10th Annual Back to School Bonanza! EP 472

10th Annual Back to School Bonanza! EP 472

Author: iHeartPodcasts August 18, 2026 Duration: 45:20

Is it possible that there have been NINE previous back to school episodes? 2017's version may have featured preschoolers (and multiple children not yet born!) -- back to school has definitely been a journey, and the adventure looks different every time!

This year, Laura and Sarah have kids ranging from 1st grade to college sophomore. They share notes on re-entry, from anticipated morning schedules to trepidations about new levels.

In the Q&A, a listener asks for tips on NOT forgetting about things you'd like to think about in the future.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


For anyone trying to navigate the complex, rewarding, and often messy intersection of professional ambition and family life, the Best of Both Worlds Podcast offers a grounded, practical conversation. Hosts Laura Vanderkam, a time management author and mother of five, and Sarah Hart-Unger, a practicing physician and mom of three, bring their distinct yet complementary experiences to the table. Their discussions move beyond abstract ideals to tackle the real-world logistics of career development, efficient parenting, and intentional time management. Each episode feels like a candid chat with two friends who have been there, focusing on actionable strategies for productivity without sacrificing personal joy or connection. This isn't about achieving a perfect balance, but about building a fulfilling, sustainable life where both work and family can thrive. Produced by iHeartPodcasts, the podcast provides thoughtful perspectives on creating a meaningful structure for your weeks and years, always with an eye toward making space for what truly matters. You'll find their approach both reassuring and motivating, as they dissect common challenges and share what has-and hasn't-worked in their own busy lives. Listening to this podcast is like getting actionable advice from a trusted source who understands that loving your career and loving your family are not mutually exclusive goals, but parts of a whole, integrated life.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Best of Both Worlds Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Time Stories People Tell Themselves EP 455 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:52
Sometimes we tell ourselves stories about our time that are not backed by actual data. In today's episode, Laura delves into several of these, with some interesting ways to combat common time-centered myths -- from the i…
Where Does the Time Go with Professor Christine Tulley EP 453 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:35
Professor Christine Tulley is professor of rhetoric and writing and founder and director of the Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Writing Program at the University of Findlay, and she has a special interest in understanding…
Q1 Report + Now and Then -- How Have You Changed? EP 452 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:49
In today's reflective episode, Laura and Sarah record live from their South FL recording retreat once again, sharing notes (victories, works in progress, etc) from Quarter (or Quintile) 1. Then, inspired by Sarah's unear…
The Secret Language of Work with Erin McGoff EP 451 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:15
Erin McGoff has built a career around helping people (especially women!) learn the secret language of work -- the ways to give yourself the best shot of moving in the career direction you desire with the right choice of…
Whimsy and Spring Delights EP 450 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:04
In today's episode, Laura and Sarah discuss the concept of whimsy and how small touches of it might be applied to make life more fun. Then, they share a variety of spring delights -- from changes in the natural world to…
Cultivating Friendships: 6 Insights and a (Friend) Cameo! EP 448 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:27
In today's episode, Laura and Sarah share their insights on cultivating and maintaining friendships -- even during the busy parenting years! Tactics include multitasking friend dates, accepting the "Friendriarch" role, f…
Building a Big Career and Family of 8 with Andrea Canning EP 447 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:50
Andrea Canning has a lot going on! In addition to her role as a Dateline NBC correspondent, she's a mother of 6, Marine Corps wife, and host of the Dateline True Crime weekly podcast. She shares her career and family bui…