The Balanced Badass Podcast®
The Balanced Badass Podcast® is the show for high-achieving professionals who want to prevent burnout, master work-life balance, and stay badass without losing their sanity.
Each episode, we’re not just tackling your overflowing calendar and keeping your household on track; we’re getting into burnout prevention and recovery strategies so that you have time to breathe, laugh, and savor that much-needed glass of wine at the end of the day.
Think of this podcast as your regular dose of practical advice, a touch of humor, and a little tough love, like catching up with a friend who just gets it. Whether you’re navigating burnout, balancing meetings and meal prep, or carving out moments of self-care, this is the space where we figure it out together.
Disclaimer: My content is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. For serious concerns, please consult a qualified provider.
Episodes
54 episodes
No, Women Didn’t Ruin the Workplace with Alison Campbell
A 2025 New York Times piece asked whether women have "ruined the workplace," blaming flexibility and empathy for what's broken.Alison Campbell, founder of unBurnt® and former Chief of Staff turned leadership researcher, joins me to set t...
Why Being the Chief Everything Officer is Killing Your Career with Alli Murphy
In this episode, we sit down with Alli, founder of Work and Thrive HQ, to talk about how you can get trapped in the Chief Everything Officer role where you’re being the default for everything, saying yes by default, stepping in because it’s fas...
Know Who You Are Before Deciding What You Do with Elizabeth Galbreath
Most of us built our careers around answers we gave before we really knew ourselves. Elizabeth has a front-row seat to how that plays out. She's an HR pro and founder of Cultivate Growth Co., who works with early career professionals every day....
The One Investment Strategy Nobody Teaches High Achievers
In this episode, Tara breaks down the neuroscience of why burnout kills your joy, and why "just take a vacation" is some of the worst advice anyone can give. If you've ever sat on a free Saturday feeling nothing, or noticed that you can't...
Effective Tools for Stress Reduction with Audrey Rose
Feeling like you're constantly running on empty? In this episode, registered nurse and nervous system regulation coach Audrey Rose breaks down what it really means to regulate your nervous system—and no, it's not about being zen 24/7 or quittin...
The Great Unraveling: Employee Engagement Just Hit a 10-Year Low
Employee engagement just hit a 10-year low, dropping from 36% to 31% since 2020. That’s 8 million workers who’ve checked out.But here’s what the headlines miss: role clarity collapsed, feeling cared about plummeted, and organizations are...
When Someone Takes Your Idea
Back in August, I posted a viral video about workplace mobbing and received overwhelming support from people who could finally put their experiences into words. Recently, another creator copied my content word for word, highlighting the issue o...
Your Story is Your Superpower with Corey Andrew Powell
Your personal brand is being built right now, whether you're intentional about it or not. In this episode, media host and brand strategist Corey Andrew Powell joins me to explore how clarity, consistency, and connection shape the wa...
Job Changes Don't Erase Burnout
Think quitting your job will erase burnout? Think again. In this episode, we dig into the lingering effects of burnout even after you’ve left a toxic work environment. Learn about burnout aftershocks, rebuilding your sense of safety...
Is Your Boss Accidentally Creating Burnout?
Ever felt like your boss is unintentionally making your life a living nightmare? In this episode, we get into how leadership habits and structural systems fuel burnout. Discover why it's not about you being weak, but about navigatin...
Corporate HR Truths Unfiltered with Jesse Tervooren
Join Tara as she chats with Jesse, aka "Your Unfiltered BFF" on TikTok, who is known for her raw and hilarious takes on corporate life and HR nonsense. Jesse shares her journey on social media, unexpectedly becoming a voice of reaso...
When Normal Isn't Possible
In today's shorter episode, I'm sharing some personal thoughts on dealing with the emotional weight of recent events, including a mass shooting close to home and the constant barrage of political noise. We get into the concept of em...
How to Survive in a Resource-Strapped Role
Ever been dropped into a surprise Monday morning meeting with bad news? In this episode, we're spilling the tea on surviving (and thriving) in a resource-strapped job where budgets are frozen and headcounts are shrinking. We'll brea...
Networking Without the Cringe with Devin Lasker
This episode is perfect for those who cringe at the thought of networking! We talk about authentic relationship building, how to feel more connected in a disconnected world, and Devin's key strategies for keeping relationships warm....
Smart Strategies to Advocate for Your Worth with Tessa Grashuis
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 p...
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Leading from the Middle: Why It's the Hardest Job in the Building
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 burno...
Losing Yourself in the Job
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...
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Have You Been Set Up to Fail?
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...
Designing Your Sanctuary with Nicole Rivers
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-be...
When Stress Disconnects You From Yourself with Jennifer Kuhl
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 throug...
Award-Winning Culture, Just Don't Look Too Closely
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...
4 Types of Career Paths to Explore When Plotting Your Exit
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....
When Leadership Leaves You Guessing: Coping with Communication Blackouts
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...
Self-Care Isn't Just a Trend with Pam Rothman, LPC
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 a...
Cracking Burnout in Helping Roles with Ina Qema
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 ...
