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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: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:E19-Fearless Fundamentals: How Language, Bravery, and Trust Shape Great Product Teams
Have a perspective, get the fundamentals right, be courageous!
Leah Farmer
Oct 8, 20251 min read
S2:E18 - Making Pigs Fly: Turn early career lessons, empathy, and curiosity into product success.
No questions is silly enough that it shouldn't be asked!
Leah Farmer
Sep 24, 20251 min read
S2:E17 - From MVPs to FAFO: Iterations, courage, and what it really means to learn fast in Product.
Why fuck around and find out is a reasonable way to approach product management.
Leah Farmer
Sep 10, 20251 min read
S1:E16 - Nerds to Norms: Why real conversations still beat synthetic data in B2B product management
How to think about B2B Product Management in the current environment
Leah Farmer
Sep 3, 20251 min read
S2:E14 - Make Space, Not Noise: How Great Product Leadership Starts with Listening
In this episode, we sit down with Greg Weinger—SVP of Product at SheerID and creator of the Powerful Introvert podcast and newsletter....
Leah Farmer
Jul 30, 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:E12 - The Inside Job: Leadership, Self-Knowledge, & Communication Styles from the Inside Out
In this episode of Practical Product Management , we talk with Ryan Scott , Head of Product: AI and Innovation at DNA Behavior. Ryan...
Leah Farmer
Jul 2, 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:E10 - Stop Trying to Do It All! - Feedback, Mentors, & Being Human as a Product Manager
Lessons from a recently retired Principal PM!
Leah Farmer
Jun 4, 20252 min read
S2:E9 - Practice Like You Play: How Product Teams Win with Clarity, Conflict, & Staying in the Game
In this episode of Practical Product Management, we’re joined by one of our closest friends and former colleagues, Geno White, founder of...
Leah Farmer
May 21, 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: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:E22-Tidings of Innovation & Cheer: AI, MVPs, and Leadership Lessons to Carry Into 2025
The gift of one more episode for Season 1
Leah Farmer
Dec 4, 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
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