When Mommy Grows Up

As moms, we love to inspire our kids to dream big dreams about who they’ll be as they grow up. But when is the last time you stopped to ask yourself, "Who am I going to be (next) as I grow up?"

The When Mommy Grows Up Podcast is the motherhood and career podcast for moms who need help defining what success looks like to them as mid-career professionals and parents, along with the support they need to go after it.

Hear real stories from real moms facing the same challenges you are. Finding flexible jobs, crafting a job you love, discovering your passions, crushing it at work, and getting kids off the bus! We’ll talk through it all.

Hosts (and fellow mom) Becca Carnahan of Next Chapter Careers takes your questions and provides practical step-by-step advice to help you move forward. All served up with a virtual mom hug and lots of laughs!

Send your stories and questions to podcast@nextchaptercareers.us.

Interested in sharing your insights as a guest on our podcast? Share your story here: https://forms.gle/iefCf9PTTu7kQtpc7

All Episodes

When Mommy Grows Up

This is a Story About a Duck

April 29, 2026 • Becca Carnahan | Next Chapter Careers

0:00 | 10:16

Send us Fan Mail

In this week's episode of When Mommy Grows Up, a small plastic duck carries a powerful message.

After Becca's daughter’s state gymnastics meet, where highs and disappointments lived side by side, one quiet moment stood out above all the rest. Long after the crowd thinned and the lights dimmed, one little girl stayed, cheering on the final athletes, even when no one was watching. What happened next was a simple act of recognition that turned into a lasting lesson on character, encouragement, and what it really means to show up for others.

This episode is a heartfelt reminder to notice the people who cheer us on. It’s also a call to action: to name that support, to become that support for someone else, and to offer that same encouragement to ourselves in the moments that feel lonely or uncertain.

Because whether in parenting, work, or personal growth, we all have those moments where we need that support the most.

And sometimes, the smallest gestures can mean everything.

-----------------------------

You are one click away from boosting your career clarity and confidence!

Head over to whenmommygrowsup.com where you’ll find the free Career Clarity Kickstart. With this free on-the-go guide, we'll walk you through 5 clear action steps you can take to go from confused about next steps to confident about what you want and need from your career.

Get started today!