Medium Lady Talks: Burnout Recovery for Millennials and Mothers

Episode 134: Stay Curious - How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #3

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: mediumladytalks@gmail.com 
Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify
Instagram: @mediumladyreads

Episode 133: Name Your Needs - How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #2

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: mediumladytalks@gmail.com 
Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify
Instagram: @mediumladyreads

Episode 132: Say YES to Help - How To Take Care Of Yourself Insight #1

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: mediumladytalks@gmail.com 
Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify
Instagram: @mediumladyreads
 

Episode 131: Why is Taking Care of Yourself So Hard?

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: mediumladytalks@gmail.com 
Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify
Instagram: @mediumladyreads

[REPOST] Episode 97: Are You Ready to Go Out of Your Way to Make Life More Enjoyable?

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: mediumladytalks@gmail.com 
Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify
Instagram: @mediumladyreads
Gratitude Coaching: waitlist link
 

Episode 130: When the Cheerleader Needs a Pep Talk: Navigating Depression & Identity with podcast host Ashlie Daigle

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: mediumladytalks@gmail.com 
Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify
Instagram: @mediumladyreads

Episode 129: You Better Keep It Up Cutie with guest Anna Przy

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: mediumladytalks@gmail.com 
Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify
Instagram: @mediumladyreads

Episode 128: How to Bring Your Authentic Self To Your Friendships - With Helene and Christina from the It's Your Birth Day podcast

Hello, hi and welcome to the first interview for Season 5 of Medium Lady Talks! In this episode, I chat with Helen Schrute and Christina Cohen, therapists and hosts of the It’s YOUR Birthday Podcast. We’re talking all about friendship, partnership, trust and navigating the messy middle of life with your bestie by your side.
Episode Summary:
In this episode, you’ll hear more from my guests about:- The incredible story of their individual challenges and how navigating a cancer diagnosis and grief after the death of a parent brought them even closer to supporting one another.
Christina and Helene share the nuance of the closeness of their friendship and balancing the risk of a creative enterprise together - effectively becoming business partners- and how they navigate that.
Even when you have an easy connection with a friend, it still requires your time, attention and energy to keep nurturing the relationship, in addition to boundaries and commitment!
The Its YOUR Birthday Podcast is all about teaching women to navigate external expectations, to let go of pressure and celebrate who they want to be. 
Why deep friendship requires a bit of risk and authenticity 
Christina and Helene share the concept of “the messy middle” and why you have to tackle it before you get to a place where you can celebrate yourself daily - but don’t worry we’re also there to guide you with the tools and mindset to see the mess for the gift that it is.
Using the “traffic light” visual to help you place where you are on your journey and how to meet your needs.
The messy middle can also be kind of a “comfy” place for people reluctant to take their first vulnerable step towards change - we talk about some medium effort ways to make those moves and advance on the green light of your own life.
We wrap up with a discussion about self-celebration: how do you acknowledge when you’re getting what you want out of life? How do you make that a true party?
By the end of this episode, you’ll feel equipped and inspired to choose a guiding need for 2025 that aligns with your values and supports your well-being.
 
Other Episodes you might like:
Episode 117: Medium Effort Advice: Help, I’m doing too much, and none of it well!
Episode 68: Is Friendship a Type of Self-Care with Roz and Erin in the Valley
Don’t miss my episode on It’s YOUR Birth Day : Episode 30: The Gift of Finding YOURSELF
 
Medium Lady Reads Episode 35 - We’re Back with our 2025 Reading Goals!
Connect with Helene and Christina
Instagram: @itsyourbirthdayofficial 
Website: www.yourbirthdaypodcast.com 
Connect with Erin:
Instagram: @medium.lady
Email: mediumladytalks@gmail.com 
Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify
Instagram: @mediumladyreads

Episode 127: What Five Years as a Content Creator Taught Me About Mindfulness and Motherhood

Medium Lady Talks is heading into its fifth season! Five years ago, I started creating content—on Instagram, on this podcast, and in this incredible community. Over time, I’ve learned so much, not just about content creation, but about self-care, burnout, and the evolving nature of identity as a mom and a creator.
In this episode, I’m sharing five key lessons from five years of content creation—the hard-won truths about sustainability, creativity, and growth that have shaped both my work and my life. Whether you’re a fellow creator, a working mom, or just someone trying to live more intentionally, I think you’ll find something here for you.
In this episode, we’ll talk about:
Why hustling isn’t the key to success (and what is)
How self-care is a foundation, not a reward
The fluid nature of identity—and why that’s a good thing
Recognizing burnout before it sneaks up on you
Why community matters more than metrics (and how to nurture it)
📖 Referenced in this episode:
Atomic Habits by James Clear – Get the book at your library here
Episode 109: Medium Lady Unfiltered – Three Truths about Motherhood Content on TikTok and Instagram – Listen on Spotify
My guest appearance on It’s YOUR Birthday Podcast with Helene & Christina – Listen on Spotify
🎥 Get More Exclusive Content on Patreon!If you love this episode and want to dive deeper into mindful planning, self-care, and seasonal reflection, check out Your Mindful Month! This Patreon-exclusive offering includes:✅ Monthly planning prompts & self-care tools (Basics tier)✅ Weekly emails with guided reflections & mindful fun activities (Basics tier)✅ A seasonal Zoom call with our community (Foundations tier)✅ Seasonal pre-recorded workshops with slides to help you integrate these practices into your life (Foundations tier)
Plus, you can now watch Medium Lady Talks on video! The video version of the podcast is also exclusively available on Patreon. 🎥
Join us on Patreon today!
💌 Let’s Connect!📸 Instagram: @medium.lady🌎 Website: **coming soon!**💡 Patreon: Your Mindful Month & Medium Lady on Video
If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love if you could take a moment to use the share button and send to a friend—it helps more people find the show and be part of this incredible community. 💛

Episode 126: Hear Me Out: Choose a "Need of the Year" Instead of a "Word of the Year"

Hello, hi and welcome to the final episode of Medium Lady Talks for 2024! As we look ahead to 2025, I’m sharing a new and impactful approach to guide your personal growth: choosing a need of the year instead of a word of the year.
In this episode, I explore why focusing on your needs can help you take more intentional and meaningful action to support your emotional and mental well-being. Plus, we’re spinning the “Wheel of Needs” to dive into four powerful areas: Honesty, Purpose, Stability and Hope. I also introduce the importance of joy and contribution as essential needs that recharge our emotional batteries and remind us of our capacity to make an impact.
Episode Summary:
In this episode, you’ll learn:- Why "words of the year" often fall short and how needs provide a more actionable focus.- How to identify your own need for 2025—and how to start meeting it.- Ways to bring lightness, fun, and meaning into your year through play and small contributions.
By the end of this episode, you’ll feel equipped and inspired to choose a guiding need for 2025 that aligns with your values and supports your well-being.
 
Other Episodes you might like:
Episode 124: Reclaiming Fun - Dozens of Free Ways to Enjoy Yourself (with Insight From the Medium Kids!) 
Episode 120: 9 Small Things My Husband Never Feels Guilty About with guest Handsome Face
Episode 117: Medium Effort Advice: Help, I’m doing too much, and none of it well!
Medium Lady Reads Episode 33- Cozy Christmas Reads 2024
Connect with Erin:
Instagram: @medium.lady
Email: mediumladytalks@gmail.com 
Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify
Instagram: @mediumladyreads