Dana Perino’s surprise letter to working mothers on Mother’s Day amid her husband’s illness leaves fans in tears

Building off the success of her best-selling book, Dana Perino, co-host of The Five and America’s Newsroom on the FOX News Channel, provides an unequaled brand of advice built on real life experience and interviews experts and individuals that make a difference in the lives of others.

Dana is joined by three mothers who helped inspire parts of her book: Michele Chase, Human Capital leader and Chief Talent Officer with over 20 years of experience across multiple platforms and mom of three boy; Kennedy, host of Kennedy on FOX Business and mom to two teenage girls; and Dana’s mom, Jan Perino. All three women share how they balance the stresses of motherhood and work.

From the Fox News Podcast Network: Everything Will Be Okay with Dana Perino

In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, Dana Perino, the host of the Fox News podcast “Everything Will Be Okay,” offers a refreshing perspective on navigating life’s challenges. With her signature warmth and insight, Dana invites listeners to explore the complexities of balancing career ambitions with personal fulfillment. In her inaugural episode of a new series focusing on working mothers, she highlights the incredible resilience and resourcefulness of women who juggle professional responsibilities while nurturing their families.

As Mother’s Day approaches, Dana’s choice to spotlight working moms is both timely and poignant. These women are not just caregivers; they are trailblazers in their respective fields, proving that it is possible to achieve professional success while raising children. Dana’s guests share their stories, offering a glimpse into their daily lives and the strategies they employ to maintain balance.

One of Dana’s first guests is Michelle Chase, a seasoned human capital leader and chief talent officer with over two decades of experience across various industries, including public relations, human resources, and sports. Michelle is also a mother to three sons, and her insights into managing a demanding career while raising children are invaluable.

During their conversation, Dana asks Michelle for her favorite piece of advice, a question she often poses to mentors in her own life. Michelle’s response is both simple and profound: “Don’t talk for the sake of talking.” She emphasizes the importance of taking a moment to reflect before offering advice or solutions, especially in complex situations. This approach not only fosters better decision-making but also shows respect for the concerns of others.

Dana resonates with this advice, recalling her own experiences with a mentor who taught her the value of pausing to think before responding. This practice, she notes, can lead to greater clarity and more thoughtful interactions, particularly in high-pressure environments.

As the conversation unfolds, Dana and Michelle delve into the challenges of motherhood and career advancement. Michelle shares a personal story that many working mothers can relate to: she had just been promoted when she discovered she was pregnant with her third child. This unexpected news came at a pivotal moment in her career, and she candidly discusses the mix of excitement and anxiety that accompanied it.

Michelle recounts how she had just accepted a global role within her company, a significant step that required her to travel more frequently. She and her husband had discussed the implications of this new position, agreeing that they would need to support each other more than ever. However, the news of her pregnancy added another layer of complexity to their plans.

In a moment of vulnerability, Michelle reflects on how she might have approached the promotion differently had she known about her pregnancy beforehand. Yet, she also acknowledges that her unexpected journey has led to some of the most rewarding experiences of her life. Her youngest son, whom she affectionately refers to as her “best surprise,” has brought joy and fulfillment that she never anticipated.

Dana’s podcast serves as a platform for women like Michelle to share their stories, offering encouragement and inspiration to others who may be navigating similar paths. The candid discussions about the realities of working motherhood highlight the importance of community and support.

As the episode concludes, Dana reminds listeners that while the journey may be challenging, it is also filled with moments of joy and triumph. The stories shared on “Everything Will Be Okay” resonate with anyone striving to find balance in their lives, whether they are working mothers, career-driven individuals, or anyone seeking fulfillment in their personal and professional endeavors.

In a world that often emphasizes perfection, Dana Perino’s podcast is a reminder that it’s okay to embrace the messiness of life. With the right mindset and support, everything will indeed be okay. As listeners tune in, they are not just gaining insights from accomplished women; they are also joining a community that celebrates resilience, authenticity, and the beauty of the human experience.

In the end, “Everything Will Be Okay” is more than just a podcast; it is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of life, reminding us all that we are not alone in our struggles and that together, we can find a way forward.

In today’s fast-paced world, the challenge of balancing work and family life is a common struggle, especially for mothers. Michelle, a seasoned professional and mother of three, shares her journey of navigating this delicate balance, offering insights and advice for those contemplating motherhood while pursuing their careers.

Michelle recalls her experience during her pregnancy, noting how people frequently asked her how she would manage her career with three children. “Isn’t it funny? I don’t think anyone’s asking my husband that question,” she reflects. This observation highlights a societal expectation that often places the burden of family management on women, while fathers are seldom questioned about their commitments. Michelle’s response to these inquiries was light-hearted, yet it underscored a significant point: the need for shared responsibility in parenting.

Interestingly, Michelle’s journey into motherhood was marked by an unexpected twist. She candidly admits that had she known she was pregnant, she might have hesitated to take on new projects. However, she views this lack of foresight as a blessing. “It was a moment in time that I personally know in my heart of hearts that if I knew I was pregnant, I wouldn’t have taken it,” she explains. This perspective emphasizes the importance of embracing life’s unpredictability and recognizing that sometimes, the best experiences come from unplanned circumstances.

One of Michelle’s key strategies for maintaining her career while raising children was establishing her own LLC. This allowed her to take on contract work, ensuring she remained engaged in her field without the constraints of a traditional job. “When you do go back to work for an employer, you don’t have a gap in your resume,” she advises. This proactive approach not only kept her skills sharp but also provided her with the flexibility to manage her family’s needs.

Michelle emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries in both professional and personal life. She recalls instances where colleagues would call during family time, often interrupting dinner or moments of chaos with her children. “I always picked up the call, but it would end up that the call was not important enough to not happen an hour later,” she shares. This experience taught her that it’s essential to communicate one’s availability clearly. “The people that you work with aren’t psychic; they don’t know what’s going on in your life,” she notes, encouraging others to assert their boundaries and prioritize family time.

Amidst the challenges of balancing work and family, Michelle finds humor to be a vital coping mechanism. “I find my kids very amusing and their friends and the things that they do and say,” she laughs. This light-hearted approach not only makes the daily grind more enjoyable but also fosters a positive atmosphere at home. By sharing her experiences with colleagues, she inadvertently educated them about the realities of working mothers, creating a culture of understanding and respect.

For young women contemplating motherhood, Michelle’s advice is straightforward: “If you’re even thinking about it, just do it.” She reflects on her own journey, expressing that having her three boys has been the best decision of her life. “Everything is challenging, but if you don’t know better, just keep doing it. It’s going to be fine,” she reassures. This optimistic outlook is a testament to her belief that while motherhood is demanding, it is also incredibly rewarding.

Michelle’s journey exemplifies the complexities of balancing a career and family life. Through humor, proactive planning, and clear communication, she has navigated the challenges of motherhood while maintaining a fulfilling career. Her insights serve as a reminder that while the path may be fraught with difficulties, the rewards of motherhood and professional fulfillment are well worth the effort. For those standing at the crossroads of career and family, Michelle’s story is a beacon of hope and encouragement, proving that with the right mindset and support, it is indeed possible to thrive in both realms.