Many people struggle to recognize their own needs, especially when they’ve been conditioned to prioritize everyone else first. In Medium Lady Talks, Episode 133, host Erin Vandeven explores why naming your needs is the first step to sustainable self-care—and how to start, even when it feels impossible.

💡 This episode covers:

For those feeling depleted, this episode offers a gentle invitation to reconnect with themselves—whether they’re ready to take action or simply need permission to acknowledge that their needs matter.

🎧 Listen now on all major podcast platforms.

Looking for more support? Access exclusive content and mindful living tools on Patreon. 

Join the conversation! Share one need you're naming today and tag @medium.lady on Instagram.

The series starts here! Episode 131: Why is Taking Care of Yourself So Hard?

Tune in and don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show!

#SelfCare #EmotionalWellness #BurnoutRecovery #MentalHealth #MindfulMotherhood #PodcastForMoms #MediumLadyTalks

Other Related Episodes (for your enjoyment):

Episode 126: Hear Me Out - Choose a Need for the Year Instead of a Word for the Year

Episode 83: Is Your Self-Care Helpful or Harmful: A Book Review of “Real Self Care” by Dr. Pooja Lakshmin

Episode 107: From Anxiety to Action: How to Reclaim Your Mental Headspace with guest and coach Madeline Farquharson

Medium Lady Reads Episode 37 - EBooks of Physical Books? Which do you prefer?

Connect with Erin:

In Episode 132 of Medium Lady Talks Erin shares the first episode in the new self-care series “How To Take Care of Yourself”. The first item on the list is one that most people definitely struggle with - saying yes to help that’s offered. This isn’t just about asking for help, which is naturally hard enough and makes many of us feel vulnerable and out of control! But there are many people in our lives who offer help or who are very available to take on tasks and support our needs for care - are you making the most of the help available in your life? 

Why is asking for help so hard? And why do we feel guilty when we actually get it? If you’ve ever resisted delegating tasks or felt like needing help meant you were failing, this episode is for you. In the new MLT series How to Take Care of Yourself, we’re exploring the deep-seated beliefs that keep women, especially mothers, from seeking support—and how breaking free from the “do it all” mindset is one of the most important steps towards sustained wellness.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

If you’ve been struggling to balance it all, this is your permission to let go and let others in. Listen now and start practicing your care  in a way that actually supports and sustains your well-being.

The series starts here! Episode 131: Why is Taking Care of Yourself So Hard?

Tune in and don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show!

#SelfCare #AskingForHelp #BurnoutRecovery #MentalLoad #DelegationTips #MindfulMotherhood #PodcastForMoms #WomenSupportingWomen

Other Episodes (for your enjoyment):

Episode 120: 9 Small Things my Husband Never Feels Guilty About

Episode 123: Are You Guilty or Did You Just Make a Decision? My Final Word on Guilt (until 2025).

Episode 83: Is Your Self-Care Helpful or Harmful: A Book Review of “Real Self Care” by Dr. Pooja Lakshmin

Episode 117: Medium Effort Advice: Help, I’m doing too much, and none of it well!

Episode 126: Hear Me Out - Choose a Need for the Year Instead of a Word for the Year

Medium Lady Reads Episode 37 - EBooks of Physical Books? Which do you prefer?

Connect with Erin:

Hello, hi! This week’s episode is a bit of a vulnerable off the cuff episode - I have a few things weighing heavy on my mind, and all of it surrounding the frustrations we all experience around the effort of taking care of ourselves. My hope is that this episode represents a "kick off" of a new series of content designed to help us all consider the smallest most useful and accessible ways of taking care of ourselves today, so we can take care of our families, friends and communities tomorrow.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, I chat about:

Other Episodes you might like:

From Medium Lady:

Episode 117: Medium Effort Advice: Help, I’m doing too much, and none of it well!

Episode 128: How to Bring Your Authentic Self To Your Friendships with Helene and Christina from It’s YOUR Birth Day Podcast

Episode 129: You Better Keep it Up Cutie! With guest Anna Przy

Medium Lady Reads Episode 36 - Beware the Spoiler Police!

Connect with Erin:

This episode aired in February 2023, and yet I feel like our challenges with enjoying ourselves are being tested now more than ever. I hope you enjoy this episode from the archives! I'll be back next week with a fresh episode!

~~~~~

Hello, hi and welcome to another episode of Medium Lady Talks! In Episode 97, we're delving into a topic that's close to the hearts of many burnt-out millennial mothers: the pursuit of genuine enjoyment in life.

Segment 1: Exploring the "No" Perspective

Segment 2: Unpacking the "Maybe" Perspective

Segment 3: Embracing the "Yes" Perspective

Other Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Erin:

Hello, hi! This week’s episode is an authentic and open episode with my guest Ashlie Daigle, otherwise known as the Cheerbrarian. Ashlie and I have been “kindred spirits” both in the kind of content we like to share with the world, as well as our outlook on life and our enthusiasm for giving advice. Despite that identity and persona, Ashlie gets real with her current mental health struggles and how hard it is to reconcile the part of her identity she’s known for, when she doesnt’ really feel like that person.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Ashlie and I chat about:

Other Episodes you might like:

From Ashlie:

Your Brain is a Dirty Liar (Part One)

Manage Uncertainty with (some of) Your Wits Intact

Book Recs Year in Review

The Power of “No” (Part 3) - Zoe and I say NO to immediately responding

From Medium Lady:

Episode 117: Medium Effort Advice: Help, I’m doing too much, and none of it well!

Episode 128: How to Bring Your Authentic Self To Your Friendships with Helene and Christina from It’s YOUR Birth Day Podcast

Episode 129: You Better Keep it Up Cutie! With guest Anna Przy

Medium Lady Reads Episode 36 - Beware the Spoiler Police!

Other Resources mentioned:

Connect with the Cheerbrarian

Connect with Erin:

Hello, hi! I’m so excited to welcome today’s guest to the show. Anna Przy! Does the phrase “It’s called manifesting… look it up…” or “You better Keep it up Cutie” sound familiar? Anna Przy is most recognizable for her short form social media videos that involve a bathrobe, her front yard, and no shoes. Sometimes featuring an old vacuum and some high kicks you’ll often see Anna looking up at the sky and politely appealing to the cosmos. I first discovered Anna during the pandemic, and have been a huge fan of her pep talks and point of view ever since.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Anna and I chat about:

Other Episodes you might like:

Episode 117: Medium Effort Advice: Help, I’m doing too much, and none of it well!

Episode 128: How to Bring Your Authentic Self To Your Friendships with Helene and Christina from It’s YOUR Birth Day Podcast

Episode 63: Storytelling, Conscious Parenting and the Myth of Balance with Katy-Robin Garton

Medium Lady Reads Episode 35 - We’re Back with our 2025 Reading Goals!

Connect with Anna

Connect with Erin:

Hello, hi and welcome to the first interview for Season 5 of Medium Lady Talks! In this episode, I chat with Helen Schrute and Christina Cohen, therapists and hosts of the It’s YOUR Birthday Podcast. We’re talking all about friendship, partnership, trust and navigating the messy middle of life with your bestie by your side.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, you’ll hear more from my guests about:

By the end of this episode, you’ll feel equipped and inspired to choose a guiding need for 2025 that aligns with your values and supports your well-being.

Other Episodes you might like:

Episode 117: Medium Effort Advice: Help, I’m doing too much, and none of it well!

Episode 68: Is Friendship a Type of Self-Care with Roz and Erin in the Valley

Don’t miss my episode on It’s YOUR Birth Day : Episode 30: The Gift of Finding YOURSELF

Medium Lady Reads Episode 35 - We’re Back with our 2025 Reading Goals!

Connect with Helene and Christina

Connect with Erin:

Medium Lady Talks is heading into its fifth season! Five years ago, I started creating content—on Instagram, on this podcast, and in this incredible community. Over time, I’ve learned so much, not just about content creation, but about self-care, burnout, and the evolving nature of identity as a mom and a creator.

In this episode, I’m sharing five key lessons from five years of content creation—the hard-won truths about sustainability, creativity, and growth that have shaped both my work and my life. Whether you’re a fellow creator, a working mom, or just someone trying to live more intentionally, I think you’ll find something here for you.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

📖 Referenced in this episode:

🎥 Get More Exclusive Content on Patreon!

Plus, you can now watch Medium Lady Talks on video! The video version of the podcast is also exclusively available on Patreon. 🎥

Join us on Patreon today!

💌 Let’s Connect!

If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love if you could take a moment to use the share button and send to a friend—it helps more people find the show and be part of this incredible community. 💛

Hello, hi and welcome to the final episode of Medium Lady Talks for 2024! As we look ahead to 2025, I’m sharing a new and impactful approach to guide your personal growth: choosing a need of the year instead of a word of the year.

In this episode, I explore why focusing on your needs can help you take more intentional and meaningful action to support your emotional and mental well-being. Plus, we’re spinning the “Wheel of Needs” to dive into four powerful areas: Honesty, Purpose, Stability and Hope. I also introduce the importance of joy and contribution as essential needs that recharge our emotional batteries and remind us of our capacity to make an impact.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, you’ll learn:

By the end of this episode, you’ll feel equipped and inspired to choose a guiding need for 2025 that aligns with your values and supports your well-being.

Other Episodes you might like:

Episode 124: Reclaiming Fun - Dozens of Free Ways to Enjoy Yourself (with Insight From the Medium Kids!) 

Episode 120: 9 Small Things My Husband Never Feels Guilty About with guest Handsome Face

Episode 117: Medium Effort Advice: Help, I’m doing too much, and none of it well!

Medium Lady Reads Episode 33- Cozy Christmas Reads 2024

Connect with Erin:

Hello hi!

The holiday season can be magical, but let’s face it—it can also be overwhelming! In this episode, I’m sharing the five (and a half!) things that are helping me feel like myself and move through the busiest time of year as mindfully as possible. From favourite apps and comforting habits to traditions that warm my heart, these small joys are saving my season.

I’ll also share a wildcard favourite that surprised me, plus one thing that’s definitely not saving my season (hint: it involves a certain trendy food). Stick around for an exciting invitation to join the next chapter of the Medium Lady community in 2025.

So grab your cozy drink, take a deep breath, and let’s list out the things that are bringing simple joy and balance this holiday season.

🌟 The Five Things Saving My Season:

🎁 Wildcard Favorite: A festive treat (literally or figuratively) that’s bringing unexpected joy.

😅 What’s Not Saving My Season: A lighthearted look at the holiday mishap we all know too well.

💭 Mindful Moment Activity: Take a pause to reflect on what’s saving your season.

📣 Call to Action: Learn more about the exciting Patreon community launching in 2025, inspired by my monthly planning ritual.

Connect with Erin:

Episodes you might like:

Episode 120: 9 Small Things My Husband Never Feels Guilty About with guest Handsome Face

Episode 121: Mindful Content Creators and the Quest to Curate a Perfect Childhood with guest Stephanie Cunningham

Episode 124: Reclaiming Fun - Dozens of Free Ways to Enjoy Yourself (with insight from the Medium Kids!)

If you loved this episode, let me know what’s saving your season by tagging me on Instagram or leaving a review. Sharing your favourites makes this community so much brighter!

Happy holidays, friends. Let’s keep moving forward into the new year, with medium effort and mindful fun.