Medium Lady Talks

Episode 90 Finding Calm in the Life you Already Have with High Achiever Coach Cecelia Mandryk

Today’s episode continues the MLT interview series “How to Get Out of Your Own Way.” and features Cecelia Baum Mandryk a life coach for high achievers. Cecelia’s mission in life is to help high achievers make their brains a calmer place to be, without radical life changes.
Episode Highlights
Cecelia's unique journey from geologist to life coach and the pivotal life transitions that guided her path.
Exploring unhealthy perfectionism among high achievers and practical reflections to identify these patterns.
Sharing my personal struggles as a high achiever and Cecelia's insights on transitioning from external validation to finding calm within our personal why.
Tolerating imperfection, embracing the process of trying something new, and normalizing the feelings we often try to avoid.
Connect with Cecelia: 
Instagram @ceceliabmandryk
Online www.ceceliabmandryk.com
Cecelia’s group coaching program will be enrolling for January soon, be sure to get on her waitlist!
Connect with Erin:
Instagram: @medium.lady
Email: mediumladytalks@gmail.com 
Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify
Instagram: @mediumladyreads
Key topics:
Calm Mindset
Life Transitions
High Achievers
Perfectionism
Personal Why
Fixed Mindset
External Validation
Trying Something New
Imperfection Tolerance
Embracing the Process
Feelings Acknowledgment
Cecelia B Mandryk
Group Coaching Program
Waitlist Enrollment
MLT Interview Series

Episode 88: 40 for 40 in Less than 40 (A 6-month Review of my Birthday List)

Hello, Hi! In this episode, we revisit Erin's "40 for 40" list, which she created when she turned 40 in April. With six months passed, she takes a closer look at the items on her list, reflecting on why she made those choices and whether they still resonate with her. What has she accomplished? What remains? What has changed?
Episode Highlights:
Revisiting the "40 for 40" List - Erin delves into the story behind her "40 for 40" list and the motivations driving her choices.
Crossed Off the List - Erin discusses the items she's successfully checked off and the experiences she's gained.
Kept for the Future - She explores the items she plans to continue working on and why they're still important.
Adaptations and Insights - Erin shares her evolving perspective on certain list items, emphasizing the value of introspection and self-growth.
References to Previous Episodes:
MLT Ep 65: "Should You Make a 40 for 40 List? My Birthday Milestone" - In this episode, Erin discussed the concept of creating a "40 for 40" list and shared the experience with her BFFs, Emily and Sarah.
MLT Ep 74: "How to Be a Human With A Voice with guest Jam Gamble" - Erin and her guest, Jam Gamble, explored the importance of finding your voice and expressing yourself.
MLT Ep 87: "Cultivating your Aspirations: The Power of the To Do List with Stephanie Cunningham" - In this episode, Stephanie Cunningham joined Erin to discuss the potential of aspirational to-do lists.
Medium Lady Reads Episode 10: "Crush your Reading Goals with a Killer Holds List" - This podcast episode was dedicated to tips on achieving your reading goals with an efficient holds list.
Recommended Resources:
Hobart New York - the NYT Article on this Book Village
"The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work" by John Gottman - A resource for building and maintaining strong relationships.
"The Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapman - A book on understanding love languages and enhancing relationships.
"We All Want Impossible Things" by Catherine Newman - A book exploring human desires and ambitions.
Hannah Louise Poston - Erin recommends Hannah Louise Poston, a beauty YouTuber, for her engaging content on YouTube.
 Connect with Erin:
Instagram: @medium.lady
Email: mediumladytalks@gmail.com 
Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify
Instagram: @mediumladyreads
Key Terms
40 for 40 list
Birthday milestone
Personal growth
Reflection and introspection
Aspirational goals
Accomplishments and goals
Self-discovery
Relationship advice
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work
The Five Love Languages
We All Want Impossible Things
Hannah Louise Poston
Overcoming obstacles
Prioritizing aspirations
Revisiting goals
Self-growth journey

Episode 87: Cultivating your Aspirations - the Power of the To-Do List with guest Stephanie Cunningham

Hello, hi! In this episode, we are joined by a special guest, Stephanie Cunningham, who's known for living real life and inviting us to come along for the journey on her Instagram (@steffski). Stephanie is a wife, mom, and business owner who brings humor, moderation, and authenticity to her online presence.
Topics Covered:
What is an Aspirational To-Do List?
We dive into what an aspirational to-do list is and why we find it valuable to have this space to cultivate and curate things that make us feel like we can aspire to something in the future.
The "To-Do" Dilemma
We explore the challenges and pitfalls associated with labeling this list as a "to-do." While it's not your typical task list, we discuss why the term is often used.
Joyful Aspirations
Learn how to ensure your aspirational to-do list remains filled with joyous items, and making sure those aren’t conditional to your future happiness.
Experimentation and Exploration
Discover how an aspirational to-do list can be a place to experiment with what might matter in the future. It's all about exploring possibilities.
Fear and Regret
We discuss choosing the possibility of fear over the possibility of regret when it comes to these aspirational goals.
Freedom Within Boundaries
How can your aspirational to-do list help you find freedom within the boundaries of what's possible? We explore how this list can empower you.
Pivotal Moments
Stephanie shares a pivotal moment that set the stage for her confidence and wisdom beyond her years.
Other Episodes with Stef:
Medium Lady Talks about Internet Realness with Stephanie Cunningham
Cozy Christmas Reads 2022
Other Resources Mentioned:
We touch on the work of Jonathan Meritt. For more, you can visit his website at Jonathan Meritt or follow him on Instagram @jonathan-merritt
 Connect with Erin:
Instagram: @medium.lady
Email: mediumladytalks@gmail.com 
Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify
Instagram: @mediumladyreads
Key Terms:
Aspirational to-do list
Aspiration and goals
Navigating future aspirations
Curating your dream list
Managing future desires
Fear vs. regret in goal setting
Living real life with intention
Experimentation with aspirations
Joyful goal setting
Balancing freedom and possibilities

Episode 86: When Kids’ Sports become a Family Commitment with guest Handsome Face

Hello, hi! In Episode 86, we dive into a lively discussion about children and sports, exploring the question: Is it all a bit too much for parents? We'll bring you:
Our Personal Perspectives: Join Nick and Erin as they share their differing views and experiences with rep league baseball, especially after a summer filled with baseball adventures. Spoiler alert: Nick loved it, while Erin's enthusiasm may have dipped a bit.
Growing Up with Sports Influence: We delve into the contrasting childhood experiences Nick and Erin had regarding the influence of sports. This discussion sheds light on how they've come to choose their children's extracurricular activities as parents themselves.
Importance of Perspective: With kids' sports that can be quite demanding in terms of time and coordination, we stress the significance of maintaining a balanced perspective. Remember, it's supposed to be fun for everyone involved!
Finding Balance: We discuss the strategies for achieving a balanced family life while navigating the commitment to rep league sports.
Catch up on previous episodes with Nick:
Episode 60: Eight ways to make better decisions with your Spouse
Episode 51: Tired Parents are Tired with Handsome Face
Episode 42: Video Games, Hot Takes, and Story time with Handsome Face
Episode 30: Introverts and Extroverts with Handsome Face
Episode 20: Medium Lady Talks to Handsome Face
Connect with Erin:
Instagram: @medium.lady
Email: mediumladytalks@gmail.com 
Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify
Instagram: @mediumladyreads
Key Terms:
Kids and sports
Parenting and rep league sports
Balancing family life with sports commitments
Children's extracurricular activities
Rep league baseball
Parenthood perspectives
Making better decisions as parents
Finding compromise in family time
Parenting challenges and solutions
Family discussions on children's activities
Kids' sports influence on parents
Sports in childhood and its impact on parenting

Episode 85: Five Ways I’m Living my Favourite Life this Fall

Hello, hi! Fall is here, and it's time to embrace the beauty and magic of this season. In this episode, join me as I share five ways I’m living my favourite life. From decluttering and reorganizing my  kitchen to crafting a mindful morning routine, I hope there’s something to inspire you within this episode: 
1. Kitchen Purge and Reorganization: There’s a special kind of lightness and freedom that comes from decluttering and reorganizing your kitchen space. Find out how I did this with my best friend Sarah, making it a liberating experience.
2. Mindful Morning Ritual: I’m way into my go-to breakfast – instant oatmeal, chopped apples, walnuts, and a soothing cup of tea. Learn how this simple, up front decision sets a peaceful tone for the day, promoting mindful presence.
3. Parenting Insights: Listening to The Unruffled Podcast with Janet Lansbury is helping me become a more authentic and kind parent to my 4-year-old. It's all about embracing the parenting journey.
4. Low-Stakes Decision Randomization: My favourite life includes leaving certain choices, like my next book or nail polish to wear, up to chance. I’m surprised by the spontaneity and joy that randomness can bring.
5. Medium Lady Reads: Hosting this podcast aligns with my identity and values, making it a fulfilling endeavor. I hope you’ll Join me and Jillian O’Keefe on our book podcast, where we discuss our favorite reads and literary adventures!
6. BONUS: No More Snooze Button: By quitting the snooze button, I've given my body the time it needs to wake up naturally. This simple change has transformed my mornings, leaving me less anxious and overwhelmed.
Other Episodes Mentioned:
Episode 83: Is your Self Care Helpful or Harmful?
Episode 45: Five Things Saving My Fall 2022
Books and Resources Mentioned:
Real Self Care A Transformative Program for Re-defining Wellness (Cleanses Crystals and Bubble Baths Not Included) by Pooja Lakshmin Md.
The Cladwell App
Connect with Erin:
Instagram: @medium.lady
Email: mediumladytalks@gmail.com
Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify
Instagram: @mediumladyreads
Key Terms
Fall Season Mindfulness
Kitchen Decluttering
Mindful Morning Routine
Parenting Insights
Unruffled Podcast
Low-Stakes Decision Making
Randomization in Choices
Medium Lady Reads Podcast
Quitting the Snooze Button
Snooze-Free Mornings
Mindful Fall Practices
Seasonal Living
Fall Favorites
Real Self Care
Fall Self Care
Seasonal Transitions
Kitchen Reorganization
Mindful Breakfast Routine
Authentic Parenting
Fall Season Wellness
Life Balance in Fall
Mindful Living
Snooze-Free Mornings
Fall Season Transformations
Self-Care Practices
Pooja Lakshmin MD
Embracing Fall Mindfully
Seasonal Self-Care

Episode 84: September Reflections and October Intentions: A Monthly Planning Guide

MLT Ep 84 - September to October: Monthly Planning and Mindful Transitions
Access my FREE Downloadable Workbook: "How to Start a New Month with Medium Effort and Mindful Fun."
In this episode, we dive into my monthly planner once more, and explore the art of planning self-care for the upcoming month. We follow these essential steps:
What is Known?
Reflecting on what's certain in the month ahead.
What is Unknown?
Anticipating the surprises and uncertainties.
Who Am I and What Do I Like?
Exploring your own identity and preferences.
By answering these questions, we craft a unique plan to align with the month's energy. For me, these answers led to the following plan:
Reading: Delving into "Outlive" by Peter Attia, "You Made a Fool of Death With Your Beauty" by Akwaeke Emezi, "A Song of Snakes and Songbirds" by Suzanne Collins, and "Cassandra in Reverse" by Holly Smale.
Play: Embodying a new character every day from TV, books, or movies, embracing their style, attitude, or outlook.
Try: Committing to setting my outfit the night before for 30 days straight.
Focus: Channeling my thoughts towards getting out of my own way, especially in parenting.
Catch up on other episodes in the September Self-Care Series, including discussions on self-care personas and overcoming resistance to change.
Other Helpful Episodes:
Episode 83: Is your Self Care Helpful or Harmful?
Episode 82: The Identity Revolution: Why I plan my free time each month
Episode 81: September Self-Care Guide: Overcoming Resistance to Change
Connect with Erin:
Instagram: @medium.lady
Email: mediumladytalks@gmail.com
Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads."
Instagram: @mediumladyreads

Episode 82: The Identity Revolution: Why I plan my free time each month, and you should too

Hello, hi! In this episode, I delve into the profound impact of planning your free time on self-identity and personal growth. Join me as I share personal insights and experiences from four years of planning my reading, play, self development, and mindset each month.
Benefits of Monthly Free Time Planning:
Discover how planning your free time can significantly reduce stress and anxiety.
Learn how it empowers you to set and achieve personal goals.
Achieve a harmonious balance between work, responsibilities, and leisure.
The Planning Process:
Access my FREE Downloadable Workbook: "How to Start a New Month with Medium Effort and Mindful Fun."
Explore the importance of setting realistic goals and bridging the gap between your realistic self and your idealistic self.
Living Out Your Monthly Free Time Plan:
Gain valuable insights on how to allocate time for various activities, including self-care, hobbies, socializing, and relaxation.
Embrace the flexibility to adapt your plan to unexpected events and opportunities.
Goal Setting and Tracking:
Explore the art of setting flexible goals for your free time.
Delve into the nuances of why tracking your activities may not always be necessary.
Overcoming Challenges:
Anticipate common challenges associated with free time planning, such as over-scheduling or underestimating the time needed.
Discover practical tips for effectively addressing these challenges.
Additional Resources Mentioned:
"Atomic Habits" by James Clear - Find it at your local library here
“The Dance of Anger” by Harriet Learner - Find it at your local library here
Other Episodes Mentioned (Spotify Links):
Episode 57: How to Plan a New Month: Guided Journal Practice for a Month of Self Discovery
Episode 58: How I Plan my Month: An Example of Thoughtful and Personalized Monthly Planning
Episode 61: Gentle Goal Setting for Burnt-out Millennials and Mothers
Episode 69: Unlocking the Simple Secrets of Goal Setting with Guest Jillian O’Keefe
Key Topics:
The transformative power of planning free time on self-identity.
Practical benefits of monthly free time planning.
Navigating the planning process with realism and mindfulness.
Living out your monthly free time plan and adapting to change.
Goal setting, tracking, and the wisdom of flexibility.
Overcoming common challenges in free time planning.
Connect with Erin:
Instagram: @medium.lady
Email: mediumladytalks@gmail.com
Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads."
Instagram: @mediumladyreads
 

Episode 81: September Self-Care Guide: Overcoming Resistance to Change

Are you feeling the resistance to the fall transition creeping in? I know I am. 1. What is Known About the Month Ahead: We'll assess what's on the horizon for September and set our intentions accordingly.
2. What I'm Learning from the Past: Reflecting on the past month helps us gain valuable insights for the future.
3. Personal Favorites and Seasonality for the Month Ahead: Paying attention to the things you already love and the signs that cue you to the new season can ground you in the present.
📖 **Monthly Plan for September**: I'll walk you through my September plan, sharing my reading list, a fun playtime challenge, and a personal growth goal for the month.
Books Referenced:- "The House Keepers" by Alex Hay- "The Librarianist" by Patrick deWitt- "Home Fire" by Kamila Shamsie- "The Dance of Anger" by Harriet Lerner
 
Episodes Mentioned (Spotify Links):- Episode 19: "Medium Lady Talks about September" [Listen here]- Episode 57: "How to Plan a New Month: Guided Journal Practice for a Month of Self-Discovery" [Listen here]- Episode 58: "How I Plan my Month: An example of Thoughtful and Personalized monthly Planning" [Listen here]
Don't miss out on the tools and insights you need to tackle the fall season with grace and positivity. 
If you want to connect further, I'd love to hear from you on Instagram you can find me @medium.lady !
If you want allll the book content make sure you're also following Medium Lady Reads

Episode 80: Diving Deeper - Exploring Menstrual Health Part Two with guest and BFF Sarah Rich

Hello, hi! This episode delivers part two of my conversation about women’s health and empowerment with Sarah Rich.  Drawing from her background in Sexuality, Marriage, and Family studies, coupled with a minor in psychology, Sarah brings a distinctive perspective that shapes our conversation. Her versatile career journey—from construction to taxes and beauty—has honed her adaptability and nurtured an insatiable curiosity.
Venturing abroad during her dynamic 20s ignited her love for exploration, a passion she now fuels through running, rowing, boxing, and weight lifting. Sarah embraces the roles of a devoted spouse and a mother of three, excelling in both her professional pursuits and her familial bonds.
With over a decade dedicated to fostering student development at a university, Sarah empowers young minds to flourish, though her true calling lies in championing diversity and inclusivity. Her advocacy extends to women, visible minorities, and LGBTQIA+ individuals, enriching lives through her unrelenting commitment.
In this continuation of our candid conversation about menstrual health, join us as we dive even deeper into the topic of women's cycles and the broader spectrum of experiences that come along with it. Host Erin Vandeven and her best friend Sarah explore these matters with openness and a touch of humour – all while engaging in some makeup playtime!
Breaking the Silence: We address the importance of more open conversations surrounding menstrual health. By doing so, we aim to foster inclusivity, alleviate feelings of isolation, and diminish societal marginalization.
Banishing Guilt and Shame: We explore the necessity of dispelling guilt associated with hormonal cycle-related symptoms. This includes breaking free from self-judgment and embracing a healthier understanding of the body's natural fluctuations.
Beyond Menstrual Products: An intriguing question arises – why are there no products tailored to support women throughout their entire hormonal cycle, beyond just menstruation? 
Cycling and Sexuality: Expecting variations in sexual desire and experiences as hormones shift throughout the monthly cycle. We discuss the ebbs and flows of sexuality and how to navigate these changes.
Talking to Kids About Periods: Sharing age-appropriate and accessible information with children about periods is vital. We explore how this conversation differs from the way we learned about menstruation and the benefits it offers.
The Menstrual Myth Dilemma: We delve into the harms of menstrual myths, especially when women seek medical help for symptoms or pain. Often, they face gaslighting within the healthcare system, hindering accurate diagnoses.
Advice for Our Younger Selves: Reflecting on our own experiences, we share the advice we wish we could offer our younger selves about understanding and embracing our periods.
Sarah's Top Tip: Sarah provides an insightful tip for all listeners who experience a menstrual cycle, offering guidance to put this episode's inspiration into action.
Join Sarah and I as we continue to uncover the unspoken facets of women's health and strive to empower individuals on their unique journeys of self-discovery.
 
Key Topics:
Menstrual health
Women's cycles
Open dialogue about periods
Hormonal symptoms
Dispelling guilt and shame
Support beyond menstrual phase
Impact of hormonal cycles on sexuality
Conversations about periods with children
Menstrual myths
Medical diagnoses and menstrual symptoms
Advice for younger selves about periods
Women's health and well-being
Connect with Sarah:
@aseversarah on Instagram
Connect with Host:
@medium.lady on Instagram
You can also listen to  my NEW podcast Medium Lady Reads, with my co-host Jillian O’Keefe, for all the book exclusive Medium Lady content

Episode 79: Beyond Your Period: Exploring Menstrual Health Part One with guest and BFF Sarah Rich

Hello, hi! In this episode, I have the pleasure of  welcoming Sarah, an exceptional force in my life, not only my BFF but an amazing women's health advocate.  Drawing from her background in Sexuality, Marriage, and Family studies, coupled with a minor in psychology, Sarah brings a distinctive perspective that shapes our conversation. Her versatile career journey—from construction to taxes and beauty—has honed her adaptability and nurtured an insatiable curiosity.
Venturing abroad during her dynamic 20s ignited her love for exploration, a passion she now fuels through running, rowing, boxing, and weight lifting. Sarah embraces the roles of a devoted spouse and a mother of three, excelling in both her professional pursuits and her familial bonds.
With over a decade dedicated to fostering student development at a university, Sarah empowers young minds to flourish, though her true calling lies in championing diversity and inclusivity. Her advocacy extends to women, visible minorities, and LGBTQIA+ individuals, enriching lives through her unrelenting commitment.
In the first part of our conversation, we journey through the evolution of our understanding of menstruation. Sarah imparts insights into the various phases of the menstrual cycle, shedding light on the intricate interplay of hormones and its impact on women's well-being and empowerment
As our conversation continues we dismantle some of the myths surrounding the menstrual cycle, focusing on debunking misconceptions about PMS. We navigate the historical taboos and stigmas that have impeded progress and women's rights.
As we wrap up part one of this conversation our focus turns to menstrual health education and empowerment. 
Sarah's remarkable journey of quietly embracing life's challenges while empowering others, including myself, to embrace their authentic selves, serves as an inspiring beacon of encouragement.
Join us in this empowering conversation, where we celebrate the essence of womanhood and the resilient spirit that binds us all
 
Key Topics:
Evolution of Menstrual Understanding
Significance of Menstrual Health Beyond Physiology
Menstrual Myths and PMS Debunking
Historical Taboos and Women's Rights
Menstrual Health Education and Empowerment
Literary Resources: "Enlightenment Now" by Steven Pinker, "Do Less" by Kate Northrup
"Kate and Mike Show" Episode 143: "Your Period Moon Cyclical Living Questions Answered"
Diversity, Inclusion, and Advocacy
Holistic Well-Being and Hormonal Influence
Resources Mentioned:
"Enlightenment Now" by Steven Pinker
"Do Less" by Kate Northrup
Kate and Mike Show: Episode 143 "Your Period Moon Cyclical Living Questions Answered"
Connect with Sarah:
@aseversarah on Instagram
Connect with Host:
@medium.lady on Instagram
You can also listen to Medium Lady Reads for all the book exclusive medium lady content
Audio Credits:
Climb by the Ghost in Your Piano - used via Creative Commons License