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Theory is nice...but let's get practical!
Welcome to Practical Product Management
Each week we peel back the layers of product management theory and dive into the nuts and bolts of making real decisions in high-stakes tech environments. Join us, Marilyn McDonald and Leah Farmer, as we share insights from our 20+ years at the forefront of Big Tech, Payments, Scaleups, and Startups.
Having worked together at Amazon and Expedia, and been each other’s staunchest supporters and cheerleaders, we bring a unique blend of expertise, enthusiasm, and friendship to every episode. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the field, our podcast promises not only to enlighten but also to entertain.
Let's have some fun and learn together!

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S2:E23 - Be the CEO of Your Life
Who do you let sit at your personal board of directors?
Leah Farmer
Dec 3, 20252 min read


S2:E22 - Best of Season 2, Part 2 - Conversations that reminded us why Product is a "people-first" craft
In this second Best Of episode, we’re looking back at Episodes 11–20 — a surprisingly tender, energizing, and thought-provoking stretch of Season 2. These conversations took us into topics we didn’t expect at the start of the year: burnout as data, the role of play, the need for white space, the courage it takes to challenge old ways of working, and the deep connection between product management and human behavior. We met some incredible new people this season — Charity, Sun
Leah Farmer
Nov 19, 20252 min read


S2:E21 - Best of Season 2, Part 1 - Highlights, lessons and laughs from our most curious season yet.
We discuss the first 10 episodes of season 2 and play great clips.
Leah Farmer
Nov 5, 20251 min read


S2:E20 - Designing for Play: Building Games That Bring People Together
Great episode discussing building games and human nature.
Leah Farmer
Oct 22, 20252 min read


S2:E15 - Running on Empty: Why high-achievers struggle to slow down and what it takes to truly rest.
Ambition is not a bad word.
Leah Farmer
Aug 13, 20251 min read


S2E13: Better Together - How Mutual Respect, Curiosity, and Shared Goals Create the Best Product & Engineering Collaborations
In this episode, we sat down with the brilliant Alesha Cronie. We talk about the real magic that happens when product, engineering, and...
Leah Farmer
Jul 16, 20251 min read


S2:E11 - Year 1: Friendship, Frameworks, and the Future of Product
In this special anniversary episode of Practical Product Management , we’re celebrating one year (and 33 episodes!) of podcasting...
Leah Farmer
Jun 18, 20252 min read


S2:E8 - Film Festivals, Velociraptors, & Heart Surgery: Building Immersive Products in AR, VR, & AI
In this episode of Practical Product Management , we sat down with Leah's longtime friend and former colleague Brad Jefferson to explore...
Leah Farmer
May 7, 20252 min read


S2:E7 - Ask for What You Want: Careers, Contracts, and Building Product That Work Everywhere
In this episode of Practical Product Management , we sat down with our longtime friend and former Amazon colleague Jen Bloom. Jen’s had a...
Leah Farmer
Apr 23, 20252 min read


S2:E6 - Help Me Understand Why: How "Dumb Questions" Might Save Your Product...and Your Startup
In this episode of Practical Product Management , we sit down with our friend and former colleague Sam Zebarjadi—an incredible product...
Leah Farmer
Apr 9, 20252 min read


S2:E5 - GovTech, Outcomes & Impact: Building Meaningful Products in High-Stakes Environments
In this episode of Practical Product Management, we talk with Rob Monroe, Practice Lead at Rise8, about the complexity and nuance of...
Leah Farmer
Mar 26, 20252 min read


S2:E4 - Beyond the Checkbox: The Future of Accessibility in Product Management
In this episode of Practical Product Management , we’re joined by accessibility pioneer Mike Paciello to discuss how accessibility is...
Leah Farmer
Mar 12, 20252 min read


S2:E3 - Finding the Right Boss: Why Your Next Boss Might Matter More Than Your Next Product
In this episode of Practical Product Management , we dive deep into a critical but often overlooked factor in our career success:...
Leah Farmer
Feb 26, 20252 min read


S2:E2 - Full Impact, Fractional Time: Taking Ownership, Diagnosing Chaos, & Driving Impact
When a fractional leader is the best choice.
Leah Farmer
Feb 12, 20252 min read


S2:E1 - New Year, New Goals: Resolutions for Product Managers
Happy New Year! Product Management resolutions are a great way to start the year.
Leah Farmer
Jan 29, 20251 min read


S1:E21 PPM Thanksgiving Special: Using Product Skills in Day to Day Life
Thankful for the way Product skills show up in our lives.
Leah Farmer
Nov 27, 20241 min read


S1:E20 - The Courage to Create: Lessons in Resilience and Purpose from the Co-Founder of Femote
Women's Healthcare needs more great founders from Product!
Leah Farmer
Nov 13, 20242 min read


S1:E19 - Short on Time, High on Output: Speed, Strategy, & Success as an Interim Product Manager
How are Interim PMs the same and different from employees?
Leah Farmer
Nov 6, 20241 min read


S1:E18 - Tricks, Treats, & Transitions: Navigating Employee Departures with Kindness & Help
Go be a whole human leader of a whole human team member!
Leah Farmer
Oct 30, 20241 min read


S1:E17 - PM Pivots: Thriving in Startups, Global Companies, and the Unlikely Places in Between
Product Management is not just a function, but a philosophy.
Leah Farmer
Oct 23, 20242 min read
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