In this heartfelt and relatable episode, Melissa reconnects with her cousin and longtime friend, Paige Muller, for an honest conversation about the evolution of work, motherhood, and personal boundaries. Paige shares her journey from running a thriving aesthetics business to realizing that “success” wasn’t feeling the way it was supposed to.
Together, they unpack the hard lessons of entrepreneurial burnout, the power of saying no, and the courage it takes to step off the hamster wheel when life feels unsustainable. From navigating clients’ expectations to learning that “you get what you tolerate,” Paige and Melissa explore how to protect your time, energy, and peace at work and at home.
They also share practical tips on using technology to set healthy boundaries, reflect on the balance between obligation and expectation, and share a few laughs about family, books, and learning to let go of the pressure to do it all.
If you’ve ever struggled with burnout, people-pleasing, or finding contentment in your season of life, this episode is for you.
🎧 Tune in to ReStructured with Melissa Terito, a podcast about redefining boundaries, business, and balance on your own terms.
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In this episode, I sit down with our very first guest and the podcast’s producer, Amanda Dixon, to talk about one of the toughest (and most important) boundaries we can set: the ones that protect our health.
Amanda opens up about living with multiple sclerosis and how learning to honor her body’s limits has reshaped the way she works, rests, and leads. We dive into the guilt that comes with slowing down, why rest can feel harder than work, and how pushing past your limits—physically or emotionally—always comes with a cost.
I also share my own experience with stress-induced hearingloss and how that moment forced me to reexamine the stories I tell myself about productivity and success. Together, we talk about what it really means to listen to your body, communicate your needs, and give yourself and others grace.
If you’ve ever felt guilty for resting or worried that stepping back means falling behind, this episode is a reminder that protecting your health isn’t selfish; it’s sustainable. Because when you set boundaries around your well-being, you’re not quitting the work—you’re making sure you can keep showing up for it.
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In this episode, I’m talking about one of my favorite topics—delegation—and how it connects directly to boundaries. Too often we hold back from delegating because we’re afraid someone else will “mess it up” or won’t do it the way we would. But here’s the truth: by refusing to delegate, weoverload ourselves, limit our growth, and block our team from stepping into their potential.
I share insights from a recent presentation I gave at the Louisiana Society of CPAs Women’s Conference, along with real examples of how delegation has shaped my own career. You’ll hear why fear is the wrong reason not to delegate, how to reframe it as a boundary-setting tool, and why empowering others is key to being a stronger leader.
If you’ve been hesitating to let go of tasks—even the ones you know you shouldn’t be doing—this episode will help you flip the script and start small. Because setting boundaries through delegation isn’t just about your workload, it’s about creating space for everyone to grow.
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In this first official episode of ReStructured, I’m sharing one of the earliest boundaries I ever set as a leader — taking one remote day a week — and how it completely shifted my work, my mindset, and my energy. 🧠⚡
Long before remote work became the norm, I struggled with the fear of being judged, questioned, or seen as less committed. But what started as a small schedule change turned into a powerful leadership decision — one that helped me stop running on fumes and start showing up with intention.
If you’ve ever felt behind, burned out, or stuck in the cycle of “being available 24/7,” this episode is for you. It’s not just about remote days — it’s about taking back control and redefining what it really means to lead. 💼✨
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✨ New beginnings! In this intro to ReStructured with Melissa Terito, Melissa shares why she’s rebranding from Louisiana Ladies and how her own journey with stress, therapy, and leadership led her to a powerful discovery: boundaries change everything.💡
This episode sets the stage for honest conversations about workplace culture, leadership struggles, and building a life you actually enjoy. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stuck in the “busy Olympics,” or unsure how to say no, this is for you. 🚪➡️💪
On this week’s episode, Melissa is joined by Karen McCord to hear the amazing story of Carley Ann McCord. Carley unfortunately passed away after a terrible accident in 2019, but her memory lives on through those who loved her and through rainbows and signs that she sends to those she loves. Ms. Karen has written a book in her memory, “Only Rainbows,” about Carley’s legacy – her ambition, her laughter, and her unwavering determination to be a force oflight in the world. We thank Ms. Karen for joining us for this amazing episode and for sharing her story with us.
To buy a copy of “Only Rainbows,” please click here: Only Rainbows by Karen C. McCord
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March fiction book of the month: The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros
Q1 nonfiction book: The Inner Game of Tennis by W. Timothy Gallwey
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Before the ice storm, we got together to catch up oneverything that has happened since the new year. Lainey has important life updates, Kate is reflective about the past, and Melissa has made some self-discoveries! We hope you enjoy hearing about the journey’s we’ve been on.
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January fiction book of the month: The Housemaid by Freida McFaddenQ1 nonfiction book: The Inner Game of Tennis by W. Timothy Gallwey
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We’ve got a New Year’s Eve treat for you: a new episode ofLouisiana Ladies! Today we’re joined by an amazing group of women: Theresa Conti APR, QKA, ERPA, CPFA and Ivana Polonijo, Ph.D., AIF of Step Into the Pivot! These two incredible women join Melissa over video call to discuss working in the retirement plan space, handling life transitions, the ways that working on our inner psychology can benefit us, and how we deal with imposter syndrome.Be sure to follow Step Into the Pivot to hear Melissa’s episode there when it drops!
Step Into the Pivot Apple Podcasts
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December fiction book of the month: Holiday Romance by Catherine WalshQ4 nonfiction book: Everything Is Figureoutable a book by Marie Forleo (bookshop.org)
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Welcome back to another episode of Louisiana Ladies! Todaywe’re joined by a new Louisiana Lady, Amanda Dixon! Amanda is a marketing professional from the Baton Rouge area who is living with Multiple Sclerosis. She shares her story with Melissa, starting back during her school days where she met her husband, and how she got to be in the spot she is today. We then talk through Amanda’s Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis, the challenges that she encounteredduring that process, and what she had to do to stand up for herself to pursue that diagnosis. Thank you for sharingyour story with us, Amanda!
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November fiction book of the month: The Women a book by Kristin Hannah
Q4 nonfiction book: Everything Is Figureoutable a book by Marie Forleo (bookshop.org)
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Welcome back to another episode of Louisiana Ladies! Has life been as hectic for y'all as it has been for us? We start this episode off with a deep breath and a discussion about anxiety. We then get into what has been keeping us all so busy lately, but we are so grateful to have busy calendars full of exciting activities!
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November fiction book of the month: The Women a book by Kristin HannahQ4 nonfiction book: Everything Is Figureoutable a book by Marie Forleo(bookshop.org)Listener support! Louisiana Ladies • A podcast on Anchor
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Welcome back to another episode of Louisiana Ladies! We were so excited to sit down and share what we have been up to this past month. Melissa has been booked and busy, Kate is well into the school year, and Lainey has been going on all the Bachelorette trips! We hope you enjoy hearing about our hectic lives and some exciting things we have coming up.
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August fiction book of the month: Lady Tan's Circle of Women a book by Lisa See (bookshop.org)Q4 nonfiction book: Everything Is Figureoutable a book by Marie Forleo(bookshop.org)Listener support! Louisiana Ladies • A podcast on Anchor
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The Louisiana Ladies are back!! It felt so good to sit down and record a long overdue catch-up episode! We hope you enjoy and look forward to chatting again soon.
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August fiction book of the month: Weyward a book by Emilia Hart (bookshop.org)
Q3 nonfiction book: The Surrender Experiment: My Journey Into Life's Perfection a book by Michael A. Singer (bookshop.org)
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Well, after four years of Louisiana Ladies, we have decided to take a little break. As hard as it is to take a step back from the mic, it is definitely needed. Between Melissa and Lainey working at a CPA firm during our busiest time of year, and Kate constantly being busy, we decided that a podcast pause was in order. This is not goodbye forever! We will still be active on social media, continue our book club and lagniappe, and build this community. We can't wait to record episodes again one day, but until then, we have four years' worth of episodes y'all can revisit (or catch up on)! Thank you thank you thank you for your continued love and support. We couldn't do it without each and every one of our guests and listeners. We love y'all!
February fiction book of the month: The Paper Palace (Reese's Book Club) a book by Miranda Cowley Heller (bookshop.org)
Q1 nonfiction book: Be Your Future Self Now: The Science of Intentional Transformation a book by Benjamin Hardy (bookshop.org)Listener support! Louisiana Ladies • A podcast on Anchor
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This week, Kate and Lainey are joined by the fabulous Dr. Julie Neumann! Dr. Neumann has an impressive background from attending SJA, being a member of the LSU Women's Soccer team, graduating from LSU Medical School in New Orleans, and completing multiple fellowships across the country. We are so glad that she ultimately chose to bring her talents back to Baton Rouge to practice at the Bone and Joint Clinic. Listen along to hear about her high school and college journeys, how she chose orthopedics, her family, and maybe even a few sprinkles of doctorly advice. Thanks so much for joining us, Dr. Neumann!
February fiction book of the month: The Paper Palace (Reese's Book Club) a book by Miranda Cowley Heller (bookshop.org)Q1 nonfiction book: Be Your Future Self Now: The Science of Intentional Transformation a book by Benjamin Hardy (bookshop.org)Listener support! Louisiana Ladies • A podcast on Anchor
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This week, the Louisiana Ladies are joined by Holger (Christian) Heap, Licensed Professional Counselor. A dear friend of Kate's, Holger wanted to come on the podcast to share his experience in becoming a counselor and talk about what it really means to go to counseling. We hope this episode makes counseling feel much more approachable. We all agree that everyone can benefit from counseling, not just those who have been through traumatic events. Check out the Wellness Studio here in Baton Rouge or give Holger a call to get a referral and find the right counselor for you!The Wellness Studio – Mental Health Practice (surprisinglywell.com)
January fiction book of the month: Fourth Wing a book by Rebecca Yarros (bookshop.org)Q1 nonfiction book: Be Your Future Self Now: The Science of Intentional Transformation a book by Benjamin Hardy (bookshop.org)Listener support! Louisiana Ladies • A podcast on Anchor
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This week, we are joined by our first guest of 2024! The lovely Amy Vandiver, founder of The Flower Fest, stopped by to tell us all about this wonderful event happening right here in Baton Rouge. Flower Fest is an annual floral competition that consists of a gala and weekend market, all to raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital! If you haven't heard, our very own Melissa Terito is a 2024 Flower Fest honoree! This means that you can donate to St. Jude directly on her behalf. Listen along to learn how Amy came up with idea for this incredible festival, benefitting an even better cause. Check out Flower Fest happening April 6-7 at Pointe Marie! Donate here: Flower Fest for St. Jude 2024: Melissa Terito - Events for St. Jude (stjude.org)
January fiction book of the month: Fourth Wing a book by Rebecca Yarros (bookshop.org)Q1 nonfiction book: Be Your Future Self Now: The Science of Intentional Transformation a book by Benjamin Hardy (bookshop.org)Listener support! Louisiana Ladies • A podcast on Anchor
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Happy New Year, Louisiana Ladies! Melissa and Lainey sit down to recap their New Year's Eve and Day, in addition to discussing their 2024 goals. Melissa even shares some exciting news! Whether you are feeling excited, indifferent, or dreadful about starting a new year, give yourself grace and know that your feelings are valid. You never know what the year could bring, so stay open-minded and look for the silver lining. Whatever you have going on in 2024, remember that you got this!
January fiction book of the month: Fourth Wing a book by Rebecca Yarros (bookshop.org)Q1 nonfiction book: Be Your Future Self Now: The Science of Intentional Transformation a book by Benjamin Hardy (bookshop.org)Listener support! Louisiana Ladies • A podcast on Anchor
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Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! The Louisiana Ladies are back with a holiday chit chat for you all. Cozy up and listen as we talk about what we have been doing to get in the holiday spirit and discuss some of our favorite family traditions. We hope you and your loved ones have a joy-filled holiday season!
December book of the month: You, with a View a book by Jessica Joyce (bookshop.org)
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This week, Lainey and Melissa got together at Melissa's house to chat about our year! They reflected on their professional and personal growth, as well as challenges they faced this year. Thanks for coming along with us on this ride and we can't wait to share our 2024 goals with you soon!
December book of the month: You, with a View a book by Jessica Joyce (bookshop.org)
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The Louisiana Ladies are FINALLY all back together - yes, even Kate! We sat down to discuss Kate's ultimate holiday gift guide and get the creative juices flowing for this year's gift giving. No matter what your budget may look like, you are sure to gain inspiration from Kate's fabulous gift ideas!
December book of the month: You, with a View a book by Jessica Joyce (bookshop.org)
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