The Balance Dilemma

Belle Burden's memoir Strangers — which began as a viral New York Times Modern Love essay and is already being adapted for film starring Gwyneth Paltrow — is the story every married (unmarried) woman needs to read. It's the account of a woman whose husband of 20 years walked out during COVID with no warning, leaving her exposed because of  financial and legal decisions she'd made throughout her marriage without fully considering the risk. But what would a top divorce attorney have told Belle before any of it happened?Lisa Zeiderman, managing partner at Miller Zeiderman LLP, certified divorce financial analyst, and certified financial litigator, read Strangers and had a lot to say. In this episode, she walks us through the pivotal moments where Belle's financial and legal decisions put her at serious risk — the prenuptial agreement changed six days before the wedding, the inherited trust money placed into jointly-owned property, the career she gave up without negotiating any protection in return — and what Belle, or any of us, could have done differently.Lisa also explains when a postnuptial agreement makes sense (hint: it's not just for troubled marriages), what women who've handed financial control to a spouse need to do right now, and how to turn major life transitions — having children, receiving an inheritance, buying property — into smart negotiating moments. She covers how to protect assets in a high-net-worth divorce, what stay-at-home spouses need to know about marital property law, and why financial independence is the most important divorce strategy of all.This isn't a story about the ultra-wealthy. It's about the quiet financial decisions every woman in a marriage makes — or doesn't make — and what's actually at stake when love and money collide.Recorded April 23, 2026. Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.com

Amanda DePalma didn't plan on a detour. She had a self-designed college major, a passion for events, and a clear vision for her career — until 2008 arrived and the bottom fell out.Getting laid off early in her career was a blow to her Type-A perfectionist soul. But that "stop" on the way to somewhere else led to her husband, her master's degree, and ultimately, her role as Senior Vice President of Events and Development at the Business Council of Westchester — the county's largest and most influential business membership organization.Now she orchestrates 80+ events a year, launched a podcast network with over 40,000 listens, and is bringing an AI upskilling program to Westchester in partnership with Google.In this episode, we talk about playing the long game, why every job is a footprint in the world, and how the connections you almost didn't make end up changing everything.Plus — can you really have it all? Amanda's answer is honest, a little nuanced, and exactly what you need to hear.Episode recorded December 2, 2025. Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.com/episode-101

Annabel Monaghan didn’t set out to become a bestselling novelist—at least not on a straight path. She worked in finance, raised three kids, said yes to things she didn’t want to do, and put writing on hold longer than she’d like to admit.Now, she writes the kind of love stories readers can’t stop talking about—funny, deeply relatable, and full of women who are holding everything together… until something shifts.In this episode, we discuss the pressure to do it all, the power of saying no, and why “having it all” might actually be about timing, not balance.Plus, a first look at her new novel DOLLY ALL THE TIME—a fake dating romance with real emotional stakes.Episode recorded on March 18, 2026. Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.com/episode-100

What does it take to sustain a 38-year creative partnership — and friendship — through divorce, death, partnership, relocation, and countless life transformations? Margaret Crane and Barbara Ballinger, co-authors of Not Dead Yet, Suddenly Single After 50, and Kitchen Conversations, as well as lifelessonsat50plus.com, share their unfiltered insights on collaborative writing, making new friends in your 70s, navigating adult children, and why they both refuse to remarry. From Barbara's 350 internet dates (yes, she kept a spreadsheet) to Margaret's move from St. Louis, MO to NYC, these women prove that life after 50 is about risk-taking, reinvention, and refusing to play by outdated rules. They discuss aging without apology, cutting toxic friendships, why sex gets better with age, and the surprising freedom that comes from putting yourself first. Whether you're navigating an empty nest, contemplating a major life change, or simply trying to maintain friendships as you age, this conversation offers wisdom, humor, and the kind of candor that only comes from decades of lived experience.Episode recorded January 20, 2026. Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.com

Ever dreamed of picking up and moving to Europe? Angela Hanyak actually did it—and she's sharing everything she learned along the way.Angela takes us through her journey from Charleston, South Carolina to Frankfurt, Germany. But this isn't your typical "I sold everything and became a digital nomad" story. Angela moved abroad with her corporate job, navigated the complexities of German healthcare, and discovered she feels more settled in Europe than she ever did in the States.Angela also offers insider travel advice and detailed European travel itineraries through her blog Notes from Europe. Whether you're considering a move abroad, planning extended European travel, or just curious about expat life, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and inspiring stories. Recorded on 10.28.25. Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.com

Fashion designer Andrea Moore Beaulieu had a literal dream that told her to open a store. Weeks later, she did—and The Makers NY in Larchmont was born. Now, less than two years later, she presented her designs during Paris Fashion Week, and her clothing has been seen in Vogue and other fashion magazines. In this episode, Andrea shares how she sews every garment herself while raising three kids (including twins), why her store hours match her children's school schedule, and how she's redefining slow fashion with radical transparency. From working with deadstock fabrics to turning a mother's wedding dress into her daughter's rehearsal dinner outfit, Andrea proves that integrating work and family creates space for both creativity and presence.Recorded at the LMC Media Podcast Studio in Mamaroneck, NY on December 10, 2025. Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.com/episode-97

The college diploma is in hand, but the real stress is just beginning. For parents who landed their first job through a newspaper ad and a firm handshake, today's job market feels like another planet—and their recent grads are drowning in it.Nadine Varca Bilotta, co-founder of Complete Candidate, joins us to decode the modern job search maze. She reveals why 70% of new graduates are still hunting six months after graduation, how "underemployment" has become the hidden crisis (yes, that Starbucks job counts as "employed" in the statistics), and why your child's gaming hobby might actually be hurting their prospects.What you'll discover:The networking secret that actually works (hint: it's not your CEO friend)Why AI is making Gen Z "dumber" according to recent studies—and how to fight backDemonstrate the skills of an athlete without ever playing a sportWhy cover letters aren't dead (and thank-you notes matter more than ever)How to turn a college Instagram food blog into a real job offerThe truth about ghost job postings and "stockpiling" candidatesWhen parents should step back—and when they need to step upWhether your child is a senior frantically applying to hundreds of positions or a recent grad working at the movie theater while drowning in student loans, this episode offers a lifeline. Nadine walks us through the exact process that's helped hundreds of new grads land real jobs—from behavioral interviews to LinkedIn optimization to mastering the dreaded HireVue recording.The job market has changed. The rules have changed. But opportunity is still there—if you know where to look and how to stand out.Recorded November 20, 2025 at the LMC Media Podcast Studio in Mamaroneck, NY. Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.comGuest: Nadine Varca Bilotta is co-founder of Complete Candidate, a job search coaching platform for new graduates. A former executive recruiter and corporate trainer, she's helped hundreds of recent grads navigate the transition from college to career in an increasingly complex job market.#TheBalancedDilemma #CollegeGrad #JobSearch #CareerAdvice #GenZ #ParentingAdults #FirstJob #LinkedInTips #CareerCoaching #NewGrad2025 #ClassOf2025 #JobHunt #ResumeHelp #CareerTransition #JobSearchTips #GradLife #PostGrad #CareerGuidance #JobHunting #ProfessionalDevelopment #CareerSuccess #Networking #JobSeekers #RecentGrad #EntryLevel #CareerPath #JobMarket #MillennialParents #GenZCareer #InterviewTips

When Catherine O'Toole unexpectedly fell in love with motherhood, she didn't just leave her publishing career—she negotiated a salary for staying home. In this candid conversation, she reveals how she transformed from "hard-ass businesswoman" to stay-at-home mom to business partner, all while maintaining her identity and teaching her kids independence. Learn why she demanded payment that would "hurt," how she and her husband Ian built a thriving design business together, and why she finally retired from being a dinner party goddess to put herself first.A refreshingly honest take on modern marriage, career pivots, and creating life on your own terms.Recorded on October 31, 2025. Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.com/episode-95

For their annual catchup, Maura and Christie talk about their kids getting married. From fashion-forward choices to navigating guest lists, join them for a joyful ride through the ups and downs of planning the perfect day. Get ready for laughs, love, and a sprinkle of wedding wisdom! #WeddingFun #MotherOfTheBride #MotherOfTheGroom #samesexwedding #weddingetiquette #whattowearRecorded on August 29, 2025. Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.com

Married couple Susannah Ludwig and Dave Marcus share their journey of successfully blending families with four children. This episode explores practical step-parenting strategies, managing ex-spouses, career pivots from film production and journalism to life coaching and college counseling, and finding balance in a modern blended family. Get actionable advice on discipline boundaries, supporting different interests, maintaining couple connection while juggling multiple family dynamics, plus insights on helping families navigate the college admissions process with balance and perspective.Recorded June 25, 2025 at the LMC Studio in Mamaroneck, NY. Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.com

Bestselling thriller author Andrea Bartz talks about her latest novel "The Last Ferry Out" and her journey from magazine editor to full-time author. Andrea shares the inspiration behind her Mexico-set thriller about expats harboring secrets, discusses her writing process as a "pantser" rather than plotter, and reveals how she built her authority in the publishing world through her popular Substack newsletter "Get It Write."The conversation also features fantastic summer reading recommendations of speculative fiction, psychological thrillers, and compelling memoirs. Andrea recommends "Darkly" by Marisha Pessl and "The Guilt Trip" by Somya Dave. Maura and Christie share their picks, including "Cloud Cuckoo Land" by Anthony Doerr, "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern, and Ina Garten's memoir.Perfect for book lovers seeking their next great read and aspiring authors interested in the writing life and insights into the publishing industry.

Childhood friends Linda Sawyer and Alison Matz prove that lifelong partnerships can create revolutionary businesses. After meeting at age seven during a second-grade spelling bee, these two women built impressive corporate careers—Linda as chairman of Deutsch advertising agency and Alison in publisher roles at Condé Nast and Meredith—before pivoting to entrepreneurship in their second act. Their frustration with ugly, bacteria-laden kitchen sponges sparked the creation of Skura Style, a disruptor brand that's transforming the $2 billion cleaning products industry with antimicrobial sponges that fade to indicate when it's time to replace them.What started as a passion project between two perfectionist friends has evolved into a premium brand partnership with actress Eva Mendes, who discovered their products during the pandemic and became a co-owner. Linda and Alison share candid insights about transitioning from corporate executives to hands-on entrepreneurs, the challenges of raising money as women, and why you can't have it all simultaneously—but you can build a "portfolio of experiences" that creates fulfilling career chapters. Their story offers inspiration for female business partnerships and practical advice for anyone considering an entrepreneurial leap later in life.Recorded on May 9, 2025 at the LMC Media Studio. Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.com

Nicola Krause, co-author of the bestselling novel "The Nanny Diaries" shares her journey from early literary success in her twenties to her "conscious uncoupling" from writing partner Emma McLaughlin after nine successful books together. With candid insights about the challenges of early fame, the dynamics of creative partnerships, and balancing writing with motherhood, Krause offers valuable wisdom about reinvention and finding fulfillment as a woman in the creative field.Now embarking on her solo fiction career with her upcoming novel "The Best We Could Hope For," Krause reflects on her writing process, the importance of getting paid fairly for creative work, and how maintaining multiple identities helped her navigate life's transitions. Her perspective on work-life balance—giving 100% focus to whatever is at the top of the pile—provides a practical approach for anyone juggling multiple responsibilities.Recorded at LMC-Media Studio in Mamaroneck, NY on March 27, 2025. Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.com #NannyDiaries #NicolaKrause #FemaleAuthors #WritingPartnership #WorkLifeBalance #WomenInPublishing #BusinessPartnerships #CreativeCollaboration #ConsciousUncoupling #AuthorInterview #WritingTips #FemaleEntrepreneurs #WritingCommunity #BookPublishing #WomenWriters #CreativeBusiness #ProfessionalReinvention #WritersLife #AuthorSuccess #FemaleEmpowerment #CareerTransition #WorkingMoms #WritingProcess #PublishedAuthor #CreativeWomen

Feeling overwhelmed by the college application maze? Join us as we chat with expert Kerry Roberts about taming the college admissions beast in 2025! We dive into all the juicy details about why schools are bringing back those pesky SAT/ACT requirements and what's changing with the tests themselves (hello, digital ACT!). Kerry shares insider tips on crafting essays that won't make admissions officers yawn, why applying to 20 schools is actually a terrible idea, and how to handle those nerve-wracking waitlists. Whether your teen is freaking out about "Trauma-lympics" essays or you're just trying to figure out why everyone's suddenly applying to schools in the South, this episode is your survival guide to keeping your sanity through application season!This episode is for anyone just thinking about college, about to apply, or navigating decisions - there's something for everyone! Recorded March 27, 2025, at the LMC Media studio in Mamaroneck, New York. Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.com#CollegeAdmissions #ApplicationTips #SAT2025 #ACTChanges #CollegeEssays #WaitlistStrategies #CollegeBound #ParentingTeens #AdmissionsAdvice #CollegeApplications #EarlyDecision #TestPrep #CollegeSearch #HighSchoolSeniors #CollegeCounseling #DemonstratedInterest #FutureStudents #CollegePlanning #CampusVisits #AdmissionsSuccess

Dive into an inspiring journey of resilience, humor, and motherhood with Caitlin Murray, creator of Big Time Adulting and the viral "Get Yourself a Snack" philosophy. In this powerful episode of The Balance Dilemma, Caitlin shares her remarkable story of navigating motherhood through her son's leukemia diagnosis, transforming challenging experiences into a relatable and hilarious platform that resonates with parents worldwide.From her candid approach to motherhood to building a thriving social media brand, Caitlin offers a refreshingly honest look at parenting, entrepreneurship, and finding humor in life's most demanding moments. Learn how she turned her personal struggles into a community of support, creating content that makes parents laugh, feel understood, and remember to take care of themselves – one snack at a time. Whether you're a parent, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply love authentic storytelling, this episode is a must-listen that celebrates the messy, beautiful reality of modern motherhood.

Fertility and surrogacy expert Lisa Schuman joins TBD for an eye-opening discussion about building families through surrogacy. From understanding New York's recent legalization to navigating six-figure costs and complex psychological screenings, Schuman - who testified before the NY State Judiciary Committee - breaks down what prospective parents need to know. Learn about surrogate matching, state-by-state legal variations, breast milk arrangements, and the real medical requirements behind surrogacy approvals. Whether you're considering surrogacy, work in healthcare, or are curious about modern family building, this episode offers essential insights into this increasingly common path to parenthood. It’s not just for celebrities like Lily Collins. Lisa is the co-author of Building Your Family: The Complete Guide to Donor Conception.Lisa also appeared on Episode 82 where you can find an in-depth discussion about non-traditional family-building. Episode recorded September 5, 2024, at the LMC Media Podcast Studio. Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.com/episode-87#Surrogacy #FertilityJourney #ModernFamilies #WomenInMedicine #FamilyPlanning #SurrogacyAwarenessMonth #ASRM #lilycollins

Former Estée Lauder Global Group President Lynne Greene shares her remarkable journey from rural Missouri to the C-suite of a multi-billion dollar beauty empire. Learn how Lynne navigated corporate leadership while staying authentic, with lessons learned from teaching middle school and mentors like Estée Lauder. Now retired - or rewired as she calls it - Lynne offers candid insights on mentorship, life choices, and her unexpected love story at 70. Essential listening for ambitious professionals seeking wisdom on career success and life's second (and third and fourth) acts. Recorded at LMC Media Studio in Mamaroneck, NY on December 12, 2024. Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.com

New York Times bestselling author Fiona Davis shares her remarkable journey from acting to journalism to writing acclaimed historical fiction. Davis discusses her latest novel 'The Stolen Queen,' set at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and opens up about navigating a Parkinson's diagnosis while at the height of her career. Learn how she researches New York City's iconic buildings, balances her writing schedule with health demands, and crafts compelling dual-timeline narratives. Davis also offers candid insights about women's roles throughout history and advice for aspiring authors. A must-listen episode about resilience, reinvention, and finding your voice at any age. Recorded December 5, 2024 at LMC Media Studio. Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.com

Sarah Gormley reveals how leaving her prestigious corporate job to care for her dying mother on the family farm became a profound turning point. Her memoir "The Order of Things" explores the unexpected path to finding love, purpose, and true fulfillment when she stopped chasing external validation and started listening to her heart. It’s a compelling story of resilience, grief, love, and the courage to rewrite your life's script. Recorded at the LMC Media Studio on October 23, 2004 Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.com

When Brian Page relocated for his wife's career and founded ModernHusbands.com, he embraced a new role as the family 'gardener,' creating the support system for his wife to bloom in her career. Learn practical strategies for sharing home management, mental load, and financial decisions through household meetings and fair task division. Essential listening for dual-career couples ready to take turns supporting each other's growth while building wealth together. Episode recorded October 23, 2024 at LMC Podcast Studio in Mamaroneck, NY Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.com

Lisa Schuman, LCSW, founding director of the Center for Family Building, shares invaluable insights about modern fertility treatments and family-building options. Drawing from both personal experience and professional expertise, Schuman discusses the complex emotional and physical challenges of infertility, which she notes can be as mentally taxing as receiving a cancer diagnosis. She breaks down the evolving landscape of donor conception, including egg donation, sperm donation, and embryo donation, while emphasizing the importance of proper psychological screening and genetic testing. The conversation delves into critical topics like egg freezing, age considerations for starting a family, and the growing trend of employer coverage for fertility treatments. Schuman advocates for early fertility awareness, suggesting that women should consider fertility workups earlier in life rather than waiting until issues arise. Throughout the episode, she stresses the importance of open communication about donor conception with children and addresses the shifting landscape of donor anonymity in an era of DNA testing and social media.  Lisa is the co-author of Building Your Family: The Complete Guide to Donor Conception. Episode recorded September 5, 2024 Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.com

At age 30 our guest found herself the oldest living member of her family. She had a choice -  make final plans or fight. Gila Pfeffer joins us with her debut memoir,  Nearly Departed: Adventures in Loss, Cancer, and Other Inconveniences. Using her Instagram platform, Gila uses humor and video in her “Feel it on the First” campaign urging women to do self-exams at the beginning of every month. Episode recorded September 4, 2024, at the LMC Media Podcast Studio

Co-Hosts Maura Carlin and Christie Derrico return to their microphones and discuss how they—can do hard things. From dealing with the abrupt and unexpected loss of their host radio station, to producing their podcast episodes in a home studio, to moving forward and upward, these women practice what they preach. Eighty episodes into The Balance Dilemma, and there is always more to come.  Recorded 9.18.24 at LMC Media Studio

What’s it like to be a mom in the military now? And a military spouse? Guest Major Lauren Perone Jones has been both, and shares how being married to a soldier pivoted her legal career. Now serving as a reserve Major in the JAG (that’s Judge Advocate General) Corps, Lauren is also a Vice President and Senior Managing Counsel at Mastercard and mother to three young children. Her experience serves as a masterclass in doing it all while trying to have it all. Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.com Recorded at the LMC Media Studios on August 16, 2024.

You know those conversations with your best friend where neither of you can stop talking? Well, that is this episode with self-described “Girlfriend in Business” and “professional talker” Debbie Nigro, host of The Debbie Nigro Show -  “Risk It! Or Regret It!" As a two-time cancer survivor, Debbie lives her motto, keeping her focused on media and entrepreneurship despite facing life’s hurdles while maintaining a sense of humor. Debbie is the owner and producer of the syndicated Debbie Nigro show airing on WGCH, and was the first woman in the United States to own a radio syndication company. Her latest book is How to Talk to Strangers, Advice From A Professional Stranger Talker.  This episode will keep you in stitches . . . from laughter and Debbie’s (joking) suggestion that government-funded facelifts could cure ageism. Episode recorded June 20, 2024, at the LMC Media Podcast Studio

Guest Dr. Gwenyth Jackaway discusses how we can improve our attention, focus, and sleep, and, as a result, enjoy a better life. And to her, it starts with being present and using our phones and devices with intention and not reflexively. As Dr. Jackaway says, where you focus your attention, is what your life is about. She shares tips and advice on this episode of The Balance Dilemma. A media historian and expert in the effects of media and technology on society, Dr. Jackaway taught at Fordham University for 25 years. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Columbia University and her Master’s and Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania.  Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.com

Ask most working American parents what the biggest stressor and problem is . . . and likely they will respond childcare. More specifically, finding affordable, convenient, high-quality care for their children- before and during the school-age years.  The United States is one of the few rich nations that does not provide childcare support (other than an inadequate Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit). For working families, absent employer-based programs, parents are on their own.  In this episode, we speak with Tiffany S.W. Hamilton, the CEO of the YWCA White Plains and Central Westchester about the state and future of the childcare dilemma. Tiffany is also a wife, mother, and DEI expert. Episode recorded May 8, 2024, at the LMC Media Podcast Studio

What do narcotics prosecutions, medical malpractice, and DEIB advocacy have in common? They are all part of the career path guest Melissa G. Andrieux, Esq. traveled. And to hear Melissa tell it, while a television show inspired her dream of being a district attorney, the rest was unexpected. But it represents her willingness to pivot, say yes, and advocate for her needs. Topics include the yes dilemma, saying no, imposter syndrome, and self-care. At Dorf, Nelson & Zauderer LLP (a Gender Fair certified firm), Melissa is the firm’s Chief Diversity Officer and Client Relations Officer. Outside the firm, Melissa not only is a voice and speaker about DEIB, but she also serves as an Ambassador to the Business Council of Westchester, a Board Member of the Westchester Women’s Bar Association (WWBA), and co-chair of the WWBA’s DEI Committee. Episode recorded April 17, 2024, at the LMC Media Podcast Studio

You don’t usually expect a successful business presentation to conclude with a ride in an ambulance. And when it happens, it can be life-changing. That’s the case with guest Lori Pine, Founder and CEO of The Joy CEO. Climbing and traversing her way up and across the proverbial corporate ladder, Lori’s career took her to VP status at global brands like Anheuser-Busch, Coca-Cola, and Campbell’s Soup Company. Household names for sure, but when a need arose at home, she answered the call. Lori is now an executive coach for ambitious, high-performing professional women over 40 who are seeing more purpose and passion in their everyday lives, helping them to find clarity and reclaim their joy. Episode recorded April 3, 2024 at the LMC Media Podcast Studio. Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.com.

Firm believers that every woman has a story (or several) to tell, The Balance Dilemma Hosts Christie Derrico and Maura Carlin organized, along with The Bronxville Women’s Club, a panel of three powerhouse women authors, Loren Stephens, Bethany Saltman, and Lauren Marino, to discuss Women and the Power of the Written Word.”  Hear the stories behind the storytellers and learn about the pitfalls they had to overcome to become writers. Hear what it takes to write and publish a book. Topics addressed include: Strategies and avenues to publication. Should you hire a writing coach? Understand the difference between a literary agent and an editor. What are the pathways to publication, including the differences between hybrid, self, and traditional publishing? Video will be available on TBD’s youtube channel. Stay tuned! Episode recorded at The Bronxville Women’s Club by LMC Media on March 7, 2024. Special thanks to Mike Witsch for recording.

Have millennials figured out the secret to balancing (aka juggling or integrating) career and family? TBD turned to Lauren A. Tetenbaum, LMSW, JD, PMH-C, a millennial mom herself, to discuss whether the struggles still exist - and answers/solutions. Lauren is a writer, lawyer, wife, mother, and social worker specializing in supporting millennial moms and young women through life transitions. Helping women solve their balance dilemmas (in TBD language). Lauren is also trained by the Fair Play Institute and Nurturing Mamas Network where she trains other mental health professionals about gender equity advocacy and the maternal mental load.  Episode recorded March 20, 2024 at the LMC Media Podcast Studio. Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.com

Figuring out the college admissions process and how to help your student get in to the school of their choice, continues to baffle parents and children, leaving everyone anxious, angsty, and maybe even a bit angry. Guest Kerry Roberts advises on how to legally (unlike the parents involved in the infamous Varsity Blues scandal) work the admissions process. Applying her 20+ years of corporate marketing and branding experience to college placement, Kerry now helps students identify and apply to the right colleges for them—skirting the dreaded “sea of sameness” in school selection.  On this episode of TBD, Kerry explains the process as well as her approach, driven by data, compassion, and creativity. She describes the different application timetables (around the 12-minute mark) and provides a sanity-inducing strategy for the college search process. Kelly is certified in college counseling through UCLA. Episode recorded February 3, 2024. Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.com

Establishing and maintaining a retail fashion business is tough, even under the best circumstances. But what about when it burns down? Followed by a global pandemic. Now the founder and owner of four Love Bella Boutiques, with a fifth on the way, Ellie Zieminski describes how she survived and thrived. Balancing business and family she shares her advice, and thanks the community that supported her along the way. Episode recorded at Love Bella Larchmont January 31, 2024. Video will be available on The Balance Dilemma YouTube channel as well. Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.com

Artist on the inside, business woman on the outside, award-winning jewelry designer Alexia Connellan discusses her path to success in business, art, and life. Christie and Maura met Alexia when she spoke at a Savvy Ladies event entitled “How to Curate the Good Life: Defining Your Strategies to Live as You Truly Desire” . . . and naturally caught our attention.  On this episode of TBD, Alexia describes her evolution from a successful career in information technology to a gemstone expert and jewelry designer. As it is for so many of us, Alexia’s path was paved with curves, detours and pivots, while staying true to her roots and passions. And for anyone who loves gems that sparkle and shine (and really, who doesn’t?), Alexia describes the process of creating a special jewelry piece. You can see the gems Alexia describes in the episode in The Balance Dilemma show notes on the website. Episode recorded December 20, 2023. Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.com

We can’t resist a visit to Melinda Buie’s art studio . . . so we did it again on December 6, 2023. Back in 2021, Melinda was the guest on TBD Episode 24 and allowed us (and some fans) to see her studio in person. This time, her studio held about 60 TBD and Buie fans . . . happy to see and hear about how she and her work have evolved. Turn the volume up high and have a listen. Admittedly some parts are hard to hear, but with art seeing can be more important than hearing. Video will be available on TBD’s (new) youtube channel. Stay tuned! Episode recorded December 6, 2023. Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.com

For many the balance dilemma begins with parenting . . . an endeavor that guest Katherine Sellery reminds us we’re never trained to do. While running her own commodities trading business in Hong Kong, with a young son, her desire to learn more led her to training. Ultimately Katherine made a full career pivot and created her own parenting communication method - The Conscious Parenting Revolution. Even better, her method, she says, works with adults and in business settings. Learn about the 3Rs - retaliation, rebellion, resistance - and what you can do. And be sure to check out her book 7 Strategies to Keep Your Relationship With Your Kids From Hitting the Boiling Point and website. Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.com. Episode recorded October 6, 2023

An expert in gender studies and the gender divide, TBD guest Susan Shapiro Barash describes how commuter-train eavesdropping led to her first book (and study), A Passion for More, about why women cheat in relationships. As she tells TBD, it’s likely more common than you think and growing. Susan’s written work - and there are 13 nonfiction and 4 fiction books (the latter under her pen name Susannah Marren) - explores the roles of women in society, including taboo issues many are afraid to discuss. Her books explore women’s relationships, including rivalry (Tripping the Prom Queen), lying (Little White Lies, Deep Dark Secrets), second wives (Second Wives: The Pitfalls and Rewards of Marrying Widowers and Divorced Men ), and toxic friends (Toxic Friends). A professor of gender studies, Susan explains what this all means for American women, wives, and society. One thing she makes clear is that “The most important and single act [to change things] would be if women earned equal pay for equal work, because until that is established, we're marginalized." And yes, we asked whether she had cheated in a relationship. You’ll have to listen for her answer. Episode recorded November 7, 2023. Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.com

Although the Brookings Institution refers to the us military as “one of the most progressive institutions” women still represent only about 17% of overall service members, and far less in the top brass - single digits.  Col. (Ret.) Mary Westmoreland is one of those women who rose to high ranks. She joins TBD to tell her story, why and when she joined the military, how she rose through the ranks while raising a family . . . and what she learned about leadership, success, whether the military is a good career for women,  and so much more . . . Episode recorded October 4, 2023. Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.com

From age to experience, appearance, demeanor, and more, women never seem to be quite right for career advancement. Indeed, for any woman who feels like she’s banging her head against a glass ceiling or wall, TBD guests Dr. Amy Diehl and Dr. Leanne Dzubinski explain why “it’s not all your fault.” Co-authors of Glass Walls: Shattering the Six Gender Bias Barriers Still Holding Women Back at Work, they breakdown all the small and large ways women are held back. Learn new terms like he-peating, bro-prating and equalist. Fortunately, Drs. Diehl and Dzubinski believe the issue is fixable and provide workplace solutions in the book. One tip, don’t forget to call them - and other female PhDs and MDs - doctor. Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.com Recorded 9.28.23

Co Hosts Maura Carlin and Christie Derrico return to their microphones to begin the fourth (!) season of The Balance Dilemma Podcast. They catch up on summer fun, “girl math,” book recommendations, and discuss going forward. Lessons from prior guests, expected future guests, and more research are all on tap in this episode. Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.com Recorded 9.14.23

Skin - it’s the body’ s largest organ and we need to take care of it. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ellen Gendler joins TBD to discuss everything skincare - from injectables, to aging, to acceptance, and yes, of course sunscreen, which Dr. Gendler says really is the secret to the fountain of youth. Dr. Gendler agrees with Jennifer Aniston that telling someone they look great for their age is a terrible thing to say, let alone ageist and sexist. Hear her take on that Martha Stewart Sports Illustrated photo shoot and some of the craziest and incorrect skin advice out there. In this episode, Dr. Gendler also shares how she and her husband managed their medical careers while raising two sons, including choices she made about professional independence. Inspiring and informative, Dr. Gendler’s social media videos on TikTok and IG attract fans worldwide. Episode originally aired live on WVOX AM on June 22, 2023. Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.com

Frustrated with weight gain, as you approach or enter the end of child-bearing years? It’s a common problem for women. Yes, we are talking about perimenopause and menopause. And that same old advice - to eat less, exercise more - just isn’t working. Well, that’s what Dr. Mary Claire Haver - an OB-GYN who used to provide that same mantra to her patients - experienced herself. It set her on a journey to discover why and what women can do. Her program - The Galveston Diet - is born from her frustration, research, and experience. She explains it all on TBD, including the basic tenets of Intermittent Fasting, Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition, and Fuel Refocus. And although you may have to give up milk and sugar in your morning coffee, an avocado a day could be the trick to keep the doctor away. Episode originally aired live on WVOX AM on June 6, 2023. Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.com

As if it’s not hard enough to give up sugar, our guests discuss an important oft-overlooked source . . . alcohol. With the advent and increase of “mommy wine culture” giving it up can bring social as well as dietary restrictions. Sharing their personal and professional experiences and research, guests Jen Dorf and Jean Marie discuss why alcohol is so bad for women, especially as they age. Their program “See Ya Sugar” is designed to help kick the sweet habit for good. And, sadly, it affects your morning coffee ritual as well. Episode originally aired live on WVOX AM on May 25, 2023. Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.com

What to expect eighteen years after you’re expecting . . . That’s a book many parents need as their nest begins emptying. For Sharon Brecher aka Miserable Mom, the years and days leading up to her eldest heading to college were fraught and scary, as she anticipated day-to-day life without her daughter. She returned from drop-off to begin writing her book Miserable Mom: The Dos and Don'ts of Sending Your Kid to College . In the process, she created a community, became a mom-influencer, and more importantly, navigated the transition to this stage of parenthood. Episode originally aired live on WVOX AM on May 11, 2023. Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.com

Jen Graziano is an attorney, mother, funeral director, founder of jewelry line RememBar, and Host of the podcast and radio show Time to Talk. But she didn’t join The Balance Dilemma to promote her businesses. Foremost on Jen’s mind was dealing with a second marriage on the rocks. Why the family blending didn’t work? How to know when it’s failing and when to get out? And staying true to yourself and your daughter. Jen’s pearls of wisdom come from growing up in the family business of death rituals - the funeral business. Let’s just say, it provides a full perspective on life and what really matters. And how work inspired the The RememBar Collection - fine, memorial jewelry. As to how she does it all, Jen points to flexibility of being a family business owner and what she calls her “organized chaos.” Episode originally aired live on WVOX AM on April 27, 2023. Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.com

Put away your old-fashioned image of the staid librarian whispering “shhhh” as she stamps books taken out. Not only are they fully digital, but nowadays libraries are also vibrant centers of community and service. In honor of National Book Day and National Library Week, TBD is joined by two librarians from the Mamaroneck Public Library - Rosemary Farrell and Jack Weiss. We talk book recommendations, reading versus listening, digital resources, and book bans. Episode originally aired live on WVOX AM on April 13, 2023. Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.com

What’s your personal brand? We’re not talking about your jeans or favorite cookie, but about you. Most of us don’t think of ourselves that way and Janna explains why we should. It’s not about being a product, but rather reflecting your values in what you do and how you spend your time. And yes, it is part of the balance equation. On this episode, Janna explains how she puts this into action in her own quest for balance, including “Magic Mondays” and “ambition collision.” As founder and president of Synastry Capital, a cross-sector impact vehicle with a mission to change the ways money and power flow in the world. An entrepreneur at heart, Janna started her own public relations and brand strategy firm, Style House, practically right out of college. Episode originally aired live on WVOX AM on March 30, 2023. Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.com.

Unlike oil and water, you’ll be surprised to hear how luxury Miami real estate and premium olive oil mix. Marie-Charlotte (know as Charlotte) Piro pivoted from a wildly successful real estate career in Miami catering to European clients to founding and running Olio Piro LLC. In this episode, you’ll also hear her story of coming to America, making a life, and she achieves (or doesn’t) some measure of balance. And yes, she does believe you can have it all and all at the same time. “Be bold and ask for help.” Oh, and make sure to taste her olive oil, available at olio-piro.com. It’s nothing like what you’re used to buying at the supermarket. Episode originally aired live on WVOX AM on March 16, 2023. Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.com

Not all pivots are by choice. Beth Robbins, author of A Grief Sublime, explores the aftermath of the sudden and unexpected death of her husband. She bravely discusses what she took for granted before his death and her reinvention after. Her book was adapted into a film, in which Beth played herself, entitled Sproutman. Beth Robbins is a writer, an actor, a teacher, and a director who received her MLitt (2022) and MA (2016) from Bread Loaf School of English at Middlebury College. Episode originally aired live on WVOX AM on March 2, 2023. Show notes are available at thebalancedilemma.com.

Professor Evan Mandery joins TBD to discuss his book Poison Ivy: How Elite Colleges Divide Us. On TBD, Evan discusses who gets in and why, and how colleges should do more for the greater good. He challenges the belief that these institutions promote diversity and upward mobility. According to him, the rich remain rich allowing few others to break into the top echelon. Rather, he says, it is schools like CUNY that allow true upward mobility. Evan Mandery is the author of eight books, including four novels, as well as the co-creator and executive producer of the TV series Artificial, for which he won Peabody and Emmy awards in 2019. A leading expert on the death penalty, Evan’s book, A Wild Justice: The Death and Resurrection of Capital Punishment in America, was a New York Times Editors’ Pick, a Kirkus best book of the year, and an ABA Silver Gavel honorable mention. A graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School, Evan has been an outspoken critic of legacy admissions since publishing an op-ed in The New York Times in 2014. His new book Poison Ivy: How Elite Colleges Divide Us offers a devastating critique of how elite colleges and suburbs work together to exacerbate social inequality. Evan is also a regular contributor to Politico. Episode aired live on WVOX-AM on February 16, 2023. Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.com