Have you ever been told that work-life balance for women in STEM is a myth?
Do you want a meaningful science career and a rooted family life —but you worry that you’re “failing at both”?
Are you running low on time, energy, and sleep, trying to keep up with grant deadlines, conferences, and kids?
Do you wonder if negotiating career shifts, flexible jobs, STEM-adjacent roles, or maternity leave is proof you’re not a serious scientist?
Welcome to Science Careers for Moms — a TOP 2.5% GLOBALLY RANKED PODCAST for women in STEM who want a career path where they can thrive in science without sacrificing their family or personal wellbeing.
Hi! I’m Anokhi Kapasi, a PhD researcher and mom of two boys. I created this show because I know what it is like to feel torn between being a serious scientist and a present mom —and to realize that “trying harder” is not a strategy.
This show is different because it integrates career and life planning strategies designed specifically for science-minded moms in a work culture that was not built for caregivers. Every episode blends interviews with other scientists who have been where you are and career planning deep-dives where you will learn the answer to questions like:
🎯 Are there decision-making frameworks to help me navigate pivots, return-to-work, academia vs. industry…or to even know what the “next right move” is?
🎯 How do I set career goals that allow me to stay ambitious, connect with my family, and feel like myself again?
🎯 Is work–life balance for working moms in STEM actually possible, and what does it look like in practice?
🎯 Can I stay in science & tech without burnout, guilt, or losing sight of myself?
STEM-trained moms, I’ll teach you how to make confident career decisions that align with your whole life —not just professional development.
🎧 FOLLOW this show and never choose between being a good mom or a good scientist again!
🗣️ GUEST INTEREST FORM: https://calendly.com/anokhi-solveformom/guests-on-solve-for-mom
📩 QUESTIONS: hello@solveformom.com
🌐 VISIT: www.SolveForMom.com for more resources & information
Episodes
Sunday Jan 05, 2025
Sunday Jan 05, 2025
Hello Successful Mama!
Are you feeling like all the work you do as a mom is hard to define, let alone measure? Do you miss the clarity of progress you have in your career, where promotions, metrics, and feedback loops are part of the equation?
In today’s episode, we’re tackling how to balance data-driven and qualitative personal growth goals to celebrate your unique journey as a mom. I talk about why it’s so hard to measure success as a mom and why traditional metrics don’t always apply. I outline a framework for tracking progress on quantitative and qualitative goals that align with your purpose and vision. I teach you how to reflect on patterns and trends to guide intentional growth.
Whether you're the COO of your household or juggling homeschooling, work, and passions, this episode will give you actionable tools to recognize your value and track your progress in a way that feels meaningful and empowering.
Episode Highlights
- (00:00): Teaser
- (02:29): Become an SFM Insider
- (03:19): Success as a mom is hard to measure
- (06:51): GRowTh Up framework for tracking goals
- (07:16): A comment about SMART goals
- (08:30): 1. Give
- (09:21): 2. Reflect on wins
- (10:25): 3. Themes
- (11:34): 4. Upward
- (12:09): GRowTh Up example
- (14:34): Re-cap
If you’re ready to start tracking progress in ways that feel meaningful and actionable, hit play and together can solve for Mom! 💡
Resources
EP 1: Busy yet Restless? 3 Ways to Find Purpose as a Mom
EP 8: Life Planning 101: Follow the Right Trajectory For YOU
Let’s Connect!
- Tap +Follow (it’s free!) to stay updated on future episodes.
- Leave me a rating & review (thank you!)—I read every comment and your support helps other moms find the show! 💕
- Become an SFM Insider for weekly tips, tools, and exclusives: https://solveformom.myflodesk.com/bpj5yvdu3q
- Got a question or story to share? E-mail me at hello@solveformom.com—your topic could be featured in a future episode!
- Visit www.solveformom.com for more science-based life-planning strategies.
- Join Solve for Mom on LinkedIn and Pinterest
Sunday Dec 29, 2024
Sunday Dec 29, 2024
Hello Ambitious Mom!
Are you tired of setting goals that feel impossible to achieve? Do you find yourself starting a goal with excitement, only to lose momentum and feel like giving up? I’ve been there too — stuck in the cycle of trying and failing until I realized something powerful: the problem wasn’t my schedule; it was my mindset.
Motherhood doesn’t mean putting your dreams on hold — but achieving your goals takes more than just a plan. In today’s episode, I share 5 mindset secrets that will help you shift your thinking to tackle your goals with confidence and clarity, break free from self-limiting beliefs and guilt, and align your goals with what truly matters to you, all while navigating mom life. I’ll show you how the right mindset can act as a catalyst for turning your goals into reality. From overcoming self-doubt to building habits that stick, you’ll learn actionable strategies to craft the life you want without sacrificing your sanity.
Episode Highlights
- (00:00): Teaser
- (02:37): Mindset is a catalyst
- (05:04): 1. A life-long learner mindset
- (06:23): 2. An empowered mindset
- (08:39): 3. Keep the big vision in mind
- (09:40): 4. A positive mindset
- (10:23): 5. A problem-solving mindset
- (12:15): Re-cap
- (13:24): Become an SFM Insider
If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels, crush your goals, and live with intention, hit play now! Together, we can Solve for Mom.
References:
- Norcross JC, Mrykalo MS, Blagys MD. Auld lang syne: success predictors, change processes, and self-reported outcomes of New Year's resolvers and nonresolvers. J Clin Psychol. 2002 Apr;58(4):397-405.
- Be a life-long learner: EP 13: 3 Personal Growth Tips for Moms to Transform from Overlooked to Impressive
- Learning skills as a mom: EP 2: 5 Things Moms Can Do to Learn a New Skill [15-min or less]
- Life Planning: EP 8: Life Planning 101: Follow the Right Trajectory For YOU
✨ Connect with Me:
Tap +Follow (it’s free!). Leave me a rating & review (thank you!).
Become an SFM Insider to receive my weekly newsletter: https://solveformom.myflodesk.com/bpj5yvdu3q
E-mail me at hello@solveformom.com and your question could be the topic of an upcoming episode!
Visit www.solveformom.com
// Grow Your Individuality While Prioritizing Family Time //
Sunday Dec 08, 2024
Sunday Dec 08, 2024
Hello Ambitious WAHM!
Are you feeling like you're juggling too many balls during the holiday season? Between work deadlines, family traditions, holiday prep, and trying to maintain some semblance of personal time – it can feel overwhelming, right?
As a work-at-home mom (WAHM), I know the struggle of maintaining boundaries when your workspace and living space are one and the same. Add in the holiday chaos, and it might feel impossible to find balance!
In today's episode, I share my science-style strategies for creating harmony between work, family time, and personal growth during the holidays. Drawing from my experience as a WAHM who manages consulting work, a start-up business, homeschooling, and passion projects, I'll show you how to make the holidays enjoyable rather than overwhelming.
I talk about why being clear on your priorities is crucial for personal growth and family harmony. I show how you can make better decisions during the holidays (Hint: life planning is the best way). I don’t leave you hanging, though, because I also lay out practical time management & productivity strategies that actually work for WAHMs.
Episode Highlights:
- (0:00): Teaser
- (02:48): The “WAHM dilemma”
- (04:20): 1. Be clear on what is important to you during the holidays
- (06:07): + Self-discovery questions
- (06:51): + Life planning is a tool for creating balance ⏮️ Episode 8: Life Planning 101: Follow the Right Trajectory For YOU
- (08:10): + Get comfortable saying “no”
- (08:37): + Set your non-negotiables as your anchor points
- (13:19): 2. Be productive with your time
- (10:57): + Time blocking
- (11:28): + Set time boundaries & communicate them
- (12:19): + Task batching
- (14:03): + Release perfectionism & delegate where possible
- (15:14): + Blending personal interests with family time
- (15:53): Become an SFM Insider to receive my newsletter where I will share life planning resources. My next December 2024 issue will include my favorite Golden Milk recipe too :)
- (16:09): Re-cap
If you're ready to transform your holiday experience from chaotic to intentional while maintaining space for your relaxation and family time, hit play and together we can solve for Mom!
Tap +Follow (it’s free!). Leave me a rating & review (thank you!).
E-mail me at hello@solveformom.com and your question could be the topic of an upcoming episode!
Become an SFM Insider to receive my free twice monthly newsletter: https://solveformom.myflodesk.com/bpj5yvdu3q
Visit www.solveformom.com
// Grow Your Individuality While Prioritizing Family Time //
Sunday Nov 24, 2024
Sunday Nov 24, 2024
Hello, Skilled Mama! Are you worried that the holiday hustle might derail your personal growth journey? Do you want a way to stay grounded and feel like yourself throughout the festivities?
In this episode, we dive into why habits are crucial during chaotic times and how to maintain your habits to continue your self-improvement during the busiest time of the year. Maintaining your habits during the holidays sets an example for your family, reduces stress, and ensures you don't lose sight of your purpose amidst the festivities. I share 6 mom-centered strategies to maintain habits in 15 minutes or less.
Timestamps:
- (0:00): Mom life during the holidays (Teaser)
- (02:43): Become an SFM Insider
- (03:24): Don’t pause your habits during the holidays
- (06:33): Types of disruptions to our daily rhythm
- (07:01): What is a habit?
- (07:53): The importance of maintaining our habits
- (09:02): 1. Bundling habits
- (09:49): 2. Habit stacking
- (10:32): 3. Having a non-negotiable 15 minutes
- (11:54): 4. Make your habit a part of family time
- (12:25): 5. Establish a strong morning routine
- (13:17): 6. Track your habits
- (13:54): Re-cap
For more on skills bundling: EP 2: 5 Things Moms Can Do to Learn a New Skill [15-min or less]
Take Action Now to Holiday-proof your Habits
- Plan a consistent morning routine.
- Choose 1 non-negotiable habit to focus on for 15 minutes daily this holiday season. Use one of the 6 strategies discussed.
- Sign up for the SFM Insiders newsletter for extra tips & support.
Remember, moms, the holidays don't have to mean pressing pause on your personal growth. With these strategies, you can find the balance between family time, holiday planning, and your passion projects or hobbies.
Tap +Follow (it’s free!). Leave me a rating & review (thank you!).
E-mail me at hello@solveformom.com and your question could be the topic of an upcoming episode!
Become an SFM Insider to receive my weekly newsletter: https://solveformom.myflodesk.com/bpj5yvdu3q
Visit www.solveformom.com
// Grow Your Individuality While Prioritizing Family Time //
Sunday Nov 10, 2024
Sunday Nov 10, 2024
Hello Wonderful Mom! Do you feel like there is never enough time in the day? Do you find yourself constantly "trying to make things work" for you and your family? Are you dealing with responsibilities day-to-day without knowing what tomorrow will look like? Or perhaps you occasionally find yourself with extra time, only to see it slip away because you didn't know how to take advantage of it?
If you're nodding your head, then this episode is for you! In today’s episode, I share why planning is the secret ingredient to creating more time in your mom life. You’ll learn what planning involves (Hint: it’s more than just a to-do list), tips for adding planning into your mom life, and some examples of how planning has helped in my personal growth and passion projects.
Timestamp -
(00:00): Teaser
(03:17): Plan you mom life for the same reasons you use plans at work
(05:34): What does it mean to plan ahead for moms?
(07:02): 1. Planning frees up your time
(08:03): 2. Planning frees up your energy
(08:33): 3. Planning maximizes your resources
(09:12): 4. Planning frees up your mind
(09:47): Example of how planning helps with my hobbies
(11:41): Re-cap
If you're ready to transform your chaotic days into balanced, intentional, and fulfilling experiences that allow you to find purpose, grow your individuality, and enjoy more family time - hit play and together can solve for Mom!
Tap +Follow (it’s free!). Leave me a rating & review (thank you!).
Become an SFM Insider to receive my weekly newsletter: https://solveformom.myflodesk.com/bpj5yvdu3q
Blog: Why Planning is the Key to Time Freedom for Ambitious Moms
E-mail me at hello@solveformom.com and your question could be the topic of an upcoming episode!
Visit www.solveformom.com
// Grow Your Individuality While Prioritizing Family Time //
Sunday Oct 13, 2024
Sunday Oct 13, 2024
Hello Skillful Mama!
Are you ready to start a new passion project? Do you get overwhelmed by too much information when you research your project? Is it confusing to determine what to look up and how?
Or maybe you are like me and you want to be armed with as much information as possible and all of a sudden you are in the weeds, far away from your initial project goal.
Your time is precious to you and to your family. In today’s episode, I share 4 tips on how to overcome information overwhelm and move on to starting your project and your beautiful day.
Timestamps:
(00:00): Introduction
(02:35): A unique approach to passion work in motherhood
(03:04): Tip #1 - Set a goal for the project
(03:45): Tip #2 - List big things you think you need ot know
(05:05): Examples of what to list
(05:46): Targeted searches
(07:22): Tip #3 - Know the reason before you start information-seeking
(09:12): Try this tongue twister :)
(09:24): Setting boundaries on exploratory searches
(11:43): Tip #4 - Select only relevant information for your current goal
(12:21): Re-cap
If you’re ready to obliterate information overwhelm, and start your passion work armed with the most useful information, hit play and together can solve for Mom!
EP 3: Working on a Home Project? Get it DONE While Focusing on Your Family [Part 1]
Tap +Follow (it’s free!). Leave me a rating & review (thank you!).
Become an SFM Insider to receive my weekly newsletter: https://solveformom.myflodesk.com/bpj5yvdu3q
E-mail me at hello@solveformom.com and your question could be the topic of an upcoming episode!
Visit www.solveformom.com
// Grow Your Individuality While Prioritizing Family Time //
Sunday Oct 06, 2024
Sunday Oct 06, 2024
Hello Wonderful Mom! Are you wondering how to pivot towards your passion projects? This might mean a complete reset from your current trajectory. But, don’t worry! In today’s episode, I share my strategies for how moms can plan their resets with confidence. You will learn about what it means to undergo a reset and the importance of building critical thinking and personal growth into your life, including when you are about to embark on some changes. True to form, I lay out granular detail with relatable examples, of what it looks like to implement these strategies.
Timestamps:
(00:00): Teaser
(01:27): Reset definition
(02:43): Resets can be empowering and lead to self-improvement
(03:45): Knowing your mission
(05:02): How to formulate your mission
(05:47): Identifying your passions
(06:41): Find your purpose
(08:48): Hypothetical example: Ambitious Amber
(09:45): Align your resets with your mission
(11:45): Pause here to do clarity work, then continue
(11:59): Resets require creativity
(15:46): Most resets are reversible or replaceable
(17:26): Re-cap
If you are ready to take charge of big decisions and start planning you next reset, hit play and together we can solve for Mom!
To learn more about how you can find purpose, listen to Busy yet Restless? 3 Ways to Find Purpose as a Mom
Tap +Follow (it’s free!). Leave me a rating & review (thank you!).
Become an SFM Insider to receive my weekly newsletter: https://solveformom.myflodesk.com/bpj5yvdu3q
E-mail me at hello@solveformom.com and your question could be the topic of an upcoming episode!
Blog: https://solveformom.com/2025/how-to-reset-your-life-to-pursue-your-passion-work-with-confidence/
Visit www.solveformom.com
// Grow Your Individuality While Prioritizing Family Time //
Sunday Aug 25, 2024
Sunday Aug 25, 2024
Hello to all of you moms out there! My name is Anokhi Kapasi and I created a new weekly podcast called Solve for Mom. My mission is to help moms gain joy and freedom through life crafting and passion projects.
Each week, I will share my approaches to starting a passion project, strategies for building skills & knowledge and becoming a stronger thinker for yourself and your family. Each episode will have a collection of bite-sized actionable steps. I will share all of my secrets to working in a low time, low cost, yet pro-family way. Think of me as a new friend who consistently invites you every week to lean into your purpose.