Medium Lady Talks: Burnout Recovery for Millennials and Mothers

Erin drafted this episode during a false spring — bright light, warm temps, a few days without a winter jacket. Then she sat down to record on a Sunday and it was snowing. Again. Which is exactly why this episode needed to exist. This is a guided end-of-winter reflection for everyone who has been holding on through the hardest months of the year. It names the specific disorientation of almost-spring, validates the depletion that comes from a full winter of reserves being drawn down, and offers a gentle self check-in before we sprint toward a spring we may not quite be ready for yet. "The cruelest part of almost-spring is how much it asks of our patience right when we have nothing left to give." The episode's guiding question: What does it look like to finish the winter well? Not crawl across the finish line. Actually arrive at spring with your identity, your core values, and your sense of self intact. IN THIS EPISODE What We Cover Why almost-spring is its own kind of exhaustion — the gap between anticipation and reality The 'lights on before you're ready to get up' feeling — and why burned-out women feel this as pressure, not relief Winter fatigue as cumulative — how we've been drawing off reserves since November Why rushing the thaw — emotionally, physically, mentally — can undo the quiet work of winter The grief of letting go of the slower season, even when it was hard A five-question guided self check-in (interactive — grab a journal) Building reserves for the final stretch without over-scheduling spring A full care package: books, albums, a color, and three small practices THE SELF CHECK-IN Five Questions for the Thaw Erin walks through each question on mic — modeling the practice and answering for herself in real time. Grab a journal or your notes app and do this alongside her. Question 1 What did this winter actually ask of me? Not what you accomplished or managed. What did the season ask you to carry? What was the central question of your winter? Erin's answer: The winter asked her to carry her own point of view at the top of the priority list — not putting herself first exactly, but leading with her own thoughts and feelings rather than orienting around everyone else's. Her word of the year: sovereign. Question 2 Where am I still depleted — and have I been honest with myself about that? Erin uses the image of a mixing board — every dial at a solid medium, which actually tracks for where she is. Her depletion: staleness. Ready for something new. Scraping the bottom of the barrel when it comes to whimsy and joy. Key reframe: You don't have to stare directly into the sun of your vulnerability. You can look just northwest of it — at the things contributing to the drain — and that's enough. Question 3 What am I rushing toward — and is it something I actually want, or just relief from the dirty snowbank of March? March is a dirty snowbank. And sometimes we rush toward whatever offers escape from it — a summer dress in a shopping cart, a new creative direction, a reinvention. The almost-spring energy can manufacture urgency that isn't real. "The sense of urgency is manufactured. I can confront that limiting belief. Am I really out of time?" Erin's example: She felt the impulse to rush toward creating AI content after one listener expressed interest — then caught herself and let it cook instead. Question 4 What from this winter do I want to carry forward into spring? Winter strips us bare and contracts our field of vision — but it also teaches. The whimsy has to live with the struggle. That's actually where whimsy does its best work. Erin's answer: Carrying her own point of view forward. The ownership of the hard stuff alongside the spring strut and the dangly earrings and the daffodils. Question 5 What do I need to let go of before spring arrives? Some things served their purpose in the dark season. They don't have to come with you. Erin's answer: Comparison. Specifically — the way that deeply owning her own point of view this winter also opened the door to measuring herself against others. The comparison served a purpose. It helped her name the difference. She doesn't need to bring it into spring. BUILDING RESERVES How to Finish Winter Well The goal is not to arrive at spring perfectly rested, perfectly reflected, perfectly ready. That's just not available to most of us. The goal is to arrive as yourself — with enough in the barrel to meet what spring asks of you. Return to the micro-rituals from Episode 168 — don't abandon them just because the light is changing Protect your sleep after the time change — your body needs 36–48 hours minimum to readjust Protect slowness even as the energy around you speeds up — create a container for it Resist the urge to over-schedule spring before winter is actually over Remember: the calendar filling up is not the same as being ready Name one thing you are still protecting in this season — and keep protecting it THE CARE PACKAGE Borrow This Until You Find Your Own Erin

In this high‑energy solo episode, Erin introduces a brand‑new self‑reflection framework she’s calling The Tally Project. Inspired by the book Tiny Experiments by Anne‑Laure Le Cunff (and the creators who inspire her), Erin shares how a simple tally system can create visible proof that you’re showing up for the life you want—without pressure, streaks, perfectionism, or rigid goals. She walks you through her four tallies for March: movement, reading, growth, and phone boundaries. Each one is intentionally designed to be binary, gentle, and achievable. This episode offers a transparent look at Erin’s emotional landscape at the tail end of winter, the desire for quiet momentum, and the need for small pockets of self‑trust to carry us into spring. If you’ve been feeling stuck, scattered, reactive, or pulled off‑center by the winter months, this episode will help you reset with kindness—and maybe even join Erin in your own March Tally. WHAT YOU’LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE • Why the concept of a “tally” can be more effective than traditional goals • How Erin builds identity‑aligned habits through measurable evidence • The inspiration behind the Monthly Tally from Tiny Experiments • What Erin is tracking in March and why each tally matters • Honest reflections on burnout, doom‑scrolling, winter emotions, and self‑trust • A gentle invitation to create your own March Tally (or observe and try later) ERIN’S MARCH TALLY Movement: Move intentionally for more than 24 minutes, 15 days this month Mind: Read nonfiction and capture one thought about it, 12 days Growth: Read two thought‑provoking pieces about AI Phone Boundaries: Stay off Instagram before 8 a.m. and after 10 p.m., 15 days CONNECT WITH ERIN Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady Email: [email protected] Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads If you join the March Tally, tag or message Erin—she’d love to cheer you on.

How do you move through winter without numbing out, gritting your teeth, or waiting for spring to fix you? In this episode of Medium Lady Talks, Erin shares the small but powerful micro-rituals helping her stay present, intentional, and connected to herself during one of the heaviest seasons she’s had in years. This isn’t about productivity hacks. It’s not about aesthetic morning routines. And it’s definitely not about toxic positivity. It’s about participation. If winter often feels narrowing — emotionally, mentally, culturally — this episode explores how small, deliberate practices can widen your thinking, reduce decision fatigue, and help you reclaim your point of view in a season that tempts many of us toward passive consumption and burnout. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why micro-rituals can be more powerful than big resolutions How reducing decision fatigue supports mental health in winter The difference between consuming inspiration and activating it Why analog living isn’t aesthetic — it’s neurological How music appreciation can retrain your attention span The benefits of slow reading and commonplace journaling What critical thinking actually is (and why it matters now more than ever) How asking “What do I think?” can protect your identity in overwhelming seasons The Three Micro-Rituals Erin Shares: 1️⃣ Activating Inspiration Instead of Saving It Using simple outfit formulas (inspired by creator Laura Owens) to eliminate decision fatigue and translate digital inspiration into real-life embodiment. The power isn’t in watching someone else get dressed — it’s in getting dressed. 2️⃣ Music Appreciation as Attention Training Moving beyond background noise to study instrumentation, arrangement, and emotion in music — and how building a “cinematic winter playlist” creates presence and pleasure without productivity. Inspired again by an amazing creator Owen Cutts !! 3️⃣ Slow Reading + Journaling for Deeper Thinking Pairing fiction and nonfiction, tracking themes, and practicing commonplace journaling to metabolize ideas rather than speed-consume books. Why This Matters Winter often reveals our overload. When the world feels heavy and cultural panic is escalating, it becomes easier to outsource our thinking, scroll instead of reflect, and numb instead of participate. These micro-rituals are small daily acts of resistance: Resistance to burnout Resistance to passive living Resistance to losing your point of view They are not dramatic. They are not monetizable. They are not optimized. But they are helping Erin feel like herself in one of the hardest winters she’s had in a long time. And maybe they can help you too. A Gentle Invitation If you’re feeling narrow, constricted, or numbed out this winter, ask yourself: What do I think? What do I want? Where is my attention going? You don’t have to reinvent your life. You don’t have to survive on autopilot. Choose one small ritual that shifts you from passive to deliberate. From outsourcing your mind to inhabiting it. Winter doesn’t have to take everything from you. 🎧 Listen now and share this episode with someone who needs a life raft this season. If this resonated, screenshot the episode and tag @medium.lady on Instagram so we can talk about it. You’re doing such a good job. Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady Email: [email protected] Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads

Winter doesn’t create burnout. It reveals it. In this episode of Medium Lady Talks, Erin explores why so many women quietly admit their exhaustion during the cold months — not because winter breaks them, but because winter strips away the distractions that helped them outrun what they’ve been carrying all along. Drawing on personal reflection, cultural observation, and insights from All We Want Is Everything by Soraya Chemaly, this episode unpacks: Why women are socialized to absorb emotional fallout and smooth discomfort How invisible emotional labor accumulates quietly across seasons Why reduced light, stimulation, and dopamine in winter make burnout undeniable The seductive pull of despair and doomscrolling Why “collapse” in January isn’t the same as rest And how to redistribute your load instead of reinventing yourself This is not an episode about hustling your way out of exhaustion. It’s about recognizing when winter is revealing a structural mismatch between what you carry and what you are resourced for — and responding gently but honestly. If you’ve felt bone tired. Soul tired. Existentially tired. This episode will help you see your burnout not as weakness — but as information. What You’ll Hear in This Episode Why winter reduces capacity and exposes overload Emotional labor and the cultural conditioning of women How smoothing and anticipating needs compounds exhaustion The rise of “analog wellness” as nervous system relief The 1% rule for sustainable adjustment Practical ways to drop invisible tasks Why spring doesn’t fix structural mismatch — redistribution does A Gentle Invitation Name what you’re carrying. Drop one invisible task. Replace one scroll with one analog act. Aim for 1% more steadiness. Winter is not attacking you. It may just be asking you to notice. If this episode resonated, share it with someone who’s been quietly holding too much. And as always — you are not weak for feeling this. You are overloaded. And overload can be adjusted. Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Email: [email protected] Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." Instagram: @mediumladyreads Website: www.mediumladycommunity.com

Winter can be heavy — physically, emotionally, politically, spiritually. And for many of us, January in particular can feel destabilizing, tender, and overwhelming. In this opening episode of Season 6, Erin shares honestly about where she’s been this winter: a painful injury, heightened fear and grief, and the emotional toll of witnessing human suffering in the world. She names what it feels like to be sad, scared, and grieving — while still feeling like herself. This episode introduces the guiding idea for the season: happiness is not forced optimism or denial — it’s orientation. It’s about where we allow our attention to return, even when things are not fine. Rather than chasing positivity, Erin invites listeners into a gentle, non-judgmental practice: choosing a word for the winter — not as a goal or personality test, but as a lens to widen perspective and soften the edges of a difficult season. This episode is for anyone who: feels emotionally porous or overwhelmed this winter is tired of performative positivity wants language for being distressed without being lost is looking for steadiness, beauty, and connection in small, human ways You don’t need to feel happy all the time. You don’t need to fix the winter. You’re allowed to move through it — one day at a time — with a little more capacity than yesterday. Mentioned in this episode: The concept of orientation vs. optimism Seasonal emotional patterns and January destabilization Choosing a word for the winter (Erin’s word: cinematic) Happiness as a North Star, not a destination Listener Invitation: Choose a word for your winter. Let it guide what you notice (light, movement, connection, meaning) without judgment or pressure to share. Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Email: [email protected] Website: www.mediumladycommunity.com Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads

What if you didn’t end the year with a big goal — but with clarity? In this quiet bonus episode closing out Season 5 of Medium Lady Talks, Erin shares a personal year-in-review reflection inspired by Laura Tremaine’s 10 Questions for the End of the Year. Rather than offering resolutions or strategies, this episode explores what happens when we stop waiting for permission, external validation, or the “right time” to move forward. Erin reflects on her word for 2026 and what it means to live from inner authority instead of urgency. She unpacks three gentle but powerful realizations from the past year: why rescuing isn’t leadership, why depth matters more than speed, and why self-trust can be more radical than having a plan. This episode is for anyone ending the year without a bold intention — and feeling oddly okay about it. If you’re craving permission to slow down, listen inward, and trust yourself before chasing the next strategy, this conversation is for you. What You’ll Hear in This Episode What Erin chose as her word for 2026 — and what it actually means for her year ahead. The hidden cost of being the rescuer at work, in family life, and in relationships Choosing depth and rest without abandoning ambition Letting go of urgency, perfectionism, and incomplete projects without self-judgment Why self-trust can be more grounding than goal-setting A compassionate reframe for listeners who feel unsure about what’s next Notable Quotes “I realized I’ve been waiting for something that doesn’t exist — permission, legitimacy, or other people catching up.” “Rescuing isn’t leadership. Rising up without abandoning myself is.” “I didn’t end this year with a strategy. I ended it with self-trust — and that feels more radical.” “You’re not behind. You might just be listening to yourself on a new level.” Who This Episode Is For Burnt-out women and millennial mothers navigating ambition and rest Listeners who feel pressure to set goals but crave something quieter Anyone tired of hustle culture and performative self-improvement Leaders, caregivers, and creatives who are ready to stop waiting for permission Mentioned in This Episode Laura Tremaine’s 10 Questions for the End of the Year reflection practice The Summer of Real Rest theme and its lasting impact The idea of “negotiating the timeline, not the result” What to Do Next If something resonated: Sit with a word that stood out to you Notice where you’re done rushing or rescuing Ask yourself where you might trust yourself a little sooner There’s no homework here — just space. Connect with Erin Follow along on Instagram for more reflections, bookish content, and gentle encouragement: @medium.lady If this episode spoke to you, screenshot it and share it — and tag Erin so you can continue the conversation.

What happens when being “strong” stops working? In this deeply affirming and practical conversation, Erin is joined by Dr. Nikia Smith — practicing anesthesiologist, wellness coach, and founder of She Is Fire Forged — to explore how the Superwoman myth quietly fuels burnout, especially for high-achieving women and women in healthcare. Together, they unpack how resilience, people-pleasing, and productivity can become liabilities rather than strengths — and why rest is not something to earn, but something to prioritize before everything else. This episode is for anyone who: feels exhausted despite “doing everything right” has built a good life but still feels depleted or disconnected has been praised for being strong, capable, and reliable — at great personal cost 🧠 In This Episode, You’ll Hear About: • The hidden cost of the Superwoman identity Dr. Smith explains how being “the strong one” often masks chronic exhaustion, emotional suppression, and self-abandonment — particularly for women of color and women in caregiving professions. • Burnout doesn’t always look like collapse You can love your job, love your life, and still be burned out. Burnout often builds slowly — like a simmer — long before it reaches a breaking point. • Why rest must come before boundaries Many women struggle to set boundaries because they’re already depleted. Dr. Smith shares why beginning with rest builds the capacity and courage needed to sustain boundaries over time. • The ‘simmer’ metaphor for catching burnout early Instead of waiting for total collapse, this episode offers language for identifying irritability, restlessness, resentment, and exhaustion before burnout boils over. • The difference between sleep and real rest Sleep matters — but it’s not the whole picture. Emotional rest, creative rest, social rest, and physical rest all play distinct roles in recovery and sustainability. • How identity work is central to burnout recovery Burnout often forces the question: Who am I beyond my roles and titles? This episode explores how dismantling inherited expectations opens space for self-trust and agency. 🔄 Reframing Strength, Productivity, and Success This conversation challenges the idea that: rest must be earned productivity defines worth success looks the same for everyone Instead, Erin and Dr. Smith explore how true sustainability often means: adding friction at work removing friction at home offloading invisible labor questioning “shoulds” that drain energy without adding meaning You’ll also hear honest reflections on: outsourcing household labor redefining success based on values (not aesthetics) letting go of guilt around support, rest, and ease 🌿 Key Takeaways Burnout is not a personal failure — it’s often the result of social conditioning and moral injury You don’t need confidence to make changes; courage is enough Rest creates the capacity needed to move from survival to intention You are allowed to want a life that feels good, not just one that looks successful Strength doesn’t mean doing everything alone 🩺 About Today’s Guest: Dr. Nikia Smith Dr. Nikia Smith is a practicing anesthesiologist, wellness coach, and founder of She Is Fire Forged, a platform supporting high-achieving women of color through burnout recovery, rest, and self-trust. Through her coaching and content, she helps women: identify hidden burnout unlearn the need to earn rest build sustainable lives rooted in clarity and softness Connect with Dr. Smith: Instagram & TikTok: @sheisfireforged Email: @medium.lady Explore more episodes of Medium Lady Talks for grounded conversations about rest, burnout recovery, identity, and sustainable living. And remember: Rest is not weakness. It’s a right.

On the winter solstice — the darkest day of the year — Erin closes the Phone Free Fall series with a quiet, honest reflection on presence, capacity, and what it means to actually live inside the life you worked so hard to build. This episode isn’t about advice, challenges, or optimizing your habits. It’s about noticing. About naming the ways we slip out of our own lives — into scrolling, distraction, and emotional distance — not because our lives are bad, but because they are full. If you’ve felt restless, overstimulated, or disconnected even while living a life you once dreamed of, this episode offers orientation, not pressure. A reminder that real life isn’t something you get to later — it’s already happening, and you’re allowed to be inside it. 🧠 In This Episode, Erin Reflects On: • Why Phone Free Fall was never about quitting your phone This series was about noticing how often we leave our lives without realizing it — and gently choosing to come back. • The paradox of living a “good” life and still wanting to escape it Full lives are often heavy to inhabit. Phones offer distance and numbness, but not true restoration. • How rest, capacity, and phone use are deeply connected Even when we rest, our phones can quietly drain the capacity that rest is meant to restore. • What listeners discovered when screen time went down Pride, boredom, boredom with scrolling — and then a strange, honest sense of being lost. Not a failure, but a re-entry. • Why winter — and the solstice in particular — asks us to stay, not optimize This season invites inwardness, stillness, and tolerance for what feels unfinished or unresolved. • The practice at the heart of Phone Free Fall Not discipline. Not restriction. Just noticing when you leave your life — and when you come back. ❄️ A Winter Solstice Reframe The solstice doesn’t ask us to improve or shine. It asks us to stay. Just as the light returns slowly — almost imperceptibly — presence returns minute by minute. With each moment we’re less interrupted. With each moment we choose to be here. 💬 Key Takeaways You’re not escaping your life because it’s bad — you’re escaping because it’s full Distance from your phone isn’t the same as restoration, but it can create space for it Boredom and quiet are not problems; they’re thresholds Your real life isn’t waiting for you to feel better — it’s already happening You’re allowed to live inside the life you built, even when it’s imperfect, slow, or overwhelming Noticing is the practice 🌿 As Phone Free Fall Comes to a Close As Erin wraps both Phone Free Fall and Season 5 of Medium Lady Talks, she invites listeners into a winter pause — one that makes room for quiet, reflection, and enoughness. You don’t need to do this better. You don’t need more discipline. You just need to keep noticing. 🎧 What’s Next Episode 165: A conversation with physician and coach Dr. Nikia Smith on rest, boundaries, and care that actually sustains us Season 6 of Medium Lady Talks returns in February after a January winter hiatus 🧡 Continue the Conversation If this episode resonated, Erin would love to hear from you — especially how Phone Free Fall shifted your awareness, not just your screen time. Follow along on Instagram: @medium.lady And thank you for choosing to spend your time and attention here — they matter.

You put your phone down. Your screen time went down. And instead of feeling calm or proud… you felt bored. Then scrolling felt boring too. And suddenly, you felt lost. If that’s been your experience, this episode is for you. In this Phone Free Fall conversation, Erin explores why setting phone boundaries can bring up unexpected emotions — and why feeling bored, unsettled, or untethered is not a sign you’re failing. It’s a sign that your nervous system is recalibrating. This episode connects phone boundaries, emotional rest, and seasonal sensory grounding, helping you understand what’s happening in your body and how to stay supported without reaching for your phone again. 🧠 In This Episode, We Explore: • Why phone boundaries often trigger emotions Your phone hasn’t just been entertainment — it’s been a tool for emotional regulation. When you reduce screen time, the constant drip of distraction stops, and feelings finally have space to surface. • Why boredom is a normal (and necessary) phase Boredom isn’t emptiness. It’s a transition point between overstimulation and genuine interest. Feeling bored or “lost” doesn’t mean you need your phone back — it means your brain is adjusting. • The emotional gap most digital wellness advice ignores Lower stimulation doesn’t instantly feel better. It often feels unfamiliar, quiet, and disorienting. This episode names that gap so you don’t mistake it for failure. • What emotional rest actually looks like Emotional rest isn’t fixing your feelings, journaling perfectly, or staying positive. It’s letting emotions exist without immediately managing, numbing, or distracting from them. • How to support yourself without scrolling Erin shares gentle ways to stay regulated when phone boundaries bring up discomfort — including sensory grounding, seasonal rhythms, and body-based cues that don’t require more effort or discipline. 🍂 Seasonal Support: Staying Grounded Without Your Phone This episode invites you to reconnect with sensory joys of the season as a way to support emotional rest, including: warmth, light, and texture slow, repetitive tasks (cooking, baking, tidying) movement and fresh air cozy, low-stakes rituals noticing what feels comforting instead of productive Winter already knows how to slow us down — we don’t need to force calm, just notice it. 💬 Key Takeaways Feeling bored or lost after reducing screen time is normal Your phone has been regulating your nervous system — replacing it gently matters Emotional rest begins when we stop interrupting ourselves You don’t need more discipline — you need more support Phone Free Fall isn’t about quitting your phone; it’s about rebuilding tolerance for being with yourself 🧡 If This Episode Resonated If this episode helped you make sense of how you’re feeling, consider sharing it with someone navigating phone boundaries too. And if you’re in the middle of Phone Free Fall, Erin would love to hear not just your screen time wins — but how it actually feels. 📱 Continue the Conversation Follow Erin on Instagram: @medium.lady Join the ongoing Phone Free Fall series and explore what real rest looks like — emotionally, mentally, and digitally. 🔗 Related Episodes Your Brain Is Full: Why You Can’t Put Your Phone Down (and It’s Not Your Fault) Who Knew Quitting Would Be This Hard? (Phone Free Fall check-in)

If you’ve ever wondered why you can’t stop picking up your phone, especially in December, this is the episode you need. Erin breaks down the real reason you feel overstimulated, resentful, or stuck in the doomscroll — and spoiler: it’s not a lack of willpower. Your brain is just full. In this Phone Free Fall episode, Erin explores how emotional labour, holiday chaos, mental load, and constant interruptions shape your relationship with your phone — and what to do when putting it down actually makes your anxiety spike. If you’re craving validation AND practical tools, this one’s for you. 🔎 In This Episode, We Explore: • Why your phone isn’t the problem — your full brain is Erin explains why scrolling becomes an “emotional release valve” when life feels overstimulating. • The hidden forces making December uniquely overwhelming Holiday interruptions, childcare changes, gift logistics, sensory overload, financial pressure, and emotional labour all combine into a perfect mental-load storm. • The surprising signs your brain is full Including: – opening apps automatically – feeling buzzy or urgent for no reason – shame about unfinished simple tasks – multitasking even when you don’t need to – craving constant noise – scrolling while physically uncomfortable – feeling brittle, resentful, or tapped out • Why phone boundaries often feel worse before they feel better Silence gets louder, feelings surface, and thoughts crowd in — Erin explains why this is normal and not a sign you're doing anything wrong. • Compassion-based phone boundaries (especially for December) Small, realistic steps for navigating screen time during an emotionally maximalist month. ✨ Practical Tools Mentioned Micro-pauses before opening apps Opal App (iPhone) for screen time blocking Landline Mode and “move the app” techniques Slow-drip dopamine: reading, journaling, hobbies, rest Medium-effort December as an antidote to holiday burnout Letting your brain empty gently, not urgently 💬 Key Quotes from the Episode “You’re not glued to your phone because you’re weak. You’re glued to your phone because your brain is full.” “Doomscrolling creates emotional slipperiness — nothing sticks, and that feels like rest.” “December asks for maximum everything. Of course your brain is over capacity.” “The person who has a full brain has a full life. You worked hard for this life — don’t treat it like something you need to escape.” 🧡 If Your Brain Is Full Right Now… You’re doing your best. You’re not behind. You’re not undisciplined. You’re not broken. You’re overstimulated — and this episode will help you name it, understand it, and navigate it with compassion. 📱 Continue the Conversation Come hang out with Erin on Instagram: @medium.lady Share this episode with someone whose brain is also full — it helps the show grow and supports women who need exactly this kind of honesty and gentleness.

Cutting back your screen time should feel peaceful… right? Except when you actually try it, quitting your phone feels uncomfortable, emotional, and surprisingly hard. In Episode 161, part of Phone Free Fall, I’m sharing a deeply honest four-to-six-week check-in on what it’s really like to change your relationship with your phone — including the withdrawal phase no one talks about, the “brain bargaining” that happens in the early weeks, and the surprising shifts that happen when your nervous system stops drinking from the firehose of five-second dopamine hits. If you’ve ever wondered why scrolling feels rewarding, why boredom feels unbearable, or why your screen time spikes right when you’re trying to quit, this episode unpacks all of that with compassion, context, and real tools. Together we explore: ✔️ What I actually changed (spoiler: nothing dramatic) ✔️ The gap you have to fill when the phone goes down ✔️ Why the first 2–3 weeks feel so uncomfortable ✔️ The neuroscience of dopamine withdrawal ✔️ How scrolling delivers stimulation, not satisfaction ✔️ Why screen time may rise before it falls ✔️ How creativity starts to re-inflate when input slows down ✔️ The moments of “micro-boredom” that tug you back to your phone ✔️ What I’m paying attention to next — including the emotional load–scrolling boomerang effect If you’re trying to scroll less and live more, this episode will help you feel less alone in the messy middle — and more confident about what’s actually happening in your brain, your body, and your habits. 🧠 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why your brain negotiates, bargains, and resists when you put your phone away Why real life feels slow after constant online stimulation How to interpret boredom as data instead of failure How your saved folders reveal what you’re craving in real life Why the “invisible load” peaks at the same time as screen time How creativity grows when consumption shrinks The tiny daily patterns (6am scroll, waiting-in-line scroll, bedtime scroll) worth noticing How to reset without moralizing or self-judgment 🔎 SEO Keywords phone addiction, digital detox, reduce screen time, dopamine detox, scrolling addiction, mindful phone use, overstimulation in women, burnout recovery, mental load and phone use, how to stop doomscrolling, motherhood and mental health, creative rest, digital wellbeing, phone-free tips 💬 Reflection Questions for Listeners Use these prompts to explore your own phone-free journey: When in your day are you most likely to reach for your phone? What emotion usually triggers the scroll — boredom? overwhelm? avoidance? What “quick hits” does your brain miss most? What real-life activities give you slow-drip dopamine? What creative urges are hiding behind your saved folders? When you scroll “to rest,” does it actually feel restful afterwards? How does your mood shift before, during, and after scrolling? What small moment could you reclaim (morning routine, commute, transitions)? Are you doing Phone Free Fall with me? Share your check-in over at @medium.lady or send me a DM — I love hearing your stories, questions, and aha moments. And if today’s episode helped you feel seen, scroll a little less, or breathe a little deeper, make sure you share this episode with a friend you care about, so we can build a big community of people stepping back from this black box of doom.

In this episode of Medium Lady Talks, Erin sits down with watercolor artist and author Jaime Townzen for a heartfelt conversation about the shift from caregiving to creativity — and how making art became her most powerful source of rest. Jaime shares her story of moving through years of intense caregiving, grief, and the emotional load of motherhood, and how a simple watercolor tutorial in 2020 opened the door to calm, grounding, and a renewed sense of self. Together, Erin and Jaime explore what it means to rest creatively, how small creative acts can quiet anxiety, and why giving ourselves 15 minutes with no “deliverable” can change our whole nervous system. They also dig into the guilt so many women feel when trying to rest, the transition from parenting young kids to supporting aging loved ones, and how to spend less time on your phone by choosing slower, more intentional hobbies. If you’ve ever said, “I wish I could paint,” or “I wish I had time to write,” this episode will meet you right where you are — and gently nudge you toward the creative practices your future self will thank you for. Together, Erin and Jaime talk about: How making art can regulate your nervous system Why creative hobbies matter even if no one ever sees them The guilt women feel when trying to rest Navigating the shift from raising kids to caring for elders Using creativity to spend less time on your phone Letting go of perfectionism and embracing “just a piece of paper” How small creative rituals can reconnect you to your identity Key Takeaways Creative rest doesn’t require talent — it requires time and permission. Your first step isn’t “becoming an artist.” It’s sitting down. A 15-minute hobby with no deliverable can completely shift your internal state. Caring for others doesn’t mean losing yourself. Boundaries create wholeness. Mindful phone use is tiring — and that’s why it reduces screen time naturally. 🔗 Resources & Mentions Jaime Townzen’s Art & Writing Absorbed by Jaime Townzen available wherever you love to buy books and at your public library (my library had a digital copy on Hoopla!) Sarah Cray Watercolor tutorials Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady Email: [email protected] Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads

What if your phone could stop following you around? In Episode 159 of Medium Lady Talks, Erin Vandeven sits down with creator and stay-at-home mom Kassadi Gabriel—the mind behind the viral idea of “landline mode.” Together they unpack how simple technology boundaries can restore your patience, creativity, and peace of mind in a culture addicted to constant connection. They talk about: What “landline mode” really is and how to try it yourself Why boundaries around your phone help you like yourself more How overstimulation and mental load show up in motherhood The myth of “consistency” as the new hustle culture How curiosity (not perfection) brings hobbies and creativity back to life This episode is part of Erin’s Phone Free Fall series—a season-long experiment in reclaiming attention, slowing down, and noticing what real rest feels like. Mentioned in this episode: Kassadi Gabriel on TikTok @kassadig Kassadi Gabriel on Instagram @kassadigabriel Brick affiliate link ($10 off via this link) Medium Lady Talks Episode 156 Phone Free Fall If you’ve been craving fewer notifications and more presence, this conversation will help you find calm in a world that won’t stop pinging. Keywords: phone boundaries, digital wellness, motherhood, mindful living, overstimulation, rest, burnout, attention span, social media use, phone free fall, Medium Lady Talks

In this episode of Medium Lady Talks, Erin sits down with poet, grief coach, and tarot reader Anna Jollymore to explore what it means to slow down, feel deeply, and create from the fire within. Anna is the author of Words for Becoming, a stunning debut collection that gazes unflinchingly at the shadow side of personal transformation. Together, Erin and Anna unpack how poetry can help us process grief, rest our overworked minds, and reconnect with our inner voice in a world that rewards constant doing. This conversation continues Erin’s Phone Free Fall series, inviting listeners to put down their phones and pick up something slower, quieter, and infinitely more real — reflection, creativity, and the sacred art of becoming. Key Topics Discussed How poetry makes space for emotions we usually rush past Using writing and creativity as tools for grief and transformation What happens when we stop numbing uncertainty with our phones The connection between metaphor, mindfulness, and real rest How poetry and tarot can ground us in embodied self-awareness The beauty of sincerity, authenticity, and imperfection in creative work Guest Bio Anna Jollymore (she/they) is a Midwestern-based author, teacher, grief expert, and professional tarot reader. Her debut poetry collection, Words for Becoming, explores the sacred tension between loss and renewal — and the ways grief can shape us into something new. Anna is also a certified Grief Recovery Method coach and facilitator who helps others make meaning through creative and spiritual practice. 📖 Words for Becoming is available now on Bookshop.org and Amazon. 📱 Follow Anna on Instagram at @thepoetannajollymore. Takeaway for Listeners If you’ve been feeling burned out, overstimulated, or disconnected from your creative side, this episode invites you back to yourself. Through poetry, journaling, and mindful stillness, you can find small, steady ways to rest — not by escaping your life, but by being more fully present in it. Resources Mentioned Words for Becoming by Anna Jollymore The Grief Recovery Method Phone Free Fall series on Medium Lady Talks Medium Lady Reads — the sister podcast for book lovers and mindful readers Call to Action If this episode spoke to you, share it with a friend who’s been craving real rest or a creative spark. Subscribe to Medium Lady Talks wherever you listen, and leave a review to help more listeners find the show. Join Erin’s community at mediumladycommunity.com Follow Erin on Instagram: @medium.lady

In an effort to continue to rest while also hosting a podcast, I'm reposting an episode from the archives. This episode of Medium Lady Talks originally aired on July 11, 2024. Enjoy and new episodes will air next Monday! _________ Hello, hi! Today’s episode is a first for the show: Medium Lady Rants? After being influenced by a few videos critiquing BookTok and the Beauty Influencer space it occurred to me that some of the problems in those spaces also exist in the motherhood content space. And I have a lot of thoughts about it! This episode is designed to give you some healthy skepticism about short form content that targets mothers, so you can avoid the shame and blame that can sometimes be triggered after a scroll session. Episode Summary Why do moms seek this kind of content in the first place? And why can it be harmful? While we don’t need to call out or “cancel” any particular creator there are themes behind some of the content that is useful to pay attention to I’ll talk about why I resisted embracing the “Mom” niche for so long The “machine” of social media is not invested in our wellness at all - even if creators are doing their best to create intentional content Ultimately, motherhood content on social media feels like it’s serving a need - if we’re aware of what those needs are we can be more mindful as we consume short form content. It’s crucial to remember that virality will always come before your mental health - and I’ll explain more about why this is the case. What is rage baiting? And how does it work when it comes to short form content for mothers? Remember your focus and attention is currency: creators will use your insecurities as the entry point to gain more of that currency as collateral you might find yourself being preyed upon for engagement. I routinely reflect on the struggle I’ve experienced as a content creator to dabble with and mess around in some of the spaces that provide a straighter path to growth and virality and the cost of that would be my personal desire to help people and leave my audience better than when they found me. Awareness of how this content can leave you in a shame and blame spiral is only good if it compels you to take ACTION - I’ll share my suggestions for how you can bring mindfulness and digital habits to your consumption of short form content (it’s easy I promise) Other Episodes you might like: Episode 107: From Anxiety to Action - How to reclaim your mental headspace with guest and coach Madeline Farquharson Episode 108: From Self-Neglect to Self-Care - Prioritizing your Needs with guest and coach Madeline Farquarson Other Resources mentioned: The Opal App Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Email: [email protected] Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads

Series: Phone Free Fall – Scroll Less. Live More. Keywords: phone addiction, sensory rest, digital wellness, mindfulness, motherhood burnout, nervous-system regulation, overstimulation, real rest, millennial moms, self-care Summary : In Episode 157 of Medium Lady Talks, host Erin Vandeven takes listeners deeper into the Phone Free Fall series—exploring why so many of us instinctively reach for our phones and how that reflex keeps us from real rest. Building on last week’s episode Welcome to Phone Free Fall, Erin reveals that scrolling isn’t a failure of willpower—it’s a learned nervous-system shortcut. Our brains use screens to numb when we’re overstimulated and to spark when we’re bored. The result? We rarely let our senses slow down long enough to truly feel alive. This episode introduces sensory rest, the practice of noticing how your body feels when you stop flooding it with input. Erin shares her own experiments with putting down earbuds, sipping coffee in silence, and noticing textures, sounds, and smells as everyday acts of recovery. Drawing on listener poll insights—where nearly half admitted they scroll to “escape and numb”—she explores how to replace that quick dopamine hit with micro-joys that actually restore energy and connection. You’ll walk away with: ✨ A new understanding of the scroll reflex and how to retrain it 🧘‍♀️ A simple “one scroll → one sensory moment” experiment to try this week 🪞 Three reflection prompts to help you notice when and why you scroll 🌿 Ideas for small sensory rituals that make you feel grounded and alive Because the goal isn’t to delete your apps—it’s to bring quiet, creativity, and curiosity back into your real life. 🎧 Listen now to Medium Lady Talks – Episode 157: The Scroll Reflex & the Art of Sensory Rest 💬 Experiment: Replace one scroll moment with one sensory moment. The series starts here! Don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show! Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady Email: [email protected] Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads #PhoneFreeFall #MediumLadyTalks #SensoryRest #DigitalWellness #ScrollLessLiveMore #MindfulLiving #BurnoutRecovery #RestRevolution #MillennialMoms #SelfCareJourney

🪂 Episode 156 — Welcome to Phone Free Fall Keywords: phone addiction, digital wellness, social media burnout, motherhood and mental health, mindful living, rest, overstimulation, self-care, millennial mothers Summary : In the first episode of her new series Phone Free Fall, host Erin Vandeven explores the surprising truth behind her biggest barrier to real rest — her phone. Building on the success of The Summer of Real Rest, Erin opens up about how social media, overstimulation, and invisible labor keep so many millennial women from feeling truly restored. Drawing on new research from Her Index 2025 and JAMA Internal Medicine, Erin connects the dots between burnout, digital clutter, and the steep decline in mothers’ mental health. She offers honest reflections on the addictive pull of social media, the false sense of productivity our screens provide, and what happens when we trade real connection for the scroll. This episode invites listeners to join Erin in a gentle experiment: silence your notifications for 24 hours and notice how your attention shifts. You’ll learn how awareness — not guilt — can help you reclaim mental space, sensory rest, and creativity. If you’ve ever thought, “I know social media is bad for me, but all my friends are in there,” this episode is your invitation to scroll less and live more. Listen to discover: Why your phone might be the biggest barrier to rest How digital clutter mirrors emotional clutter The connection between social media use and women’s declining mental health Three reflection prompts to help you notice your phone habits A realistic way to start your own Phone Free Fall 🧡 If this episode resonates with you: Share it with a friend who needs a little extra encouragement Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more than you know DM me on Instagram @medium.lady or tag your favorite quote from the episode Subscribe for more real talk about building a life you love—one medium-effort step at a time Looking for more support? Access exclusive content and mindful living tools on Patreon. Don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show! Other Related Episodes (for your enjoyment): Ep 144: Sacred Rest & Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith Ep 145: Are You Proud of Being Tired? Ep 146: When My Eye Stops Twitching Ep 147: The Toxic To-Do List Medium Lady Reads Episode 43 - Our Best Recommendations for Your Summer Reading Pile Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady Email: [email protected] Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads #PhoneFreeFall #MediumLadyTalks #DigitalWellness #MindfulLiving #SocialMediaDetox #RestRevolution #MillennialMoms #BurnoutRecovery #ScrollLessLiveMore

Have you ever thought, “I don’t even know what would be restorative right now”? You’re not alone. In fact, nearly 60% of women report spending no time on self-care most days, leaving them depleted and unsure how to fill their own tank. In this episode 155 of Medium Lady Talks, I share a practical way to bridge the gap between knowing you’re exhausted and actually choosing something restorative. Building on Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith’s 7 Types of Rest, I introduce my simplified BEMS framework, four buckets you can reach for when you’re too tired to think clearly: Body (hydrate, stretch, nap, walk) Emotions (cry, laugh, connect with someone safe) Mind (phone break, music, doodle, brain dump) Senses (dim the lights, light a candle, step outside) You’ll hear why decision fatigue makes it so hard to choose rest, what the latest research tells us about the decline in maternal mental health, and how invisible labor and overstimulation drain us daily. (For reference, here’s the JAMA study I mention: Trends and Disparities in Maternal Self-Reported Mental and Physical Health, 2016–2023). If you’ve been feeling flat, frazzled, or unsure how to restore yourself, this episode will give you a gentle place to start — one tiny action at a time. ✨ Bonus: Patreon subscribers can download the printable Restorative Cheat Sheet that turns this framework into an easy everyday tool - will be Published on Tuesday Sept 30 🧡 If this episode resonates with you: Share it with a friend who needs a little extra encouragement Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more than you know DM me on Instagram @medium.lady or tag your favorite quote from the episode Subscribe for more real talk about building a life you love—one medium-effort step at a time Looking for more support? Access exclusive content and mindful living tools on Patreon. Join the conversation! Share one need you're naming today and tag @medium.lady on Instagram. The series starts here! Don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show! Other Related Episodes (for your enjoyment): Ep 144: Sacred Rest & Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith Ep 145: Are You Proud of Being Tired? Ep 146: When My Eye Stops Twitching Ep 147: The Toxic To-Do List Medium Lady Reads Episode 43 - Our Best Recommendations for Your Summer Reading Pile Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady Email: [email protected] Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads

Feeling the shift from summer to fall? This episode of Medium Lady Talks guides you through my How to Start a New Month workbook — a simple, cozy ritual for reflection, balance, and self-care. Grab your free copy on Patreon and join me in creating a restful reset for what’s next. The Fall Equinox is the perfect reminder that transitions are worth noticing. In episode 154 of Medium Lady Talks, I’m inviting you to pause, reflect, and reset as we move from the brightness of summer into the slower rhythm of fall. Whether you’re listening on the equinox or months later, this episode will guide you through my How to Start a New Month workbook — a gentle framework for welcoming change with more rest and less hustle. Together, we’ll explore: How to reflect on what you already know about the coming season What lessons and resilience you can carry forward from summer How to cultivate a cozy, sensory vibe for fall that feels uniquely yours Simple ways to make small, meaningful plans that honor your energy ✨ Download the free workbook here: How to Start a New Month PDF If you’re feeling the weight of invisible labor or resisting the darker days ahead, this episode is your invitation to pause, notice, and claim your own restful reset. The equinox may only last a day, but the practice of balance and reflection can carry you through the whole season. ~~~ 💬 Let Erin know what “real rest” means to you over on Instagram @medium.lady—and share this episode with the friend who’s doing everything “right” and still wondering why she’s so tired. This episode marks the end of our “Summer of Real Rest” series a time to call ourselves in to a true commitment to the soft work of feeling better one step at a time. 🧡 If this episode resonates with you: Share it with a friend who needs a little extra encouragement Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more than you know DM me on Instagram @medium.lady or tag your favorite quote from the episode Subscribe for more real talk about building a life you love—one medium-effort step at a time Looking for more support? Access exclusive content and mindful living tools on Patreon. Join the conversation! Share one need you're naming today and tag @medium.lady on Instagram. The series starts here! Don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show! Other Related Episodes (for your enjoyment): Ep 144: Sacred Rest & Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith Ep 145: Are You Proud of Being Tired? Ep 146: When My Eye Stops Twitching Ep 147: The Toxic To-Do List Medium Lady Reads Episode 43 - Our Best Recommendations for Your Summer Reading Pile Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady Email: [email protected] Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads

What if the reason you feel so depleted isn’t that you’re not trying hard enough… but that you’re carrying too much? In episode 153 of Medium Lady Talks, Erin explores the radical question: What can you put down, for now? As we close out the Summer of Real Rest series and transition toward fall, Erin guides you through a playful self-assessment quiz to help you identify the weight you’ve been carrying — and what you can finally release. ✨ In this episode, you’ll learn: Why so many women admit to spending 0% of their day on self-care (Her Index survey) How grind culture convinces us that fatigue = worthiness Why decision fatigue can feel more comfortable than choosing to rest The four biggest energy drains: productivity as morality, over-functioning in relationships, white-knuckle mental control, and perfectionism A fun 3-question quiz to help you discover what you can put down this season 💬 Quotes from the episode: “Something has to give for you to get that time for yourself. The problem we’re coming from is a zero percent rest rate.” “You don’t have to burn it all down — but you can’t keep carrying everything.” “Rest is not quitting. It’s about choosing the margin of space you need to be you.” This episode is a gentle but firm reminder: rest doesn’t come from doing more. It comes from doing less — and choosing what to put down. This episode is part of our “Summer of Real Rest” series—time to call ourselves in to a true commitment to the soft work of feeling better one step at a time. 🧡 If this episode resonates with you: Share it with a friend who needs a little extra encouragement Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more than you know DM me on Instagram @medium.lady or tag your favorite quote from the episode Subscribe for more real talk about building a life you love—one medium-effort step at a time Looking for more support? Access exclusive content and mindful living tools on Patreon. Join the conversation! Share one need you're naming today and tag @medium.lady on Instagram. The series starts here! Don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show! Other Related Episodes (for your enjoyment): Ep 144: Sacred Rest & Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith Ep 145: Are You Proud of Being Tired? Ep 146: When My Eye Stops Twitching Ep 147: The Toxic To-Do List Medium Lady Reads Episode 43 - Our Best Recommendations for Your Summer Reading Pile Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady Email: [email protected] Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads #mediumladytalks #summerofrealrest #restrevolution #burnoutrecovery #selfcareforwomen #mentalrest #decisionfatigue #boundariesarebeautiful #softwork #perfectionismrecovery

Did you think the best summer of your life would carry you straight into fall with joy and energy—only to find yourself feeling tired, sad, or a little… beige? You’re not alone. Many of us experience the end of summer blues or what I’m calling summer grief. In this Episode 152 of Medium Lady Talks, I dive into why seasonal transitions feel so heavy, and how to navigate them with intention. We’ll talk about: The emotional drop that comes with the end of summer and back-to-school season Why psychologists recognize summertime sadness and even reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) How invisible labor and new routines contribute to stress and burnout for moms and caregivers Practical strategies using the 7 types of rest (sensory, mental, emotional, social, creative, physical, and spiritual) How the September full moon and the autumn equinox can be embraced as rituals for balance, release, and renewal I’ll share real examples from my week, including: Turning my phone to black-and-white mode for sensory rest Creating small 20-minute tasks to reset my home for mental rest Reaching out to my therapist and friends for emotional rest Saying no to extra commitments for social rest Building seasonal clothing capsules for creative rest Exploring moon cycles and equinox reflections for spiritual rest ✨ Takeaway: If you’re feeling the September slump, you’re not broken. Your body, your calendar, and even the cosmos are shifting. Choose one kind of rest, one ritual, or one reframe to meet yourself with softness this season. 🔑 Keywords: end of summer grief, summer blues, summertime sadness, reverse seasonal affective disorder, seasonal transition, autumn equinox rituals, fall self-care, seven types of rest, sensory rest, emotional rest, seasonal burnout recovery 💌 Let’s stay connected: DM me on Instagram @medium.lady with the kind of rest you’re choosing this September Share this episode in your stories and tag me so we can encourage each other And remember: you’re doing such a good job. 🧡 If this episode resonates with you: Share it with a friend who needs a little extra encouragement Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more than you know DM me on Instagram @medium.lady or tag your favorite quote from the episode Subscribe for more real talk about building a life you love—one medium-effort step at a time Looking for more support? Access exclusive content and mindful living tools on Patreon. Join the conversation! Share one need you're naming today and tag @medium.lady on Instagram. The series starts here! Don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show! Other Related Episodes (for your enjoyment): Ep 144: Sacred Rest & Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith Ep 145: Are You Proud of Being Tired? Ep 146: When My Eye Stops Twitching Ep 147: The Toxic To-Do List Medium Lady Reads Episode 43 - Our Best Recommendations for Your Summer Reading Pile Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady Email: [email protected] Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads

What season of life are you in—and what would it mean to actually honour that season instead of resisting it? In this episode 151 of Medium Lady Talks, I’m joined by my friend and thoughtful powerhouse Ashley Gibson, who brings a beautiful mix of vulnerability, wisdom, and humour to her story. Ashley is a program management lead in tech, a creative multi-passionate elder millennial, a reformed perfectionist, and a chronic illness warrior. But more than that, she’s someone who’s learning (like many of us) that doing it all is neither sustainable nor required. We talk about: 🥧 The "pie chart of life" and how to make peace with the slices that need to grow—or shrink 🌀 Why it's more than okay to change your mind (even about things you once loved) 💊 What Ashley learned about identity, health, and shame when her chronic illness flared 🔁 Why needing help doesn’t mean failure—and how that belief keeps so many of us stuck 🛏️ Redefining real rest as a proactive, intentional practice—not a reward you earn This episode is part of our Summer of Real Rest series and will resonate with anyone who’s navigating shifting capacity, letting go of side hustles, recalibrating goals, or just wondering why things that used to fit don’t feel so right anymore. Ashley reminds us: “You can love something and still let it go. You can be proud of it and still step away.” We hope this conversation helps you feel seen—and gives you permission to meet yourself exactly where you are. More About Ashley Ashley Gibson is a Toronto-based program manager, musical theatre fan, chronic illness advocate, and reformed perfectionist. Online and IRL, she shares openly about navigating life with Crohn’s disease, making intentional shifts in work and identity, and how to live with more joy, softness, and style. 📍Follow her @ashleydtl for travel recs, honest reflections, and vibrant real-life vibes. Listener Favorites from This Episode ⏱️ 12:30 — Letting go of side hustles & the emotional weight of change ⏱️ 22:00 — Why Ginger Spice was Ashley’s first blueprint for self-trust ⏱️ 34:15 — Rethinking medication, identity, and the false binary of "sick" vs "well" ⏱️ 41:00 — Real rest as the first step, not the reward Loving the Show? Tag us @medium.lady and tell us what season you’re in. Leave a review, share with a friend, or just hit play while you’re letting one of your own “slices of the pie” rest a little. 🧡 If this episode resonates with you: Share it with a friend who needs a little extra encouragement Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more than you know DM me on Instagram @medium.lady or tag your favorite quote from the episode Subscribe for more real talk about building a life you love—one medium-effort step at a time Looking for more support? Access exclusive content and mindful living tools on Patreon. Join the conversation! Share one need you're naming today and tag @medium.lady on Instagram. The series starts here! Don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show! Other Related Episodes (for your enjoyment): Ep 144: Sacred Rest & Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith Ep 145: Are You Proud of Being Tired? Ep 146: When My Eye Stops Twitching Ep 147: The Toxic To-Do List Medium Lady Reads Episode 45 - Welcome to Season Three of Medium Lady Reads Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady Email: [email protected] Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads

What if the care you needed wasn’t one more task, but a radical act of self-trust? In Episode 150, I’m joined by Amy C. Willis, sober coach, speaker, and founder of Hol + Well. Amy works with women and queer folks to explore what’s possible in a life free from alcohol—one rooted in rest, boundaries, and real self-care. We explore the concept of mothering yourself—a tender and transformative practice that helped Amy through early sobriety when she didn’t yet feel worthy of care. This idea ties beautifully into our Summer of Real Rest series, especially for those who are exhausted from being everything to everyone. In this conversation, Amy and I discuss: Why “mommy wine culture” is predatory, not empowering How sobriety and burnout recovery share similar emotional truths The stigma around choosing to be alcohol-free—even if you don’t identify as “in recovery” Why we need to dismantle the binary between problem drinking and “normal” drinking What truly restorative self-care looks like in recovery (hint: it’s not what Instagram tells you) One of the most powerful things Amy says in this episode is: “Whatever you’re looking for in alcohol, you’ll actually find in sobriety.” Whether you're sober, sober-curious, or simply burned out and craving more care—you’ll find so much resonance and reflection here. Amy’s Resources & Recommendations 🔗 Instagram @msamycwillis 💻 Website: holandwell.com 💬 Join her private Facebook group 📚 Book Recommendation: Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by Jessica Guerrieri More from Medium Lady I’ve been alcohol-free since 2018—not because of addiction, but because alcohol made my anxiety and migraines worse. Still, even naming that choice out loud feels like a big deal. Amy and I unpack why alcohol is still seen as a default, and what it means to make a different choice. This episode is part of the Summer of REAL Rest series—where we’re talking about sustainable care, nervous system softness, and how to stop outsourcing your well-being. 🧡 If this episode resonates with you: Share it with a friend who needs a little extra encouragement Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more than you know DM me on Instagram @medium.lady or tag your favorite quote from the episode Subscribe for more real talk about building a life you love—one medium-effort step at a time Looking for more support? Access exclusive content and mindful living tools on Patreon. Join the conversation! Share one need you're naming today and tag @medium.lady on Instagram. The series starts here! Don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show! Other Related Episodes (for your enjoyment): Ep 144: Sacred Rest & Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith Ep 145: Are You Proud of Being Tired? Ep 146: When My Eye Stops Twitching Ep 147: The Toxic To-Do List Medium Lady Reads Episode 43 - Our Best Recommendations for Your Summer Reading Pile Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady Email: [email protected] Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads

Do you ever feel completely drained after “being nice”? If so, you might not need more sleep — you might need emotional rest. In Episode 149 of Medium Lady Talks, Erin explores how emotional fatigue often hides in plain sight, especially for chronic people pleasers. She shares why people-pleasing is a constant leak on your energy, how it erases your sense of self in relationships, and why emotional rest is one of the most overlooked (but deeply necessary) types of rest. ✨ In this episode, you’ll learn: What emotional fatigue feels like (and how it’s different from mental fatigue) Why chronic people-pleasing quietly drains you from morning to night How to reframe boundaries as saying yes to yourself, not just saying no to others Why emotional rest means giving yourself permission to not be emotionally available 24/7 The “Pause Button for Your Heart”: a 3-step tool to help you set down feelings that aren’t yours to carry 💬 Quotes from the episode: “If you identify as a chronic people pleaser, that is a leak on your energy. And it is constant: it is there when you wake up and it is there when you go to bed.” “A lot of people pleasers don't set boundaries because they think that saying no is mean, or hurtful. But I really think we can see our boundaries beyond saying no to others; more about saying yes to ourselves.” “If you want to get emotional rest, you're going to have to give yourself permission to not be emotionally available 24/7.” “What people pleasers do is they empathize so deeply it’s like they become the person they’re trying to keep happy and control. But you unintentionally erase yourself from the relationship." 💬 Let Erin know what “real rest” means to you over on Instagram @medium.lady—and share this episode with the friend who’s doing everything “right” and still wondering why she’s so tired. This episode is part of our “Summer of Real Rest” series—time to call ourselves in to a true commitment to the soft work of feeling better one step at a time. 🧡 If this episode resonates with you: Share it with a friend who needs a little extra encouragement Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more than you know DM me on Instagram @medium.lady or tag your favorite quote from the episode Subscribe for more real talk about building a life you love—one medium-effort step at a time Looking for more support? Access exclusive content and mindful living tools on Patreon. Join the conversation! Share one need you're naming today and tag @medium.lady on Instagram. The series starts here! Episode 142 Don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show! Other Related Episodes (for your enjoyment): Ep 144: Sacred Rest & Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith Ep 145: Are You Proud of Being Tired? Ep 146: When My Eye Stops Twitching Ep 147: The Toxic To-Do List Medium Lady Reads Episode 43 - Our Best Recommendations for Your Summer Reading Pile Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady Email: [email protected] Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads #mediumladytalks #summerofrealrest #emotionalrest #peoplepleasingrecovery #burnoutrecovery #boundariesarebeautiful #softwork #selfcareforreal #emotionalfatigue #restmindset #podcastforwomen

What if the gap between burned out hot mess and well-rested badass is… just five minutes? In Epidosde 148 of Medium Lady Talks, Erin shares a personal moment from a wildly stressful workday where a handful of tiny, intentional choices helped her find real rest—without escaping, quitting, or checking out. This is a grounded, gentle episode that proves rest is not about perfection. It’s about margin. ✨ Inside this episode: The story of a high-stress day and the 5-minute pause that changed everything A live, personal example of mental and sensory rest in action What happens when you interrupt hustle culture in real time The return of our favorite themes: moral math, decision fatigue, and the lie that you have to earn rest A toolkit of 7 Well-Rested Badass questions to help you find relief, even in motion You’ll also hear reflections that build on: Ep 144: Sacred Rest & Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith Ep 145: Are You Proud of Being Tired? Ep 146: When My Eye Stops Twitching Ep 147: The Toxic To-Do List This episode is proof that you’re closer to rest than you think. 💬 Let Erin know what “real rest” means to you over on Instagram @medium.lady—and share this episode with the friend who’s doing everything “right” and still wondering why she’s so tired. This episode is part of our “Summer of Real Rest” series—time to call ourselves in to a true commitment to the soft work of feeling better one step at a time. 🧡 If this episode resonates with you: Share it with a friend who needs a little extra encouragement Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more than you know DM me on Instagram @medium.lady or tag your favorite quote from the episode Subscribe for more real talk about building a life you love—one medium-effort step at a time Looking for more support? Access exclusive content and mindful living tools on Patreon. Join the conversation! Share one need you're naming today and tag @medium.lady on Instagram. The series starts here! Episode 142 Don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show! Other Related Episodes (for your enjoyment): Episode 70: My Life-Changing Perspective on Having the Best Summer EVER Episode 103: Four Questions to Free Yourself from Summer Stress Part One Episode 104: Four Questions to Free Yourself from Summer Stress Part Two Episode 106: Six Things Saving My Summer Medium Lady Reads Episode 43 - Our Best Recommendations for Your Summer Reading Pile Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady Email: [email protected] Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads

Episode 147: The Toxic To-Do List — Why You’re Mentally Fried and How to Rest 🎧 Part of the Summer of Real Rest series Do you ever feel like you’re one more to-do away from a total shutdown? In episode 147 of Medium Lady Talks, Erin dives into mental rest—what it is, why we’re so bad at getting it, and how decision fatigue is quietly draining your energy. This is the episode for anyone who says they’re “fine” but can’t seem to think straight, slow down, or make a decision without spiraling. 🧠 You’ll hear: What mental rest actually is (and what it’s not) Why your to-do list feels toxic, even when it’s full of “normal” tasks The powerful insight from Harvard psychologist Dr. Ellen Langer on equivocal decisions How your brain is doing “moral math” on every choice you make—and burning out because of it A shoutout to KC Davis and her book How to Keep House While Drowning, and how we can stop assigning morality to everyday decisions 💬 Erin also shares real answers from the Medium Lady community on what’s keeping them from rest: “The to-do list that never ends.” “I can’t rest when there’s always something left undone.” “Even thinking about resting makes me feel behind.” ✨ You’ll leave this episode with: A compassionate reframe of your mental fatigue A simple 5-minute practice to create white space in your mind A reminder that rest isn’t weakness—it’s how you return to yourself 💬 Let Erin know what “real rest” means to you over on Instagram @medium.lady—and share this episode with the friend who’s doing everything “right” and still wondering why she’s so tired. This episode is part of our “Summer of Real Rest” series—time to call ourselves in to a true commitment to the soft work of feeling better one step at a time. 🧡 If this episode resonates with you: Share it with a friend who needs a little extra encouragement Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more than you know DM me on Instagram @medium.lady or tag your favorite quote from the episode Subscribe for more real talk about building a life you love—one medium-effort step at a time Looking for more support? Access exclusive content and mindful living tools on Patreon. Join the conversation! Share one need you're naming today and tag @medium.lady on Instagram. The series starts here! Don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show! Other Related Episodes (for your enjoyment): Episode 70: My Life-Changing Perspective on Having the Best Summer EVER Episode 103: Four Questions to Free Yourself from Summer Stress Part One Episode 104: Four Questions to Free Yourself from Summer Stress Part Two Episode 106: Six Things Saving My Summer Medium Lady Reads Episode 43 - Our Best Recommendations for Your Summer Reading Pile Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady Email: [email protected] Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads Keywords: self-celebration, self-care, gratitude practice, personal development, positive psychology, burnout prevention, mindful living, medium effort living, women who work too much, happiness project, joy, vulnerability, cultural conditioning

In Episode 146 of Medium Lady Talks, Erin unpacks what real rest actually feels like—and what your nervous system, your motivation, and yes, even your twitching eye are trying to tell you. Based on community polls and Q&A from Instagram, Erin explores why mental and emotional burnout are so dominant, and why physical rest isn’t really the problem for most of us. She also calls out the sneaky pride many of us still hold in our own fatigue—and why we might be more attached to being tired than we want to admit. 💬 In this episode: 88% of Medium Lady listeners say they’re mentally and emotionally depleted What real rest looks like according to you: joy, patience, creativity, and the end of irritability Why we cancel social plans in the name of rest—but fill that time with numbing instead What to do whether you’re brand new to this idea or deeply aware (and still stuck) You’ll leave with a gentle nudge, a few clear next steps, and maybe… a little less need to prove your tiredness. 📌 Want to go deeper? Take the Rest Quiz by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith at restquiz.com This episode is part of our “Summer of Real Rest” series—time to call ourselves in to a true commitment to the soft work of feeling better one step at a time. 🧡 If this episode resonates with you: Share it with a friend who needs a little extra encouragement Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more than you know DM me on Instagram @medium.lady or tag your favorite quote from the episode Subscribe for more real talk about building a life you love—one medium-effort step at a time Looking for more support? Access exclusive content and mindful living tools on Patreon. Join the conversation! Share one need you're naming today and tag @medium.lady on Instagram. The series starts here! Episode 142: The Summer of REAL Rest Don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show! Other Related Episodes (for your enjoyment): Episode 70: My Life-Changing Perspective on Having the Best Summer EVER Episode 103: Four Questions to Free Yourself from Summer Stress Part One Episode 104: Four Questions to Free Yourself from Summer Stress Part Two Episode 106: Six Things Saving My Summer Medium Lady Reads Episode 43 - Our Best Recommendations for Your Summer Reading Pile Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady Email: [email protected] Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads #mediumladytalks #restpodcast #emotionalrest #mentalrest #burnoutrecovery #restasresistance #nervoussystemsupport #softwork #hustleculture #millennialwomen #selfworthandrest

Is your fatigue a warning sign—or a weird kind of proof that you’re doing “enough”? In this powerful solo episode, Erin explores the deeper emotional and cultural reasons why so many of us wear exhaustion like a badge of honor. From personal reflections to insights from Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith’s Sacred Rest, this episode challenges the hustle-fueled mindset that says if you're not tired, you're not trying hard enough. 🧠 Erin explores: Why we cling to fatigue as evidence of our worth or effort The case of “Karen” from Sacred Rest, and what it reveals about resistance to healing Hustle culture, motherhood, productivity myths—and how they make us suspicious of well-rested people The emotional unfairness of rest: “Why should I change when I’ve already given so much?” Plus, she breaks down four listener mindsets—from totally unaware to hyper-aware but still stuck—and offers one simple way to start reframing how you speak about your tiredness. 💬 If you’ve ever said “I’ll feel better once I get through this month”—every month for the last five years—this one’s for you. Mentioned in this episode: 📘 Sacred Rest by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith 📊 IG Poll: “Where have you overspent your energy?” 📌 Your Rest Practice This Week: Try replacing “I’m so tired” with: “I’m noticing my energy is low—and I’m working on treating that like a signal, not a badge.” 💬 Let Erin know what “real rest” means to you over on Instagram @medium.lady—and share this episode with the friend who’s doing everything “right” and still wondering why she’s so tired. This episode is part of our “Summer of Real Rest” series—time to call ourselves in to a true commitment to the soft work of feeling better one step at a time. 🧡 If this episode resonates with you: Share it with a friend who needs a little extra encouragement Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more than you know DM me on Instagram @medium.lady or tag your favorite quote from the episode Subscribe for more real talk about building a life you love—one medium-effort step at a time Looking for more support? Access exclusive content and mindful living tools on Patreon. Join the conversation! Share one need you're naming today and tag @medium.lady on Instagram. The series starts here! Episode 142: The Summer of REAL Rest Don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show! Other Related Episodes (for your enjoyment): Episode 70: My Life-Changing Perspective on Having the Best Summer EVER Episode 103: Four Questions to Free Yourself from Summer Stress Part One Episode 104: Four Questions to Free Yourself from Summer Stress Part Two Episode 106: Six Things Saving My Summer Medium Lady Reads Episode 44- The Reading Goals We Forgot About Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady Email: [email protected] Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads Keywords for Search Optimization: burnout recovery, emotional exhaustion, mental rest, hustle culture, sacred rest, dr. saundra dalton-smith, rest podcast, rest for moms, self-worth and fatigue, medium lady talks

Welcome to a new episode of Medium Lady Talks, part of our Summer of Real Rest series. Today, we’re diving deep into the book that inspired the framework for this entire season: Sacred Rest by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith. Have ou ever felt exhausted even after a full night of sleep? You're not alone—and you're not just tired, you're depleted. Dr. Dalton-Smith’s book introduces seven distinct types of rest—and it turns out, most of us are missing more than one. In Episode 144 of Medium Lady Talks I walk you through the key takeaways from the book, how it aligns with the self-care values we explore on the podcast, and what this framework might mean for you—especially if you're ready to shift from burnout to real rest. ✨ In this episode: Why sleep isn’t the only kind of rest we need The seven types of rest (and how to identify what you’re missing) My honest thoughts on the author's religious perspective How this framework intersects with boundaries, burnout, and unmet needs A quiz to help you discover your own rest deficits And why I believe rest isn’t a reward—it’s a requirement Whether or not you plan to read the book, you’ll leave this episode with practical insights to help you reflect, reset, and reclaim your energy. 📝 Mentioned in this episode: Take the Rest Quiz: restquiz.com Check out the book from your local library Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore your Sanity by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith Follow the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes in the Summer of Real Rest series Let me know your rest needs on Instagram @medium.lady 📚 Medium Lady Talks is a podcast about self-awareness, sustainable self-care, and creating a life you love—with medium effort. Let’s take care of ourselves with the intention we deserve. This episode is part of our “Summer of Real Rest” series—time to call ourselves in to a true commitment to the soft work of feeling better one step at a time. 🧡 If this episode resonates with you: Share it with a friend who needs a little extra encouragement Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more than you kno DM me on Instagram @medium.lady or tag your favorite quote from the episode Subscribe for more real talk about building a life you love—one medium-effort step at a time Looking for more support? Access exclusive content and mindful living tools on Patreon. Join the conversation! Share one need you're naming today and tag @medium.lady on Instagram. The series starts here! Don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show! Other Related Episodes (for your enjoyment): Episode 70: My Life-Changing Perspective on Having the Best Summer EVER Episode 103: Four Questions to Free Yourself from Summer Stress Part One Episode 104: Four Questions to Free Yourself from Summer Stress Part Two Episode 106: Six Things Saving My Summer Medium Lady Reads Episode 43 - Our Best Recommendations for Your Summer Reading Pile Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady Email: [email protected] Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads

This episode is your permission slip to stop grinding and start healing—gently. In this heartfelt episode of Medium Lady Talks, Erin shares a deeply personal talk on reclaiming “soft work” as a vital part of healing. Inspired by a moment with her therapist and delivered originally at the Say It Like You Claimed It event with Jam Gamble, this message is a reminder that you can’t recover from burnout by doing more hard work. Instead, you need softness. 🪷 Erin breaks down: What “soft work” is and why it matters (think: joy, rest, nature, play) Why soft work activates the vagus nerve and heals the nervous system The limiting beliefs that make rest feel unearned or frivolous The science behind why kindness and pleasure help you recover How to reprogram your brain to notice joy again Whether you’re exhausted from doing everything “right” or just need a moment to feel seen, this episode will help you soften into the truth: you are not broken. You’re just overdue for joy. 📚 Mentioned in this episode: Sacred Rest by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith Women Who Work Too Much by Tamu Thomas Reclaim Yourself by Dr. Thema Bryant What It Takes to Heal by Prentis Hemphill Fiction from Kennedy Ryan, Tia Williams, Kiley Reid, and Toni Morrison 💬 Ask yourself: What kind of soft work have I been craving? 💬 Let Erin know what “real rest” means to you over on Instagram @medium.lady—and share this episode with the friend who’s doing everything “right” and still wondering why she’s so tired. This episode is part of our “Summer of Real Rest” series—time to call ourselves in to a true commitment to the soft work of feeling better one step at a time. 🧡 If this episode resonates with you: Share it with a friend who needs a little extra encouragement Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more than you know DM me on Instagram @medium.lady or tag your favorite quote from the episode Subscribe for more real talk about building a life you love—one medium-effort step at a time Looking for more support? Access exclusive content and mindful living tools on Patreon. Join the conversation! Share one need you're naming today and tag @medium.lady on Instagram. The series starts here! Don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show! Other Related Episodes (for your enjoyment): Episode 70: My Life-Changing Perspective on Having the Best Summer EVER Episode 103: Four Questions to Free Yourself from Summer Stress Part One Episode 104: Four Questions to Free Yourself from Summer Stress Part Two Episode 106: Six Things Saving My Summer Medium Lady Reads Episode 43 - Our Best Recommendations for Your Summer Reading Pile Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady Email: [email protected] Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads Key Words: #softwork #burnoutrecovery #restasresistance #nervoussystemhealing #mediumladytalks #mentalhealthawareness #joyishealing #radicalrest

🎧 Self-care isn’t a vibe. It’s a practice—and it’s time to get real about it. In this powerful kickoff to the new series on Medium Lady Talks: Summer of Real Rest, Erin unpacks the uncomfortable truth about modern self-care: we’re spending our time, money, and attention in all the wrong places. If you’ve ever wondered why journaling, green smoothies, or a perfectly lit bath still leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed—you’re not alone. In Episode 142, Erin shares the self-care advice she’d give if she wasn’t worried about hurting your feelings. ✨ You’ll learn: The difference between dopamine-driven habits and sustainable self-care Why rest that actually restores you won’t go viral—and that’s the point How to spot the real cost of your “wellness” routines What it means to stop outsourcing your peace and start reclaiming your attention This isn’t a makeover or a challenge. It’s an invitation to slow down, soften, and ground yourself in practices that build resilience—like bedtime, boundaries, and real journaling. If you’re ready for a summer that nourishes instead of depletes, you’re in the right place. 🛏️ Stay tuned for upcoming episodes in the Summer of Real Rest series—each one offering mindful, manageable shifts that support your nervous system and reconnect you with yourself. 💬 Let Erin know what “real rest” means to you over on Instagram @medium.lady—and share

What if menopause wasn’t something to endure—but something to liberate? In this powerful and perspective-shifting episode of Medium Lady Talks, I’m joined by Lisa Boate—Certified Menopause Coach, Founder of Liberated Menopause Consulting and Coaching, and host of the Transforming 45 podcast. This episode is part of our “How to Take Care of Yourself” series—because self-care isn’t all bubble baths and meditation apps. Sometimes, it’s filling your prescription and taking your meds. Lisa’s midlife journey led her to a stunning realization: she was on the other side of everything she ever wanted. But what happens when that life—once so carefully pursued—starts to feel more like a script written by someone else? In this conversation, Lisa shares how midlife can be a portal to freedom, power, and profound self-connection. We talk about breaking down long-held myths about menopause, advocating for your health with undertrained doctors, and reimagining what it means to age with agency. Whether you’re preparing for perimenopause, in the thick of it, or supporting someone who is, this episode is for you. 🧠 Topics We Cover: The liberating moment of midlife realization: “I’m on the other side of everything I ever wanted” Why menopause is more than just a phase—it’s a societal awakening How we’ve been taught to suffer quietly, and why that needs to change What a Dr. Ready session looks like—and how to prep for a doctor’s visit Why post-menopausal women still need to pay attention to their health Reclaiming your voice and power through personalized rituals (like building the soundtrack of your life!) The danger of thinking “it’s not that bad” and how internalized suffering affects women’s value How to build menopause-empowered workplaces Resources Lisa loves: @trainingwithjoan, Dr. Lisa Mosconi, and Dr. Mary Claire Haver Why it’s never too late to improve your quality of life Lisa’s take on the big question: “Can we just skip menopause?” 🧰 Lisa’s Signature Offering: 👩‍⚕️ Dr. Ready: Your Menopause Prep Session A guided 1:1 session to map your perimenopause experience and prep for a more empowered conversation with your healthcare provider. Perfect for women who feel dismissed, gaslit, or under-supported in medical spaces. 🔗 Connect with Lisa: Website: liberatedmenopause.ca Instagram: @lboate Podcast: Transforming 45 🧡 If this episode resonates with you: Share it with a friend who needs a little extra encouragement Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more than you know DM me on Instagram @medium.lady or tag your favorite quote from the episode Subscribe for more real talk about building a life you love—one medium-effort step at a time Looking for more support? Access exclusive content and mindful living tools on Patreon. Join the conversation! Share one need you're naming today and tag @medium.lady on Instagram. The series starts here! Episode 131: Why is Taking Care of Yourself So Hard? Don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show! Other Related Episodes (for your enjoyment): Episode 132: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #1 - Say YES to Help Episode 133: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #2 - Name your Needs Episode 134: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #3 - Stay Curious Episode 135: How to Take Care of Yourself Insight #4 - Celebrate Yourself Medium Lady Reads Episode 39 - Are Celebrity Memoirs Clogging Up Your TBR? Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady Email: [email protected] Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads

In this heartfelt episode of Medium Lady Talks, Erin is joined by filmmaker and memory-keeper Kalee Isbell, founder of Isbell Family Films, to explore how photography and family videos can become a vital tool in your self-care toolkit. What starts as a chat about taking more selfies quickly unfolds into a deeper conversation about postpartum depression, creative healing, and the emotional power of seeing yourself—and your life—through a different lens. Kalee shares how her journey began with a “One Second a Day” video project during her son’s first year, eventually leading her to discover joy and healing in documenting life’s quiet magic. With warmth and honesty, she reveals how editing home videos during postpartum depression offered her a new perspective that helped shift her mindset from overwhelm to appreciation. Together, Erin and Kalee unpack: Why photos can be part of presence, not separate from it The science behind creativity and mental health recovery How “prompting vs. perfectionism” can transform family photos Tips for guilt-free memory-keeping (hint: outsourcing counts!) Why you should take the photo with YOU in it, especially on the good days A clever hack for milestone photos that reduces pressure and perfectionism The emotional resonance of seeing your past self—and giving her some tenderness Whether you’re navigating early motherhood, managing digital overwhelm, or looking for a low-lift way to prioritize your well-being, this episode is your gentle nudge to take the selfie, make the memory, and remember that being seen matters. 🎧 Tune in to learn: How family filmmaking helped Kalee through postpartum depression Why nostalgia can be a self-compassion tool Ways to reclaim memory-making without pressure or guilt Why your future self will thank you for the pictures you take today 💫 Connect with Kalee Isbell: Website Instagram 🧡 If this episode resonates with you: Share it with a friend who needs a little extra encouragement Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more than you know DM me on Instagram @medium.lady or tag your favorite quote from the episode Subscribe for more real talk about building a life you love—one medium-effort step at a time Looking for more support? Access exclusive content and mindful living tools on Patreon. Join the conversation! Share one need you're naming today and tag @medium.lady on Instagram. The series starts here! Episode 131: Why is Taking Care of Yourself So Hard? Don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show! Other Related Episodes (for your enjoyment): Episode 132: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #1 - Say YES to Help Episode 133: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #2 - Name your Needs Episode 134: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #3 - Stay Curious Episode 135: How to Take Care of Yourself Insight #4 - Celebrate Yourself Medium Lady Reads Episode 41 - A Real Dud of a Thriller Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady Email: [email protected] Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads

In Episode 139 of Medium Lady Talks, I’m joined by floral designer and creative entrepreneur Jennifer Lasachuk, owner of The Paisley Rose in Mississauga. Jennifer has been running her floral business for nine years—exactly as long as she’s been a mom—and together we explore how matrescence and entrepreneurship often arrive hand-in-hand. As someone who launched Medium Lady when my youngest was born, I couldn’t relate more to her journey of identity, creativity, and growth. We dig into what it really takes to thrive as a florist in a female-dominated profession often underestimated by mainstream narratives. Jennifer lovingly debunks the myths of the "bridezilla" and the "sweet florist main character," shining a light on the bold, practical, and deeply artistic work behind event floristry. She shares her grounded approach to dreaming big: believe in your vision, but back it up with logic and skill. We also talk about what self-care looks like in the midst of personal transitions, including Jennifer's reflections on her separation, motherhood, and finding space for herself outside of the roles she holds for others. ✨ If you're a woman feeling the spark of something new, a creative dream that won’t let go—this episode is for you. As Jen says: “Trust that feeling in your body. You have to share it.” Topics We Cover: The parallel paths of motherhood and entrepreneurship What matrescence teaches us about identity, ambition, and becoming Busting floral industry myths and reclaiming the florist as a business leader The behind-the-scenes truth about running a female-led creative business Balancing big dreams with logic, skill, and resilience Navigating self-care through personal transformation and separation Why trusting your creative instincts matters more than perfection Links Mentioned: Follow Jennifer and The Paisley Rose on Instagram: @thepaisleyrose Learn more about floral design for events and Jennifer's amazing work on her website. 🧡 If this episode resonates with you: Share it with a friend who needs a little extra encouragement Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more than you know DM me on Instagram @medium.lady or tag your favorite quote from the episode Subscribe for more real talk about building a life you love—one medium-effort step at a time Looking for more support? Access exclusive content and mindful living tools on Patreon. Join the conversation! Share one need you're naming today and tag @medium.lady on Instagram. The series starts here! Episode 131: Why is Taking Care of Yourself So Hard? Don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show! Other Related Episodes (for your enjoyment): Episode 132: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #1 - Say YES to Help Episode 133: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #2 - Name your Needs Episode 134: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #3 - Stay Curious Episode 135: How to Take Care of Yourself Insight #4 - Celebrate Yourself Medium Lady Reads Episode 39 - Are Celebrity Memoirs Clogging Up Your TBR? Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady Email: [email protected] Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads

What if your nervous system didn’t believe it was safe to want something just for you? In Episode 138 of Medium Lady Talks, Erin is joined by life coach Cecelia Mandryk (@ceceliabmandryk) to continue our series on How to Take Care of Yourself. Together, they explore the difference between dopamine-driven quick fixes and the courageous work of sustained self-care. Cecelia offers powerful tools and reframes that help high-functioning people make their minds a calmer, safer place to be. Erin and Cecelia talk about: Why identifying what YOU want can feel threatening when you've learned to meet everyone else's expectations How our culture of outrage keeps us stuck—and how to move from reactivity to empowered action A step-by-step walk-through of tending to your nervous system when you're feeling overwhelmed or angry The magic of nervous system regulation (even when your brain tells you it won’t work) Why the actions you take from empowerment might look the same as outrage-driven ones—but feel completely different ✨ “You can’t choose something better until you know what you’re choosing.” — this quote from Cecelia hit me hard and stayed with me. You’ll also hear: A grounded reminder from Walt Whitman that it’s okay to be a contradiction My frustration with the way self-care has been co-opted by consumerism—and how Cecelia helped me reframe that into compassion A call to reclaim self-care as simple, nourishing, and deeply powerful This is a conversation for anyone feeling burned out, stuck in rage or fear, or unsure how to move forward without losing themselves. 🔗 Connect with Cecelia: Instagram: @ceceliabmandryk Website, mini-course + coaching: ceceliabaummandryk.com 🎧 Listen in, take a deep breath, and remember—you don’t have to fix everything to feel more powerful. You just have to start with you. Looking for more support? Access exclusive content and mindful living tools on Patreon. Join the conversation! Share one need you're naming today and tag @medium.lady on Instagram. The series starts here! Episode 131: Why is Taking Care of Yourself So Hard? Don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show! Other Related Episodes (for your enjoyment): Episode 132: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #1 - Say YES to Help Episode 133: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #2 - Name your Needs Episode 134: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #3 - Stay Curious Episode 135: How to Take Care of Yourself Insight #4 - Celebrate Yourself Episode 136: How to Take Care of Yourself Insight # 5 - Take Your Meds Episode 137: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #6 - Make Time for Art Medium Lady Reads Episode 40 - Wonderful Publishers Behind Wonderful Authors Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady Email: [email protected] Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads

In episode 137 of Medium Lady Talks we continue the How to Take Care of Yourself series, I'm joined by surface designer and illustrator Devon Bennett of PencilsnParsley. Together, we explore how making something just for the joy of it — no fancy supplies, no pressure — can be a powerful form of creative self-care. Devon reminds us that you don't have to be an artist to start creating. You don't even have to look at your finished piece! It's about the process, not the outcome — and it's in that process that you’ll often find clarity, calm, and emotional release. We cover: Devon’s early creative spark with her self-published childhood comic Oh Corncob! Why Devon recommends Find Your Artistic Voice by Lisa Congdon to anyone rediscovering their creativity How creating without judgment builds emotional resilience and strengthens self-trust Devon’s practice of using art to process anxiety — and how she even brings her drawings to therapy sessions The magic of starting with what you have — just set a timer, grab whatever supplies are nearby, and get messy! The importance of practicing non-judgment when making art (and why progress is happening, even when you can’t see it) One of Devon’s favorite mottos: "The only wasted paint is what's left in the tube." How Devon approaches resistance to creativity with compassion, not criticism Why Devon's positive affirmation sticker series is all about encouragement and gentle growth Final advice on how to make time for creativity even in busy seasons — and the reminder that there are multiple ways to be consistent. Plus, I share one of my favorite quotes from Gretchen Rubin: "A thing that can be done anytime is often done at no time." — a gentle nudge to carve out a little time for creativity today. ✨ Resources & Links Mentioned: Find Devon’s work, stickers, and art for sale: PencilsnParsley.com Support Devon’s creative journey on Patreon Follow Devon’s playful art adventures on YouTube Shorts Book rec: Find Your Artistic Voice by Lisa Congdon 🎨 Whether you’re picking up a pen, a paintbrush, or just letting your imagination wander, this episode will remind you: You’re allowed to make something messy. You’re allowed to create without needing it to be perfect. And in doing so, you’re taking care of yourself. Looking for more support? Access exclusive content and mindful living tools on Patreon. Join the conversation! Share one need you're naming today and tag @medium.lady on Instagram. The series starts here! Episode 131: Why is Taking Care of Yourself So Hard? Don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show! Other Related Episodes (for your enjoyment): Episode 132: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #1 - Say YES to Help Episode 133: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #2 - Name your Needs Episode 134: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #3 - Stay Curious Episode 135: How to Take Care of Yourself Insight #4 - Celebrate Yourself Episode 136: How to Take Care of Yourself Insight #5 - Take Your Meds (and Maybe Also Go to Therapy) Medium Lady Reads Episode 40- Wonderful Publishers Behind Wonderful Authors Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady Email: [email protected] Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads

This episode originally aired April 10, 2024. Enjoy Episode 98 of Medium Lady Talks! ~~~~ Welcome back, listeners! Today I’m solo on mic exploring a question that's inspired by a text chat I had with a friend: "Is your burnout preventable?" If you've ever found yourself plagued with exhaustion, resentful of all the things out of your control, and down the path to truly crippling physiological symptoms, this episode is for you. Summary: In this episode, we’ll think critically about burnout, examining it from different angles. I’ll reflect on a recent conversation with a friend and grapple with the question of whether burnout is inevitable or something we can fend off. We’ll dissect burnout from three perspectives: "no," "maybe," and "yes," navigating through the complexities of stress management and self-care. Remember that burnout isn't a one-size-fits-all experience. It's about tuning into ourselves, understanding our triggers, and embracing the belief that we have the power to steer clear of burnout's stormy seas. Whether you're a firm believer in prevention or still on the fence, know that you're not alone in this journey. Reach out, seek support, and let's navigate through the waves together. Resources and Links Mentioned: - Kristin Neff's book: "Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself" - Find more resources at self-compassion.org. Episodes Referenced: - "Gentle Goal Setting for Burnt Out Millennials and Mothers" (Episode 62) - "Effort Energy and Connection with Siobhan France" (Episode 49) - "How to be a Human with a Voice" (Episode 74) - "The Identity Revolution: Why I Plan My Free Time Each Month and You Should Too" (Episode 82) - "Is Friendship a Type of Self Care?" (Episode 68) - "8 Ways to Make Better Decisions as a Couple" (Episode 60) - "Is Your Self-Care Helpful or Harmful?" (Episode 83) - "Medium Lady Talks about Parenting on a Bad Day" (Episode 10) - "Medium Lady Talks about Lowering the Bar" (Episode 11) - "Financial Self-Care with Lianne Hannaway" (Episode 53) - "Finding Calm in the Life You Already Have with Cecelia Mandryk" (Episode 90) - "Why We Get in the Way of Our Creativity and Self-Care" (Episode 67) - "Medium Lady Talks about Doing Less with Tracy Stanger" - "Everyday Manifesting" with guest Diana Alexander Rane (Episode 89) - "My Life Changing Perspective on Having Your Best Summer Ever" (Episode 70) Thanks for joining us on this insightful episode! Don't forget to hit subscribe and share the podcast with fellow millennial mothers. Stay tuned for more episodes packed with wisdom, laughter, and heartfelt conversations. Until next time, don’t forget, you’re doing such a good job. Join my Gratitude Coaching Waitlist: If you're ready to build the place in the world made for you and develop the skills to experience authentic joy and gratitude, sign up for our gratitude coaching waitlist. This is a new service I’m offering, and will be a low/no cost option while we grow and learn from eachother. Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Email: [email protected] Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads

Episode 136 of Medium Lady Talks is a refreshingly honest and hilariously real conversation with my two best friends, Sarah and Emily. We share a candid conversation about taking medication for mental health. One of us is a routine queen when it comes to her meds, one of us is a little chaotic (but loveable!), and I’ve taken mental health medication during two meaningful chapters of my life. Together, we open up about what it really looks like to take care of yourself with the help of medication. Whether you're currently on meds, have been in the past, or are considering talking to your doctor—this episode is for you. We talk about how we got started, what keeps us going (or doesn’t), finding the right therapist and therapy modality, and why meds are a support system, not a shortcut. We also keep it light, with a healthy dose of friend banter and real-life encouragement. This episode is part of our “How to Take Care of Yourself” series—because self-care isn’t all bubble baths and meditation apps. Sometimes, it’s filling your prescription and taking your meds. 🎙 In this episode, we talk about: Our personal journeys with mental health medication Starting meds and managing side effects How (and why) people fall off the routine The surprising benefits of getting support through therapy and the right therapy modality Busting the stigma around meds for anxiety, depression, and burnout Why taking your meds is an act of self-care 🧠 Keywords for SEO: mental health medication podcast, self-care and antidepressants, how to start taking meds for anxiety, women on antidepressants, mental health meds routine, burnout and anxiety treatment, real talk about mental health, how to take care of yourself podcast, motherhood and mental health, self-care for millennial moms, women talking about mental health meds, Medium Lady podcast 🧡 If this episode resonates with you: Share it with a friend who needs a little extra encouragement Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more than you know DM me on Instagram @medium.lady or tag your favorite quote from the episode Subscribe for more real talk about building a life you love—one medium-effort step at a time Looking for more support? Access exclusive content and mindful living tools on Patreon. Join the conversation! Share one need you're naming today and tag @medium.lady on Instagram. The series starts here! Episode 131: Why is Taking Care of Yourself So Hard? Don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show! Other Related Episodes (for your enjoyment): Episode 132: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #1 - Say YES to Help Episode 133: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #2 - Name your Needs Episode 134: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #3 - Stay Curious Episode 135: How to Take Care of Yourself Insight #4 - Celebrate Yourself Medium Lady Reads Episode 39 - Are Celebrity Memoirs Clogging Up Your TBR? Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady Email: [email protected] Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads

In episode 135 of Medium Lady Talks, Erin shares five meaningful ways to celebrate yourself as part of the ongoing "How to Take Care of Yourself" series. Inspired by her recent 42nd birthday, Erin makes the case that celebrating yourself isn't indulgent, it's necessary for sustained well-being. Episode Highlights: Celebrating yourself is a practice, skill, and mindset that contributes to your sustained well-being Why saying "it out loud" is the first step to genuine self-celebration How scheduling solo celebration time honours your finite time and personal worth The power of inviting others into your celebrations to amplify joy Why giving to others from a place of fullness creates positive ripples The importance of taking your time with celebrations instead of rushing through them Resources Mentioned: Gretchen Rubin: Author of "The Happiness Project" who explains how personal celebration is a cornerstone of sustainable happiness through habits and rituals Tamu Thomas: Author of "Women Who Work Too Much" who describes speaking our celebrations as a way to tap into everyday joy Oliver Burkeman: Author of “Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management For Mortals" who reminds us of the importance of deliberately allocating our finite time to joy Barbara Fredrickson: Pioneer in positive psychology whose "broaden-and-build theory" explains how shared joy amplifies positive emotions and builds resources Reflection Questions: What deserves to be named and celebrated in your life right now? How might regular self-celebration change your relationship with achievement? Which celebration style feels most comfortable or uncomfortable for you? How can you resist cultural conditioning by choosing joy over fear, perfectionism, or people-pleasing? Looking for more support? Access exclusive content and mindful living tools on Patreon. Join the conversation! Share one need you're naming today and tag @medium.lady on Instagram. The series starts here! Episode 131: Why is Taking Care of Yourself So Hard? Don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show! Other Related Episodes (for your enjoyment): Episode 132: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #1 - Say YES to Help Episode 133: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #2 - Name your Needs Episode 134: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #3 - Stay Curious Medium Lady Reads Episode 39 - Are Celebrity Memoirs Clogging Up Your TBR? Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady Email: [email protected] Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads Keywords: self-celebration, self-care, gratitude practice, personal development, positive psychology, burnout prevention, mindful living, medium effort living, women who work too much, happiness project, joy, vulnerability, cultural conditioning

In this third installment of the "How to Take Care of Yourself" series, Erin explores how curiosity can be a gentle, accessible tool for wellness that doesn't require a life overhaul. Whether you're ready to embrace change or feeling too depleted to add one more thing to your to-do list, this episode offers simple ways to replace judgment with curiosity. In Medium Lady Talks Episode 134: Why we default to judgment instead of curiosity when we're depleted The science behind how curiosity opens pathways that self-criticism closes A simple three-step framework for staying curious even during challenging times Practical exercises including the 5-Minute Curiosity Break and "What If?" Reframe How curiosity connects to naming your needs (from Episode 133) Curiosity is a practice, not a one-time solution. Even just one curious thought today counts! Remember, we're not doing a life overhaul; we're making tiny shifts that add up over time. 🎧 Listen now on all major podcast platforms. Looking for more support? Access exclusive content and mindful living tools on Patreon. Join the conversation! Share one need you're naming today and tag @medium.lady on Instagram. The series starts here! Episode 131: Why is Taking Care of Yourself So Hard? Tune in and don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show! #SelfCare #EmotionalWellness #BurnoutRecovery #MentalHealth #MindfulMotherhood #PodcastForMoms #MediumLadyTalks Other Related Episodes (for your enjoyment): Episode 132: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #1 - Say YES to Help Episode 133: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #2 - Name your Needs Medium Lady Reads Episode 38 - Sneaky Censorship in the Bookish Communioty Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady Email: [email protected] Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads

Many people struggle to recognize their own needs, especially when they’ve been conditioned to prioritize everyone else first. In Medium Lady Talks, Episode 133, host Erin Vandeven explores why naming your needs is the first step to sustainable self-care—and how to start, even when it feels impossible. 💡 This episode covers: ✔️ Why it’s so hard to identify personal needs (hint: it’s not a personal failure) ✔️ How burnout and caregiving roles disconnect people from their own well-being ✔️ A simple framework for recognizing and naming needs ✔️ A practical list of needs to help put words to what’s missing ✔️ Small, actionable ways to begin meeting needs without feeling overwhelmed For those feeling depleted, this episode offers a gentle invitation to reconnect with themselves—whether they’re ready to take action or simply need permission to acknowledge that their needs matter. 🎧 Listen now on all major podcast platforms. Looking for more support? Access exclusive content and mindful living tools on Patreon. Join the conversation! Share one need you're naming today and tag @medium.lady on Instagram. The series starts here! Episode 131: Why is Taking Care of Yourself So Hard? Tune in and don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show! #SelfCare #EmotionalWellness #BurnoutRecovery #MentalHealth #MindfulMotherhood #PodcastForMoms #MediumLadyTalks Other Related Episodes (for your enjoyment): Episode 126: Hear Me Out - Choose a Need for the Year Instead of a Word for the Year Episode 83: Is Your Self-Care Helpful or Harmful: A Book Review of “Real Self Care” by Dr. Pooja Lakshmin Episode 107: From Anxiety to Action: How to Reclaim Your Mental Headspace with guest and coach Madeline Farquharson Medium Lady Reads Episode 37 - EBooks of Physical Books? Which do you prefer? Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady Email: [email protected] Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads

In Episode 132 of Medium Lady Talks Erin shares the first episode in the new self-care series “How To Take Care of Yourself”. The first item on the list is one that most people definitely struggle with - saying yes to help that’s offered. This isn’t just about asking for help, which is naturally hard enough and makes many of us feel vulnerable and out of control! But there are many people in our lives who offer help or who are very available to take on tasks and support our needs for care - are you making the most of the help available in your life? Why is asking for help so hard? And why do we feel guilty when we actually get it? If you’ve ever resisted delegating tasks or felt like needing help meant you were failing, this episode is for you. In the new MLT series How to Take Care of Yourself, we’re exploring the deep-seated beliefs that keep women, especially mothers, from seeking support—and how breaking free from the “do it all” mindset is one of the most important steps towards sustained wellness. In this episode, we’ll cover: ✔️ Why asking for help feels uncomfortable (and how to shift your mindset) ✔️ Small, practical ways to start accepting help without guilt ✔️ Letting go of control: why it’s okay if things aren’t done your way ✔️ How individualism and hustle culture fuel burnout ✔️ The connection between receiving support and true self-care If you’ve been struggling to balance it all, this is your permission to let go and let others in. Listen now and start practicing your care in a way that actually supports and sustains your well-being. The series starts here! Episode 131: Why is Taking Care of Yourself So Hard? Tune in and don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show! #SelfCare #AskingForHelp #BurnoutRecovery #MentalLoad #DelegationTips #MindfulMotherhood #PodcastForMoms #WomenSupportingWomen Other Episodes (for your enjoyment): Episode 120: 9 Small Things my Husband Never Feels Guilty About Episode 123: Are You Guilty or Did You Just Make a Decision? My Final Word on Guilt (until 2025). Episode 83: Is Your Self-Care Helpful or Harmful: A Book Review of “Real Self Care” by Dr. Pooja Lakshmin Episode 117: Medium Effort Advice: Help, I’m doing too much, and none of it well! Episode 126: Hear Me Out - Choose a Need for the Year Instead of a Word for the Year Medium Lady Reads Episode 37 - EBooks of Physical Books? Which do you prefer? Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady Email: [email protected] Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads

Hello, hi! This week’s episode is a bit of a vulnerable off the cuff episode - I have a few things weighing heavy on my mind, and all of it surrounding the frustrations we all experience around the effort of taking care of ourselves. My hope is that this episode represents a "kick off" of a new series of content designed to help us all consider the smallest most useful and accessible ways of taking care of ourselves today, so we can take care of our families, friends and communities tomorrow. Episode Summary: In this episode, I chat about: How our inability to take care of ourselves shows up in our division and judgemental discourse with one another My own challenges to show up for myself in small ways also causes me to reflect back on the ways my life will matter, and how I want to be as well as possible to do that work, for example, raising my sons to be people who make the world a better place. We can’t get the barriers out of the way until we’re willing to be honest about why it’s so hard to take care of ourselves Why do we resist self-care? Even when a billion-dollar self care industry is telling us we should be excited and happy to take care of ourselves? Society’s over emphasis on individualism as a cultural value and as a personal strength: it’s always better if you can take care of yourself without needing anyone.Success is measured by how much you did on your own. Generationally millennial parents are having a much different experience raising their children than their parents did in the 80s or even their parents in the 50s and 60s. All of these thoughts have me realizing how much more I want to talk about taking care of ourselves and to start to create a new language outside of the self-care industrial complex. Reflect on this final question: “Where are you having a hard time taking care of yourself?” Other Episodes you might like: From Medium Lady: Episode 117: Medium Effort Advice: Help, I’m doing too much, and none of it well! Episode 128: How to Bring Your Authentic Self To Your Friendships with Helene and Christina from It’s YOUR Birth Day Podcast Episode 129: You Better Keep it Up Cutie! With guest Anna Przy Medium Lady Reads Episode 36 - Beware the Spoiler Police! Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady Email: [email protected] Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads

This episode aired in February 2023, and yet I feel like our challenges with enjoying ourselves are being tested now more than ever. I hope you enjoy this episode from the archives! I'll be back next week with a fresh episode! ~~~~~ Hello, hi and welcome to another episode of Medium Lady Talks! In Episode 97, we're delving into a topic that's close to the hearts of many burnt-out millennial mothers: the pursuit of genuine enjoyment in life. - We'll explore three perspectives: "no," "maybe," and "yes," as we navigate the journey towards authenticity and happiness. - I've announced a new waitlist for 1:1 Gratitude Coaching make sure to sign up for announcements using this link! Segment 1: Exploring the "No" Perspective - Some of us prioritize being right over being happy, but what if we challenged that mindset? - Let's consider whether the belief "that's just the way it is" is serving us or holding us back. - Choosing happiness over being right can lead to growth and fulfillment in unexpected ways. Segment 2: Unpacking the "Maybe" Perspective - For many of us, the idea of enjoying life comes with conditions and complexities. - Are we willing to go out of our way to help others enjoy life, but hesitant to do the same for ourselves? - In the episode we explore the temporary nature of seeking goodness and how it impacts our pursuit of happiness. Segment 3: Embracing the "Yes" Perspective - It's time to fully embrace the possibility of enjoying life, even if we're unsure where to start. - Consider practical steps, like practicing gratitude or setting boundaries, to cultivate a more enjoyable life. - If you find yourself answering YES to the question make sure you join my waitlist for gratitude coaching, designed to provide relief and support in a short period of time. Other Resources Mentioned: Episode 83: Is your Self Care Helpful or Harmful? Overcoming Overwhelm by Samantha Brody Everything Is Figureout-able by Marie Forleo On Our Best Behaviour by Elise Loehnen Find Your Unicorn Space by Eve Rodsky Real Self Care by Dr. Pooja Lakshmin The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Email: [email protected] Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads Gratitude Coaching: waitlist link

Hello, hi! This week’s episode is an authentic and open episode with my guest Ashlie Daigle, otherwise known as the Cheerbrarian. Ashlie and I have been “kindred spirits” both in the kind of content we like to share with the world, as well as our outlook on life and our enthusiasm for giving advice. Despite that identity and persona, Ashlie gets real with her current mental health struggles and how hard it is to reconcile the part of her identity she’s known for, when she doesnt’ really feel like that person. Episode Summary: In this episode, Ashlie and I chat about: Why Ashlie chose podcasting over other forms of content creation Ashlie and I talk shop about podcasting and how an asynchronous relationship with our listeners can sometimes be amazing and sometimes be a bit jarring - plus we debate whether you should start at episode 1 or start with a podcast’s most recent episode! Where do you fall in the debate? Ashlie’s advice to name the negative voice in your head, so when the negativity gets really loud you can tell that persona to “zip it” Content creators will often say that they are their first audience member, and they often catch themselves making the content that they need to consume out in the world - Ashlie shares that with her recent diagnosis of clinical depression that her past few episodes were a way of trying to ask for help. We talk about the vulnerability of admitting to your audience that you don’t have it all figured out. We want everyone listening to know: it is ok to need help, it’s ok to ask for that help, and to lean on your support system and open the doors to let others show up for you so you can get what you need from your community. The paradox of being someone who is good at helping others is the validation you feel from playing that role; we talk about how hard it is to learn how to find validation from within and how vital that can be to wellness and balance during times when anxiety or depression are heightened. If you identify as a perfectionist, the slow process of growth can be very unappealing and demotivating The internal stigma with mental health medications can be really challenging to face and overcome Taking care of yourself while battling depression takes many many small steps and all of those small steps need to be celebrated - join me celebrating Ashlie for the work she’s putting in to take care of herself. Other Episodes you might like: From Ashlie: Your Brain is a Dirty Liar (Part One) Manage Uncertainty with (some of) Your Wits Intact Book Recs Year in Review The Power of “No” (Part 3) - Zoe and I say NO to immediately responding From Medium Lady: Episode 117: Medium Effort Advice: Help, I’m doing too much, and none of it well! Episode 128: How to Bring Your Authentic Self To Your Friendships with Helene and Christina from It’s YOUR Birth Day Podcast Episode 129: You Better Keep it Up Cutie! With guest Anna Przy Medium Lady Reads Episode 36 - Beware the Spoiler Police! Other Resources mentioned: Yes Please by Amy Poehler - borrow from your local library! The Princess Bride by William Goldman - available at the library Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman Meditations for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman Wool by Hugh Howie The Searcher by Tana French Women Who Work Too Much by Tamu Thomas Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir Connect with the Cheerbrarian Instagram: @thecheerbrarian Website: www.cheerbrarian.com Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady Email: [email protected] Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads

Hello, hi! I’m so excited to welcome today’s guest to the show. Anna Przy! Does the phrase “It’s called manifesting… look it up…” or “You better Keep it up Cutie” sound familiar? Anna Przy is most recognizable for her short form social media videos that involve a bathrobe, her front yard, and no shoes. Sometimes featuring an old vacuum and some high kicks you’ll often see Anna looking up at the sky and politely appealing to the cosmos. I first discovered Anna during the pandemic, and have been a huge fan of her pep talks and point of view ever since. Episode Summary: In this episode, Anna and I chat about: How Anna’s layoff from event planning during the pandemic social distancing measures resulted in her taking a hard look at the “road map” that she had been diligently following all of her life towards happiness. But when the pandemic hit, and she lost a lot of those things, but she still felt pretty ok about herself! That led to Anna taking a chance online sharing these thoughts, and deconstructing everything she thought she was supposed to believe for her audience, to help us all realize that we’re all struggling with these ideas, and how much those messages have never resulted in happiness. Did you know you can pretty much do whatever you want? Anna confesses at first she wasn’t sure, but the longer she’s online the more she realizes that the possibilities are endless and she wants you to feel that way too. By design Anna’s message about mental health and self-love aren’t packaged like your typical mindset gurus - that’s by design and it’s because Anna doesn’t want to hear that message herself. Anna’s had a long journey deconstructing the “90s misogyny mindset” that has been made easier thanks to her online community. How Anna has been strategic about the way she gets people to accept messages of deconditioning or radical self love - knowing that often people aren’t ready to hear it. Being able to share herself authentically doesn’t come without fear, Anna describes how she’s been able to manage the fear of being seen because the benefits of overcoming that fear are life changing. As challenging as the comparison game on social media may be, sometimes it allows us a chance to snap out of our pre-conceived assumptions when we see other people trying things or existing in a way we didn’t think was possible. Anna has only two rules for life and they’re applicable in every situation. We talk about why the practice of betting on yourself (without proof) can be a revolutionary mindset hack Humour can start as a coping mechanism but it can also be a way to mask your discomfort with big feelings (yours or other peoples). Anna and I are strong cheerleaders for anyone who wants to become a content creator - just start despite your perfectionism! Anna says “exhaustion is very different when you’re happy” and that lives rent free in my mind Other Episodes you might like: Episode 117: Medium Effort Advice: Help, I’m doing too much, and none of it well! Episode 128: How to Bring Your Authentic Self To Your Friendships with Helene and Christina from It’s YOUR Birth Day Podcast Episode 63: Storytelling, Conscious Parenting and the Myth of Balance with Katy-Robin Garton Medium Lady Reads Episode 35 - We’re Back with our 2025 Reading Goals! Connect with Anna Instagram: @akprzy TikTok: @akprzy Patreon: www.patreon.com/akprzy Website: www.akprzy.com Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady Email: [email protected] Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads