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 Dec 07, 2025
Sunday Dec 07, 2025
Do you ever feel like caring for your dog has become just another task on your endless to-do list? In today's bonus episode, I sit down with Tori Mistick aka “Martha Stewart of dogs”, a certified canine enrichment specialist and host of Dog Enrichment with Tori Mistick, to talk about how simple 5-minute dog rituals can become stress-relief systems that help you recharge and boost productivity.
Mama, you have a PURPOSE—but to truly feel like yourself again and stop drowning in your day-to-day, you need strategies that bring balance without adding more to your plate. Let's dive into this incredible conversation with Tori and discover how work-life balance can be found in the simplest shifts!
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
🐾 How enrichment is really about bonding, not babysitting—and how that applies to solopreneurs and WAHMs
🐾 How dogs model being present, play, and rest—lessons that help you recharge during demanding seasons
🐾 How five minutes of enrichment can boost your productivity later in the day
🐾 Practical ways to transform dog rituals into intentional stress-relief systems
So excited for you to jump in!
Episode Highlights
(0:00): Why dog enrichment matters for work-life balance
(02:37): 🔄 Share this episode with a friend!
(03:01): Introduction
(6:39): How Tori discovered that simple dog rituals became stress-relief systems while building a business
(10:15): Making time for yourself while prioritizing "mom life" with dogs—lessons for solopreneurs, WAHMs, and homeschoolers
(16:13): 5-minute dog enrichment activities that boost productivity
(22:49): How to time calming activities vs. high-energy play for recharging
(26:19): How dogs teach us to be present and find balance in daily life
(30:40): How Tori balances her ambitions and family life
Quotable Moments
- "And I think you'll start to crave this balance. It doesn't have to be an overwhelming thing. You don't necessarily have to take your dog out for an hour. You could play for five or 15 minutes and still get a lot of benefit out of that."
- "There are studies that show that when you start training them and they have those early wins, they get more excited about learning more things and trying new things. And they're less anxious in unfamiliar situations, which that kind of resiliency is so important for people and for dogs.”
- "And so that was really kind of an aha moment, a turning point in realizing that we're really a team. And when we work together and do stuff that enriches both our lives, it's just a win for everyone."
Tori’s Links:
- Podcast: Dog Enrichment
- IG: @tmistick
- Free Downloadable - Mental Enrichment Activity Pack
- Website: wearwagrepeat.com
- Podcast: Petpreneur Podcast (Over 250K Downloads!)
- Try WWR Society for 2 weeks
I Want to Hear From You!
📞 Book your Free Life Audit call with Anokhi now!
💌 Become an SFM Insider for FREE weekly tips, tools, and exclusives: solveformom.myflodesk.com/bpj5yvdu3q
👍🏽 Tap +Follow and never miss an episode.
📫 E-mail hello@solveformom.com
🌐 Visit solveformom.com for more information and FREE resources
➡️ 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 //
Friday Dec 05, 2025
Friday Dec 05, 2025
Your resume gap isn't the problem. Your skills gap isn't the problem. Career change during motherhood isn't the problem.
The problem is that you don't know which skills to prioritize or how to find time to develop them while managing family responsibilities.
In this episode, I'm sharing how to transform skill development overwhelm into strategic career momentum. From identifying transferable skills you already have to creating a micro-learning approach that fits your busy mom life—you'll learn to develop the 1-3 core skills that matter most for your career change.
And the best part? You can do this without burning out or sacrificing what matters most to your family.
I'm walking you through the exact 3-step process: the Hidden Skills Audit to uncover capabilities you've developed through motherhood, strategic research to identify your core skills gap, and a micro-learning approach that works within 15-30 minutes daily.
These strategies won't just help you learn new skills. They'll empower you to:
- Finally tackle the career change you've been avoiding for months
- Shift from "my skills are outdated" to "I have transferable strengths" and "I have a capacity to learn"
- Make consistent progress without overwhelming yourself
- Build demonstrable competency in core skills within 3-6 months
- Gain the confidence in your target field
- Stop cycling through ideas and start taking action
If you're ready to stop letting life just happen to you and want to confidently take your first step toward meaningful work that aligns with who you are now, this episode is for you.
Episode Highlights
- (0:00): Teaser
- (2:01): 🤩 Listener shoutout
- (3:01): Feeling unqualified and self-doubt after a career pause
- (7:26): 1. Discovering your hidden transferable skills
- (12:03): 2. Understanding skills gap and self-doubt
- (12:41): 3. The skills development roadmap approach
- (14:05): Micro-learning and practice
- (18:19): Your next step & Recap
→ → → Ready to fast‑track your ambitions during motherhood with a clear plan? Use science-based Designed Life Method and get a custom action plan that fits your busy schedule—spots are limited, so claim yours at solveformom.com/book-life-planning
👀 Want a sneak peek? Book your Free Life Audit call 📞 with Anokhi now!
Career Change Series
⏮️ EP 86: Career Change for Moms: Get Unstuck from the Wrong Job [Part 1]
⏮️ EP 88: How to Test Your Career Change Without Risking Family Stability [Part 2]
⏮️ EP 92: Career Change Clarity in 3 Steps Without Losing Work‑Life Balance [Part 5]
⏮️ EP 94: Feeling Selfish About a Career Change? Try This 3‑Step Leadership Reframe [Part 6]
Free Resources
💌 Grab my newsletter for twice-monthly tips, tools, and exclusives—so you can build a life that honors both your ambitions and your family
✍🏻 The go-to blog for ambitious moms
📱Free Life Planning Quiz
🌐 Visit solveformom.com for more information and FREE resources
I Want to Hear From You!
🙋🏻♀️ Question, topic idea, or feedback? Record a message in just one click!
📫 E-mail hello@solveformom.com
➡️ Tag @solveformom on LinkedIn and Pinterest for daily tips to find balance one micro-step at a time
👍🏽 Tap +Follow and never miss an episode. Leave me a rating & review—your support helps other moms find the show!
// Life Planning Tools for Moms Striving to Balance Ambition and Motherhood //
Sunday Nov 30, 2025
Sunday Nov 30, 2025
Your struggle to find work-life balance during the holidays isn't about time—it's about losing sight of yourself in the chaos. If you feel disconnected from your passions while juggling family responsibilities, this episode reveals how to reclaim your identity without sacrificing family time.
In this replay episode, I'm sharing three powerful ways the holidays can inspire self-discovery and help you reconnect with your purpose. From reflecting on meaningful traditions to creating intentional family rituals and carving out time for personal growth, you'll learn how to transform holiday activities into catalysts for rediscovering what lights you up.
I'm walking you through how to notice what energizes you, connect those feelings to your underlying passions, and schedule one small action starting now—so you can start reclaiming personal interests, hobbies, and goals while balancing motherhood.
→ → → Ready to Take Action? If you're ready to move from feeling disconnected from yourself to rediscovering your passions and reclaiming personal identity beyond motherhood, you’ll want my Designed Life Method coaching program: solveformom.com/book-life-planning
Learn how you can turn your holiday insights into sustainable action throughout the year. Book your Free Exploratory call 📞 with Anokhi now!
Episode Highlights
- (0:00): Teaser
- (0:35): 🤩 Listener shoutout – Your rating & review helps other moms find the show!
- (2:15): Why moms feel disconnected during the holidays
- (4:30): Introduction – Why the holidays can help you rediscover yourself
- (6:45): Tradition #1 - Values
- (9:20): Tradition #2 - Reflection
- (10:00): 💌 Grab my newsletter for twice-monthly tips, tools, and exclusives—including journal prompts
- (12:00): Tradition #3 – Passions
- (16:30): Final thoughts – Finding purpose without sacrificing family time
Links Mentioned in Episode:
⏮️ EP 14: Do THIS to Find Balance as a Work-at-Home Mom [Holiday Series]
I Want to Hear From You!
📫 E-mail hello@solveformom.com
👍🏽 Tap +Follow and never miss an episode.
➡️ Tag @solveformom on LinkedIn and Pinterest for daily tips to find balance one micro-step at a time
🌐 Visit solveformom.com for more information and FREE resources
// Life Planning Tools for Moms Striving to Balance Ambition and Motherhood //
Friday Nov 28, 2025
Friday Nov 28, 2025
→ → → Ready to fast‑track your ambitions during motherhood with a clear plan? Use science-based Designed Life Method and get a custom action plan that fits your busy schedule—spots are limited, so claim yours at solveformom.com/book-life-planning
👀 Want a sneak peek? Book your Free Life Audit call 📞 with Anokhi now!
Your struggle with guilt for wanting a career change (and to be more than "just" a mom) isn't the problem.
Feeling torn between loving your kids while wanting to do things for yourself isn't the problem.
Your heart calling out for more isn't the problem.
The problem is that society glorifies self-sacrificing motherhood while sidelining women's ambitions—making you question if pursuing a career change is selfish.
In this episode, I'm sharing how I went from constantly putting my own needs and dreams on hold…to finally creating a career that works for me instead of the other way around. From reframing ambition as leadership to life planning—I've built a life where I can be everything I need to be for my kids, my career, and myself.
And the best part? You can do this too.
I'm walking you through what I call the 3-step leadership mindset, what makes this reframe so powerful, and the exact strategy that transforms career guilt into confident decision-making—so you can blend success and motherhood without choosing between them.
Episode Highlights
- (0:00): Teaser
- (2:41): 🤩 Listener shoutout
- (3:37): The guilt of wanting a career change as a mom
- (7:30): Leadership mindset
- (9:00): Step 1: Reframe
- (12:19): Step 2: Anchor
- (16:05): Step 3: Leadership
- (16:53): How to confidently pursue career change without guilt
- (18:24): Wrap-up & How to take action
Links Mentioned in Episode:
❇️ Stuck in a career that doesn't align with your values? Grab my Free Values Alignment Workbook to gain clarity on whether to stay or pivot. Download instantly 👉 https://solveformom.com/core-values
Career Change Series:
⏮️ EP 86: Career Change for Moms: Get Unstuck from the Wrong Job [Part 1]
⏮️ EP 88: How to Test Your Career Change Without Risking Family Stability [Part 2]
⏮️ EP 92: Career Change Clarity in 3 Steps Without Losing Work‑Life Balance [Part 5]
Free Resources:
💌 Grab my newsletter for twice-monthly tips, tools, and exclusives—so you can build a life that honors both your ambitions and your family
✍🏻 The go-to blog for ambitious moms
📱Free Life Planning Quiz
🌐 Visit solveformom.com for more information and FREE resources
I Want to Hear From You!
🙋🏻♀️ Question, topic idea, or feedback? Record a message in just one click!
📫 E-mail hello@solveformom.com
➡️ Tag @solveformom on LinkedIn and Pinterest for daily tips to find balance one micro-step at a time
👍🏽 Tap +Follow and never miss an episode. Leave me a rating & review—your support helps other moms find the show!
// Life Planning Tools for Moms Striving to Balance Ambition and Motherhood //
Monday Nov 24, 2025
Monday Nov 24, 2025
Motherhood pushed me to discover what truly matters—and as a busy mom juggling work, family, and big goals, finding the right daily rhythm felt impossible.
In this episode, I dive into what that actually looked like for me, including:
- How time management challenges pushed me to identify my natural energy rhythms when I struggled to balance speed and depth throughout my day
- How I developed intentional pacing strategies to move from feeling rushed and scattered to creating purposeful rhythms that support my family and values
- The pivotal moment of recognizing that finding the right cadence is a process—giving myself permission to adjust as life changes while building momentum through life planning and micro-habits
→ → → Ready to fast‑track your ambitions during motherhood with a clear plan? Use science-based Designed Life Method and get a custom action plan that fits your busy schedule—spots are limited, so claim yours at solveformom.com/book-life-planning
Want a sneak peek? Book your Free Exploratory call 📞 with Anokhi now!
Episode Highlights
- (0:00): Teaser
- (2:37): Client Testimonial (Systems & Workflows)
- (4:30): Understanding the yo-yo effect of rushed and scattered days
- (6:26): The importance of pacing in daily life
- (7:45): Strategy 1 helps with transitions
- (11:09): Strategy 2 helps manage the speed of overwhelming tasks
- (14:30): Strategy 3 improve the efficiency of communications and quality of conversations
- (18:40): Strategy 4 helps match activities to your energy
- (22:16): Recap & next steps
Links Mentioned in Episode:
🙋🏻♀️ Question, topic idea, or feedback? Record a message in just one click!
➡️ Tag @solveformom on LinkedIn and Pinterest for daily tips to find balance one micro-step at a time
I Want to Hear From You!
📫 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
👍🏽 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
// Life Planning Tools for Moms Striving to Balance Ambition and Motherhood //
Friday Nov 21, 2025
Friday Nov 21, 2025
If you're feeling the urge to gain career change clarity, this episode is for you. I'm pulling back the curtain on how I personally help moms identify their next best step through vision mapping—and how you can do the same without decision paralysis, overwhelm, or needing to have your entire future figured out.
This isn't about picking one perfect path forever or betting your entire life on a single decision. It's about exploring multiple possible futures, building clarity through small steps, and taking aligned action toward a career with your values in the forefront, so you can shift into a new career without fear of making the wrong choice.
In this episode, I walk you through how to:
- Future Cast – Explore three different versions of what your life could look like if you pursued different paths
- Explore – Identify one small step you could take in the next week to test one scenario and start gathering information
- Iterate – Continue taking small exploratory steps without committing to one rigid path, building momentum through action
If you're experiencing uncertainty or confusion about your career direction, and you are ready to pivot to meaningful work using a simple decision-making framework, then this episode is a must-listen.
>>> Ready to get a clear plan to build right career & home life for you? My Designed Life Method is the right step for you. Together we’ll envision your ideal future, and create a customized roadmap to get you there. Let's design your future together! 📞 Book your free exploratory call with me now!
Episode Highlights
- (0:00): Teaser
- (2:22): Analysis paralysis during career shifts
- (7:35): Why traditional career planning fails professional moms
- (8:01): Step 1 - Future casting and exploring multiple scenarios
- (13:16): Step 2 - How to take steps towards a new career
- (15:45): Step 3 - Building momentum for a career pivot
- (18:42): Wrap-up
- (20:55): 💌 Grab my newsletter for twice-monthly tips, tools, and exclusives —including journal prompts —so you can build a life that honors both your ambitions and your family
Career Change Series
⏮️ EP 86: Career Change for Moms: Get Unstuck from the Wrong Job [Part 1]
⏮️ EP 88: How to Test Your Career Change Without Risking Family Stability [Part 2]
I Want to Hear From You!
🙋🏻♀️ Question, topic idea, or feedback? Record a message in just one click!
📫 E-mail hello@solveformom.com
👍🏽 Tap +Follow and never miss an episode. Leave me a 🤩 rating & review—your support helps other moms find the show!
➡️ Tag @solveformom on LinkedIn and Pinterest for daily tips to find balance one micro-step at a time
🌐 Visit solveformom.com for more information and FREE resources
// Life Planning Tools for Moms Striving to Balance Ambition and Motherhood //
Sunday Nov 16, 2025
Sunday Nov 16, 2025
Today, you're getting a step-by-step process for vision planning for moms.
Right now, you might think that creating your ideal life sounds impossible, or that it's something reserved for people with more time, money, or resources.
But what if it wasn't just a nice idea? What if it was a simple, concrete, and clear process you could start right now?
Here's the truth: You have the power to design the life you've always wanted—where you can be everything you want to be for everyone around you, including yourself—and today you're getting the blueprint to make it happen with this episode.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- The top 5 vision planning methods to help you move from feeling stuck on autopilot to living with intention
- How to create a clear, specific vision of your ideal future
- Why life planning is the key to balancing your ambitions and motherhood without choosing one over the other
- The exact steps that allow you to stop feeling overwhelmed and start pursuing your big ideas
- How to turn your ideal life from an abstract idea into a tangible, achievable reality
If you're ready to stop letting life just happen to you and want to start creating the life you've always wanted, this episode is for you.
Episode Highlights
- (0:00): Teaser
- (2:19): Why moms feel disconnected and overwhelmed
- (3:54): Life planning empowers professionals striving to balance their ambitions and motherhood
- (5:45): Starting with your big picture vision
- (8:00): Method #1: Envisioning is a powerful approach used by high-performers
- (10:14): Method #2: Journaling approach to vision planning
- (12:55): Method #3: The life planning method
- (15:30): Method #4: Future-casting technique
- (17:21): Method #5: Vision boarding
- (19:35): Summary and next action step
- (21:44): 💌 Grab my newsletter for twice-monthly tips, tools, and exclusives —including journal prompts —so you can build a life that honors both your ambitions and your family
Links Mentioned in Episode:
>>> Ready to design a life where both your ambitions and motherhood thrive? My Life Planning Coaching helps moms with a professional or technical background create a clear roadmap to living out their full potential. Through personalized 1:1 sessions, you'll gain clarity on your vision, align your daily choices with your goals, and build a life plan that honors both your family and your dreams. Book your Free Exploratory call 📞 with Anokhi now to get started!
I Want to Hear From You!
🙋🏻♀️ Question, topic idea, or feedback? Record a message in just one click!
📫 E-mail hello@solveformom.com
➡️ Tag @solveformom on LinkedIn and Pinterest for daily tips to find balance one micro-step at a time
👍🏽 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
// Life Planning Tools for Moms Striving to Balance Ambition and Motherhood //
Friday Nov 14, 2025
Friday Nov 14, 2025
Are you looking for a fulfilling and flexible career that brings you both personal and financial freedom? In today's Part 2 interview, I sit down with Amy Rasdal, founder of Billable at the Beach®, to talk about how to plan your career change to consulting and build a flexible business without starting over.
Mama, you DON’T NEED TO A COMPLEX SET-UP—but to start a consulting business successfully, you’ll want to learn about how to avoid some common mistakes that independent consultants make.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
- 📎 The 3-4 essential things you need to get started as a consultant (hint: it's not a website or logo)
- 📎 How to leverage your existing expertise without starting over—even if you've never been a consultant before
- 📎 The biggest mistake consultants make and how to avoid it
- 📎 Practical ways to build client relationships that align with your values as a mother while setting boundaries that prevent burnout
- 📎 How to create a flexible work arrangement (20-30 hours/week) that provides excellent income while staying present for your family
Let's dive into this incredible conversation with Amy Rasdal!
⏮️ Missed Part 1? Listen: EP 89: Is Your Full-Time Job Stealing Your Family Time? How Consulting Creates Work-Life Balance While Earning 6-Figures
Quotable
"Once I finally just started demanding what I was worth, nobody ever batted an eye. Nobody laughed in my face and said, ‘oh my gosh, that's ridiculous.’"
"You really owe it to the world to get your talents out there. People need you. It's not an imposition."
"You're standing on this foundation of valuable, sometimes even rare experience."
Episode Highlights
- (0:00): Introduction
- (2:10): The 4 essential things to start consulting and why you don't need a website or logo to land your first project
- (5:16): How nurturing connections leads to projects coming to you, and the importance of saying no
- (6:07): The biggest mistake that consultants make
- (9:58): Building client relationships that align with your values as a mother while maintaining work-life balance & creating a flexible work arrangement
- (16:07): How building your own business allows you to stay present for your family while fulfilling your potential
- (21:10): Wrap-Up & Next Steps
These chapters highlight the key tactical advice and transformational moments from your conversation with Amy.
>>> Your next breakthrough to living out your ideal life starts with clarity. 📞 Sign up for a no‑obligation 30-minute call where we’ll surface the biggest issue you face, pinpoint what you truly want, and evaluate if my 1:1 Plan Your Ideal Life coaching is the right catalyst.
Amy’s Links:
Website: www.BillableAtTheBeach.com
Follow Amy on LinkedIn
Free Course: https://www.billableatthebeach.com/free-course/
Free Webinar: https://www.billableatthebeach.com/free-webinar/
Book - Land a Consulting Project 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
➡️ Tag @solveformom on LinkedIn and Pinterest for daily tips to find balance one micro-step at a time
👍🏽 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
// Life Planning Tools for Moms Striving to Balance Ambition and Motherhood //