Best Amanda Freeman Podcasts (2026)

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The Weaver Family 53:31

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7m ago53:31

53:31

In this episode we are talking about the Weaver family. Ward Weaver Jr., Ward Weaver III, and Francis Weaver are three generations of Weavers who displayed vicious criminality. All experienced violence during childhood and went on to repeat the cycle of violence. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the Weaver family. Ward Weaver Jr committed murder …

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3. BRANDING. AND THEN RE-BRANDING 1:07:31

5h ago1:07:31

1:07:31

Send us a text Branding isn’t your logo, your colors, or your fonts. It’s the decision you make about who you’re allowed to be publicly. And most people are still building a business around a version of themselves from five years ago. In this episode, we strip branding down to what it actually is, how people experience you when you’re not in the ro…

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2. RUNNING A BUSINESS AS A PRIMARY PARENT 58:37

9h ago58:37

58:37

Send us a text If you’re a primary parent running a business, this episode is for you. Not the polished version of entrepreneurship. The real one, where flexibility exists, but it often shows up as working late, stacking responsibilities, and constantly adjusting around everyone else’s needs. In this episode, we talk honestly about what it means to…

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1. How I Met My Real Estate Bestie 51:12

10h ago51:12

51:12

Send us a text Ever wonder how a Realtor and a lender become inseparable business partners and real-life friends? In this episode, Amanda and Leni pull back the curtain on their origin story. From past careers to motherhood to real estate, they share the pivots, the breakdowns, the breakthroughs, and the one moment that turned two hustling moms int…

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7 College Planning Tips That Every Parent Should Know with Shellee Howard 29:02

3d ago29:02

29:02

Send us a text “How can I help my kid find the right path?” “How can I pay for college while avoiding student debt?” “What is the right college for my kids?” — The college admissions process seems daunting; your baby is making decisions that will change their future. What’s the right college, what’s the right major, what’s the right career? And the…

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Amanda Stavik 51:41

7d ago51:41

51:41

On Friday, November 24th, 1989, eighteen-year-old Amanda Stavik, who went by Mandy, went for a run around 2:30 in the afternoon. Kyra, the family's German Shepherd, ran with her. This run was often a family affair, with Mandy's mother, Mary, joining on her bike. Because of the holiday, though, Mary was busy at the time, so Mandy decided to head out…

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S8EB: Monstrous Others with Rachel Dean-Ruzicka 1:11:58

8d ago1:11:58

1:11:58

We explore how Stranger Things signals a new monstrous moment, moving from unknowable creatures to human-made villains, and what that shift says about power, identity, and culture. Along the way, we ask how animals get coded as monsters and when their agency is reclaimed or removed in film and TV. Date Recorded: 22 April 2025 Featured: Tolerance Di…

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S8E10: Grad Review with Gina Song Lopez and Taylor Jobling 1:29:52

8d ago1:29:52

1:29:52

Gina Song Lopez, researching vegan movements in Taiwan and China through the lens of local culture and social media, and Taylor Jobling, a law lecturer unpacking how Australia’s legislation categorises animals, come on to the show to discuss the main themes and tensions to emerge in Season 8, Animals and Media Date Recorded: 8 December 2025 Feature…

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Rhonda Hinson Replay 43:15

14d ago43:15

43:15

Although we are off for a holiday break, we wanted to bring you this replay episode from the Criminology vault. It's the case of Rhonda Hinson which originally aired on 237 in December, 2022. We will be back with all new episodes starting January 3, 2026. Happy holidays! On December 22nd, 1981, 19-year-old Rhonda Annette Hinson headed to an office …

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The 5 Key Things Kids Need from Their Parents During Emotional Breakdowns: Transformative Parenting with Todd Sarner, Part 2 18:00

20d ago18:00

18:00

Send us a text “How can I stay calm when my child is having a breakdown?” “What does it mean for me to be an emotional anchor for my kid?” — Most parents struggle with their children's emotional regulation; you are not alone. Last episode, we heard from Todd Sarner, who explained to us that parenting is not about perfection, but presence. Today, we…

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S8E9: News with Shatabdi Chakrabarti, Jessica Scott-Reid, and Jan Dutkiewicz 1:36:32

15d ago1:36:32

1:36:32

In this episode we bring together a photojournalist from India, a Canadian columnist, and a political scientist/reporter to discuss animals and the news. We discuss different types of news as well as some of the challenges that come with creating news content that focuses on animals. Date Recorded: 4 June 2025 Featured: How to Spot Misinformation a…

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S8E8: Film and TV with Lynda Korimboccus and Ankita Rathour 1:37:11

15d ago1:37:11

1:37:11

In this episode Ankita Rathour and Lynda Korimboccus join Claudia to discuss the interconnections of film, tv, and animals. Together they touch on everything from the Peppa Pig paradox in children’s media to the shifting role of animals in Hindi cinema, nationalism and caste politics. Date Recorded: 2 May 2025 Featured: The Subaltern Gazes: Comment…

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The Carnation Murders 53:33

16d ago53:33

53:33

In 2007, in Carnation, Washington, a terrible tragedy unfolded. When 61-year-old Judy Anderson didn't show up to work on December 26th, a friend and co-worker drove to her place. What she discovered was an unimaginable scene. Six members of the Anderson family, including Judy's husband Wayne, were found dead inside the home. Join Mike and Morf as t…

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S8E7: Social Media with Laura Fernández, Amanda Weiss, and Siobhan Speiran 1:26:30

22d ago1:26:30

1:26:30

Guests Laura Fernández, Amanda Weiss, and Siobhan Speiran join Claudia to discuss case studies as wide ranging as Japanese animal cafes, Spanish bull fighting, and Costa Rican sanctuaries to unfurl the complex relations of social media and animals. Together they probe how social media packages animals as content, why that changes real lives, and wh…

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Judy Lord 53:28

25d ago53:28

53:28

In 1975, 22-year-old Judy Lord was suffocated and strangled in her Concord, NH apartment. From early on, police felt that they had a strong suspect, Ernie Gable, and even physical evidence that may help to prove it. But the case remained cold for decades. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the case of Judy Lord. The technology the authorities had a…

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Parenting Isn’t About Perfection, It’s About Presence: Transformative Parenting with Todd Sarner, Part 1 26:53

1M ago26:53

26:53

Send us a text “Why don’t discipline or behavior systems work for my child?” “Why does my child shut down so easily?” “What is trauma-informed parenting, and how can I apply it?” — Parenting is tough, and sometimes it feels like we’re doing it all wrong. Behavior can be difficult to understand, especially in kids with trauma. Today, Sophia Mills an…

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S8E6: Podcasting and Education with María Carreras and Kate Acton 1:38:59

1M ago1:38:59

1:38:59

We celebrate 100 episodes by asking how podcasting can teach, build community, and improve animal welfare across languages, disciplines, and daily routines. Guests Maria Carreras and Kate Acton share concrete changes, strategic insights, and challenges that reshape how we listen to animals and to each other. Date Recorded: 11 April 2025 Featured: W…

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Holly Bobo 1:02:18

1M ago1:02:18

1:02:18

On April 13th, 2011, twenty-year-old Holly Bobo, a nursing student at the University of Tennessee at Martin, was abducted from her Darden, Tennessee home. She woke up early that morning to study for an 8 AM exam. Her parents were at work, but her brother was home and saw her outside with a man he thought was her boyfriend. Join Mike and Morf as the…

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Pauline Pusser 53:55

1M ago53:55

53:55

On August 12th, 1967, Buford and Pauline Pusser were ambushed while driving, and Pauline was fatally shot. Buford was shot in the jaw. Buford Pusser was the Sheriff of McNairy County in Tennessee and built a name for himself as tough on crime. He made many enemies, and it was thought that one of these enemies had shot him and killed his wife. Join …

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Second Chances, Healing from Trauma, and Family Support — Rebuilding After Incarceration with William Freeman 25:01

1M ago25:01

25:01

Send us a text “My foster child’s biological parents are incarcerated; how can I guide them through this difficult time?” “My child’s guard is up after trauma, how can I help take the walls down?” “How can I help a child transition out of Department of Juvenile Justice custody?” — When a child is in DJJ custody, they’re locked up, isolated, and sca…

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Melodee Buzzard 50:59

1M ago50:59

50:59

Melodee Buzzard was reported missing on October 14th, 2025, by an administrator at the Lompoc Unified School District in Lompoc, CA. This kicked off an investigation into Melodee's welfare that has taken many strange twists and turns. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the disappearance of Melodee Buzzard. When the authorities contacted Melodee's m…

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The Monster of Florence Part2 49:47

2M ago49:47

49:47

From 1968 to 1985, a series of lovers' lane attacks happened in Italy, leaving several dead young couples. The killer in this case has commonly been referred to as Italy's Zodiac killer, but frighteningly, this killer had far more confirmed victims than Zodiac. Join Mike and Morf for this second and last episode on the Monster of Florence. Like wit…

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Dr. Amanda Trovato, PsyD Part 2: Routines, Compassion, and Collaboration to Build Confidence 22:07

2M ago22:07

22:07

Send us a text “How do I stop feeling like I’m failing when my child has a hard day?” “How can I balance seeking professional help with trusting my own instincts as a parent?” — We’ve already heard from Dr. Amanda Trovato, who told us about communication through behavior, the power of routine, and how everyone involved in a child’s life is a caregi…

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The Monster of Florence Part1 46:15

2M ago46:15

46:15

From 1968 to 1985, a series of lovers' lane attacks happened in Italy, leaving several dead young couples. The killer in this case has commonly been referred to as Italy's Zodiac killer, but frighteningly, this killer had far more confirmed victims than Zodiac. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the Monster of Florence. Like with Zodiac, the killer…

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Morgan Metzer 51:59

2M ago51:59

51:59

On New Year's Eve, 2020, Morgan Metzer was at her best friend's house, where she had been planning to celebrate the new year. She was feeling tired and decided to call it an early night. She drove home in Cherokee County, Georgia, got into bed, and quickly fell asleep. In the middle of the night, when she opened her eyes, she saw the shadow of a ma…

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Dr. Amanda Trovato, PsyD Part 1: Cultivating Growth and Supporting Mental Health in Children 20:39

2M ago20:39

20:39

Send us a text “How can I help my child with emotional regulation?” “Is my child’s behavior a sign of something more?” “Who can help me as I parent a child with developmental differences?” — As parents, our children’s behavior can be frustrating and disheartening. But what if that behavior is unspoken communication? Benoit Harpey discusses this and…

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The Candy Man 48:00

3M ago48:00

48:00

On October 31st, 1974, the O'Bryan family set out for Halloween in Deer Park, just outside of Houston, Texas. Despite the rain, Ronald Clark O'Bryan and neighbor Jim Bates took their kids, four in total, out to trick or treating. But this Halloween turned out to be fatal for one of the O'Bryan children. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss The Candy …

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Diana Robertson and Mike Riemer 42:29

3M ago42:29

42:29

On December 12th, 1985, 21-year-old Diana Robertson and her boyfriend 36-year-old Mike Riemer of Puyallup, WA took their two-year-old daughter, Crystal, up to a forested area in the mountains near Tacoma. Crystal was found at a Kmart 30 miles away, and the mystery of what happened to Diana and Mike began. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss Diana Ro…

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Josie Mae Wells Part 2: Being Who Kids Need, Building Support Systems, and Going One Step Back To Go Two Steps Forward 20:55

3M ago20:55

20:55

Send us a text “I’m struggling as I parent my foster kids, I feel at a loss and overwhelmed.” “I feel all alone, how can I build a support system?” “Am I being the parent my kid needs me to be?” — We heard from Josie Mae Wells in part one of this series two weeks ago, when we discussed her story, vocational development, and community support system…

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S8E5: Gaming with Keung Yoon Bae, Osvaldo Cleger, and Michael Rübsamen 1:48:45

3M ago1:48:45

1:48:45

Gaming is one of the most consumed forms of media globally making it an important space from to explore human-animal relations. In this episode, media scholars Michael Rübsamen, Osvaldo Cleger, and Keung Yoon Bae discuss the interconnections of gaming, representation, and identity and what the significance of this might be for considerations of ani…

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The Hunt for Travis Decker 48:33

3M ago48:33

48:33

On May 30th, 2025, thirty-two-year-old Travis Decker went to his ex-wife Whitney Decker's home to pick up his 3 daughters, all under the age of ten, for a visit. A few days later all three girls were found murdered and Travis was nowhere to be found. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss Travis Decker. After the murders were discovered, the authoritie…

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S8E4: Popular Media and Pests with Lu Liu, Debra Merskin, and Emily Major 1:41:24

3M ago1:41:24

1:41:24

In this episode we animals, power, and popular media. Emily Major, Debra Merskin, and Lu Liu help to think through how animals are manufactured as “pests” and “icons” in media and how those labels shape empathy, policy, and everyday cruelty towards animals. Date Recorded: 15 January 2025 Featured: Animals and Media Mass Media and Society edited by …

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Beverly Jarosz 1:02:52

3M ago1:02:52

1:02:52

In 1964, the murder of 16-year-old Beverly Jarosz, who was savagely attacked and killed in her own bedroom, shocked the community of Garfield Heights, Ohio. There were a number of people looked at closely in connection to Beverly's murder, but no one has yet been held responsible. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the murder of Beverly Jarosz. The…

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Josie Mae Wells Part 1: Unexpected Support Through the Struggles of Raising Foster Children 21:07

4M ago21:07

21:07

Send us a text “How can I support my child who has developmental delays?” “What role does community play in foster care success?” “How can I find support for my family as we foster children?” — There are hundreds of challenges that parents, especially those raising foster children or vulnerable children face. Thankfully, there’s a solution to every…

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S8E3: Rhetoric and Supremacy with S. Marek Muller, David Rooney, and Lauren Corman 1:56:45

3M ago1:56:45

1:56:45

In this episode we discuss how rhetorical constructions of animality, and humanity are mobilized to serve specific power structures, including white supremacy and colonialism. Lauren Corman, David Rooney, and S. Marek Muller come on the show to talk about some of the complex networks of media influence and consumption that shape such thought. Date …

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Nikki VanderHeyden 51:25

3M ago51:25

51:25

In May 2016, thirty-one-year-old mother of three, Nicole VanderHeyden, was found dead. It was apparent she had been murdered due to the state of her injuries. Nicole, who went by Nikki, disappeared after a night out with her boyfriend and other friends. The authorities immediately began looking at Nikki's boyfriend. Join Mike and Morf as they discu…

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Breaking News: Robert Eugene Brashers identified as killer in Austin Yogurt Shop Murders 2:24

3M ago2:24

2:24

Major breaking news here as serial killer Robert Eugene Brashers has been identified as being responsible for the infamous quadruple Yogurt Shop murder in December, 1991 in Austin, TX. Killed were Jennifer Harbison, and Eliza Thomas who were employees of the 'I Can't Believe it's Yogurt' shop in Austin, along with Jennifer's sister Sarah Harbison, …

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Introducing: CRIME HOUSE DAILY 7:48

4M ago7:48

7:48

Crime doesn't take a day off. And neither does Crime House Daily. Hosted by self-defense instructor and advocate for victims, Katie Ring, Crime House Daily is coming to you twice every weekday, covering the biggest crime stories as they unfold. Morning episodes give you the need-to-know. The latest headlines, breaking developments, and where things…

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S8E2: (Mis)representation and Activism with Christopher Eubanks and Carrie Freeman 1:39:36

4M ago1:39:36

1:39:36

Carrie Freeman and Christopher Eubanks join Claudia on the show to explore animal (mis)representation in media. They examine some of the ways in which animals are represented in activist messaging and the interconnections of animal rights with other social justice movements. Date Recorded: 29 February 2025 Featured: The Human Animal Earthling by Ca…

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Matthew Restelli 57:14

4M ago57:14

57:14

In 2024, Matthew and Kathryn Restelli were living together on a seven-acre property in Aguanga, about eighteen miles east of Temecula, California. The couple had been married for about seven and a half years, but the marriage had started to fall apart around 2020. Kathryn decided to take the kids to her mom Tracey Grist's home in American Fork, Uta…

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You Can’t Pour From an Empty Cup — Mindset, Resilience, and Self-Care in Parenting with Debi Borger 23:27

4M ago23:27

23:27

Send us a text “I feel overwhelmed and unsupported as a parent.” “Is prioritizing me time selfish?” “How can I break the cycles of trauma and pain in my family?” — As parents, we can often feel torn between caring for our children and caring for ourselves. Both are crucial, and if you don’t balance both, you’ll feel overwhelmed, helpless, and crush…

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S8E1: Trans-Speciesism and the MARS Test with Natalie Khazaal, Tobias Linné, and Ellen Gorsevski 1:51:31

4M ago1:51:31

1:51:31

The Animal Turn podcast launches Season 8 with a dive into the intersections of media, racism, and speciesism. Tobias Linné, Ellen Gorsevski, and Natalie Khazaal join Claudia on the show to discuss how race and species intersect each other in animated film and the development of their Media Analysis of Racism and Speciesism (MARS) test to evaluate …

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Christine Holloway & Vanessa Morales 52:09

4M ago52:09

52:09

In 2019, forty-three-year-old Christine Holloway was living in an apartment in Ansonia, about ten miles west of New Haven, Connecticut. She was dating a man named Jose Morales. The couple had one child together, a fourteen-month-old daughter named Vanessa, who lived with Christine. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss Christine Holloway and Vanessa M…

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Bonus: Death with Katja M. Guenther and Julian Paul Keenan 1:27:30

4M ago1:27:30

1:27:30

Death permeates our relationships with animals, yet we rarely confront the complex ethical questions it raises. In this conversation with Katja Guenther and Julian Paul Keenan, editors of "When Animals Die," we delve into the emerging field of animal death studies - an interdisciplinary approach examining how animals experience and humans justify a…

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The Littleton Colorado Mysteries 55:58

4M ago55:58

55:58

As this episode drops, CrimeCon is taking place in Denver, Colorado. We're diving into a couple mysteries that occurred in Littleton, about 10 miles away from Denver. These are cases that garnered much less attention than other crimes, such as the Columbine shootings. But the circumstances of each make them very perplexing. Join Mike and Morf as th…

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Good Lifestyle, Consistent Structure, and Positive Words: Healthy Habits for Healthy Kids with Randall Strain 19:35

4M ago19:35

19:35

Send us a text “Is there a secret to curing ADHD?” “How can we better support our children through their challenges?” “What am I doing wrong, why isn’t my kid listening?” — ADHD, OCD, ADD. They’re all terms used to define your children as neurodivergent, but often, these occur due to poor lifestyle habits and can easily be resolved. Today, Benoit H…

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Bonus: FarmKind and Effective Altruism with Thom Norman 54:03

4M ago54:03

54:03

Thom Norman joins Claudia on the show to discuss the work of FarmKind and the tenets of effective altruism. They talk about FarmKind’s compassion calculator and how it strategically doesn’t include vegan messaging. They discuss the organizations FarmKind supports and some of the critiques levelled against effective altruism. Date Recorded: 20 March…

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Martha Leanne Green 48:11

4M ago48:11

48:11

On April 15th, 1987, seventeen-year-old Martha Leanne Green, who usually went by Leanne, vanished from White Bluff, TN. At the time, she and her twin brother, Lawson, were on their way home when they ran out of gas. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the disappearance of Leanne Green. A family stopped by and took Lawson to get some gas, but, for so…

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Amy Bradley Part 2 55:22

5M ago55:22

55:22

In the spring of 1998, 23-year-old Amy Bradley boarded a Royal Caribbean cruise with her parents and brother. Just a few days into the cruise, Amy vanished. Her father, Ron, said he last saw her on the balcony early in the morning after a night of partying. But when the family woke up, Amy was nowhere to be found. Join Mike and Morf for part 2 of 2…

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Balancing Parenting and Family Time with Career Growth with Evan Sophir 19:29

5M ago19:29

19:29

Send us a text “My family and my career are both growing, and I’m having trouble balancing the two.” “Am I messing up my kid’s life by working too much?” “How can I regain time with my family, despite the amount of time I need to spend working?” — Work-life balance. A true struggle, especially when you’ve recently become a parent, and you need to r…