The Balanced Badass Podcast®

Why are so many women working harder than ever but still underpaid? Career strategist and former recruiter Tessa Grashuis joins me to unpack the hidden world of salary compression — what it is, how it shows up, and why it keeps talented professionals stuck.  We talk about the smartest ways to negotiate at the offer stage, advocate for yourself inside your current role, and push back on outdated sy...

Being a middle manager is tough. You’re stuck between the bosses and your team, trying to keep everyone happy while handling a lot of pressure.  In this episode, we talk about why leading from the middle is so hard, what causes burnout, and why middle managers are so important to every company. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed at work or like your efforts go unnoticed, this episode is for you. Chec...

In this episode, we get into the dangerous cultural norm of equating our worth with our work.  We've become people defined by our job titles and productivity, fostering burnout and identity crises. By exploring the roots of this work-centric ideology, we uncover how to separate who we are from what we do.  Let's find out how to reclaim our identities beyond our resumes and build burnout-...

Feeling overwhelmed at work despite all your efforts? In this episode, we tackle whether your job is setting you up to fail with excessive expectations, lack of support, and unclear roles.  Discover the concept of the "everything job" and learn the 5 Cs driving burnout framework to identify unsustainable work conditions. Plus, get actionable advice on how to advocate for a more sustainab...

Ready to transform your living space into a holistic sanctuary?  In this episode, I sit down with Nicole Rivers, the founder of Brave Heron Studio, to chat about how your environment can impact your mood, mindset, and overall well-being. Nicole shares valuable insights on creating a space that supports healing and growth.  If you're into interior design, wellness, and making your home feel li...

In this episode, we explore the power of reconnecting with yourself to combat stress and burnout.  Jenni, the founder of the School for Mindful Eating and Movement, shares her journey from being a workaholic to finding balance through Yoga Nidra. Discover practical tips, including the 'three Rs' approach (Relaxation, Reconnection, and Reprogramming), to regain control and create a sense...

 In this episode, we explore the stark contrast between the glowing reputation of "top companies to work for" and the unsettling reality many employees face.  Despite impressive awards and certifications, many workplaces fail to deliver on their promises of a supportive, healthy environment. We explore personal experiences, the concept of cultural debt, and the pitfalls of culture certif...

Feeling stuck in your career due to burnout? This episode introduces Career Possibility Mapping, a framework to help you explore new career paths.  We discuss four paths: Step Ahead Roles, Adjacent Roles, Bold Pivots, and Wild Cards.  Learn how to evaluate your options and make informed career moves. Perfect for anyone needing a fresh start or simply wanting to explore new possibilities. Check out...

Ever walked into work and felt the silence from leadership? It's more damaging than you think!  In this episode, we explore how leadership silence can breed burnout, wreak havoc on your nervous system, and diminish team morale. We'll tackle what uncertainty does to your brain and body, and provide actionable tips for coping and leading in the dark.  Learn how to advocate, adapt, or know...

In this episode, we're going deep with therapist and hardcore feminist Pam Rothman, LPC. Pam shares her journey from crappy boundaries to being a boundary-setting pro, all while tackling burnout and prioritizing self-care.  We chat about why saying no is the ultimate power move and how societal expectations mess with our mental health. Whether you're overwhelmed, burnt out, or just need...

Today's episode gets into burnout in the helping professions with special guest Ina, a therapist and mentor.  Ina shares her journey from experiencing burnout to mastering balance and leadership in her field. Learn the importance of self-care, boundary-setting, and focusing on strengths to maintain a healthy work-life balance.  Get ready for actionable tips and inspiring stories tailored for...

Welcome back! This episode gets into the concept of Effort-Reward Imbalance to explain why you can be working hard and still feel stuck. If you're tired of useless advice and want to get to the root of your burnout, this episode is for you. We discuss the impact of constant emotional and mental labor, the cognitive load that drains your energy, and how to repair trust in yourself and your env...

It's the Season 2 finale, folks! We're talking about burnout and how to really figure out if it's time to leave your job. And we'll jump right in with a three-question burnout test that'll help you see if you're stuck in a toxic work environment.  This episode is packed with real talk about misalignment, emotional tolls, and actions you can take to regain control of y...

In this episode, we're getting into the exhausting performance of the work persona that many of us feel compelled to maintain. Tara shares a heartfelt message about the cost of constantly performing professionalism at the expense of our authentic selves.  Learn how this persistent act can lead to burnout, emotional disconnection, and a loss of self-identity. Discover practical steps to start...

In this episode, we tackle the manipulative voice of guilt that wreaks havoc on your energy, decision-making, and sustainable leadership. Specifically, we discuss boundary guilt—the kind that makes you feel bad for protecting your own time and energy.  We explore the roots of this guilt, the societal conditioning that exacerbates it, and its costly impact on your mental and physical well-being. Mo...

In this insightful episode, we're joined by Andrea Ramírez to explore the incredible power of the subconscious mind. We discuss Andrea's personal journey through trauma, burnout, and how hypnotherapy became a transformative tool for lasting change.  Discover the nuances of hypnotherapy, understand the deep connection between the subconscious and burnout, and learn how to build resilience...

In this episode of the Balance Badass Podcast, we explore burnout recovery from an energetic perspective with Amanda, a former nurse turned Reiki master and owner of Heart in Harmony Healing.  Amanda shares her personal experience with burnout and how she discovered the importance of Reiki, boundaries, and rest in her recovery. We discuss how energy management can play a vital role in combating bu...

In this episode, we're getting into the harsh realities of the current job market and the emotional turmoil that follows a layoff. Whether you've been hit by corporate budget cuts, the tech industry shake-up, or the federal government downsizing fiasco, you're not alone.  We address the grief, identity crisis, and stress associated with losing your job, and provide actionable advice...

Always feeling tired no matter how much coffee you chug? Let's get into why high achievers push through the exhaustion and often miss the signs of burnout. Discover the sneaky ways burnout creeps in, how stress messes with your brain, and most importantly, how to actually recover your energy.  We're talking about setting real boundaries, making lasting changes, and not waiting until you&...

Feeling the burnout at work? This episode breaks down the pervasive culture of workplace burnout, examining the systemic issues like unrealistic expectations, lack of support, and glorification of overwork.  We’ll explore how these factors contribute to a toxic environment and offer practical steps for employees to set boundaries, manage workloads, and protect their well-being. For leaders, we pro...

In this episode, Tara chats with Kirsten Zeigler, founder of KDZ HR Consulting. The discussion focuses on strategies to keep burnout at bay while building equitable workplaces.  Kirsten gets into her HR expertise, offering practical advice on managing energy, setting boundaries, and leading with integrity. They also cover the importance of pay transparency, inclusive hiring practices, and how to e...

In this episode, we tackle the paradox of perfectionism and the value of "good enough."  Discover how the relentless pursuit of flawlessness may be the root cause of your exhaustion, anxiety, and burnout. Learn about the origins of perfectionist tendencies, how they play out in adulthood, and the ways they drain your energy and time. More importantly, find out how to shift your mindset w...

In this episode, Tara discusses the toxic "always on" culture requiring constant availability, which impacts mental and physical health. She examines its origins, driven by technology, hustle culture, the pandemic, and capitalism, and provides practical steps for setting boundaries and challenging urgency without guilt.  Tara also addresses the exaggerated narratives about success and th...

In this episode, Tara welcomes Kelsea, The Seamless Coach, who specializes in burnout prevention. They discuss Kelsea's personal experiences with burnout and how they inform her current work.  The conversation highlights the inadequacy of self-care and vacations as solutions for burnout, emphasizing the importance of addressing root causes. Additionally, Kelsea introduces the concept of job c...

In this episode of the Balanced Badass Podcast, Tara welcomes the first-ever guest, Dr. Lanecha, known as The ConnectHER . They discuss the importance of reconnecting with oneself amidst burnout, particularly for ambitious millennial women. Dr. Lanecha shares her journey from losing touch with herself to reclaiming her identity through self-reflection, therapy, and setting boundaries. They talk ab...