Meet Elizabeth Newcamp | Co-Host Slate’s ‘Mom and Dad are Fighting’

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elizabeth Newcamp and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elizabeth, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I made my work about my family so that I could spend more time doing the things I love with the people I love.

I started my career out as an Attorney, working at NASA Dryden at Edwards, AFB in California. At the time we had no kids. My husband was flight testing the F-35 and we both worked long hours and spent any free time traveling. Once we had kids though I knew I wanted to find a way to have more family together time. My husbands job moved us abroad and I wanted to show the kids the world. I knew I wanted to continue to exercise the adult work portion of my life, but I also wanted to spend as much time with the kids as I could. As I started to travel with the kids there was real interest in HOW to travel with kids in the same meaningful way that we traveled without kids. So I started writing about it and talking to anyone who wanted to know anything about it and it blossomed into a job.

Time is our most precious resource. You can’t buy any more of it. Kids grow up way too fast, so I wanted to be respectful of this phase of their life. I try to fit the work that I can’t do with them into the spaces where they are otherwise engaged. I also try to involve them as much as possible. They help me prep for my podcasts and suggest topics for writing. Since I mostly give parenting advice, they are central to all that I do. I feel like it has made us a little team.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I love being able to connect with parents from all over the globe through the Podcast “Mom and Dad are Fighting” an my blog “Dutch, Dutch, Goose!” Parenting can be such a lonely journey. Even though each child and parent is unique we are all bonded by the enormity of raising these little humans in this crazy world with only on the job training!

My career journey has been a crazy road with lots of twists and turns. I’ve always tried to find something to keep me occupied and happy that has fit into my current life. Early in my life that was a demanding job as an Attorney. As we had kids and moved abroad I was home with the kids pouring into them and showing them the world. When the opportunity came to share what I had learned by traveling and schooling them I couldn’t turn it down.

I’ve learned to stay flexible and say “yes” to opportunities. I’ve learned its ok to fail or have something not pan out – there is almost always another opportunity around the corner. The secret to getting opportunities is to meet people and tell them what you want. I’m continuously surprised by the people who have been able to open doors for me, just because I asked or expressed interest. Every opportunity I’ve said yes to has added value to my life and prepared me for future challenges. So keep saying Yes and keep telling people your dreams.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love taking active guests up the incline in manitou springs. This is best done without little kids and a reservation is needed. Its a wonderful start to the morning with amazing views of the city.

Then meet the family for breakfast at Mountain Shadows in Old Colorado City. Then head out on a walk down the streets of Old Colorado City. There are plenty of places to pop into, but our favorite with kids is the Old Colorado City Library. We also never miss an opportunity to run in the park and check out the old log cabin.

Then we are off to the Manitou Springs Penny Arcade. Make sure you have tons of coins and a few hours so there is time to check out all the buildings. Everyone is sure to find something they enjoy.

If the weather is right driving up Pikes Peek is an amazing experience. Instead of gunning it up to the top you can stop in all the different climate zones and go for little walk. When you reach the top make sure you grab a doughnut and enjoy the boardwalk around the summit.

The next day could be spent almost entirely at Garden of the Gods and Rock Ledge Ranch. I like to pick a day the ranch is open and filled with their student interpreters. At Garden of the Gods, venture off the typical paths and into the wilderness for incredible views and wildlife encounters. You can even find some fossils hidden in the rocks on your hike.

Enjoy your picnic lunch under the rock formation of the Kissing Camels, watching climbers of all levels enjoy these amazing rocks.

At dusk, catch the Bat Program at Garden of the Gods for an up close education lesson about the bats that call Garden of the Gods home. Armed with your own sonar you will be able to hear them as they soar overhead capturing their evening meal.

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is another must do while visiting Colorado Springs. The zoo sits on the side of the mountain so you have amazing city views while meeting some incredible animals.

Post Zoo head to Ivywild for lunch. There you can mix and match the beers from Bristol Brewing Company with a variety of food from the vendors that all occupy this old school.

If you have time catch a magic show at Cosmo’s Magic Theater. There are both kid and adult shows that are worth checking out.

Heading out of The Springs, I like to visit Dinosaur Ridge in Morrison, Colorado which features some amazing dinosaur footprints and fossils. Red Rocks Amphitheater is nearby, so stop by to walk the steps for fitness, to see a show or just take in the amazing views.

We always like to hit up a few breweries with guests, but it is hard to pick one favorite because we love trying something new. We use the Denver Beer Trail Map when we are in the capitol to find a new place to try.

If we have some extra time we love to take a trip into the mountains. Here are a few of our favorite suggestions for mountain get aways.

Spend a few days at the YMCA at Estes Park. This is family camp at Rocky Mountain National Park. It is our favorite quick get away. There are tons of activities on property and you can hike right into the park. If you have kids do not forget to do the Rocky Mountain National Park Jr. Ranger Badge. We love getting a huge Antonio’s Real New York Pizza to go – Seriously, this pizza is huge.

Head over Independence Pass (get out and do little bit of hiking and explore the nearby ghost town). Visit Aspen, but stay in Basalt. This little town is much more affordable, packed with great restaurants and has a great river walk complete with sound garden the kids will love. We like the Basalt Mountain Inn which is a no frills hotel, perfect for a weekend get away. We never miss a chance to have a drink and eat at the neighboring Tipsy Trout.

Spend the weekend at Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort. Any time of year this is the perfect get away. It is close to Monarch Mountain if you want to do some skiing. We love the small pools in the creek that runs alongside the property.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The incredible Dan Kois (author of How to Be A Family) has opened so many doors for me. He is the reason that I’m on the podcast ‘Mom and Dad are Fighting’ giving me a chance to come on as a guest host and then providing feedback so I could continue to improve. He has tirelessly edited my writing, pushing me to tell a clearer story. He is also just an amazing Dad to his two daughters and an all around fun guy to hang out with.

I also owe a huge debt to my sister mom’s. This is the group of women who I parent with. They love my kids like they are their own. They encourage me and lift me up every day. They help with the care, feeding and logistics of the kids. They are my shoulder to cry on and my sounding board for a host of crazy things. I wouldn’t make it out of the house most days without these amazing women who are scattered around the globe.

I also have to thank my incredible husband, Jeff. He always encourages me to take on the next challenge. He is there to help me figure out how we are going to manage it as a family. He bends over backwards to be my partner in life so we can both achieve our dreams.

Website: www.dutchdutchgoose.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ejdn/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-newcamp-1646084/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ejdn

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dutchdutchgoose

Other: https://slate.com/podcasts/mom-and-dad-are-fighting