We Had No Idea What We Were Doing!

Plus, a new fav beach read!

April 03, 2026

Hello friends-

This week, we’re talking about the tension in most relationships and why equal partnerships can and do exist, even with kids and careers!

(Keep reading for a chance to win something that helps ease that tension!) 🥳

I shared this photo earlier in the week on my Instagram page of John and I from 2005…we were just 29!! No Kids. NO CLUE what we were doing. 

I had just gotten a call from the NBC affiliate in Chicago – it was a big TV opportunity. 

But John had a really stable basketball coaching career he loved. 


We couldn’t do both. 


I’ll never forget what happened next. We sat on the edge of our bed and he said “if you feel called to this, let’s go and give it a shot”. 

Which meant John would be pausing his coaching career. We would start over in a new city (Chicago). We bet on ourselves, we took the risk. 


And then…about five years later…we did it again when I got the call from ABC News. But this time we had two little kids (just 4 and 2). 

Once again, John had to shift in his career. 

I share this story because a lot of husbands wouldn’t do for their wives what John did for me. My story of spousal equity is rare. But this is what true partnership looks like. 


Now that we’re in South Carolina, my career looks a lot different as I’ve stepped away from TV News and founded CARRY Media but guess what? 

John is coaching again. It’s come full circle. I truly believe he’s being honored for the early sacrifices he made in our marriage. 

We’re talking about all of it on the podcast– it’s a part of our story that I am so proud of. LISTEN HERE

Partnership isn’t always perfect, nor is it easy. But we’ve become true partners by asking one another: “What is right for us in this season?”

Until next time, friends.  Have a wonderful Easter weekend!

-Paula xo 

PS: Congrats to Kathy Ann, Linda, and Cary for winning a copy of my book, which turned THREE last month! 

FARIS FAVORITES 🤎

1. The Cards That Could SAVE Your Relationship!

FAIR PLAY CARDS – The tension in most relationships can be traced back to the home and the expectations of who is doing what. It’s sad but true that bitterness and resentment can start to creep in and couples end up splitting because someone forgot to take out the garbage. But, it’s not just about the garbage. It’s everything that leads up to it. My friend Eve Rodsky, founder of Fairplay, created the FairPlay Cards (I’ve spoken of them before because I’m a HUGE fan) to restore relationships by having open and honest communication about the domestic load. She says that we should “treat our home like the most important organization” and organizations run on boundaries, systems, and communication. These cards will help you and your partner (or ex-partner, if you’re co-parenting) do just that. Eve and her team are giving away 4 sets of these cards, just DM me on IG your mailing address.

2. My Go-To Beach Read (Without The Spice) 📖

Looking for a good beach read that won’t make you blush? Kristy Woodson Harvey’s books are some of my faves because they’re the right mix of everything. I just finished reading her latest, “Summer State of Mind” over spring break and highly recommend it. You can preorder it now! 

3. The Stain HACK Every Sports Mom Needs! ⚾️

Please tell me why WHITE baseball/softball pants are allowed? It’s truly unfathomable. They get worn ONCE before they need to be soaked in a mix of cleaning agents, right? Thankfully, I solicited this community and you gave me the BEST recommendation ever. ZOTE soap – the pink bar! It is cheap and truly works wonders, even on stains I thought were set for life.

THE PAULA FARIS SHOW 🎙️

Why Equal Partnership Is Possible—Even With Kids and Careers

Being equal partners isn’t just a nice idea—it’s how marriage and families actually work.

John and I share what it took to get here: putting careers, expectations, and traditional roles on the table, figuring out who owns what at home, and finally treating each other like true teammates.

In honor of Women’s History Month, we talk about what equal partnership really looks like, why it matters for women and families, and how it changes the way you show up—for your spouse, your kids, and yourself.

Finally, A System For The Domestic Load

The endless tasks at home aren’t small—they’re the hidden strain on most relationships, quietly building stress, frustration, and resentment. 

It’s no secret that women often shoulder the majority of invisible work, from meal planning to school schedules to household upkeep, while trying to juggle careers and parenting.

In honor of Women’s History Month, I’m talking about things that matter to women—and this is at the top of the list. 

Eve Rodsky, creator of Fair Play, joins me to explain how to break the cycle of overwhelm, take full ownership of tasks, and share the load without guilt, nagging, or resentment. 

She walks through a practical system for boundaries, accountability, and communication that restores trust, strengthens partnerships, and makes running a home fair—and yes, actually possible—for real families.

Join the Conversation!

If you’ve made it this far, I invite you to join (or start) the conversation in our comments section. What would you like to share? - Paula

Reply

or to participate.