Eight years ago, we did a big series on discrimination against working moms called It’s a Real Mother. In the second episode of the series, we talked to Brigid Schulte of New America’s Better Life Lab about how mothers are penalized in the American work culture, which rewards long hours and putting work above everything else.
In that episode, Brigid said, “We tend to think, well, it’s 2017… you know, a majority of mothers work, and haven’t we figured it all out?” The answer, as she explained back then, was a hard no. So we brought her back in 2025 to see if we’ve figured it all out yet. And we’re pleased to report that… we have! Just kidding, the motherhood penalty is alive and well. But there are bright spots.
Tune in to hear where we’ve made progress, where we’ve had setbacks, and simple things we can do to improve the state of the American workplace for moms — and everyone!
More on Brigid Schulte
• Brigid runs a nonpartisan think tank at New America called The Better Life Lab
• Brigid’s first book: Overwhelmed: How to Work, Love, and Play When No One Has the Time
• Brigid’s latest book: Over Work: Transforming the Daily Grind in the Quest for a Better Life
Top headshot: Peter Heimberg
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