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
7 days ago
7 days ago
3 Self-Discovery Steps to Get Unstuck as a Scientist Mom
Work Life balance after motherhood can feel impossible when you’re pulled in two directions—trying to be a good mom and a good scientist at the same time. If you’ve ever felt like you’re never fully enough in either role, this episode is your reset.
In today’s episode, we’re getting honest about why so many moms in STEM feel stuck after motherhood changes everything…and the simple life planning and self-discovery framework that helps you choose a new identity, shift your beliefs, and finally take aligned action.
Hit play to learn how to feel like a whole, integrated woman (not split between “career you” and “mom you”).
Episode Highlights
- (0:00) The “stuck in a rut” feeling (and why it’s common for moms in science & tech)
- (2:38) The real problem: trying to force an old identity into a new life context
- (6:20) The 3-step solution to designing the identity you want
- (23:17) What changes when you choose to be your best self
.
RESOURCES IN THIS EPISODE
- Personal Code of Conduct (Free Download): https://solveformom.com/personal-code
- 📚 ”Grit” by Angela Duckworth
- Identity Timeline Framework: https://solveformom.com/2025/3-powerful-ways-to-find-purpose-as-a-mom-beyond-the-daily-routine/
.
HOW TO GET UNSTUCK - SHAREABLE QUOTES
- “So much changes once we become moms - and yet we still look at ourselves, expect from ourselves, and perform as if we are the same person we were before becoming moms.”
- “You're being pulled in so many different directions, and you're trying to have it all without a clear plan.”
- “Your identity drives your beliefs, your beliefs drive your actions, and your actions create your results.”
↓
WRITE A REVIEW
Learned something new? Leave a 🤩 rating & review—your words help other women in STEM choose this show!
MORE WAYS TO CONNECT
💌 Sci-Mom Says newsletter: https://solveformom.com/insider
🙋🏻♀️ Share your Mom-in-STEM story → https://calendly.com/anokhi-solveformom/guests-on-solve-for-mom
🔬Connect with me as a fellow biomedical researcher & consultant: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anokhikapasi/
🌐 Visit solveformom.com for more information and FREE resources
📫 E-mail hello@solveformom.com
Sunday Mar 15, 2026
Sunday Mar 15, 2026
Women in STEM: If you want to have both - a meaningful science career and a rooted family life —and you’re done feeling like you’re “failing at both”… this NEW SHOW is for you.
This is a short welcome episode where I’m introducing the new podcast name and focus: Science Careers for Moms.
If you’re a STEM-trained mom who wants to have both: a meaningful science career and a rooted family life (without burning out, second-guessing, or trying to do it all), you’re in the right place.
After listening, you’ll know:
- If this show is for you and what to do next
- The 3 outcomes you can expect from the show: STEM career planning clarity, Decision-making frameworks, and Systems to support work life balance
- How this show creates instant community with women in STEM who share insider stories and experts who offer solutions supporting scientist moms
You don’t need the perfect routine or more willpower—but you do need a framework that fits real constraints of a demanding career and realities of mom life…like maternity leave, childcare logistics when you travel to conferences, sick kid weeks, and grant review deadlines.
Let this show be your key to escaping the cultural trap that forces women in STEM to choose, so you can build a clear path to whole-life success.
SUBSCRIBE / FOLLOW
👍🏽 Add Science Careers for Moms to your playlist
MOMS IN STEM - SHAREABLE QUOTES
- “The culture of science wasn’t built for caregivers.”
- “You should never have to choose between being a good mom and being a good scientist.”
- “Here’s what I learned: ‘trying harder’ can’t be your only strategy. That just leads to burnout, guilt, and living a very fragmented life.”
KEEP LEARNING ON THIS TOPIC
- What work-life balance is (& is not) – ⏮️ EP 108: Work-Life Balance Question: What Does “Being Aligned” Really Mean as a Scientist Mom? (Podcast)
- Career-life integration flips the script – ⏮️ EP 111: Design Your Life, Then Set Your Career Goals: Purpose-Driven Personal Growth for Moms in STEM (Podcast)
MORE WAYS TO CONNECT
💌 Sci-Mom Says newsletter: https://solveformom.com/insider
🙋🏻♀️ Want to be a guest → https://calendly.com/anokhi-solveformom/guests-on-solve-for-mom
🔬Connect with me on my personal LinkedIn as a fellow scientific researcher & consultant.
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🌐 Visit solveformom.com for more information and FREE resources
📫 E-mail hello@solveformom.com
Sunday Feb 22, 2026
Sunday Feb 22, 2026
Identity Shift for Women starts when you stop making decisions from an old version of yourself.
If you’re a mom in STEM who’s successful on paper but disconnected inside, this episode will help you make clear decision-making choices without self-blame.
Riana Malia is a board-certified neurosomatic practitioner and identity architect with 20+ years in personal development. She helps high-achieving women regulate their nervous system, clear old patterns, and make aligned decisions without reliving their whole story.
This conversation is about the invisible reason your decisions feel harder than they “should”: your identity and your nervous system are still operating from an older version of you.
You’ll learn a practical clarity-first framework (values + non-negotiables), a simple way to stop people-pleasing, and a micro-practice that interrupts the loop of decision fatigue.
If you keep trying to “think your way out,” you’ll stay stuck. This episode shows you how to make decisions from safety and clarity so you can move forward with confidence.
“I’m doing all of the right things. Why can’t I figure this out?” If that’s you, hit play.
IDENTITY SHIFT FOR WOMEN - QUOTABLE MOMENTS
- “You cannot solve a problem with the same mind that created it.”
- “Between now and dead, what do you want?”
- “If you want a different story, you have to stop telling the old one.”
- “And the thing about your unconscious mind is it will never make you a liar.”
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
- (0:00): Teaser
- (2:56): Introducing Riana
- (4:45): Identity shift and how lack of clarity leads to almost what you want
- (6:49): Conscious vs. unconscious mind: why insight alone does not always create change
- (12:05): Boundaries and people-pleasing: the clean yes / no decision making
- (19:58): Clearing “expired ways of thinking” to make room for what’s next (Pantry/closet metaphor)
- (22:11): The 24-hour rubber-band rewiring practice (“magnet for miracles”)
- (30:01): Moving from an old identity & self-blame to a “next level” identity - Riana’s heart-felt story
- (41:17): Being “in” vs. “on top of” your identity story
- (43:28): In 72 hours(!), rewire your way of thinking to make room for what’s next
- (0:00): Listener gift
- (51:04): Riana’s information
RIANA’S LINKS
- Free diagnostic - The Extraordinary Love Index (E.L.I™ Assessment): https://quiz.rianamalia.com/
- Website: http://rianamalia.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rianamalia/
- IG: https://www.instagram.com/rianamalia/
- FB: https://www.facebook.com/RianaMalia
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rianamalia
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rianamalia121
KEEP LEARNING ON THIS TOPIC
- The perfect decision making sequel – ⏮️ EP 107: Confident Decision Making for Ambitious Moms | Unlocking Intuition for Aligned Action [Leadership Advisor: Leah Goldman] (Podcast)
- How identity affects burnout & balance – ⏮️ EP 77: The Identity Crisis That's Causing Your Burnout (& How to Finally Find Balance) [Dr. Jihane Farrell - Part 1] (Podcast)
- Life planning framework - 📖 Why Planning is the Key to Time Freedom for Ambitious Moms (Blog)
👉🏼 My Designed Life Method empowers moms in STEM with a clear plan for pursuing their career without sacrificing family time. Get Started for Free!
I CAN’T WAIT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
🙋🏻♀️ Question, episode idea, or feedback? Record a message in just one click!
Leave me a 🤩 rating & review!
💌 Grab my newsletter for twice-monthly tips, tools, and exclusives—so you can build a life that honors both your ambitions and your family
🔬Connect with me on my personal LinkedIn as a fellow PhD researcher & scientific consultant
📫 E-mail hello@solveformom.com
FOLLOW ME
👍🏽 Tap +Follow and never miss an episode
🌐 Visit solveformom.com for more information and FREE resources
➡️ Follow @solveformom on LinkedIn for life planning strategies that help you envision, plan, and take action on your big ideas while prioritizing family time
📍Follow Solve for Mom on Pinterest for daily tips for moms in STEM to find balance one micro-step at a time
Sunday Feb 08, 2026
Sunday Feb 08, 2026
Work-life balance for working moms in STEM feels like constant juggling—lab deadlines, family responsibilities, career demands, and that nagging feeling you're failing at all of it.
And somehow you're still supposed to pursue meaningful work and be present with your family?
This episode is your clarity.
I'm walking you through what "being aligned" really means for scientist moms—not the vague Instagram version, but the concrete kind where your values, vision, and daily decisions all point in the same direction.
From the car tire metaphor that explains misalignment to three real-world examples you'll recognize (connection & family, meaningful work, health & wellbeing), these are the insights that will help you feel like yourself again, stop fighting against yourself, and actually create a life where career and motherhood fit together.
This episode is for you if:
- You feel unbalanced in your roles as a mom and a scientist
- You feel disconnected and lost from the successful side of yourself
- Your calendar is 100% work and logistics (but family connection matters most to you)
- You're tired of feeling like being a "good worker" and a "good mom" are incompatible
By the end of this episode, you'll understand that alignment isn't something you "get" once—it's a process you design through intentional life planning.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
- (0:00): Teaser
- (1:54): Listener Review – "Enjoying this"
- (2:37): Living as a misaligned mom
- (4:37): What does "being aligned" really mean?
- (5:34): Signs you're in vs. out of alignment
- (7:03): Example 1 – Family time
- (9:09): Example 2 – Personal development
- (10:47): Example 3 – Health & wellbeing
- (12:02): Why alignment matters for STEM moms & how to get into alignment
- (14:06): Life planning as the tool for sustained alignment
- (15:44): Wrap-up
WANT TO GO DEEPER ON ALIGNMENT?
- Clarify your core values – ⏮️ EP 103: Are Core Values Different From Career or Family Values? (Podcast)
- Aligning your career with your values - ⏮️ EP 105: Guided Journaling Exercise for Career Clarity (Podcast)
- Life planning framework - 📖 Life Planning – How to Design & Achieve a Life That’s Right for You (Blog)
- Design a life where your STEM career and motherhood finally fit together - 📞 Turn your ideal life into your real life with the Designed Life Method (Get Started for Free)
I CAN’T WAIT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
🙋🏻♀️ Question, episode idea, or feedback? Record a message in just one click!
Leave me a 🤩 rating & review—your support helps other moms find the show!
💌 Grab my newsletter for twice-monthly tips, tools, and exclusives—so you can build a life that honors both your ambitions and your family
📫 E-mail hello@solveformom.com
FOLLOW ME
👍🏽 Tap +Follow and never miss an episode.
🌐 Visit solveformom.com for more information and FREE resources
➡️ Follow @solveformom on LinkedIn for life planning strategies that help you envision, plan, and take action on your big ideas while prioritizing family time.
🔬Connect with me on my personal LinkedIn as a fellow PhD researcher & scientific consultant.
📍Follow Solve for Mom on Pinterest for daily tips for moms in STEM to find balance one micro-step at a time.
Sunday Jan 11, 2026
Sunday Jan 11, 2026
Decision-making for moms doesn't have to feel overwhelming. As a high-achieving mom in science, tech, or research, you've spent years building expertise—but when everything feels urgent at home and work, even the simplest choices can leave you second-guessing yourself.
In this episode, I share 6 simple ways to pull data from your life (internally & externally) to make informed decisions, especially when you struggle with decision overload or worry about making the "wrong" choice. I'll share:
- How to move from constant overwhelm to confident, data-driven decisions using six practical strategies
- How to use your own life as data—your values, goals, energy, and resources—to make choices that actually align with your ambitious, family-first vision
- How life planning can turn decisions from pure guesswork to a a process that strategically factors all domains of your life
Episode Highlights
- (0:00): Teaser
- (1:54): 🤩 Listener Review 🤩
- (2:59): Why high‑achieving moms in STEM experience decision overwhelm
- (4:44): The real sources of decision fatigue
- (7:09): What “data‑driven decision making” looks like in real life (beyond spreadsheets and numbers) and how to use your own life as data
- (9:19): 1. Trust your gut
- (12:57): 2. Values-based decisions
- (14:29): 3. Goal-oriented decisions
- (15:28): 4. Priority stack
- (17:49): 5. Feasibility assessment
- (19:50): 6. Whole Life Impact
- (21:43): How a life plan becomes your personal data source and decision‑making filter
- (23:44): Wrap-up - How to take action on a decision that’s weighing on you
→→→ Feel like you’re juggling too many priorities without a clear direction? 📞 Reserve a free call where I’ll run an Alignment Audit to find out if life planning can bridge the gap between your current life and your ideal life.
Keep Learning On This Topic
Decision-making for moms that blends soul & strategy - ⏮️ EP 60: “At a Crossroads? The #1 Way to Make Decisions You’ll Never Regret (Podcast)
Zoom in on values-based decision-making - ⏮️ Why Prioritizing Your Core Values Beats Any Pros & Cons List (Podcast)
Life planning framework - 📖 Life Planning – How to Design & Achieve a Life That’s Right for You (Blog)
I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
👉🏼 My Designed Life Method empowers moms in STEM with a clear life plan for pursuing their ambitions without sacrificing family time. Get Started!
🙋🏻♀️ Question, episode idea, or feedback? Record a message in just one click!
💌 Grab my newsletter for twice-monthly tips, tools, and exclusives—so you can build a life that honors both your ambitions and your family
📫 E-mail hello@solveformom.com
FOLLOW
👍🏽 Tap +Follow and never miss an episode. Leave me a 🤩 rating & review—your support helps other moms find the show!
🌐 Visit solveformom.com for more information and FREE resources
➡️ Follow @solveformom on LinkedIn for life planning strategies that help you envision, plan, and take action on your big ideas while prioritizing family time.
🔬Connect with me on my personal LinkedIn as a fellow PhD researcher & scientific consultant.
📍Follow Solve for Mom on Pinterest for daily tips for moms in STEM to find balance one micro-step at a time.
// Life Planning Tools for Moms Striving to Balance Ambition and Motherhood //
Friday Jan 09, 2026
Friday Jan 09, 2026
If you're feeling the urge to clarify your core values in the new year or are being pulled in multiple directions, this episode is for you. In this Figure It Out Friday episode, I answer the question: Are your core values as a mom and a STEM professional different from your career or family values?
I’m not talking about creating rigid rules or fitting you into a box. This is about why misalignment between your schedule and your personal values leaves you feeling disconnected and “not like yourself” and the first step towards taking ownership of your decisions in life so you can start this year feeling grounded and in control.
If you're ready to move from feeling disconnected and unbalanced to having ownership in everything you do, and if you want to create a life plan that honors both your ambitions and your family, this one's a must-listen! I also share personal and client stories showing how core values like connection, faith, and financial freedom can guide both family culture and career moves.
Episode Highlights
- (0:00): Teaser
- (1:59): Ask me a question
- (2:28): A simple, clear definition of core values and how they shape your identity and decisions
- (5:48): The crucial differences & overlaps between family values, career values, and personal values, and which parts of yourself to prioritize—with real‑life examples
- (7:12): Why so many high‑achieving moms in STEM feel unbalanced when personal, family, and career blur together
- (9:15): How core values are foundational to life planning (like goal setting, time management, and personal growth)
- (11:59): Wrap-up
→→→ If you are looking for a way to stop choosing between “success” as a scientist and “family time” and instead design a version of success that supports both - then sign up for private coaching on my Designed Life Method
P.S. Your first call is free, and I’ll run an Alignment Audit to get your customized life plan started!
Keep Learning On This Topic
How to apply what you just learned - ⏮️ EP 35: [Coaching] Planning For Your Future Life by Prioritizing Your Values Now (Podcast)
Zoom out on identity & values - ⏮️ EP 22: Be the CEO of Your Life – Freedom to Have Ambitions During Motherhood | Life Planning 101 (Podcast)
Life planning framework - 📖 Life Planning – How to Design & Achieve a Life That’s Right for You (Blog)
I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
🙋🏻♀️ Question, episode idea, or feedback? Record a message in just one click!
📫 E-mail hello@solveformom.com
💌 Grab my newsletter for twice-monthly tips, tools, and exclusives—so you can build a life that honors both your ambitions and your family
FOLLOW
🌐 Visit solveformom.com for more information and FREE resources
👍🏽 Tap +Follow and never miss an episode. Leave me a 🤩 rating & review—your support helps other moms find the show!
➡️ Follow & Tag @solveformom on LinkedIn and Pinterest for daily tips to find balance one micro-step at a time
// Life Planning Tools for Moms Striving to Balance Ambition and Motherhood //
Tuesday Jan 06, 2026
Tuesday Jan 06, 2026
Life planning strategies aren't just about organizing your calendar—they're about designing a life where your ambition and motherhood coexist without constant overwhelm.
If you've ever felt like you're going through the motions without a clear roadmap…only to end each day wondering if you're making progress on what truly matters, this episode is for you.
In today's episode of Achieve Your Ambitious Mom Life, I'm walking you through 6 life planning strategies specifically designed for women in STEM, helping you move from winging it to getting your life back on track—not by doing more, but by creating a purpose-driven life plan that aligns your daily decisions with your long-term vision.
What You'll Learn:
🗝️ The critical mistake keeping you stuck
🗝️ How to vision-cast with the same clarity you use in grant applications
🗝️ Building a navigation system that serves all parts of you
🗝️ Strategic planning that reverse-engineers your vision into actionable steps
🗝️ The difference between goals as sport vs. goals that fuel your entire life
🗝️ The techniques to ensure your calendar finally reflects your priorities
🗝️ Why systems and routines are critical for achievement
This is about intentional living—finally creating a roadmap that honors both your professional ambitions and your family without feeling like you're constantly sacrificing one for the other.
If you've been feeling scattered and craving a structured approach to turn your ideal life into your real life, this episode will show you exactly where to start.
Episode Highlights
- (0:00): Teaser
- (2:01): 🤩 Listener Review 🤩
- (3:02): Why feeling "off track" isn't your fault—you're just operating without a roadmap
- (7:07): Strategy #1 - Self-discovery
- (9:37): Strategy #2 - Vision casting
- (13:29): Strategy #3 - Strategic planning
- (16:29): Strategy #4 - Goals as a journey during motherhood
- (18:15): Strategy #5 - Time alignment
- (20:32): Strategy #6 - Systems
- (23:51): Recap
→ → → Ready to turn your ideal life into real life with a clear plan? My Designed Life Method is what you need. This is a 1:1 program for women in STEM who want a roadmap for creating impact while prioritizing family. Claim your Free Call 📞 with Anokhi now!
Episodes Mentioned:
⏮️ For starting self-discovery - EP 1: Busy Yet Restless? 3 Ways to Find Purpose as a Mom | Life Planning Skills
⏮️ For vision casting - EP 91: What is Your Dream? The Top 5 Vision Planning Methods to Design Your Ideal Mom Life
⏮️ Mom-centric framework for goals - EP 57: Personal Growth Plan For Moms | How to MASTER Goals in Your Life Plan
⏮️ Start here for the Systems Explained Series - EP 79: Beyond Productivity: #1 Way to Not Always Be "On" as a Mom [Part 1]
I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
🙋🏻♀️ Question, topic idea, or feedback? Record a message in just one click!
📫 E-mail hello@solveformom.com
💌 Grab my newsletter for twice-monthly tips, tools, and exclusives—so you can build a life that honors both your ambitions and your family
FOLLOW
🌐 Visit solveformom.com for more information and FREE resources
👍🏽 Tap +Follow and never miss an episode. Leave me a 🤩 rating & review—your support helps other moms find the show!
➡️ Follow & Tag @solveformom on LinkedIn and Pinterest for daily tips to find balance one micro-step at a time
// Life Planning Tools for Moms Striving to Balance Ambition and Motherhood //
Monday Dec 29, 2025
Monday Dec 29, 2025
Your work-life balance isn't about doing less—it's about doing what matters most. But when "pushing through" becomes your default, when slowing down feels risky, and when guilt takes over, then burnout isn't far behind.
In this episode, I'm sharing why slowing down with purpose is the most strategic move you can make as an ambitious mom. I'll walk you through the 4 C's that rest creates—Calm, Creativity, Clarity, and Connection—and show you how intentional rest protects your long-term goals instead of derailing them.
This isn't about quitting or falling behind. It's about giving yourself permission to pause so you can show up as your best self—for your family, your work, and yourself.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
- Why slowing down isn't risky for your goals
- How to know when to change the pace of your work
- The cultural expectations fuel guilt about rest—and why that guilt isn't based in reality
- How to slow down or plan an intentional rest in a way that fuels productivity and growth
- The 4C’s of rest
If you're ready to build a life with both ambition and breathing room, this episode will show you exactly where to start.
Episode Highlights
- (0:00): Teaser
- (2:39): 🌟 Listener Review 🌟
- (3:32): Why pushing through backfires
- (14:38): Where guilt about pausing work really comes from
- (22:10): How to slow down with purpose and during a busy season and what this means for your long-term goals
- (28:23): The 4 C's of rest
- (32:05): Recap
Resources Mentioned:
🎧 Minimum viable day: (Jump to 14:27) EP 19: 4 Work‑Life Balance Rules for Ambitious Moms Who Refuse to Choose Between Goals and Family Time
🎧 Information management system: EP 64: 3 Systems to Turn Cluttered Notes into Productive Learning & Decision Making
→ → → Ready to turn your ideal life into real life with a clear plan? My Designed Life Method is what you need. This is a 1:1 coaching program designed specifically for women in STEM who want a roadmap for pursuing their big ideas while prioritizing family.
Claim your Free Alignment Call 📞 with Anokhi now!
I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
🙋🏻♀️ Question, topic idea, or feedback? Record a message in just one click!
📫 E-mail hello@solveformom.com
💌 Grab my newsletter for twice-monthly tips, tools, and exclusives—so you can build a life that honors both your ambitions and your family
FOLLOW
🌐 Visit solveformom.com for more information and FREE resources
👍🏽 Tap +Follow and never miss an episode. Leave me a 🤩 rating & review—your support helps other moms find the show!
➡️ Follow & Tag @solveformom on LinkedIn and Pinterest for daily tips to find balance one micro-step at a time
// Life Planning Tools for Moms Striving to Balance Ambition and Motherhood //