Rediscovering Purpose Through Post-Retirement WorkIn this episode of the Deconstructed Woman Podcast, hosts Elisa Marie and Joji welcome co-host Sandy Marshall to explore her surprising desire to return to work after retiring. Sandy shares her journey from moving to a retirement community, purchasing and selling a jewelry business, to now feeling a need for more social interaction and mental engagement. They discuss the challenges and opportunities for retirees considering re-entering the workforce, including part-time retail positions, remote work, consulting, and freelance jobs. Additionally, they touch on the importance of preserving one’s purpose and the potential for volunteer roles to lead to paid positions. This insightful conversation highlights the balance between staying active and finding fulfillment in later years.00:00 Introduction to the Deconstructed Woman Podcast00:27 Meet Sandy Marshall: A Surprise Return to Work01:23 Sandy's Retirement Journey and New Aspirations04:25 The Social Aspect of Work05:09 Exploring Remote Work and Consulting13:22 The Importance of Sales Skills22:28 Job Search Tips and Opportunities32:05 Concluding Thoughts on Retirement and Work36:59 Podcast Outro and Listener Engagement

Exploring High Functioning Depression: Unmasking Hidden StrugglesIn this episode of the Deconstructed Woman Podcast, hosts Elisa Marie and Jojy tackle the concept of high functioning depression. Initially unfamiliar with the term, they delve deep into its characteristics and similarities to burnout after hearing an insightful discussion on the Zoe: Science and Nutrition podcast. They explore clinical definitions, personal experiences, and societal implications, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health issues even in highly productive individuals. The episode encourages listeners to reflect on their well-being and the balance between productivity and mental health.00:00 Introduction to the Deconstructed Woman Podcast00:32 Exploring High Functioning Depression02:25 Linking High Functioning Depression with Burnout03:30 Defining High Functioning Depression05:35 Personal Experiences and Reflections14:25 Generational Perspectives on Mental Health17:56 Balancing Work and Mental Health25:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Navigating the Complex World of AI Chatbots and Youth VulnerabilityIn this episode of the Deconstructed Woman, the host is joined by Tara to discuss the concerning trends highlighted in an article from the Chicago Tribune. They delve into the complex interactions between teenagers and AI chatbots, examining ethical concerns, the blurring lines between human and AI interactions, and the inherent risks. Tara shares insights on how AI is becoming increasingly human-like and discusses the psychological dangers posed to vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly. The conversation emphasizes the need for parental vigilance, communication, and education regarding AI to protect children from potential risks.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:41 Discussing the Article on AI Chatbots01:23 Ethical Dilemmas and AI's Influence on Children02:30 Distinguishing AI from Humans05:41 AI's Learning and Human Interaction09:12 Vulnerable Populations and AI Risks12:27 AI's Impact on Mental Health19:21 Parental Concerns and Safeguards34:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Finding and Reclaiming Women's Voices: A Dialogue with SandyIn this episode of the Deconstructed Woman Podcast, hosted by Elisa Marie and Jojy, the conversation features Sandy, a long-time friend and advocate for women's rights. The discussion is sparked by Melinda French Gates' comments on losing and finding one's voice. Sandy shares her personal journey, from overcoming a difficult marriage to championing women's empowerment through business and consciousness-raising groups in the '60s. They discuss the cyclical nature of finding one's voice, the importance of supportive relationships, and the ongoing fight for women's rights. The episode highlights the critical role of empowered women and how even small actions can significantly impact families and communities.00:00 Introduction to The Deconstructed Woman Podcast00:30 Introducing Sandy: A Lifelong Supporter of Women00:54 Melinda French Gates and the Loss of Voice03:08 Sandy's Journey: Finding Her Voice04:13 The Power of Consciousness Raising Groups06:19 The Cyclical Nature of Finding One's Voice12:24 Challenges and Frustrations in Advocacy14:40 Empowerment Through Protest and Action20:20 The Importance of Women's Voices in Society26:14 Final Thoughts and Encouragement31:18 Conclusion and Call to Action

Nancy's book is available on Amazon The Good Mother Myth

Navigating Motherhood: Debunking Myths and Embracing Individual JourneysIn this episode of the Deconstructed Woman Podcast, hosts Elisa Marie and Jojy welcome Nancy Reddy, author of 'The Good Mother Myth.' The discussion dives into the challenges of new motherhood, the pressures of living up to societal expectations, and the importance of community support. Reddy shares her personal experiences of balancing academia and early motherhood while unpacking the psychological research behind her book. The conversation also explores the judgment faced by working moms, the evolving identity of mothers, and the importance of focusing on personal values over external ideals. The episode emphasizes that there is no 'perfect' way to mother and highlights the resilience of children and the necessity of finding individual paths in parenting.00:00 Introduction to The Deconstructed Woman Podcast00:32 Welcoming Nancy Reddy: Author of The Good Mother Myth01:13 Nancy's Journey: From Academia to Motherhood03:00 The Struggles and Realities of New Motherhood04:36 The Importance of Community and Support06:29 Balancing Work and Motherhood09:04 Judgment and Choices in Motherhood11:02 The Role of Community in Parenting21:34 The Decision to Have Children: A Personal Choice26:50 Preparing for an Empty Nest36:23 Nancy's Intentions and Takeaways from The Good Mother Myth41:54 Closing Thoughts and Farewell

The Art of Active Listening in Parenting and Relationships

In this episode of the Deconstructed Woman Podcast, hosts Elisa Marie and Jojy explore the concept of active listening, a tool emphasized in the Real World Parent Positive Parenting Podcast with Lisa. They discuss the challenges of implementing active listening in parenting and relationships, emphasizing the importance of truly hearing and understanding. The conversation touches on the difficulties of listening without immediately problem-solving and the significance of sitting with uncomfortable emotions. They also reflect on how cultural and personal factors can affect our ability to listen. Throughout the episode, Elisa and Joji share personal anecdotes and strategies to improve active listening in their daily lives.

00:00 Introduction to The Deconstructed Woman Podcast

00:30 Exploring Active Listening

02:08 Challenges in Active Listening

03:39 Active Listening in Parenting

06:12 Emotional Components of Active Listening

12:34 Active Listening in Marital Relationships

16:54 Balancing Time and Active Listening

19:05 Providing Hope vs. Active Listening

22:28 Reflecting on Personal Experiences

26:26 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

Navigating Joy and Grief in Your SeventiesIn this episode of the Deconstructed Woman Podcast, Jojy welcomes Pat for a heartfelt conversation about aging, experiencing the joy of grandchildren, and dealing with the grief of losing long-time friends. Pat shares her journey of moving to Wisconsin to be near her son and granddaughters and discusses how this transition has enriched her life despite the ongoing sadness of losing loved ones. The episode explores the balance between sadness and joy, the importance of making memories, and how these experiences contribute to a fulfilling life in one’s later years.00:00 Introduction to The Deconstructed Woman Podcast00:33 Introducing Pat: Joys and Challenges of Aging01:31 Coping with Loss and Finding Joy in Grandchildren03:22 The Healing Power of Grandchildren04:22 Balancing Grief and Joy09:12 Moving to Wisconsin: A New Chapter14:21 Staying Active and Engaged with Grandchildren19:56 Creating Cherished Memories28:14 Final Thoughts and Reflections33:30 Closing Remarks and Listener Engagement

⁠Hot or Just Me Website (affiliate link)⁠

10% Discount code: deconstructed

Navigating Menopause: Breaking Taboos and Sharing Solutions

In this episode of the Deconstructed Woman Podcast, hosts Elisa Marie and Joji welcome Carin Luna-Ostaseski to discuss her innovative work on menopause and perimenopause. Carin shares her journey of experiencing symptoms in her early forties, the challenges she faced in finding accurate information, and the creation of her resource 'Hot or Just Me.' They delve into Carin's Time Magazine article, addressing symptoms like joint pain and shattered sense of identity. The conversation also highlights the importance of community, breaking taboos, practical solutions, and supportive products available on Carin's website. Their discussion encapsulates the need for better societal understanding and resources for women navigating this crucial life stage.

00:00 Introduction to the Deconstructed Woman Podcast

00:30 Introducing Special Guest: Carin Luna-Ostaseski

00:40 Breaking the Menopause Taboo

01:42 Personal Experiences with Menopause

05:29 Navigating Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

08:57 Menopause and Andropause: A Shared Journey

10:35 Medical Interventions and Holistic Approaches

14:24 Resources and Support for Menopause

20:44 Exploring Hot or Just Me: Products and Solutions

27:27 The Emotional and Physical Impact of Menopause

30:18 Parenting Through Hormonal Changes

33:31 Final Thoughts and Listener Gift