with Laura Manion | Ep. 13

    On this week's episode of The Working Mom's Playbook, Antonia DePace sits down with the President & CEO of the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry to discuss the critical issue of childcare affordability and accessibility, highlighting personal experiences, statistics, and legislative efforts on a local and national scale. It also explores how the lack of affordable childcare affects more than just women, but the economy, as well. The conversation emphasizes the intersection of childcare with business, economics, and societal challenges, providing insights into the struggles faced by working parents. The conversation also delves into the challenges faced by working moms, particularly in balancing work and family responsibilities, the impact of childcare costs, and the need for support and advocacy. The dup also explore the role of employers and the need for a modern family-friendly workplace. Takeaways Child care affordability and accessibility have a significant impact on the workforce, productivity, and economic stability.Public-private partnerships and legislative efforts are crucial in addressing the child care crisis. Balancing work and family responsibilities is a significant challenge for working moms.Childcare costs and accessibility have a profound impact on working moms and their ability to pursue their careers. Chapters 0:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome0:48 Laura's Personal Story and Childcare Challenges4:38 Statistics and Impact on Workforce7:57 Business Perspective on Childcare11:39 Solutions and Legislation19:38 Personal Trade-offs and Economic Impact37:56 Advice for Moms and Advocacy40:40 Conclusion and Resources best motherhood podcasts, motherhood podcasts, best podcast for babies, best podcast for toddlers, working moms, working mom challenges, career mom, career oriented mom, podcasts for moms, podcasts for working moms, podcasts for women,best podcast for moms, best podcast for working moms, childcare, childcare accessibility, impact of childcare, daycare, daycare lists, local childcare, pennsylvania childcare, moms in the workforce, chester county, chester county chamber of business and industry, laura manion, childcare tax credit, childcare bill

    45 min

  7. FEB 11

    The Shocking Truth About Pediatric ERs with Phyllis Rabinowitz | Ep. 12

    In this episode, Antonia DePace interviews Phyllis Rabinowitz, founder of the R Baby Foundation, who shares her heartbreaking story of losing her daughter Rebecca due to an unprepared pediatric emergency room. Phyllis discusses the alarming statistics surrounding pediatric emergency care in the U.S., the importance of parental advocacy, and how families can prepare for pediatric emergencies. The conversation highlights the need for systemic change in pediatric emergency room preparedness and the role of parents in advocating for their children's safety—as well as the progress that has been made so far. Discover More About the R Baby Foundation HERE Download the FindERNow App Takeaways Phyllis Rabinowitz founded R Baby Foundation after losing her daughter to an unprepared pediatric ER.The foundation has invested over $18 million to improve pediatric emergency care.80% of ERs in the U.S. are not fully prepared for pediatric cases.2,100 pediatric lives are lost each year due to unprepared ERs.Parents should research their local ERs before emergencies occur.There is a lack of federal mandate for pediatric ER preparedness.Parents must advocate for their children's safety in medical situations.The R Baby Foundation provides training for non-children's hospitals.Awareness and education are key to improving pediatric emergency care.Phyllis's mission is driven by the desire to prevent other families from experiencing similar tragedies. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to a Pivotal Mission 07:27 The Tragic Story Behind Our Baby Foundation 15:05 The Importance of Pediatric ER Preparedness 20:11 Advocacy and Parental Preparedness 23:06 Surprises and Challenges in Pediatric Care 23:56 How Families Can Support the Mission 27:35 Looking Ahead to Future Episodes Keywords working moms, working mom challenges, career mom, career oriented mom, podcasts for moms, podcasts for working moms, podcasts for women, pediatric emergency, ER preparedness, pediatric ER, pediatric ER readiness, parental advocacy, R Baby Foundation, child safety, medical training, healthcare awareness, Phyllis Rabinowitz, emergency care, pediatric health, baby health podcast, toddler health podcast, best motherhood podcasts, motherhood podcasts, best podcast for babies, best podcast for toddlers, best podcast for moms, best podcast for working moms

    28 min

  8. FEB 4

    How to Promote Independent Play When Working from Home with Jill Lerman | Jillybean NYC | Ep. 11

    In this episode, Jill Lerman, a play and parenting coach, discusses the importance of independent play for children and how working parents can balance their responsibilities while fostering their child's development. Jill emphasizes the need to reframe independent play as a gift rather than a tool for parental convenience, and she provides practical strategies for facilitating play without direct involvement. The conversation covers various aspects of independent play, including its developmental stages, the significance of the environment, and the importance of connection between parent and child. Jill also addresses common myths about independent play and offers insights on how to create engaging play experiences for children. LINKS https://www.jillybeansnyc.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jillybeansnyc/ DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE COPY OF JILL'S "PLAY GUIDE FOR MOMPRENEURS" HERE! Chapters 00:00 Intro & Meet Our Guest 01:22 Balancing Independent Play and Work 11:58 The Nine Minute Rule for Connection 17:09 Stages of Independent Play Development 24:22 Understanding Child Engagement 27:36 Creating the Right Play Environment 30:28 Maximizing Play Potential 33:14 Encouraging Independent Play 37:29 Simplifying Play for Parents 41:12 Rapid Fire Insights on Play 49:56 OUTRO play, parenting, independent play, working moms, child development, play prompts, parenting tips, early childhood education, play coaching, mom guilt

    51 min
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5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Working moms have always lived at the intersection of career and motherhood, juggling the pull of family with the desire to build a meaningful, fulfilling professional life. And like most things in parenting, there’s no perfect play to run. Being a working mom means early mornings, late nights, daycare drop-offs, meetings, pumping schedules, mom guilt, mental load, and relying on a village to make it all happen. Even with support, balancing it all is one of the toughest challenges women face. Hosted by Antonia DePace—a former magazine editor turned marketing maven and mom—The Working Mom’s Playbook is a podcast where real moms share real stories about navigating career growth, motherhood, fertility, postpartum health, entrepreneurship, mental wellness, parental leave, working mother challenges, and work-life balance. This is your space to feel seen, supported, and inspired—because let’s be honest, our time is limited, our plates are full, and someone is probably calling for us already. career moms, working moms, working mother challenges, mom lifestyle, mom mental health, new mom style, time management moms, mom support network, breastfeeding career, breastfeeding, parenting career integration, work life balance, mom entrepreneurship, working mom advice, parental leave, mom struggles, infertility stories, mom wellness tips, family career balance, first time mom podcast, new mom tips, pregnancy podcast, postpartum podcast, newborn care podcast, holistic mom podcast, crunchy mom podcast, natural motherhood podcast, non toxic living for moms, holistic parenting podcast, natural baby care, extended breastfeeding benefits, breastfeeding support, postpartum recovery, postpartum workouts, emotional support for new moms, first time mom advice, simple living for moms, natural mom lifestyle, time management for new moms, working moms podcast, women's healthcare gaps, women's health, mom health, mom nutrition, nutrition for moms, maternity leave

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