All Figured Out with Andrea Barr: Figuring Out Work, Life and Parenting

Is it possible to survive trauma, burnout, and relentless transitions, and emerge more grounded, more powerful, and more truly yourself? Internal leadership coach and nervous system strategist Erika Latta offers her own life as proof. Her story is a non-linear path: from growing up in a Texas trailer with a father who was a Vietnam veteran and a heroin addict, to enlisting in the Air Force at 17 for survival, narrowly escaping a terrorist bombing in Saudi Arabia, and burning out twice in corporate sales. Hear her most recent, beautiful transition: becoming a mom at 52—and using all of these experiences to build her coaching practice, Inner Edge.In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Intro(01:38) Becoming a mom at 52(02:34) Growing up in Texas(06:58) Erika’s mom enlisted in the military at 34 with two kids and a six-month-old(13:00) Leaving home at 17, and joining the Air Force to survive(14:49) The trauma she carried into adulthood — and what she wants every mother to know about open dialogue with their kids(23:22) What basic training actually looks like(23:33) Episode sponsor: Erika Latta(32:04) Being stationed in Saudi Arabia, and protecting the no-fly zone from Saddam Hussein(38:47) The Colonel Dick moment(42:18) Moving to Canada(45:18) Fertility struggles, miscarriage, and how the universe brought their daughter into their lives(51:47) Becoming a new mom and getting laid off in the same season, and why it turned out to be the biggest blessing(57:41) How to lead under pressure without performing(1:02:37) Energy management over time management: the reframe that changes everything for high-performing working moms(1:04:21) How to set boundaries at work without sounding scripted(1:09:46)  Where to find Erika LattaKEY TAKEAWAYYour transitions and lived experiences that almost broke you, are exactly what qualifies you to lead differently. Erika Latta’s own “Inner Edge” is lived experience, and not only surviving, but thriving. The most powerful thing that high-performing women can do is learn to lead from regulation and clarity.About Erika LattaErika Latta is an internal leadership coach and nervous system strategist who works with high-performing women — Directors, VPs, executives, and founders — who are thriving on the outside but quietly running on empty on the inside. A burnout survivor herself, Erika has led in some of the most demanding, male-dominated environments out there — the U.S. Air Force, the chemical industry, and corporate sales — so she knows firsthand what it costs to lead through performance rather than presence.Certified in Conscious Connected Breathwork and grounded in nervous system science, Erika helps women stop white-knuckling their careers and start leading from regulation, clarity, and grounded authority — especially during the big transitions: role shifts, rising visibility, and the quiet realization that you've outgrown your current chapter. Her work isn't therapy or leadership theory — it's the internal leadership system most high-achieving women were never given, and desperately needed.Connect with Erika LattaWebsite | https://erikalatta.com/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/breathewitherika/ | https://www.instagram.com/ritual.urban.retreat/ Linkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikalatta About Andrea Barr, host of All Figured Out:Andrea is a certified career and life coach for parents. Through her coaching, she supports parents in finding better work-life rhythms so they can continue to grow personally and professionally without sacrificing family time.Connect with AndreaWebsite | ⁠https://www.andreabarr.com/⁠  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/allfiguredoutandrea | https://www.instagram.com/allfiguredout.podcast Listen to All Figured Out💚 Spotify | https://tinyurl.com/afo-spotify 💜 Apple Podcasts | https://tinyurl.com/afo-apple 🖤YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@allfiguredoutandrea

What if the "wrong" turns, the detours, and the jobs that made zero sense were actually building something extraordinary all along? Tasneem Damji — educator, career coach for students, and mother of two — unpacks a nonlinear career path that spans continents, cultures, and decades. All of us at some point have looked at our lives and thought how does any of this connect?, this conversation covers that and how everything ends up being a full circle moment. In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Intro(01:30) Tasneem and the two very different stages of motherhood she's navigating(06:23) Failing a science degree she never wanted and what it took to finally change course(09:48) Moving to Tajikistan with no plan and accidentally discovering her life's work(17:08) Leaving a toxic job and saying yes to a workshop she had no idea how to run(21:47) Sponsor: Tasneem Damji(25:27) Why everything she did that "made no sense" became her superpower in the job market(37:05) Moving back to Canada and rebuilding her career(45:42) Tasneem’s work with high school students — and why she never tells them what to do(58:33) What parents of young kids can do right now to raise children who know themselves(1:10:23) What is Tasneem figuring out and her big dreamsKEY TAKEAWAYYou can't plan your future — and that's actually the best news you'll hear all day. What you can do is plan your next step with intention, follow your interests, and trust that the through line will reveal itself later. As Tasneem says, the question isn't what do you want to be? — it's who are you becoming?About Tasneem DamjiTasneem Damji is a college and career clarity coach who helps young people connect the dots between who they are and where they’re going.But her path here wasn’t linear. From navigating uncertainty in her own life to pivoting careers and raising two children eight and a half years apart, Tasneem knows firsthand that growth rarely follows a straight line. It unfolds through courage, discomfort, and the willingness to step outside your comfort zone — again and again. Today, she works with teens and families to move from overwhelm to clarity, helping young people uncover their strengths, tell their stories with confidence, and make thoughtful decisions about their future. Her work goes far beyond applications and resumes; it’s about building lifelong self-trust.At the heart of everything she does is one belief: nothing in your life is wasted. Every twist, every detour, every doubt is part of the bigger picture. Tasneem is a mother of two and believes that when we raise reflective, compassionate, and resilient young people, we change not just their future — but ours tooConnect with Tasneem DamjiWebsite | https://www.tasneemdamji.com/ About Andrea Barr, host of All Figured Out:Andrea is a certified career and life coach for parents. Through her coaching, she supports parents in finding better work-life rhythms so they can continue to grow personally and professionally without sacrificing family time.Connect with AndreaWebsite | ⁠https://www.andreabarr.com/⁠  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/allfiguredoutandrea | https://www.instagram.com/allfiguredout.podcast Listen to All Figured Out💚 Spotify | https://tinyurl.com/afo-spotify 💜 Apple Podcasts | https://tinyurl.com/afo-apple 🖤YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@allfiguredoutandrea

Digital strategist and soon-to-be author, Tianna Mamalick built her business in the wake of unimaginable grief. In this episode, Andrea and Tianna share about motherhood, entrepreneurship, loss, and what it actually looks like to go all in on yourself when life forces your hand. Tianna opens up about leaving the corporate world after having her son, finding confidence through freelancing, navigating an unconventional family schedule with her husband, and how losing her brother, Christian, became the unexpected catalyst that pushed her to build something truly her own. Oh, and she's writing a book — on her terms, with her words, and nobody else's name on the cover.In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Intro(00:30) Meet Tianna, the least tech-savvy kid in a very tech-savvy family(03:40) From software companies to marketing agencies — why she always needed to move fast(05:10) How motherhood completely changed the plan(06:53) The freelance test that gave her the confidence to go all in(12:07) Why different family setups work(16:01) The book she couldn't promote(19:16) Losing her brother the day before the book launched(28:35) Going all in on grief, and how it accidentally built her business(39:25) Introducing yourself differently depending on the room(44:07) Writing the book she actually wants to be proud of(51:50) Book recommendations for the romance novel lovers(53:25) Tianna’s advice for listenersKEY TAKEAWAYYou don't have to have it all figured out to go all in. Sometimes grief, a career pivot, and an unconventional family setup are exactly the ingredients that build something beautiful, on your own terms.About Tianna MamalickTianna Mamalick is the founder of SMB Marketing, a boutique digital marketing agency helping women-led small businesses grow through SEO, Google Ads, and content strategy — without the jargon or the burnout. With over a decade of experience in digital marketing, Tianna's mission is to give female entrepreneurs simple, actionable tools that build long-term visibility and growth. Connect with Tianna MamalickWebsite | https://smbmarketingschool.com/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/smbmarketingschool/ Linkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/in/tmamalick/ About Andrea Barr, host of All Figured Out:Andrea is a certified career and life coach for parents. Through her coaching, she supports parents in finding better work-life rhythms so they can continue to grow personally and professionally without sacrificing family time.Connect with AndreaWebsite | ⁠https://www.andreabarr.com/⁠  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/allfiguredoutandrea | https://www.instagram.com/allfiguredout.podcast Listen to All Figured Out💚 Spotify | https://tinyurl.com/afo-spotify 💜 Apple Podcasts | https://tinyurl.com/afo-apple 🖤YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@allfiguredoutandrea

GET JENNICA DAY’S BOOK → You Need a (Better) Vacation https://amzn.to/3ZMe6cG How many times have you caught yourself saying "I need a vacation from my vacation"? That's probably because you're vacationing wrong, and Jennica Day is here to debunk some vacationing myths that genuinely blew my mind. Jennica is a vacation expert, author, former international teacher, and mom of three boys (who she is fully qualified to wrestle). In this episode, she breaks down the science of rest, reframes what vacation actually means, and gives us a surprisingly simple framework that will change how you think about your time off, for good.In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Intro(01:53) From varsity wrestler to mom of three boys — Jennica's origin story(07:38)  Permanent vacation that led to living in Cancun(16:17) The 3 things that actually make a vacation restful: relax, detach, and control(23:37) Why longer vacations aren't actually better(27:40) Pre-vacation syndrome (PVS) and how to avoid burning out before you even leave(38:20) Adventures vs. vacations — the distinction that will change your life as a parent(42:31)  The 4-hour break rule and micro-vacations(57:57) 4 vacation myths debunked(01:05:20) What Jennica is still trying to figure outKEY TAKEAWAYYou don't need more time off, what you need is to vacation better. A 2-day vacation done right gives you the same health and wellness benefits as a 17-day one (and science is proving this!). The goal isn't to squeeze every last minute out of a trip; it's to actually rest, detach, and do what you want. And if you're a parent? Stop expecting adventures with your kids to fill your rest tank. They won't. Schedule your micro vacations like your sanity depends on it — because it kind of does.About Jennica DayJennica Day is a vacation expert, author, and advocate for intentional rest and recovery. After experiencing burnout while living and working in Cancun, she dedicated herself to understanding the science of vacationing and work recovery. Her research and personal experimentation led her to develop the Vacation Hero Method, a proven strategy that promotes proper rest, prevents burnout, and enhances productivity. Author of the book You Need a (Better) Vacation, where she share evidence-based strategies to help individuals and organizations optimize time off for improved well-being, performance, and happiness.Connect with Jennica DayWebsite | https://thevacationnerd.com/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/thevacationnerd Book - You Need a (Better) Vacation | https://amzn.to/3ZMe6cG About Andrea Barr, host of All Figured Out:Andrea is a certified career and life coach for parents. Through her coaching, she supports parents in finding better work-life rhythms so they can continue to grow personally and professionally without sacrificing family time.Connect with AndreaWebsite | ⁠https://www.andreabarr.com/⁠  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/allfiguredoutandrea | https://www.instagram.com/allfiguredout.podcast Listen to All Figured Out💚 Spotify | https://tinyurl.com/afo-spotify 💜 Apple Podcasts | https://tinyurl.com/afo-apple 🖤YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@allfiguredoutandrea

Nikki Holekamp is a testament to resilience, creativity and advocacy. She is a trained pediatric occupational therapist, who had to use her skills, her voice and her written words to advocate for her son, Asher. In this conversation with Nikki, she shares about her life parenting a child with medical needs, how she’s advocating for him and teaching other kids, as well as her own daughter, that life can look different for others, trusting your intuition when doctors say “wait and see” and finding healing through storytelling.In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Intro(04:40) Life before kids: Nikki's career as a pediatric OT and early motherhood(09:27) Asher's birth and the first signs something was different(13:51) The early months of Asher(16:49) Getting a second opinion that changed the trajectory(19:28) Navigating the Canadian vs. US medical systems(28:13) Standing up to doctors and trusting your parental intuition(38:39) Life with Asher now: wheelchairs, preschool, and letting go of expectations(49:03) Ways to be an ally for children like Asher(51:46) Balancing two children with different needs(56:20) What Nikki is still trying to figure outKEY TAKEAWAYSWhen medical professionals are telling you to “wait and see”, but your intuition is screaming that something is wrong, listen to yourself.You’re allowed to have a second opinion, and sometimes they’re essential, because it's not about stepping on anyone's toes; it's about protecting your child’s health and your ownWriting and storytelling can be medicine. The processing through writing became healing, and the connections with other families navigating similar challenges became lifelines. Sharing your story—however you choose to do it—creates community and helps you process what you're living through.About Nikki HolekampNikki is a trained pediatric occupational therapist turned passionate parent advocate who has learned the power of using her voice to create meaningful impact. Through storytelling and lived experience, she’s discovered how words can shift perspectives and make space for change. She blends creativity with purpose. Writing became her way of sharing stories, but it has evolved into a way of helping others see through a new lens. Connection is at the heart of who she is. As a projector in Human Design, Nikki has a gift for seeing the bigger picture and lifting others up with insight and intention. Her mission is to help moms recognize that they hold more capacity than they often believe. She reminds women that while hard things will happen, grace, growth, and profound lessons can emerge from those seasons. Nikki inspires others to dream bigger, live with purpose, and create a life they feel deeply proud of.Connect with Nikki HolekampInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/nikkiholekamp | https://www.instagram.com/aligned.with.asher Substack - The Strength In Our Scars | https://substack.com/@thestrengthinourscars About Andrea Barr, host of All Figured Out:Andrea is a certified career and life coach for parents. Through her coaching, she supports parents in finding better work-life rhythms so they can continue to grow personally and professionally without sacrificing family time.Connect with AndreaWebsite | ⁠https://www.andreabarr.com/⁠  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/allfiguredoutandrea | https://www.instagram.com/allfiguredout.podcast Listen to All Figured Out💚 Spotify | https://tinyurl.com/afo-spotify 💜 Apple Podcasts | https://tinyurl.com/afo-apple 🖤YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@allfiguredoutandrea

The REST Revolution thesis is that rest is not an activity, it's an approach to life that's rooted in worthiness. So rest isn't about doing less, it's about believing you're worthy regardless of what you accomplish.Coach and author Heather Boersma shares her journey from burnt out motivational speaker to discovering that rest is a foundational agreement with your own worthiness. After experiencing panic attacks that forced her to step back from everything, Heather rebuilt her life around the understanding that her value isn't tied to her to-do list. This conversation dives into the REST framework (mindset, emotions, nervous system), why motherhood often makes the hustle unsustainable, and the simple breathing technique that can regulate your nervous system in 90 seconds.In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Intro(06:09) From a random stage in Australia to touring as a motivational speaker(13:35) The first panic attack on an airplane—what it felt like and what it revealed(18:07) Genetic testing, grief, and the anxiety spiral that followed(21:54) Why motherhood makes the hustle stop working(31:48) Why we resist feeling our emotions and how it steals our rest(37:03) Building the belief "I'm worthy" one thought at a time for 63 days(39:41) The basketball analogy: slowing down to grow(44:40) Microdosing rest(48:39) The three pillars of rest and creating schedules that align with your values(52:46) What Heather is still figuring out: integrating all parts of herselfCheck out episode 103, a similar episode, with Joanna Brewster → Spotify, Apple or YouTubeKEY TAKEAWAYRest isn't an activity you add to your calendar—it's the foundational belief that you're worthy exactly as you are, without needing to prove, perform, or produce anything. When you live FROM worthiness instead of FOR worthiness, you can still have a full life and big goals, but without the frantic energy that leads to burnout. The shift happens one thought at a time: spend 63 days practicing "I'm worthy" (or "It's possible I'm worthy"), and your brain will build a new neural pathway that becomes your default setting. This is the rest that actually restores.About Heather BoersmaHeather Boersma is a speaker, author, and certified life and business coach who helps ambitious women create sustainable success without burnout. Drawing on over 20 years of speaking experience and her neuroscience-based coaching approach, Heather supports female entrepreneurs in finding work-life flow and building emotionally healthy businesses.She is currently completing her Master of Counselling Psychology, further integrating evidence-based strategies with her coaching practice. Heather’s passion is helping women reclaim rest, regulate their nervous systems, and redefine success on their own terms. The Rest Revolution is her third book, following two earlier titles that have inspired readers across Canada, the US, and beyond. She lives in Vancouver, Canada, with her husband and three children.Connect with Heather BoersmaWebsite | https://www.heatherboersma.com/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/heatherboersma YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@heatherboersma-lifecoachfo2930 Book | The REST Revolution – https://amzn.to/4refQr8 About Andrea Barr, host of All Figured Out:Andrea is a certified career and life coach for parents. Through her coaching, she supports parents in finding better work-life rhythms so they can continue to grow personally and professionally without sacrificing family time.Connect with AndreaWebsite | ⁠https://www.andreabarr.com/⁠  Vancouver Events | https://www.andreabarr.com/events Andrea’s Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/allfiguredoutandreaPodcast Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/allfiguredout.podcast 🖤 Watch on YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@allfiguredoutANDREA

Beth Warner returns to share what the past year has looked like fighting pregnancy discrimination, building Mother Cover, and refusing to stay silent. She opens up about the human toll of a human rights case that could take 6+ years, why Europe's approach to NDAs needs to come to North America, and how she's channeling her experience into protecting other parents' jobs through workforce planning that actually works.In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Intro(04:37) What keeps her going when everyone says "just move on"(08:29) Life update: 2 years into a human rights case with years still ahead(11:35) What needs to change: Why Canada should follow Europe's lead on NDAs(13:17) Signing away your voice vs. fighting back(16:55) Why the system isn't built for humans(22:33) How she stays in the fight (and why Mother Cover fuels her now)(26:36) What success looks like: Reaching the middle, not the extremes(28:36) Mother Cover: Parental leave coverage done right(32:13) Why workforce planning needs an update(39:06) What Mother Cover actually does (and why it's not recruiting)(42:13) Fractional leaves: Why senior professionals work better than junior backfills(55:20) What's next: More success stories, less legal drama(58:27) Beth’s favorite Mother Cover story: Marketing strategy meets motherhood support(01:00:12) Motherhood with a 2-year-old while building a company(01:01:24) What she's still figuring out: Teaching Ruby that work isn't just paying for diapersKEY TAKEAWAYPolicy alone won't change corporate culture. Until companies plan for parental leaves the way they plan for seasonal staffing or economic shifts, parents will continue choosing between their careers and their families—or worse, losing both. The solution is treating temporary leave as the predictable workforce reality it's always been.Listen to episode 85 with Beth Wanner here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1oy00y6OD1CNA7BNaBCMeW?si=_IAhnbzMSuKoEB5AuWDyiQ About Beth WannerBeth is the founder of Mother Cover, a leave coverage agency that helps companies across the U.S. and Canada manage parental and temporary leave without disrupting business or careers. Beth has 15 years of experience as an executive in the tech space, where she saw firsthand how gaps in leave coverage create unnecessary risk for both organizations and employees. Even with policies in place, the operational reality often falls short.Beth founded Mother Cover to give individuals the ability to comfortably pause work when they need to, while providing companies with experienced support until their team member returns. Mother Cover offers the long overdue solution to a common challenge that’s been in desperate need of a new approach.Connect with Beth WannerWebsite | https://www.mothercoveragency.com/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/mothercoveragency/ Linkedin | https://ca.linkedin.com/in/bethwanner | https://www.linkedin.com/company/mother-cover/ About Andrea Barr, host of All Figured Out:Andrea is a certified career and life coach for parents. Through her coaching, she supports parents in finding better work-life rhythms so they can continue to grow personally and professionally without sacrificing family time.Connect with AndreaWebsite | ⁠https://www.andreabarr.com/⁠  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/allfiguredoutandrea | https://www.instagram.com/allfiguredout.podcast 

Sarah Coombes is a parent who cracked the code when it comes to building wealth with multiple incomes! A strategist who discovered that keeping her 9-5 was the actual key to building wealth. In this conversation, she shares how she created seven income streams while working full-time as an educator and raising three young kids, the mindset shift from "consuming money" to "producing money" that changed everything for her family, and why debt isn't always bad. This episode will completely reframe how you think about money, time, and building a life that works for you without feeling trapped by your paycheck or guilty about not doing "enough”.In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Intro(06:07) How Sarah balanced teaching, leadership, and building wealth(06:40) Why your 9-5 income is actually your greatest leverage point(10:32) Debunking the myth that wealthy people never use their own money(02:17) When debt is good and when it's bad(17:39) The identity shift of leaving education after becoming a mother(23:26) "Producing vs consuming", the money mindset that will change your perspective(26:38) What to do when you're living paycheck to paycheck(32:09) Sarah's property development journey and learning to let go(36:16) How Sarah still works in education while running multiple businesses(47:45) How to know if your business model is actually working(01:00:02) Sarah's transition ritual between work and home(01:00:47) What Sarah is still figuring outKEY TAKEAWAYYou need to get your money to a point where it’s producing more than you’re consuming. Start with just 5% of your income working to make more money, then build from there.About Sarah CoombesSarah Coombes is the founder and host of the RichHer Podcast, where she helps ambitious women — especially mums — navigate money, career, and life without burning out. After living in garages with two children under two and rebuilding from the ground up, Sarah understands firsthand what it means to move from survival to a truly rich life.With a background in education and leadership, she brings real, honest conversations and practical tools to help women redefine success. She’s now the go-to woman for building income streams that create real richness — in money, time, and choice — and she’s passionate about helping women get rich without repeating the mistakes she had to learn the hard way.Connect with Sarah CoombesInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/richher_/ About Andrea Barr, host of All Figured Out:Andrea is a certified career and life coach for parents. Through her coaching, she supports parents in finding better work-life rhythms so they can continue to grow personally and professionally without sacrificing family time.Connect with AndreaWebsite | ⁠https://www.andreabarr.com/⁠  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/allfiguredoutandrea | https://www.instagram.com/allfiguredout.podcast

If you feel like you’re lost in a life that looks amazing from the outside, crushing it on paper, but inside, it still feels… off? Andrea sits down with Fiona Walsh, somatic coach, who helps high-achieving parents recalibrate their lives by blending neuroscience-based mindset tools with somatic practices. Fiona shares her own rock-bottom moment during COVID—three kids, a thriving corporate career, and zero sense of who she was anymore—and the breathwork experience in Tulum that cracked her wide open.This isn't about positive affirmations, a wish, and a prayer… but rather getting you to realize that you're overwhelmed because you're still running on old wiring that no longer fits who you've become as a parent.In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Intro(03:29) Why most working parents are running on patterns that no longer fit(08:15) Fiona's burnout moment: lost in a busy, full life(11:39) The Tulum retreat that changed everything(14:10) What somatic coaching actually is (and why your body holds the answers)(26:42) How to release protective patterns without just "thinking" your way out(38:48) The truth about perfectionism and people-pleasing as survival strategies(45:17) "Finding your purpose" is about remembering who you are(55:39) Creating intimacy with yourself (without adding another to-do)(57:53) What Fiona is still figuring outKEY TAKEAWAYIdentity recalibration is your real power move when your body is telling you that who you were before kids no longer matches who you need to be now.About Fiona WalshFiona Walsh is a Life Transformation Coach and the creator of the Inner Freedom Method, a unique process that blends neuroscience-based mindset, parts work, somatic practices, and intuition. She works with high-achieving parents and leaders who look like they have it all figured out, but underneath are carrying the quiet weight of overwhelm, pressure, and self-doubt.Connect with Fiona WalshWebsite | www.fionawalsh.co Instagram | http://instagram.com/fionawalshcoaching/ Linkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-walsh-coach/ Podcast | https://www.fionawalsh.co/podcast About Andrea Barr, host of All Figured Out:Andrea is a certified career and life coach for parents. Through her coaching, she supports parents in finding better work-life rhythms so they can continue to grow personally and professionally without sacrificing family time.Connect with AndreaWebsite | ⁠https://www.andreabarr.com/⁠  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/allfiguredoutandrea | https://www.instagram.com/allfiguredout.podcast 

Emily wakes up her kids by asking them, "Who's going to have the best day EVER?!", and that's how you stay ready for magic, every single day. In this episode, Emily shares how she sold out her 110-person event after weeks of hardly selling any (and being on the hook for 10s of thousands of dollars), why she never leaves the house without feeling put together (and how it makes her a better mom), and the power of living in anticipation. From spontaneous two-week road trips to teaching her kids that mom is more than just "mom," Emily's approach to life, business, and parenthood will make you want to wear your favorite dress on a Tuesday and say yes to opportunities before you're "ready."In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Intro(02:34) How Emily attracts magic by expecting it and being ready(06:50) Putting your shoot-your-shot message out there despite fear(11:27) The real story behind selling Feast: financial facts, breaking point, and door-to-door sales(22:10) Why Emily is obsessed with dress codes (and what they really mean)(26:24) The "wear the damn dress" philosophy and feeling good as a mom(32:22) The spontaneous two-and-a-half-week Oregon road trip(37:46) What makes someone truly attractive as a human being(48:04) Why Emily feels sexier after becoming a mom(52:35) How to handle people who feel triggered by your confidence(56:00) Living in anticipation and romanticizing your own life(1:00:00) The psychology of investment: why price point matters(1:12:00) What Emily is still figuring out: monetizing long table dinners for the long haulKEY TAKEAWAYAs a mom, you're becoming a more powerful version of yourself. When you show up feeling good (however that looks for you), you're teaching your kids that you're not just Mom, you're a woman. And they need to see that.About Emily ShimwellEmily’s why is simple: to remind you why we’re here, to get us out from behind our screens, and back into real life, to make women feel confident, capable, and alive.Yorkshire-born storyteller, experience designer, mom of two small humans; Jack Wilder and Wilf Parker, now rooted in Squamish, BC. Emily’s a night owl and an early bird, and her coffee order is never predictable. Gathering is in her bones. Her door is always open, the kettle is always on, and she’ll happily run down the street just to compliment you. She creates spaces where people feel safe, alive, and deeply connected, which is the heartbeat of everything she does.To Emily, the ultimate symbol of connection is the dinner table. That’s why she founded Dine Wilder: curated dinner retreats for women craving more. More depth. More meaning. More real connection. She doesn’t just make things look beautiful. She crafts moments that stay with you long after the last plate is cleared.Connect with EmilyWebsite | https://dinewilderevents.com/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dine.wilder | https://www.instagram.com/_emily_wilder_ Linkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-shimwell-038937145/ Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571471623545 About Andrea Barr, host of All Figured Out:Andrea is a certified career and life coach for parents. Through her coaching, she supports parents in finding better work-life rhythms so they can continue to grow personally and professionally without sacrificing family time.Connect with AndreaWebsite | ⁠https://www.andreabarr.com/⁠  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/allfiguredoutandrea | https://www.instagram.com/allfiguredout.podcast

Work-life balance is all about getting your psychological needs met, not just about time management. Professor, researcher, and expert in employee well-being, Lieke ten Brummelhuis shares why "doing it all" is a myth, how to recover from workaholism as a parent, and the three needs that actually determine your happiness. Plus: research-backed insights on why women help more at work and home, and how to prevent resentment from building up with your partner.In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Intro(03:15) How Lieke accidentally became a work-life balance researcher(07:42) What her early research revealed about parents with young children(10:28) Recovering from workaholism: Lieke's personal aha moment with her daughter(14:50) Why you need different domains where you feel competent (not just work)(17:35) The power of completing tiny projects—like baking banana bread(20:45) Why it's actually healthy to need control over something manageable(24:18) Gender differences in helping behavior at work and home(28:30) Why you can't have it all (and why that's actually okay)(33:20) The real question: Are you happy? Not, are you balanced?(36:10) The 3 psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and belonging(40:25) How to audit where your needs are being met across life domains(45:50) Communication with your partner without letting resentment pile up(50:15) Thoughts on remote work and the balance between control and connection(55:40) What Lieke is still figuring outKEY TAKEAWAYStop chasing work-life balance and start asking: What makes me happy? You don't need to "do it all" what you need is to feel in control, competent, and connected. Those three needs can be met strategically across different areas of your life, not just through work. When you shift from time management to needs fulfillment, you stop burning out and start actually living.About Lieke ten BrummelhuisLieke ten Brummelhuis is a Professor in Management at Simon Fraser University, researching employee well-being. She is the author of the book "Work-Life Strategy," in which she explains how to find happiness when juggling multiple roles. She is also a contributor to Forbes, sharing insights on how to work healthily with leaders and employees worldwide. Her work has been featured in the Harvard Business Review, Wall Street Journal, and Globe & Mail. Ten Brummelhuis lives with her family in North Vancouver, British Columbia.Connect with Lieke ten BrummelhuisWebsite | https://www.rerailyourlife.com/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/rerail.your.life | Linkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieke-ten-brummelhuis-3159051/ Book | https://amzn.to/4bwuNzM  About Andrea Barr, host of All Figured Out:Andrea is a certified career and life coach for parents. Through her coaching, she supports parents in finding better work-life rhythms so they can continue to grow personally and professionally without sacrificing family time.Connect with AndreaWebsite | ⁠https://www.andreabarr.com/⁠  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/allfiguredoutandrea | https://www.instagram.com/allfiguredout.podcast

Move over Peter Attia. I know you’re eating sandwich crusts for breakfast and calling it a meal, because I’m a busy parent and I’ve done that! You’re probably skipping meals, forgetting to eat until 3 PM, or you’re finding yourself irritable and anxious mid-afternoon, so this episode is your wake-up call.Dr. Valerie Hertzog returns to talk about chronic under-fueling. As a longevity-focused medical doctor and coach, Dr. Val breaks down why those "feast or famine" eating patterns are sabotaging your energy, hormones, and long-term health, and what to do about it. Dr. Val also breaks down metabolic health, the protein trend, perimenopause, muscle building, and simple strategies for actually fueling yourself properly without adding another complicated system to your plate.In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Intro(02:46) Val's new role at a longevity clinic & what longevity actually means(09:27) Metabolic health, hormones, and eating: the connections no one talks about(20:40) Perimenopause decoded: what it is and the fear-mongering around it(28:07) The protein trend: why we need it and how much strength training you actually need(34:11) VO2 max and cardio zones explained(38:24) Why busy parents are chronically under-fueling and how to fix it(41:47) Simple fueling strategies: the bento box approach and protein at breakfast(49:40) Cravings, fake sugars, and Val's final adviceKEY TAKEAWAYKeep it simple and start small. Focus on eating every 3-4 hours with protein and fibre at breakfast. Think bento box style—simple components you can grab throughout the day. Don't try to overhaul everything at once; sustainable changes happen gradually, not overnight.About Dr. Valerie HertzogDr. Valerie Hertzog is a family physician with a strong focus on preventive and lifestyle medicine, dedicated to helping patients live better, longer. With a passion for evidence-based care, she empowers individuals to take control of their long-term health through personalized strategies that support vitality, energy, and resilience at every age. She completed her medical training at the University of Toronto and the University of Ottawa and is a Certified Lifestyle Medicine Physician with the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine. She also has training in cognitive behavioural therapy, motivational interviewing, and nutrition, which she integrates into her clinical approach to address the underlying drivers of chronic disease and age-related health challenges. Her interest in longevity and proactive health was shaped by her own medical journey during training, deepening her appreciation for sustainable, preventative care. As a wellness coach and mother of three, she brings both clinical expertise and real-life experience to her work. Dr. Hertzog is committed to helping patients optimize their healthspan so they can feel their best, stay active, and thrive well into the future.Connect with Dr. Valerie HertzogWebsite | https://valeriehertzog.com/ | https://lifespanmd.ca/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dr.valerie.hertzog Linkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriehertzogmd/ About Andrea Barr, host of All Figured Out:Andrea is a certified career and life coach for parents. Through her coaching, she supports parents in finding better work-life rhythms so they can continue to grow personally and professionally without sacrificing family time.Connect with AndreaWebsite | ⁠https://www.andreabarr.com/⁠  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/allfiguredoutandrea | https://www.instagram.com/allfiguredout.podcast 

Ever wondered what it's really like behind the mic? In this special behind-the-scenes episode, Sarah Chapman-Funston turns the tables and interviews Andrea about the real story of starting and sustaining a podcast as a working mom. From launching in her first trimester to navigating "mama stay" moments, Andrea gets vulnerable about the wins, the struggles, and why she keeps showing up—even when it's not always easy.In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Intro(02:22) The audacity of starting a podcast in your first trimester(05:05) What's changed in two years (spoiler: she grew an entire human)(09:42) The real reason Andrea keeps podcasting (hint: it's not about money)(14:37) How she actually makes it work day-to-day with two kids(18:01) Rhythms over routines: The 80/20 default system(24:05) The heartbreak of "mama stay" and what it's teaching her(25:25) What's next: Video, bigger guests, and staying curiousKEY TAKEAWAYFollow the breadcrumbs. You don't need to have it all figured out to start something meaningful. Test it out, stay flexible, and remember: impact matters more than immediate income. Even one person's transformation makes it worth it.About Sarah Chapman-FunstonSarah Chapman-Funston is the founder of SCF Marketing and a seasoned brand and content strategist. After a decade in corporate marketing, she launched her consulting business to work with small businesses and founders in a way that’s strategic, sustainable, and human. She’s also a mom of two and lives in the Vancouver area. Looking for strategic marketing support without the overhead of a full agency? Book an intro call with Sarah or learn more at ⁠scfmarketing.ca⁠ About Andrea Barr, host of All Figured Out:Andrea is a certified career and life coach for parents. Through her coaching, she supports parents in finding better work-life rhythms so they can continue to grow personally and professionally without sacrificing family time.Connect with AndreaWebsite | ⁠https://www.andreabarr.com/⁠  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/allfiguredoutandrea | https://www.instagram.com/allfiguredout.podcast

📆Download your Ideal Schedule Template → https://andreabarr.myflodesk.com/idealschedule Ever looked at your calendar and realized it's telling a story you didn't mean to write? This New Year episode is all about the uncomfortable truth: your schedule reveals what you actually value, not what you think you value.Andrea shares the gut-punch moment when her husband sat her down after returning from maternity leave and said, "You're not happy—and I can feel it." That wake-up call led to a complete audit of how she was spending her time and energy.In this episode, Andrea walks you through a 3-step process to identify the gap between how you're living and what you truly value, and more importantly, how to close that gap.In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Intro(00:34) Why your calendar already tells a story about you and your family(03:06) The three steps to audit your life: time, desires, and action(04:17) Two real examples: the hockey mom who's burnt out from driving kids everywhere, and Andrea's own return-to-work crisis(08:20) Going deeper: what do you REALLY want? (It's not just "less driving")(10:29) The action plan: quick wins vs. long-term changes(12:43) How hard is this really? Rating your own transformation(16:20) The power of enrolling others in your change(18:16) Why this isn't a "set it and forget it" exercise(19:50) Recalibration sessions: how Andrea and her husband check in weekly(20:35) Everything comes down to living your valuesKEY TAKEAWAYYour calendar reveals what you actually value (not what you think you value), and this episode gives you the 3-step process to close the gap between how you're living and what truly matters to you.About Andrea Barr, host of All Figured Out:Andrea is a certified career and life coach for parents. Through her coaching, she supports parents in finding better work-life rhythms so they can continue to grow personally and professionally without sacrificing family time.Connect with AndreaWebsite | ⁠https://www.andreabarr.com/⁠  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/allfiguredoutandrea

🎁 ENTER THE HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY → andreabarr.com/giveaway[HOLIDAY BEST OF SERIES]This final Throwback Thursday of the holiday series brings you one of your most-loved episodes about navigating major life transitions. If you've ever loved a career but struggled to make it work after kids—or dreamed of starting your own thing—Mackenzie Forge's story will resonate deeply.Mackenzie has an incredible story of competition, loss, drive, and raising a family. She went from varsity athlete to thriving in commercial real estate—a career she genuinely loved waking up for on Monday mornings. But after having her daughter Kennedy in February 2020 (hello, pandemic parenthood), and then twin boys 11 months later, everything shifted.In this conversation, Mackenzie opens up about the guilt of not giving enough to either work or family, the moment she decided to leave her career, and how she channeled her business skills into creating Forge Magnetic Clothing—beautiful magnetic bibs and clothing for babies and toddlers.This episode is for anyone who's trying to figure out how to honor both their career drive and their family values—and for anyone who needs to hear that leaving doesn't mean giving up.In this episode, we cover:(04:55) Mackenzie's varsity athlete background and overcoming depression after leaving sports(07:49) 2014: A year of big highs and devastating lows—losing her mom, career changes, and meeting her husband(09:49) Why she absolutely loved her commercial real estate career(14:08) The pivot point: joining CREW and getting pregnant(15:42) Having Kennedy in February 2020 and pandemic parenthood(17:32) The challenging transition back to work part-time(19:45) Why boundaries are complicated in time-sensitive industries(21:50) The decision to leave after compensation changes and feeling like she was failing everywhere(24:07) Finding out about twins (and thinking it was triplets!)(27:29) Starting Forge Magnetic Clothing from a real problem she needed to solve(28:29) The frustration of snap bibs and why magnets changed everything(30:02) Building nine prototypes over 10 months while raising three kids(33:39) Finding fulfillment in entrepreneurship beyond just the money(35:20) The universe's hand: Would she have gone back to real estate if not for twins?(37:21) What's on the horizon for Forge Magnetics(40:07) Advice for ambitious moms trying to balance it all(42:27) What Mackenzie is still figuring out in 2024About Mackenzie Forge:Mackenzie is a mom of 3 vivacious toddlers and the founder of Forge Magnetic Clothing. She was born and raised in North Vancouver and had a successful career in Commercial Real Estate, which she left in 2022, after finishing her second maternity leave, choosing to spend more time with her children and start a business.Shop Forge Magnetics:Website | https://forgemagnetic.com/Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/forgemagnetic/Special offer for All Figured Out listeners:Use code ALLFIGUREDOUT10 for 10% off your purchase!(Code is limited to one use per customer)About Andrea Barr, host of All Figured Out:Andrea is a certified career and life coach for parents. Through her coaching, she supports parents in finding better work-life rhythms so they can continue to grow personally and professionally without sacrificing family time.Connect with AndreaWebsite | ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.andreabarr.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠  Instagram | ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/allfiguredoutandrea⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Resume Shop⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Beautiful, customizable resumes to land your dream job

🎁 ENTER THE HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY → andreabarr.com/giveaway[HOLIDAY BEST OF SERIES]This Throwback Thursday brings you one of our most impactful episodes on parenting. If you've ever felt overwhelmed trying to raise resilient, well-adjusted children—or if you're working to break cycles from your own childhood—this conversation with Nurse Practitioner Kathleen Sullivan is essential listening.Raising children can (most of the time) be a mystery and a lot of trial and error. Add to that, trying to figure out how to raise resilient, well-adjusted, happy, and healthy children...and cue overwhelm.That's why we have Kathleen Sullivan here: she's going to share with us ALL about how we can raise resilient children.Kathleen is a Nurse Practitioner who, throughout her career, has worked with children in many different clinical settings. Currently, Kathleen works clinically with youth in mental health and substance abuse, and also serves in a leadership role developing education programs. She is part of a Doctors of BC working group focused on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and childhood trauma prevention.In this episode, we cover:(03:33) Kathleen's career pivot from pediatric nursing to becoming a Nurse Practitioner(11:29) The definition of trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)(13:35) The groundbreaking ACEs study and its surprising findings on long-term health impacts(21:02) How trauma physically changes the brain—and how quality care can reverse those changes(37:00) The four S's of secure parenting: Safe, Seen, Soothed, and Secure(32:00) Practical ways to build resilience in children through attachment and connection(28:29) How to break generational trauma cycles(30:10) Resources for parents navigating these challengesCONTENT ADVISORY: We will be talking about trauma and adverse childhood experiences in a theoretical sense. Topics include child abuse, neglect, mental illness, and substance abuse. Please do what you need to do to take care of your mental health, and skip this episode if this topic isn't speaking to you right now.Resources mentioned in this episode:Book: Raising a Secure Child by Ken HoffmanBook: The Power of Showing Up by Dan SiegelEMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapyDoctors of BC Working Group on Adverse Childhood ExperiencesAbout Kathleen SullivanKathleen is a family Nurse Practitioner with a clinical practice in a youth mental health and substance use. She recently joined the leadership team as a lead with the  Regional Professional Practice NP team with a focus on supporting quality practice environment and excellence in clinic practice for NPs, specifically in urgent care and primary care. After completing a capstone in Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)  Kathleen joined the provincial ACEs working group with Doctors of BC. Outside of work, she finds balance exploring trails and mountaintops with her partner and giant dog.About Andrea Barr, host of All Figured Out:Andrea is a certified career and life coach for parents. Through her coaching, she supports parents in finding better work-life rhythms so they can continue to grow personally and professionally without sacrificing family time.Connect with AndreaWebsite | ⁠⁠⁠https://www.andreabarr.com/⁠⁠⁠  Instagram | ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/allfiguredoutandrea⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Resume Shop⁠⁠⁠ – Beautiful, customizable resumes to land your dream job

🎁 ENTER THE HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY → https://www.andreabarr.com/giveaway[HOLIDAY BEST OF SERIES]This week's Throwback Thursday features one of your most-loved episodes from early in the podcast. If you're navigating the tension between career ambition and new motherhood—or questioning what success really means after becoming a parent—this conversation will resonate deeply.Trigger Warning: Topics such as disordered eating, infertility, and infant loss do come up in this episode. Please do what you need to do to take care of your mental health, and skip this episode if those topics just won't jive with you today.Today, I have Meredith MacKenzie on the show sharing her career story. And if there's one thing I've learned from coaching working parents and chatting with Meredith, it's that it's never just a career story—it's a life story.Our conversation spans Meredith's drive as a high achiever, her fertility challenges, and the current questions she's asking herself as she finishes her maternity leave, juggles her doctorate degree, and decides what to do about her return to work and considerations for family planning. As you can tell, we cover a lot here.Meredith is a Counsellor and the Founder of Parallel Wellness. Her team provides mental health therapy services to individuals, couples and families throughout British Columbia. Meredith is also a PhD candidate at the University of British Columbia and first-time mom. Meredith supports women in overcoming years of dieting, poor body image, binge eating and emotional eating, so they can reconnect with their body's true needs and find freedom from food and diet culture.For Meredith, figuring it all out has been understanding herself more deeply, weighing her career, her health, and her family values, and learning to put herself first.To connect with Meredith MacKenzie:Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/parallelwellness/ | https://www.instagram.com/dr.meredithmackenzie/YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@dr.meredithmackenzie To learn about her current offerings and group programs, visit her platforms aboveAbout Andrea Barr, host of All Figured Out:Andrea is a certified career and life coach for parents. Through her coaching, she supports parents in finding better work-life rhythms so they can continue to grow personally and professionally without sacrificing family time.Connect with AndreaWebsite | ⁠⁠https://www.andreabarr.com/⁠⁠  Instagram | ⁠https://www.instagram.com/allfiguredoutandrea⁠ ⁠⁠Resume Shop⁠⁠ – Beautiful, customizable resumes to land your dream job

What happens when you have four kids by age 27, right as the women's movement is taking off? Jennifer Manocherian's story reads like several lifetimes woven into one—and at 86, she's not done. From family therapist to divorce mediator to Broadway producer to novelist, Jennifer has reinvented herself more times than most people change jobs.This conversation touches on resilience, letting go of guilt, and understanding that life is long enough to try again. If you've ever felt like you're running out of time or that you need to have it all figured out by a certain age, Jennifer's going to change your mind.In this episode, we cover:(12:17) Creating art from mannequins while recovering from a broken back – Why Jennifer can't stop starting new projects.(16:01) The cusp of the women's movement – How Jennifer navigated her 30s with four kids, a traditional husband, and a burning desire to work that didn't fit the era's expectations(19:14) Getting her undergraduate degree at 34, while having her 5th child – Why alternative education programs gave Jennifer the flexibility she needed to finish what she started(23:41) Creating a PR department out of thin air – How Jennifer built a public relations role through sheer creativity and hustle(29:21) Walking away from Broadway – The moment Jennifer realized theatre producing was too hard on her family life, and why she had to shift her ambition to save what mattered most(38:10) "The worst thing is wanting something and not doing it" – Jennifer's philosophy on risk, failure, and why trying (even if you fail) beats regret every single time(52:45) The arbitrary pressure of "figuring it out by 40" – Jennifer's response to the idea that you need to have your life sorted by a certain age: "You take your temperature as you go along and readjust."KEY TAKEAWAYLife is long, and wanting something you don't pursue hurts worse than trying and failing. "I think the worst thing that can happen is wanting something and not doing it. I'm not afraid to risk making a mistake or being wrong."About Jennifer ManocherianJennifer Manocherian, 86, has had more careers than most people have decades. She's been a publicist, family therapist, divorce mediator, Broadway producer, filmmaker, novelist, and screenwriting teacher—often reinventing herself just as she was getting good at the last thing.Her creative work spans film (Family Blues on Amazon Prime, If I Tell You awaiting release), musical theater (Marry Harry, LULU), and novels (Alpha Bette, with a second in progress). She's also a wife, mother of five, grandmother of fifteen, great-grandmother of one, and a self-proclaimed creator of "weird art pieces."At 86, she's still teaching, writing, and figuring out what's next—because as she'll tell you, life is long.Connect with JenniferWebsite | https://jennifermanocherian.netInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/jennifermanocherianLinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-manocherian-2421855/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/jmanocherianAbout Andrea Barr, host of All Figured Out:Andrea is a certified career and life coach for parents. Through her coaching, she supports parents in finding better work-life rhythms so they can continue to grow personally and professionally without sacrificing family time.Connect with AndreaWebsite | ⁠https://www.andreabarr.com/⁠  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/allfiguredoutandrea ⁠Resume Shop⁠ – Beautiful, customizable resumes to land your dream job

What does it take to walk away from 19 years of federal leadership to start completely over? Yaa-Hemaa Obiri-Yeboah shares her remarkable journey from political refugee to Rhodes Scholar to federal executive—and why she ultimately chose to leave it all behind. This conversation goes deep on career pivots, generational workplace dynamics, the messy reality of transitioning back to work after mat leave, and what it really means to "operate from your power." If you've ever felt successful on paper but unfulfilled in your soul, this episode is for you.In this episode, we cover:(04:01) Surviving a political coup as an infant – How Yaa-Hemaa's family fled Ghana when her father refused to participate in a military coup, eventually landing in Canada as political refugees(18:19) The "public servant by day, singer-songwriter by night" era – How Yaa-Hemaa juggled federal leadership with performing at jazz bars and releasing an EP, all while appearing on CBC radio in the morning and rushing to work for executive meetings(23:26) Getting promoted while on maternity leave – Yaa-Hemaa passed executive-level exams and interviews when her son was under 3 months old, proving that motherhood doesn't pause ambition (even when you're sleep-deprived)(27:13) Why the pandemic was actually good for her family – With her parents moving in to create a supportive pod, Yaa-Hemaa had the village most working parents dream of during those early years(47:17) The return-to-office debate – Why mandating in-office days without intentional connection is missing the entire point (and frustrating everyone in the process)KEY TAKEAWAYSuccess on paper doesn't equal fulfillment in your soul—and it's okay to walk away from what looks good to find what feels right. "I wanna be able to operate from my power."Connect with Yaa-Hemaa Obiri-YeboahWebsite | https://theyvariable.com/LinkedIn | Yaa-Hemaa Obiri-YeboahInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/itstheyvariable/ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@itstheyvariableOnline Course Career School by The Y Variable: Your First 30 Days…and Beyond Connect with AndreaWebsite | ⁠https://www.andreabarr.com/⁠  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/allfiguredoutandrea ⁠Resume Shop⁠ – Beautiful, customizable resumes to land your dream job

108. Figuring out your legal rights at work (before you need them) with Erin BrandtSometimes you get a sinking feeling when you’re handed a new job offer because you might have no idea what you’re actually signing. Or you’ve found yourself wondering what you can and can't negotiate when you’re going on mat leave.This episode is the legal safety net you didn't know you needed.Employment lawyer Erin Brandt breaks down everything working parents need to know about their rights—from signing contracts to navigating mat leaves, getting fired, and everything in between. And she does it in a way that actually makes sense (no legal jargon, promise).Whether you're accepting a new role, planning a leave, or dealing with a tricky work situation, this is the legal information you wish you'd had years ago.In this episode, we cover:Mat Leave & Parental Leave:(00:11:58) The 12 vs. 18-month EI trap (and why you should almost always choose 12 months)(00:13:24) How to communicate changing needs without jeopardizing your job(00:17:36) What employers can and can't do while you're on leave(00:24:50) Why short-term disability benefits matter more than you think(00:29:27) Feeling pressure to return from leave early(00:34:28) What happens if you don't accrue enough EI hours between babiesBefore You Sign:(00:39:21) What to look for in an employment contract (00:40:38) How to negotiate termination clauses without losing the offer(00:45:34) Why that "standard" contract might not be so standard(00:49:44) The truth about non-competes—and when they're actually enforceable(00:50:35) Will pushing back on an offer get it rescinded?(00:57:48) Non-compete clauses when you want to quit(00:36:30) What "salary continuance" means and why it matters for EI eligibilityWhen Things Go Wrong:(01:03:00) How to know if you're experiencing discrimination vs. just a bad situation(01:05:19) The BC Human Rights Tribunal reality check(01:06:10) The real cost of not getting legal advice on a severance package(01:06:53) Why some people choose to fight—and others choose to walk away(01:08:11) What you're actually signing away in a settlementKEY TAKEAWAY:Communication is everything. Whether you're negotiating a contract, planning a leave, or navigating a termination—clarity, boundaries, and understanding your rights will always serve you better than staying silent.RELATED EPISODES:Ep. 95: The emotional journey of surrogacy and parenting with Stephanie Bosello  – Spotify or AppleEp. 94: How to co-regulate without losing yourself as a parent with Tracy Adams – Spotify or AppleABOUT ERIN BRANDT:Erin (she/her) is an employment and human rights lawyer and is passionate about helping people create meaningful employment relationships and assisting to resolve conflict where those relationships break down. Erin is excited by new ideas that increase the value clients receive from legal services and enthusiastic about new technologies that make accessing legal services more convenient. She channels this passion and enthusiasm into solving workplace problems for both employers and employeesWebsite: portalaw.caLinkedIn: Erin BrandtInstagram: @portalawbcABOUT ANDREA BARR, HOST OF ALL FIGURED OUT:Andrea Barr is a certified career and life coach for ambitious parents and the host of the All Figured Out podcast. She helps parents find clarity, confidence, and career-family alignment without burnout.Through her coaching, workshops, and podcast, Andrea shares the strategies and mindset shifts parents need to design careers that fit their lives—so they can thrive at work and at home.Connect with Andrea:Website: https://www.andreabarr.com/ Instagram: @allfiguredoutandreaResume Shop – Beautiful, customizable resumes to land your dream jobLEGAL DISCLAIMER:This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, please consult with an employment lawyer in your province.