The Paula Faris Show

I can’t believe we’re saying this, but we are looking at colleges with our daughter, Caroline. One day, you’re dropping your kid off at preschool, and the next, they’re getting ready to fly the coop.  That’s literally how fast it’s gone.  In this episode, John and I talk about taking those first college tours, what we’re learning along the way, and what shocked us most about the process. (Any guesses on who handled themselves best during the tours?)  Plus, the one thing we’ve done which has focused the direction and strategy on which schools we should be looking at.  We also get real about how much we should be involved as parents and whether we’re projecting our own desires a bit too much on our kids.  Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more : (05:58) The value of College Tours and Getting LOST! . (13:28) College Decision-Making and Financial Considerations (21:41) Choosing the Right College Together With Your Child  (26:42) Parenting, College Choices, and Reflection In this episode, we are diving into changes in the college tour and application process over the years, the financial investment families and students make in college, being careful not to project our own dreams onto our kids’ college choices, weighing pros and cons of each school (and writing it down!), distance as a factor in choosing a college, and how fast time goes as we raise our kids. LINKS  PAULA’S PERSONAL NEWSLETTER Paula’s Closet Sale, which benefits the BGCA–everything is 50% off! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of our challenges as a family is finding really good programming that’s not only compelling, but it’s safe for us to watch with our whole crew. This is something we hear from a LOT of families.  So, John and I invited Dallas Jenkins (Director/Creator) to the show to discuss our favorite holiday movies and family shows and why he’s saying, “He’s never seen anything like it” when it comes to the future of family-friendly programming.  Happy Holidays, family. Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more:  (03:34) Family-Friendly Entertainment Struggles (10:55) Quality Content in Today's Society (17:37) Accountability App - Covenant Eyes (20:35) Faith Media Industry Growth and Opportunity (30:31) Adapting Book to Film Techniques (33:16) Theater Experience for Everyone (37:19) Inspiration Behind TV Series 'The Chosen SUMMARY:  In this episode, we are diving into teenage date conversations, why it’s so difficult to find quality content for the whole family, being vigilant about protecting our kids from content they aren’t ready for, suggestions of shows and movies to watch as a family, and the (encouraging!) direction of family friendly and faith based content.  PAULA’S PERSONAL NEWSLETTER Paula’s Closet Sale, which benefits the BGCA–everything is 50% off!  Dallas Jenkins - Instagram  Movies and Shows we discussed on the podcast:  HOLIDAY MOVIES: It’s a Wonderful Life, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Elf, A Christmas Story, Home Alone, George C Scott's Christmas Carol, The Muppet Christmas Carol, The Christmas Chronicles I and II,  TEEN SHOWS: Breaking Bad, Friday Night Lights (12+) WHOLE FAMILY: Paddington 1 & 2, Babe , Inside Out, Gravity Falls, The Chosen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The reality is that 95% of us will be with our families over the holidays. So, how do you determine whose house you’re going to? And, how do you navigate the in-law relationships, particularly the one with your mother-in-law? I’ll be honest… I overheard some women at my local gym talking about the stress of navigating holiday travel and their in-laws, and I thought to myself, “We HAVE to talk about this.” Plus, a lot of you have reached out asking to have this conversation. So, about your mother-in-law… I was shocked to learn that over half of women are either satisfied or HIGHLY satisfied with the relationship they have with their mothers-in-law! Confusing, right? Because that’s not the narrative we hear…so, maybe the relationship gets a bad rap?  To talk about it all, I’ve invited mom, podcaster and new friend Rachel Awtrey to the podcast for an honest conversation about the complexities of determining whose house we go to. Plus, we also dive into the deep end talking about mothers-in-law and our loving advice for any mothers-in-law out there.  This is definitely a conversation that’s not happening enough. But life happens. So, Let’s Talk About It! Listen in to learn more:  (06:19) Navigating Military Life Between States  (08:53) Desire for Family Proximity  (15:46) Family Representatives for Difficult Conversations  (19:22) Creating Family Traditions Without Conflict  (22:21) In-Law Relationships at the Holidays  (35:35) Encouragement and Positive Feedback  In this episode, we are diving into how to navigate holiday travel when you live away from family, practical tips for deciding where to spend the holidays, doing what’s right for your family in your season, the dynamics and tensions of in-law relationships, and modeling good in-law relationships for our children.  LINKS :  Meet Rachel Awtrey  PAULA’S PERSONAL NEWSLETTER Paula’s Closet Sale which benefits the BGCA–everything is 50% off!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The moms from the Birds & Bees are back to answer all your thought-provoking questions about how to talk about sex and our bodies with our children.  When should they stop bathing together? How do you talk about sex when they’re older? Should your kids see you naked? How do you have these conversations with your special needs kids? We’re leaving no stone unturned.  We’re even discussing when and if you should share your own personal experiences with them.  And, don’t forget to sign up for their Birds & Bees course for 20% off with the code “PAULA”. Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more : (01:28) Talking Tough Conversations With Kids  (06:13) Effective Conversations With Adolescents (09:25) Starting the Conversation About Reproduction  (17:16) When to Stop Bathing Together?  (20:10) Cultural Perceptions of Modesty  (37:50) Embracing Shyness in Parenting (43:37) Comfortable Conversations About Sex In this episode, we are digging into why having uncomfortable conversations is best done shoulder to shoulder, meeting our kids with age-appropriate responses, how to know when your child is ready for more information, when siblings should stop bathing together when family members should stop changing in front of one another, the danger of oversexualizing our bodies, and approaching the sex talk with kids who have special needs.  Birds & Bees Course:  USE CODE: PAULA for 20% off  PAULA’S PERSONAL NEWSLETTER Paula’s Closet Sale which benefits the BGCA–everything is 50% off!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I don’t know of any parent that says, “I can’t wait to have the sex talk with my kid!” So, I’m gonna have the moms from Birds & Bees on the podcast to help us navigate all that discomfort.  They’re going to tell you this: you’re not alone in your dread. But they’ll also share why and how we need to take the pressure off of having ONE BIG TALK.  This conversation is going to be so helpful for you and your crew. And, it’s just Part 1. They’ll be back next week to answer ALL YOUR QUESTIONS, ranging from when kids should stop bathing together, being naked around your children, and how to talk about sex when they’re a bit older.  Finally, make sure you check out their BIRDS AND BEES course, which is now 20% off with the code “PAULA.”  Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more:  (00:47) Navigating the Sex Talk With Kids (114 Seconds) (06:46) Importance of Multiple Age-Appropriate Conversations (80 Seconds) (11:33) Parenting and Sex Ed Timing (32 Seconds) (15:30) Navigating Early Conversations With Children (100 Seconds) (20:36) The Role of Parents in Conversations (76 Seconds) (28:47) Parenting and Sex Education Conversations (89 Seconds) SUMMARY:  In this episode, we are delving into the pressure and dread parents feel around the sex talk, why parents need to initiate conversations about our bodies and sex, letting go of the pressure to be perfect parents so we can be purposeful parents instead, and how you can give your kids good information while giving yourself the grace to try again if a conversation doesn’t go the way you hoped it would.  LINKS: Birds & Bees Course:  USE CODE: PAULA for 20% off  Get Paula’s Personal Newsletter Paula’s Closet Sale which benefits the BGCA–everything is 50% off!  THE CARRY ALL NEWSLETTER by and for working moms Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you think we need to agree with people in order to respect them or befriend them? Maybe you’ve been unfriended by someone who doesn’t see eye to eye with you politically, or your kid has come from school saying disparaging things about another kid’s family because of who they’re voting for. (That’s the worst…and I’ve been there.)  And why can’t we have conversations about politics at the dinner table?  I’ve found the perfect person to talk about this with–Sharon McMahon, aka America’s Government Teacher, who just wrote a #1 New York Times Bestselling book called “The Small and the Mighty.”  Sharon is going to guide us in how to effectively talk about politics with our kids, family, and friends. And make sure you hear her phrase for those of us who only respect or befriend people with our viewpoints.  We also discuss the lack of choice in terms of candidates and a possible solution to fix it.  Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more:  (03:24) Navigating Political Conversations With Sharon  (12:27) Teaching Kids About Politics  (18:36) Modeling Healthy Conversation With Curiosity  (22:08) Moral Narcissism in Society  (27:08) Navigating Bias in News Sources  (29:30) Evaluating Media Bias and Reliability  (38:41) Inspiring Everyday American Unsung Heroes  (49:16) National Primary Election Day Legislation  (54:27) Journalistic Integrity and Backlash  SUMMARY:  In this episode, we discuss how to teach our kids to talk about politics in an appropriate and civil way, how to disagree without dehumanizing other people, how to give our children age-appropriate agency, practical ways to help our kids develop critical thinking skills, and how to distinguish between bias and lies in information. LINKS: Paula’s Closet Sale which benefits the BGCA–everything is 50% off!  Connect with Sharon Sharons’s new book 1440 News (Paula’s pick) Paula's Personal Newsletter THE CARRY ALL NEWSLETTER by and for working moms Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John and I have a wide-ranging conversation about Why Parenting in America is So Tough.  We talk about our big struggles as parents, how parenting is “hazardous to your health” per the Surgeon General, plus we check in with our friend Stephanie May Wilson (Mom and Podcaster), who recently moved from Tennessee to SPAIN, mainly because parenting in America is such a struggle.  You’ll love to hear her experience of what it’s like parenting in another country, how their cultures view and support family, plus our new favorite Spanish word and how it could be a game changer for your crew. Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more:  Listen in to learn more:  * Gratitude for Podcast Topics | 0:05:32 - 0:06:13  * Parenting Struggles With Over-Structuring | 0:10:48 - 0:12:05  * Teaching Responsibility Through Ownership | 0:13:43 - 0:14:53 * Parental Balancing Act of Providing Experiences | 0:17:04 - 0:18:31 * Parenting in America vs. Other Countries | 0:20:28 - 0:21:25  * Parenting Challenges Prompt Move to Spain | 0:24:54 - 0:25:28  * School Enrollment Stress in Spain | 0:30:00 - 0:31:53 * Parental Struggles and Community Investment | 0:40:48 - 0:41:49 In this episode, we discuss stressors in parenting and raising a family, the challenge of balancing protecting our kids with growing their resilience, cultural differences in raising families, and the freedom that comes with simplifying family life.  LINKS: HOW TO BUILD AUTONOMY IN OUR KIDS  FAMILY CHARGING BOX TO REDUCE SCREEN TIME THE CARRY ALL NEWSLETTER by and for working moms https://carrymedia.com/the-carry-all/  SIGNUP  FOR PAULA’S NEWSLETTER https://www.paulafarisofficial.com/newsletter  FOLLOW PAULA ON INSTAGRAM   https://www.instagram.com/paulafaris/?hl=en Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re having fewer and fewer kids in the U.S. In fact, we’ve reached record-low numbers. But here’s the question: should we care? I am talking to sociologist Dr Jennifer Glass to explain the trend and reveal the most puzzling piece about it all.  Dr Glass is a Sociology Professor at the, University of Texas and the Executive Director at the Council on Contemporary Families. This is her life work. She’s done the research, commissioned the studies, looked at the trends and will break it all down.  As she tells me, we have a system where “mom just picks up the slack”. But, moms are fed up and starting to say NO.  We can’t call ourselves a family-friendly country if our policies don’t support the family and if money and power continue to go to those who ignore their families.  So, what’s our path forward?  Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more:  * Low Birth Rates and Family Policy | 0:00:52 - 0:02:36  * Global Concerns About Declining Birth Rates | 0:07:51 - 0:09:29 * Support for Families | 0:14:26 - 0:15:47 * Rethinking Office Metrics for Remote Work | 0:20:20 - 0:21:32  * Tax Pinch vs Social Insurance | 0:23:12 - 0:23:47 * Shared Responsibility for Family Leave | 0:26:30 - 0:27:28  * Lack of Family-Friendly Policies | 0:31:36 - 0:32:36  * American Individualism Impact on Children | 0:35:57 - 0:37:21  SUMMARY: In this insightful episode, Paula and Dr. Stephanie Glass highlight the challenges families face due to inadequate family-friendly policies, comparing U.S. approaches to those in Europe. Dr. Glass emphasizes the need for systemic changes to bolster families and the economy, offering hope through collaborative efforts and community-driven solutions.   LINKS:  Learn more about Dr. Stephanie Glass  Council on Contemporary Families  https://sites.utexas.edu/contemporaryfamilies/ THE CARRY ALL NEWSLETTER by and for working moms https://carrymedia.com/the-carry-all/  SIGNUP  FOR PAULA’S NEWSLETTER https://www.paulafarisofficial.com/newsletter  FOLLOW PAULA ON INSTAGRAM   https://www.instagram.com/paulafaris/?hl=en Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re talking hot topics throughout Season Three of The Paula Faris Show and one of the hottest topics is this: Women are leaving the workplace because it simply doesn’t work for them. 1 in 3 women are planning on “pausing” and nearly half are considering downshifting, to lean into family life.  What’s behind this trend? And, how can we support women throughout their entire journey of kids and career?  I’ve invited Neha Ruch, founder of Mother Untitled, to the conversation to talk about why women are leaving the workforce, plus how we can reframe the way we think and talk about “at-home” parents.  Motherhood Untitled is the leading platform for ambitious women who are leaning into family life. Neha and I have a very honest and spirited conversation about the pros and cons of leaving the workforce and how we can put an end to the #MommyWars.  Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more: (0:00:00 - 0:03:00) Community Resilience and First Responders (0:03:28 - 0:06:28) Challenges Faced by Working Mothers (0:06:36 - 0:09:36) Reframing Stay-at-Home Motherhood (0:20:11 - 0:23:11) Navigating Career Pivots After Motherhood  (0:38:47 - 0:41:47) Ending the Divisiveness in Parenting Choices SUMMARY: In this episode, we are diving into reframing the role of a stay-at-home parent, the many multi-faceted reasons a parent may choose to pause or downshift their work outside the home, the crux of the mommy wars and how we can solve them, the power of choice and advocating for better support for every parent, and the motherhood penalty women face in the workforce. LINKS:  Connect with Neha  https://www.instagram.com/motheruntitled/ Get Neha’s Book, ‘The Power Pause’ https://amzn.to/3zDUFsZ THE CARRY ALL NEWSLETTER by and for working moms https://carrymedia.com/the-carry-all/  SIGNUP  FOR PAULA’S NEWSLETTER https://www.paulafarisofficial.com/newsletter  FOLLOW PAULA ON INSTAGRAM   https://www.instagram.com/paulafaris/?hl=en Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I AM DONE COUNTING CALORIES.  The majority of your questions throughout this series have been about nutrition and exercise, so, let’s talk about how we can best prepare our bodies for this time in our lives, beginning in our 30’s. The pursuit of skinny is killing us. We need to be STRONG.  I somehow convinced my husband John to be part of this conversation–I can’t wait for you to hear his take. It’s important that our partners know what we’re going through and how they can support us.  John and I are joined by a dear friend from my past life in TV News, Dr. Jen Ashton, who recently left ABC News as their Chief Medical Correspondent and has since founded Ajenda, a women’s health company.  She’ll give us tips on how we should move, what we should eat, plus the magic formula to getting our daily protein! Life Happens. Let’s Talk About it.  Listen in to learn more: 01:25 - 02:33 Navigating Menopause 12:30 - 13:20 The Impact of Hormones on Women 17:51 - 18:58 Nutrition Education Discrepancy in Medicine 25:01 - 27:25 Nutrition and Moderation in Eating 28:46 - 30:09 Role of FDA-approved Weight Loss Medications 33:44 - 34:37 Double Standard on Dad Bods 36:34 - 39:03Maximizing Fitness With Variety and Consistency 40:33 - 42:13  Free Fitness Tips and Tricks 43:25 - 46:21 Importance of Being Strong SUMMARY:  In this episode, we are delving into nutrition for perimenopausal and menopausal women, why protein is so important and how to maximize the nutritional benefits, exercise that supports the female body before, during, and after menopause, and the importance of partners understanding what is happening to a woman’s body during menopause.  RESOURCES: Paula’s Fave weighted vest ARMRA for hair loss: Use code PAULAFARIS for 30% off your subscription! ALLOY Menopause Telehealth (use my code: PAULA42103 for $25 off)  Get Dr Jen’s Newsletter  Shop Paula’s TV clothes on The Saved Collection Win a copy of Dr Haver's book THE CARRY ALL NEWSLETTER by and for working moms Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’re going to want to take a lot of notes because Dr Mary Claire Haver is back and she’s answering all YOUR questions about perimenopause and menopause.  She’ll tell you where you need to start, how to find the right doctor, and what tests to ask for so that you can be armed and ready to get the help you need. Plus, she shares the TWO questions you must ask your doctor.  This is part of our month-long series on perimenopause and menopause. It’s time to feel like ourselves again!  Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more : 02:04 - 03:42 Navigating Perimenopause and Menopause FAQs 09:40 - 11:23 Understanding Menopausal Weight Gain 22:18 - 23:06 Vitamin Supplements for Menopause Symptom Relief 27:43 - 28:34 Genetics and Menopause Symptom Disparities 34:30 - 35:56 Navigating Menopause and Health Testing SUMMARY In this episode, we are digging into perimenopause and menopause symptoms, types of hormone replacement therapy and how to know if hormone replacement therapy is right for you, options if you cannot take (or don’t want to take) estrogen, making informed decisions about perimenopause and menopause care, the impact of nutrition as women go into menopause, and advice for younger women as they think ahead about perimenopause. Find a menopause-trained doctor The Pause Life-Dr Haver's website Shop my TV clothes on The Saved Collection Follow Dr Mary Claire Haver on Instagram ALLOY Menopause Telehealth (use my code: PAULA42103 for $25 off)  Win a copy of Dr Haver's book PAULA ON INSTAGRAM THE CARRY ALL NEWSLETTER by and for working moms Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s a reason why your symptoms are getting dismissed, why you’re told: “Don’t blame it on your hormones.” Maybe you’ve been called “lazy” or been told that “it’s all in your head.”  Today’s guest, Dr. Mary Claire Haver, is THE leading voice on menopause and wrote the #1 New York Times bestselling book, The New Menopause.  Dr. Haver will join us for two episodes, including next week’s, in which she answers all the questions that you sent me.  But, this week, she’s going to explain what’s happening in our bodies, the truth about that landmark study from 20 years ago that scared us away from estrogen therapy, and the shocking reasons why the medical community has long dismissed our symptoms.  Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more : (03:51 - 04:39) Perimenopause Symptoms and Experiences (13:00 - 13:48) Diagnosing Perimenopause Through Blood Work (15:38 - 16:50) The Neglect of Menopause in Medicine (19:12 - 20:18) Lack of Menopause Training in Healthcare (26:47 - 28:04) Hormone Therapy for Perimenopausal Symptoms (28:29 - 30:22) Rethinking Menopause and Women's Health In this episode, we are diving into how menopause is defined medically, what the process of perimenopause looks like in our brains and bodies, when and how women experience perimenopause symptoms, the truth about hormone replacement therapy, and why so many physicians are dismissive of the concerns of women as we age.   LINKS:  Dr Mary Claire Haver’s Book Dr Haver on Instagram PAULA'S PERSONAL NEWSLETTER PAULA ON INSTAGRAM THE CARRY ALL NEWSLETTER by and for working moms Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I haven’t felt like myself in almost 15 years. In my 30’s, I started noticing significant changes to and in my body, yet I’ve been told by just about every doctor that my blood work is normal and I’m “fine”. Here’s the thing: I don’t feel fine.  And I bet you don’t, either.  This is my most requested series to date: a conversation about menopause, perimenopause, and not feeling like ourselves anymore.  I’ve invited experts, friends, and my husband to the conversation, and we’re answering all the questions you submitted, so that you can feel hopeful, maybe for the first time in a long time.  In this episode, my friends Kim and Patrice share their real experiences about what’s been happening to their bodies, why they don’t feel like themselves, and how the medical community has dismissed them.  If you’ve been dismissed or felt helpless, you’re not alone. But know this: help is on the way through this month-long series.  Life Happens. Let’s Talk About it.  SUMMARY:  In this episode, we are digging into the crazy symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, our experiences of bringing our concerns to our doctors and being dismissed as “fine”, how we can advocate for ourselves as women, and why the menopause conversation is so important, not only for us but for our daughters.  LINKS:  PAULA'S PERSONAL NEWSLETTER PAULA ON INSTAGRAM THE CARRY ALL NEWSLETTER by and for working moms  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It wouldn’t be a series on college if I didn’t invite my high schooler to the conversation, along with a former Ivy League Admissions Director.  Caroline and I are joined by Becky Sabky, who spent years as Dartmouth’s Director of Admissions and explains why she’s a fan of the gap year.  Becky shares her insider insights into the admissions process (and how it’s gone mad), plus answers your questions and Caroline’s. She’ll also outline helpful tips to help us on our journey of determining if college is right for our kids and how to find the right schools.  And wait until you hear about the most powerful letter of recommendation she ever received and the surprising person who wrote it. (It brought us to tears!)  This is a must listen for every parent …  Life Happens. Let’s Talk About it.  Listen in to learn more: (00:00) Navigating the College Admissions Process (05:37) Prioritizing High School Over College (09:02) Preparing for College (20:57) Navigating Choices as a Family (28:48) Navigating Options and Admissions Rejections (36:46) Exploring Gap Years (43:11) Navigating Financial Aid Decisions (53:50) Maximizing College Opportunities for Success (58:54) Fostering Identity in College-Bound Students In this episode, we are delving into the family aspects of making college decisions, understanding the college admissions process, the two biggest mistakes Becky sees students and families make, the surprising place you should look to get an inside view of campus life, and how to find the right school.  Resources:  Learn More About Becky Sabky https://beckysabky.com/  Read Becky’s book FISKE Guide to College  PAULA'S PERSONAL NEWSLETTER PAULA ON INSTAGRAM THE CARRY ALL NEWSLETTER by and for working moms  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every year around this time, we see or hear about parents dropping their kids off at college. Not sure about you, but it DOES ME IN.  In this month-long series about college, I’m covering it from many angles, including  whether or not it’s worth it, where to start and if it’s right for your kid, plus answering all the questions you sent me.  This week, we’re getting a little levity with comedian Chip Leighton of The Leighton Show. If you haven’t seen his hilarious content about “funny texts from your teens and college freshman”, you’ve got to give him a follow.  Chip, a dad of two, joins John and I to talk about the process of applying to college and the emotions he did NOT expect when he dropped his son off at college.  He also tells us about his upcoming book, “WHAT TIME IS NOON: HILARIOUS TEXTS, RIDICULOUS FEEDBACK, AND NOT-SO-SUBTLE ADVICE FROM TEENAGERS”, which we’ll be giving away later this month.  Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It!  LISTEN IN TO LEARN MORE: (00:00) College Parenting Humor and Heartache (02:58) Navigating TikTok Success and Parenting (14:35) The Key to Letting Go (22:37) Parenting College-Bound Teens (34:04) College Admissions Insights In this episode, we explore Chip’s experience navigating the wide range of emotions that come with dropping your kid off at college, his best advice for parents when kids are applying to colleges, and the three main areas where high school and college students seem to struggle the most.  CHIP LEIGHTON ON INSTAGRAM CHIP’S BOOK PAULA'S PERSONAL NEWSLETTER PAULA ON INSTAGRAM THE CARRY ALL NEWSLETTER by and for working moms  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Season 3 of the podcast is here and I’m honestly more excited about this season than any other. Because every single episode is a topic/conversation that YOU requested.  We’re kicking it off with a month-long series on COLLEGE, where we’re talking to experts and parents about what one college specialist has called “The most emotionally fraught decision many families will ever make.” How do you know college is even right for your kid? WHEN should you start saving? Is it even worth it or necessary, anymore?  According to the US Census, 62% of US workers do NOT have a college degree and only 47% of Americans say it’s worth it, but only if you don’t have to take out any loans.  Ron Lieber, the New York Times’ Money columnist, has been writing about this topic for decades. He’s also a dad, dropping off his eldest daughter at college this fall.  Ron helps us to untangle this complex puzzle of college and he says it all begins with our WHY.  Life Happens, friends! Let’s Talk About It! Listen in to learn more :  (00:00) Is College Worth It? Pros and Cons (04:57) Navigating the College Decision Process (17:50) College Decision Framework and Gap Year (30:53) Considering Alternatives to College Costs (39:12) College Financial Planning (43:46) Navigating Community College and College Costs In this episode, we are diving into the four main reasons for choosing college, the truth about statistics surrounding college degrees in the workforce, key conversations to have as a family before making college decisions, and tools for estimating what it will actually cost to send your kid to college.  RESOURCES/LINKS:  Ron’s Merit Aid Course Ron’s Book -The Price You Pay For College  The Net Price Calculator Common Data Set PAULA'S PERSONAL NEWSLETTER PAULA ON INSTAGRAM THE CARRY ALL NEWSLETTER by and for working moms Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’ve probably heard or watched your fair share of podcasts… Let me tell you why this one is different: because I’m only talking about the things you want to talk about. This season—Season 3…every single episode and conversation, something YOU requested… If you’re talking about it in your home, at your dinner table, with your friends…at work, or maybe even at the gym, we’re talking about it on the show. And I will always keep it real and authentic. If you’re new, here's an introduction: I'm Paula Faris…. I spent 25 years in TV News, including anchoring GMA and co-hosting The View…before founding CARRYMedia a few years back as an advocate for working moms and families. And I’m a MOM of three…so I’m going through this with you. This podcast, this show is all about the things you, as parents, are talking about: Work life balance, relationships, parenting… If you’re talking about it, I’m talking about it. Join me every Tuesday…along with my occasional guest co-host and husband, John…who always has a unique take on things. Don't forget to subscribe! Join the conversation, and tell us what you want to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John and I are back to answer your questions, which ranged from how we got through our tough times to why we moved from NYC to small-town South Carolina and how we disagree in a healthy way.  As always, we’re talking about the things YOU want to talk about.  Listen in to learn more:  (00:00) Navigating Family Disagreements and Life Transitions (11:05) Handling Marriage Challenges and Building Unity (19:37) Our Love Story SUMMARY: In this episode, we are digging into how we made the move from NYC to South Carolina, how we have gotten through the tough times in our marriage, what to do when you disagree with your partner about how to run your family, and some fun things like dream vacations and favorite date nights.  LINKS:  SAVOR SUMMER FREE GUIDE -https://carrymedia.com/savor-summer/  ARMRA– 30% off with CODE: PAULAFARIS -https://glnk.io/8lv0j/paulafaris  Paula’s shirt - https://amzn.to/3KDeNgR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John is always surprised by how many questions we get when we do these ask us anything episodes. And not just that, they’re almost always our most popular episodes!  So much so, that we are doing a two-parter!  Today, we’re answering your questions about toxic work environments, whether we’re done having kids, our best life advice for our kids and what is SAVING US THIS SUMMER as our children are out of school and we’re working from home.  As always, we’re talking about the things YOU want to talk about. Life Happens, friends! Let’s Talk About It!  RESOURCES: Listen in to learn more:  (00:00) Summer Survival Guide for Parents (11:17) Navigating Relationships and Parenting Advice (18:59) Toxic Work Environments and Family Judgement (26:43) Navigating Family Relationships In this episode, we are diving into a resource that is saving our summer as work from home parents (it’s free and can save yours, too!), what we want to tell our kids as they leave the nest in just a few short years, when to leave a toxic work environment, what to do when you disagree with family about how you’re raising your kids, and how we really feel about NYC. LINKS: SAVOR SUMMER FREE GUIDE -https://carrymedia.com/savor-summer/  ARMRA– 30% off with CODE: PAULAFARIS -https://glnk.io/8lv0j/paulafaris  Paula’s shirt - https://amzn.to/3KDeNgR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This was such a fun conversation catching up with Olympic Gymnast Shawn Johnson and her husband, Andrew East, as we talked about The Olympics, life with littles, and youth sports.  Because the Olympics start NEXT MONTH, we had to park there for a bit and Shawn shared something about the Olympics and the athletes that truly shocked not just me, but Andrew, as well.  It’s so much fun for me to talk to parents with littles, and wow, are they in the thick of it, with THREE kids under the age of 4? I can’t wait for you to hear what’s saving them in this season, how they’re supporting Olympic athletes who are parents, and their really unique take on youth sports.  Life Happens. Let’s Talk About it! RESOURCES: Listen in to learn more:  (00:00) - Life With Littles and Olympics (13:19) - Parenting Perspectives on Gender Differences (17:53) - Importance of Kids Sports Participation (23:13) - Parenting, Youth Sports, and Relationship Dynamics (37:12) - Challenges in Supporting Families (42:45) - Olympics Excitement and Parenting Advice SUMMARY In this episode, we are digging into the ins and outs of parenting little kids of both genders, preventing burnout and encouraging our kids in sports, how proactive counseling has been beneficial as individuals and as a couple, and the heart behind Shawn and Andrew’s launch of the Moment Makers childcare initiative.  LINKS: LAST MINUTE FATHER’s Day gift ideas: CHARCOAL steak rub  ARMRA– 30% off with CODE: PAULAFARIS Shawn ON IG Andrew on IG  SIGNUP  FOR PAULA’S NEWSLETTER https://www.paulafarisofficial.com/newsletter  FOLLOW PAULA ON INSTAGRAM   https://www.instagram.com/paulafaris/?hl=en LINK TO CARRY’S NEWSLETTER  https://carrymedia.com/the-carry-all/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices