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
Dec 22, 2024
Dec 22, 2024
15 min
Hello Wonderful Mom!
Do you feel like you lose a bit more of your inner voice during the holiday hustle? The holiday season is here, and while it’s often busy with traditions, gatherings, and giving to others, it can also be a time to give attention to yourself. In today’s episode, we’re flipping the script on holiday stress and exploring how the season’s magic can ignite self-discovery.
I share why the holidays are the perfect time to reconnect with your passions, how to use quiet moments to reflect on what truly lights you up, and 3 actionable ways to uncover and celebrate what makes you you.
Episode Highlights
- (0:00): Teaser
- (02:16): Listener shout-out
- (05:54): 1. Reflect on meaningful traditions
- (08:25): Unique qualities about the holidays
- (09:31): 2. Embrace the magic of the holidays for reflection
- (10:27): Sign up for the SFM Insiders Newsletter for self-reflection journal prompts
- (11:50): 3. Experiment with small-scale passion projects
- (13:30): Re-cap
If you’re ready to make this season not just about giving—but also discovering the gifts within ourselves, hit play and together we can solve for Mom!
⏮️ EP 8: Life Planning 101: Follow the Right Trajectory For YOU EP 8: Life Planning 101: Follow the Right Trajectory For YOU
⏮️ EP 14: Do THIS to Find Balance During the Holidays as a WAHM [Holiday Series]
References:
- 2020 State of Motherhood Survey by Motherly
- Smyth, J. M., Johnson, J. A., Auer, B. J., Lehman, E., Talamo, G., & Sciamanna, C. N. (2018). Online Positive Affect Journaling in the Improvement of Mental Distress and Well-Being in General Medical Patients With Elevated Anxiety Symptoms: A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Mental Health, 5(4), e11290.
- Sloan DM, et al. (2015). Efficacy of narrative writing as an intervention for PTSD: Does the evidence support its use? J Contemp Psychother. 2015 May 14;45(4):215–22
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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 //
Dec 15, 2024
Dec 15, 2024
24 min
Hello Ambitious Mama!
Are you tired of never having enough time? We’ve all been there. You’re feeling like your individuality has take a backset to the busyness of motherhood. You want to focus on your personal growth, hobbies, or even just a few moments of self-care, but instead you are managing your family’s very full and demanding schedule.
Today, we’re diving into 5 common areas of our life that we are unwittingly losing our time to. But, here’s the good news: we can reclaim our time with just a few simple changes. The solutions may surprise you! I know it can feel overwhelming to tackle it all, but you don’t have to. Take it step by step. Even one small change can create a ripple effect that frees up precious time for YOU.
Episode Highlights:
- (0:00): Teaser
- (02:30): Small vs. systemic changes
- (06:08): 1. Do your devices own your time?
- (08:04): Solution for device overuse: Limit exposure
- (09:57): 2. Losing time dealing with clutter creep
- (10:27): Solution for clutter: Daily habits and family systems
- (12:44): 3. Wasting time on unimportant things
- (13:00): Solution: Life planning can help you focus on your long-term vision.
- (14:45): 4. Not being picky enough (with time)
- (16:21): Solution: Set boundaries
- (17:37): 5. Collecting rather than cultivating friendships
- (18:07): Solution: Use discernment to pursue quality over quantity
- (21:28): Re-cap
If you’re ready to find time to find purpose, grab a notebook (because this is one you’ll want to come back to again and again). Hit play so together we can solve for Mom!
Saying “No” more often can be a game-changer and life planning is the key: ⏮️ Episode 8: Life Planning 101: Follow the Right Trajectory For YOU
Tap +Follow (it’s free!). Leave me a rating & review (thank you!).
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E-mail me at hello@solveformom.com and your question could be the topic of an upcoming episode!
Visit www.solveformom.com
Connect: Pinterest (@solveformom), LinkedIn (Solve for Mom)
// Grow Your Individuality While Prioritizing Family Time //
Dec 8, 2024
Dec 8, 2024
18 min
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 //
Dec 1, 2024
Dec 1, 2024
18 min
Hello Skilled Mama! Are you feeling like your talents and abilities are going unnoticed? As moms, we often put our passion projects and hobbies on hold while focusing on family time. However, I’m here to tell you growing your individuality and demonstrating impressive qualities is easier than you think!
In today's episode, I share three powerful personal growth tips - pulled from my experience as a homeschooling mom and from working in the lab - that will help you showcase your unique strengths while maintaining that precious balance between self-improvement and family responsibilities.
Timestamps:
- (0:00): Self-improvement doesn’t discount how amazing you already are
- (03:50): Become an SFM Insider
- (04:44): How people reacted when I tried something new
- (07:30): 1. Have lifelong learning mindset
- (10:19): 2. Master communication skills
- (13:19): 3. Develop self-awareness
- (16:44): Re-cap
If you’re ready to leave a positive impression on others, hit play and together we can solve for Mom!
⏮️ Want some neat ways to learn during a busy day and don’t have much time? Listen to EP 2: 5 Things Moms Can Do to Learn a New Skill [15-min or less]
⏮️ Balancing your motherhood and personhood: EP 9: Why Making Time to Prioritize Yourself IS Serving Your Family
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 //
Nov 24, 2024
Nov 24, 2024
16 min
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 //
Nov 17, 2024
Nov 17, 2024
14 min
Hello Ambitious Mom!
Are you struggling to stick to your personal growth goals? Many moms face challenges - such as balancing work, personal, and family time - when it comes to setting and achieving their personal goals. You are important and your goals are a crucial component of self-improvement. Learn what the “goal journey” is, and 2 powerful ways to boost your success when you are goal setting and planning. These are practical tips that will prevent you from letting your ambitions slide.
Timestamps:
(00:00): Teaser
(02:16): Sign up for my free weekly newsletter
(03:25): Setting yourself up for mom life success
(05:23): The “Goal Journey”
(06:01): 1. Clear your mind before setting goals [Goal-setting phase]
(08:49): 2. Get your resources lined up [Goal planning phase]
(12:09): Re-cap
If you’re ready to achieve your goals with confidence, hit play and together can solve for Mom!
- Learn about bundling and other hacks: EP 2: 5 Things Moms Can Do to Learn a New Skill [15-min or less]
- EP 7: 10 Low Cost Solutions for Investing in Your Personal Growth. Stay-at-home Moms - Listen in!
- Goals are a part of life planning: EP 8: Life Planning 101: Follow the Right Trajectory For YOU
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 //
Nov 10, 2024
Nov 10, 2024
14 min
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!).
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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 //
Nov 3, 2024
Nov 3, 2024
18 min
Hello Wonderful Mom! Are you constantly putting everyone else's needs before your own? Do you feel guilty when you take time for passion projects or self-care? You are not alone!
In today’s episode, I share why making time to prioritize yourself is serving your family. We'll explore how taking care of your own needs can lead to better quality family time and stronger relationships. When you start planning for personal growth, you will find that you become more organized in other parts of your life too. Not to mention you are setting a positive example for your children when they see you life-crafting to find purpose or learn skills.
Timestamps:
(00:00): Teaser
(03:03): Excuses we give ourselves
(05:29): Develop a growth mindset
(06:13): 1. Your family needs you to be healthy
(07:36): 2. Having time to focus on you will improve the quality of your family time
(08:59): 3. Planning personal time helps you organize other areas of life
(10:22): 4. Your individuality will shine through
(11:53): 5. You are setting an example for your children
(13:25): When in doubt, gather data
(15:29): Re-cap
If you’re ready to prioritize yourself and positively impact your family, hit play and together we 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
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 //