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 May 25, 2025
Sunday May 25, 2025
Hello Ambitious Mom!
Ready to explore flexible work arrangements that could transform your work-life balance? In today's episode (Part 2), I'm diving deep into creative work setups that give you more control over your time while maintaining your professional growth.
As a mom who's experienced it all - from part-time work to homeschooling while running a business - I'm sharing the real insights about less traditional work arrangements. You'll discover practical strategies for making each setup work, including part-time options, contract positions, and home business opportunities.
Make sure you are caught up on last week’s Part 1: EP 39: I Tried Every Mom Work Set-up - Here's What You Need to Know Before Planning Your Career [Part 1]
If you’re ready to craft a meaningful career that works for YOU, then hit play and let’s solve for mom!
Episode Highlights
- (0:00): Introduction
- (1:56): Subscribe to this podcast (it’s free!)
- (2:08): Flexible work arrangements
- (2:43): Why I chose a career shift to part-time WAHM
- (3:18): How be a successful part-time working mom
- (7:51): Daytime vs. Nighttime WAHM
- (13:40): Contract work and maintaining professional growth
- (18:56): Running a home business while balancing family life
- (22:34): 🎯 Career planning sessions with Anokhi
- (23:30): My take on being a homeschooling mom
- (30:14): Don’t overlook an internship during motherhood
- (34:24): Recap Success factors for flexible jobs
- (32:28): Become an SFM Insider
Resources Mentioned:
💌 Become an SFM Insider for FREE weekly tips, tools, and exclusives
📞 Complimentary Exploratory Call
Let’s Connect!
👍🏽 Tap +Follow and never miss an episode. Leave me a 🤩 rating & review—your support helps other moms find the show!
🎁 FREE RESOURCE: Take our Life Planning Quiz to discover your ideal work arrangement: solveformom.com/quiz
🎯 Balanced Mom Coaching Program
📱 Solve for Mom group on LinkedIn
❓ Questions? Email me at hello@solveformom.com
// Meaningful work by aligning your time with who you are //
Monday May 19, 2025
Monday May 19, 2025
Hello Ambitious Mom!
Are you feeling torn between your career ambitions and family time? Wondering if there's a better work setup that could give you more flexibility without sacrificing your professional growth?
In today's episode - Part 1 of two episodes, I'm sharing my extensive experience with different work arrangements as a mom. As someone who's tried everything from full-time office work to remote positions, stay-at-home mom life, and running my own business, I'll help you understand the real freedoms and limitations of each setup. You’ll discover why there's no one-size-fits-all solution for working moms and how to factor in your financial needs, career goals, and family's unique situation to find the best work set-up that fits your lifestyle and values.
If you’re ready to experience your career transformation, hit play and together we can solve for Mom!
Tune in next week for part 2: EP 41: I Tried Every Mom Work Set-up - Here's What You Need to Know Before Choosing a Flexible Job [Part 2]
Episode Highlights
- (0:00): Introduction
- (2:05): Listener review
- (2:57): Caveat to this conversation
- (4:40): My career shifts
- (12:05): Working mom with a traditional full-time office job
- (16:51): Full-time remote working mom - How to make it work for you
- (22:01) Stay-at-Home Mom Life - The real truth about this setup
- (27:57): Recap
- (32:28): Become an SFM Insider
Resources Mentioned:
⏮️ EP 18: How to Measure Success as a Mom: Balancing Numbers & Narratives
💌 Become an SFM Insider for FREE weekly tips, tools, and exclusives
Let’s Connect!
👍🏽 Tap +Follow and never miss an episode. Leave me a 🤩 rating & review—your support helps other moms find the show!
🎯 Balanced Mom Coaching Program
📱 Solve for Mom group on LinkedIn
❓ Questions? Email me at hello@solveformom.com
// Meaningful work by aligning your time with who you are //
Sunday May 11, 2025
Sunday May 11, 2025
Hello Amazing Mom!
Do you ever feel like your worth is measured by the number of checkboxes ticked off on your to-do list? Are you constantly battling the guilt of unfinished tasks while trying to maintain your sense of self?
We all know that feeling - our to-do lists have somehow transformed from a simple organizational tool into a harsh judge of our value as mothers.
In today's episode, I share powerful strategies to help you break free from the task-based identity trap and reclaim who you truly are beyond your daily responsibilities. You’ll understand values-based systems, the importance of getting family involved with tasks, how to take conversations with friends beyond the tasks that keep us busy, and much more. Remember: You are not defined by your task list. Your worth extends far beyond what you accomplish in a day.
If you're ready to reclaim your identity beyond your to-do list, hit play and together we can solve for Mom!
Episode Highlights
- (0:00): Teaser
- (2:02): Free invitation to the SFM Newsletter
- (2:57): Modern homemakers intertwine identity and responsibilities
- (4:14): Understanding who you are vs. what you do
- (7:20): Don’t let your tasks control you
- (10:16): Make a fair assessment on your productivity
- (11:39): Prioritize - not all tasks are equal
- (12:28): Plan buffers into your schedule
- (13:11): The self-worth toll of task-based identity
- (17:31): Converse deeply with friends about who you are beyond your responsibilities
Resources Mentioned:
⏮️ Description of the Focus Funnel
⏮️ EP 31: Calm Your Overwhelm by Planning With a Minimalist Mindset
Let’s Connect!
👍🏽 Tap +Follow and never miss an episode. Leave me a 🤩 rating & review—your support helps other moms find the show!
💌 Become an SFM Insider for FREE weekly tips, tools, and exclusives
📱 Solve for Mom group on LinkedIn
❓ Questions? Email me at hello@solveformom.com
// Meaningful work by aligning you time with who you are //
Friday May 09, 2025
Friday May 09, 2025
Hello Amazing Mom!
Are you feeling stuck in a cycle of negative self-talk? Do you catch yourself saying "I'm too..." or "I'm not enough" more often than you'd like? Many moms struggle with balancing their external responsibilities while their internal dialogue remains unbalanced.
In today’s special Mother’s Day Bonus episode, I share a powerful mindset shift about balance that goes beyond just managing your schedule. Learn how your thoughts shape your actions and discover practical tips for rewiring your neural connections with more empowering messages.
If you're ready to transform your internal dialogue and create more balance in your life, hit play and together we can solve for Mom!
Episode Highlights
- (0:00): Teaser
- (0:59): Empowering thoughts to envision a balanced life
- (2:14): Feeling calm with a balanced mindset
- (4:11): Meaningful thoughts to improve mental well-being
- (5:25): How to re-balance rigid thinking
- (4:50): Subscribe to the SFM Newsletter
Resources Mentioned:
💌 Become an SFM Insider for FREE twice monthly tips, tools, and exclusives
📖 ”How to be a Healthy Gamer” by Alok Kanojia
Let’s Connect!
👍🏽 Tap +Follow and never miss an episode. Leave me a 🤩 rating & review—your support helps other moms find the show!
🎯 Balanced Mom Coaching Program
📱 Solve for Mom group on LinkedIn
❓ Questions? Email me at hello@solveformom.com
// Find Time By Aligning Daily Decisions to Your Values //
Monday May 05, 2025
Monday May 05, 2025
Hello Wonderful Mom!
Are you growing a business while trying to create meaningful time with your young family? Do you feel overwhelmed by endless to-do lists and unexpected interruptions in your day? You will not want to miss this special life coaching episode!
I follow one working mom's journey from feeling overwhelmed to creating an intentional life plan. You'll discover how Lindsey, a successful business owner and mom of a toddler, transformed from constantly playing catch-up to having crystal-clear direction. We talk about why creating systems isn’t enough without first defining your core values and vision, and the importance of making intentional decisions now to create your dream future. This is a good one if you’ve ever been curious about what it’s like to work with me.
If you're ready to stop feeling overwhelmed and create a purposeful roadmap for your future while staying present with your family, hit play and let's solve for Mom!
Episode Highlights
- (0:00): Teaser
- (1:25): Spring 2025 Contest winner
- (2:08): Life coaching for a working mom
- (3:00): Being a business owner while caring for a toddler
- (6:43): Overwhelmed by a long to-do list
- (13:29): Building buffers for flow & flexibility in your schedule
- (15:10): Self-discovery
- (19:14): Building a roadmap to success
- (21:43): Small daily decisions make big decisions
- (25:42): Planning ahead to create a sleep routine & get rest
- (33:25): Wrap-up
Resources Mentioned:
👩💻 Learn about my 1:1 Balanced Mom Coaching - Book a 10 minute discovery call.
⏪ EP 23: Struggling With Self-Discipline? How to Build Habits With Life Planning [Life Coaching]
Let’s Connect!
Free Resources
💌 Become an SFM Insider for FREE twice monthly tips, tools, and exclusives
🟢 Can Life Planning Help You Achieve Your Dreams? Take my Free Quiz!
Cheering squad!
👍🏽 Tap +Follow (it’s free!) and never miss an episode. Leave me a 🤩 rating & review—your support helps other moms find the show!
Let's connect!
❓ Questions? Email me at hello@solveformom.com
➡️ Visit solveformom.com for more science-based life planning strategies
// Work-Life Balance for Ambitious Moms Using Purpose-driven Planning //
Sunday Apr 06, 2025
Sunday Apr 06, 2025
Hello Amazing Mom!
Are you drowning in the "too much" of motherhood? Do you feel the constant pressure to do it all? Have you been craving a less complicated life or ways to feel more at peace?
We’re kicking off our Spring Into Action series with today’s episode on creating lasting peace in our lives by strategically letting go using a minimalist mindset.
As a mom, I've experienced firsthand how chaos can take over. When multiple priorities compete for attention and distractions multiply, your mind races. Your natural rhythms get disrupted, and establishing any kind of routine feels impossible.
That's exactly why I'm excited to share proven strategies for bringing more peace and calm into your life, starting today. We'll explore how minimalist principles can transform your busy season into one of intention and purpose.
So if you’re ready for a minimalism mindset, then take a deep breath and hit play and together we can solve for Mom!
Episode Highlights
- (0:00): Teaser
- (3:16): Share your favorite SFM episode with a friend
- (3:50): Minimalist mindset
- (9:05): 1. Simplify your routines
- (11:30): 2. Intentional use of resources
- (13:01): Free Life Planning Quiz
- (13:26): 3. Declutter your space
- (17:57): 4. Digital minimalism
- (20:46): Re-cap
Resources Mentioned
⏮️ Learn how to stop clutter creep: EP 15: No Time for You? 5 Surprising Solutions for Moms
📖 “Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World” by Cal Newport
📖 “The Opt-Out Family: How to Give Your Kids What Technology Can't” by Erin Loechner
Let’s Connect!
👍🏽 Tap +Follow and never miss an episode. Leave me a 🤩 rating & review—your support helps other moms find the show!
💌 Become an SFM Insider for FREE weekly tips, tools, and exclusives
🎯 Balanced Mom Coaching Program
📱 Solve for Mom group on LinkedIn
❓ Questions? Email me at hello@solveformom.com
// Science-based life planning to excel while prioritizing family time //
Sunday Jan 26, 2025
Sunday Jan 26, 2025
Hello Wonderful Mom!
Are you overwhelmed by the constant juggling act of motherhood? Do you find yourself running on coffee and chaos, trying to manage your family, work, and everything in between, while your own needs fall to the bottom of the to-do list?
As moms, we’ve all been there—caught in the spiral of trying to “do it all,” only to end up feeling drained and defeated. I wanted to thrive and feel energized, but instead, I was stuck in a loop of exhaustion, trying to keep every plate spinning.
Sound familiar? Then this episode is for you!
In today’s episode, we’re breaking down how to reclaim your energy and thrive—even with all the moving parts of mom life. I’ll introduce my DNA Formula for managing energy, inspired by the incredible ways our very own cells operate. It’s a simple, science-based framework to help you create a daily rhythm that works for you, not against you, so you can balance your responsibilities without sacrificing family time or your own goals.
It’s time to recharge, Mama! Hit play, and let’s Solve for Mom!
Episode Highlights
- (0:00): Teaser
- (2:07): Become an SFM Insider
- (2:30): Why moms struggle with energy
- (04:24): D - Divide & Delegate: Why moms need to share the load and how to start today
- (08:24): N - Nurture Your Energy: Tips for prioritizing yourself and avoiding burnout
- (10:56): A - Adapt to Your Environment: How to keep a flexible schedule and to model balance for your kids
- (15:33): Recap
Links Mentioned in This Episode
- Episode with the Focus Funnel
- Moms work an average of 98 hours a week (Source: Mother.ly)
Join the Movement!
- Become an SFM Insider for my FREE twice monthly newsletter with tips, tools, and exclusives
- Tap +Follow (it’s free!) and never miss an episode
- Leave me a rating & review (thank you!)—I read every comment and your support helps other moms find the show!
- Join @solveformom on LinkedIn and Pinterest
- 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 information on science-stye strategies for life planning & personal growth.
// Science-based life planning to excel while prioritizing family time //
Sunday Jan 12, 2025
Sunday Jan 12, 2025
Hello Amazing Mom!
Are you struggling to balance what you want to do with the responsibilities that you have to do? Do your days feel too chaotic and overwhelming? If you’ve ever wondered how to create energy, organization, simplicity, and balance, today’s episode is for you!
I share how the laws of thermodynamics can teach us about creating energy, flow, simplicity, and balance in our mom life! Yes, we’re getting a little nerdy—but trust me, this science-style approach will leave you feeling empowered, energized, and equipped with tactical strategies to handle any kind of day.
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Energy: Learn how to conserve and transform your energy to focus on what matters most. Find ways to stop wasting energy on things that drain you and start channeling it into things that fuel your goals and passions.
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Flow: Build systems that help you manage the unavoidable chaos of mom life, so your days feel smoother and more predictable.
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Simplicity: Why simplifying your commitments, environment, and goals can make life feel lighter and easier to manage.
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Balance: Redefine what balance means for you, then align your needs with your duties.
Episode Highlights:
- (00:00): Teaser
- (02:13): Become an SFM Insider
- (03:04): What moms can learn from thermodynamics about energy, simplicity, and balance
- (06:04): 1. The First Law: Energy conservation and transformation in your day
- (07:22) Life planning for energy redistribution
- (09:17): Time-blocking & strategic planning
- (09:31): Types of energy in our day
- (10:28): 2. The Second Law: Embracing chaos and building systems to manage it
- (11:03): Building systems
- (13:04): 3. The Third Law: How simplifying leads to more time and mental space.
- (14:27)): Minimum viable day
- (15:34): Focus funnel
- (16:31): 4. The Zeroth Law: Balancing individuality with family time
- (19:40): Re-cap of the tactical tips to put these laws into action
If you’re ready to wrangle your untamed mom life, hit play, and together we can solve for Mom!
References:
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
// Science-based life planning to excel while prioritizing family time //