"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
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My side hustle is my "real job" with Shrenika | mum of two & Starship paediatric nurse & owner of Little Beat First Aid
Let me know what you think in the comments!In this episode, I sit down with Shrenika, a mum of two boys, a paediatric nurse at Starship, and the founder of Little Beat First Aid.We talk about the messy middle of motherhood and work, and how those worlds constantly shift and realign as our kids grow.Shrenika shares what returning to work looked like for her after each baby and how, after her second, she felt torn and emotional, like she was being pulled in two directions. She talks about quitting nursing altogether for a while, and how she found her way back to work by creating something that worked better for her family and for herself.We explore the loneliness of being home with babies, the tricky flex of older kids who still need you, and the unique challenges mums face in healthcare roles. We also talk about balancing a “real job” with the business hustle, and how the idea of success can shift so much from your 20s to your 30s and beyond.In the end, maybe it’s less about balance and more about figuring out what’s enough for you right now.Linkshttps://www.littlebeat.co.nz/ https://www.instagram.com/little_beat_first_aid
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Balancing business, baby & being Māori with Hannah | mum of one & founder of The Pēpi Pozy
What does it look like to build a thriving pakihi Māori from the ground up while raising a young family and staying true to your kaupapa?In this episode, I’m joined by Hannah from The Pēpi Pozy, a young mum and entrepreneur who’s weaving Te Ao Māori into every part of her business and life. From launching a viral brand with just $400, to travelling to China to meet her manufacturers, Hannah shares the highs, the hard bits, and the heart behind her brand.We talk about:🌱 Starting a business in early motherhood💡 Why cultural identity is central to her brand🧠 Mental health, burnout & being honest about the juggle👶 Parenting while chasing big business dreams🏡 Community, whakapapa, and the village that makes it all possibleThis is an episode that might make you laugh, might make you cry – and will absolutely make you want to support Māori-owned business.
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From superyachts to settling down with Naomi | mum of one & former chief stew
Naomi spent nearly a decade living and working on superyachts: a career that took her around the world, introduced her to her husband, and pushed her to grow in ways no desk job ever could.In this episode, we catch up after years apart to talk about life after yachting, the transition from working long hours at sea to settling into family life in Papamoa with her husband and baby Max.We talk about:The unglamorous side of life on the yachtsPregnancy and navigating healthcare across three countriesLeadership, kindness, and learning on the jobLetting go of expectations and building a life that feels goodThe butterfly effect of small choices that shape our livesUnfortunately we ran into a few technical difficulties when recording, so this episode is a little fragmented compared to my usual.Let me know what you think!
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.