Medium Lady Talks: Burnout Recovery for Millennials and Mothers
Welcome to Medium Lady Talks, the podcast for burnt-out millennial moms who want to reclaim their time, energy, and joy—without the pressure of perfection. Host Erin, a working mom and mindful living advocate, shares refreshingly honest conversations and practical strategies to help you navigate motherhood, career, and self-care with medium effort. If you’re overwhelmed by unrealistic expectations and craving a more sustainable approach to life, you’re in the right place. Tune in for relatable insights on burnout recovery, self-care that actually fits your life, simplifying daily routines, and embracing imperfection with confidence. Through thought-provoking discussions, expert interviews, and personal reflections, Medium Lady Talks is your go-to resource for mindful, realistic growth—because you deserve a fulfilling life, not just a busy one. Let’s ditch the guilt, redefine success, and find joy in the small moments. Follow Erin on Instagram @medium.lady and start your journey to a more intentional, balanced life today.
Episodes

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

Monday May 19, 2025
Monday May 19, 2025
In this heartfelt episode of Medium Lady Talks, Erin is joined by filmmaker and memory-keeper Kalee Isbell, founder of Isbell Family Films, to explore how photography and family videos can become a vital tool in your self-care toolkit.
What starts as a chat about taking more selfies quickly unfolds into a deeper conversation about postpartum depression, creative healing, and the emotional power of seeing yourself—and your life—through a different lens.
Kalee shares how her journey began with a “One Second a Day” video project during her son’s first year, eventually leading her to discover joy and healing in documenting life’s quiet magic. With warmth and honesty, she reveals how editing home videos during postpartum depression offered her a new perspective that helped shift her mindset from overwhelm to appreciation.
Together, Erin and Kalee unpack:
Why photos can be part of presence, not separate from it
The science behind creativity and mental health recovery
How “prompting vs. perfectionism” can transform family photos
Tips for guilt-free memory-keeping (hint: outsourcing counts!)
Why you should take the photo with YOU in it, especially on the good days
A clever hack for milestone photos that reduces pressure and perfectionism
The emotional resonance of seeing your past self—and giving her some tenderness
Whether you’re navigating early motherhood, managing digital overwhelm, or looking for a low-lift way to prioritize your well-being, this episode is your gentle nudge to take the selfie, make the memory, and remember that being seen matters.
🎧 Tune in to learn:
How family filmmaking helped Kalee through postpartum depression
Why nostalgia can be a self-compassion tool
Ways to reclaim memory-making without pressure or guilt
Why your future self will thank you for the pictures you take today
💫 Connect with Kalee Isbell:
Website
Instagram
🧡 If this episode resonates with you:
Share it with a friend who needs a little extra encouragement
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more than you know
DM me on Instagram @medium.lady or tag your favorite quote from the episode
Subscribe for more real talk about building a life you love—one medium-effort step at a time
Looking for more support? Access exclusive content and mindful living tools on Patreon.
Join the conversation! Share one need you're naming today and tag @medium.lady on Instagram.
The series starts here! Episode 131: Why is Taking Care of Yourself So Hard?
Don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show!
Other Related Episodes (for your enjoyment):
Episode 132: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #1 - Say YES to Help
Episode 133: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #2 - Name your Needs
Episode 134: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #3 - Stay Curious
Episode 135: How to Take Care of Yourself Insight #4 - Celebrate Yourself
Medium Lady Reads Episode 41 - A Real Dud of a Thriller
Connect with Erin:
Instagram: @medium.lady
Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady
Email: mediumladytalks@gmail.com
Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify
Instagram: @mediumladyreads

Tuesday May 13, 2025
Tuesday May 13, 2025
In Episode 139 of Medium Lady Talks, I’m joined by floral designer and creative entrepreneur Jennifer Lasachuk, owner of The Paisley Rose in Mississauga. Jennifer has been running her floral business for nine years—exactly as long as she’s been a mom—and together we explore how matrescence and entrepreneurship often arrive hand-in-hand. As someone who launched Medium Lady when my youngest was born, I couldn’t relate more to her journey of identity, creativity, and growth.
We dig into what it really takes to thrive as a florist in a female-dominated profession often underestimated by mainstream narratives. Jennifer lovingly debunks the myths of the "bridezilla" and the "sweet florist main character," shining a light on the bold, practical, and deeply artistic work behind event floristry. She shares her grounded approach to dreaming big: believe in your vision, but back it up with logic and skill.
We also talk about what self-care looks like in the midst of personal transitions, including Jennifer's reflections on her separation, motherhood, and finding space for herself outside of the roles she holds for others.
✨ If you're a woman feeling the spark of something new, a creative dream that won’t let go—this episode is for you. As Jen says: “Trust that feeling in your body. You have to share it.”
Topics We Cover:
The parallel paths of motherhood and entrepreneurship
What matrescence teaches us about identity, ambition, and becoming
Busting floral industry myths and reclaiming the florist as a business leader
The behind-the-scenes truth about running a female-led creative business
Balancing big dreams with logic, skill, and resilience
Navigating self-care through personal transformation and separation
Why trusting your creative instincts matters more than perfection
Links Mentioned:Follow Jennifer and The Paisley Rose on Instagram: @thepaisleyroseLearn more about floral design for events and Jennifer's amazing work on her website.
🧡 If this episode resonates with you:
Share it with a friend who needs a little extra encouragement
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more than you know
DM me on Instagram @medium.lady or tag your favorite quote from the episode
Subscribe for more real talk about building a life you love—one medium-effort step at a time
Looking for more support? Access exclusive content and mindful living tools on Patreon.
Join the conversation! Share one need you're naming today and tag @medium.lady on Instagram.
The series starts here! Episode 131: Why is Taking Care of Yourself So Hard?
Don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show!
Other Related Episodes (for your enjoyment):
Episode 132: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #1 - Say YES to Help
Episode 133: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #2 - Name your Needs
Episode 134: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #3 - Stay Curious
Episode 135: How to Take Care of Yourself Insight #4 - Celebrate Yourself
Medium Lady Reads Episode 39 - Are Celebrity Memoirs Clogging Up Your TBR?
Connect with Erin:
Instagram: @medium.lady
Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady
Email: mediumladytalks@gmail.com
Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify
Instagram: @mediumladyreads

Monday May 05, 2025
Monday May 05, 2025
What if your nervous system didn’t believe it was safe to want something just for you?
In Episode 138 of Medium Lady Talks, Erin is joined by life coach Cecelia Mandryk (@ceceliabmandryk) to continue our series on How to Take Care of Yourself. Together, they explore the difference between dopamine-driven quick fixes and the courageous work of sustained self-care. Cecelia offers powerful tools and reframes that help high-functioning people make their minds a calmer, safer place to be.
Erin and Cecelia talk about:
Why identifying what YOU want can feel threatening when you've learned to meet everyone else's expectations
How our culture of outrage keeps us stuck—and how to move from reactivity to empowered action
A step-by-step walk-through of tending to your nervous system when you're feeling overwhelmed or angry
The magic of nervous system regulation (even when your brain tells you it won’t work)
Why the actions you take from empowerment might look the same as outrage-driven ones—but feel completely different
✨ “You can’t choose something better until you know what you’re choosing.” — this quote from Cecelia hit me hard and stayed with me.
You’ll also hear:
A grounded reminder from Walt Whitman that it’s okay to be a contradiction
My frustration with the way self-care has been co-opted by consumerism—and how Cecelia helped me reframe that into compassion
A call to reclaim self-care as simple, nourishing, and deeply powerful
This is a conversation for anyone feeling burned out, stuck in rage or fear, or unsure how to move forward without losing themselves.
🔗 Connect with Cecelia:
Instagram: @ceceliabmandryk
Website, mini-course + coaching: ceceliabaummandryk.com
🎧 Listen in, take a deep breath, and remember—you don’t have to fix everything to feel more powerful. You just have to start with you.
Looking for more support? Access exclusive content and mindful living tools on Patreon.
Join the conversation! Share one need you're naming today and tag @medium.lady on Instagram.
The series starts here! Episode 131: Why is Taking Care of Yourself So Hard?
Don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show!
Other Related Episodes (for your enjoyment):
Episode 132: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #1 - Say YES to Help
Episode 133: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #2 - Name your Needs
Episode 134: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #3 - Stay Curious
Episode 135: How to Take Care of Yourself Insight #4 - Celebrate Yourself
Episode 136: How to Take Care of Yourself Insight # 5 - Take Your Meds
Episode 137: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #6 - Make Time for Art
Medium Lady Reads Episode 40 - Wonderful Publishers Behind Wonderful Authors
Connect with Erin:
Instagram: @medium.lady
Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady
Email: mediumladytalks@gmail.com
Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify
Instagram: @mediumladyreads

Monday Apr 28, 2025
Monday Apr 28, 2025
In episode 137 of Medium Lady Talks we continue the How to Take Care of Yourself series, I'm joined by surface designer and illustrator Devon Bennett of PencilsnParsley. Together, we explore how making something just for the joy of it — no fancy supplies, no pressure — can be a powerful form of creative self-care.
Devon reminds us that you don't have to be an artist to start creating. You don't even have to look at your finished piece! It's about the process, not the outcome — and it's in that process that you’ll often find clarity, calm, and emotional release.
We cover:
Devon’s early creative spark with her self-published childhood comic Oh Corncob!
Why Devon recommends Find Your Artistic Voice by Lisa Congdon to anyone rediscovering their creativity
How creating without judgment builds emotional resilience and strengthens self-trust
Devon’s practice of using art to process anxiety — and how she even brings her drawings to therapy sessions
The magic of starting with what you have — just set a timer, grab whatever supplies are nearby, and get messy!
The importance of practicing non-judgment when making art (and why progress is happening, even when you can’t see it)
One of Devon’s favorite mottos: "The only wasted paint is what's left in the tube."
How Devon approaches resistance to creativity with compassion, not criticism
Why Devon's positive affirmation sticker series is all about encouragement and gentle growth
Final advice on how to make time for creativity even in busy seasons — and the reminder that there are multiple ways to be consistent.
Plus, I share one of my favorite quotes from Gretchen Rubin:
"A thing that can be done anytime is often done at no time."— a gentle nudge to carve out a little time for creativity today.
✨ Resources & Links Mentioned:
Find Devon’s work, stickers, and art for sale: PencilsnParsley.com
Support Devon’s creative journey on Patreon
Follow Devon’s playful art adventures on YouTube Shorts
Book rec: Find Your Artistic Voice by Lisa Congdon
🎨 Whether you’re picking up a pen, a paintbrush, or just letting your imagination wander, this episode will remind you: You’re allowed to make something messy. You’re allowed to create without needing it to be perfect. And in doing so, you’re taking care of yourself.
Looking for more support? Access exclusive content and mindful living tools on Patreon.
Join the conversation! Share one need you're naming today and tag @medium.lady on Instagram.
The series starts here! Episode 131: Why is Taking Care of Yourself So Hard?
Don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show!
Other Related Episodes (for your enjoyment):
Episode 132: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #1 - Say YES to Help
Episode 133: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #2 - Name your Needs
Episode 134: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #3 - Stay Curious
Episode 135: How to Take Care of Yourself Insight #4 - Celebrate Yourself
Episode 136: How to Take Care of Yourself Insight #5 - Take Your Meds (and Maybe Also Go to Therapy)
Medium Lady Reads Episode 40- Wonderful Publishers Behind Wonderful Authors
Connect with Erin:
Instagram: @medium.lady
Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady
Email: mediumladytalks@gmail.com
Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify
Instagram: @mediumladyreads
![[REPOST] Episode 98: Is Your Burnout Preventable?](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/11285540/1_p9j5ce_300x300.jpg)
Monday Apr 21, 2025
Monday Apr 21, 2025
This episode originally aired April 10, 2024. Enjoy Episode 98 of Medium Lady Talks!
~~~~
Welcome back, listeners! Today I’m solo on mic exploring a question that's inspired by a text chat I had with a friend: "Is your burnout preventable?" If you've ever found yourself plagued with exhaustion, resentful of all the things out of your control, and down the path to truly crippling physiological symptoms, this episode is for you.
Summary:
In this episode, we’ll think critically about burnout, examining it from different angles. I’ll reflect on a recent conversation with a friend and grapple with the question of whether burnout is inevitable or something we can fend off. We’ll dissect burnout from three perspectives: "no," "maybe," and "yes," navigating through the complexities of stress management and self-care.
Remember that burnout isn't a one-size-fits-all experience. It's about tuning into ourselves, understanding our triggers, and embracing the belief that we have the power to steer clear of burnout's stormy seas. Whether you're a firm believer in prevention or still on the fence, know that you're not alone in this journey. Reach out, seek support, and let's navigate through the waves together.
Resources and Links Mentioned:
- Kristin Neff's book: "Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself" - Find more resources at self-compassion.org.
Episodes Referenced:
- "Gentle Goal Setting for Burnt Out Millennials and Mothers" (Episode 62)
- "Effort Energy and Connection with Siobhan France" (Episode 49)
- "How to be a Human with a Voice" (Episode 74)
- "The Identity Revolution: Why I Plan My Free Time Each Month and You Should Too" (Episode 82)
- "Is Friendship a Type of Self Care?" (Episode 68)
- "8 Ways to Make Better Decisions as a Couple" (Episode 60)
- "Is Your Self-Care Helpful or Harmful?" (Episode 83)
- "Medium Lady Talks about Parenting on a Bad Day" (Episode 10)
- "Medium Lady Talks about Lowering the Bar" (Episode 11)
- "Financial Self-Care with Lianne Hannaway" (Episode 53)
- "Finding Calm in the Life You Already Have with Cecelia Mandryk" (Episode 90)
- "Why We Get in the Way of Our Creativity and Self-Care" (Episode 67)
- "Medium Lady Talks about Doing Less with Tracy Stanger"
- "Everyday Manifesting" with guest Diana Alexander Rane (Episode 89)
- "My Life Changing Perspective on Having Your Best Summer Ever" (Episode 70)
Thanks for joining us on this insightful episode! Don't forget to hit subscribe and share the podcast with fellow millennial mothers. Stay tuned for more episodes packed with wisdom, laughter, and heartfelt conversations. Until next time, don’t forget, you’re doing such a good job.
Join my Gratitude Coaching Waitlist: If you're ready to build the place in the world made for you and develop the skills to experience authentic joy and gratitude, sign up for our gratitude coaching waitlist. This is a new service I’m offering, and will be a low/no cost option while we grow and learn from eachother.
Connect with Erin:
Instagram: @medium.lady
Email: mediumladytalks@gmail.com
Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify
Instagram: @mediumladyreads

Monday Apr 14, 2025
Monday Apr 14, 2025
Episode 136 of Medium Lady Talks is a refreshingly honest and hilariously real conversation with my two best friends, Sarah and Emily. We share a candid conversation about taking medication for mental health. One of us is a routine queen when it comes to her meds, one of us is a little chaotic (but loveable!), and I’ve taken mental health medication during two meaningful chapters of my life. Together, we open up about what it really looks like to take care of yourself with the help of medication.
Whether you're currently on meds, have been in the past, or are considering talking to your doctor—this episode is for you. We talk about how we got started, what keeps us going (or doesn’t), finding the right therapist and therapy modality, and why meds are a support system, not a shortcut. We also keep it light, with a healthy dose of friend banter and real-life encouragement.
This episode is part of our “How to Take Care of Yourself” series—because self-care isn’t all bubble baths and meditation apps. Sometimes, it’s filling your prescription and taking your meds.
🎙 In this episode, we talk about:
Our personal journeys with mental health medication
Starting meds and managing side effects
How (and why) people fall off the routine
The surprising benefits of getting support through therapy and the right therapy modality
Busting the stigma around meds for anxiety, depression, and burnout
Why taking your meds is an act of self-care
🧠 Keywords for SEO: mental health medication podcast, self-care and antidepressants, how to start taking meds for anxiety, women on antidepressants, mental health meds routine, burnout and anxiety treatment, real talk about mental health, how to take care of yourself podcast, motherhood and mental health, self-care for millennial moms, women talking about mental health meds, Medium Lady podcast
🧡 If this episode resonates with you:
Share it with a friend who needs a little extra encouragement
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more than you know
DM me on Instagram @medium.lady or tag your favorite quote from the episode
Subscribe for more real talk about building a life you love—one medium-effort step at a time
Looking for more support? Access exclusive content and mindful living tools on Patreon.
Join the conversation! Share one need you're naming today and tag @medium.lady on Instagram.
The series starts here! Episode 131: Why is Taking Care of Yourself So Hard?
Don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show!
Other Related Episodes (for your enjoyment):
Episode 132: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #1 - Say YES to Help
Episode 133: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #2 - Name your Needs
Episode 134: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #3 - Stay Curious
Episode 135: How to Take Care of Yourself Insight #4 - Celebrate Yourself
Medium Lady Reads Episode 39 - Are Celebrity Memoirs Clogging Up Your TBR?
Connect with Erin:
Instagram: @medium.lady
Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady
Email: mediumladytalks@gmail.com
Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify
Instagram: @mediumladyreads

Monday Apr 07, 2025
Monday Apr 07, 2025
In episode 135 of Medium Lady Talks, Erin shares five meaningful ways to celebrate yourself as part of the ongoing "How to Take Care of Yourself" series. Inspired by her recent 42nd birthday, Erin makes the case that celebrating yourself isn't indulgent, it's necessary for sustained well-being.
Episode Highlights:
Celebrating yourself is a practice, skill, and mindset that contributes to your sustained well-being
Why saying "it out loud" is the first step to genuine self-celebration
How scheduling solo celebration time honours your finite time and personal worth
The power of inviting others into your celebrations to amplify joy
Why giving to others from a place of fullness creates positive ripples
The importance of taking your time with celebrations instead of rushing through them
Resources Mentioned:
Gretchen Rubin: Author of "The Happiness Project" who explains how personal celebration is a cornerstone of sustainable happiness through habits and rituals
Tamu Thomas: Author of "Women Who Work Too Much" who describes speaking our celebrations as a way to tap into everyday joy
Oliver Burkeman: Author of “Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management For Mortals" who reminds us of the importance of deliberately allocating our finite time to joy
Barbara Fredrickson: Pioneer in positive psychology whose "broaden-and-build theory" explains how shared joy amplifies positive emotions and builds resources
Reflection Questions:
What deserves to be named and celebrated in your life right now?
How might regular self-celebration change your relationship with achievement?
Which celebration style feels most comfortable or uncomfortable for you?
How can you resist cultural conditioning by choosing joy over fear, perfectionism, or people-pleasing?
Looking for more support? Access exclusive content and mindful living tools on Patreon.
Join the conversation! Share one need you're naming today and tag @medium.lady on Instagram.
The series starts here! Episode 131: Why is Taking Care of Yourself So Hard?
Don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show!
Other Related Episodes (for your enjoyment):
Episode 132: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #1 - Say YES to Help
Episode 133: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #2 - Name your Needs
Episode 134: How To Take Care of Yourself Insight #3 - Stay Curious
Medium Lady Reads Episode 39 - Are Celebrity Memoirs Clogging Up Your TBR?
Connect with Erin:
Instagram: @medium.lady
Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady
Email: mediumladytalks@gmail.com
Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify
Instagram: @mediumladyreads
Keywords: self-celebration, self-care, gratitude practice, personal development, positive psychology, burnout prevention, mindful living, medium effort living, women who work too much, happiness project, joy, vulnerability, cultural conditioning

Monday Mar 31, 2025
Monday Mar 31, 2025
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

Monday Mar 24, 2025
Monday Mar 24, 2025
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