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.

Listen on:

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Episodes

Wednesday Jul 26, 2023

Hello, hi! If you’ve ever wondered HOW someone might begin to build the place in the world that’s made for them, today is the episode for you. I interviewed Brianna Guild, a registered Speech-Language Pathologist in Ontario. Brianna works as a private practice SLP, and has been providing services virtually full-time since 2020. She provides a range of speech therapy services, but is especially interested in literacy.
 Brianna and I talk all about reading including:
Her journey to learn how to read as well as my son Henry, and my own reading journey
How Brianna went from struggling learning how to read to becoming an SLP 
Brianna has set ambitious goals to get closer to the place in the world that’s made for her, starting with SLP Literacy Corner!
 
Brianna is always happy to provide virtual speech therapy services to residents of Ontario if anyone is searching for an SLP! You can also find Brianna at:
Website: https://www.slpliteracycorner.ca/  
TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Slp-Literacy-Corner  
Instagram: @slp.literacy.corner 
Facebook: SLP Literacy Corner
Also Mentioned:
Hooked on phonics Jingle! From 1993!
Junie B Jones Series by Barbara Park https://www.goodreads.com/series/40833-junie-b-jones
SLP Literacy Corner on the Teachers Pay Teachers site
 
Episodes Referenced: 
The Books that Turned us Readers: Medium Lady Reads Episode 1
Entrepreneurship, Personal Growth and Controlled Discomfort with Dana Castro Medium Lady Talks Episode 46
Building a Business around You with Dana Castro Medium Lady Talks Episode 47
 
Medium Lady Reads now has it’s own feed! Make sure you follow wherever you enjoy listening to podcasts
Spotify
Apple
 
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 following the podcast  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.

Wednesday Jul 19, 2023

Hello, Hi! In this episode, I interview Julia Washington @popculturemakesmejealous, a writer, producer, and podcast host based in California. Julia hosts two podcasts, "Pop Culture Makes Me Jealous," where she analyzes pop culture through the lens of race and gender, and "Jelly Pops Book Club," where she compares books to their screen adaptations
During the interview, we chat about various pop culture themes, such as representation and systemic oppression in Disney films like "The Little Mermaid". Julia's podcasts encourage using pop culture to explore identity and perspectives rather than using it as a means of escapism. Sometimes, while indulging we come across the “pop culture icks” and have to reconcile enjoying something while thinking critically about it. 
I know you’ll be inspired as I am to hear Julia’s insights into the comfort and excitement that pop culture brings and her belief in using it to deepen self-discovery.
~~~
Julia’s three pop culture recommendations for the Medium Lady audience:
Movie: Moonwalker (1988) Michael Jackson’s experimental film about fandom available on YouTube
Television: High Fidelity (Hulu Original) This underrated show (2020) is a  television adaptation of the film (2000) adapted from the book (1995) by Nicholas Hornby.
 Book: The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett an acclaimed novel about two estranged twins who build very different lives for themselves based on their chosen communities.
~~~
Also mentioned 
Still Comfy on YouTube (hosted by Julia and Natalie Katona host of “To all the Men I’ve Tolerated Before”
Breakfast at Tiffany’s Mr. Yunioshi (a Japanese character played by Mickey Rooney (a white actor) 
Blindspotting on Starz
Based on a True Story on Peacock and Crave TV
~~~
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.

Sunday Jul 16, 2023

***This will be the last episode of Medium Lady Reads shared on the main MLT feed! If you've been enjoying this content please be sure to search and subscribe to Medium Lady Reads wherever you listen to podcasts! Our next episode will release on July 24th!***
~~~
Hello! Hi! Welcome to Episode 3 of the Medium Lady Reads Podcast! In today’s episode, Erin and Jillian are going to be discussing their latest three reads and providing some reviews and recommendations for books you’ll be sure to want to add to YOUR summer reading list!
If your TBR (to be read) pile isn’t large enough yet, then this is the episode for you! Listen in and be sure to tag us on Instagram to let us know which books you’ll be reading next!
In This Episode:
Erin and Jillian check-in to see how each other’s summer reading has been going over the last couple weeks.
The ladies discuss Goodreads and how they utilize it – be sure to follow them over there, if you use Goodreads. You can follow Jillian here, and Erin here.
Jillian shares her first latest book: What I Saw and How I Lied by Judy Blundell. Jillian shares what she loved and didn’t love about the book and a brief synopsis about the book.
Erin’s first latest book is: Hello Beautiful by Ann Neapolitan. Erin shares why she loved the book and a brief synopsis of the book. 
Jillian’s next book is one of the big books of the summer, the Happy Place by Emily Henry. Jillian adored this book and shares why in this episode.
Erin’s next book was Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan, and was a 5-star read. This book was actually a recommendation from Currently Reading Podcast co-host Kaytee Cobb (@notesonbookmarks on IG).
Jillian’s final latest book is The Half Moon by Mary Beth Keane. After reading this book Jillian openly admits to really liking family dramas.
Erin’s final latest book is VenCo by Cherie Dimalin. Erin shares her thoughts around the book, a brief synopsis and believes that if you like witches, you’ll enjoy this book.
Hot Takes! A hot take is an opinion usually formed off the cuff and with little research - sometimes provocative TUNE IN to this episode to hear the hot take topic that Erin and Jillian are discussing this week.
Finally, Jillian and Erin, as lovers of their public libraries, discuss their holds lists, what’s waiting for them and what has a long list of people before them.
Books Mentioned in This Episode:
What I Saw and How I Lied by Judy Blundell
Hello Beautiful by Ann Neapolitan
Happy Place by Emily Henry
Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan
The Half Moon by Mary Beth Keane 
VenCo by Cherie Dimalin
If you enjoyed this episode we would love it if you recommended us to a friend or loved one!  Be sure to take a screenshot and share on Instagram stories, and tag both Jillian (@jillianfindinghappy) and Erin (@medium.lady) so that they can reshare the love! 
Thanks for listening and if you enjoyed what you heard, please leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts!
Tune in on July 24th for the next episode of the Medium Lady Reads Podcast.

Wednesday Jul 12, 2023

Hello, hi! In this episode I share the five things saving my summer. From indulging in charcuterie plates to embracing personal food choices, I explore the simple joys and conveniences that make a difference in my life. Nostalgic moments in my Instagram archives and old Spotify playlists inspire me. Summer dresses bring comfort and style. I rave about 'The Five Things Cleaning Method' for a clean and organized home. Plus, I share my experience with leakproof underwear!! (omg). Throughout the episode, I encourage mindfulness, inviting you to pause and create your own summer saver  lists to help you get through summer connected to yourself with more intention.
 
Connect with me and the Medium Lady Community on Instagram @medium.lady - I love to hear from listeners in my DMs! If you have ideas for future episodes I’m excited to know what you want to see on the show.
Medium Lady Reads is my other podcast about reading as self care, my love of the public library and thoughts and opinions on book culture having its “moment”, I would be tickled pink if you would give it a follow!
 
If you like this episode be sure to check out Episode 70 My life changing Perspective on how to have the best summer ever
 
Now a Spotify Playlist: All the “Five things” Episodes - you can binge previous episodes with personalized lists of how I’m mindfully reflecting on the things that help me feel  most like myself
 
Also Mentioned:
How to Keep House While Drowning - by KC Davis
The Five Things Cleaning Method - more detail from Apartment Therapy
Knix Leakproof Underwear - I love the high-rise version! This link will give you 20$ off your purchase from the Knix website (*I receive a 20$ credit when you use the link)
The MLT theme music is Climb by The Ghost in the Piano, I'm grateful to use it via creative commons licensing.

Wednesday Jul 05, 2023

Hello! Hi! This is another Bonus episode of the newest podcast for the Medium Lady community- it's Medium Lady Reads! In Episode 2 Erin and Jillian are going to be sharing a love letter to one of their current favorite contemporary authors… TJ Klune.
In this episode, Jilian and Erin discuss TJ Klune’s three most recent contemporary adult novels: The House in the Cerulean Sea (2020), Under the Whispering Door (2021), and his most recent book In the Lives of Puppets, which came out in April of 2023. 
When both women read all three books and loved them all, it cemented the love they have for the author, TJ Klune. 
In This Episode:
Erin and Jillian check in to see how each other’s reading has been going over the last few weeks.
Jillian shares some fun facts about TJ Klune and some of his novels.
A brief overview of all three novels
Erin and Jillian each rank the books, and each has a different ranking for all three! Listen to hear who listed what book first.
It comes as no surprise that TJ Klune, as an author, has quite a few strengths, Jillian and Erin discuss some of those in this episode.
They also discuss Klune’s weaknesses
Erin and Jillian introduce a new segment to their show – “Hot Takes” – A hot take is an opinion, usually formed off the cuff with little research, sometimes provocative. 
This episode’s hot take is Goodreads ratings – Trustworthy or Trash?
Jillian and Erin wrap up with “The Holds List.” Both women have a very strong passion for the public library and so they discuss which books they have waiting for them on hold and which ones they’re most excited foR
Books Mentioned in This Episode:
The House in the Cerulean Sea - TJ Klune
Under the Whispering Door - TJ Klune
In the Lives of Puppets - TJ Klune
Fourth Wing - Rebecca Yarros
Hijab Butch Blues - Lamya H.
The Story Teller - Jodi Piccoult - for our buddy read
Gender Identity for Kids: a book about finding yourself, understanding others, and respecting everybody! - Andy Passchier - something to read together with my kiddos.
If you enjoyed this episode we would love it if you recommended us to a friend or loved one!  Be sure to take a screenshot and share it on Instagram stories, and tag both Jillian (@jillianfindinghappy) and Erin (@medium.lady) so that they can reshare the love! 
If you’d like to connect with the author discussed in this episode, TJ Klune, you can find him at TJ Klune Books (@TJKluneBooks). 
Thanks for listening and if you enjoyed what you heard, please leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts! The Medium Lady Reads podcast can be found on it's own feed wherever you listen to podcasts
Tune in on July 10th for the next episode of the Medium Lady Reads Podcast - found separately on its own feed, wherever you listen to podcasts.

Thursday Jun 29, 2023

Hello, hi! In this episode of Medium Lady Talks, I have the thrill of interviewing  Jam Gamble, @iamjamgamble, CEO and Founder of the Slay The Mic Program. We cover so much in this episode - including the evolution of STM a course taught by Jam where participants not only learn public speaking skills but also embark on a journey of personal growth and self-acceptance. We talk about authenticity required to use our voice online and OFFLINE. Jam describes the profound link between using one's voice and accepting one's identity, emphasizing how communication empowers self-expression and self-acceptance. The episode concludes with Jam sharing the best advice she ever received...and the worst! I know you'll end this episode feeling inspired  like I was to embrace your voice and identity as you step into the place in the world that was made for you.
For more information on Slay The Mic visit slayerofthemic.com 
Follow Jam @iamjamgamble - she is very quick to follow up on her DMs!
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 following the pod 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.
 
 

Wednesday Jun 21, 2023

Hello, hi! Today's episode features a repeat guest on the pod, Bridget Baker from www.bridgetbakerbranding.com. In this episode Bridget and I talk about fun, play, joy and gratitude and how the small stuff can go a long way to nurture your identity this summer.
Bridget's course "Summer Camp" is a 7 day asynchronous program that you can sign up for now until September of 2023 at bridgetbakerbranding.com/summer-camp
Other Episodes with Bridget
Aspirational Clutter with Bridget Baker
Medium Lady Talks about Minimalism with Bridget Baker
 
Also mentioned:
Burnout by Emily and Amelia Nagoski
Elizabethtown with Kirsten Dunst and Orlando Bloom
Cory Muscara meditation 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! Of course be 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.
 

Wednesday Jun 14, 2023

Hello and welcome to Medium Lady Reads! This is a podcast about books and reading as self care, and today Medium Lady, Erin Vandeven and her co-host Jillian O’Keefe embark on a new project, the very first Medium Lady spin off podcast, which will be entirely book focused.
 
In this first episode, Jillian and Erin discuss how this dream host matchup came to be and what you can expect in future episodes. 
 
Erin and Jillian briefly discuss how their reading is currently going, and how they sometimes come up against their own self-imposed reading rules and how they work to push through them. 
 
This week’s theme is "Which books turned you into a reader?"
 
When it comes to reading, Jillian and Erin don't really believe that there's a right or wrong way to do it. Audiobooks, ebooks, physical, whatever works for you works for them. Regardless of how you intake your books, there were that book or books that sparked the love of reading for you as a child, or even as an adult, as Erin and Jillian will share in this episode. 
 
These are the books that stand out, and bring a sense of joy whenever you think of them! 
 
It’s fun to dive into this topic because you never know what books someone is going to mention – they run the gamut!! You’ll notice that’s even true between the books that Erin and Jillian share in this episode.
 
Two of the individuals mentioned in this episode were Lis (@everyoneslibrarian) and Hodges Soileau (@hodgessoileauartist).
 
If you enjoyed this episode we would love if you recommended us to a friend or loved one. Be sure to take a screenshot and share on Instagram stories, and be sure to tag both Jillian (@jillianfindinghappy) and Erin (@medium.lady) so that they can reshare the love! 
 
Thanks for listening and be sure to tune in on June 26th for the next Medium Lady Reads podcast episode.

Wednesday Jun 07, 2023

Hello, hi! Today's episode is a partner to Episode 71, we're still talking about healing and the discomfort of putting yourself ahead of your drive to please others and live in your comfort zone. I share more practical steps, no matter how cringy, to get you started thinking and acting in a way that will help you feel sustainably better than you do today. 
You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! Following the podcast will make sure new episodes automatically download when they are released. 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.

Wednesday May 31, 2023

Hello, hi! Today's episode is one that makes me a bit nervous as I take a step outside of my comfort zone to talk about something I've become really passionate about: healing, self discovery and burnout recovery. This episode is a pep talk and exploration of the things that get in our way of our own healing and recovery - namely the discomfort of worrying what other people will think of us if we claim space to be ourselves. I hope you love this episode and share it with someone who might need it. 
Inspiration for this Episode:
Katie Steckley Creator Club Podcast “Why I love being cringy (and why you should too)”
 
Other Episodes Referenced
Episode 52 and 53 with Lianne Hannaway
Medium Lady Takes Care Playlist
 
You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life!  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.

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