Working Mumma

Missing Your Baby at Work? How to Find Your Rhythm After Maternity Leave

16 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Missing your baby at work? Feeling like your heart is in two places at once? You’re not alone, and more importantly, there is nothing wrong with you...

You're Not Less Ambitious. The World Around You Just Hasn't Caught Up Yet With Kat Francis

09 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Since going back to work after maternity leave, has anyone - a manager, a colleague, a well-meaning relative - implied that you've changed? That you'r...

Going Back to Work Pregnant? How to Tell Your Employer Without the Guilt or the Panic

02 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Returning to work after parental leave is already a huge transition. But what if you're going back and you are pregnant? This week's episode comes str...

Why Don't I Feel Like Me Anymore? Matrescence, Identity & Returning to Work with Amanda Jackson

26 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever returned to work after parental leave and thought, "I'm not the same person I was before I went on parental leave", you are not imagini...

Why the Mental Load Gets Bigger When Your Kids Start School (And What to Do About It)

19 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

When you're in the thick of the baby and toddler years, it can feel like that's the hardest it will ever be. But what nobody tells you is that the cha...

Feeling Lost Returning to Work After Maternity Leave? How to Rebuild Your Career Confidence with Natalie McDonald

12 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when you return to work after maternity leave… only to be made redundant six weeks later? In this honest and deeply relatable episode o...

The Mother You Are vs The Mother You Want to Be (And How to Close the Gap)

28 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever felt like everything in your life looks fine on paper… but something still feels off? In this solo episode of the Working Mumma podcas...

Why The Pressure to Be the Perfect Mum Is Burning Us Out (Here’s the Truth)

21 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Why does motherhood feel so overwhelming, even when you’re doing everything “right”? In this episode of the Working Mumma podcast, I speak with ...

Why Working Mums Are Not the Problem - The System Is And What Needs to Change

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly behind… like you’re failing at work, at home, or both…here is an episode for you. Because here’...

Michael Ray: We Told Women They Could Have It All - Nobody Meant Do It All

07 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

When we talk about working parents, we often focus on mums. But what if one of the biggest missing pieces in the conversation is dads? In this episode...

You're Not Failing, You're Transitioning: What No One Tells You About Going Back to Work

31 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

If you're about to go back to work after maternity leave, or you're already back and wondering why it feels so much harder than expected, this episode...

You Had a Baby, Not a Lobotomy: Reclaiming Your Career Identity After Maternity Leave

24 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

You came back from parental leave a different person - more resilient, more decisive, less tolerant of nonsense, and more capable. The question isn't ...

Made Redundant on Maternity Leave - The Story Nobody Talks About

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when the job you thought you were returning to after parental leave no longer exists? In this episode, I speak with executive leader and ...

The “Prove Yourself” Trap After Maternity Leave (And How to Stop Overcompensating)

03 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Returning to work after maternity leave can come with an unspoken pressure many women don’t realise they’re carrying - the need to prove that noth...

Before You Post That Photo - What Every Parent Needs to Know in 2026

24 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever posted your child’s name, birth date or kinder photo online? Most of us have. And we did it with love. But in 2026, the digital landsc...

Reflect | My Job No Longer Fit Me: Navigating Career Shifts After Motherhood”

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Returning to work after having a baby isn’t just about logistics, childcare, or flexible hours , a big part of it is about identity. In this Reflect...

Reflect | Managing the Mental Load as a Working Mother with Leah Ruppanner

13 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The mental load is exhausting, and a big issue for many working mothers.  In this Reflect summer series special episode, I speak with Professor Leah ...

THROWBACK: How to Ask for Flexibility at Work (and Actually Get It)

12 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You’ve proven you can do your job — and do it well — while working flexibly. But now that your employer wants more office time, how do you ask f...

How to Co-Parent After Separation Navigating Divorce, Work, and Motherhood with Dignity

05 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When a relationship ends, it’s not just the romantic partnership that dissolves - it’s the version of the life you imagined. For working mums, tha...

Stop Should-ing Yourself: Why “Should” Is the Real Swear Word for Working Mums

28 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you caught in a constant loop of “I should be doing more”? In this reflective episode, Carina unpacks why the word "should" has become the sec...

Balancing IVF and a Career - How do you keep it all together? with Marianne Marchesi

21 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when you’re managing a busy job or running a business and quietly going through IVF at the same time? In this powerful episode, Carina ...

The “Good Girl” Conditioning That’s Burning Women Out with Dr. Michelle McQuaid

14 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever caught yourself saying “I’ll just do it,” or “I don’t want to upset anyone,” or you’re simply tired of trying to do it all...

Feeling Tired, Overloaded and Burnt out? How you can restore your energy with Dr. Kaitlin Harkess

07 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you tired of feeling tired? You get through your workday, juggle drop-offs, dinner, and the endless to-do list - yet your mind never switches off....

THROWBACK: "Helping Your Kids Thrive Through Transitions (and How It Helps You Too) with Gen Muir

01 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Transitions are part of every parenting journey, but they can often feel overwhelming—for both parents and kids! In this episode, I sit down with pa...

How to Reclaim Your Identity in Motherhood When Returning to Work

16 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Returning to work after maternity leave can feel like stepping into a whole new world - one where your values, identity, and confidence may feel compl...

Why flexible working policies are needed to help working parents

10 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why are there no senior part-time roles?  What started as a reel with recent guest Emma McLean exploded online with hundreds of comments from working...

The Transition Back to Work After Parental Leave: Tips, Truths & Self-Compassion

02 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Returning to work after maternity leave isn’t just a date on the calendar, it’s a transition that unfolds over many months. In this episode of the...

How to juggle kids, aging/sick parents, work and yourself with Casey Beros

26 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when you’re caring for small children and aging parents at the same time? This is the reality for millions of women, now called the “...

The Motherhood Penalty and The Impact on your Career with Emma McLean

19 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Motherhood changes everything - our identity, our priorities, our bodies, and our careers. But for too many women, it also brings a cost they never si...

How proximity of care for your child can support your return to work after maternity leave with Lauren from BubbaDesk

12 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Returning to work after having a baby can be one of the most emotional and challenging transitions in a parent’s life. Then finding the right care c...

Lighten Your Mental Load, Ditch the Mum Guilt, and Rethink Care with Professor Leah Ruppanner

29 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you feeling exhausted or burnt out from the mental load?  In this episode, I speak with Professor Leah Ruppanner – sociologist, gender equity a...

How Donna Urquhart Chased Her Dream After Motherhood

22 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever felt like becoming a mum meant putting your dreams on hold? You’re not alone. But what if motherhood is instead the start of something...

THROWBACK: How to navigate unrealistic expectations of working mums with Renee Barnes

15 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I speak with Renee Barnes, founder of the People Paradox, and fellow working mum about Superwoman Syndrome and why it is time to let go of the notion....

How to discuss your return to work after parental leave with your manager

09 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Returning to work after maternity leave isn’t just about showing up on day one. The transition starts with you going through a reflective process on...

Why Every Working Mum Needs a Village to Help Her Manage the Juggle

02 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There’s a phrase we’ve all heard before: “It takes a village to raise a child.” But here’s something we don’t say enough, it also takes a ...

“Who Am I Now?" The Identity Shift No One Prepares You For With Motherhood

24 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

"Who am I now" is a question many mums have asked themselves, especially when they are navigating the transition back to work.  I chat with Laura Ste...

Money, Motherhood & Mindset: How to Rewrite Your Financial Story

17 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why do so many women feel uncomfortable talking about money, and how can we change it? Where does this come from? How can we change this mindset? Cari...

Navigating the Mum Juggle in the Country: How Lisa Balances Work, Kids & Farm Life

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You think the school drop-off is tough in the city? Try doing it with two kids, 170 acres of farmland, no running water from mains, and a 90-minute co...

Weighing the Cost of Career vs Paying for Childcare with Deline Jacovides

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is childcare worth the cost when most of your paycheck goes straight to daycare fees? In this powerful episode, financial advisor and mum of two, Deli...

From Redundancy to Global Business: How Beatrice Built HeyDoodle While Raising Three Kids

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Working Mumma podcast, Carina O’Brien chats with Beatrice Toh, mother of 3 and founder of Hey Doodle. Beatrice shares how a c...

Navigating a Toxic Return to Work: Elise’s Story of Burnout, Boundaries, and Balance

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Returning to work after maternity leave is a major life transition, and for many women, it’s a moment of hope that quickly turns into disillusionmen...

Don’t Know What to Wear Anymore? Style Tips for Working Mums with Personal Stylist Lisa Stockman

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Returning to work after maternity leave is a huge transition, physically and emotionally. Your body has changed, your lifestyle has shifted, and your ...

You don't need to do it all - tips for sharing the mental load to help you breathe again

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Let’s be real, you're not just juggling work and motherhood. You're carrying the mental load too: remembering school events, buying birthday present...

Ash Polland's Story of Identity Loss and the Raw Reality of Motherhood we don't often talk about

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From the spotlight of reality TV to the chaos of raising two young girls, Ash Pollard opens up about how motherhood shook her to the core. In this hon...

Why Saying No Isn’t Selfish—It’s Self-Respect

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Feel like you’re saying “yes” to everything and losing yourself in the process? You’re not alone. This Juggle Tip episode gives you permission...

Hatien’s story - Losing My Job While Pregnant and Rebuilding After Postnatal Depression

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The early years of motherhood aren’t just hard; they completely shake and in many ways change your identity. In this real and raw conversation, Hati...

Navigating a neurodivergent child, career and managing the juggle with Laetitia Andrac

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What does it really look like to juggle ADHD, two kids, and multiple businesses? Laetitia shares the messy, unfiltered reality of neurodivergent mothe...

The Real Questions No One Asks Before They Become a Mum

08 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone asks you what pram you’re buying, what hospital you’re going to, and if you’ve packed your bag. But no one asks you the real questions ...

There is no such thing as the perfect mum - why we need to normalise the imperfections in motherhood

01 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if trying to be the “perfect mum” is actually what’s holding you back? I’m joined by Fleur Chambers, a multi-award-winning meditation tea...

Career vs Motherhood - Why working mums can't do it all and that's ok

24 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever feel like you’re being pulled in a million directions trying to navigate motherhood and a career - between work, kids, home, family, relationsh...

When Motherhood Changes Everything: Porscia’s Story of Autism, Career Break & Starting Again

18 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When Porscia Lam received the news that her son Harry was autistic, her world shifted. She put her legal career on pause to become his full-time thera...

How to navigate the transition returning to work after maternity leave

11 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Returning to work after maternity leave is one of the biggest transitions in your working mum journey. Whether you're excited or feeling overwhelmed, ...

How to negotiate flexible work and work the hours you want with Dr. Ellen Ford

04 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Return-to-office mandates are making headlines across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and beyond—igniting debate about productivity, flexibility, an...

How to let go of mum guilt and the pressure to ‘Do It All’

26 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mum guilt—it’s real, it’s something a majority of mums experience, and it can make us feel like we’re never doing enough. But what if you coul...

Tips for job search, resume writing and interviews with HR expert Ash Battye

19 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Returning to work after maternity leave can feel overwhelming—where do you start with updating your resume? How do you explain the gap in a resume? ...

Making Work Work: How We Can Create a Better System for Working Parents with Louise Gilbert

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As a working parent, trying to navigate the career/parenting juggle is similar to trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. In this episode, I cha...

How to lighten the mental load and set yourself up for a smoother year

05 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the endless juggle of work, home, and family life? You’re not alone. Research shows that burnout among working mother...

Why Work-Life Balance is a myth and practical strategies to help you navigate work and family

22 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Working Mumma podcast, I challenge the widely accepted idea and myth of work-life balance, explaining why it often sets working...

THROWBACK: Practical Strategies to Conquer Mum Guilt with Sarah Purins

15 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you have experienced mum guilt, you aren't alone. Over 98% of mothers have experienced mum guilt. In this episode, I speak with mindset coach and m...

THROWBACK: Embracing the 'Good Enough' approach to motherhood with Dr. Sophie Brock

12 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this insightful episode of the Working Mumma podcast, I chat with Dr. Sophie Brock, a renowned motherhood studies sociologist, to delve into the co...

THROWBACK: Overcoming imposter syndrome and self doubt after maternity leave

09 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we delve deep into the emotional and mental toll of returning to work after maternity leave. Guests, Clinical Psychologists Kass and ...

THROWBACK: Redefining Success for Working Mums with Megan Dalla-Camina

07 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I speak with Megan Dalla-Camina, a single mother, author, and CEO of Women Rising on how to redefine success for working mums. Megan shares her career...

Tips for navigating the first year of primary school and work

18 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Working Mumma podcast, Carina shares her personal journey navigating the first year of her child starting prep/foundation year ...

Finding Joy in the Chaos: Embracing Motherhood and Career with Elke Pascoe

11 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Working Mama podcast, I speak with Elke Pascoe, founder and CEO of The Little Oak Company. We chat about Elke's inspiring journ...

How to Balance Work Travel and Family Without Guilt

02 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reflect on my recent overseas work trip and share some learnings and lessons about balancing professional opportunities with the in...

How to Succeed in a Male-Dominated Industry with Rebecca Bangura

03 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The statistics don't like on gender equality, especially in male dominated industries such as mining, construction and transport. Change is happening ...

Redefining Success for Working Mums with Megan Dalla-Camina

27 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I speak with Megan Dalla-Camina, a single mother, author, and CEO of Women Rising on how to redefine success for working mums. Megan shares her career...

Embracing Imperfection in Motherhood: Dr. Sophie Brock on the 'Good Enough' Mother

20 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this insightful episode of the Working Mumma podcast, I chat with Dr. Sophie Brock, a renowned motherhood studies sociologist, to delve into the co...

How to overcome the Superwoman Syndrome with Renee Barnes

05 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week I speak with Renee Barnes, founder of the People Paradox, and fellow working mum about Superwoman Syndrome and why it is time to let go of t...

Overcoming Overwhelm: Triumph as a Great Mum

31 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When was the last time you had a moment on your own to acknowledge what a great mum you are? No doubt, it has been a while. In this episode, I want to...

Practical Strategies to Conquer Mum Guilt with Sarah Purins

16 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you have experienced mum guilt, you aren't alone. Over 98% of mothers have experienced mum guilt. In this episode, I speak with mindset coach and m...

How to Navigate Mum Guilt at Childcare Drop-Off

10 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Working Mumma Podcast, I dive into the often overwhelming feeling of mum guilt that accompanies childcare drop-offs. I explore ...

Overcoming Guilt with Self-Care and 'Me Time' Strategies

03 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The topic of 'me time' for working mums is important. Discover why carving out moments for yourself is essential for your mental, emotional, and physi...

How to continue breastfeeding when you return to work with LC Sarah Thijs-Smit

25 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you about to return to work and still breastfeeding and wondering how you will navigate this part of the transition? This episode will help you na...

Dads & Gender Equality: Why Shared Roles Matter for Working Mums with Mark Morris

19 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I chat with Mark Morris, a husband, father, and advocate for equity and inclusion with a special interest in gender equality.  Mark shares his person...

How to Navigate Your Return to Work After Parental Leave

11 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Returning to work after maternity leave can be both exciting and daunting. It is important to acknowledge that your return to work will be a transitio...

Improving Gender Equality: Challenging Mental Load Stereotypes with Maja Paleka

04 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you considered about the nuances of the mental load and its impact on gender equality? I chat with Maja Paleka, a mum of 2 and consultant, speake...

Keeping Your Relationship Strong After Baby: Tips with Laura Press

28 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with Laura Press, a relationship counselor and mother of three, to discuss how to keep your relationship strong after having a baby and man...

MUM STORY: Brooke Hanson on Managing Infant Loss and Motherhood

20 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone has their own parenting journey and I had an inspiring conversation with Olympic swimmer Brooke Hanson. She shares her journey from an elite ...

Creating a Plan to Juggle Motherhood and Career

14 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Many women meticulously plan their childbirth, but what about planning for the long journey of being a working mum? Parenting and balancing work can l...

Redefining Success as a Working Mum with Jodi Geddes

07 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we delve into the challenges and triumphs of being a working mum. Jodi Geddes, the co-founder of Circle In, shares her personal journ...

Stephanie-Kate Bratton on Career, Motherhood, and Primary Caregiving

29 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into the unique journey of Stephanie-Kate Bratton, a mum, lawyer, and author, who shares her experiences navigating a success...

How to navigate the journey as a working mum

17 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I delve into eight things I wish I had known before embarking on my journey as a mum. While pregnancy comes with its fair share of ad...

How to run a successful business in school hours with Kate Toon

09 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I chat with Kate Toon, business mentor, digital marketing coach, author, and mother, and dive into the world of raising a child whilst running a six-f...

Removing barriers to help working mums thrive with Dr. Ellen Ford

26 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the Working Mumma podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ellen Ford, an advocate for working mothers, award-winning leader, militar...

Rebalancing the Mental Load with Your Partner: Practical Steps

19 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Mothers often respond with "good" when asked how they are, but deep down, many are exhausted. This exhaustion is often due to the mental load they car...

The mental load of being a military spouse with Mia Fileman

05 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I chat with Mia Fileman, a successful businesswoman and military spouse, to discuss her experiences and insights into balancing her c...

The Juggle is Real - Career, Kids and Financial Wellbeing with Ana Kresina

21 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we delve into the often overlooked aspects of motherhood—financial literacy and the mental load. Our guest, Ana Christina, author o...

Overcoming imposter syndrome and self doubt after maternity leave

08 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we delve deep into the emotional and mental toll of returning to work after maternity leave. Guests, Clinical Psychologists Kass and ...

How to manage the mum mindset to help you thrive in 2024

23 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I delve into a topic we all experience but seldom discuss - the Mum Mindset. Beyond the well-known growth vs fixed mindset paradigm, ...

THROWBACK: Navigating the job market and your career path with Dayna Stewart

16 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we dive into the dynamic world of career transitions, work-life integration, and the unique challenges faced by working mothers. Joining us is ...

THROWBACK: Smooth Transitions - Easing Your Child’s Journey into childcare, school and beyond

09 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Embarking on a new chapter, whether it's the leap from home to childcare or kindergarten to school, can stir up a whirlwind of emotions for both child...

THROWBACK: Unlocking the Potential of Part-Time Work with Belinda Morgan

02 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we delve into the world of flexible work with a true expert, Belinda Morgan, a dedicated flexible work and leadership specialist. In this episo...

THROWBACK: Strategies for setting Boundaries for Work/Life Integration

28 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the Working Mumma Podcast, we delve into a topic that resonates deeply with working mothers everywhere: the elusive work/life balan...

Navigating Growth and Embracing Opportunities - My reflection of 2023

05 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this empowering episode of the Working Mumma podcast, I take you on a journey into my year that has been personally & professionally transforma...

Navigating the juggle as a solo mum by choice with Alexandra Collier

31 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Alexandra is a solo mum by choice who has recently released a memoir called Inconceivable: Heartbreak, Bad Dates and Finding Solo Motherhood. During t...

Navigating burnout, mental load and career ambitions with Angela Priestley

03 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Every two years, Women's Agenda publish the "Women's Ambition Report". For this episode, I speak with Angela Priestley, publisher and co-founder of Wo...

Understanding the impact kids have on a woman’s career with Jessica Heagren

19 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Anecdotally we know what commonly happens to a woman's career after she has a child. But, what are the facts? That question is what this week's guest,...

How to set boundaries to manage work-life harmony

12 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Working Mumma, we delve deep into a topic that's close to the heart of every working mum: boundaries. Join me as I explore the misc...

Improving gender equality with Coleen MacKinnon and Rob Sturrock

04 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast I speak with two amazing people who are advocates for gender equality, Coleen Mackinnon and Rob Sturrock. We all spoke very p...