Medium Lady Talks: Burnout Recovery for Millennials and Mothers

Hello, hi! Today's episode aims to help any listeners who find themselves wanting to read more, but stifled by a Reading Rut. I'll share four different kinds of Reading Ruts and I help you with your "next best steps" depending on which rut you find yourself in. I hope today's episode helps all of the Medium Lady readers out there who want an exciting and satisfying reading life! If you're in a TIME rut try: New Adult Fiction: Great dialogue and low stakes Casey McQuiston Bola Babalolu Emily Henry If you're in a rut because your SOURCE for recommendations has gone stale: Try the library! I love an email newsletter like the Milwaukee Public Library email newsletter What to do if you're in a TYPE Rut (a.k.a the Genre Rut): Stay in the genre but reach for diverse authors (Black, Indigenous, Queer, etc). For example if you love Colleen Hoover - reach for Seven Days in June by Tia Williams... or if you love Harry Potter - reach for TJ Klune. Finally if you're in a FORMAT rut - just try another format or two! Audiobooks, reading on your phone, going back to paper books etc, all great ways to bring novelty back into your reading life. ~~~~~~~ Also mentioned: Medium Lady Reads Playlist Link to the Winter Whimsy Workshop Invite! Free printable to plan your month You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! Make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss when the new episodes drop. I love to connect with listeners, you can swing by to say hi on Instagram, @medium.lady Music is Climb by The Ghost in Your Piano. I'm grateful for its use via creative commons license.

Welcome to Medium Lady's Mindful Moment of Monday Gratitude! I hope you enjoy this new experiment for 2023 - a weekly BONUS episode all focused on gratitude. This is a more thoughtful and podcast-only extension of my daily gratitude practice that I share on stories over on Instagram @medium.lady. What are you grateful for today?

Hello, hi! This episode is a partner to last week's episode, 57. How to Plan a New Month. I'll deconstruct my own reflections and thought process to set myself up with a plan for February: 1. Read: I've set up four books, all by black women authors, to enrich my reading life for the month 2. Play: I've settled on the theme of "Moody Florals" to infuse my life with texture and colour throughout this winter month 3. Try: I'm going to refresh my sock wardrobe, as a way to build a life full of "Tiny Pretty Things" 4. Think: I'm going to pay attention to when resentment pops up in my thoughts and take a moment to unpack that experience with self-compassion and love for myself. This episode is a companion to my Free Printable How to Start a New Month and I'll make a few references to that document during the episode. You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! Make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss when the new episodes drop. I love to connect with listeners, you can swing by to say hi on Instagram, @medium.lady Music is Climb by The Ghost in Your Piano. I'm grateful for its use via creative commons license.

Hello, hi! I hope you enjoy this new experiment for 2023 - a weekly BONUS episode all focused on gratitude. This is a more thoughtful and podcast-only extension of my daily gratitude practice that I share on stories over on Instagram @medium.lady. What are you grateful for today?

Hello, hi! Welcome back to the first episode of Season 3! We're starting the new season with an episode that I hope will become a cornerstone of the kind of content you can expect from the podcast: thoughtful, intentional and full of opportunity for your own self discovery. This month I will unpack my personal process for deciding on my monthly experiments and I will walk you through the audio version of my new Free Printable - How to Start a New Month (pdf linked here!). Here's what you can expect: Part 1: Look forward and anticipate what is known about the new month Part 2: Look backwards and appreciate and reflect on all you have learned in the last year Part 3: Uncover your own favourites and your personal definition of seasonality Decide the Vibe: Hone in on the things that really "feel" right for the month ahead. Make choices: Put down on paper a few commitments for how you want to spend your free time in the month ahead. ~~~~~ You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! Make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss when the new episodes drop. I love to connect with listeners, you can swing by to say hi on Instagram, @medium.lady Music is Climb by The Ghost in Your Piano. I'm grateful for its use via creative commons license.

Hello, hi! Episode 56 features book recommendations from my reading during Fall and Winter of 2022. I categorize these reviews with three loves, two likes, one bummer and a total wildcard. This is the last episode of 2022, and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for engaging with the Medium Lady Talks podcast and community. Connecting with you has meant the world to me and I will always be grateful for your time and attention. The podcast will take the month of January as hiatus and Season 3 will begin in February of 2023!! Books reviewed: This is How it always is by Laurie Frankel Vicious by V.E. Schwab Girl,Woman, Other by Bernadine Evaristo Don’t Overthink it by Anne Bogel Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doer Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armsfield Off hand and totally unplanned Reading Resolutions for 2023 Pass on all books that feature children experiencing vicarious trauma (or direct trauma) Track with more consistency, why and how I came upon a book recommendation when I place a hold at the library Add more V.E. Schwab to my TBR pile Journal more frequently in tandem with non-fiction reading You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! Make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss when the new episodes drop for Season 3. I love to connect with listeners, you can swing by to say hi on Instagram, @medium.lady any time, I'm sure we'll become fast friends. Music is Climb by The Ghost in Your Piano. I'm grateful for its use via creative commons license. ~~~~~ Other Books mentioned: Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune An Unthinkable Thing by Nicole Lundrigan A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab The Invisible Life of Addie La Rue by V.E. Schwab Hench by Natalie Zina Walschots The Lazy Genius by Kendra Adachi My Reading Life: A Book Journal by Anne Bogel Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam The Anomaly by Herve Leger Blindness by Jose Saramago Also mentioned: The concept of Good Enough Parenting The Currently Reading Podcast Book Genuis Writing Camp hosted by author Jayne Allen What Should I read Next? With Anne Bogel Will Byrnes academic GoodReads review of Cloud Cuckoo Land The Reading Soundtrack ™ for Our Wives Under the Sea Similar to this episode Episode 38:Medium Lady Reads Sure-Fire Summer Reading Recommendations Episode 22: with author Jayne Allen Episode 44: Medium Lady Reviews Books Summer 2022 Episode 32: Books I read Early Winter 2022

Hello, hi! Today's episode features what has now become an annual Medium Lady holiday tradition: Cozy Christmas Reads! Join me and my bookish friends Jillian @jillianfindinghappy and Stephanie @steffski to talk all about the books that we recommend to readers of all kinds during the holiday period. Assuming you have a bit of time and you have a cozy beverage on hand, we're sure one of these books will suit you just fine! And if not, we mention MANY other books off hand, there should be something for everyone in this episode! Stephanie’s recommendations Things you save in a fire or anything by Katherine Center One By One by Ruth Ware Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by She who would not be named Jillian’s recommendations Every Summer After by Carly Fortune Always in December by Emily Stone Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune Erin’s Recommendations Meet me Under the Mistletoe by Jenny Bayliss Pony by RJ Palacio Untamed by Glennon Doyle More books mentioned: The Grace Year by Kim Legitt A Season for Second Chances by Jenny Bayliss The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune Verity by Colleen Hoover A Merry little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone Shipwrecked by Olivia Dade Pride and Prejudice and Mistletoe by Melissa De La Cruz Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab Buy Yourself the F**king Lilies by Tara Schuster Also Mentioned: The Reading Soundtrack ™ for Under the Whispering Door Good reads One Star Reviews - the best reviews of the worst books Similar to this episode Episode 41 Red Flag Reads Episode 26 Cozy Christmas Reads 2021 You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! Make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss when the new episodes drop. I love to connect with listeners, you can swing by to say hi on Instagram, @medium.lady Music is Climb by The Ghost in Your Piano. I'm grateful for its use via creative commons license.

Hello, hi! Today's episode features the amazing baker and educator, Shani Whisonant from @beginwithbutter and beginwithbutter.com. While Shani's bio calls herself the "Chief Butter Ambassador" and Baking Super Nerd, our conversation also reveals the beginners mindset that she brings to her baking, her personal development and her business. There were many times during this conversation I was either grinning from ear to ear, or I had tears in my eyes! Begin with Butter, Shani's goal is to make new bakers and non-bakers into unbelievably proficient bakers, by helping them decode the techniques, equipment and ingredients that advanced home bakers and pros use. Shani share's her origin story and how it all started because she couldn't say no to "the Best Preschool Teacher in the World"! Also mentioned in this episode: Shani's baking textbook by Bo Friburg Shani's favourite book The Alchemist by Paul Cohelo Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi Shani’s red wine black forest pound cake Similar to this episode: Episode 52 with Lianne Hannaway Episode 12 Medium Lady Talks about Growth Mindset Episode 50 Medium Effort, Mindful Fun and My Origin Story You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! Make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss when the new episodes drop. I love to connect with listeners, you can swing by to say hi on Instagram, @medium.lady Music is Climb by The Ghost in Your Piano. I'm grateful for its use via creative commons license.

Hello, hi! Today's episode features part two of my conversation with money educator Lianne Hannaway. Our conversation today will talk all about financial self care and how to stack your hard earned money into caring for your needs and for your loves. We also talk about your time, and how recognizing the value of your time will affect how you spend it. Lianne is a Chartered Professional Accountant, an experienced financial executive, an investor and the founder of Wealthnuvo @wealthnuvo. Lianne is also the creator and host of the incredible financial podcast, "No Boss of Me." Lianne helps professional women learn to grow and invest their money with confidence so they can be financially savvy, build generational wealth and live the life they love. You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! Make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss when the new episodes drop, especially part two of this conversation. I love to connect with listeners, you can swing by to say hi on Instagram, @medium.lady Music is Climb by The Ghost in Your Piano. I'm grateful for its use via creative commons license.

Hello, hi! Today's episode features the intelligent and inspiring money educator Lianne Hannaway. Lianne is a Chartered Professional Accountant, an experienced financial executive, an investor and the founder of Wealthnuvo @wealthnuvo. Lianne is also the creator and host of the incredible financial podcast, "No Boss of Me." Lianne helps professional women learn to grow and invest their money with confidence so they can be financially savvy, build generational wealth and live the life they love. Our conversation today will talk all about listening to the voice ofd entrepreneurship within you, navigating spaces that are typically designed for cis, white, men to thrive and why women are conditioned to be so darn risk aware. I know you'll be thinking about this episode for a long time just like I am! You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! Make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss when the new episodes drop, especially part two of this conversation. I love to connect with listeners, you can swing by to say hi on Instagram, @medium.lady Music is Climb by The Ghost in Your Piano. I'm grateful for its use via creative commons license.

Hello, hi! Today's episode features recurring guest, Nick, my partner and husband who I also lovingly call Handsome Face. We talk about our three kids (under ten!) and reflect on the ages and stages that they're at and how different they are. We talk a bit about how we're getting to know them and what we struggle with as they all change at lightning speed! *please note that this episode also discusses a bit of our own holiday traditions, including Santa, so if you tend to listen with little kids around, you might want to put this one on your earbuds, or save for another time* You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! Wherever you're listening make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss when the new episodes drop. I love to connect with listeners, you can swing by to say hi on Instagram, @medium.lady and you can find the pink tile on my feed to talk about today's episode. Music is Climb by The Ghost in Your Piano. I'm grateful for its use via creative commons license.

Hello, hi! It's a super Medium Lady Milestone! Episode 50! Today's episode is a personal one to me, I will share more about my experience with postpartum depression and how it led me on a path of self discovery. I'll take a deep dive into my personal philosophy of "Medium Effort and Mindful Fun" and where they came from and how the thinking evolved over time. I hope this episode invites you to think about how medium effort and mindful fun can transform your own life. You are a wonderful, worthy human-being and we all deserve to set the boundaries to live our own lives to their fullest. You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! Make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss when the new episodes drop. I love to connect with listeners, you can swing by to say hi on Instagram, @medium.lady it's a wonderful community of like-minded listeners there! Music is Climb by The Ghost in Your Piano. I'm grateful for its use via creative commons license.

Hello, hi! Today's episodes is one of my personal favourites from the Medium Lady Talks archives, an interview with my best friend Emily Gibson. I love this episode for many reasons, the first being that I love Emily! This interview was the first one I did that wasn't with my mom, haha, and introduced me to just how much I enjoyed the interview process and the final result. I hope you enjoy today's episode if you've never heard it and can think of your own ways to lower your personal bar in order to embrace medium effort and mindful fun in your own life. ~~~~ Hello, hi! I'm thrilled to introduce you to my BFF Emily, who joins me for today's episode on Lowering the bar. Emily and I break down our thoughts on lowering the bar in a few specific ways: WHAT IT USED TO MEAN: Pre pannini "lowering the bar" meant something a little different than it does to us today, and it means different things for Emily than it means for Erin. LOWERING THE BAR AS SELF_COMPASSION: Erin and Emily discuss lowering the bar as a mental health strategy when they experience depression or anxiety. And lowering the bar as a way to take a step back from what induces overwhelm to re-orient to what is really helping our wellbeing HOW WE'RE LOWING THE BAR TODAY: In an effort to be a bit more practical, Erin and Emily discuss two areas of their respective lives where they are actively choosing to lower the bar. I hope this episode helps you sort out ways to proactively lower the bar in your own life as a way to experience more grace and less criticism. As always I would love to connect with you on Instagram, I can be found @medium.lady Music is Climb by The Ghost in the Piano, it is used with creative commons license, and my thanks for it availability for use on my podcast.

Hello, hi! Today's episode is part two of my conversation with Dr. Siobhan France from episode 48. Siobhan and I pivot from talking about focus and feelings to the subject of energy, effort and connection. We have a slight tangent to the subject of parenting and how we can be more open to sharing routines without rigidity and using solitude as a pathway to more connection with our loved ones. I hope you enjoy the second part of this conversation. I continue to reflect on and grow from everything Siobhan has taught me. Wherever you are think of the connections and friendships with others that showed up where you least expected it! Dr. Siobhan France of emboldensoul.com, is an experienced healthcare provider, and has had a physiotherapy practice for the last 10 years. And while she found herself burning out through hustling for success she yearned for more - which led to her thriving career helping empathetic and highly sensitive entrepreneurs. If you have feedback about today’s conversation with Siobhan, you can head to Instagram and find the the pink tile in my feed for the latest episode @medium.lady. Siobhan can be found online at emboldensoul.com or on YouTube as Dr. Siobhan France, as well as @drsiobhanfrance on Instagram. You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! Links within this description may be Amazon affiliated, which also gives the podcast a teeny tiny bit of financial help. Make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss when the new episodes drop. I love to connect with listeners, you can swing by to say hi on Instagram, @medium.lady Music is Climb by The Ghost in Your Piano. I'm grateful for its use via creative commons license.

Hello, hi! Today's conversation is with Dr. Siobhan France of emboldensoul.com. Siobhan is an experienced healthcare provider, and has had a physiotherapy practice for the last 10 years. And while she found herself burning out through hustling for success she yearned for more - which led to her thriving career helping empathetic and highly sensitive entrepreneurs. She's going to talk us through mastering ourselves and embodying who you are to build more of the place in the world that is made for you. Listen on if you're ready to stop finding meaning and validation from the feelings from others and turning inward to reconcile what you want with what you have...hint: the gap is much smaller than you think! If you have feedback about today’s conversation with Siobhan, you can head to Instagram and find the the pink tile in my feed for the latest episode @medium.lady. Siobhan can be found online at emboldensoul.com or on YouTube as Dr. Siobhan France, as well as @drsiobhanfrance on Instagram. You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! Links within this description may be Amazon affiliated, which also gives the podcast a teeny tiny bit of financial help. Make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss when the new episodes drop. I love to connect with listeners, you can swing by to say hi on Instagram, @medium.lady Music is Climb by The Ghost in Your Piano. I'm grateful for its use via creative commons license.

Hello hi! Today's episode is Part Two of my interview with Dana Castro from @threecrownsbranding and www.threecrownsstudio.com. In this episode we hear more from Dana's wisdom about personal growth while also building a business that embraces the best of who you are. Dana mentions the community of photographers she has founded, Snap Click Photographers linked here. Other topics discussed in this episode: Honing your emotional radar as an entrepreneur - and how this radar can be just as important as your background and experience. How a healthy emotional intelligence about connection and collaboration can dispel the myth of competition: the truth is there’s enough business to go around (especially if you live in a densely populated urban area). For entrepreneurs pricing is as personal as it is professional Don’t forget the power of using social media to be social - cold calling through their DMs is a totally acceptable way to begin a new connection (I have taken this advice literally since recording this episode!!!) If you want to build a business, (or build literally ANYTHING at all in the world) start by doing more of what you’re already good at. Never apologize for existing in your body and your skin - that’s better than being confident. Plus the advice Dana would give her past self, and what she does for fun (now that photography is a business and not a hobby). You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! And with the bi-weekly episode release schedule make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss when the new episodes drop. I love to connect with listeners, you can swing by to say hi on Instagram, @medium.lady Music is Climb by The Ghost in Your Piano. I'm grateful for its use via creative commons license.

Hello hi! Are you interested in entrepreneurship and personal development? Then today's episode is sure to be perfect for you. Join me in an interview with photographer and creative director Dana Castro. You can find Dana on Instagram @threecrownsbranding and www.threecrownsbranding.com. Dana is local to the Mississauga GTA area in Ontario Canada for anyone excited to work with her and benefit from her service and expertise. Dana mentions a campaign that she shot for Rubies Bras a local bespoke bra company which you can see here. Other topics discussed in this episode: Entrepreneurship and the slow transition Dana made out of corporate and the time it took to build her business and point of view The benefits of being the only one who can give yourself feedback on your work and performance (and challenges too!) and just how much inner work being an entrepreneur requires (are these my greatest strengths or my greatest weaknesses?) What to think about when you’re deeply dissatisfied with your job and you’re re-evaluating your approach to paid work Even if you’re not an entrepreneur, what you can do to increase your margin of controlled discomfort (especially if you find yourself in a rut!) You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! And with the bi-weekly episode release schedule make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss when the new episodes drop. I love to connect with listeners, you can swing by to say hi on Instagram, @medium.lady Music is Climb by The Ghost in Your Piano. I'm grateful for its use via creative commons license.

Hello, hi! Today's episode features the Five Things that are Saving my Life right now - I'll talk through the things that are helping me feel better, engage in self care, and generally bringing me closer to feeling like myself. "Saving my life" lists are inspired by the wonderful Kendra Adachi of the Lazy Genius Podcast - you can hear Kendra's version here. Journal Prompts for this Episode In this season of life, what is one tool that is making a routine or experience a little bit easier What is a change that I’ve recently made that is benefiting my self-care (maybe in ways that I didn’t anticipate) and panning out better than I expected In this season, what are the things that are helping me take care of my body physically, mentally, spiritually? What is currently making me feel inspired and like my dreams for the future are that much more possible? What is one activity that after I do it, I always feel more like myself? Also mentioned in the episode Do authors benefit from Libraries? John Green answers on Instagram Canadian Tire Nail Polish Caddy - It's not really for nailpolish.... Julia Child Eggy Pancake - a 24 second demonstration! Hannah Louise Poston on YouTube You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! Links within this description may be Amazon affiliated, which also gives the podcast a teeny tiny bit of financial help. And with the bi-weekly episode release schedule make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss when the new episodes drop. I love to connect with listeners, you can swing by to say hi on Instagram, @medium.lady Music is Climb by The Ghost in Your Piano. I'm grateful for its use via creative commons license.

Hello, hi! Today’s episode covers a review of some books I read in the Summer of 2022. I’ve included 3 books I loved, 2 books I liked, one book that was a bummer and one book I’m obsessed with! I hope you find at least one book to add to your future reading pile. What did you read this summer? What did you like? What did you dislike? Reflecting on that experience will always bring you closer to your reading sweet spot! You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! Links within this description may be an Amazon affiliate, which also gives the podcast a teeny tiny bit of financial help. And with the bi-weekly episode release schedule make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss when the new episodes drop. I love to connect with listeners, you can swing by to say hi on Instagram, @medium.lady Music is Climb by The Ghost in Your Piano. I'm grateful for its use via creative commons license. Booked mentioned in this Episode Yerba Buena by Nina Lacour Jameela Green Runis Everything by Zarqa Nawaz The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams An Unthinkable Thing by Nicole Lundrigan Sister Stardust by Jane Green - and the spotify Reading Soundtrack Last One Alive by Amber Cowie Tomorrow and tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin Also mentioned in this Episode Not the same Good Housekeeping article but still a good one on diverse reads Cozy Christmas Reads with Ali and Jillian Your Summer Reading Pile with Ali O Find me on Good Reads Find me on Spotify

Hello, hi! Are you having a bad day, or perhaps you're in the midst of a few bad days? Today's episode covers my approach to parent myself when I've experienced my own bad days. Self-parenting is an idea that empowers us to care for our inner child as we re-wire our coping strategies to manage stress and discomfort. Here are my tips for self-parenting through a bad day: 1. Know yourself 2. Know your day 3. Lower the Bar 4. Practice Bursts of Self-Compassion 5. Notice Relief 6. Remember all Bad days eventually End You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! And with the bi-weekly episode release schedule make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss when the new episodes drop. I love to connect with listeners, you can swing by to say hi on Instagram, @medium.lady Music is Climb by The Ghost in Your Piano. I'm grateful for its use via creative commons license.

Hello, hi! Today's episode features my husband and partner Nick! We go into a deep chat about video games: the games we've played together, what makes video games great for kids and games Nick recommends. Video games they're kind of like books? Kind of? You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! Links within this description may be Amazon affiliated, which also gives the podcast a teeny tiny bit of financial help. And with the bi-weekly episode release schedule make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss when the new episodes drop. I love to connect with listeners, you can swing by to say hi on Instagram, @medium.lady Music is Climb by The Ghost in Your Piano. I'm grateful for its use via creative commons license.

This episode is a repost of Episode 19 that aired on September 9th, 2021. Hello, hi! Is it just me, or is this September coming in hot with BIG FALL ENERGY? Grab your journal and join me as I walk through a few reflective exercises to align my efforts and fun this September and work to shed some of the ongoing resistance I've been feeling towards the end of summer 2021. This episode you can expect to hear my musings on the following: - What IS IT about September that makes it so darn unique? - What did September mean to you (and to me) growing up? - What am I resistant to this September? - What am I excited for this September? This episode is an example of my monthly practice to design my monthly experiments in a way that makes me live my life with intention and purpose. If that sounds fun to you, I hope you'll join me over on Instagram @medium.lady! Music is Climb by The Ghost in the Piano and I'm grateful for its use with creative commons license.

Hello hi! Today's episode wraps up the 4-part series Medium Lady Reads for the month of July. And I saved the juciest takes for last with these "Red Flag Reads". These are 4 books I read that are 1 star reviews (or less!). I'll break down what I didn't like about these books, I'll talk about what makes them problematic for readers, and I'll even use that as fuel to help pick better books in the future. This is a new style for me so if you have thoughts and opinions I would love to hear them on Instagram where you can find me @medium.lady, make sure to follow me there for more content. You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! Links within this description may be Amazon affiliated, which also gives the podcast a teeny tiny bit of financial help. And with the bi-weekly episode release schedule make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss when the new episodes drop. I love to connect with listeners, you can swing by to say hi on Instagram, @medium.lady Music is Climb by The Ghost in Your Piano. I'm grateful for its use via creative commons license.

Hello, hi! Today's episode is a fun one where I pair books with your summer profile. Are you travelling this summer, or staying home? Do you have a little bit of time to read, or a lot? Are you looking for romance or thriller? This episode will help. you think through the next perfect choice when it comes to answering the question "What should I read next?" Book recommendations in no particular order: Season for Second Chances by Jenny Bayliss Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat by Samin Nosrat Hench by Natalie Zina Walschot Laziness Does Not Exist by Devon Price The Midnight Library by Matt Haig Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood One for Sorrow by Helen Fields Seasonal Work by Laura Lippman You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! Links within this description may be Amazon affiliated, which also gives the podcast a teeny tiny bit of financial help. And with the bi-weekly episode release schedule make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss when the new episodes drop. I love to connect with listeners, you can swing by to say hi on Instagram, @medium.lady Music is Climb by The Ghost in Your Piano. I'm grateful for its use via creative commons license.

Hello, hi! Have you ever finished a book and felt the empty space it leaves behind in your life? Either the writing, the characters, or the plot line contributes so much to your sense of happiness and satisfaction that when you come to the final chapter you just wonder “how am I supposed to go on?” I don’t know any book lover who hasn’t experienced this feeling- a general sense of wanting MORE after a book ends. And while book endings are a pretty finite experience (the book is in fact over and no there aren’t any extra chapters you ought have missed) today’s episode covers a few activities I find myself indulging in to prolong the experience a wonderful book can provide. Books mentioned: The only books I have re-read! The Harry Potter Series - particularly the audiobook read by Jim Dale Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery Little Women by Louisa May Alcott Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese Read Black Girls Must Die Exhausted by Jayne Allen then listen to Episode 22 my interview with Jayne to prolong your love of the book! You can find my Reading SoundtracksTM on Spotify (I’m Medium Lady there too!): The House in the Cerulean Sea soundtrack The Once and Future Witches soundtrack You can find the amazing pastry account I mention @pieladybooks. The artist’s name is Steph and her account is nothing but pie and book joy. You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! Links within this description may be Amazon affiliated, which also gives the podcast a teeny tiny bit of financial help. And with the bi-weekly episode release schedule make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss when the new episodes drop. I love to connect with listeners, you can swing by to say hi on Instagram, @medium.lady Music is Climb by The Ghost in Your Piano. I'm grateful for its use via creative commons license.

Hello, hi! We're doing a full month of Book Related Episodes for July on MLT! Medium Lady Talks is going to transform to Medium Lady Reads :) Kicking it off is this first episode of sure-fire home run recommendations for your summer reading. These are the 5 Medium Lady Must reads from all of the books I read in the Spring of 2022: Set Boundaries Find Peace, by Nedra Glover Tawwab The Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune Anxious People by Frederik Bachman You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! Links within this description may be Amazon affiliated, which also gives the podcast a teeny tiny bit of financial help. And with the bi-weekly episode release schedule make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss when the new episodes drop. I love to connect with listeners, you can swing by to say hi on Instagram, @medium.lady Music is Climb by The Ghost in Your Piano. I'm grateful for its use via creative commons license.

Hello hi! Today's episode is a repost from the MLT archives, Episode 4, Medium Lady Talks about Doing Hard Things. I decided to post this episode again, because I'm once again faced with doing hard things - I'm holding myself accountable to not be complacent or helpless in the face of my current reality. I'm leaning into everything I've learned about how strong and resilient I am to do the next best thing. I hope you enjoy this episode and think about your own list of hard things you've done, to act as fuel for the next hard things to come. We can do this. You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! And with the bi-weekly episode release schedule make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss when the new episodes drop. I love to connect with listeners, you can swing by to say hi on Instagram, @medium.lady Music is Climb by The Ghost in Your Piano. I'm grateful for its use via creative commons license.

Hello, hi! Today’s episode is a bit of my own reflections on a road trip, followed by an uplifting and encouraging interview with writing coach and ghost writer Jennifer Locke from jenniferlockewrites.com and @jenniferlockewrites on Instagram (if you want to jump to the interview head to the 20 minute mark!). During our chat we talked about the process of evolving your creative process, how to commit and prioritize book writing (or any creative process) and how to reconnect with self-compassion and discovery along the way. Jennifer referenced a TON of fascinating things to read, listen to and watch! Here they are*: Cheryl Strayed Tiny Beautiful Things Anne Lamott’s beautiful writing advice The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin - Jennifer is an Upholder - I’m an obliger! The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron We Should All be Millionaires an Audiobook by Rachel Rogers Laziness Does Not Exist by Devon Price Hacks on HBO Max - YouTube trailer here! I’ll Show Myself Out by Jessi Klein *links to amazon affiliate - of which I may earn a very small commission that goes to support the pod. You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! And with the bi-weekly episode release schedule make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss when the new episodes drop. I love to connect with listeners, you can swing by to say hi on Instagram, @medium.lady Music is Climb by The Ghost in Your Piano. I'm grateful for its use via creative commons license.

Hello, hi! Today I'm joined by two of my favourite people in the whole world, my best friends Sarah and Emily. We decided to each write a few "deep" questions for one another and spend some time in conversation and letting the time pass while getting to know one another better. I love this medium effort opportunity for friends to spend time together, and I actually can't wait to do it again. Would you try this with your friends? Be sure to connect with me on Instagram @medium.lady, I would love to hear what you thought of this week's episode. If you want to use the questions we created for today's episode here they are (in no particular order) If you could take a time machine to your 18 year old self, what advice would you give yourself? Design your dream house If you were an app or software program which would you be? What popular media/tv/music do you hate and why? Describe an outfit that makes you feel like your best self You have only one minute for self-care, what do you do? If your 20 year old self could see you now what would they be most proud of? What area of your life is most affected by imposter syndrome? You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! And with the bi-weekly episode release schedule make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss when the new episodes drop. I love to connect with listeners, you can swing by to say hi on Instagram, @medium.lady Music is Climb by The Ghost in Your Piano. I'm grateful for its use via creative commons license.

Hello, hi! This is the final episode in my three part series on podcasting for beginners and everything I learned after one year of podcasting. The last two episodes, Episode 33 and 34 discuss my pointers for the podcasting process for beginners and 5 things that I’ve learned. Today as the final episode is going to be Five more things I learned after podcasting for a year. And if you’re a regular listener of MLT you’ll know that when my episodes end on the “5” I usually do a series called 5 Things to try right now. So instead of that, we’ll talk about 5 things to try if you consider yourself a “creative” or someone in the active pursuit of a robust creative life. And if you’re not a person with a podcast or a creative side hustle (or side stroll) I hope you'll keep listening and this episode will help to remove barriers associated with our perception of creativity as a product rather than a fulfilling process. You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! And with the bi-weekly episode release schedule make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss when the new episodes drop. I love to connect with listeners, you can swing by to say hi on Instagram, @medium.lady Music is Climb by The Ghost in Your Piano. I'm grateful for its use via creative commons license.

Hello, hi! This second episode is going to be the first five things I learned after one year of podcasting (or being a creator). Now, I hope you’ll hold tight through this episode even if you're NOT interested in starting your own podcast because I think these ten things (5 things in this episode and 5 things next week) are actually useful ways of thinking about anything that you might spend one year practicing, and being bad at, experimenting and learning about. This episode is very much about the creative journey. Help is the only way forward Technology is all about perspective Let your point of view evolve - but have one nevertheless Listen to your own stuff and laugh at your own jokes Let your audience surprise you Some other things in this episode: My Blue Snowball Microphone can be found on Amazon Audacity software can be downloaded here for PC or Mac You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! And with the bi-weekly episode release schedule make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss when the new episodes drop. I love to connect with listeners, you can swing by to say hi on Instagram, @medium.lady Music is Climb by The Ghost in Your Piano. I'm grateful for its use via creative commons license.

Hello, hi! Today I'm looking back on everything I've learned after 1 year of podcasting. This episode will cover my podcasting process and review the following a) Drafting b) Recording c) Editing d) Posting e) Promoting! Also I ask 5 questions you need to ask yourself if you're interested in starting your own podcast! You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! And with the bi-weekly episode release schedule make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss when the new episodes drop. I love to connect with listeners, you can swing by to say hi on Instagram, @medium.lady Music is Climb by The Ghost in Your Piano. I'm grateful for its use via creative commons license.

Hello, hi! Today's episode brings us back after a March hiatus to talk about Books!! I read 15 books from January to March of 2022 and I review them all in this episode. My general framework for reviews includes: Probably pass - the books I think you won't miss if you never read them Know yourself - the books that have specific characteristics that mean they aren't for everyone Medium Lady Must reads - the books I personally think have something to offer every reader and will bring the joy of reading to my listeners Let me know what you read this winter? Join in on the conversation after the episode on Instagram @medium.lady! I'll see you there :) You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! And with the bi-weekly episode release schedule make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss when the new episodes drop. I love to connect with listeners, you can swing by to say hi on Instagram, @medium.lady This episode was edited and produced by Hannah Vandeven Dong. Music is Climb by The Ghost in Your Piano. I'm grateful for its use via creative commons license.

Hello, hi! We’re going to talk about music today, and playlists specifically, why I love music, and how playlists serve my personal motto of medium effort and mindful fun. Plus I’m going to talk about the Low, High and Medium Effort ways to build a playlist and get enjoyment from them. *note: I talk A LOT about Spotify in this episode, but this content is not sponsored in anyway. I just love Spotify. ~~~ Playlists mentioned: What I found in the Winter by Medium Lady Winter'ish by Medium Lady Classic Family Flicks by Spotify Best Instrumental by The Lazy Genius Kendra Adachi Also mentioned: secondhandsongs.com You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! And with the bi-weekly episode release schedule make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss when the new episodes drop. I love to connect with listeners, you can swing by to say hi on Instagram, @medium.lady Music is Climb by The Ghost in Your Piano. I'm grateful for its use via creative commons license.

Hello, hi! Today I'm joined by my partner Nick, to talk about being introverted and extroverted in our marriage. We talk about when we knew we were extroverted/introverted and how it makes things easier or harder when you're partnered! Listen to hear what's great about being married to an extrovert or introvert and hear which of us would switch to the other type if we could! Also mentioned in the episode: Quiet: The Power of Introverts by Susan Cain Married to an Introvert - tips for extroverts What Introverts Married to Extroverts Need to Know - First Things First You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! And with the bi-weekly episode release schedule make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss when the new episodes drop. I love to connect with listeners, you can swing by to say hi on Instagram, @medium.lady Music is Climb by The Ghost in Your Piano. I'm grateful for its use via creative commons license.

Hello, hi! I'm excited to welcome back Bridget Baker from @bridgetbakerminimalistmojo to chat with me about aspirational clutter. The new season of Medium Lady Talks felt like a great time to kick off some practical tips and thoughtful reflections on clutter and why we "acquire to aspire." Bridget and I also discuss: - Brene Brown's new book "Atlas of the Heart." - Zoodlers and Zoodles (we say this word many times in the episode) - Do you have any of these items taking up space in your home? You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! And with the bi-weekly episode release schedule make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss when the new episodes drop. I love to connect with listeners, you can swing by to say hi on Instagram, @medium.lady Music is Climb by The Ghost in Your Piano. I'm grateful for its use via creative commons license.

Hello, hi! Welcome to Season 2 of Medium Lady Talks! This week's episode talks about something most of us are familiar with at this point of 2022, getting sick. This episode covers my reflections on being sick in early January and what I've learned about how to take care when feeling the effects of illness. While this episode specifically covers "cold season" type illness, with symptoms that resolve and improve - I would invite anyone with experience with chronic illness or recurrent illness to connect on Instagram @medium.lady. This episode focuses on my own personal experience and invites you to reflect on yours, its not designed to be prescriptive or all-encompassing. If these tips help you, that's great! Here are the tips in the episode: 1. Sick doesn't equal Sad 2. Sick doesn't move in a straight line 3. Stay still when you're sick 4. You have the time to be sick You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! And with the bi-weekly episode release schedule make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss when the new episodes drop. I love to connect with listeners, you can swing by to say hi on Instagram, @medium.lady Music is Climb by The Ghost in Your Piano. I'm grateful for its use via creative commons license.

Hello, hi! Today's episode is all about the books I read this fall/early winter. I'll do a deep dive (or at least a medium dive) on the 17 books I read and give my recommendations to "probably pass", "Medium Lady Must Reads" and the know yourself books in the middle. Knowing yourself, when it comes to building a robust reading habit, is really key. When you know what you like, and what you don't, you can reach for more books that align with what you like. And when you know what to reach for, you just keep reading! Books mentioned today, in no particular order: Think Again by Adam Grant All in by Billie Jean King Home Style Cookery by Matty Matheson Yearbook by Seth Rogen The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé Black Girls Must Die Exhausted by Jayne Allen The Accidental Apprentice by Amanda Foody The Secret, Book and Scone Society by Ellery Adams Blaze Island by Catherine Bush Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory Party of Two by Jasmine Guillory Very Sincerely Yours by Kerry Winfrey Matrix by Lauren Groff The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang The Birch Bark House by Louise Erdrich The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo Now, Discover Your Strengths by Donald Clifton Indians on Vacation by Thomas King Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant On the Come Up by Angie Thomas Five Little Indians by Michelle Good Big Summer and That Summer by Jennifer Weiner 11/22/63 by Stephen King Also in the Episode:l The concept of Time Anxiety coined by my podcast idol @laura.tremaine you can hear her talk about that here The Currently Reading podcast My other book related episodes Episode 1, Episode 8, Episode 18 The Cozy Christmas Reads Episode 26 with Ali and Jillian Episode 22 My Interview with Jayne Allen author of Black Girls Must Die Exhausted You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! And with the bi-weekly episode release schedule make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss when the new episodes drop. I love to connect with listeners, you can swing by to say hi on Instagram, @medium.lady. Music is Climb by The Ghost in Your Piano. I'm grateful for its use via creative commons license.

Hello, hi! Today on the podcast I’m joined by my reader friends Ali Oppenlaender (from Episode 14) and Jillian O’Keefe to talk about Cozy Christmas reading and our recommendations for your best choices for reading by the Christmas tree with your favourite seasonal drinks. We hope you feel supported and inspired to plan out your holiday reading, embracing seasonal reading and the general vibe of reading during a winter holiday. Plus we’ll talk about the best ways of getting book recommendations, why we use Goodreads (or not!) to track our reading, and our favourite time of day for reading (spoiler: all times of day). Ali on Instagram - @alioppenlaender Jillian on Instagram - @jillianfindinghappy (DM her for the Goodreads friend request!) As always please connect with me over on Instagram, @medium.lady and let me know what's on your holiday reading pile. Books recommended, in alphabetical order: A Season for Second Chances by Jenny Bayliss The City Baker’s Guide to Country Living by Louise Miller The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory Still Life by Louise Penny And my number one recommendation any time of year will always be Little Women by Louisa May Alcott Music is Climb by the Ghost in the Piano and used with my gratitude and creative commons license

Hello, hi! As today's episode ends in a "5", I'll be sharing five things for you to try right now, and for this season of life. I love these episodes because I often pull from my own ideas and archives from writing on Instagram, but I also curate a few of my favourite things, or the items really making me happy lately. Advent of kindness: especially kindness to strangers! More on my writing about that here. I really find now is the opportunity for us to look for new ways to find connection in our communities, especially when current rhetoric would have us believe we're divided and against one another. Ornaments with a sense of humour! I share a bit about a transformative experience when I purchased two ballerina ornaments, and I've never looked back! Ornaments are a small, low cost joy bringer and I definitely recommend you find one that makes you happy for your tree this year. Personalized gifts. I can't get enough of gifts that are monnogrammed, use the recipients initials or name, and finally personalized photo gifts! There's nothing quite like a gift that can only be given to you! See your home with new eyes: The holidays are a time when we're innundated with options to spend money, time, or effort on transforming our homes. See your home with new eyes that allow you to experience a sense of gratitude around your space and the place you take shelter and rest, or celebrate this time of year with loved ones. Really really specific playlists: Building a playlist is a perfect example of "mindful fun". It requires focus, it's sensory and it has a wonderful sense of starting and stopping. Here's a link to my latest Christmas Carol playlist I hope you enjoy! You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! And with the bi-weekly episode release schedule make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss when the new episodes drop. I love to connect with listeners, you can swing by to say hi on Instagram, @medium.lady. Music is Climb by The Ghost in Your Piano. I'm grateful for its use via creative commons license.

What does it take to be a friend in your late 30s? Is scheduling the answer to everything? Is technology a good thing or a bad thing for your friendship? What does it take to be a friend as the pandemic comes to a close - do you have enough personal grace to navigate your way back to your relationships after the end of lockdowns or the transition of your friendships from online to real-line? Can you record an entertaining podcast in a mid-range sedan, from the parking lot of a BBQ joint? The answer to most of these questions is YES! I hope you enjoy this chat with two of my oldest friends as we describe the seasons that we’ve experienced throughout our friendship of almost 30 years. We get into our (very) specific friendship as well as the new friends we’ve made as adults and how hard/easy that has been for us. Spoiler alert: some of us made mistakes along the way. Also mentioned The Lobster by the Gloaming “possibly the most spectacular instrumental piece of music that has ever existed”- Emily Taylor Leonhardt “another Taylor” specifically Happy or Whatever, Keep me Around Change your Life Chicken from the Lazy Genius “I have to hold off and only make this once a week.” - Sarah Fear the Walking Dead “there’s so many seasons, how much more could you have?” -Erin Never Have I Ever “partway through I realized I might be attracted to Paxton Hall-Yoshida” -Erin (ps it's ok he's a grownup) Ted Lasso “This new kind of character on television that’s emerging.” - Sarah

Hello, hi! Today's episode is with my friend Stephanie Cunningham @steffski on Instagram. Steph's internet handle is “Wellness+Realness” and what I love about following her is that’s exactly what you get. She's often posting inspiring and aspirational content, followed by her openness about raising small kids, finding balance, and showing up in the challenge to make the next best decision. Steph and I also talk about an IGTV live that we did a year ago to talk about goal setting, prioritization and putting things in motion for three months. Spoiler alert - we barely did the things we chose to do! But instead we talk about what we might have done if we could go back in time! Also mentioned in this episode: THIS C.S. Lewis quote My Monthly Experiments - the most recent of which can always be found in my IG highlights @medium.lady Pamela Pumpkin - Stephanie's now annual reel tradition You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! And with the bi-weekly episode release schedule make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss when the new episodes drop. I love to connect with listeners, you can swing by to say hi on Instagram, @medium.lady Music is Climb by The Ghost in Your Piano. I'm grateful for its use via creative commons license.

Hello, hi! Today's episode is an exciting one, it's my first interview with an author! I'm interviewing Jayne Allen author of the recently released, must-read novel "Black Girls Must Die Exhausted". Jayne and I have a wonderful heart to heart unpacking the themes in her book. We talk about the choices she made with her title, the intentionality behind her cast of characters, as well as the approach she takes to boundary setting and creating art. I know you will love this conversation as much as I did. You can find Jayne on Instagram @jayneallenwrites or join her email list at www.jayneallen.com. You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! And with the bi-weekly episode release schedule make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss when the new episodes drop. I love to connect with listeners, you can swing by to say hi on Instagram, @medium.lady. Music is Climb by The Ghost in Your Piano. I'm grateful for its use via creative commons license.

Hello, hi! Today's episode is extra special for two reasons - it is my TWENTIETH episode and it is with my partner and husband Nick (who I also affectionately dub "handsome face"). Nick and I chat (well Nick chats, and I giggle) over 4 randomly selected questions, we offer ourselves a bit of advice and we mostly just enjoy each others company. The microphone was just along for the ride. If you enjoyed this episode please come and hang out with me over on Instagram, @medium.lady. And if you loved this episode don't forget to give it a rating and review. If you know a Medium Lady or Handsome Face in your life who would enjoy this episode go ahead and share it with them! Other things in this episode: ~ This question about managing marital bliss on Quora ~ Was friends filmed in front of a live studio audience? ~ Corporate speak gets pretty bad...amirite? Music is Climb by The Ghost in the Piano and I'm grateful for its use via creative commons license.

Hello, hi! Is it just me, or is this September coming in hot with BIG FALL ENERGY? Grab your journal and join me as I walk through a few reflective exercises to align my efforts and fun this September and work to shed some of the ongoing resistance I've been feeling towards the end of summer 2021. This episode you can expect to hear my musings on the following: - What IS IT about September that makes it so darn unique? - What did September mean to you (and to me) growing up? - What am I resistant to this September? - What am I excited for this September? This episode is an example of my monthly practice to design my monthly experiments in a way that makes me live my life with intention and purpose. If that sounds fun to you, I hope you'll join me over on Instagram @medium.lady! Music is Climb by The Ghost in the Piano and I'm grateful for its use with creative commons license.

Hello, hi! Today's episode is all about the books I read this summer, and I'll give you advice to Read IT or... Don't! And of course my favourite "Know Yourself" category in the middle. Knowing yourself, when it comes to building a robust reading habit, is really key. When you know what you like, and what you don't, you can reach for more books that align with what you like. And when you know what to reach for, you just keep reading! Books mentioned today, in no particular order: Mindset by Carol Dweck The Bridgerton Series by Julia Quinn You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo Now, Discover Your Strengths by Donald Clifton Indians on Vacation by Thomas King Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant On the Come Up by Angie Thomas Five Little Indians by Michelle Good Big Summer and That Summer by Jennifer Weiner 11/22/63 by Stephen King Also mentioned in this episode, Episode 12 all about Growth Mindset Episode 14 Your Summer Reading Pile with Ali Oppenlaender My writing and other musings can be found on Instagram @medium.lady please head over there and shoot me a DM! The epic Goodreads review of 11/22/63 by Gatorman in 2011 Music is Climb by Ghost in the Piano and I'm grateful for its use by creative commons license.

Hello, hi! Today's podcast is all about the Skin Care Olympics awarded by me and my dear friend Sarah Rich from @getnormal on Instagram. Sarah and I are very old and dear friends who love nerding out on all things beauty together, and we figured the recent Tokyo Olympics provided us with a great theme to chat about some of our most (and least) loved products. Before the conversation with Sarah, I also experiment with some less refined, more spontaneous chat about my thoughts regarding the conversation, my friendship with Sarah and the idea of not taking yourself too seriously. I hope you love this episode as much as I do! If you'd prefer the video version, it can be found on my Instagram IGTV page @medium.lady. PRODUCTS THAT STUCK THE LANDING Sarah: Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops Erin: E.L.F Holy Hydration Face Cream REPEAT MEDALIST Sarah: Lush Eau Roma Water Toner Erin: Cerave PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion BEST ALL AROUND ATHLETE Sarah: Weleda Skin Food Light Nourishing Cream Erin: Pixi Glow Tonic DID NOT FINISH Sarah: Cerave Skin Renewing Cream Serum Erin: the general category of Face Masks OBSCURE SPORT Sarah: Paula’s Choice Tranexamic Acid Erin: Dieux Forever Eye Masks, Silver Medal to the general category of Oil Cleansers PERSONAL BEST Sarah: Northlore Rosehip Seed Facial Serum Erin: Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Facial Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid LAST PLACE Sarah: The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil Erin: any Chemical Sunscreen ALSO MENTIONED: ~Charlotte Palermino @charlotteparler on Instagram - skin care influencer ~Dermatologist Dr. Dray on YouTube - real talk about ingredients from a doctor ~Clara Hughes is a multi medalist from Canada who I incorrectly name as a skier - she is infact a Speed Skater and hellur badass. ~Paula Begoun the “Cosmetics Cop” and beauty mogul behind Paula’s Choice skin care and unfortunate moniker ~Sarah and I continue to experiment with sunscreen - Physical sunscreens including Coppertone Pure and Simple Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 and Sun Bum Clear Zinc Oxide Face Cream 50 SPF ~Gwenyth Paltrow’s shenanigans with sunscreen - come on Gwennie tell us you're kidding... Music is Climb by Ghost in the Piano, as always I'm extremely grateful for it's free use under creative commons licensing.

Hello, hi! This week's podcast episode is all about an experiment I've been doing with a Monthly Wishlist. This has given me lots of thoughts about Medium Effort, Mindful Fun, and shopping! WHY YOUR WISHLIST IS MEDIUM EFFORT: A wishlist does require a bit of planning and a bit of a break from the "want it/need it/got it" reaction. I'll talk a bit about why the discomfort of the pandemic resulted in me leaning into online shopping as a way to disconnect from discomfort, and the effort of a wish list helped me understand that better. WHAT GOES ON THE WISH LIST: You get to decide what goes on your own wish list. For me, it's all the items that make me feel like I could change myself, my appearance or my life just a little bit, if only I could buy the "perfect item". But you get to decide what goes on the wish list. WHEN TO USE THE WISH LIST: For me, I love a monthly cycle, and the fresh start that turning the calendar pages provides. At the beginning of the month I check in with the wish list and make some mindful purchases. And then I go back to putting things on the wish list. Sometimes I forget what's on the wish list, and sometimes, I'm really excited to finally make a purchase and bring it into my life. What do you think of this idea of a wish list? Would you give it a try? Let's me know your thoughts on Instagram @medium.lady! Music is Climb by The Ghost in the Piano, and I'm grateful for its use through creative commons license.

Hello, hi! Today's episode ends with a five so it's back to my series on 5 things to try right now. I hope you'll try one or some, or all of them! If you do please connect with me on Instagram, I'd love to hear your thoughts @medium.lady! 1. Ask yourself "WHAT IF IT ALL WORKS OUT, WHAT IF MY HARD WORK PAYS OFF" 2. GO DEEP ON YOUR STRENGTHS then put it on the back burner and stop thinking about it so much 3. REFRESH YOUR INSTAGRAM FEED WITH HASHTAGS. Here are a few that have contributed to changing my relationship with the algorithm this year: #amplifymelanatedvoices #shelvesofdiversity #diversifyyourbookshelf #disabledandcute #disabledfashion #fatpeopleareaspirational #pinterestbutmakeitfat #indigenousfashion 4. REVIEW THE LAST PRODUCT YOU USED UP - Bonus points if you use this as a point of conversation and ask someone to review what they're using! 5. EAT VACATION LUNCH: made fresh, eaten outdoors with a cold drink. I'm going to try doing this more often, and even ditch my phone! You can find my meal tips and tricks in my Instagram highlights. Music is Climb by The Ghost in the Piano, I'm grateful for its availability for use with creative commons license.

Hello, hi! Are you prepared for summer reading!? Summer reading can feel high effort - you want to read what all the cool kids are reading and be able to talk about the latest summer releases. But what about the back list? What about the library? Join me as I chat books with my friend Alison Oppenlaender! We'll each recommend a book for your summer reading pile and ALL of our book recommendations are from the backlist. Library users unite! You're going to want to listen and make some plans for your summer reading in advance. Using MEDIUM EFFORT, figure out what you want to read, and then just focus on reading those books! Don't worry about all the Book Fomo this summer ;) Our book recommendations include our "reading sweet spot", a book we always recommend, a book that surprised us and the ONE book you should read this summer.... As always please connect with me over on Instagram, @medium.lady and let me know what's on your summer reading pile. Books recommended, in no particular order: 112263 by Stephen King Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant Get a Life Chloe Brown, by Talia Hibbert The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid Music is Climb by the Ghost in the Piano and used with my gratitude and creative commons license