In this powerful episode, Martha sits down with Lori Sugarman Li; Fair Play Facilitator, family coach, and author of Our Home: The Love, Work, and Heart of Family. They talk about the often invisible and undervalued labor that keeps households running. Lori shares the story behind her children’s book, a beautiful tool designed to spark conversations about equity, contribution, and care within families.

The conversation dives deep into Lori’s journey from a career in marketing to full-time caregiving, the culture shock of moving from Canada’s year-long parental leave to the U.S., and a pivotal moment when an insurance rep dismissed her value as “just a housewife.” That experience sparked Lori’s mission to reframe domestic labor as essential, valuable, and worthy of pride...not just for women, but for the entire family unit.

Martha and Lori explore why picture books remain powerful conversation starters at any age, how family values and neurodiverse needs shape household dynamics, and how shifting our language, from "chores" and "helping" to "contributing" and "trusting"...can create a more equitable, empowering home. They also touch on real-life strategies for fostering independence, using Fair Play with kids, and embracing imperfection along the way.

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, or someone rethinking how your household runs, this episode is a must-listen reminder that the heart of home deserves to be seen, shared, and celebrated.

Connect with Lori:

• Instagram: @ourhomeourpride

• LinkedIn: Lori Sugarman Li

• Book: Our Home – Available wherever books are sold

Let me know if you want a shorter version for your podcast platform or a caption for social media.