Acting is my first love with Jaz | mum of two, actress, hairdresser, make-up artist, marketing coordinator
In this episode of Have It All, I sit down with Jaz – a hairdresser, makeup artist, actress, content creator, marketing coordinator, AND mum of two – for a conversation about what it really means to juggle a creative career, parenting, ambition, and identity in today’s world.From early morning drop-offs to late-night auditions, Jaz shares the realities of building a multifaceted life while raising kids and navigating a world that often makes ambitious mothers feel like they’re asking for too much. She opens up about the unpredictability of the acting industry, how she and her husband manage the juggle with their shifting schedules, and why support systems and community matter more than ever.We also unpack the tension many women feel between career and caregiving, the role of social media in shaping (and warping) our expectations, and the question we keep circling back to: can you really have it all – or is it more about having what matters most?We talk about:The reality of work-life balance in creative industriesAmbition and the quiet judgement mothers still faceWhy support systems matter (and how to build them)Social media, identity, and showing up as your real selfSelf-kindness in the chaos of early motherhoodFollow Jaz and her beautiful fam on IG @jazmyneariaFollow Have It All on IG @haveitall.podcastLet me know what you thought of this episode!
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Going back to work isn't selfish with Hannah | senior marketing manager & mum of two
This episode is for the ambitious mums – the ones who love their kids and their careers, and who feel a little lost when they step away from either.We talk about the quiet doubts many mothers have but rarely say out loud:What if I don’t want to stay home full-time?Why does no one question dads the way they question mums? Can I be ambitious and a present parent?This episode is an honest look at the real sacrifices of motherhood – physically, emotionally, professionally – and how many women are learning to make choices that honour both their families and themselves.Topics we cover:Identity, ambition & returning to workMental load and asking for helpSupport systems at work and homeFinancial realities & outsourcingLetting go of guilt — and owning your choices🎧 Have It All is a podcast for modern mothers navigating the beautiful chaos of family, career and self. New here? Make sure you scroll back for more episodes, and follow along so you never miss one.
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A secret pregnancy with Courtenay | soon-to-be-mum and Kiwi actress
Today’s episode is a special one, and slightly different from usual! I’m joined by my best friend, actress Courtenay Louise, who is pregnant with her first baby. While she’s not YET a working mum, she’ll likely to return to work at some point after baby – you might know her as Monique from Shortland Street, one of Aotearoa’s most recognisable TV roles.We recorded this episode just after Courtenay publicly announced her pregnancy (after keeping it private for seven months!), and this conversation goes deep into her journey: from being totally career-focused in her 20s, to slowly warming to the idea of becoming a mum in her 30s. We talk about flip-flopping on the “should we or shouldn’t we?” conversation, what changed, and how she’s navigating the emotions of impending motherhood after years of not being sure.We also touch on what it’s been like working long hours on set while pregnant, why she chose to keep the news private, and how she’s feeling about what's next — including the question on everyone’s mind: Will she go back to acting?If this is your first episode of Have It All, please go and listen to a few others, and leave a comment t let me know what you think! I record this podcast from my home studio aka my lounge, around the juggle of my regular job and my two kids. Your support means the world!Follow Courtenay on IG https://www.instagram.com/courtenaylouise_/ Follow Have It All https://www.instagram.com/haveitall.podcast/
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"I'm a full-time, stay-at-home, part-time working mum" with Skye | mum of two & freelancer
How do you make it all work — raising little kids, staying connected to yourself, contributing financially, maintaining a relationship…and maybe even renovating a house?This week on Have It All, I’m joined by Skye Ross — a full-time, stay-at-home, part-time working mum (her words, and I love them). Skye and I talk about what it really looks like to balance motherhood, freelance work, and the emotional juggle that happens when you start to question, “Am I doing the right thing?”Skye shares the story of her epic home reno (a total labour of love), how she and her partner approached finances and childcare, and what it felt like to navigate identity in the thick of motherhood. There’s a moment where she describes her “crisis thoughts” — when the pre-kids version of herself shows up to ask what the hell she’s doing.We talk about the comparison trap, creative work, self-care (hint: it doesn’t always mean time alone), and the illusion of having it all. And we touch on something I think a lot of us will relate to: the slow journey of remembering who you are outside of being needed all the time.Links mentioned:Skye's podcast MothernessTen things I wish you knew about your child's mental health by Dr Billy Garvey
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You get to enjoy your life with Becs | mum of two, Head of Learning & coach
For anyone struggling with feeling present, battling mum guilt, trying to figure out the balance, or feeling stuck in the cycle of mental load, burnout, and more guilt – this episode is for you.This week I’m joined by Becs Bradley – mum of two, Head of Learning in postgraduate education, and coach for women navigating the chaos of work and motherhood. We recorded this late at night (for Becs – she’s based in the UK!) but the conversation flowed effortlessly.We talk about so much in this episode: returning to work after an unexpected pregnancythe weight of the mental loadwhat burnout can look and feel likeand the identity shifts that come with motherhood. Becs shares so honestly about her own journey – and with the lens of someone who’s coached so many women through the exact same thing.There’s so much gentle wisdom in this one, and I hope it reminds you that you’re not alone in whatever season you’re in.Follow Becs on Instagram: @becsbradley_coach
Welcome to Have It All, the podcast that says the quiet part out loud about motherhood, career, and the chaos in between.
I’m Emily Parks. Mum of two, marketer, and someone who’s learned that doing it all often means doing too much.
Every second week, I chat with women navigating the juggle of working motherhood. These are honest, messy, and uplifting conversations. Because having it all doesn’t mean doing it all. And you’re not meant to figure it out alone.
New Zealand