The Work Behind the Work

Caregiving is critical economic infrastructure, yet society still treats caregivers like an afterthought. To build a stronger economy, workplaces need practical solutions that actually support working families.This episode explores real ways to fix the caregiving crisis. From flexible job design to paid leave to better support for part-time and shift workers, we highlight practical changes already working in the real world. Featuring bipartisan insights and examples of what businesses are already doing right, we show why supporting working parents is not just good for families. It is essential for a strong economy.Featuring Reshma Saujani, CEO of Moms First, Eve Rodsky, author of Fair Play, journalist Josie Cox, author of Women, Money, Power, June Carbone, professor of law at the University of Minnesota, Naomi Cahn, professor of law at the University of Virginia, Chris Herbst, professor at Arizona State University, and Caitlin Codella Low, former vice president at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.Presented by WorkingNation, the nonprofit media platform focused on the future of work.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The traditional image of the stay-at-home mother didn’t emerge by chance. It was intentionally created by marketers and industry leaders to meet economic needs during America’s industrial boom.In this episode, we uncover how economic forces, and deliberate cultural messaging crafted a myth of motherhood that pushed women out of paid work and into the home. This manufactured ideal still shapes workplaces and family expectations today. But what happens when reality doesn’t match the marketing?Featuring Lisa Selin Davis, author of Housewife, Reshma Saujani, CEO of Moms First, Chris Herbst, professor at Arizona State University, Barbara J. Risman, PhD (University of Illinois Chicago), and journalist Josie Cox, author of Women, Money, Power.Presented by WorkingNation, the nonprofit media platform focused on the future of work.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When women become mothers, their careers often pay the price. Their salaries stall, promotions become scarce, and workplaces quietly start to see them as less committed employees.In this episode, we dig into why workplaces penalize women for motherhood, creating long-lasting economic consequences that affect families, businesses, and the entire economy. Where did the motherhood penalty come from, and how can we finally remove it?Featuring economist Vicky Pryce, author of Women vs. Capitalism, and journalist Josie Cox, author of Women, Money, Power.Presented by WorkingNation, the nonprofit media platform focused on the future of work.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.