Some of my favorite summer memories are from the car port of my grandma’s house in Central Pennsylvania. I’d get dropped off there for the day and would spend entire mornings curled up in the shade on an old school foldable orange outdoor chaise lounge with a *big* stack of library books by my side. I devoured Harriet the Spy, the entire Agatha Christie series, and any biography or Judy Bloom book I could get my hands on at the local public library.
Though my current life stage doesn’t allow for as much luxurious reading as in my childhood (you just wait, retirement – I’m coming for you with a book list a million miles long!!), books still bring me so much joy. For many years, on the Mindful Return blog, I’ve written summer reading lists (you can check out all of them here). Even more fun than reading books about working parenthood, though, has been interviewing the authors of these amazing reads.
Last month, I just wrapped up my 3rd season of interviews with some incredible authors. I know all of you weren’t able to tune in live, but I’m delighted to report that we recorded all of these conversations for future listening. Today, I’m sharing links to access all of these Season 3 conversations. Happy summer listening!
- September 2023 Book Talk with Stephanie Kramer about her book Carry Strong: An Empowered Approach to Navigating Pregnancy and Work
- September 2023 Bonus Book Talk with Andrew Barnes about his book The 4-Day Week: How the Flexible Work Revolution Can Increase Productivity, Profitability and Wellbeing, and Create a Sustainable Future
- October 2023 Book Talk with Lauren Smith Brody about her book The Fifth Trimester: The Working Mom’s Guide to Style, Sanity, and Success After Baby
- November 2023 Book Talk with Krupa Playforth about her book 101 Before One: Family Meals from the Start
- December 2023 Book Talk with Amanda Montei about her book Touched Out: Motherhood, Misogyny, Consent, and Control
- January 2024 Book Talk with Sarah Ezrin about her book The Yoga of Parenting: Ten Yoga-Based Practices to Help You Stay Grounded, Connect with Your Kids, and Be Kind to Yourself
- February 2024 Book Talk with Ana Homayoun about her book Erasing the Finish Line: The New Blueprint for Success Beyond Grades and College Admission
- March 2024 Book Talk with Dani McClain about her book We Live for the We: The Political Power of Black Motherhood
- April 2024 Book Talk with Karlee Vincent about her book Pump or Bust: A New Mama’s Guide to Office Politics, Breast Health, and Pumping on the Road!
- May 2024 Book Talk with Erica Djossa about her book Releasing the Mother Load: How to Carry Less and Enjoy Motherhood More
- June 2024 Book Talk with Nefertiti Austin about her book Motherhood So White: A Memoir of Race, Gender, and Parenting in America
Final hot tip: I just learned on our most recent Mindful Return alumni monthly call that (1) Barnes & Noble has a summer reading program that allows kids to earn free books; and (2) Nothing Bundt Cakes has a year-long reading program that allows kids to earn free cake! (My boys were VERY excited to learn about the cake-earning opportunity. Just call your local store to find out if they’re participating.)
Happy summer reading, and happy summer listening!!
Want more practical tips on working parenthood? Check out my book, Back to Work After Baby: How to Plan and Navigate a Mindful Return from Maternity Leave
