What if you didn’t end the year with a big goal — but with clarity? In this quiet bonus episode closing out Season 5 of Medium Lady Talks, Erin shares a personal year-in-review reflection inspired by Laura Tremaine’s 10 Questions for the End of the Year. Rather than offering resolutions or strategies, this episode explores what happens when we stop waiting for permission, external validation, or the “right time” to move forward. Erin reflects on her word for 2026 and what it means to live from inner authority instead of urgency. She unpacks three gentle but powerful realizations from the past year: why rescuing isn’t leadership, why depth matters more than speed, and why self-trust can be more radical than having a plan. This episode is for anyone ending the year without a bold intention — and feeling oddly okay about it. If you’re craving permission to slow down, listen inward, and trust yourself before chasing the next strategy, this conversation is for you. What You’ll Hear in This Episode What Erin chose as her word for 2026 — and what it actually means for her year ahead. The hidden cost of being the rescuer at work, in family life, and in relationships Choosing depth and rest without abandoning ambition Letting go of urgency, perfectionism, and incomplete projects without self-judgment Why self-trust can be more grounding than goal-setting A compassionate reframe for listeners who feel unsure about what’s next Notable Quotes “I realized I’ve been waiting for something that doesn’t exist — permission, legitimacy, or other people catching up.” “Rescuing isn’t leadership. Rising up without abandoning myself is.” “I didn’t end this year with a strategy. I ended it with self-trust — and that feels more radical.” “You’re not behind. You might just be listening to yourself on a new level.” Who This Episode Is For Burnt-out women and millennial mothers navigating ambition and rest Listeners who feel pressure to set goals but crave something quieter Anyone tired of hustle culture and performative self-improvement Leaders, caregivers, and creatives who are ready to stop waiting for permission Mentioned in This Episode Laura Tremaine’s 10 Questions for the End of the Year reflection practice The Summer of Real Rest theme and its lasting impact The idea of “negotiating the timeline, not the result” What to Do Next If something resonated: Sit with a word that stood out to you Notice where you’re done rushing or rescuing Ask yourself where you might trust yourself a little sooner There’s no homework here — just space. Connect with Erin Follow along on Instagram for more reflections, bookish content, and gentle encouragement: @medium.lady If this episode spoke to you, screenshot it and share it — and tag Erin so you can continue the conversation.

What happens when being “strong” stops working? In this deeply affirming and practical conversation, Erin is joined by Dr. Nikia Smith — practicing anesthesiologist, wellness coach, and founder of She Is Fire Forged — to explore how the Superwoman myth quietly fuels burnout, especially for high-achieving women and women in healthcare. Together, they unpack how resilience, people-pleasing, and productivity can become liabilities rather than strengths — and why rest is not something to earn, but something to prioritize before everything else. This episode is for anyone who: feels exhausted despite “doing everything right” has built a good life but still feels depleted or disconnected has been praised for being strong, capable, and reliable — at great personal cost 🧠 In This Episode, You’ll Hear About: • The hidden cost of the Superwoman identity Dr. Smith explains how being “the strong one” often masks chronic exhaustion, emotional suppression, and self-abandonment — particularly for women of color and women in caregiving professions. • Burnout doesn’t always look like collapse You can love your job, love your life, and still be burned out. Burnout often builds slowly — like a simmer — long before it reaches a breaking point. • Why rest must come before boundaries Many women struggle to set boundaries because they’re already depleted. Dr. Smith shares why beginning with rest builds the capacity and courage needed to sustain boundaries over time. • The ‘simmer’ metaphor for catching burnout early Instead of waiting for total collapse, this episode offers language for identifying irritability, restlessness, resentment, and exhaustion before burnout boils over. • The difference between sleep and real rest Sleep matters — but it’s not the whole picture. Emotional rest, creative rest, social rest, and physical rest all play distinct roles in recovery and sustainability. • How identity work is central to burnout recovery Burnout often forces the question: Who am I beyond my roles and titles? This episode explores how dismantling inherited expectations opens space for self-trust and agency. 🔄 Reframing Strength, Productivity, and Success This conversation challenges the idea that: rest must be earned productivity defines worth success looks the same for everyone Instead, Erin and Dr. Smith explore how true sustainability often means: adding friction at work removing friction at home offloading invisible labor questioning “shoulds” that drain energy without adding meaning You’ll also hear honest reflections on: outsourcing household labor redefining success based on values (not aesthetics) letting go of guilt around support, rest, and ease 🌿 Key Takeaways Burnout is not a personal failure — it’s often the result of social conditioning and moral injury You don’t need confidence to make changes; courage is enough Rest creates the capacity needed to move from survival to intention You are allowed to want a life that feels good, not just one that looks successful Strength doesn’t mean doing everything alone 🩺 About Today’s Guest: Dr. Nikia Smith Dr. Nikia Smith is a practicing anesthesiologist, wellness coach, and founder of She Is Fire Forged, a platform supporting high-achieving women of color through burnout recovery, rest, and self-trust. Through her coaching and content, she helps women: identify hidden burnout unlearn the need to earn rest build sustainable lives rooted in clarity and softness Connect with Dr. Smith: Instagram & TikTok: @sheisfireforged Email: hello@sheisfireforged.com She also offers: an Exhaustion Quiz to identify what’s draining your energy a Burnout Guide for recognizing early warning signs and dialing back before collapse 🎧 Looking Ahead This episode follows the close of the Phone Free Fall series and arrives at a powerful moment — as many listeners head into the holidays already depleted. If this conversation resonated, consid

On the winter solstice — the darkest day of the year — Erin closes the Phone Free Fall series with a quiet, honest reflection on presence, capacity, and what it means to actually live inside the life you worked so hard to build. This episode isn’t about advice, challenges, or optimizing your habits. It’s about noticing. About naming the ways we slip out of our own lives — into scrolling, distraction, and emotional distance — not because our lives are bad, but because they are full. If you’ve felt restless, overstimulated, or disconnected even while living a life you once dreamed of, this episode offers orientation, not pressure. A reminder that real life isn’t something you get to later — it’s already happening, and you’re allowed to be inside it. 🧠 In This Episode, Erin Reflects On: • Why Phone Free Fall was never about quitting your phone This series was about noticing how often we leave our lives without realizing it — and gently choosing to come back. • The paradox of living a “good” life and still wanting to escape it Full lives are often heavy to inhabit. Phones offer distance and numbness, but not true restoration. • How rest, capacity, and phone use are deeply connected Even when we rest, our phones can quietly drain the capacity that rest is meant to restore. • What listeners discovered when screen time went down Pride, boredom, boredom with scrolling — and then a strange, honest sense of being lost. Not a failure, but a re-entry. • Why winter — and the solstice in particular — asks us to stay, not optimize This season invites inwardness, stillness, and tolerance for what feels unfinished or unresolved. • The practice at the heart of Phone Free Fall Not discipline. Not restriction. Just noticing when you leave your life — and when you come back. ❄️ A Winter Solstice Reframe The solstice doesn’t ask us to improve or shine.It asks us to stay. Just as the light returns slowly — almost imperceptibly — presence returns minute by minute. With each moment we’re less interrupted. With each moment we choose to be here. 💬 Key Takeaways You’re not escaping your life because it’s bad — you’re escaping because it’s full Distance from your phone isn’t the same as restoration, but it can create space for it Boredom and quiet are not problems; they’re thresholds Your real life isn’t waiting for you to feel better — it’s already happening You’re allowed to live inside the life you built, even when it’s imperfect, slow, or overwhelming Noticing is the practice 🌿 As Phone Free Fall Comes to a Close As Erin wraps both Phone Free Fall and Season 5 of Medium Lady Talks, she invites listeners into a winter pause — one that makes room for quiet, reflection, and enoughness. You don’t need to do this better.You don’t need more discipline.You just need to keep noticing. 🎧 What’s Next Episode 165: A conversation with physician and coach Dr. Nikia Smith on rest, boundaries, and care that actually sustains us Season 6 of Medium Lady Talks returns in February after a January winter hiatus 🧡 Continue the Conversation If this episode resonated, Erin would love to hear from you — especially how Phone Free Fall shifted your awareness, not just your screen time. Follow along on Instagram: @medium.ladyAnd thank you for choosing to spend your time and attention here — they matter.

You put your phone down.Your screen time went down.And instead of feeling calm or proud… you felt bored.Then scrolling felt boring too.And suddenly, you felt lost. If that’s been your experience, this episode is for you. In this Phone Free Fall conversation, Erin explores why setting phone boundaries can bring up unexpected emotions — and why feeling bored, unsettled, or untethered is not a sign you’re failing. It’s a sign that your nervous system is recalibrating. This episode connects phone boundaries, emotional rest, and seasonal sensory grounding, helping you understand what’s happening in your body and how to stay supported without reaching for your phone again. 🧠 In This Episode, We Explore: • Why phone boundaries often trigger emotions Your phone hasn’t just been entertainment — it’s been a tool for emotional regulation. When you reduce screen time, the constant drip of distraction stops, and feelings finally have space to surface. • Why boredom is a normal (and necessary) phase Boredom isn’t emptiness. It’s a transition point between overstimulation and genuine interest. Feeling bored or “lost” doesn’t mean you need your phone back — it means your brain is adjusting. • The emotional gap most digital wellness advice ignores Lower stimulation doesn’t instantly feel better. It often feels unfamiliar, quiet, and disorienting. This episode names that gap so you don’t mistake it for failure. • What emotional rest actually looks like Emotional rest isn’t fixing your feelings, journaling perfectly, or staying positive. It’s letting emotions exist without immediately managing, numbing, or distracting from them. • How to support yourself without scrolling Erin shares gentle ways to stay regulated when phone boundaries bring up discomfort — including sensory grounding, seasonal rhythms, and body-based cues that don’t require more effort or discipline. 🍂 Seasonal Support: Staying Grounded Without Your Phone This episode invites you to reconnect with sensory joys of the season as a way to support emotional rest, including: warmth, light, and texture slow, repetitive tasks (cooking, baking, tidying) movement and fresh air cozy, low-stakes rituals noticing what feels comforting instead of productive Winter already knows how to slow us down — we don’t need to force calm, just notice it. 💬 Key Takeaways Feeling bored or lost after reducing screen time is normal Your phone has been regulating your nervous system — replacing it gently matters Emotional rest begins when we stop interrupting ourselves You don’t need more discipline — you need more support Phone Free Fall isn’t about quitting your phone; it’s about rebuilding tolerance for being with yourself 🧡 If This Episode Resonated If this episode helped you make sense of how you’re feeling, consider sharing it with someone navigating phone boundaries too. And if you’re in the middle of Phone Free Fall, Erin would love to hear not just your screen time wins — but how it actually feels. 📱 Continue the Conversation Follow Erin on Instagram: @medium.ladyJoin the ongoing Phone Free Fall series and explore what real rest looks like — emotionally, mentally, and digitally. 🔗 Related Episodes Your Brain Is Full: Why You Can’t Put Your Phone Down (and It’s Not Your Fault) Who Knew Quitting Would Be This Hard? (Phone Free Fall check-in)

If you’ve ever wondered why you can’t stop picking up your phone, especially in December, this is the episode you need. Erin breaks down the real reason you feel overstimulated, resentful, or stuck in the doomscroll — and spoiler: it’s not a lack of willpower. Your brain is just full. In this Phone Free Fall episode, Erin explores how emotional labour, holiday chaos, mental load, and constant interruptions shape your relationship with your phone — and what to do when putting it down actually makes your anxiety spike. If you’re craving validation AND practical tools, this one’s for you. 🔎 In This Episode, We Explore: • Why your phone isn’t the problem — your full brain is Erin explains why scrolling becomes an “emotional release valve” when life feels overstimulating. • The hidden forces making December uniquely overwhelming Holiday interruptions, childcare changes, gift logistics, sensory overload, financial pressure, and emotional labour all combine into a perfect mental-load storm. • The surprising signs your brain is full Including:– opening apps automatically– feeling buzzy or urgent for no reason– shame about unfinished simple tasks– multitasking even when you don’t need to– craving constant noise– scrolling while physically uncomfortable– feeling brittle, resentful, or tapped out • Why phone boundaries often feel worse before they feel better Silence gets louder, feelings surface, and thoughts crowd in — Erin explains why this is normal and not a sign you're doing anything wrong. • Compassion-based phone boundaries (especially for December) Small, realistic steps for navigating screen time during an emotionally maximalist month. ✨ Practical Tools Mentioned Micro-pauses before opening apps Opal App (iPhone) for screen time blocking Landline Mode and “move the app” techniques Slow-drip dopamine: reading, journaling, hobbies, rest Medium-effort December as an antidote to holiday burnout Letting your brain empty gently, not urgently 💬 Key Quotes from the Episode “You’re not glued to your phone because you’re weak. You’re glued to your phone because your brain is full.” “Doomscrolling creates emotional slipperiness — nothing sticks, and that feels like rest.” “December asks for maximum everything. Of course your brain is over capacity.” “The person who has a full brain has a full life. You worked hard for this life — don’t treat it like something you need to escape.” 🧡 If Your Brain Is Full Right Now… You’re doing your best.You’re not behind.You’re not undisciplined.You’re not broken. You’re overstimulated — and this episode will help you name it, understand it, and navigate it with compassion. 📱 Continue the Conversation Come hang out with Erin on Instagram: @medium.ladyShare this episode with someone whose brain is also full — it helps the show grow and supports women who need exactly this kind of honesty and gentleness.

Cutting back your screen time should feel peaceful… right?Except when you actually try it, quitting your phone feels uncomfortable, emotional, and surprisingly hard. In Episode 161, part of Phone Free Fall, I’m sharing a deeply honest four-to-six-week check-in on what it’s really like to change your relationship with your phone — including the withdrawal phase no one talks about, the “brain bargaining” that happens in the early weeks, and the surprising shifts that happen when your nervous system stops drinking from the firehose of five-second dopamine hits. If you’ve ever wondered why scrolling feels rewarding, why boredom feels unbearable, or why your screen time spikes right when you’re trying to quit, this episode unpacks all of that with compassion, context, and real tools. Together we explore: ✔️ What I actually changed (spoiler: nothing dramatic)✔️ The gap you have to fill when the phone goes down✔️ Why the first 2–3 weeks feel so uncomfortable✔️ The neuroscience of dopamine withdrawal✔️ How scrolling delivers stimulation, not satisfaction✔️ Why screen time may rise before it falls✔️ How creativity starts to re-inflate when input slows down✔️ The moments of “micro-boredom” that tug you back to your phone✔️ What I’m paying attention to next — including the emotional load–scrolling boomerang effect If you’re trying to scroll less and live more, this episode will help you feel less alone in the messy middle — and more confident about what’s actually happening in your brain, your body, and your habits. 🧠 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why your brain negotiates, bargains, and resists when you put your phone away Why real life feels slow after constant online stimulation How to interpret boredom as data instead of failure How your saved folders reveal what you’re craving in real life Why the “invisible load” peaks at the same time as screen time How creativity grows when consumption shrinks The tiny daily patterns (6am scroll, waiting-in-line scroll, bedtime scroll) worth noticing How to reset without moralizing or self-judgment 🔎 SEO Keywords phone addiction, digital detox, reduce screen time, dopamine detox, scrolling addiction, mindful phone use, overstimulation in women, burnout recovery, mental load and phone use, how to stop doomscrolling, motherhood and mental health, creative rest, digital wellbeing, phone-free tips 💬 Reflection Questions for Listeners Use these prompts to explore your own phone-free journey: When in your day are you most likely to reach for your phone? What emotion usually triggers the scroll — boredom? overwhelm? avoidance? What “quick hits” does your brain miss most? What real-life activities give you slow-drip dopamine? What creative urges are hiding behind your saved folders? When you scroll “to rest,” does it actually feel restful afterwards? How does your mood shift before, during, and after scrolling? What small moment could you reclaim (morning routine, commute, transitions)? Are you doing Phone Free Fall with me?Share your check-in over at @medium.lady or send me a DM — I love hearing your stories, questions, and aha moments. And if today’s episode helped you feel seen, scroll a little less, or breathe a little deeper, make sure you share this episode with a friend you care about, so we can build a big community of people stepping back from this black box of doom. 

In this episode of Medium Lady Talks, Erin sits down with watercolor artist and author Jaime Townzen for a heartfelt conversation about the shift from caregiving to creativity — and how making art became her most powerful source of rest. Jaime shares her story of moving through years of intense caregiving, grief, and the emotional load of motherhood, and how a simple watercolor tutorial in 2020 opened the door to calm, grounding, and a renewed sense of self. Together, Erin and Jaime explore what it means to rest creatively, how small creative acts can quiet anxiety, and why giving ourselves 15 minutes with no “deliverable” can change our whole nervous system. They also dig into the guilt so many women feel when trying to rest, the transition from parenting young kids to supporting aging loved ones, and how to spend less time on your phone by choosing slower, more intentional hobbies. If you’ve ever said, “I wish I could paint,” or “I wish I had time to write,” this episode will meet you right where you are — and gently nudge you toward the creative practices your future self will thank you for. Together, Erin and Jaime talk about: How making art can regulate your nervous system Why creative hobbies matter even if no one ever sees them The guilt women feel when trying to rest Navigating the shift from raising kids to caring for elders Using creativity to spend less time on your phone Letting go of perfectionism and embracing “just a piece of paper” How small creative rituals can reconnect you to your identity Key Takeaways Creative rest doesn’t require talent — it requires time and permission. Your first step isn’t “becoming an artist.” It’s sitting down. A 15-minute hobby with no deliverable can completely shift your internal state. Caring for others doesn’t mean losing yourself. Boundaries create wholeness. Mindful phone use is tiring — and that’s why it reduces screen time naturally. 🔗 Resources & Mentions Jaime Townzen’s Art & Writing Absorbed by Jaime Townzen available wherever you love to buy books and at your public library (my library had a digital copy on Hoopla!) Sarah Cray Watercolor tutorials  Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady  Email: mediumladytalks@gmail.com  Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads  

What if your phone could stop following you around? In Episode 159 of Medium Lady Talks, Erin Vandeven sits down with creator and stay-at-home mom Kassadi Gabriel—the mind behind the viral idea of “landline mode.” Together they unpack how simple technology boundaries can restore your patience, creativity, and peace of mind in a culture addicted to constant connection. They talk about: What “landline mode” really is and how to try it yourself Why boundaries around your phone help you like yourself more How overstimulation and mental load show up in motherhood The myth of “consistency” as the new hustle culture How curiosity (not perfection) brings hobbies and creativity back to life This episode is part of Erin’s Phone Free Fall series—a season-long experiment in reclaiming attention, slowing down, and noticing what real rest feels like. Mentioned in this episode: Kassadi Gabriel on TikTok @kassadig Kassadi Gabriel on Instagram @kassadigabriel Brick affiliate link ($10 off via this link) Medium Lady Talks Episode 156 Phone Free Fall If you’ve been craving fewer notifications and more presence, this conversation will help you find calm in a world that won’t stop pinging. Keywords: phone boundaries, digital wellness, motherhood, mindful living, overstimulation, rest, burnout, attention span, social media use, phone free fall, Medium Lady Talks

In this episode of Medium Lady Talks, Erin sits down with poet, grief coach, and tarot reader Anna Jollymore to explore what it means to slow down, feel deeply, and create from the fire within. Anna is the author of Words for Becoming, a stunning debut collection that gazes unflinchingly at the shadow side of personal transformation. Together, Erin and Anna unpack how poetry can help us process grief, rest our overworked minds, and reconnect with our inner voice in a world that rewards constant doing. This conversation continues Erin’s Phone Free Fall series, inviting listeners to put down their phones and pick up something slower, quieter, and infinitely more real — reflection, creativity, and the sacred art of becoming. Key Topics Discussed How poetry makes space for emotions we usually rush past Using writing and creativity as tools for grief and transformation What happens when we stop numbing uncertainty with our phones The connection between metaphor, mindfulness, and real rest How poetry and tarot can ground us in embodied self-awareness The beauty of sincerity, authenticity, and imperfection in creative work Guest Bio Anna Jollymore (she/they) is a Midwestern-based author, teacher, grief expert, and professional tarot reader. Her debut poetry collection, Words for Becoming, explores the sacred tension between loss and renewal — and the ways grief can shape us into something new. Anna is also a certified Grief Recovery Method coach and facilitator who helps others make meaning through creative and spiritual practice. 📖 Words for Becoming is available now on Bookshop.org and Amazon.📱 Follow Anna on Instagram at @thepoetannajollymore.   Takeaway for Listeners If you’ve been feeling burned out, overstimulated, or disconnected from your creative side, this episode invites you back to yourself. Through poetry, journaling, and mindful stillness, you can find small, steady ways to rest — not by escaping your life, but by being more fully present in it. Resources Mentioned Words for Becoming by Anna Jollymore The Grief Recovery Method Phone Free Fall series on Medium Lady Talks Medium Lady Reads — the sister podcast for book lovers and mindful readers Call to Action If this episode spoke to you, share it with a friend who’s been craving real rest or a creative spark.Subscribe to Medium Lady Talks wherever you listen, and leave a review to help more listeners find the show. Join Erin’s community at mediumladycommunity.com Follow Erin on Instagram: @medium.lady

In an effort to continue to rest while also hosting a podcast, I'm reposting an episode from the archives. This episode of Medium Lady Talks originally aired on July 11, 2024. Enjoy and new episodes will air next Monday! _________ Hello, hi! Today’s episode is a first for the show: Medium Lady Rants? After being influenced by a few videos critiquing BookTok and the Beauty Influencer space it occurred to me that some of the problems in those spaces also exist in the motherhood content space. And I have a lot of thoughts about it! This episode is designed to give you some healthy skepticism about short form content that targets mothers, so you can avoid the shame and blame that can sometimes be triggered after a scroll session. Episode Summary Why do moms seek this kind of content in the first place? And why can it be harmful? While we don’t need to call out or “cancel” any particular creator there are themes behind some of the content that is useful to pay attention to I’ll talk about why I resisted embracing the “Mom” niche for so long The “machine” of social media is not invested in our wellness at all - even if creators are doing their best to create intentional content Ultimately, motherhood content on social media feels like it’s serving a need - if we’re aware of what those needs are we can be more mindful as we consume short form content.  It’s crucial to remember that virality will always come before your mental health - and I’ll explain more about why this is the case. What is rage baiting? And how does it work when it comes to short form content for mothers? Remember your focus and attention is currency: creators will use your insecurities as the entry point to gain more of that currency as collateral you might find yourself being preyed upon for engagement. I routinely reflect on the struggle I’ve experienced as a content creator to dabble with and mess around in some of the spaces that provide a straighter path to growth and virality and the cost of that would be my personal desire to help people and leave my audience better than when they found me. Awareness of how this content can leave you in a shame and blame spiral is only good if it compels you to take ACTION - I’ll share my suggestions for how you can bring mindfulness and digital habits to your consumption of short form content (it’s easy I promise)   Other Episodes you might like: Episode 107: From Anxiety to Action - How to reclaim your mental headspace with guest and coach Madeline Farquharson Episode 108: From Self-Neglect to Self-Care - Prioritizing your Needs with guest and coach Madeline Farquarson Other Resources mentioned: The Opal 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

Series: Phone Free Fall – Scroll Less. Live More. Keywords: phone addiction, sensory rest, digital wellness, mindfulness, motherhood burnout, nervous-system regulation, overstimulation, real rest, millennial moms, self-care Summary :In Episode 157 of Medium Lady Talks, host Erin Vandeven takes listeners deeper into the Phone Free Fall series—exploring why so many of us instinctively reach for our phones and how that reflex keeps us from real rest. Building on last week’s episode Welcome to Phone Free Fall, Erin reveals that scrolling isn’t a failure of willpower—it’s a learned nervous-system shortcut. Our brains use screens to numb when we’re overstimulated and to spark when we’re bored. The result? We rarely let our senses slow down long enough to truly feel alive. This episode introduces sensory rest, the practice of noticing how your body feels when you stop flooding it with input. Erin shares her own experiments with putting down earbuds, sipping coffee in silence, and noticing textures, sounds, and smells as everyday acts of recovery. Drawing on listener poll insights—where nearly half admitted they scroll to “escape and numb”—she explores how to replace that quick dopamine hit with micro-joys that actually restore energy and connection. You’ll walk away with:✨ A new understanding of the scroll reflex and how to retrain it🧘‍♀️ A simple “one scroll → one sensory moment” experiment to try this week🪞 Three reflection prompts to help you notice when and why you scroll🌿 Ideas for small sensory rituals that make you feel grounded and alive Because the goal isn’t to delete your apps—it’s to bring quiet, creativity, and curiosity back into your real life. 🎧 Listen now to Medium Lady Talks – Episode 157: The Scroll Reflex & the Art of Sensory Rest💬 Experiment: Replace one scroll moment with one sensory moment.     The series starts here!   Don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show!   Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady  Email: mediumladytalks@gmail.com  Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads #PhoneFreeFall #MediumLadyTalks #SensoryRest #DigitalWellness #ScrollLessLiveMore #MindfulLiving #BurnoutRecovery #RestRevolution #MillennialMoms #SelfCareJourney

🪂 Episode 156 — Welcome to Phone Free Fall Keywords: phone addiction, digital wellness, social media burnout, motherhood and mental health, mindful living, rest, overstimulation, self-care, millennial mothers Summary :In the first episode of her new series Phone Free Fall, host Erin Vandeven explores the surprising truth behind her biggest barrier to real rest — her phone. Building on the success of The Summer of Real Rest, Erin opens up about how social media, overstimulation, and invisible labor keep so many millennial women from feeling truly restored. Drawing on new research from Her Index 2025 and JAMA Internal Medicine, Erin connects the dots between burnout, digital clutter, and the steep decline in mothers’ mental health. She offers honest reflections on the addictive pull of social media, the false sense of productivity our screens provide, and what happens when we trade real connection for the scroll. This episode invites listeners to join Erin in a gentle experiment: silence your notifications for 24 hours and notice how your attention shifts. You’ll learn how awareness — not guilt — can help you reclaim mental space, sensory rest, and creativity. If you’ve ever thought, “I know social media is bad for me, but all my friends are in there,” this episode is your invitation to scroll less and live more. Listen to discover: Why your phone might be the biggest barrier to rest How digital clutter mirrors emotional clutter The connection between social media use and women’s declining mental health Three reflection prompts to help you notice your phone habits A realistic way to start your own Phone Free Fall 🧡 If this episode resonates with you: Share it with a friend who needs a little extra encouragement Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more than you know DM me on Instagram @medium.lady or tag your favorite quote from the episode Subscribe for more real talk about building a life you love—one medium-effort step at a time Looking for more support? Access exclusive content and mindful living tools on Patreon.    Don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show! Other Related Episodes (for your enjoyment): Ep 144: Sacred Rest & Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith Ep 145: Are You Proud of Being Tired? Ep 146: When My Eye Stops Twitching Ep 147: The Toxic To-Do List   Medium Lady Reads Episode 43 - Our Best Recommendations for Your Summer Reading Pile   Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady  Email: mediumladytalks@gmail.com  Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads #PhoneFreeFall #MediumLadyTalks #DigitalWellness #MindfulLiving #SocialMediaDetox #RestRevolution #MillennialMoms #BurnoutRecovery #ScrollLessLiveMore

Have you ever thought, “I don’t even know what would be restorative right now”? You’re not alone. In fact, nearly 60% of women report spending no time on self-care most days, leaving them depleted and unsure how to fill their own tank. In this episode 155 of Medium Lady Talks, I share a practical way to bridge the gap between knowing you’re exhausted and actually choosing something restorative. Building on Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith’s 7 Types of Rest, I introduce my simplified BEMS framework, four buckets you can reach for when you’re too tired to think clearly: Body (hydrate, stretch, nap, walk) Emotions (cry, laugh, connect with someone safe) Mind (phone break, music, doodle, brain dump) Senses (dim the lights, light a candle, step outside) You’ll hear why decision fatigue makes it so hard to choose rest, what the latest research tells us about the decline in maternal mental health, and how invisible labor and overstimulation drain us daily. (For reference, here’s the JAMA study I mention: Trends and Disparities in Maternal Self-Reported Mental and Physical Health, 2016–2023). If you’ve been feeling flat, frazzled, or unsure how to restore yourself, this episode will give you a gentle place to start — one tiny action at a time. ✨ Bonus: Patreon subscribers can download the printable Restorative Cheat Sheet that turns this framework into an easy everyday tool - will be Published  on Tuesday Sept 30   🧡 If this episode resonates with you: Share it with a friend who needs a little extra encouragement Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more than you know DM me on Instagram @medium.lady or tag your favorite quote from the episode Subscribe for more real talk about building a life you love—one medium-effort step at a time 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!   Don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show! Other Related Episodes (for your enjoyment): Ep 144: Sacred Rest & Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith Ep 145: Are You Proud of Being Tired? Ep 146: When My Eye Stops Twitching Ep 147: The Toxic To-Do List Medium Lady Reads Episode 43 - Our Best Recommendations for Your Summer Reading Pile   Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady  Email: mediumladytalks@gmail.com  Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads

Feeling the shift from summer to fall? This episode of Medium Lady Talks guides you through my How to Start a New Month workbook — a simple, cozy ritual for reflection, balance, and self-care. Grab your free copy on Patreon and join me in creating a restful reset for what’s next. The Fall Equinox is the perfect reminder that transitions are worth noticing. In episode 154 of Medium Lady Talks, I’m inviting you to pause, reflect, and reset as we move from the brightness of summer into the slower rhythm of fall. Whether you’re listening on the equinox or months later, this episode will guide you through my How to Start a New Month workbook — a gentle framework for welcoming change with more rest and less hustle. Together, we’ll explore: How to reflect on what you already know about the coming season What lessons and resilience you can carry forward from summer How to cultivate a cozy, sensory vibe for fall that feels uniquely yours Simple ways to make small, meaningful plans that honor your energy ✨ Download the free workbook here: How to Start a New Month PDF If you’re feeling the weight of invisible labor or resisting the darker days ahead, this episode is your invitation to pause, notice, and claim your own restful reset. The equinox may only last a day, but the practice of balance and reflection can carry you through the whole season. ~~~ 💬 Let Erin know what “real rest” means to you over on Instagram @medium.lady—and share this episode with the friend who’s doing everything “right” and still wondering why she’s so tired.   This episode marks the end of our “Summer of Real Rest” series a time to call ourselves in to a true commitment to the soft work of feeling better one step at a time.  🧡 If this episode resonates with you: Share it with a friend who needs a little extra encouragement Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more than you know DM me on Instagram @medium.lady or tag your favorite quote from the episode Subscribe for more real talk about building a life you love—one medium-effort step at a time 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!   Don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show! Other Related Episodes (for your enjoyment):   Ep 144: Sacred Rest & Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith Ep 145: Are You Proud of Being Tired? Ep 146: When My Eye Stops Twitching Ep 147: The Toxic To-Do List   Medium Lady Reads Episode 43 - Our Best Recommendations for Your Summer Reading Pile   Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady  Email: mediumladytalks@gmail.com  Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads  

What if the reason you feel so depleted isn’t that you’re not trying hard enough… but that you’re carrying too much? In episode 153 of Medium Lady Talks, Erin explores the radical question: What can you put down, for now? As we close out the Summer of Real Rest series and transition toward fall, Erin guides you through a playful self-assessment quiz to help you identify the weight you’ve been carrying — and what you can finally release. ✨ In this episode, you’ll learn: Why so many women admit to spending 0% of their day on self-care (Her Index survey) How grind culture convinces us that fatigue = worthiness Why decision fatigue can feel more comfortable than choosing to rest The four biggest energy drains: productivity as morality, over-functioning in relationships, white-knuckle mental control, and perfectionism A fun 3-question quiz to help you discover what you can put down this season 💬 Quotes from the episode: “Something has to give for you to get that time for yourself. The problem we’re coming from is a zero percent rest rate.” “You don’t have to burn it all down — but you can’t keep carrying everything.” “Rest is not quitting. It’s about choosing the margin of space you need to be you.” This episode is a gentle but firm reminder: rest doesn’t come from doing more. It comes from doing less — and choosing what to put down.   This episode is part of our “Summer of Real Rest” series—time to call ourselves in to a true commitment to the soft work of feeling better one step at a time.    🧡 If this episode resonates with you: Share it with a friend who needs a little extra encouragement Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more than you know DM me on Instagram @medium.lady or tag your favorite quote from the episode Subscribe for more real talk about building a life you love—one medium-effort step at a time 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!   Don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show! Other Related Episodes (for your enjoyment): Ep 144: Sacred Rest & Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith Ep 145: Are You Proud of Being Tired? Ep 146: When My Eye Stops Twitching Ep 147: The Toxic To-Do List   Medium Lady Reads Episode 43 - Our Best Recommendations for Your Summer Reading Pile   Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady  Email: mediumladytalks@gmail.com  Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads     #mediumladytalks #summerofrealrest #restrevolution #burnoutrecovery #selfcareforwomen #mentalrest #decisionfatigue #boundariesarebeautiful #softwork #perfectionismrecovery

Did you think the best summer of your life would carry you straight into fall with joy and energy—only to find yourself feeling tired, sad, or a little… beige? You’re not alone. Many of us experience the end of summer blues or what I’m calling summer grief. In this Episode 152 of Medium Lady Talks, I dive into why seasonal transitions feel so heavy, and how to navigate them with intention. We’ll talk about: The emotional drop that comes with the end of summer and back-to-school season Why psychologists recognize summertime sadness and even reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) How invisible labor and new routines contribute to stress and burnout for moms and caregivers Practical strategies using the 7 types of rest (sensory, mental, emotional, social, creative, physical, and spiritual) How the September full moon and the autumn equinox can be embraced as rituals for balance, release, and renewal I’ll share real examples from my week, including: Turning my phone to black-and-white mode for sensory rest Creating small 20-minute tasks to reset my home for mental rest Reaching out to my therapist and friends for emotional rest Saying no to extra commitments for social rest Building seasonal clothing capsules for creative rest Exploring moon cycles and equinox reflections for spiritual rest ✨ Takeaway: If you’re feeling the September slump, you’re not broken. Your body, your calendar, and even the cosmos are shifting. Choose one kind of rest, one ritual, or one reframe to meet yourself with softness this season. 🔑 Keywords: end of summer grief, summer blues, summertime sadness, reverse seasonal affective disorder, seasonal transition, autumn equinox rituals, fall self-care, seven types of rest, sensory rest, emotional rest, seasonal burnout recovery 💌 Let’s stay connected: DM me on Instagram @medium.lady with the kind of rest you’re choosing this September Share this episode in your stories and tag me so we can encourage each other And remember: you’re doing such a good job. 🧡 If this episode resonates with you: Share it with a friend who needs a little extra encouragement Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more than you know DM me on Instagram @medium.lady or tag your favorite quote from the episode Subscribe for more real talk about building a life you love—one medium-effort step at a time 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!   Don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show! Other Related Episodes (for your enjoyment):   Ep 144: Sacred Rest & Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith Ep 145: Are You Proud of Being Tired? Ep 146: When My Eye Stops Twitching Ep 147: The Toxic To-Do List   Medium Lady Reads Episode 43 - Our Best Recommendations for Your Summer Reading Pile   Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady  Email: mediumladytalks@gmail.com  Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads

What season of life are you in—and what would it mean to actually honour that season instead of resisting it? In this episode 151 of Medium Lady Talks, I’m joined by my friend and thoughtful powerhouse Ashley Gibson, who brings a beautiful mix of vulnerability, wisdom, and humour to her story. Ashley is a program management lead in tech, a creative multi-passionate elder millennial, a reformed perfectionist, and a chronic illness warrior. But more than that, she’s someone who’s learning (like many of us) that doing it all is neither sustainable nor required. We talk about:🥧 The "pie chart of life" and how to make peace with the slices that need to grow—or shrink🌀 Why it's more than okay to change your mind (even about things you once loved)💊 What Ashley learned about identity, health, and shame when her chronic illness flared🔁 Why needing help doesn’t mean failure—and how that belief keeps so many of us stuck🛏️ Redefining real rest as a proactive, intentional practice—not a reward you earn This episode is part of our Summer of Real Rest series and will resonate with anyone who’s navigating shifting capacity, letting go of side hustles, recalibrating goals, or just wondering why things that used to fit don’t feel so right anymore. Ashley reminds us: “You can love something and still let it go. You can be proud of it and still step away.” We hope this conversation helps you feel seen—and gives you permission to meet yourself exactly where you are. More About Ashley Ashley Gibson is a Toronto-based program manager, musical theatre fan, chronic illness advocate, and reformed perfectionist. Online and IRL, she shares openly about navigating life with Crohn’s disease, making intentional shifts in work and identity, and how to live with more joy, softness, and style. 📍Follow her @ashleydtl for travel recs, honest reflections, and vibrant real-life vibes. Listener Favorites from This Episode ⏱️ 12:30 — Letting go of side hustles & the emotional weight of change⏱️ 22:00 — Why Ginger Spice was Ashley’s first blueprint for self-trust⏱️ 34:15 — Rethinking medication, identity, and the false binary of "sick" vs "well"⏱️ 41:00 — Real rest as the first step, not the reward Loving the Show? Tag us @medium.lady and tell us what season you’re in.Leave a review, share with a friend, or just hit play while you’re letting one of your own “slices of the pie” rest a little.   🧡 If this episode resonates with you: Share it with a friend who needs a little extra encouragement Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more than you know DM me on Instagram @medium.lady or tag your favorite quote from the episode Subscribe for more real talk about building a life you love—one medium-effort step at a time 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!   Don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show! Other Related Episodes (for your enjoyment): Ep 144: Sacred Rest & Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith Ep 145: Are You Proud of Being Tired? Ep 146: When My Eye Stops Twitching Ep 147: The Toxic To-Do List   Medium Lady Reads Episode 45 - Welcome to Season Three of Medium Lady Reads    Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady  Email: mediumladytalks@gmail.com  Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads

What if the care you needed wasn’t one more task, but a radical act of self-trust? In Episode 150, I’m joined by Amy C. Willis, sober coach, speaker, and founder of Hol + Well. Amy works with women and queer folks to explore what’s possible in a life free from alcohol—one rooted in rest, boundaries, and real self-care. We explore the concept of mothering yourself—a tender and transformative practice that helped Amy through early sobriety when she didn’t yet feel worthy of care. This idea ties beautifully into our Summer of Real Rest series, especially for those who are exhausted from being everything to everyone. In this conversation, Amy and I discuss: Why “mommy wine culture” is predatory, not empowering How sobriety and burnout recovery share similar emotional truths The stigma around choosing to be alcohol-free—even if you don’t identify as “in recovery” Why we need to dismantle the binary between problem drinking and “normal” drinking What truly restorative self-care looks like in recovery (hint: it’s not what Instagram tells you) One of the most powerful things Amy says in this episode is: “Whatever you’re looking for in alcohol, you’ll actually find in sobriety.” Whether you're sober, sober-curious, or simply burned out and craving more care—you’ll find so much resonance and reflection here. Amy’s Resources & Recommendations 🔗 Instagram @msamycwillis 💻 Website: holandwell.com 💬 Join her private Facebook group 📚 Book Recommendation: Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by Jessica Guerrieri More from Medium Lady I’ve been alcohol-free since 2018—not because of addiction, but because alcohol made my anxiety and migraines worse. Still, even naming that choice out loud feels like a big deal. Amy and I unpack why alcohol is still seen as a default, and what it means to make a different choice. This episode is part of the Summer of REAL Rest series—where we’re talking about sustainable care, nervous system softness, and how to stop outsourcing your well-being. 🧡 If this episode resonates with you: Share it with a friend who needs a little extra encouragement Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more than you know DM me on Instagram @medium.lady or tag your favorite quote from the episode Subscribe for more real talk about building a life you love—one medium-effort step at a time 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! Don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show! Other Related Episodes (for your enjoyment): Ep 144: Sacred Rest & Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith Ep 145: Are You Proud of Being Tired? Ep 146: When My Eye Stops Twitching Ep 147: The Toxic To-Do List Medium Lady Reads Episode 43 - Our Best Recommendations for Your Summer Reading Pile   Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady  Email: mediumladytalks@gmail.com  Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads

Do you ever feel completely drained after “being nice”?If so, you might not need more sleep — you might need emotional rest. In Episode 149 of Medium Lady Talks, Erin explores how emotional fatigue often hides in plain sight, especially for chronic people pleasers. She shares why people-pleasing is a constant leak on your energy, how it erases your sense of self in relationships, and why emotional rest is one of the most overlooked (but deeply necessary) types of rest. ✨ In this episode, you’ll learn: What emotional fatigue feels like (and how it’s different from mental fatigue) Why chronic people-pleasing quietly drains you from morning to night How to reframe boundaries as saying yes to yourself, not just saying no to others Why emotional rest means giving yourself permission to not be emotionally available 24/7 The “Pause Button for Your Heart”: a 3-step tool to help you set down feelings that aren’t yours to carry 💬 Quotes from the episode: “If you identify as a chronic people pleaser, that is a leak on your energy. And it is constant: it is there when you wake up and it is there when you go to bed.” “A lot of people pleasers don't set boundaries because they think that saying no is mean, or hurtful. But I really think we can see our boundaries beyond saying no to others; more about saying yes to ourselves.” “If you want to get emotional rest, you're going to have to give yourself permission to not be emotionally available 24/7.” “What people pleasers do is they empathize so deeply it’s like they become the person they’re trying to keep happy and control. But you unintentionally erase yourself from the relationship." 💬 Let Erin know what “real rest” means to you over on Instagram @medium.lady—and share this episode with the friend who’s doing everything “right” and still wondering why she’s so tired.   This episode is part of our “Summer of Real Rest” series—time to call ourselves in to a true commitment to the soft work of feeling better one step at a time.    🧡 If this episode resonates with you: Share it with a friend who needs a little extra encouragement Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more than you know DM me on Instagram @medium.lady or tag your favorite quote from the episode Subscribe for more real talk about building a life you love—one medium-effort step at a time 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 142 Don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show! Other Related Episodes (for your enjoyment): Ep 144: Sacred Rest & Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith Ep 145: Are You Proud of Being Tired? Ep 146: When My Eye Stops Twitching Ep 147: The Toxic To-Do List Medium Lady Reads Episode 43 - Our Best Recommendations for Your Summer Reading Pile   Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady  Email: mediumladytalks@gmail.com  Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads #mediumladytalks #summerofrealrest #emotionalrest #peoplepleasingrecovery #burnoutrecovery #boundariesarebeautiful #softwork #selfcareforreal #emotionalfatigue #restmindset #podcastforwomen

What if the gap between burned out hot mess and well-rested badass is… just five minutes? In Epidosde 148 of Medium Lady Talks, Erin shares a personal moment from a wildly stressful workday where a handful of tiny, intentional choices helped her find real rest—without escaping, quitting, or checking out. This is a grounded, gentle episode that proves rest is not about perfection. It’s about margin. ✨ Inside this episode: The story of a high-stress day and the 5-minute pause that changed everything A live, personal example of mental and sensory rest in action What happens when you interrupt hustle culture in real time The return of our favorite themes: moral math, decision fatigue, and the lie that you have to earn rest A toolkit of 7 Well-Rested Badass questions to help you find relief, even in motion You’ll also hear reflections that build on: Ep 144: Sacred Rest & Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith Ep 145: Are You Proud of Being Tired? Ep 146: When My Eye Stops Twitching Ep 147: The Toxic To-Do List This episode is proof that you’re closer to rest than you think. 💬 Let Erin know what “real rest” means to you over on Instagram @medium.lady—and share this episode with the friend who’s doing everything “right” and still wondering why she’s so tired.   This episode is part of our “Summer of Real Rest” series—time to call ourselves in to a true commitment to the soft work of feeling better one step at a time.    🧡 If this episode resonates with you: Share it with a friend who needs a little extra encouragement Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more than you know DM me on Instagram @medium.lady or tag your favorite quote from the episode Subscribe for more real talk about building a life you love—one medium-effort step at a time 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 142 Don’t forget to subscribe! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others find the show! Other Related Episodes (for your enjoyment): Episode 70: My Life-Changing Perspective on Having the Best Summer EVER Episode 103: Four Questions to Free Yourself from Summer Stress Part One Episode 104: Four Questions to Free Yourself from Summer Stress Part Two Episode 106: Six Things Saving My Summer    Medium Lady Reads Episode 43 - Our Best Recommendations for Your Summer Reading Pile   Connect with Erin: Instagram: @medium.lady Patreon: www.patreon.com/mediumlady  Email: mediumladytalks@gmail.com  Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify Instagram: @mediumladyreads