A Conversation with Laura Broderick, Host of “Mother of All Solutions”
Laura Broderick is the host Mother of All Solutions, a podcast that features stories from moms who are navigating their return to work. Laura has released a new series on her show featuring moms who are architects, influencers, artists, and more.
We got the chance to speak with Laura about her new series just in time for Mother’s Day in the U.S.!
Devon DiComo: Congrats on the new series! Describe the concept of it for us.
Laura Broderick: The new series builds on some of the content and conversations of the previous seasons of Mother of All Solutions — talking to interesting parents about careers and caring today. There is no major new theme but I did want this series to feel a little more international, and be more forward in expressing support for parents who are trying to do the best in their family and work choices.
DD: Why did you decide to create this series? And why now?
LB: I like to keep making episodes (I started the podcast coming up on five years ago and haven’t taken a break, really!) but felt it was good to launch the new series in March as it’s both Mother’s Day (in the UK) and International Women’s Day. I held off releasing episodes in January and February as I wanted what I recorded to be released as a distinct miniseries.
DD: How did you select which moms to feature? How did you decide which stories you wanted to tell?
LB: A whole mix of reasons. My first guest is an architect and someone I know professionally. I have held off interviewing architect mothers before as I wanted to wait for something special and felt Katy was the right person — she has had a single mastectomy post breast cancer and is now juggling even more as a mum, director of an architecture practice, and now a designer of the Unobra. I have wanted to chat to musicians who are mums for ages but didn’t know any — then I finally found a great link/group to speak with! I was keen to explore politics and social media and other influences on our roles as mothers.
DD: Tell us your approach to creating this series — how you reported and produced this.
LB: I approached my guests via social media (Instagram) and then interviewed them online via software. I edit the episodes myself — I’m not a technical whizz but I do like listening back to the conversations and crafting them to something succinct and hopefully engaging for listeners. I just wish I had more time to produce! I also really like recording in person when time and location allow. There is something really special about being on location with a mic in hand or recording in a studio — just magic!
DD: What is your favorite part about creating this show?
LB: I always feel really inspired by the people I speak with. They are either going through something major, have a real passion for what they do, or have a great story about change in their lives. They are all full of ideas and want to help others, which is amazing to hear. It also makes me feel less alone in the tiredness and stress of trying to be a good parent and a good employee/contributor.
DD: In your episode with writer and podcaster Sara Petersen, she talks about how even though she didn’t get the blog job she applied for, she kept pitching and eventually got yesses. Do you have any advice for mums who want to get back into work or try a new job?
LB: Well, it might not happen straight away or be the new job or the perfect change as quickly as you might hope. So I do think it takes guts — it’s hard to keep trying. But keep trying and share your sense of purpose. Skills can be picked up (if you are open and willing to learn) but being passionate and clear about what you want to do can help you stand out. Communication skills, caring about doing a great job, finding solutions, and working hard might sound a bit obvious but they go far!
DD: What other podcasts does this series pair well with?
LB: That’s a good question. There are lots of great parenting podcasts out there and I enjoy Dear Daughter on BBC Sounds. There’s a new season of that out and there is a great interview with a mum all about the career and caring juggle. I also interviewed the host Namulanta Kombo a while back, which was great — she has an incredible story of coming to work with the BBC as a competition winner! Also, I think if you like Mother of All Solutions you probably like an indie podcast vibe — I’m listening to Straight to the Comments at the moment. Whilst not on the same themes as my podcast, I think listeners will enjoy the chat — women talking and giving opinions whilst exploring the nuance and “grey” zones of situations we are in today.
DD: What do you hope your listeners will take away from this series?
LB: Well, I would like them to think parents are doing an amazing job! Whether listening as a parent who is feeling a bit bogged down by everything that needs to be done, or listening as a non-parent who empathizes. I hope people come away with a bit of comfort whilst listening and confidence going forward. I think it’s also important to record “ordinary” parents — people who aren’t celebrities or in the public eye.
You can listen to Laura’s new series on her podcast, Mother of All Solutions, here.
The series starts with the episode, “The Architect / Designer,” and continues through “The Pottery Throwdown Contestants.”