Ever feel like the rules in your relationship don’t actually apply to both of you? In this episode, Tara Schifsky dives headfirst into the uncomfortable, but all-too-common, world of double standards and privilege in relationships. From parenting to day-to-day dynamics, she shares brutally honest personal stories and insights from friends, exposing how these imbalances can quietly (or not so quietly) chip away at your energy, patience, and sanity.With a little humor and zero sugarcoating, Tara challenges listeners to ask themselves: Are you playing by the same rules as your partner?CONTACT:taraschifsky@gmail.comFacebookInstagramCHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to Double Standards in Relationships05:08 Personal Experiences with Double Standards11:01 The Impact of Privilege in Parenting15:09 Communication Gaps and Their Consequences20:01 Navigating Imbalances in Work and Home Life25:12 Overcoming People-Pleasing Tendencies25:39 Navigating Conflict Avoidance27:23 The Struggle for Personal Time30:00 Double Standards in Emotional Expression33:00 The Burden of Parenting Expectations37:09 Family Dynamics and Planning Responsibilities41:08 Hobbies and Personal Freedom44:14 Societal Double Standards in Parenting47:19 Reflections on Privilege and Relationships52:22 Personal Reflections and Closing Thoughts
In this raw and unfiltered episode of Revel in the Chaos, Tara Schifsky opens up about the brutal reality of postpartum depression and anxiety—the messy, isolating, and often shame-filled side of motherhood that no one warns you about. Tara doesn’t sugarcoat it. She takes you through the darkest corners of her experience, the breaking points that forced her to ask for help, and the hard-won lessons that cracked her open in ways she never saw coming. This is more than a story about surviving postpartum—it’s about reclaiming yourself, finding strength in vulnerability, and smashing the unrealistic expectations placed on moms. If you’ve ever felt lost in the chaos of motherhood, this one’s for you.CONTACTInstagram: @revelinthechaos_officialFacebook: Revel in the ChaosEmail: taraschifsky@gmail.comRESOURCESPostpartumDepression.orgPostpartum Support InternationalNational Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Reflection on Previous Episode05:57 The Struggles of Postpartum Depression11:51 Seeking Help and Finding Relief18:10 The Transformation of Self-Identity23:59 Navigating Motherhood and Mental Health30:01 Grief and Acceptance in Motherhood35:54 Support and Connection with Other Moms41:52 Empathy and Reaching Out to OthersKEYWORDSpostpartum depression, mental health, motherhood, self-identity, support, anxiety, healing, intrusive thoughts, emotional well-being, parenting
In this deeply personal episode of Revel in the Chaos, host Tara Schifsky shares her firsthand experience with postpartum depression and anxiety — a topic that is still widely misunderstood and too often left unspoken. Tara opens up about the emotional and psychological toll that followed the birth of her child, describing the overwhelming darkness, disconnection and shame that crept in when she expected joy. This isn’t just a story about the “baby blues”—it’s a raw look at a serious mental health condition that affects 1 in 7 women, yet remains heavily stigmatized. With unflinching honesty, Tara recounts the moments that broke her, the silence that isolated her, and the strength it took to start speaking the truth out loud. This is part one of her journey—a conversation that sheds light on the very real struggle so many mothers face but rarely feel safe enough to admit. Whether you've lived through it, love someone who has, or want to understand what postpartum depression and anxiety really looks like, this episode will open your heart and your eyes.CONTACT:Email: taraschifsky@gmail.comInstagram: revelinthechaos_officialFacebook: Revel in the Chaos
In this episode of Revel in the Chaos, Tara Schifsky takes a hard look at the burnout culture plaguing millennial moms. With humor and vulnerability, she shares her experiences navigating the relentless overstimulation that often leads to feelings of rage and dissociation. Tara delves into the unrealistic expectations that come with motherhood and how they contribute to a cycle of exhaustion and overwhelm. She emphasizes the crucial role of communication and support systems in combating burnout, reminding us that we can’t do it all. With a focus on setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care, Tara encourages listeners to reclaim their sanity in the chaos. So join her as she addresses the trials of millennial motherhood, all while sipping on a cup of lukewarm coffee and trying to find balance in a world that constantly demands more.CONTACT and SOCIALSEmail: taraschifsky@gmail.comInsta: @revelinthechaos_officialFB: Revel in the ChaosCHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Life Updates05:28 The Pressure of Societal Expectations06:27 Navigating Overstimulation and Burnout09:45 Understanding Overstimulation12:06 Mom Rage and Emotional Overload24:35 Coping Mechanisms and Mental Health28:50 Embracing the Chaos of Motherhood35:37 Navigating Overstimulation and Overwhelm39:28 Communication as a Key to Connection48:38 Self-Care and Setting Boundaries55:25 Finding Balance in a Noisy WorldKEYWORDSmotherhood, overstimulation, parenting, mental health, self-care, societal expectations, communication, burnout, coping strategies, family dynamics
Being the default parent isn’t just a title—it’s a full-time, unpaid, and often unappreciated gig. In this episode of Revel in the Chaos, Tara Schifsky rips the curtain off the invisible workload that keeps households running while leaving parents (mostly moms) running on fumes. From the guilt trips to the double standards, she gets real about the emotional toll, the unspoken expectations, and the constant mental juggling act. But it’s not all school drop-offs and snack wars —Tara also dives into reclaiming balance, setting boundaries, and finding the power in owning the role (without letting it own you). Tune in for a brutally honest, slightly cathartic, and refreshingly unapologetic take on the reality of being the “default” parent.TAKEAWAYS The podcast addresses the often unspoken challenges of parenting. Tara shares humorous anecdotes about her children's funny remarks. Being the default parent comes with an invisible workload that is exhausting. The pressure to perform and maintain a perfect household can lead to guilt. Tara discusses the double standards in parenting roles between partners. Open communication within the family is essential for addressing imbalances. Setting boundaries is crucial for managing the overwhelming responsibilities of parenting. It's important to recognize and appreciate the role of the default parent. Tara emphasizes that it's okay to feel overwhelmed and seek help. Finding joy in parenting amidst the chaos is possible.CONTACTInstagram: @revelinthechaos_officialFacebook: Revel in the ChaosEmail: taraschifsky@gmail.comCHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to the Chaos02:11 The Default Parent Dilemma09:29 The Invisible Workload14:49 Navigating Guilt and Expectations17:43 Understanding the Default Parent Role21:57 Planning and Preparation for Trips24:25 Navigating Travel and Freedom in Relationships27:30 The Double Standards of Parenting31:50 The Invisible Workload of the Default Parent39:32 Creating Balance and Equity in Family Responsibilities43:49 Embracing the Role of the Default ParentKEYWORDSparenting, motherhood, default parent, mental health, family dynamics, parenting struggles, work-life balance, guilt, parenting humor, family responsibilities
In this episode of Revel in the Chaos, Tara Schifsky opens up about the hidden struggles of being the default parent—the constant mental load, the overwhelming responsibilities, and the emotional toll that often goes unnoticed. From self-doubt and anxiety to the relentless juggling of family life, Tara shares her personal journey of navigating the invisible workload that shapes motherhood. She delves into the importance of carving out time for gratitude, self-care, and better communication within family dynamics. With a powerful call to action, Tara encourages listeners to reflect on their own experiences and start a conversation about how we can better support the unsung heroes in our homes.Contact:Share your thoughts on this episode! Or reach out to suggest a new topic: Email: taraschifsky@gmail.comInstagram: @revelinthechaos_officialFacebook: Revel in the ChaosChapters: 00:00 Introduction and Gratitude01:08 Navigating Self-Doubt and Anxiety04:00 The Importance of Downtime08:42 Understanding the Invisible Workload12:56 Defining the Default Parent19:39 The Burden of the Invisible Workload25:26 Communication and Partnership Dynamics28:50 Balancing Personal Needs and Parenting Responsibilities32:13 Conclusion and Call to Action
In this episode, Tara delves deeper into the topic of people pleasing, exploring its roots in trauma, grief, and narcissism. She shares her personal experiences and the impact these factors have had on her identity. Tara emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, learning to say no, and expressing one's needs as essential steps in the recovery process. She encourages listeners to prioritize self-discovery and self-worth, ultimately aiming to empower themselves and break the cycle of people pleasing for future generations. Contact and Sharing I would love to hear from you! Leave a comment or send me a message via email or social media. Email: taraschifsky@gmail.com Instagram: @revelinthechaos_official Facebook: Revel in the Chaos Please like, share, follow, subscribe... all the things that will help me reach more people who could benefit from our conversations on Revel in the Chaos. Thank you. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Journey 05:04 Exploring People Pleasing: Part Two 07:26 The Impact of Trauma and Grief 15:25 Narcissism and People Pleasing 17:40 Recovering from People Pleasing 24:21 Setting Boundaries and Saying No 31:10 Expressing Needs and Feelings 33:30 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Keywords people pleasing, trauma, grief, narcissism, boundaries, self-discovery, mental health, personal growth, self-worth, empowerment
In this episode of Revel in the Chaos, Tara Schifsky delves into the complexities of the 'good girl complex' and the pervasive issue of people-pleasing. She reflects on her personal journey, the impact of generational influences, and the struggle to set boundaries while navigating relationships. Tara emphasizes the importance of self-worth and the challenges of unlearning ingrained behaviors, all while sharing relatable anecdotes and insights into mental health. A Note From Tara: Let's connect! Please reach out via email or Instagram and keep the conversation going. I would love to know your thoughts on this episode. Also, let me know what other topics you think we should dive into. Again, thank you for your continued support. I can't wait to hear from you. xoxo, Tara INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/revelinthechaos_official/ or @revelinthechaos_official EMAIL: taraschifsky@gmail.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Reflection on Previous Episode 02:47 Exploring the Good Girl Complex 12:05 The Impact of People Pleasing on Life Decisions 24:51 The Struggle of Unlearning People Pleasing 30:07 Looking Ahead: Healing and Future Conversations
**Disclaimer: This episode contains explicit language, and mentions difficult topics such as suicidal ideation. Please listen with care, and see the resources listed below if you or someone you know needs support.SummaryIn this episode, Tara Schifsky and her husband Joe delve into the complexities of navigating a midlife crisis, exploring themes of vulnerability, masculinity, and personal growth. They share their personal experiences, the impact of therapy, and the importance of being present in family life. Joe discusses his journey of self-discovery, the decision to quit his job, and the challenges of embracing change. The conversation emphasizes the significance of emotional expression and supporting one another through life's transitions.Chapters00:00 Navigating Midlife Crisis: An Introduction03:03 The Impact of Personal Stories06:00 Understanding Masculinity and Vulnerability08:57 Catalysts for Change: Joe's Journey12:14 Therapy and Self-Discovery15:11 Work-Life Balance and Identity18:07 The Decision to Quit: A New Beginning21:00 Embracing Change and Presence23:47 Challenges and Future Aspirations27:13 Navigating Mental Health Challenges30:06 The Importance of Hard Work and Self-Care32:31 Embracing Uncertainty and Growth35:22 Support and Teamwork in Relationships38:05 Parenting Through Vulnerability40:55 Courage to Change and Self-Reflection43:52 Finding Success in Small Victories46:16 The Journey of Self-Acceptance and PrideContact InfoI would love to hear from you! Please send me your stories that you would like me to share on air. Email: taraschifsky@gmail.com Instagram: @revelinthechaos_officialResourcesCrisis Helplines:National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (USA):◦Phone: 988 (24/7 confidential support)◦Text: 988◦Website: 988lifeline.orgCrisis Text Line (USA):◦Text HOME to 741741◦Website: crisistextline.org◦Education & Awareness:National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI):◦Website: nami.org◦Offers resources for both individuals and families affected by mental health challenges.Mental Health America (MHA):◦Website: mhanational.org◦Provides educational resources and toolkits for dealing with mental health issues.
Summary In the inaugural episode of 'Revel in the Chaos', host Tara Schifsky shares her journey of vulnerability and self-discovery, discussing the challenges of perfectionism and the concept of midlife crisis. She reflects on her personal transformation from a dedicated teacher to a freelance writer, spurred by her own midlife crisis and that of her husband, Joe. The episode emphasizes the importance of embracing change, redefining midlife crisis as a transformative experience, and encourages listeners to pursue their happiness amidst life's chaos. Instagram: @revelinthechaos_official Keywords midlife crisis, personal transformation, mental health, motherhood, self-discovery, vulnerability, career change, perfectionism, relationships, chaos Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Revel in the Chaos 03:32 Redefining Midlife Crisis 12:09 The Power of Support While Going Off the Deep End 22:25 Taking Risks and Doing What Scares the Hell Out of You 24:44 Embracing the Chaos of Transformation Content Warning: This episode includes explicit language and may not be suitable for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.
Welcome to Revel in the Chaos, the podcast where we drop the filters, embrace the mess, and dive headfirst into the beautifully chaotic parts of life. Hosted by Tara Schifsky—a mom, wife, former teacher, and self-proclaimed chaos navigator—this show is your go-to space for real, raw, and relatable conversations about the messy and meaningful moments we all experience.From navigating mental health and motherhood to unpacking trauma, grief, relationships, and everything in between, Tara brings humor, vulnerability, and heart to every episode. Some weeks, she shares her own journey of turning life's challenges into something beautiful, and other times, she’s joined by incredible guests to tackle the tough stuff we all think about but rarely talk about.This isn’t a podcast about perfection—it’s about connection. It’s about laughing when life gets absurd, crying when it gets overwhelming, and finding joy in the chaos. So, if you’re tired of pretending everything is fine and you’re craving conversations that make you feel seen, heard, and even a little healed, this is your place.Subscribe now to Revel in the Chaos on your favorite podcast platform, and let’s turn life’s chaos into something meaningful, one conversation at a time.