Medium Lady Talks: Burnout Recovery for Millennials and Mothers

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 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

Episode 78: Unraveling the World of Reading - Part Two with Brianna Guild Speech Language Pathologist

Hello hi!
In this captivating continuation of the interview with Brianna Guild, a dedicated speech-language pathologist and literacy coach, we delve deep into the realm of reading and literacy. Brianna, a registered Speech-Language Pathologist in Ontario, shares her insights as a private practice SLP, with a particular passion for supporting literacy development in children and youth.
Explore the power of the Structured Literacy Approach as Brianna reveals how it empowers readers with a strong foundation of structured sounds, vowels, and words, transforming the reading experience.
Discover valuable tips for parents on how to support kids in their reading journey, whether navigating challenges or simply exploring the joy of books.
Delve into the fascinating connection between the human brain and the process of learning how to read. Brianna provides intriguing insights, revealing that the brain wasn't naturally wired for reading, and guides us through the intricate process of developing this essential skill.
Find out more about the transformative impact of audiobooks for those facing literacy challenges or seeking a new way to engage with stories. Brianna highlights how audiobooks can spark a love for literature and broaden literary horizons.
Join us on this enriching episode, where Brianna's expertise and passion shine through as we uncover the wonders of reading and its profound influence on our lives.
If you missed Part One of this conversation, make sure you check out Episode 71: Unlocking Literacy: Speech Language Pathologist Brianna Guild on Building the 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 SLP Literacy Corner!
SLP Literacy Corner info
Website: https://www.slpliteracycorner.ca/
TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Slp-Literacy-Corner
Instagram: @slp.literacy.corner
Threads: @slp.literacy.corner
Facebook: SLP Literacy Corner
 
Also mentioned:
Sold a Story podcast: https://features.apmreports.org/sold-a-story/
Ontario Language Curriculum: https://www.dcp.edu.gov.on.ca/en/curriculum/elementary-language
Structured Literacy Instruction: https://dyslexiaida.org/structured-literacy-effective-instruction-for-students-with-dyslexia-and-related-reading-difficulties/
Simple View of Reading: https://www.readingrockets.org/article/simple-view-reading
Scarborough's Reading Rope: https://www.reallygreatreading.com/content/scarboroughs-reading-rope
Medium Lady Reads (my new spinoff podcast) 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.

Episode 77: Unlocking Literacy: Speech Language Pathologist Brianna Guild on Building the SLP Literacy Corner

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.

Episode 76: Deconstructing Pop Culture Icks with guest Julia Washington (Pop Culture Makes Me Jealous)

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.

[BONUS] Medium Lady Reads Episode 3 Our Last Three Books: Reviews and Recommendations

***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.

Episode 75: Mindfulness in Action: the Five Things Saving My Summer and other insights a long the way

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.

[BONUS] Medium Lady Reads Episode 2: Author we Love - TJ Klune

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.