The Balance Dilemma

thebalancedilemma

What are everyday women (and men) discussing and struggling with regarding work life balance? And why has this remained a seemingly uniquely female problem? Join Maura Carlin and Christie Derrico as their guests share stories on how they tackle the hows, whys and what ifs of balancing work, life, family and self. On The Balance Dilemma we speak to parents and non-parents alike! While there may not be one answer, the guests on The Balance Dilemma will share insights to help listeners carve their own path. Episodes through August 2023 originally aired on WVOX Radio. All rights reserved.

  1. MAR 22

    Episode 100 The Women Who Hold Everything Together with New York Times Bestselling Author Annabel Monaghan

    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

    38 min

  2. FEB 18

    Episode 99 Not Dead Yet: Life Lessons, Dating After Divorce, & Aging Without Apology with Barbara Ballinger and Margaret Crane

    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St. Louis, MO to NYC, these women prove that life after 50 is about risk-taking, reinvention, and refusing to play by outdated rules.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

    45 min

  3. JAN 18

    Episode 98 Moving to Europe: Real Advice from an American Expat with Angela Hanyak

    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

    35 min

  4. 12/16/2025

    Episode 97 Drop-Off, Pick-Up, Paris, Vogue: A Fashion Journey with Andrea Moore Beaulieu

    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

    41 min

  5. 11/30/2025

    Episode 96 From Campus to Career: Why Your Grad's First Job Search Isn't What You Remember with Nadine Varca Bilotta

    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.com Guest: 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

    38 min

  6. 11/02/2025

    Episode 95 Show Me the Money: How One Mom Negotiated Her Stay-at-Home Salary with Catherine O'Toole

    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

    25 min

  7. 09/02/2025

    Episode 94 Wedding Adventures with Maura & Christie: A Mother’s Perspective

    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 #whattowear Recorded on August 29, 2025. Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.com

    24 min

  8. 07/31/2025

    Episode 93 Blended Family Success: Career Pivots, Modern Parenting, and Finding Balance with Dave Marcus and Susannah Ludwig

    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

    39 min
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4.4
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

What are everyday women (and men) discussing and struggling with regarding work life balance? And why has this remained a seemingly uniquely female problem? Join Maura Carlin and Christie Derrico as their guests share stories on how they tackle the hows, whys and what ifs of balancing work, life, family and self. On The Balance Dilemma we speak to parents and non-parents alike! While there may not be one answer, the guests on The Balance Dilemma will share insights to help listeners carve their own path. Episodes through August 2023 originally aired on WVOX Radio. All rights reserved.

Information

  • Creator
    thebalancedilemma
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    99
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © thebalancedilemma
  • Show Website
    The Balance Dilemma