Medium Lady Talks: Burnout Recovery for Millennials and Mothers

Hello, hi! Welcome back to the first episode of Season 3!  We're starting the new season with an episode that I hope will become a cornerstone of the kind of content you can expect from the podcast: thoughtful, intentional and full of opportunity for your own self discovery. This month I will unpack my personal process for deciding on my monthly experiments and I will walk you through the audio version of my new Free Printable - How to Start a New Month (pdf linked here!).  Here's what you can expect: Part 1: Look forward and anticipate what is known about the new month Part 2: Look backwards and appreciate and reflect on all you have learned in the last year Part 3: Uncover your own favourites and your personal definition of seasonality Decide the Vibe: Hone in on the things that really "feel" right for the month ahead. Make choices: Put down on paper a few commitments for how you want to spend your free time in the month ahead. ~~~~~ 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.    

Hello,  hi! Today's conversation is with Dr. Siobhan France of emboldensoul.com. Siobhan is an experienced healthcare provider, and has had a physiotherapy practice for the last 10 years. And while she found herself burning out through hustling for success she yearned for more - which led to her thriving career helping empathetic and highly sensitive entrepreneurs. She's going to talk us through mastering ourselves and embodying who you are to build more of the place in the world that is made for you. Listen on if you're ready to stop finding meaning and validation from the feelings from others and turning inward to reconcile what you want with what you have...hint: the gap is much smaller than you think! If you have feedback about today’s conversation with Siobhan, you can head to Instagram and find the the pink tile in my feed for the latest episode @medium.lady. Siobhan can be found online at emboldensoul.com or on YouTube as Dr. Siobhan France, as well as @drsiobhanfrance on Instagram. You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! Links within this description may be Amazon affiliated, which also gives the podcast a teeny tiny bit of financial help. 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.

Hello hi! Today's episode is Part Two of my interview with Dana Castro from @threecrownsbranding and www.threecrownsstudio.com. In this episode we hear more from Dana's wisdom about personal growth while also building a business that embraces the best of who you are. Dana mentions the community of photographers she has founded, Snap Click Photographers linked here. Other topics discussed in this episode: Honing your emotional radar as an entrepreneur - and how this radar can be just as important as your background and experience.  How a healthy emotional intelligence about connection and collaboration can dispel the myth of competition: the truth is there’s enough business to go around (especially if you live in a densely populated urban area). For entrepreneurs pricing is as personal as it is professional Don’t forget the power of using social media to be social - cold calling through their DMs is a totally acceptable way to begin a new connection (I have taken this advice literally since recording this episode!!!) If you want to build a business, (or build literally ANYTHING at all in the world) start by doing more of what you’re already good at. Never apologize for existing in your body and your skin - that’s better than being confident. Plus the advice Dana would give her past self, and what she does for fun (now that photography is a business and not a hobby).   You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! And with the bi-weekly episode release schedule 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.

Hello, hi! Today’s episode is a bit of my own reflections on a road trip, followed by an uplifting and encouraging interview with writing coach and ghost writer Jennifer Locke from jenniferlockewrites.com and @jenniferlockewrites on Instagram (if you want to jump to the interview head to the 20 minute mark!). During our chat we talked about the process of evolving your creative process, how to commit and prioritize book writing (or any creative process) and how to reconnect with self-compassion and discovery along the way.   Jennifer referenced a TON of fascinating things to read, listen to and watch! Here they are*:   Cheryl Strayed Tiny Beautiful Things   Anne Lamott’s beautiful writing advice   The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin - Jennifer is an Upholder - I’m an obliger!   The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron   We Should All be Millionaires an Audiobook by Rachel Rogers   Laziness Does Not Exist by  Devon Price   Hacks on HBO Max - YouTube trailer here!   I’ll Show Myself Out by Jessi Klein   *links to amazon affiliate - of which I may earn a very small commission that goes to support the pod.   You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! And with the bi-weekly episode release schedule 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.

Hello, hi! Today I'm joined by two of my favourite people in the whole world, my best friends Sarah and Emily. We decided to each write a few "deep" questions for one another and spend some time in conversation and letting the time pass while getting to know one another better.  I love this medium effort opportunity for friends to spend time together, and I actually can't wait to do it again. Would you try this with your friends? Be sure to connect with me on Instagram @medium.lady, I would love to hear what you thought of this week's episode. If you want to use the questions we created for today's episode here they are (in no particular order) If you could take a time machine to your 18 year old self, what advice would you give yourself? Design your dream house If you were an app or software program which would you be? What popular media/tv/music do you hate and why? Describe an outfit that makes you feel like your best self You have only one minute for self-care, what do you do? If your 20 year old self could see you now what would they be most proud of? What area of your life is most affected by imposter syndrome? You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! And with the bi-weekly episode release schedule 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.  

Hello, hi! This is the final episode in my three part series on podcasting for beginners and everything  I learned after one year of podcasting. The last two episodes, Episode 33 and 34 discuss my pointers for the podcasting process for beginners and 5 things that I’ve learned. Today as the final episode is going to be Five more things I learned after podcasting for a year. And if you’re a regular listener of MLT you’ll know that when my episodes end on the “5” I usually do a series called 5 Things to try right now. So instead of that, we’ll talk about 5 things to try if you consider yourself a “creative” or someone in the active pursuit of a robust creative life. And if you’re not a person with a podcast or a creative side hustle (or side stroll) I hope you'll keep listening and this episode will help to remove barriers associated with our perception of creativity as a product rather than a fulfilling process. You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! And with the bi-weekly episode release schedule 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.

Hello, hi! Today I'm looking back on everything I've learned after 1 year of podcasting. This episode will cover my podcasting process and review the following a) Drafting b) Recording c) Editing d) Posting e) Promoting! Also I ask 5 questions you need to ask yourself if you're interested in starting your own podcast! You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! And with the bi-weekly episode release schedule 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.

Hello, hi! Today I'm joined by my partner Nick, to talk about being introverted and extroverted in our marriage. We talk about when we knew we were extroverted/introverted and how it makes things easier or harder when you're partnered! Listen to hear what's great about being married to an extrovert or introvert and hear which of us would switch to the other type if we could! Also mentioned in the episode: Quiet: The Power of Introverts by Susan Cain Married to an Introvert - tips for extroverts What Introverts Married to Extroverts Need to Know - First Things First You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! And with the bi-weekly episode release schedule 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.  

Hello, hi! I'm excited to welcome back Bridget Baker from @bridgetbakerminimalistmojo to chat with me about aspirational clutter. The new season of Medium Lady Talks felt like a great time to kick off some practical tips and thoughtful reflections on clutter and why we "acquire to aspire." Bridget and I also discuss: - Brene Brown's new book "Atlas of the Heart." - Zoodlers and Zoodles (we say this word many times in the episode) - Do you have any of these items taking up space in your home? You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! And with the bi-weekly episode release schedule 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.  

Hello, hi! As today's episode ends in a "5", I'll be sharing five things for you to try right now, and for this season of life. I love these episodes because I often pull from  my own ideas and archives from writing on Instagram, but I also curate a few of my favourite things, or the items really making me happy lately. Advent of kindness: especially kindness to strangers! More on my writing about that here. I really find now is the opportunity for us to look for new ways to find connection in our communities, especially when current rhetoric would have us believe we're divided and against one another. Ornaments with a sense of humour! I share a bit about a transformative experience when I purchased two ballerina ornaments, and I've never looked back! Ornaments are a small, low cost joy bringer and I definitely recommend you find one that makes you happy for your tree this year. Personalized gifts. I can't get enough of gifts that are monnogrammed, use the recipients initials or name, and finally personalized photo gifts! There's nothing quite like a gift that can only be given to you! See your home with new eyes: The holidays are a time when we're innundated with options to spend money, time, or effort on transforming our homes. See your home with new eyes that allow you to experience a sense of gratitude around your space and the place you take shelter and rest, or celebrate this time of year with loved ones. Really really specific playlists: Building a playlist is a perfect example of "mindful fun". It requires focus, it's sensory and it has a wonderful sense of starting and stopping. Here's a link to my latest Christmas Carol playlist I hope you enjoy! You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! And with the bi-weekly episode release schedule 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.

Hello, hi! Today's episode is with my friend Stephanie Cunningham @steffski on Instagram. Steph's internet handle is “Wellness+Realness” and what I love about following her is that’s exactly what you get. She's often posting inspiring and aspirational content, followed by her openness about raising small kids, finding balance, and showing up in the challenge to make the next best decision. Steph and I also talk about an IGTV live that we did a year ago to talk about goal setting, prioritization and putting things in motion for three months. Spoiler alert - we barely did the things we chose to do! But instead we talk about what we might have done if we could go back in time! Also mentioned in this episode: THIS C.S. Lewis quote My Monthly Experiments - the most recent of which can always be found in my IG highlights @medium.lady Pamela Pumpkin - Stephanie's now annual reel tradition You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! And with the bi-weekly episode release schedule 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.

Hello, hi! Today's episode is an exciting one, it's my first interview with an author! I'm interviewing Jayne Allen author of the recently released, must-read novel "Black Girls Must Die Exhausted".  Jayne and I have a wonderful heart to heart unpacking the themes in her book. We talk about the choices she made with her title, the intentionality behind her cast of characters, as well as the approach she takes to boundary setting and creating art. I know you will love this conversation as much as I did. You can find Jayne on Instagram @jayneallenwrites or join her email list at www.jayneallen.com. You can always help out the podcast by providing a rating or review, and sharing it with another Medium Lady in your life! And with the bi-weekly episode release schedule 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.

Hello, hi! Today's episode is extra special for two reasons - it is my TWENTIETH episode and it is with my partner and husband Nick (who I also affectionately dub "handsome face"). Nick and I chat (well Nick chats, and I giggle) over 4 randomly selected questions, we offer ourselves a bit of advice and we mostly just enjoy each others company. The microphone was just along for the ride. If you enjoyed this episode please come and hang out with me over on Instagram, @medium.lady. And if you loved this episode don't forget to give it a rating and review. If you know a Medium Lady or Handsome Face in your life who would enjoy this episode go ahead and share it with them!  Other things in this episode: ~ This question about managing marital bliss on Quora ~ Was friends filmed in front of a live studio audience? ~ Corporate speak gets pretty bad...amirite? Music is Climb by The Ghost in the Piano and I'm grateful for its use via creative commons license.      

Hello, hi! Today's episode is all about the books I read this summer, and I'll give you advice to Read IT or... Don't! And of course my favourite "Know Yourself" category in the middle.  Knowing yourself, when it comes to building a robust reading habit, is really key. When you know what you like, and what you don't, you can reach for more books that align with what you like. And when you know what to reach for, you just keep reading! Books mentioned today, in no particular order: Mindset by Carol Dweck The Bridgerton Series by Julia Quinn You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo Now, Discover Your Strengths by Donald Clifton Indians on Vacation by Thomas King Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant On the Come Up by Angie Thomas Five Little Indians by Michelle Good Big Summer and That Summer by Jennifer Weiner 11/22/63 by Stephen King Also mentioned in this episode, Episode 12 all about Growth Mindset Episode 14 Your Summer Reading Pile with Ali Oppenlaender My writing and other musings can be found on Instagram @medium.lady please head over there and shoot me a DM! The epic Goodreads review of 11/22/63 by Gatorman in 2011 Music is Climb by Ghost in the Piano and I'm grateful for its use by creative commons license.

Hello, hi! Today's podcast is all about the Skin Care Olympics awarded by me and my dear friend Sarah Rich from @getnormal on Instagram. Sarah and I are very old and dear friends who love nerding out on all things beauty together, and we figured the recent Tokyo Olympics provided us with a great theme to chat about some of our most (and least) loved products. Before the conversation with Sarah, I also experiment with some less refined, more spontaneous chat about my thoughts regarding the conversation, my friendship with Sarah and the idea of not taking yourself too seriously. I hope you love this episode as much as I do! If you'd prefer the video version, it can be found on my Instagram IGTV page @medium.lady.   PRODUCTS THAT STUCK THE LANDING Sarah: Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops Erin: E.L.F Holy Hydration Face Cream   REPEAT MEDALIST  Sarah: Lush Eau Roma Water Toner Erin: Cerave PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion   BEST ALL AROUND ATHLETE Sarah: Weleda Skin Food Light Nourishing Cream Erin: Pixi Glow Tonic   DID NOT FINISH Sarah: Cerave Skin Renewing Cream Serum Erin: the general category of Face Masks   OBSCURE SPORT Sarah: Paula’s Choice Tranexamic Acid  Erin: Dieux Forever Eye Masks, Silver Medal to the general category of Oil Cleansers   PERSONAL BEST Sarah: Northlore Rosehip Seed Facial Serum Erin: Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Facial Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid   LAST PLACE Sarah: The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil Erin: any Chemical Sunscreen  ALSO MENTIONED: ~Charlotte Palermino @charlotteparler on Instagram - skin care influencer ~Dermatologist Dr. Dray on YouTube - real talk about ingredients from a doctor ~Clara Hughes is a multi medalist from Canada who I incorrectly name as a skier - she is infact a Speed Skater and hellur badass.  ~Paula Begoun the “Cosmetics Cop” and beauty mogul behind Paula’s Choice skin care and unfortunate moniker ~Sarah and I continue to experiment with sunscreen - Physical sunscreens including Coppertone Pure and Simple Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 and Sun Bum Clear Zinc Oxide Face Cream 50 SPF ~Gwenyth Paltrow’s shenanigans with sunscreen - come on Gwennie tell us you're kidding...   Music is Climb by Ghost in the Piano, as always I'm extremely grateful for it's free use under creative commons licensing.

Hello, hi!  This week's podcast episode is all about an experiment I've been doing with a Monthly Wishlist. This has given me lots of thoughts about Medium Effort, Mindful Fun, and shopping!  WHY YOUR WISHLIST IS MEDIUM EFFORT: A wishlist does require a bit of planning and a bit of a break from the "want it/need it/got it" reaction. I'll talk a bit about why the discomfort of the pandemic resulted in me leaning into online shopping as a way to disconnect from discomfort, and the effort of a wish list helped me understand that better. WHAT GOES ON THE WISH LIST: You get to decide what goes on your own wish list. For me, it's all the items that make me feel like I could change myself, my appearance or my life just a little bit, if only I could buy the "perfect item". But you get to decide what goes on the wish list.  WHEN TO USE THE WISH LIST: For me, I love a monthly cycle, and the fresh start that turning the calendar pages provides. At the beginning of the month I check in with the wish list and make some mindful purchases. And then I go back to putting things on the wish list. Sometimes I forget what's on the wish list, and sometimes, I'm really excited to finally make a purchase and bring it into my life. What do you think of this idea of a wish list? Would you give it a try? Let's me know your thoughts on Instagram @medium.lady! Music is Climb by The Ghost in the Piano, and I'm grateful for its use through creative commons license.

Hello, hi! Today's episode ends with a five so it's back to my series on 5 things to try right now. I hope you'll try one or some, or all of them! If you do please connect with me on Instagram, I'd love to hear your thoughts @medium.lady! 1. Ask yourself "WHAT IF IT ALL WORKS OUT, WHAT IF MY HARD WORK PAYS OFF"  2. GO DEEP ON YOUR STRENGTHS then put it on the back burner and stop thinking about it so much 3. REFRESH YOUR INSTAGRAM FEED WITH HASHTAGS. Here are a few that have contributed to changing my relationship with the algorithm this year: #amplifymelanatedvoices #shelvesofdiversity #diversifyyourbookshelf #disabledandcute #disabledfashion #fatpeopleareaspirational #pinterestbutmakeitfat #indigenousfashion 4. REVIEW THE LAST PRODUCT YOU USED UP - Bonus points if you use this as a point of conversation and ask someone to review what they're using! 5. EAT VACATION LUNCH: made fresh, eaten outdoors with a cold drink. I'm going to try doing this more often, and even ditch my phone! You can find my meal tips and tricks in my Instagram highlights. Music is Climb by The Ghost in the Piano, I'm grateful for its availability for use with creative commons license.  

Hello, hi! Are you prepared for summer reading!? Summer reading can feel high effort - you want to read what all the cool kids are reading and be able to talk about the latest summer releases. But what about the back list? What about the library? Join me as I chat books with my friend Alison Oppenlaender! We'll each recommend a book for your summer reading pile and ALL of our book recommendations are from the backlist. Library users unite! You're going to want to listen and make some plans for your summer reading in advance. Using MEDIUM EFFORT, figure out what you want to read, and then just focus on reading those books! Don't worry about all the Book Fomo this summer ;) Our book recommendations include our "reading sweet spot", a book we always recommend, a book that surprised us and the ONE book you should read this summer.... As always please connect with me over on Instagram, @medium.lady and let me know what's on your summer reading pile.  Books recommended, in no particular order: 112263 by Stephen King Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant Get a Life Chloe Brown, by Talia Hibbert The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid Music is Climb by the Ghost in the Piano and used with my gratitude and creative commons license

Hello, hi! Today's podcast is an awesome chat with my friend Bridget Baker. Bridget is a brand and website designer, minimalist, lifestyle blogger and RV enthusiast! We had so much to talk about, and I know you're going to enjoy this discussion. Here's a bit of what we cover! MINIMALISM and MEDIUM EFFORT: are they from the same family? Or can they hold hands together?  THE APPEAL OF MINIMALISM: Bridget explains why someone like me (a person with a lifestyle that acts as a magnet for stuff) is so attracted to the idea of minimalism. YOU DESERVE SPACE: Bridget and I talk about the gift of space, whether it's mental, emotional or physical, and why "this next part" at the end of the pandemic, is an important time for you to claim what you need to make a gentle and self-compassionate transition. Please let me know what you think of the episode and let's connect over on Instagram @medium.lady! Other things mentioned in this episode: The Afrominimalist's Guide to Living with Less by Christine Platt The Body is Not and Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant Music is Climb by The Ghost in the Piano, used with creative commons license.

Hello, hi! Today's episode is all about growth mindset - with medium effort. On Instagram I set monthly goals that I call my monthly "experiment". I design goals to fall within four categories: read, play, try and think. The last few months I've been "think"ing about growth mindset. This episode is a summary of those thoughts. NAME YOUR STRENGTHS: The first way to grow, with medium effort, is to take a bit of time, up front to list your strengths with as much detail as possible. APPLY YOUR STRENGTHS IN A NEW WAY: I talk about a few of my own strengths applied to examples. Growth happens when you use your strength to try something new or to level up your existing strengths. Take a risk, do something awkward, get uncomfortable, but lean into what you're already good at before testing new waters for the sake of growing. REST: None of us are built to grow 100% of the time, in fact often rest can lead to growth or be the cause of growth. I'll commit to thinking more about this, and am the first to admit I don't have it all figured out! I touch on a few resources within this episode: 1. The Four Tendencies quiz by Gretchen Rubin  2. Now, Discover your Strengths by Don Cliffton 3. Burnout by Emily and Amelia Nagoski 4. The Enneagram - online test option available here   If you're interested in connecting, or learning more about my monthly experiments,  I can be found on Instagram @medium.lady. Music is Climb by The Ghost in the Piano, used with creative commons licensing.