The Sustainable Mom: The Podcast about Career, Ambition, & Motherhood
The Sustainable Mom is the podcast for high-achieving mothers navigating the messy, powerful intersection of career and motherhood.
Hosted by career coach Jennifer Gagnon, each episode explores how becoming a mom changes our ambition, our identity, and our relationship to work.
Through honest conversations and real stories, we’ll help you create a career—and life—that’s sustainable, fulfilling, and fully your own.
The Sustainable Mom: The Podcast about Career, Ambition, & Motherhood
4. Why Does the United States Hate Mothers?
Is this clickbait… or the unfortunate truth?
In this episode, Jen digs into the research behind how different countries support (or fail) working mothers. Spoiler Alert: the U.S. comes in dead last.
Inspired by Making Motherhood Work by sociologist Caitlyn Collins, we’ll explore what 135 mothers across Sweden, Germany, Italy, and the United States revealed about the policies, workplace norms, and cultural expectations that shape their lives.
From Sweden’s generous paid leave and affordable childcare to America’s culture of overwork and zero federal leave, this conversation will make you question everything we’ve been told about “having it all.”
You’ll hear:
- How four wealthy democracies treat working moms
- Why the struggles you face as a U.S. mom aren’t personal failings, they’re political ones.
- The emotional and career toll of unrealistic cultural expectations.
- Why “just do more self-care” is not the answer and what actually is.
- How to release the guilt, stop blaming yourself, and opt out of impossible rules.
We’ll also talk about the role of anger, why it’s valid, and how it can fuel the fight for change instead of being silenced. If you’ve ever felt like you’re drowning in work, caregiving, and expectations, this episode is for you!
Resources & Mentions:
Let’s Connect:
If this episode resonated with you, share your thoughts with me. Did it make you see your own experience differently? Did it spark a little righteous anger? I want to know.
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You don’t have to choose between ambition and motherhood.
Jen helps women navigate career transitions after motherhood: whether you’re ready to advance without burning out, explore entrepreneurship, or find clarity when you know your current role isn’t it.
Through private, high-touch 1:1 coaching, you can build a career and life that feels as good as it looks, without the guilt, overwhelm, or constant second-guessing.
Book your private consultation
Not quite ready for coaching?
Start with The Working Mom Reset—a 7-day email experience to help you recover from overwhelm & finally feel like you again. Consider it your first step toward a life you enjoy instead of one you’re just getting through.
Stay connected for more honest, curated support:
Instagram → @leadwithjen → @thesustainablemompodcast
Threads → @leadwithjen
Substack → The Sustainable Mom