Episode 77 Put Away That Phone! How a Digital Detox Will Improve Your Life with Dr. Gwenyth Jackaway
Guest Dr. Gwenyth Jackaway discusses how we can improve our attention, focus, and sleep, and, as a result, enjoy a better life. And to her, it starts with being present and using our phones and devices with intention and not reflexively. As Dr. Jackaway says, where you focus your attention, is what your life is about. She shares tips and advice on this episode of The Balance Dilemma.
A media historian and expert in the effects of media and technology on society, Dr. Jackaway taught at Fordham University for 25 years. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Columbia University and her Master’s and Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania.
Episode recorded June 14, 2024 at LMC Media Studio in Mamaroneck, New York
Episode 76 The American Childcare Dilemma with Tiffany S.W. Hamilton
Ask most working American parents what the biggest stressor and problem is . . . and likely they will respond childcare. More specifically, finding affordable, convenient, high-quality care for their children- before and during the school-age years. The United States is one of the few rich nations that does not provide childcare support (other than an inadequate Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit). For working families, absent employer-based programs, parents are on their own.
In this episode, we speak with Tiffany S.W. Hamilton, the CEO of the YWCA White Plains and Central Westchester about the state and future of the childcare dilemma. Tiffany is also a wife, mother, and DEI expert.
Episode recorded May 8, 2024, at the LMC Media Podcast Studio
Episode 75 The Power and Predicament of Saying Yes to a Pivot with Melissa Andrieux, Esq.
What do narcotics prosecutions, medical malpractice, and DEIB advocacy have in common? They are all part of the career path guest Melissa G. Andrieux, Esq. traveled. And to hear Melissa tell it, while a television show inspired her dream of being a district attorney, the rest was unexpected. But it represents her willingness to pivot, say yes, and advocate for her needs. Topics include the yes dilemma, saying no, imposter syndrome, and self-care.
At Dorf, Nelson & Zauderer LLP (a Gender Fair certified firm), Melissa is the firm’s Chief Diversity Officer and Client Relations Officer. Outside the firm, Melissa not only is a voice and speaker about DEIB, but she also serves as an Ambassador to the Business Council of Westchester, a Board Member of the Westchester Women’s Bar Association (WWBA), and co-chair of the WWBA’s DEI Committee.
Episode recorded April 17, 2024, at the LMC Media Podcast Studio
Episode 74 Lessons Learned From Not So Joyful Life Moments with Lori Pine, The Joy CEO
You don’t usually expect a successful business presentation to conclude with a ride in an ambulance. And when it happens, it can be life-changing. That’s the case with guest Lori Pine, Founder and CEO of The Joy CEO.
Climbing and traversing her way up and across the proverbial corporate ladder, Lori’s career took her to VP status at global brands like Anheuser-Busch, Coca-Cola, and Campbell’s Soup Company. Household names for sure, but when a need arose at home, she answered the call. Lori is now an executive coach for ambitious, high-performing professional women over 40 who are seeing more purpose and passion in their everyday lives, helping them to find clarity and reclaim their joy.
Episode recorded April 3, 2024 at the LMC Media Podcast Studio
Episode 73 How to Write and Publish Your Book: “Women and the Power of the Written Word”
Firm believers that every woman has a story (or several) to tell, The Balance Dilemma Hosts Christie Derrico and Maura Carlin organized, along with The Bronxville Women’s Club, a panel of three powerhouse women authors, Loren Stephens, Bethany Saltman, and Lauren Marino, to discuss Women and the Power of the Written Word.”
Hear the stories behind the storytellers and learn about the pitfalls they had to overcome to become writers. Hear what it takes to write and publish a book. Topics addressed include: Strategies and avenues to publication. Should you hire a writing coach? Understand the difference between a literary agent and an editor. What are the pathways to publication, including the differences between hybrid, self, and traditional publishing?
Video will be available on TBD’s Youtube channel. Stay tuned!
Episode recorded at the Bronxville Women’s Club by LMC Media on March 7, 2024. Special thanks to Mike Witsch for recording.
Episode 72 How Millennial Moms Are Faring at Home and In the Workforce with Lauren Tetenbaum
Have millennials figured out the secret to balancing (aka juggling or integrating) career and family? TBD turned to Lauren A. Tetenbaum, LMSW, JD, PMH-C, a millennial mom herself, to discuss whether the struggles still exist - and answers/solutions.
Lauren is a writer, lawyer, wife, mother, and social worker specializing in supporting millennial moms and young women through life transitions. Helping women solve their balance dilemmas (in TBD language). Lauren is also trained by the Fair Play Institute and Nurturing Mamas Network where she trains other mental health professionals about gender equity advocacy and the maternal mental load.
Episode recorded March 20, 2024 at the LMC Media Podcast Studio
Episode 71 College Admissions - How to work the system [legally] with Kerry Roberts
Figuring out the college admissions process and how to help your student get in to the school of their choice, continues to baffle parents and children, leaving everyone anxious, angsty, and maybe even a bit angry. Guest Kerry Roberts advises on how to legally (unlike the parents involved in the infamous Varsity Blues scandal) work the admissions process.
Applying her 20+ years of corporate marketing and branding experience to college placement, Kerry now helps students identify and apply to the right colleges for them—skirting the dreaded “sea of sameness” in school selection. On this episode of TBD, Kerry explains the process as well as her approach, driven by data, compassion, and creativity. She describes the different application timetables (around the 12-minute mark) and provides a sanity-inducing strategy for the college search process. Kelly is certified in college counseling through UCLA.
Episode recorded February 3, 2024.
Episode 70 How to Start and Sustain Your Fashion Business When it Burns Down with Ellie Zieminski
Establishing and maintaining a retail fashion business is tough, even under the best circumstances. But what about when it burns down? Followed by a global pandemic. Now the founder and owner of four Love Bella Boutiques, with a fifth on the way, Ellie Zieminski describes how she survived and thrived. Balancing business and family she shares her advice, and thanks the community that supported her along the way.
Episode recorded at Love Bella Larchmont January 31, 2024. Video will be available on The Balance Dilemma YouTube channel as well.
Episode 69 Curating a Gem of a Life with Alexia Connellan
Artist on the inside, business woman on the outside, award-winning jewelry designer Alexia Connellan discusses her path to success in business, art, and life. Christie and Maura met Alexia when she spoke at Savvy Ladies event entitled “How to Curate the Good Life: Defining Your Strategies to Live as You Truly Desire” . . . and naturally caught our attention.
On this episode of TBD, Alexia describes her evolution from a successful career in information technology to a gemstone expert and jewelry designer. As it is for so many of us, Alexia’s path was paved with curves, detours and pivots, while staying true to her roots and passions.
And for anyone who loves gems that sparkle and shine (and really, who doesn’t?), Alexia describes the process of creating a special jewelry piece.
Pictures of the jewels Alexia spoke about during the episode are in our show notes (link below).
Episode recorded December 20, 2023.
Episode 68 - Art in Progress, an Event at Melinda Buie's Art Studio, with Melinda Buie Talking Motherhood and the Working Artist
We can’t resist a visit to Melinda Buie’s art studio . . . so we did it again on December 6, 2023. Back in 2021, Melinda was the guest on TBD Episode 24 and allowed us (and some fans) to see her studio in person.
This time, her studio held about 60 TBD and Buie fans . . . happy to see and hear about how she and her work have evolved. Turn the volume up high and have a listen. Admittedly some parts are hard to hear, but with art seeing can be more important than hearing. Video will be available on TBD’s (new) youtube channel. Stay tuned!
Episode recorded December 6, 2023
Episode 67 The Conscious Parenting Revolution with Katherine Sellery, a three time TedX speaker and author of the bestselling book 7 Strategies to Keep Your Relationship With Your Kids From Hitting the Boiling Point.
For many the balance dilemma begins with parenting . . . an endeavor that guest Katherine Sellery reminds us we’re never trained to do. While running her own commodities trading business in Hong Kong, with a young son, her desire to learn more led her to training.
Ultimately Katherine made a full career pivot and created her own parenting communication method - The Conscious Parenting Revolution. Learn about the 3Rs -retaliation, rebellion, resistance - and how theories of nonviolent communications apply. Even better, her method, she says, works with adults and in business settings.
Episode recorded October 6, 2023
Episode 66 Why Women Cheat and Lie with Susan Shapiro Barash
An expert in gender studies and the gender divide, TBD guest Susan Shapiro Barash describes how commuter-train eavesdropping led to her first book (and study), A Passion for More, about why women cheat in relationships. As she tells TBD, it’s likely more common than you think and growing.
Susan’s written work - and there are 13 nonfiction and 4 fiction books (the latter under her pen name Susannah Marren) - explores the roles of women in society, including taboo issues many are afraid to discuss. Her books explore women’s relationships, including rivalry (Tripping the Prom Queen), lying (Little White Lies, Deep Dark Secrets), second wives (Second Wives: The Pitfalls and Rewards of Marrying Widowers and Divorced Men), and toxic friends (Toxic Friends).
A professor of gender studies, Susan explains what this all means for American women, wives, and society. One thing she makes clear is that “The most important and single act [to change things] would be if women earned equal pay for equal work, because until that is established, we're marginalized."
And yes, we asked whether she had cheated in a relationship. You’ll have to listen for her answer.
Episode recorded November 7, 2023
Episode 65 Military Mom Rises And Leads with Col. (Ret.) Mary Westmoreland
Although the Brookings Institution refers to the us military as “one of the most progressive institutions” women still represent only about 17% of overall service members, and far less in the top brass - single digits.
Col. (Ret.) Mary Westmoreland is one of those women who rose to high ranks. She joins TBD to tell her story, why and when she joined the military, how she rose through the ranks while raising a family . . . and what she learned about leadership, success, whether the military is a good career for women, and so much more . . .
Episode recorded October 4, 2023
Episode 64 Never Quite Right: How Glass Walls Are Holding Women Back at Work with Dr. Amy Diehl and Dr. Leanne Dzubinski
From age to experience, appearance, demeanor, and more, women never seem to be quite right for career advancement. Indeed, for any woman who feels like she’s banging her head against a glass ceiling or wall, TBD guests Dr. Amy Diehl and Dr. Leanne Dzubinski explain why “it’s not all your fault.” Co-authors of Glass Walls: Shattering the Six Gender Bias Barriers Still Holding Women Back at Work, they breakdown all the small and large ways women are held back. Fortunately, they believe the issue is fixable, providing workplace solutions in the book. One tip, don’t forget to call them - and other female PhDs and MDs - doctor.
Recorded 9.28.23
Episode 63 Back on the Mic
Co Hosts Maura Carlin and Christie Derrico return to their microphones to begin the fourth (!) season of The Balance Dilemma Podcast. They catch up on summer fun, “girl math,” book recommendations, and discuss going forward. Lessons from prior guests, expected future guests, and more research are all on tap in this episode.
Recorded 9.14.23
Our 2023 Book List
Yes, we talk a lot on The Balance Dilemma. Before that we research and prepare. And, we read. Whether for pleasure or purpose, books (and authors) are important. Below are some we covered in 2023 and others that are on our virtual and real bookshelves. Please share your favorites and recommendations.
Episode 62 “You Look Great For Your Age” Is Not a Compliment: Aging and Acceptance with Dermatologist Dr. Ellen Gendler
Skin - it’s the body’ s largest organ and we need to take care of it. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ellen Gendler joins TBD to discuss everything skincare - from injectables, to aging, to acceptance, and yes, of course sunscreen, which Dr. Gendler says really is the secret to the fountain of youth.
She agrees with Jennifer Aniston that telling someone they look great for their age is a terrible thing to say, let alone ageist and sexist. Hear Dr. Gendler’s take on that Martha Stewart Sports Illustrated photo shoot and some of the craziest and incorrect skin advice out there.
Dr. Gendler also shares how she and her husband managed their medical careers while raising two sons, including choices she made about professional independence. Inspiring and informative, Dr. Gendler’s social media videos on TikTok and IG attract fans worldwide.
Episode originally aired live on WVOX AM on June 22, 2023.
Episode 61 Why “Eat Less, Exercise More” Just Doesn’t Work As Women Age with Dr. Mary Claire Haver, Founder of The Galveston Diet
Frustrated with weight gain, as you approach or enter the end of child-bearing years? It’s a common problem for women. Yes, we are talking about perimenopause and menopause. And that same old advice - to eat less, exercise more - just isn’t working.
Well, that’s what Dr. Mary Claire Haver - an OB-GYN who used to provide that same mantra to her patients - experienced herself. It set her on a journey to discover why and what women can do. Her program - The Galveston Diet - is born from her frustration, research, and experience.
She explains it all on TBD, including the basic tenets of Intermittent Fasting, Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition, and Fuel Refocus. And although you may have to give up milk and sugar in your morning coffee, an avocado a day could be the trick to keep the doctor away.
Episode originally aired live on WVOX AM on June 6, 2023
Episode 60 Why Women and Alcohol Just Don’t Mix with Jen Dorf and Jean Marie Stein
As if it’s not hard enough to give up sugar, our guests discuss an important oft-overlooked source . . . alcohol. With the advent and increase of “mommy wine culture” giving it up can bring social as well as dietary restrictions. Sharing their personal and professional experiences and research, guests Jen Dorf and Jean Marie discuss why alcohol is so bad for women, especially as they age. Their program “See Ya Sugar” is designed to help kick the sweet habit for good. And, sadly, it affects your morning coffee ritual as well.
Episode originally aired live on WVOX AM on May 25, 2023
Episode 59 The Empty Nest and “Miserable Mom” with Sharon Brecher
What to expect eighteen years after you’re expecting . . . That’s a book many parents need as their nest begins emptying. For Sharon Brecher aka Miserable Mom, the years and days leading up to her eldest heading to college were fraught and scary, as she anticipated day-to-day life without her daughter. She returned from drop-off to begin writing her book “Miserable Mom: The Dos and Don’t of Sending Your Kid to College”. In the process, she created a community, became a mom-influencer, and more importantly, navigated the transition to this stage of parenthood.
Episode originally aired live on WVOX AM on May 11, 2023
Episode 58 Starting Over Again with Jen Graziano
Jen Graziano is an attorney, mother, funeral director, founder of jewelry line, and Host of the podcast and radio show Time to Talk. But she didn’t join The Balance Dilemma to promote her businesses. Foremost on Jen’s mind was dealing with a second marriage on the rocks. Why the family blending didn’t work? How to know when it’s failing and when to get out? And staying true to yourself and your daughter.
Jen’s pearls of wisdom come from growing up in the family business of death rituals - the funeral business. Let’s just say, it provides a full perspective on life and what really matters. And how work inspired the The RememBar Collection - fine, memorial jewelry.
As to how she does it all, Jen points to flexibility of being a family business owner and what she calls her “organized chaos.”
Episode originally aired live on WVOX AM on April 27, 2023
Episode 57 What We Are Reading with Local Public Librarians Rosemary Farrell and Jack Weiss
Put away your old-fashioned image of the staid librarian whispering “shhhh” as she stamps books taken out. Not only are they fully digital, but nowadays libraries are also vibrant centers of community and service.
In honor of National Book Day and National Library Week, TBD is joined by two librarians from the Mamaroneck Public Library - Rosemary Farrell and Jack Weiss. We talk book recommendations, reading versus listening, digital resources, and book bans.
Episode originally aired live on WVOX AM on April 13, 2023.
Episode 56 Why You Need a Personal Brand with Janna Meyrowitz Turner
What’s your personal brand? We’re not talking about your jeans or favorite cookie, but about you. Most of us don’t think of ourselves that way and Janna explains why we should. It’s not about being a product, but rather reflecting your values in what you do and how you spend your time.
On this episode, Janna explains how she puts this into action in her own quest for balance, including “Magic Mondays” and “ambition collision.” As founder and president of Synastry Capital, a cross-sector impact vehicle with a mission to change the ways money and power flow in the world. An entrepreneur at heart, Janna started her own public relations and brand strategy firm, Style House, practically right out of college.
Episode originally aired live on WVOX AM on March 30, 2023
Episode 55 Career Shifting From Real Estate to Olive Oil with Marie-Charlotte Piro
Unlike oil and water, you’ll be surprised to hear how luxury Miami real estate and premium olive oil mix. Marie-Charlotte (know as Charlotte) Piro pivoted from a wildly successful real estate career in Miami catering to European clients to founding and running Olio Piro LLC.
In this episode, you’ll also hear her story of coming to America, making a life, and she achieves (or doesn’t) some measure of balance. And yes, she does believe you can have it all and all at the same time. “Be bold and ask for help.”
Oh, and make sure to taste her olive oil, available at olio-piro.com. It’s nothing like what you’re used to buying at the supermarket.
Episode originally aired live on WVOX AM on March 16, 2023
Episode 54 Finding Balance When Death and Grief Tip the Scales with Beth Robbins
Not all pivots are by choice. Beth Robbins, author of A Grief Sublime, explores the aftermath of the sudden and unexpected death of her husband. She bravely discusses what she took for granted before his death and her reinvention after. Her book was adapted into a film, in which Beth played herself, entitled Sproutman.
Beth Robbins is a writer, an actor, a teacher, and a director who received her MLitt (2022) and MA (2016) from Bread Loaf School of English at Middlebury College.
Episode originally aired live on WVOX AM on March 2, 2023
Episode 53 Poison Ivy and College Admissions with Evan Mandery
Professor Evan Mandery joins TBD to discuss his book Poison Ivy: How Elite Colleges Divide Us.
On TBD, Evan discusses who gets in and why, and how colleges should do more for the greater good. He challenges the belief that these institutions promote diversity and upward mobility. According to him, the rich remain rich allowing few others to break into the top echelon. Rather, he says, it is schools like CUNY that allow true upward mobility.
Evan Mandery is the author of eight books, including four novels, as well as the co-creator and executive producer of the TV series Artificial, for which he won Peabody and Emmy awards in 2019. A leading expert on the death penalty, Evan’s book, A Wild Justice: The Death and Resurrection of Capital Punishment in America, was a New York Times Editors’ Pick, a Kirkus best book of the year, and an ABA Silver Gavel honorable mention.
A graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School, Evan has been an outspoken critic of legacy admissions since publishing an op-ed in The New York Times in 2014. His new book Poison Ivy: How Elite Colleges Divide Us offers a devastating critique of how elite colleges and suburbs work together to exacerbate social inequality. Evan is also a regular contributor to Politico.
Episode aired live on WVOX-AM on February 16, 2023.
Episode 52 Pivot, Pivot, Pivot, But Don’t Give Up with Loren Stephens
A master of pivots, sometimes by necessity, Loren Stephens, the author of All Sorrows Can Be Borne, shares her story. Early in her career she dealt with the realization that “passions don't pay bills.” After years of success in finance, fundraising, and documentary films, Loren found her way back to her first dream - writing and helping other write and publish. It’s a story that takes her cross-country to follow her then ex-husband for co-parenting and finding a way to make it all work.
Loren is a widely published essayist and fiction and non-fiction writer. All Sorrows Can Be Borne was inspired by her (second) mother-in-law’s life story growing up in Japan during and after World War II. Loren is a two-time nominee of the prestigious Pushcart Prize. As President and Founder of the ghostwriting companies Write Wisdom and Bright Star Memoirs, Loren helps other writers pursue their dreams.
Episode originally aired live on WVOX AM on February 2, 2023
Episode 51 Talking About Lead Dads with Paul Sullivan, Founder of The Company of Dads
Former New York Times columnist and lead dad, Paul Sullivan, discusses what it means to be a “Lead Dad” and the implications for women, men, families, and the workplace. As he tells TBD, Lead Dad “is a powerful proactive term. It's not a reactive term. And naming things matters." During the episode, Paul introduces his new venture, The Company of Dads, which he terms the first platform dedicated to creating a community for lead dads, dealing with isolation, parenting issues, stereotypes, and more.
Paul wrote the Money Matters column in the New York Times for 13 years and created the Money Game column in GOLF magazine. He is the author of The Thin Green Line: The Money Secrets of the Super Wealthy.
And, of course, we had to ask for his best money advice.
Episode originally aired live on WVOX-AM on January 19, 2023
Episode 50 The Power of the Pause with Rachael O’Meara
Feeling burnt out? Ever wonder how you could just bow out for a bit and get you #$%! together? Discover the power of the pause. Former Google sales executive Rachael O’Meara tells her personal pause story that inspired her book, Pause: Harnessing the Life-Changing Power of Giving Yourself a Break. Learn terms like TASER, Mental Flossing, and Digital Detox, as well as the five signs that you need a pause.
Episode originally aired live on WVOX-AM on January 5, 2023
Episode 49 Is the Husband Going to Be a Problem? with Dr. Caroline Bicks
Professor Caroline Bicks discusses how her wedding ring became an issue in a job interview. She wrote about the dilemma in her NY Times Modern Love article, “Is The Husband Going to Be a Problem.” In academia, it’s called the “two-body problem” as our guest explains.
Dr. Bicks is the Stephen E. King Chair in Literature at the University of Maine. She is also on the faculty of the Bread Loaf School of English. She specializes in Shakespeare, gender studies, and the history of science. She is the author of Cognition and Girlhood in Shakespeare’s World: Rethinking Female Adolescence (Cambridge University Press, 2021); Midwiving Subjects in Shakespeare’s England (Ashgate, 2003); co-editor of The History of British Women’s Writing, 1500-1610 (Palgrave, 2010). She also is the co-author of Shakespeare, Not Stirred: Cocktails for Your Everyday Dramas.
Episode originally aired live on WVOX-AM on December 22, 2022
Episode 48 The Kids Are Not Alright with Dr. Risa Ryger
Clinical Psychologist Dr. Risa Ryger returns to The Balance Dilemma to discuss mental health and our children. Are the kids alright and what can we do to support their mental health in the age of technology and social media?
WARNING: not for children and anyone sensitive to discussions of self-harm or suicide.
Episode originally aired live on WVOX-AM on December 8, 2022.
Apologies for sound quality issues.
Episode 47 with Chelsea Conaboy - Challenging the Myth of Maternal Instinct
Does motherhood change the brain or does the brain change in motherhood? This question is explored by author and journalist Chelsea Conaboy in her new book Mother Brain: How Neuroscience is Rewriting the Story of Parenthood.
Hear how Chelsea’s own journey inspired this project and questions the idea of maternal instinct. As she tells TBD, “The idea that maternal instinct as this capacity for caregiving that is innate, automatic and uniquely female, that's a myth.”
Episode originally aired live on WVOX-AM on November 10, 2022
Episode 46 with Dori Acampora
When someone describes themselves as an “accidental entrepreneur” we know we need to speak with them. Especially when that person is also a wife and mother facing her own balance dilemma. Guest Dori Acampora fits that bill as founder and owner of Integrity Media. We discuss how her unique upbringing with two moms (in the 1980s!) affected - or didn’t - Dori’s own plans.
But wait, there’s more, lol. Dori shares stories about returning to school as an adult and teaching us a few things about the world of cheerleading.
Episode originally aired live on WVOX-AM on October 27, 2022
Episode 45 with Ginny Poleman
Swipe left or swipe right? We’re talking divorce and dating. And if you haven’t been in the scene since the 1980s, quite a lot has changed.
Dating certainly isn’t exclusive to the under-thirty crowd. Writer and over fifty influencer Ginny Poleman joins The Balance Dilemma to answer all of our and your questions. From telling the kids about the divorce to writing a dating profile to catfishing and more, Ginny reveals the reality of mid-life sex in the city - dating apps and all.
Episode originally aired live on WVOX-AM on October 13, 2022
Episode 44 with Emily A. Hay
Imagine having one of your toughest marital conversations as part of a groundbreaking documentary. Well, guest Emily A. Hay did just that and she shares the experience and the aftermath on The Balance Dilemma.
Long committed to careers based on flexibility, Emily is the founding member of Hay There Social Media - a platform that teaches mothers to run their own social media marketing businesses. But her flexibility alone wasn’t enough for a fair and balanced home life with a husband and two children.
Not only did Emily use Eve Rodsky’s (TBD Ep 34) Fair Play methodology, but she and her husband are featured in the new Fair Play Documentary. She describes how it is working and why she believes in work life integration, rather than work life balance.
Episode originally aired live on WVOX-AM on September 29, 2022
Episode 42 Ambitious Like a Mother with Lara Bazelon
This mother, writer, professor of law, and director of the Criminal Juvenile Justice and Racial Justice Clinics at the University of San Francisco School of Law chats with TBD about her new book, Ambitious Like a Mother: Why Prioritizing Your Career is Good for Your Kids.
Lara is a writer of fiction and nonfiction who has published op-eds in the New York Times and The Washington Post and is a contributing writer for Slate with her ongoing series on criminal justice and modern family life. She is also the author of Rectify: The Power of Restorative Justice After Wrongful Conviction.
So how the heck does she juggle it all? Lara will share her stories on career setbacks, overcoming the stigma of a divorce, and the power of passion for your work. In her words, it’s a “messy imbalance.”
But, she says, it doesn’t work for two parents to have equally demanding high power careers at the same time. Rather, she advises what she calls a “seesaw” marriage. And most importantly, she says to have these discussions before you decide to have children.
Episode originally aired live on WVOX-AM on July 21, 2022
Episode 41 Pivoting From Corporate Executive to Farmer Is Her Recipe For Life with Adrienne Evatt
When they said, "You can take the girl off the farm but you can't take the farm out of the girl…” they forgot to mention, it takes a businesswoman to run the farm!
Adrienne Evatt left behind the big city/corporate rat race but not the knowledge she learned from her twenty-year career. Hear how Adrienne went from urban to rural to live a healthier, happier, and sustainable life with her family, running Urban Dreamer Farm and Vineyard, a family run farm stand, and baked goods business and how she coaches others to achieve their reinvention goals with her Recipe for Life on-line coaching. Among other things, Adrienne talks about the importance of dream durability: "being so set on your goal or you dream that you're not willing to let people knock you off your course."
And, for croissant lovers, Adrienne taught herself to make those fabulous pastries, and sadly confirms what we all suspected: "Croissants have a lot of butter. They have 81 layers of butter. One croissant has almost a pound of butter."
Episode originally aired live on WVOX-AM on June 23, 2022
Episode 40 The Mistress of Reinvention with Nina Sadowsky
If real life were a movie, guest Nina Sadowsky could write the script. Nina's life has toggled from coast to coast and has spun from marriage to difficult divorce. Hear how, through it all, she has found success.
This former entertainment lawyer was the screenwriter for The Wedding Planner and her short film The First Year’s a Bitch won the best editing award at the New York Short Film Festival. A master of pivots, she is the Program Director of NYU’s Los Angeles while creating her own novel empire. Nina’s latest book Privacy released in June 2022.
Nina tells us that “being an artist is .. . this constant cycle of: I'm a genius, I'm an idiot. I'm brilliant. I'm a moron." Her advice includes facing imposter syndrome with confidence and recognizing that “there’s what happens to you and there’s how you deal with it.”
Episode originally aired live on WVOX-AM on June 9, 2022
Episode 39 Leveling the Playing Field with Tools for the Future: Creating the STEM Alliance with Meg Kaüfer
Skills like a mother . . . make a difference in the world. Guest Meg Kaüfer went from educator to full-time mom to President and founding member of The STEM Alliance, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Hear how Meg’s personal evolution, passions, and balance dilemma led her to this important role, organizing events like STEM-tastic, a hands-on festival of learning that attracted 2,000 attendees in its inaugural year.
You’ll learn what STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education is exactly, why it is so important for the future, and how STEM education through digital equity could be the great societal equalizer for women, people of color, and the less affluent.
Meg also shares her views on why it is important for organizations to recognize and quantify efforts of volunteers, as well as the financial pitfalls being a stay-at-home mom.
Episode originally aired live on WVOX-AM on May 26, 2022
Episode 38 A German Grandmother’s Special Recipe Brewed to Success with Ute Londrigan
In the mood for a cocktail? Guest Ute Londrigan can mix you one with a hundred year old German tradition. In 2018, this mother and entrepreneur started craft liqueur business HEIMAT, inspired by recipes handed down from her grandmother.
From sourcing fruit locally, to designing bottles and labels, hear how Ute not only survived the pandemic but flourished, adding a woman’s touch to a predominantly male industry.
Episode originally aired live on WVOX-AM on May 12, 2022
Episode 37 Nice Doesn’t Mean Always Saying Yes with Fran Hauser
Fran Hauser, best-selling author of The Myth of the Nice Girl, discusses her new book Embrace the Work, Love Your Career.
Hear how, well before her superstar career in media rising through the ranks at Time Inc., she honed her business skills as a school-aged child of immigrant parents helping with the books for her father’s business. She also learned the advantages of being nice and why it is her superpower. Now an angel investor and entrepreneur, Fran works toward leveling the playing field for women.
In her latest book, Fran advocates having a “To Don’t” list and explains how cutting things out can make room for the things you want, like family and projects.
Episode originally aired live on WVOX-AM on April 28, 2022
Episode 36 Just a girl from Texas, with a writer’s pen and a Harvard law degree with Ginger McKnight-Chavers
Entertainment lawyer turned writer/novelist Ginger McKnight-Chavers shares her inspiration for her debut award-winning novel In the Heart of Texas, influenced in part by the lessons she learned from her mother, a prominent African-American woman of Dallas.
From Harvard Law School, with friend/classmate Michelle Obama, to suburban mom, Ginger expounds upon her article “Beyonce Is My Type of Feminist” where she describes the reality of most women’s complex lives “juggling a menagerie of roles, responsibilities, relationship, and desires” and why the unpaid workload of volunteerism matters, even without a paycheck.
Episode originally aired live on WVOX-AM on April 14, 2022
Episode 35 Change is Not a Dirty Word with Dr. Risa Ryger
Have you experienced a little stress over the last couple of years? . . . Yeah, us too. Join clinical psychologist Dr. Risa Ryger, an expert in change. Risa explains her trademarked “disruptive self-ownership” and how it can help you thrive personally and professionally. She takes us through a calming exercise and provides strategies for facing the day and world. Hear about her Four Fs and 4-4-8 breathing technique. In addition, we discuss some of the mental health challenges brought on the two years of the pandemic.
Episode originally aired live on WVOX-AM on March 31, 2022
Episode 34 Employ ‘Fair Play’ So You Can Reclaim Your Right to Be Interesting with Eve Rodsky
Tired of being the ‘she-fault’ parent, guest Eve Rodsky decided to do something about it in her own home. That inspiration led to her book Fair Play, a system (and game) for more fairly allocating domestic workload with rules like: “All time is created equal.”
Eve discusses with TBD the seeds that were sown in her childhood watching her single and divorced mother struggle to do it all and the spark that ignited this national discussion, a meltdown over a text from her hubby: I’m surprised you didn’t get the blueberries…
Furthermore, this was far from unique to her home. Eve discusses how the unpaid labor of women affect their future. As she tells TBD, “if you care about women’s economic security, the last frontier for feminism is ironically in the place closest to us . . . our homes.”
Eve also shares her new work Find Your Unicorn Space: Reclaim Your Creative Life in a Too-Busy World that recommends giving yourself permission to be unavailable so you can achieve “deep work” and creativity. . . at any stage of life. Women, she reminds us, have the right to be interesting.
Episode originally aired live on WVOX-AM on March 17, 2022
Episode 33 Women and Building Financial Wealth with Elana Milianta
Guest Elana Milianta shares her story as a self-made wealth management consultant, retail business owner, and author, who came to this country with her family as a young émigré, seeking freedom. Elana’s life passion has been to help women build financial literacy. Her book, A Girlfriend’s Financial Survival Guide, educates women on building financial independence as they transition through life’s stages.
How Elana amassed her knowledge didn't just come from degrees and certifications. She shares with us what she learned from her parents about hard work and financial independence, and by saving, budgeting, and building good credit.
Learn how you - at any age - can develop your own wealth and financial security on this episode of The Balance Dilemma.
And Elana says don’t buy that Starbucks coffee. Invest it instead. Find out why.
Episode aired live on WVOX-AM on March 3, 2022
Episode 32 We All Have More Power Than We Know with Gloria Feldt
From 15 years old and pregnant to President and CEO of Planned Parenthood, guest Gloria Feldt has quite a story. The author of five books including her latest Intentioning: Sex, Power, Pandemics, and How Women Will Take the Lead for Everyone’s Good, Gloria is committed to propelling women to their fair share of leadership positions by 2025. As she reminds TBD, “companies that have more women in their leadership, make more money.”
Hear her leadership tips, advice on how women can find their inner strength and about her organization, Take the Lead. And that word “intentioning” - yes, Gloria made it up, turning intention into a verb. Find out why.
Episode aired live on WVOX-AM on February 17, 2022
Episode 31 Creating a Business in a Place You Love with Susanna Herlitz-Ferguson
Guest Susanna Herlitz-Ferguson committed to starting a business in her favorite location. She shares her entrepreneurial story, founding MV Salads on Martha’s Vineyard, a near-immediate hit from the time it opened in 2019. Susanna’s journey is anything but straightforward, beginning with being barely functional in the kitchen to becoming a successful restauranteur. How the heck did she do it? With planning, patience and persistence. After raising her four children, keeping her fingers and toes in the business world, Susanna bravely relocated and changed her life, finding personal and professional happiness. Carry on!
Episode originally aired live on WVOX-AM on February 3, 2022.
Episode 30 Making a Banking Career Work with Joanne Jensen
This is a classic tale of, How the heck did she do that? From working-class roots to Managing Director and Private Banker at Deutsche Bank Wealth Management, Joanne Jensen is a star in the financial world. Joanne managed WFH and flex hours long before they were commonplace and in a field where they were virtually unheard of. Joanne shares with TBD the importance of knowing your own finances, especially in times of transition. Hear how/why she stayed in the workforce, even when things were hard, why wealth management is a good career for women (no, really), and how to put yourself first and negotiate for more money. A little hint - know your facts and your value.
College was a life-altering experience for Joanne and she is committed to helping disadvantaged students get to and through college, with the mentoring organization Let's Get Ready.
Episode originally aired live on WVOX-AM on January 20, 2022.
Episode 29 Rethinking Myths About Women in Business
with Andi Simon
Fill in the blank… “Women can’t be or do ____.” Whatever your answer, corporate anthropologist, futurist, and author Dr. Andi Simon disagrees. Her latest book: Rethink: Smashing the Myths of Women in Business recounts the experiences of 11 women, including Simon, and how they succeeded.
Andi also explains the role of anthropology in corporate settings as well as defining what a futurist is, exactly. But, perhaps more importantly, she’ll tell us how to get out of our own way and change the institutions that define us. She says that with the "Great Resignation" comes the "opportunity for women to create new work styles, a new society which values them differently." And... she’ll explain why she decided to put “motherhood” on her official bio.
Episode aired live on WVOX-AM on January 6, 2022
Our 2021 Book List
Yes, we talk a lot on The Balance Dilemma. Before that we research and prepare. And, we read. Whether for pleasure or purpose, books (and authors) are important. Below are some we covered in 2021 and others that are on our virtual and real bookshelves for 2022.
Episode 28 Real Life Can Be Stranger Than Fiction
with Author Patricia Dunn
Author Patricia Dunn demonstrates how real life often is stranger than fiction. This Bronx-bred Italian woman ended up in California, a Muslim, arrested, and a single mom - although not necessarily all at the same time.
Pat’s experiences inspired her latest novel LAST STOP ON THE SIX . . . though it took 25 years to finish. Find out why and what we can learn about persistence and pivots.
Episode originally aired live on WVOX-AM on December 9, 2021
Episode 27 After Recalibrating Priorities This Man Wants to Be Mother with Frank Schaeffer
New York Times bestselling author Frank Schaeffer explains why he - a 68 year old heterosexual male - wants to be a ‘mother’. And no, it has nothing to do with gender or sexuality. Rather, it’s about the nurturing role.
In his latest book, “Fall in Love, Have Children, Stay Put, Save the Planet, Be Happy” Frank shares why he thinks society has it all wrong - that taking care of our families should come before work.
Episode originally aired live on WVOX-AM on November 11, 2021
Episode 26 Sex, Drugs, Babies, and Breast Cancer with T.J. Hills
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to the latest statistics, one in every eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.
T.J. Hills is one of those women. In her new book Sex, Drugs, Babies and Breast Cancer: Health Benefits of Estrogen Gene Testing, she shares her personal story. What put her (and other women) at risk and how it might have been avoided, are just some of the issues discussed. Plus, learn how a simple estrogen gene test could assess your risk. And, at the core is a story about lack of balance, priorities, and ignoring one’s own health.
Episode originally aired live on WVOX am on October 28, 2021
Episode 25 From American Dream to Mentoring Others
with Carol Villegas
Lawyer, wife, mother, and embodiment of the American dream. Carol’s parents immigrated to the United States in search of a better life for their family. It’s an amazing story that Carol shares with us.
In her professional life, Carol not only represents clients but is committed to bringing up other women, through mentoring and advocacy. Learn how she and her family navigated the pandemic, between shutdowns, WFH, SFH (that’s school from home) and now BTO (back to office).
And for anyone looking for career advice, Carol gives it to us straight. It might not be what you want to hear . . . but it’s information you should not ignore.
Episode originally aired live on WVOX AM on October 14, 2021
Episode 24 Painting the Life She Wants with Melinda Buie
Born and bred in East Texas with roots on a cattle ranch, artist Melinda Buie came to New York after college to pursue her artistic dreams. Before establishing her own studio in Port Chester, NY, Melinda worked for the Whitney Museum of American Art, Gluckman Mayner Architects, and The Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Foundation.
Now the mother of two school-age boys, Melinda shares with us the path to parenthood with her wife, saying yes, and why her art often features farm animals. It’s a lesson in maintaining artistic inspiration while chasing children and juggling life. Find out why she says “never say never.”
Episode originally aired live on WVOX-AM September 30, 2021.
Episode 23 Back in the Studio
Hosts Maura Carlin and Christie Derrico return to the studio for the second season of The Balance Dilemma. They catch up on summer fun - it includes a RV trip - and discuss going forward. Lessons from prior guests, expected future guests, and more research are all on tap in this episode.
Episode originally aired live on WVOX AM on September 16, 2021
Episode 22 with Carlotta Ferraro
This amazing woman pursued a career in foreign service that enabled her to also serve herself, her family, and the world.
Carlotta Ferrero's career has taken her to conflict zones around the world, including Eastern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Her most recent assignment put her in Saudi Arabia with her family. Carlotta explains how and why she decided to put personal/family happiness first to have the best of both worlds. Plus, find out why her toughest assignment was spending a year in Upstate New York!
Episode originally aired live on WVOX AM on July 22, 2021
Episode 21 with Loretta McCarthy
Loretta McCarthy, Managing Partner of Golden Seeds LLC, provides our listeners with an Investment 101 recap that includes how to fund your dream venture or someone else’s, through Golden Seeds’ network of venture capital angel investors. Venture capital v. private equity. Stages of development. Whether this route of entrepreneurship can provide balance. We discuss it all.
Plus, learn how you can apply to Golden Seeds for funding or become an investor yourself.
Circumstances beyond our control affected sound quality of this episode, but the content is great! Enjoy!
Episode originally aired live on WVOX AM on July 8, 2021
Episode 20 with Pat Sigmon
Pat began a career in tech, before women in tech was even a thing. She took her skills and went on to become an innovator, and a dogged entrepreneur, founding her own consulting business. Following a fellowship at Notre Dame university, Pat has taken up a new title, Professor, inspiring young students in innovation. Hear how she did it. What inspired her. And learn about her latest venture, The CEO Hotline.
Episode originally aired live on WVOX AM on June 24, 2021
Episode 19 with Audrey Hendley, President American Express Travel
Where are we going and how shall we get there? Audrey Hendley, President of American Express Travel, tackles both of these questions from the perspective of life, travel, and career.
Born, bred, and educated in Ireland, Audrey came to the United States after winning the U.S. Visa lottery. What she thought might be a fun year of travel, turned into what is now a 20+ year career at American Express. Her present position is actually her second stint in the travel group, having also worked in the credit card and insurance divisions. But travel is her passion . . . and she turned it into a successful career. Whether by design or series of fortunate events, hear how she did it, while raising a family and championing other women.
Plus, as the United States and, hopefully, the world, emerge from the COVID-19 global pandemic, we want to know where, when, and how to travel in this new era. And, yes, Audrey encourages us to travel today, tomorrow, and next year . . . with Plans A, B, and C on tap.
Episode originally aired live on WVOX AM on June 10, 2021
Episode 18 with Suzanna Keith and Sonal Rinello
Suzanna Keith and Sonal Rinello explain how hellocareerguru.com - a career trainer using artificial intelligence (AI) - can help you navigate the corporate lattice. This new technology application - built by women, for women - provides personalized coaching. In this episode, not only do Suzanna and Sonal share personal stories but also explain how a customized career game plan is your ticket to fulfillment - whether you’re looking to advance professionally, feeling stuck, hit hard by the pandemic, or needing to pivot. As you’ll learn, the way up isn’t always a straight line. And your “mom skills” can help get you that next position.
Use offer code Guru21 for two months free (offer expires July 1, 2021 and is subject to conditions).
Episode aired on WVOX-AM on May 27, 2021
Episode 17 with Dave Marcus
David L. Marcus is an admissions coach, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, author, and devoted father.
As an admissions coach, Dave helps each student find the right college, or grad school, as well as assisting those who decide that college is not the right path. He works with students of all backgrounds and aspirations. He's also coached many students whose parents are going through divorces, job changes and other transitions. David attended a public high school in Westchester County and then studied at Brown University and Harvard. But we will hear why a community college changed his life. Plus his advice on how to keep balance and perspective in the college admissions process and fatherhood.
David is the author of ACCEPTANCE, a book that shows students navigating the application process. Before that, David wrote a book about struggling teenagers. As a journalist, David worked for the Boston Globe, the Miami Herald, and Newsday on Long Island. He shared the Pulitzer Prize. He has been featured on the Today show and NPR radio programs.
Episode originally aired live on WVOX AM on May 13, 2021
Episode 16 with Daniel Carlin and Wednesday Derrico
Daniel Carlin, producer of Tony-Nominated Slave Play, and Wednesday Derrico, Executive Director of Experimental Bitch Presents (EBP), tell their stories as young performers to professionals in the entertainment biz. Hear when and what to expect as the curtain rises for the return of in-person Broadway theater. And, of course, they share thoughts about success and balance. BTW, consider this the 'mother' of all episodes as these two are none other than Maura and Christie’s own children.
Episode originally aired live on WVOX AM on April 29, 2021
Episode 15 with Elaine DiCostanzo
Elaine DiCostanzo tells us about hitting the refresh button on her career. Both an attorney and a medical doctor, she opted to stay home and raise her children. Nearly 20 years later, Elaine returned to the workforce. Law or medicine? You’ll have to listen in for her decision and how she did it.
Episode originally aired live on WVOX AM on April 15, 2021
Episode 14: Not Afraid to “Go to Grow” for Continued Motivation and Success
Dr. Tahira DuPree Chase has over 25 years of experience as an educator, author, leader, public speaker and full-time mom. She currently serves as Superintendent of Schools for the Greenburgh Central Seven district in Westchester County, New York for which she was nominated the Top 25 Superintendents to Watch National Award.
Episode 13: From Disney Princess to Star Maker
From a farm in Oklahoma with dreams of Broadway and show business, not only did Heather Capelle make it to stage, screen, cruises and Disney . . . but now she’s preparing a new generation. From her story, you’ll hear about Disney University (yes, it’s a real thing), the life of an actor, and her mission as Owner and Artistic Director of Artistree Performing Arts in Mamaroneck, NY. Did life on a farm prepare this Disney Princess to tame the beasts of entertainment? And how do you balance an unpredictable career with the demands of home and family? These are just some of the issues we discuss with Heather.
Episode 12: What happens when a woman takes over the restaurant kitchen? She can stand the heat . . . but where’s the balance when you are Chief, Cook and Bottlewasher?
Hear Anna Maria Santorelli's story from immigrant to Executive Chef for NYC’s Gracie Mansion to Chef/Owner of her own establishments. Larchmont, NY lost out when she sold Anna Maria's Restaurant, but Rye won with Anna Maria’s Wine Bar, which she opened weeks before the pandemic hit. A pivot right into a frying pan!
You won’t want to miss Anna Maria's tales from the pressure-cooker kitchen and adventures on Food Network’s “Chopped” series.
Episode 11: Do Equal Careers Equal Balance? Plus the benefits of paternity leave . . . from a dad’s perspective.
In a dual career family, do two equal careers with relatively equal hours, responsibilities and income, lead to balance? We pose that question to guest Stefan Kuczinski, since he and his wife are both teachers in Westchester County, NY raising two daughters. Moreover, Stefan was an early adopter of the benefits of paternity leave and shares his experience.
Episode 10: For one Australian woman, Life is either a daring adventure or it’s nothing with Katherine Frankel
Katherine Frankel was born in Australia, attended school in France, returned to Australia and completed a law degree. She worked as a flight attendant for an international airline before moving to management and implementing new equal opportunity laws. Katherine then emigrated to the US where she worked as entrepreneur/business owner and journalist. She retired at 38 to write and travel.
Episode 9: Daughter of a Superwoman Has Her Own Superpowers with Dr. Christine Whelan
Dr. Christine Whelan is a clinical professor in the School of Human Ecology at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She is the author of several books including "Why Smart Men Marry Smart Women" and "Generation WTF."
Episode 8: Mompreneur Turns Family Need into Global Company with Leslie Josel
Leslie Josel, an ADHD-student and parenting coach, is an award-winning entrepreneur, having founded Order Out Of Chaos – an organization whose mission is to help parents guide their students to success in learning and in life.
Episode 7: Taming the Wolves of Wall Street with Toni Cortese
Toni Cortese spent 25 years working on Wall Street . . . in the proverbial “boys club business.” She discusses what it was like being a woman there, raising a family, how to make it work . . . and how she left and pivoted to a new career. Aspects of Toni’s Wall Street life are reminiscent of the heroine in the book, “I Don’t Know How She Does It.” Alternatively, what went on around her might have been a scene from “The Wolf of Wall Street.”
Today, Toni is a Certified Professional Coach who uses her skills and experience to help others succeed.
Episode 6: Balanced Body — Can you eat and “drink” what you want all the time? with Bruce Bloom
During the holidays, a lot of celebrations are centered around indulgent eating and drinking, so we were eager to sit down and chat with Dr. Bruce Bloom of Bloom Metabolic Insights. This timely conversation about functional medicine, metabolic health, diet, and nutrition was so informative and insightful.
Episode 5: A Day in the Life of a Mompreneur/Momager with Michelle Gross
We sit down with Michelle Gross to discuss career changes, building a business from the ground up, fitness, managing her daughter's performing arts career, balancing all of this with family, and more!
Episode 4: When Dad Takes Charge of the Home Front with John Brisson
John Brisson brings us a distinct perspective on everything from his multiple career paths to taking care of the home front - and of course, parenting with his wife Jo, who is a rockstar surgeon and mother!
Episode 3: Turning Curveballs into Pivots with Eileen Moskowitz-Palma
Listen in to our chat with author and educator Eileen Moskowitz-Palma about women in the workplace, the effects of the pandemic, and turning curveballs into pivots.
Episode 2: How Far Have We Come, Or Not? with Guest Rita J. Tino
We sit down with Rita J. Tino to discuss women in law, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the Supreme Court, and more.
Episode 1: Introducing The Balance Dilemma with Christie Derrico & Maura Carlin
What are everyday women discussing and struggling with regarding work/life balance? And why has this remained a seemingly uniquely female problem? Meet the hosts as they explore these issues in the premiere episode.