In this episode of Have It All, I sit down with Arti – mum of two, Nutritionist, and Senior Talent Acquisition Consultant – to talk about the juggle of working two jobs during school hours, raising a young family, and navigating big life transitions along the way.
Before motherhood, Arti was in a high-pressure recruitment role, working across nine retirement villages and managing a busy team. But becoming a mother shifted everything – from fertility struggles and the grief of losing her dad during her first maternity leave, to making the tough decision to step back in her career for the sake of balance.
We talk about what it’s really like to cram a full-time workload into school-hour days, the motherhood penalty she’s seen play out in her years as a recruiter, and the confidence gap many women experience when returning to work after having kids. Arti shares the realities of imposter syndrome while building her own business, the importance of negotiating terms upfront (because if you don’t ask, you don’t get), and why support systems – from family to girlfriends who “get it” – make all the difference.
This is such an honest conversation about the trade-offs, the sacrifices, and the strength it takes to build a career while raising a family. And it’s also a reminder that “having it all” doesn’t look the same for every woman, or every season of life.
Make sure to follow Have It All to keep up to date with new fortnightly episodes. And give this episode a like… if you like!
LINKS
Mum guilt. We all feel it — but what if it’s not actually guilt at all?
This week I’m joined by Francie, a mindset coach for mums and mum of two, to dig into the invisible load of motherhood, the “perfect mother” myth, and the subconscious patterns that sit underneath what we call guilt. Spoiler: many of us are really carrying shame or grief.
We talk about:
✨ Why the invisible load of motherhood is so exhausting — and often goes unseen
✨ How the “perfect mum” myth sets us up to fail
✨ The self-abandoning patterns that lead to burnout and resentment
✨ Why emotional regulation is essential for both mothers and kids
✨ Generational shifts in parenting (and why our mums’ experience still lingers in us)
✨ Practical tools to manage the cognitive load and release pressure
✨ Why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness
Francie’s perspective is both practical and compassionate — reminding us that taking care of ourselves isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing, constantly battling that inner critic, or weighed down by mum guilt, this conversation will give you new language, fresh perspective, and real tools to lighten the load.
Make sure to follow Have It All to keep up to date with fortnightly episodes. And give this episode a like...if you like!
LINKS
My guest this week is Julia – a freelance creative director, copywriter, and mum of four.
Julia and I dive into what happens when women try to build a career in an industry that was never designed with mothers in mind. From being a burnt-out agency copywriter, to navigating the confusion of returning from maternity leave, Julia shares honestly about what it feels like to step off the “ladder” and rethink ambition on her own terms.
We talk about:
The lack of support for women returning to advertising after having kids
Why part-time work still feels like career suicide
The quiet exodus of mothers from creative departments
What sparked the Mums in Ads campaign
The emotional toll of juggling four kids with freelance life – and the moments of perspective that come with it. As Julia put it: “I’ll see something with my kids and think, I remember this. You forget that what you’re experiencing in the moment, they’re on the other side of you experiencing it in the moment.”
And the question we always circle back to: can women really have it all?
Julia puts into words what so many of us feel but rarely say. Let me know what parts of this episode stood out for you.
Sargam's story is unlike any I’ve heard on Have It All so far. What was meant to be a six-week trip to India in early 2020 turned into an eight-month stay when COVID-19 changed the world overnight. Suddenly, she found herself navigating early motherhood, distance from home, and the uncertainty of a global pandemic all at once.
In this conversation, Sargam shares what that time looked like: the mental health challenges of being far from her support system, the small daily practices of gratitude that kept her grounded, and how that season reshaped her perspective on work, family, and ambition.
What stands out most is the way Sargam talks about ambition.
For her, being ambitious doesn’t have to mean climbing the corporate ladder or chasing the next big role. Instead, it’s about creating a life that works for both her and her family, supported by workplaces that truly value parents.
We also talk about what supportive systems at work can look like, how communication around parenting needs can shift culture, and why the conversation about the “motherhood penalty” urgently needs to evolve.
Thanks for listening! If you liked the show, please tell your friends, subscribe or write a review.
You can also follow @haveitall.podcast on IG
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:
Follow Jaz and her beautiful fam on IG @jazmynearia
Follow Have It All on IG @haveitall.podcast
Let me know what you thought of this episode!
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:
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:
🎧 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.
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!
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:
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:
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
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.
Links
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 possible
This is an episode that might make you laugh, might make you cry – and will absolutely make you want to support Māori-owned business.
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:
Unfortunately 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!
What if your family life had its own digital PA?
This week on Have It All, I’m joined by Nicole, founder of the PAM App aka your Personal Admin Manager. After hitting her breaking point during the juggle of parenting and working through New Zealand’s lockdowns, Nicole set out to create a solution that could help families manage the mental load, together.
We talk about:
Whether you’re deep in the juggle or dreaming of a better way to share the load, this episode will make you feel seen...and remind you that sometimes the best place to start is with messy action.
Please take care when listening to today's episode.
Caylin shares how the wheels essentially "fell off" when eight days after giving birth to her daughter, her husband was called away for work — and spent eight of her daughter’s first sixteen weeks overseas.
With no family nearby and very little support, Caylin quickly found herself spiralling. She opens up about the guilt of asking her husband to come home, the sleep deprivation, the anxiety, and the moment she realised she needed help.
Now living in Japan and running her own business Pepi & Parent, Caylin shares how her personal experience, combined with a professional background in psychology and mental health, led her to support other parents with holistic, evidence-based sleep guidance.
LINKS
If you feel like you need someone to talk to after listening to this episode, please reach out https://mentalhealth.org.nz/help
What happens when your identity is wrapped in your career – and then you become a mum?
In this episode, my former colleague, Megan, shares the emotional reality of returning to work, shifting to part-time, and redefining her self-worth. From identity loss to finding the right job fit as a mum of three boys, this is an honest look at the juggle of motherhood and career.
If you liked this episode, I would SO appreciate you taking the time to leave a 5 star review.
And follow along on IG or TikTok for more @haveitall.podcast
Parenting isn’t about perfection - it’s about connection.
In this episode, I sit down with Sophie, founder of Imperfect Parents, to talk about the reality of modern parenthood, and the ever-changing balance between work, life, and raising tiny humans.
After parenting through COVID-19 lockdowns, Sophie saw firsthand how isolating and overwhelming it could be, especially without a village. So, she built one.
Imperfect Parents is a community-driven space where parents can share their experiences, ask for help, and feel supported without judgment or pressure to have it all together.
We dive into:
If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re doing enough as a parent (spoiler: you are), or felt like you’re carrying the invisible weight of it all, this episode is for you.
LINKS
🔗 Imperfect Parents – Sophie’s community for real, honest parenthood
🔗 Rachael Rose – Women’s circles & support
🔗 Dr. Heather Johnstone – Cradled – Sophie's mentor
📖 The Gifts of Imperfection – Brené Brown
💬 Loved this episode? Share your thoughts in the comments or tag us on socials!
What if your next big business idea was hiding in plain sight... like in the middle of a playground with your toddler?
In this episode, I’m joined by Renata, founder of Roam with Kids, an app her husband describes as “the new Google Maps for parents.”
Designed to help caregivers discover kid-friendly spots like fully fenced playgrounds or cafes with high chairs, Roam is redefining how we plan our days with little ones.
Renata and I chat about life before kids—including finding out she was pregnant while travelling in India, the decision to move home to New Zealand at the start of COVID-19, losing her job in the travel industry, and ultimately packing up again for one more big family adventure before her daughter turned two.
Now a self-employed founder, Renata opens up about the realities of growing a business while parenting, and how she wouldn’t be where she is today without the support of her husband and their truly equal partnership.
This one is a fun listen!
LINKS
www.instagram.com/roamwithkids
www.instagram.com/renataroaming
This episode is a special one! I’m sitting down with my friend Kate, who I met 10 years ago at uni, to talk about the reality of navigating career transitions, motherhood, and the ever-elusive work-life balance.
Kate opens up about how her perspective on work shifted after having her second child, and how she went from wanting to be the “career mum” to realising that some parts of her job just weren’t worth the time away. We talk about the constant juggle, the mental load, and the unexpected ways motherhood changes friendships and priorities.
Topics we cover:
Follow Have It All on IG & TikTok @haveitall.podcast
What happens when you’re on the brink of motherhood but feel like you’re standing outside a “secret club” no one talks about?
In this episode, I sit down with Jordan, who is in the midst of trying to conceive and navigating the realities of family planning, career balance, and the cultural differences between the US and New Zealand. We discuss the decision she made last year to step aside rather than step up—a shift from the corporate hustle of her 20s. Instead of pushing for more responsibility, she’s prioritising a lower-stress lifestyle in preparation for the next chapter: trying to conceive, maternity leave, and the many unknowns of motherhood.
I asked Jordan a big question: Do you feel like you’re making a sacrifice?
This episode is packed with thought-provoking questions—so if something resonates, I’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment or DM me on Instagram @haveitall.podcast to share your thoughts.
🎧 Listen now for a raw, honest discussion on the journey to motherhood and beyond.
Before becoming a mum, Danny and her husband were living life to the fullest—careers they loved, a buzzing social life, friends, parties, and the kind of freedom you don’t realise you have until it’s gone. But nothing could have prepared her for the profound shift that motherhood would bring.
Danny’s experience of becoming a mum was not just life-changing—it was earth-shattering. A deeply traumatic birth left her with PTSD, and the emotional intensity of motherhood hit harder than she ever imagined. She had an unshakable bond with her child, but navigating the rollercoaster of emotions, identity shifts, and the pressure to return to work was overwhelming.
In this episode, we dive into:
🧡 The identity shift that comes with becoming a mum
🧡 The pressure to balance work and family (without losing yourself)
🧡 How to navigate judgment—from others and yourself
🧡 Why self-trust is the key to surviving the chaos
🧡 The emotional impact of parenting decisions and why grace is essential
Whether you’re in the thick of raising little ones, transitioning back to work, or just trying to figure it all out, this conversation is for you.
LINKS
Read: The Child in You: The Breakthrough Method for Bringing Out Your Authentic Self by Stefanie Stahl
Follow @haveitall.podcast on IG & TikTok
