EPISODE · Oct 9, 2025 · 31 MIN
Season 1: Episode 3: The Balance Act: Midlife Women's Struggles with Perfectionism and Societal Expectations
from Midlife Mavens · host midlifemavens2024
In this episode of the Midlife Mavens podcast, hosts Marci Burroughs and Carol O'Saben discuss the challenges midlife women face in balancing their numerous responsibilities. They explore where this pressure to 'do it all' comes from, touching on societal expectations, traditional gender roles, and internal perfectionism. The conversation highlights how both men and women experience these pressures differently, and delves into the emotional burden many women carry in managing households. The episode encourages listeners to reflect on their own balancing acts and emphasizes the importance of being present in the moment. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes and not a substitute for professional mental health services. 00:00 Introduction to the Balancing Act 00:13 Meet Your Hosts: Marci and Carol 01:22 Exploring the Concept of Balance 02:13 Personal Stories and Juggling Responsibilities 03:50 Gender Roles and Societal Expectations 10:34 Household Management and Emotional Burden 12:04 Impact of Perfectionism and Anxiety 21:46 Aging, Appearance, and Societal Pressure 24:36 Final Thoughts and Reflections 29:57 Conclusion and Call to Action If you are looking for a therapist and would like to reach out to Marci or Carol, take a look at their websites: Marci: https://www.marciburroughsphdcst.com Carol: https://www.drosaben.com Other therapist directories you can use to help you find therapy include: Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/th... Mental Health Match: https://mentalhealthmatch.com/ American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists: https://aasect.org iTherapy: https://itherapy.com
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What this episode covers
In this episode of Midlife Mavens, Marci and Carol step back to explore the big-picture concept of balance in midlife. Why do so many women feel they must juggle endless responsibilities—career, relationships, home, health, and appearance—and do it all perfectly? Drawing on their own experiences, family histories, and work with clients, Marci and Carol unpack the societal messages, perfectionism, and internal pressures that keep women “balancing on the ball” while juggling everything else. They also reflect on how these dynamics show up in different types of relationships, including same-gender couples, and why it’s so hard to let go of the emotional burden of managing it all. This thoughtful conversation sets the stage for upcoming episodes that will dive into specific aspects of “the balancing act” in midlife.
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Season 1: Episode 3: The Balance Act: Midlife Women's Struggles with Perfectionism and Societal Expectations
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