If you’re holding it all together on the outside—but quietly falling apart on the inside—you’re not alone… and you’re in the right place. Balanced but Barely is a real, unfiltered podcast about messy healing and real life. Hosted by Carla Jean Lundgren, we talk anxiety, depression, PTSD, self-love, and spirituality—without pretending we have it all together. Through honest conversations, humor, and practical tools, you’ll feel seen, supported, and less alone. If you’re doing the inner work while still spiraling sometimes… you belong here.
Balanced but Barely
Claim This Podcastby Carla Jean Lundgren
5.0(5 reviews)
8 episodes
Updated Daily
Accepts GuestsHas Sponsors
Podcast Overview
If you’re holding it all together on the outside—but quietly falling apart on the inside—you’re not alone… and you’re in the right place. Balanced but Barely is a real, unfiltered podcast about messy healing and real life. Hosted by Carla Jean Lundgren, we talk anxiety, depression, PTSD, self-love, and spirituality—without pretending we have it all together. Through honest conversations, humor, and practical tools, you’ll feel seen, supported, and less alone. If you’re doing the inner work while still spiraling sometimes… you belong here.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
4/17/2026
1 verified contact email on file for Balanced but Barely
Pitch yourself as a guest, propose sponsorships, or reach out directly to the host.
Recent Episodes
June 17, 2026
Ep 7: Happiness Called...It Said You're Making This Way Too Complicated
<p>What if happiness isn't something you find?</p><p>What if it's something you practice?</p><p>In this episode of Balanced but Barely, Carla Jeanchallenges one of the most common beliefs about happiness—that it's waiting for us somewhere in the future. Whether it's tied to a promotion, a relationship, more money, a smaller pants size, or simply getting through the next stressful season, many of us live in a constant state of "I'll be happy when..."</p><p>But what if happiness isn't a destination at all?</p><p>Through relatable stories, humor, mindfulness practices, nervous system education, and practical tools, Carla Jean explores why so many people struggle to experience happiness—even when life is going relatively well. She breaks down the science behind why we adapt so quickly to achievements, why anxiety and overwhelm can makehappiness feel out of reach, and how our pursuit of perfection often prevents us from appreciating what's already good.</p><p>This episode dives into the difference between happiness and joy, why chronic stress impacts our ability to experience positive emotions, and how presence, connection, meaning, and gratitude play a larger role in happiness than external accomplishments ever could.</p><p>Listeners will learn:</p><p>✔️ Happiness is not a destination—it's a practice.</p><p>✔️ You don't have to wait for perfect circumstances toexperience moments of joy.</p><p>✔️ Anxiety and chronic stress can make happiness harder toaccess, but not impossible.</p><p>✔️ The happiest people still experience sadness, grief,disappointment, and struggle.</p><p>✔️ Presence is often more important than achievement.</p><p>✔️ Meaningful relationships are one of the strongestpredictors of long-term happiness.</p><p>✔️ Gratitude isn't pretending everything is good—it'snoticing what is good alongside what is hard.</p><p>✔️ Happiness is often found in ordinary moments we overlookwhile chasing extraordinary ones.</p><p>If you've been postponing your happiness until life calms down, everything is figured out, or you finally reach your next goal, this episode offers a gentle reminder:</p><p>Life may never be perfect.</p><p>The inbox may never be empty.</p><p>The to-do list may never be finished.</p><p>And happiness doesn't require any of those things.</p><p>Because sometimes happiness isn't found in the next achievement.</p><p>Sometimes it's found in the coffee you're drinking, the personsitting next to you, the deep breath you're taking, or the simple realization that this imperfect life is still worth enjoying.</p><p>🎙️ Balanced but Barely — where growth meets reallife, and we're figuring it out together.</p>
June 10, 2026
Ep 6: Depression Isn't Weakness: What No One Tells You About Feeling Stuck
<p>In this deeply personal and compassionate episode of Balanced but Barely, Carla Jean Lundgren explores one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions: depression. She explains why depression is not laziness, weakness, or a lack of gratitude, but a complex experience that can affect energy, motivation, concentration, sleep, and a person's sense of hope.</p><p>Carla Jean shares her own lifelong journey with depression, describing it as an unwelcome “beast” that requires a constantly evolving toolbox of coping strategies. Through honest storytelling, mindfulness exercises, and practical guidance, she discusses self-compassion, the importance of connection, and when it may be time to seek professional support. The episode also addresses the stigma surrounding depression, especially among high-achieving adults and young mothers, and reminds listeners that surviving difficult seasons is an accomplishment in itself.</p><p>Listeners will walk away with validation, practical tools, and the reassurance that depression does not define their worth or identity.</p><p></p>
June 3, 2026
Ep 5: The Audacity - Why Not You?
<p>What would you do if you stopped waiting for permission?</p><p>In this episode of Balanced but Barely, Carla Jeanexplores the concept of audacity—not as arrogance or entitlement, but as the willingness to trust yourself enough to take up space, speak your truth, set boundaries, and pursue the life you want before you feel completely ready. </p><p>For many of us, the biggest obstacle isn't a lack of capability—it's the fear of being seen, judged, rejected, or disappointing others. Through relatable stories, practical tools, mindfulness exercises, and nervous system education, Carla Jean unpacks why audacity can feel so uncomfortable and why it may be theexact thing that's needed for personal growth.</p><p>Listeners will learn how childhood experiences, people-pleasing tendencies, perfectionism, anxiety, and the desire for approval can keep them playing small and second-guessing themselves. The episode explores the difference between confidence and courage, why self-trust matters more than certainty, and how to stop outsourcing your worth to the opinions of others.</p><p>Along the way, Carla Jean challenges listeners to examine where they may be shrinking themselves, over accommodating others, or waiting for the perfect time to pursue a goal, have a difficult conversation, or make a life change.</p><p>This episode also dives into:</p><p>✔️ Audacity is not arrogance—it's self-trust in action.</p><p>✔️ Confidence often comes after action, not before it.</p><p>✔️ You can be afraid and courageous at the same time.</p><p>✔️ People-pleasing may keep you safe, but it can also keep you stuck.</p><p>✔️ Disappointing others does not automatically mean you'redoing something wrong.</p><p>✔️ Boundaries are an act of self-respect, not selfishness.</p><p>✔️ The life you want may require you to stop waiting forpermission.</p><p>✔️ You don't need certainty to take the next step—you needwillingness.</p><p>Whether you're navigating anxiety, burnout, perfectionism, a major life transition, or simply trying to reconnect with your authentic self, this episode offers a reminder that your voice, your dreams, and your needs matter.</p><p>Because the question isn't:</p><p>"Who am I to do this?"</p><p>Maybe the better question is:</p><p>"Why not me?"</p><p>🎙️ Balanced but Barely — where growth meets reallife, and we're figuring it out together.</p><p>Key Takeaways:</p>
8 total episodes available
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