Best Caroline Bower Podcasts (2025)

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86. May Microbakery Recap: What Worked, What Shifted 21:30

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8h ago21:30

21:30

May was one of those months that felt full—in a good way. Between markets, porch pickups, and the usual busyness of family life at the end of the school year, I still managed to keep my microbakery rhythm steady. In this episode, I walk you through exactly what worked, what shifted, and where I scaled back to create margin. From simplifying my prod…

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85. The 4 Things to Do Before Selling Your Sourdough Bread 23:06

8d ago23:06

23:06

🥖🏆 The Bread Winner Inner Circle is finally open for the next cohort! With just 30 spots, it'll fill fast! Click here for the details and to sign up! www.carolinebower.com/innercircle 🥖🏆 If you’re dreaming of turning your sourdough passion into a real business - or if you’ve already started and are feeling a bit in over your head - this episode is …

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84. The Summer Slowdown: Is it Real? How to Plan for the summer for your sourdough microbakery 13:57

14d ago13:57

13:57

Summer in a microbakery brings all kinds of changes—both in customer behavior and in our own capacity. In this episode, I’m walking you through the shifts I’m making in my business as we enter the slower, hotter months. From streamlining my product offerings to prepping freezer-friendly items like muffins and cinnamon rolls, I’m sharing practical w…

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83. Growing a Microbakery with Intention: Reflections from Year Two 33:27

22d ago33:27

33:27

In this episode, I’m sharing what year two of running a sourdough microbakery has looked like—from the internal mindset shifts to the practical systems that have changed how I run my business. After reflecting deeply on year one, I realized year two brought a sharper sense of clarity. I stopped treating this like a side project and started showing …

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82. Building a Microbakery from the Ground Up: Looking Back at Year One 33:16

29d ago33:16

33:16

In this episode of The Bread Winner Podcast, I’m pulling back the curtain on my very first year of running a sourdough microbakery—sharing everything I learned, the mistakes I made, and the strategies that helped me grow from a single Facebook post to nearly $50,000 in revenue. Whether you're just starting out or casually selling a few loaves here …

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81. April In Review: Wins, Lessons & What’s Next 17:43

1M ago17:43

17:43

April was a whirlwind in the bakery, and in this episode, I’m sitting down to reflect on what worked, what I learned, and how I’m setting myself up for May and the summer ahead. From porch pickups and Easter bakes to market wins and saying no to burnout, I’m sharing the choices I made to keep things running smoothly—like scaling back my menu, plann…

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80. Finding Your Bakery Niche: A Talk with Elizabeth from Borges Family Homestead 48:09

1M ago48:09

48:09

In this episode of The Bread Winner Podcast, I’m joined by Elizabeth from Borges Family Homestead to talk about the power of niching down in your microbakery. Elizabeth shares how tying her bakery to her Portuguese heritage helped her grow quickly, stand out in a rural market, and build deep connections with her community. We talk about the challen…

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79. Bonus Q&A: Answering Your Most-Asked Microbakery Questions 22:35

1M ago22:35

22:35

In this episode, I’m bringing you behind the scenes into something really special—a bonus Q&A call that I hosted right after The Bread Winner Summit. The energy was so good and the questions were so thoughtful that I ended up scheduling an extra session just to keep the conversation going. Today, I’m sharing a few of those questions and my real-tim…

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78. Burnout and Boundaries: a Talk with Christa Hanna 1:00:07

2M ago1:00:07

1:00:07

If you’ve ever felt like your business was running your life instead of the other way around, you are going to feel so seen in this episode. I’m talking with Christa Hanna of Burnt Toast Bakery about the wild, honest journey of growing a microbakery while navigating burnout, motherhood, and an ADHD diagnosis. She shares what it was like to go from …

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77. Five Mindset Shifts Every Microbakery Owner Needs 16:57

2M ago16:57

16:57

After the incredible energy of the Breadwinner Summit, I’m diving into one of the most important themes that came up over and over again: mindset. This isn’t about fluffy affirmations—it’s about the quiet, steady beliefs that shape the way we show up in our work. In this episode, I walk through five powerful mindset shifts that can completely chang…

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76. How to Get the Most Out of the Bread Winner Summit 14:54

2M ago14:54

14:54

If the idea of attending a two-day summit sounds a little overwhelming right now, this conversation is for you. In this episode, I’m walking you through exactly how to approach The Bread Winner Summit with intention, so you don’t just show up - you get something meaningful out of it. I’ll guide you through how to identify your top priorities, decid…

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75. A Sneak Peek at The Bread Winner Summit 15:21

2M ago15:21

15:21

We are just one week away from The Bread Winner Summit, and in this episode, I’m giving you a special sneak peek into what you can expect. I’ve pulled together a collection of audio snippets from several of our speakers so you can hear a taste of the incredible conversations coming your way. We’re diving into pricing mindset, wholesale partnerships…

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74. The Bread Winner Summit: Behind the Scenes & What to Expect 11:22

2M ago11:22

11:22

In this special episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of something I’ve been pouring my heart into for months - The Bread Winner Summit! This is the first-ever virtual event created just for sourdough microbakery owners, and it’s happening April 14–15. I share the vision, how it came to life (starting with a quiet birthday hotel stay and a Chat…

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73. March in Review: Markets, Mindset, and Moving Forward 26:58

2M ago26:58

26:58

March was full of growth, challenges, and a few big steps forward in my business—and in this month-in-review episode, I’m bringing you behind the scenes. I’m sharing the rhythms that worked, the lessons I learned, and what I’d do differently next time. From two bustling markets and experimenting with individual cinnamon rolls, to juggling everythin…

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72. Mindset, Motherhood & Microbakery Growth. Building a Sourdough Business Amidst Health Challenges with Whitney Ivy 40:51

2M ago40:51

40:51

In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Whitney Ivy, founder of Southern Bread Company, homeschool mom, and microbakery owner, to talk about her incredible journey from health struggles to sourdough healing—and eventually building a business that serves her family and community. Whitney opens up about how her search for answers to chronic health…

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71. Don’t Take It Personally: What to do When a Regular Customer Disappears | Microbakery Mindset 15:56

2M ago15:56

15:56

As microbakery owners, it’s easy to take everything personally—especially when a regular customer suddenly stops ordering. In this episode, I’m sharing a heartfelt and practical conversation that started inside my Inner Circle coaching group, all about learning to separate your personal identity from your business. This work is personal—handmade, h…

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70. Building a Strong Local Presence for Your Sourdough Microbakery – With Kayce Boksa @trailsendbread 52:55

3M ago52:55

52:55

Making sure your community knows you exist is one of the most important parts of growing a microbakery. In this episode, I sit down with Kayce from Trails End Breads & Blooms to talk about how she built an unforgettable presence in her town—without relying solely on social media. She shares how she went from baking for her family to launching a thr…

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69. 10 Creative Ways to Collaborate with Local Businesses & Grow Your Sourdough Microbakery 15:23

3M ago15:23

15:23

Collaborating with local businesses is one of the best ways to grow your microbakery, connect with your community, and create exciting new opportunities. In this episode, I’m sharing 10 creative ways to partner with other small businesses—from teaming up with coffee shops and florists to creating seasonal gift boxes and subscription services. These…

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68. Sourdough, Homeschooling & Saying No—Lessons from Kellie Wolf of Gloria Grain Bread 54:01

3M ago54:01

54:01

Balancing a thriving bakery business while homeschooling young children is no small feat, but Kelly Wolf of Gloria Grain Bread has found a way to make it work. In this episode, Kelly shares her journey from baking yeast breads for family gatherings to running a successful microbakery—all while transitioning to homeschooling. She talks about how she…

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67. Burnout-Proof Your Bakery: Daily and Weekly Rhythms for Sourdough Business Success 22:12

3M ago22:12

22:12

Your energy is your most valuable business asset, and protecting it is the key to building a sustainable microbakery. In this episode of The Bread Winner Podcast, I’m sharing the daily and weekly rhythms that have helped me create a thriving business without sacrificing my well-being. From essential non-negotiables like sleep, meals, and movement t…

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66. From Homesteader to Microbakery Owner: Angela’s Journey 1:04:29

3M ago1:04:29

1:04:29

This episode is packed with inspiration, resilience, and the power of making big things happen in small spaces. I sit down with Angela De Krieger of Singing Trees Keep, a homesteader, microbakery owner, and educator, to talk about how she built a thriving business out of an 80-square-foot space in her home. Angela shares how she balances homesteadi…

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65. February in Review: Lessons, Wins & What’s Next for My Microbakery 19:52

3M ago19:52

19:52

February was a month of growth, adjustments, and big decisions in my microbakery. In this episode, I’m reflecting on what worked well, what needed tweaking, and the lessons I’m carrying into March. From refining my market and porch pickup schedule to navigating sellouts and pricing adjustments, I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes reality of running a…

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64. How to Create a Memorable Sourdough MicroBakery Brand (Even If You're DIYing It!) with Designer Nat Alves 38:28

3M ago38:28

38:28

Branding for Microbakeries: How to Stand Out & Tell Your Story with Nat Alves Branding is so much more than just a logo—it's the personality and emotional connection behind your business. In this episode of The Bread Winner Podcast, I'm joined by my friend and branding expert Nat Alves of NatMarieDesign, the mastermind behind my recent rebrand. We …

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63. Microbakery Financials Made Simple: What Every Baker Should Know 41:13

3M ago41:13

41:13

Pricing, bookkeeping, and tax prep aren’t exactly the most exciting parts of running a microbakery—but they are essential to building a profitable and sustainable business. In this episode, I sit down with Megan from Purple Elephant Group for a deep dive into bookkeeping, pricing strategies, and how to stay organized for tax season. Megan is a form…

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62. Growing a Microbakery While Raising a Family: A Coaching Session 26:19

4M ago26:19

26:19

Balancing a growing microbakery with motherhood is no small task, and in this episode, I sit down with Melissa Crow of Crow’s Dough to work through the challenges that come with rapid business growth. Melissa shares how her bakery expanded faster than expected, leading to long bake days, a need for better equipment, and the struggle to juggle it al…

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61. The Power of Repeat Customers: How to Build a Sustainable Microbakery 17:18

4M ago17:18

17:18

Keeping customers coming back is one of the most powerful ways to build a sustainable microbakery. In this episode, I dive into why repeat customers are a goldmine for your business and how focusing on retention can save you time, energy, and stress. We’ll talk about simple ways to create a great first experience, communicate clearly, and make cust…

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60. Creating a Sustainable Microbakery: Why You Can’t Keep Every Product Forever 12:55

4M ago12:55

12:55

Letting go of a product from your menu can feel personal, especially when you've put time and heart into it. But sometimes, a product just isn't working—whether it's inefficient, rarely ordered, or something you simply don’t enjoy making. In this episode, I walk you through how to recognize when it’s time to remove a product, how to make the decisi…

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59. Customer Service Challenges Every Microbakery Owner Faces (and How to Solve Them) 21:20

4M ago21:20

21:20

Customer service challenges are inevitable in any business, but handling them with confidence, kindness, and clarity can turn a difficult situation into a positive customer experience. In this episode, I share real-life examples and go-to scripts for the most common customer interactions, from late pickups to discount requests and handling complain…

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58. Inside the Mind of a Market Organizer: What Sourdough Vendors Need to Know 49:35

4M ago49:35

49:35

Ever wondered what it takes to thrive at a farmers' market—not just as a vendor, but as an organizer? In this episode, I sit down with Ashley , the mastermind behind the market where I sell every two weeks, to get a behind-the-scenes look at what makes a successful market and how vendors can set themselves up for long-term success. Ashley shares he…

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57. What Worked (and What Didn’t) in My Sourdough Microbakery This Month | January in Review 25:59

4M ago25:59

25:59

Welcome back to The Bread Winner Podcast! In this episode, I’m reflecting on January—what went well, what didn’t, and the lessons I’m carrying forward into February for my in-home sourdough microbakery. This month brought some big changes to my baking schedule, unexpected learning moments, and valuable insights into optimizing my business for growt…

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56. How to Sell More Sourdough: Messaging That Sells with Maria Baradell 41:09

4M ago41:09

41:09

Ever feel like you're shouting into the void when promoting your microbakery? In this episode of The Bread Winner Podcast, I chat with Maria Baradell, a thriving microbakery owner in Dallas, Texas, who has mastered the art of messaging that sells. Maria shares her journey from baking for her family of seven to building a profitable bakery—without i…

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55. Seven Things I've Learned about Baking Sourdough Bread in Bulk 32:04

4M ago32:04

32:04

In this episode, I’m sharing everything I've learned about art of bulk baking. This episode is packed with tips to streamline your process, avoid common pitfalls, and embrace the learning curve. I share my personal starter routine, how I scale recipes efficiently, tips for proofing dough in bulk, and why investing in the right tools—like bins, dedi…

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54. Building a Microbakery That Aligns with Your Values: Talking Heritage Grains and Sustainability with Alexandria Fisk 47:45

4M ago47:45

47:45

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Alexandria Fisk of Linens and Loaves, a microbaker with a deep passion for heritage grains and sustainable baking. Alex shares her inspiring journey from gluten-free living to discovering the magic of heritage wheat—how it transformed her family’s health and ultimately led to the thriving microbakery she runs …

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53. Community Over Competition: How to Stand Out in a Saturated Market and Connect in Intentional Community 27:37

5M ago27:37

27:37

In this episode, I had the joy to sit down with my dear friend and community leader, Christine Brinkman, founder of Babes Support Babes. Christine shares her passion for connection and her experience creating spaces where women entrepreneurs thrive holistically—not just in business, but in life. We dive into the concept of "community over competiti…

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52. Part 3 of 3 | Start 2025 Strong with Intentional Goal Setting for your Sourdough Microbakery 17:09

5M ago17:09

17:09

Check out the episode webpage to read all of the questions from today's episode: carolinebower.com/episode52 Welcome back to The Bread Winner Podcast! I’m so excited to share part three of our 2025 Kick-Off series. In this episode, we’re diving into setting clear, actionable goals for your sourdough microbakery. Whether you’re just starting out or …

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51. Part 2 of 3 | Unlocking Potential: Vision Casting for Your Micro Bakery 14:57

5M ago14:57

14:57

Today, we're diving into the exciting process of vision casting for your bakery in 2025 and beyond. This episode is all about creating a clear, inspiring picture of the future you want to build, tailored to what truly serves you and your family. I’ll guide you through a series of reflection questions designed to help you articulate your goals, whet…

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50. Part 1 of 3 | 2025 Check In: 15 Questions To Build Your Thriving Sourdough Microbakery 16:32

5M ago16:32

16:32

Find all of the reflection questions from this episode at carolinebower.com/episode50 Wow, I can’t believe we’ve hit 50 episodes! This milestone feels like such a testament to the incredible community we’ve built here. In this episode, we’re diving into the first of a three-part series designed to help you reflect on where your bakery business has …

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49. December in Review: Wins, Lessons, and January Intentions 28:09

5M ago28:09

28:09

After taking some much-needed time to rest and recharge over the holidays, I’m back with a heartfelt reflection on December. In this episode, I’m sharing the highs and lows of a busy holiday baking season, what worked (and what didn’t), and the lessons I’m taking into 2025. Whether you’re navigating seasonal surges or dreaming of a smoother workflo…

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48. Year-End Reflections: Time, Tools, and Trust: How to Grow a Sourdough Micro Bakery 50:57

5M ago50:57

50:57

This episode is extra special because Melissa, my amazing baking assistant, takes over as the interviewer! She flips the script and asks me all about my journey from baking bread to building a thriving micro bakery business, launching this podcast, and expanding into coaching. We reflect on the milestones, the lessons learned, and the big dreams fo…

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47. Your Sourdough Bakery's Heartbeat: 3 Steps to Telling Your Brand Story 17:47

6M ago17:47

17:47

In this episode of The Bread Winner Podcast, we're diving into one of the most impactful ways to connect with your customers and stand out in your community—crafting your brand story. Your story is more than just an "About Me" section; it's the heart and soul of your business. It’s what turns one-time customers into loyal fans who feel a personal c…

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46. A Conversation with Hannah Guzman: How She's Built a Thriving Sourdough Business While Working a 9 to 5 42:14

6M ago42:14

42:14

On today’s episode of The Bread Winner Podcast, I’m joined by the inspiring Hannah Guzman, a microbakery owner who’s balancing a full-time job, motherhood, and a thriving sourdough business. Hannah shares her journey of turning her postpartum hobby into a flourishing microbakery in just eight months, all while navigating the challenges of working a…

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45. Calculating Your Capacity for Markets and Pre-Orders in Your Sourdough Microbakery 23:49

6M ago23:49

23:49

Planning your bake days doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In this episode, I’m diving into one of the most important aspects of running a microbakery: determining your capacity. Whether you’re gearing up for a big market or setting limits for pre-orders, I’m sharing practical strategies to help you simplify your schedule, work within your constraint…

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44. Bread for the Community: How Stijn Vanorbeek is Crafting Meaningful Connections with Simply Bread 44:06

6M ago44:06

44:06

I am thrilled to share this incredible conversation with Stijn Vanorbeek, the innovative mind behind Simply Bread Company and the Simply Bread Oven. We dive into Stijn’s fascinating journey from a tech-savvy entrepreneur to a passionate baker and inventor of a revolutionary bread oven that has transformed the world of micro bakeries. Stijn shares h…

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43. Learning the Hard Way: My Worst Sourdough Microbakery Bakery Investments (and a Few of my Best) 32:55

6M ago32:55

32:55

Hey friends! In this episode of The Bread Winner Podcast, I share some of the lessons I've learned from the best and worst investments I’ve made while building my bakery business. From the tools that have become indispensable to the ones that were total flops, this candid conversation is packed with practical tips to help you skip some of the misst…

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42. November in Review: Wins, Lessons, and Joyful Holiday Moments in my Sourdough Microbakery 34:43

6M ago34:43

34:43

Hi friends, welcome back to The Bread Winner Podcast! In this episode, I’m reflecting on November—what worked, what didn’t, and what I’m taking forward into December. If you’ve ever felt the tension between doing too much and honoring your energy, this one’s for you. I’m sharing how I paced myself for a manageable Thanksgiving rush, why clear bound…

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41. Thank You Notes from the Sourdough Community on Thanksgiving 6:45

6M ago6:45

6:45

In this special Thanksgiving episode of The Bread Winner Podcast, I take a moment to reflect on the incredible community of bakers and mentors that make this journey so special. This episode is dedicated to expressing gratitude—not just for the lessons and inspiration we’ve gained from one another, but for you, my amazing listeners. Without your un…

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40. A Few Words for the Weary Baker: When Baking Feels Heavy, Remember This 9:11

6M ago9:11

9:11

Sometimes, we just need a moment to pause, breathe, and reconnect with the heart of our work. In this episode, I’m speaking directly to you, the weary baker, who might be questioning if all the effort is worth it. Together, we’ll reflect on the deeper purpose of what we do—the connection, comfort, and hope we bring to others through something as si…

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39. Three Ways to Use ChatGPT to Burnout-Proof Your Sourdough Microbakery 24:27

7M ago24:27

24:27

In this episode of The Bread Winner Podcast, I’m chatting about a game-changing tool that’s helped me work smarter, not harder—AI. Specifically, I’m sharing three practical ways to use ChatGPT in your sourdough microbakery to save time, reduce overwhelm, and get things done more efficiently. Whether it’s creating polished social media captions, han…

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38. Coaching Episode | Scaling Up Deere Creek Bakery with Danica Burlingame 48:11

7M ago48:11

48:11

I’m thrilled to bring you another coaching session on today’s episode of The Bread Winner Podcast! I had the pleasure of chatting with Danica, the owner of Deere Creek Bakery in North Georgia, as we dove into the heart of her microbakery business. From navigating her first farmers market to managing the intricacies of freshly milled wheat and sourd…

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37. How to Bake with Kids Around – My Favorite Tips for Sourdough Microbakery Owners 25:54

7M ago25:54

25:54

In this episode of The Bread Winner Podcast, I’m chatting about a question so many of us face: how to juggle baking with little ones around. If you’ve ever found yourself trying to keep dough rising while your kids are underfoot, you’re not alone! I’ll share some tricks I’ve learned to keep things flowing smoothly—whether that’s adjusting your sche…