Working Moms: Three Generations of Grit, Growth & Zero Guilt (with my mom, Gail)

Show Notes:What happens when you grow up with a working mom, become one yourself, and then raise a daughter who chooses the same path? In this episode, I sit down with someone who’s known me the longest—my mom, Gail—to talk about three generations of working mothers and what it really takes to balance family, career, and self.From growing up in a military household to raising kids during Navy deployments, to building a 42-year federal career that ended at NASA Ames, my mom shares the lessons, struggles, and resilience that defined her motherhood journey—and shaped mine.Whether you’re a working mom, the child of one, or questioning the “mom guilt” narrative, you’ll walk away inspired by her story.In this episode:Growing up with a working mother in the 1930s and 1940sBuilding a marriage and raising kids while navigating Navy lifeFacing stigma: “How could you leave your child?”Finding childcare, support, and survival skills on military basesWhy money equals freedom, not shameGoing back to school (with NASA paying!) as a working momHow moving every few years builds resilience and social superpowersHer advice for new moms choosing to go back to workHot takes you’ll love:“I was a better mom because I was happier when I worked.”“If you have more money, you have more choices and more freedom.”“After a while, how much Sesame Street can you watch?”“Nobody knows you and your kids better than you do—turn off the mom-shaming.”Resources & mentions:Two Peacocks Travel — women’s purpose-driven adventuresReady for Ted with Toni Purry — craft your TEDx talkBe Woman Marketing with Stacey Beaman — strategic websites + branding✨ If you loved this episode, please follow, rate, and review the show on Apple Podcasts. Your support helps amplify women’s stories and keeps Carrie On! in the ears of listeners everywhere.