New Modern Mom Podcast

Ever stared at an empty suitcase the night before a big international trip with your kids, wondering how on earth you’ll fit it all and not forget something essential? You’re not alone, and this episode is here to save you from the stress spiral.In this Toolkit Series episode from The New Modern Mom Podcast, host Barbara Mighdoll gets real about what it actually takes to pack smart for international travel with little kids. As a seasoned traveler and mom of two, Barbara has done the trial-and-error for you including 8 international trips with babies, toddlers, and now a future kindergartener. And spoiler: it’s not about packing more, it’s about packing smarter.This isn’t your basic “remember your toothbrush” kind of list. Instead, Barbara dives deep into the extras that actually make a difference when you're managing long-haul flights, jet lag, unfamiliar accommodations, and a different routine in a different time zone. From the carry-on must-haves you’ll wish you’d brought, to the important gear you never knew existed, this episode is a must-listen for any parent prepping for international travel, especially if you’re balancing work and family life.Whether you’re a minimalist, a routine-keeper, or a just-in-case packer, you’ll walk away with practical tools and strategies to help you feel confident and prepared, not overwhelmed, before your next family trip abroad.In this episode, you’ll learn:🧳 The three types of parent-packers and how knowing your type leads to a smoother tripUnderstand whether you’re a minimalist, a routine-keeper, or a just-in-case packer, and what that means for your luggage and your sanity.✈️ The on-flight MVPs that make long-haul travel manageableDiscover the carry-on essentials every parent should have on a plane, from mini first aid kits to shelf-stable milk cartons and activity packs that actually work.😴 The sleep essentials that help your kids rest in unfamiliar placesLearn what to pack to recreate your child’s sleep environment on the road, from portable blackout curtains to sound machines and night lights.👶 The gear upgrades that make travel easier (and avoid major meltdowns)Find out why your daily stroller won’t cut it, the hip toddler carrier you never knew you needed, and the car seat vest that changes everything.📝 A simple method to build your personalized packing listBarbara shares her go-to 24-hour routine planning method to make sure you pack only what you actually use, no overpacking or forgotten essentials.Whether you're planning your first trip abroad with littles or you’re a seasoned traveling parent looking to streamline your process, this episode will arm you with the practical tools and real-world mom-tested wisdom to make your next international trip less chaotic and a lot more fun.Need help packing for your next international trip? Grab our go-to international packing list designed specifically for moms traveling with kids, so you can pack with confidence, not chaos.If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow mom planning their next big adventure.Follow Barbara:On Instagram hereOn LinkedIn hereAbout New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

Discover the secret to thriving as a high-achieving mom: strategic outsourcing. This conversation dismantles the myth that success means doing it all alone. Learn how to overcome guilt and mental barriers that prevent you from asking for help. Uncover practical tips for building a reliable support network, ensuring a healthier work-life balance. From identifying tasks to delegate to reimagining home roles, this insightful discussion empowers you to reclaim your time and find more peace in your busy life.

The pressure to be everything to everyone is real and exhausting. But what if just a few small changes could completely shift how you move through your day? I’m sharing 3 simple but powerful tools that are helping me find calm in the chaos and show up as my best self at work and at home.In this episode of our toolkit series, host Barbara Mighdoll shares three of the most powerful, actionable life hacks she learned from guests on Season 1. These are real shifts that are helping her actually manage the chaos of working motherhood. These aren’t vague productivity tips or recycled self-care mantras. This is the practical stuff, the “I started doing this immediately and it changed my day” kind of stuff.From the art of context switching between mom mode and work mode to reframing the  perfectionist mindset to get more done in the day and finding ways to rest that don’t come with guilt, Barbara reveals the strategies that are sticking with her. You won’t leave overwhelmed, you’ll leave with clear, doable takeaways you can put into action today.In this episode, you’ll learn:🔁 Mastering the Transition between Mom Mode & Work MomLearn how to create intentional transitions between “mom mode” and “work mode,” even if you work from home and your commute is five steps. These 15-minute rituals can change everything about how you show up in both worlds.📵 The Phone-Free Morning Ritual That Lowers Cortisol and Increases ClarityBarbara shares the habit that completely changed her mornings: no phone until the last kid is dropped off. Plus, how she uses her commute for connection and calm instead of a to-do list.💭 Breaking the Perfectionist Cycle with “No Zero Days”Discover how Barbara and guest Divya Gugnani reframe progress with one simple mindset that makes consistency in the habits you want to uphold in your day possible, even on your busiest days.🧘‍♀️ Redefining Rest as ProductiveHitha Palepu shares how the concept of “Gentle Wednesdays” is helping her reframe rest as a necessary tool for success, not something to earn.🗂️ Three Shifts You Can Do TodayYou’ll leave with one bite-sized, super achievable action for each of the three major areas covered in this episode. Follow Barbara:On Instagram hereOn LinkedIn hereFollow Kim:On LinkedIn hereFollow Divya:On Instagram hereOn LinkedIn hereFollow Hitha:On Instagram hereOn LinkedIn hereAbout New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

Hiring an au pair completely changed how Barbara’s family functions, and in this episode, she’s sharing exactly how and why.Whether you’re a working parent looking for more flexible childcare, a dual-career couple juggling inconsistent schedules, or just curious about how the au pair system compares to traditional nannies, this is a must-listen. In this mini-episode of our Toolkit Series, host Barbara Mighdoll shares her candid experience with four different au pairs (and two nannies) and breaks down the real-life pros, cons, and logistics you actually need to know.You’ll also hear an unreleased clip from the original episode with Samantha Wu, CMO of Eventbrite and former CMO of Facebook at Meta, who shares her own au pair experiences and wisdom from life as a high-powered executive and mom of two. If you've ever wondered whether an au pair could transform the way your family operates, this conversation offers the clarity, structure, and gut-check questions you need.In this episode, you’ll learn:👶 What an au pair is—and why it might be a better fit than daycare or a nannyUnderstand the structure, rules, and unique features of the au pair program, including legal hour limits and household responsibilities.💸 The real cost of hiring an au pairBarbara compares the annual expenses of an au pair vs. a full-time nanny and explains what’s included in the price.🛫 Why au pairs are ideal for parents looking for flexibility,Learn how au pairs can adjust to your changing schedule, help with travel logistics, and offer reliability that’s hard to find with other forms of childcare.🏠 How to evaluate if your family is truly ready to have an au pairWalk through a step-by-step readiness workshop with your partner to determine if this live-in childcare model aligns with your lifestyle and boundaries.🧠 What makes an au pair relationship work—and where it can fall apartFrom mismatched expectations to communication pitfalls, Barbara and Samantha share lessons learned and actionable advice to ensure your success from day one.If you’re looking for an honest, mom-to-mom guide to navigating the au pair world, this episode is your toolkit. You’ll walk away with not just knowledge—but a process you can start using today.Need help crafting interview questions for your au pair? Start here.Follow Barbara:On Instagram hereOn LinkedIn hereFollow Samantha:On LinkedIn hereAbout New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

No fluff—just the actual ways to use ChatGPT daily to save 20+ hours a week as a working mom.In this episode of The New Modern Mom Podcast, we’re diving into the everyday benefits of AI and how working parents can actually use it to reclaim time, reduce mental load, and bring more ease into their routines. Whether you’ve never touched ChatGPT or you’re already experimenting with AI tools, this episode is packed with real-life examples, mindset shifts, and smart ideas that make AI less intimidating—and a whole lot more helpful.This isn’t just a tech episode. It’s a toolkit for thriving in modern working motherhood. You'll hear a practical breakdown of how to use ChatGPT in ways that feel realistic, approachable, and supportive to your daily life. Plus Barbara shares the secret to how to prompt ChatGPT to sound exactly like you.Whether you're trying to brainstorm dinner ideas, streamline your work responsibilities, or get back 20 minutes during your week—this one’s for you.In this episode, you’ll:🧠 Simplify your mental load with AI: Discover how tools like ChatGPT can streamline daily decision-making for working parents juggling work and home life.✉️ Use ChatGPT as your email assistant: Learn how to draft, edit, and polish emails faster while improving clarity, tone, and impact.🏡 Delegate home management tasks to ChatGPT: Create onboarding docs, checklists, and clear instructions to help manage your home in minutes.📊 Let ChatGPT take on admin at work: From refining presentations to managing team communication and drafting contracts, this tool helps you do more with less effort.🛠️ Train ChatGPT to sound just like you: Master prompt writing in the free version or build your own GPT to consistently reflect your voice, values, and brand style.This episode is part of our Toolkit Series, where we explore practical, modern tools to help you feel more grounded and less chaotic in your daily life. So grab your headphones, open your notes app, and get ready to meet your new favorite parenting assistant—ChatGPT. I’m Follow Barbara:On Instagram hereOn LinkedIn hereLooking for a breakdown of how I actually use ChatGPT in my daily life? I’ve created something for you: 5 Practical Ways to Use ChatGPT: A Working Mom’s Guide. This free guide walks you through the 5 ways I use ChatGPT every single day to lighten the mental load. Think of it like hiring an assistant... for free.Download it now to immediately start making your life easier.About New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

Discover how to turn your dream summer in Europe with kids into reality without sacrificing your career. Learn about five essential pillars to consider, from childcare logistics to community building abroad. Barbara dives into practical tips for housing, coworking, and transportation to make family adventures smooth. Plus, get negotiation strategies for working with your partner and employer on finances and flexibility. Transform those dreams into actionable plans with concrete next steps!

Running your home like the powerhouse operation it needs to be takes more than shared calendars and crossed fingers — it takes intentional, consistent communication. That’s what we’re tackling in this Toolkit Series episode of The New Modern Mom Podcast.In this episode, Barbara Mighdoll dives deep into one of the most powerful tools in any working mom’s arsenal: the weekly partner meeting. It’s not just about coordinating calendars or divvying up chores — it’s about transforming your relationship from survival mode into a supportive, intentional partnership that can handle the chaos of career and parenting. Drawing from her own experience and powerful insights from two previous guests, Hitha Palepu and Jeanelle Teves, this episode delivers a proven framework for making your home life feel less reactive and more aligned.Whether you’ve tried weekly check-ins and abandoned them, or you’re just now realizing the shared Google Calendar isn’t cutting it, this episode is packed with concrete steps to help you communicate better, plan smarter, and create a more peaceful rhythm at home. Bonus: You’ll walk away with a full meeting agenda ready to plug-and-play. 🧩 The real reason communication with your partner breaks down — and how weekly meetings solve it: Discover how a structured approach to checking in with your partner can prevent conflict, reduce mental load, and increase mutual empathy.🗂 A 5-point meeting agenda that’s been tested in busy households: Barbara walks through her personal weekly sync structure — from what to ask, how to delegate, and why this cadence can completely change your week.💬 Why emotional check-ins matter just as much as logistics: Learn how making space for emotional connection can stop resentment in its tracks and protect the bond behind your co-parenting efforts.🛠 How to identify the tasks that fall through the cracks and finally solve for them: You’ll get a simple homework assignment that helps surface the recurring "oh crap" moments that sabotage your schedule.📅 How to think bigger than just the week ahead with quarterly and annual planning rituals: Get inspired by rituals like a New Year’s Day goal walk that help couples align on the big picture and stay on the same page throughout the year.This episode isn’t just another chat about communication — it’s a practical blueprint to reduce stress, share the mental load, and feel like you’re truly in this together. Listen now, take notes, and start running your home like the aligned organization it should be.For exclusive bonus tools and takeaways, subscribe to the newsletter: newmodernmom.com/subscribeFollow Hitha:On Instagram hereOn LinkedIn hereFollow Jeanelle:On Instagram hereOn LinkedIn hereFollow Barbara:On Instagram hereOn LinkedIn hereAbout New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

What if the key to unlocking your next career opportunity isn't in your resume—but in your online presence? On today’s bonus Toolkit Series episode, we’re diving deep into a powerful theme that sparked major interest in Season 1: personal brand building with Jeanelle Teves, Chief Commercial Officer of Bugaboo and mom of two, who’s redefining what executive leadership looks like in the digital age. If you’ve ever wondered how to actually start building a personal brand while juggling work, motherhood, and a million to-dos, this is the episode for you. You’ll hear real-world strategies from an executive who made the leap from content consumer to creator—and gained new opportunities, confidence, and clarity in the process. Barbara also breaks it all down with a tactical solo strategy session you can do today to map out your own personal brand.📢 The evolution of thought leadership: Discover how thought leadership has moved beyond traditional PR and has shifted to self-driven, multi-platform content creation. 📱 Owning your narrative through social media: Explore how platforms like TikTok and Instagram are opening new doors for executive women to craft brands that reflect who they are—not just where they work.🔁 From scrolling to creating: The Mindset Shift: What sparks the leap from passive content consumer to confident creator? Hear what inspired Jeanelle Teves.🛣️ Building career lanes outside the 9–5: Learn how investing in side passions like mentoring and content creation expanded Jeanelle professional identity and opened unexpected doors.💬 Vulnerability as a leadership advantage: Why realness is rising: a conversation about how showing your human side can build trust and deepen your leadership impact.🗂️ The content creation workflow: Jeanelle shares tactical tips for creating consistent content, including posting cadence and learning from peers.🔂 The power of repetition and content pillars: Discover how repeating key themes builds recognition and strengthens your message.📝 Your solo strategy session playbook: Barbara outlines a step-by-step exercise to map out your personal brand goals, pillars, platform, and plan.Think of this episode as your permission slip to show up online—not to go viral, but to be visible. Whether you’re looking to build influence in your industry, plant the seeds for a future business, or simply share your story in a way that feels aligned, this Toolkit episode gives you everything you need to get started.For exclusive bonus tools and takeaways, subscribe to the newsletter: newmodernmom.com/subscribeFollow Jeanelle:On Instagram hereOn LinkedIn hereFollow Barbara:On Instagram hereOn LinkedIn hereGet the latest resources on pregnancy, postpartum, family travel and working motherhood on newmodernmom.comAbout New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

I’m sitting down with Hitha Palepu—CEO, author, speaker, and dynamic mom of 2 boys—who embodies the multi-hyphenate lifestyle. Whether you're juggling a career, personal goals, or family life, Hitha’s journey offers insights on how to thrive in multiple roles without burning out.As the CEO of Rhoshan Pharmaceuticals and thought leader across multiple platforms, Hitha’s ability to lead, inspire, and stay true to herself makes her relatable and motivating. Join us for practical strategies to successfully find personal fulfillment in everyday life.In this episode, Hitha shares lesson on:🔑 The Multi-Hyphenate Mindset: Practical advice on balancing different passions and responsibilities without losing sight of personal goals.⌛ Time Management Tips: Sharing strategies to structure your day for maximum productivity and balance between work, family, and self-care.🚫 Setting Boundaries & Saying No: Learn how to set boundaries and confidently say no to protect your time and energy, while staying focused on what matters.🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Sharing Responsibilities at Home: Tips for effective ways to communicate and split household duties, and maintain weekly check-ins to keep life running smoothly.🧳 Packing Like a Pro: How to streamline your travel packing process with expert tips for the busy, on-the-go lifestyle.💬 Authenticity as a Thought Leader: How to embrace vulnerability and authenticity to build deeper connections and establish a relatable, impactful presence as a thought leader.🚀 Pursuing Your Passions Relentlessly: The secrets to staying motivated and driven, by continually pursuing what fuels your personal and professional growth.This episode is packed with inspiration, actionable tips, and thoughtful reflection. A perfect listen to motivate you to make room for that passion project in your busy life.For exclusive bonus tools and takeaways from this guest, subscribe to the newsletter: newmodernmom.com/subscribeFollow Hitha onOn Instagram hereOn LinkedIn hereFollow Barbara:On Instagram hereOn LinkedIn hereGet the latest resources on pregnancy, postpartum, family travel and working motherhood on newmodernmom.comAbout New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.

On today’s episode, we’ve got a truly amazing guest, Divya Gugnani. She’s the CEO and Co-founder of Wander Beauty, CEO and Founder of 5 SENS, Founding Partner of Concept to Co, and—wait for it—a mom to two pre-teens AND a newborn. How does she do it all? You’re about to find out!Divya shares so many gems on everything from feeding her family to trusting your intuition, making the most of each day and how she actually accomplishes being present with her kids. She’s refreshingly real about how she manages it all behind the scenes, and I know you’ll walk away with tons of practical advice. Hear Divya’s lessons on…🌟 The power of intuition: How Divya trusted her gut to make pivotal decisions in both her personal life and her business, and how you can do the same.🏃‍♀️ Grit and resilience: The importance of pushing through obstacles, and how Divya stayed motivated when the going got tough—both as a mom and an entrepreneur.💪Raising independent kids: Divya’s older children have developed a great sense of independence by being enabled to make their own choices.🗓️ Time management tips: Tried-and-true strategies for managing time effectively while wearing multiple hats, from business leader to mom.🏡 The reality of support: Divya transparently shares the help she relies on at home and work, and why it’s essential for making her many roles a reality.📣 Marketing yourself effectively: Tips on how to find confidence to better market yourself, whether that’s for a promotion or for a new entrepreneurial journey.🧘‍♀️ Finding presence: Practical advice on how to stay grounded and present in the chaos of life, work, and motherhood.As a mom who’s successfully navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship while raising a family, Divya’s unfiltered insights are going to inspire and empower you to take on your own challenges - be it at work or at home - with confidence.For exclusive bonus tools and takeaways from this guest, subscribe to the newsletter: newmodernmom.com/subscribeFollow Divya:On Instagram hereOn LinkedIn hereFollow Barbara:On Instagram hereOn LinkedIn hereGet the latest resources on pregnancy, postpartum, family travel and working motherhood on newmodernmom.comAbout New Modern Mom: You know the dream of having it all – a thriving career, an active social life, present time with your kids, and adventures in travel. But how the F can we actually do it all? Host Barbara Mighdoll chats with other working mom executives on the raw truth behind their support systems, self-identity shifts, productivity, infertility and pregnancy loss, mom guilt, partner dynamics, childcare and even imposter syndrome. We’re exploring how these incredible women are translating their professional superpowers into their personal lives. Because we believe you can have it all, you just cannot do it all. Together, we’re building the playbook for the new modern mom.The New Modern Mom Podcast is produced by Barbara Mighdoll, Ali Alquiza, and Em Roberts.