Medium Lady Talks: Burnout Recovery for Millennials and Mothers

Episode 94: PART ONE 12 Questions to Help You Get Out of Your Own Way in 2024

Welcome to the first half of episode 94! In this episode, we're exploring the first 6 of 12 powerful questions to help you break free from self-limiting beliefs and pave the way for personal growth in 2024. Reflecting on inspiring interviews from previous episodes, I've crafted questions that will spark introspection and guide you toward a more intentional and fulfilling life.
PART ONE - Questions 1-6
Reflect on Your Shoulds vs. Wants:
What 'shoulds' are holding you back, and how can you align your goals with what you truly want?
Taking Small, Intentional Steps:
What small, intentional steps can you take today that align with your bigger aspirations?
Navigating Perfectionism and Growth:
How does perfectionism serve others more than you, and how can you shift to a healthier approach to performance?
Infusing Joy and Calm:
How can you incorporate moments of joy and calm into your routine, especially when trying something new?
Celebrating Wins and Combatting Imposter Syndrome:
What weekly ritual can you create to acknowledge and celebrate your wins, combatting imposter syndrome?
Defining Purpose Amidst Distractions:
How do you define your purpose clearly amidst distractions and external expectations?
🔗 Previous Episodes Mentioned:
Episode 87: Cultivating Your Aspirational To-Do ListJoin us in exploring the impact of 'shoulds' versus wants with guest Stephanie Cunningham. Listen here.
Episode 89: Everyday ManifestingDiscover the power of manifesting and how to overcome resistance with Diana Alexander Rane. Listen here.
Episode 90: Finding Calm in the Life You Already HaveHigh Achiever Coach Cecelia Mandryk shares insights on finding calm amidst life's chaos. Listen here.
Episode 91: Expression and IdentityRediscover your likes and explore expression with Personal Stylist Hanna Donelly. Listen here.
Episode 92: The Art of Gathering Without Losing YourselfSpecial guest Carrie-Ann Kloda shares insights on maintaining your identity while navigating social gatherings. Listen here.
Episode 93: Let Good Enough be Good EnoughEmbrace the power of 'good enough' with guest Danielle Hines. Listen here.
Connect with Erin:
Instagram: @medium.lady
Email: mediumladytalks@gmail.com 
Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify
Instagram: @mediumladyreads

[BONUS] Medium Lady Reads Episode 12 Cozy Christmas Reads 2023

Hello! Seeing as Cozy Christmas Reads has become an annual tradition for Medium Lady Talks I wanted to make sure those of you tuned in to this feed have a chance to enjoy the THIRD annual Cozy Christmas Reads Episode! Happy Holidays and Merry Reading!!!
xo
 
Hello, hi, and welcome to Medium Lady Reads this is episode 12, Cozy Christmas Reads 2023; Featuring Ali Oppenlaender and Stephanie Cunningham.
This week’s episode is extra special, because not only do you have Erin and Jillian, but you have the other two members of their Buddy Read Group, Ali and Stef. Together they’re going to be discussing their favorite cozy books that would be perfect to read this holiday season.
This episode was recorded in separate locations, but it is just as full of love and fun!
In This Episode:
All four ladies check in and share how they’re reading is going.
If you’d like to go back and listen to the previous episodes of Cozy Christmas Reads, you can listen to 2021’s episode here and 2022’s episode here.
Each woman shares their definition of what a Cozy Christmas Read is to them.
The women go round-robin through their recommendations. Prepare for 8 new cozy reads!
Next up are hot takes, listen to the episode to hear what the ladies are sharing their thoughts on.
Parnassus Books on IG: https://www.instagram.com/parnassusbooks/?hl=en
Supposedly Fun on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/supposedlyfun, especially his episode reviewing the NYT Top 100 books of 2023: https://youtu.be/84IoxwSjAyo?si=4C7IwUI46L9QTuhC 
Best of Goodreads 2023 List
To end the show the ladies share their holds list. 
 
Books Mentioned In This Episode:
Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
A Season for Second Chances by Jenny Bayliss
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow
The Princess and The Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Deya Muniz
The One in a Million Boy by Monica Wood 
Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney
Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune
Legends & Lattes by Travis Balder
Beyond the Four Kingdoms Series by Melanie Cellier
The Grace of Wild Things by Heather Fawcett
Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
A Family for St. Nick: A Heartwarming Holiday Romance by Barbara Meyers
The Maid by Nita Prose
A December to Remember by Jenny Bayliss
The Things We Leave Unfinished by Rebecca Yarros
The Woman in Me by Britney Spears
Three Holidays and a Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin & Marissa Stapley
All I Want for Christmas by Maggie Knox
A Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy & Sierra Simone
Foster by Claire Keegan
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), or the podcast @mediumladyreads, 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 December 27th for the next episode of the Medium Lady Reads Podcast.
 

Episode 93: Let Good Enough be Good Enough with author Danielle Hines

Hello, hi! Today’s episode features an interview with author and writing coach Danielle Hines. Danielle shares all about her experience as a writer and editor and gives incredible advice for “how to get out of your own way,” Danielle shares her personal story with authenticity and vulnerability. If you’ve ever worried about how long your journey to self expression and following your dreams may take, this is the episode for you!
More in the Episode:
If you have an impulse to tell your story, Danelle says you should follow it! “The impulse to tell your story means there’s someone out there who needs to hear it”
Hear about how Danielle’s journey as an author began thanks to NaNoWriMo as a way to cope with the end of her marriage.
Danielle shares that she finished her first novel “by sheer force of will” and we unpack what it feels like to try to race to the finish line of good enough
How Danielle kept writing even while spending next 10 years rebuilding her life after the release of her first book and the end of her marriage
Danielle is a firm believer in the outcomes of strong mental health care!
Part of our interview explores the other fiction writing Danielle has done as a ghost writer, and she generously shares her experience in the publishing industry, the intention and purpose behind ghostwriting versus authored works.
Even when you slow down the pace of pursuit when it comes to your dreams, Danielle has advice for how to nurture that flame in small ways, especially when it comes to finding community to keep you afloat.
Never discount the compound effects of small consistent actions!
You won’t want to miss the compassionate exercise Danielle walks thorough for people who say “I want this….but I can’t”
Danielle shares the difference between big publishing houses, indie publishing and self-publishing 
Finally, Danielle shares what to do when you recognize that your small step season is ended, and you’re ready to transition to focusing on something bigger
Connect with Danielle
On Instagram @danielleswriting
On TikTok @danielleswriting
Buy The Sweetwood Series here!
Buy Without Fear of Falling here!
Subscribe to Danielle’s Substack Little Love Stories
Danielle’s website: https://writingmiracles.me/ 
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 92: The Art of Gathering Without Losing Yourself with Special Guest Carrie-Ann Kloda

Hello, hi! This episode continues the Medium Lady Series on “How to get out of your own way” and we’re talking all about hosting holiday gatherings. Carrie-Ann Kloda is a wedding coach and host of The Feminist Wedding Podcast. She helps conscious couples confidently navigate the hidden hurdles of wedding planning, calming the emotional upsets and financial surprises that come with the job, so you can have a relaxed, connected experience that feels fresh, unconventional, joyful, and unequivocally you.
Carrie-Ann’s journey to become a wedding planner and coach with a Feminist point of view
Carrie-Ann’s inborn believe in herself and her growth
You’ll love this Hack Carrie-Ann uses to combat her imposter syndrome
How to approach holiday gatherings with intention
How to be curious about your own limiting beliefs about gathering over the holidays
Carrie-Ann is a master of boundaries but her biggest piece of boundary advice comes from Coco Chanel…
 Why hosting or holding more events might require you to take a “me first” approach
You deserve to enjoy the holidays - even if it requires a bit of thought upfront to remove friction so you can enjoy yourself seamlessly
Connect with Carrie-Ann:
Website: www.carrieannkloda.ca/jumpstart DM Carrie Ann on instagram and let her know you heard about the program on Medium Lady Talks,  for a special promotional rate
The Feminist Wedding Podcast link to Spotify
Connect with Erin:
Instagram: @medium.lady
Email: mediumladytalks@gmail.com 
Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify
Instagram: @mediumladyreads
Other Resources Mentioned:
The Art of Gathering By Priya Parker or watch one of her Ted Talks here! 
The only cookie recipe you need “World Peace Cookies

Episode 91: Expression and Identity: Rediscovering What You Like Through Personal Style with Hanna Donnelly

Today's episode brings you another insightful conversation on the subject of "How to Get Out of Your Own Way" this time, focusing on personal style and self expression.  This episode's guest is Hanna Donnelly, the founder of Hanna Lee Style and a personal stylist. She is a personal stylist helping moms look and feel good without wasiring so much time (and energy).Hanna's journey into the world of styling was sparked by her Grandma's unique style and the power of self-expression through clothing, and further encouraged by her entreprenurial parents and supportive brother.
In this episode, we explore the importance of clothes as a means of self-expression and identity. One key takeaway is Hanna's emphasis on paying attention to your likes over time. By observing your preferences consistently, you can uncover your unique style and confidently decide how you want to present yourself. Hanna also encourages listeners to embrace experimentation, emphasizing that avoiding new styles often stems from a desire to preserve comfort.
If you've ever felt the desire to revamp your wardrobe but found yourself hesitating, this episode is a guide to overcoming self-judgment, boosting self-compassion, and embarking on a joyful exploration of your personal style.
Connect with Hanna:
Instagram @hannaleestyle
www.hannaleestyle.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 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