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
May 19, 2025
May 19, 2025
33 min
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 //
May 16, 2025
May 16, 2025
25 min
Hello Successful Mama!
Are you constantly reinventing the wheel, spending precious hours recreating the same documents and schedules over and over? Do you feel like you're drowning in your day-to-day tasks, struggling to find a better way to organize everything while staying consistent in both your business and family life?
If you're ready harness the power of templates for reducing decision fatigue, this episode is for you! ✨
In today’s episode, I'm sharing the game-changing tool that high-achieving moms are using to save time and reduce mental load without sacrificing flexibility. We're diving deep into templates - but not just any templates. These are strategic, customizable frameworks that can transform how you manage everything from household tasks to passion projects and even creating family traditions and friend check-ins. Once you know where to look, there are endless opportunities to use templates as a busy mom!
By the end of the show, you will know how to create your own templates and how to implement templates without feeling rigid or restricted.
If you’re ready to create more space for what truly matters, hit play and together we can solve for Mom! 💕
Until next time, keep templating and elevating!
Episode Highlights
- (0:00): Teaser
- (1:55): Sign-up to the free twice monthly SFM Insider Newsletter
- (2:48): Understanding templates as your reusable starting points
- (6:31): 6 clear signs you need a template in your life
- (12:57): A step-by-step guide to creating effective templates
- (15:47): 5 creative ways I use templates as a busy mom
- (22:16): Recap
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 (semi-monthly newsletter)
📝 Can Life Planning Help You Achieve Your Dreams?
🎯 Complimentary exploratory call
📱 Find your tribe of academically-minded moms on LinkedIn
❓ Questions? Email me at hello@solveformom.com
// Optimize Daily Decisions By Aligning Your Time to Your Values //
May 11, 2025
May 11, 2025
24 min
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 //
May 9, 2025
May 9, 2025
7 min
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 //
May 5, 2025
May 5, 2025
35 min
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 //
Apr 27, 2025
Apr 27, 2025
28 min
🔥 Contest Announcement! Enter to win a FREE 60-minute 1:1 life planning coaching session! Leave a review (or share your favorite episode with a friend). Be sure to send me a screenshot of your review (hello@solveformom.com). Contest ends Thursday, May 1st, 2025 - winner announced on Friday, May 2nd.
Hello Wonderful Mom!
Are you feeling held back from pursuing your dreams because you're worried about making mistakes in front of others? Maybe you've been wanting to learn a new skill, start a business, or pick up a hobby, but the fear of judgment is stopping you?
In today's episode of the Spring Into Action Series, I share science-backed strategies to help you overcome the fear of learning in public and embrace personal growth. As both a scientist and a mom, I understand the vulnerability of trying new things while others are watching - such as presenting your work, starting a home project, or figuring out homeschooling. This episode is full of mindset shifts to manage fear as well as helpful advice on how to learn realistically in your chaotic mom life. To help demonstrate these tips in action, I also provide specific examples from my own life.
Remember: Your journey of growth, even with its imperfect moments, is inspiring your children and creating lasting impact. Hit play, and let's solve for Mom together!
Episode Highlights
- (0:00): Teaser
- (2:32): Contest - Chance to win free values-based life planning coaching!
- (4:16): Learning environment that moms struggle with
- (10:19): 1. Being a role model for your kids by embracing new challenges openly
- (12:42): 2. Hands-on experience is important for deep learning
- (13:45): 3. How to handle fear using practical CBT techniques
- (18:31): 4. Failing is a valuable part of learning
- (22:14): 5. Trust in your ability to figure it out
- (26:04): Re-cap
Resources Mentioned:
⏮️ 5 Planning Hacks Moms Can Do to Learn a New Skill [15-min or less]
📖 The Everything Guide to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Learn Positive and Mindful Techniques to Change Negative Behaviors
✍🏻 Blog post: How to Continue Learning as a Mom in Front of Others
🎯 Balanced Ambitious Mom Coaching Program
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
// Science-based life planning to excel while prioritizing family time //
Apr 20, 2025
Apr 20, 2025
23 min
Hello Ambitious Mama!
Are you rushing through your days, feeling like you're just surviving instead of truly living? Maybe you've lost sight of what brings you joy amidst the constant demands of motherhood. Do you ever look at your life and think, "Is this all there is?"
I hear you. I know firsthand how it feels to have everything look perfect on paper - the loving family, the successful career - yet still feel like something's missing. I wanted to know that each day I was improving the quality of my family’s life and making an impact in my world, but instead I felt stuck with obligations and mundane tasks. Everything changed when I stopped waiting for life to happen and started intentionally designing it.
In today's episode, I'm sharing 5 essential strategies to help you to live a high-quality. If you’re ready to get back into the driver’s seat and set the quality standards in your life, hit play and together we can solve for Mom!
Episode Highlights
- (0:00): Teaser
- (2:39): SFM listener shout-out
- (6:31): Defining what a high quality of life is in mom life terms
- (8:16): 1. Freedom is the foundation of a high-quality life
- (11:03) 2. Reconnect with activities that light you up
- (15:15) 3. Make an impact through purposeful living
- (16:22) 4. Set standards that elevate your daily experience
- (18:30) 5. Experience the transformative power of slowing down
- (20:41): Re-cap
- (21:33): 🎯 Private coaching - create a high-quality mom life
Resources Mentioned:
⏮️ The relationship between planning and freedom
⏮️ A guide to rediscovering your passion and purpose as a mom
⏮️ Implementing minimalism to create peace in your mom life
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
// Science-based life planning to excel while prioritizing family time //
Apr 14, 2025
Apr 14, 2025
25 min
Hello Wonderful Mom!
Are you tired of watching other moms seemingly do it all while your ideas collect dust? Maybe you're like so many high-achieving moms who have brilliant ideas swirling in their heads, but they live in the land of "someday."
I get it. As a researcher-turned-entrepreneur and mom, I know firsthand how easy it is to get stuck in "idea paralysis" - that space where we have amazing aspirations but struggle to bring them to life.
In today's episode, I'm sharing the game-changing framework that helped me transition from an overwhelmed mom with unfulfilled aspirations to someone who consistently brings ideas to life - all while being present for my family. Whether you're a quick starter who jumps in with enthusiasm, a perfectionist who gets caught in endless planning, or a researcher who loves gathering information but struggles to take action, this episode is for you!
If you’re ready to start putting your ideas into motion, hit play and together we can solve for Mom!
Episode Highlights
- (0:00): Spring into Action Series
- (2:34): Reviewer shoutout
- (3:50): Why moms put their dreams on the back burner
- (5:57): What is your implementation style?
- (9:19): How to turn your ideas into action with the Take Action Cycle
- (9:54): 1. Researching
- (11:26): 2. Pick the next 3 tasks
- (12:39): 3. Address easy tasks to gain confidence
- (13:42): 4. Learning
- (14:38): 5. Momentum and progress
- (15:07): More tips on how to take action
- (15:47): Life planning helps filter your ideas
- (16:49): Pursuing one idea at a time
- (17:45): Prioritizing your ideas
- (18:30): Breaking it down
- (19:07): Organizing resources & support
- (19:50): Planning time
- (21:36): Setting up your environment for taking action
- (22:20): Re-cap
- (23:34): Life coaching for working moms
Resources Mentioned:
🎯 Balanced Mom Coaching Program
⏮️ EP 3: Working on a Home Project? Get it DONE While Focusing on Family Time [Part 1]
⏮️ EP 31: Calm Your Overwhelm by Planning With a Minimalist Mindset [Spring Into Action Series]
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
// Science-based life planning to excel while prioritizing family time //