This comes up a lot, and I have to agree with what they told me: there is no dichotomy between life and practice. I think a lot of people take the (helpful) view that practice, in a way, will make you more skillful at living life happily. After all, if your baseline doesn't change, what's the point? Otherwise it's just spiritual entertainment.
As to practice/life balance, that depends on your goals, etc. Read the chapter
Morality, the First and Last Training in MCTB.
As to doing so much "listening to dharma talks that it starts to obstruct day to day life", I mean... obviously that's possible, but "the point" is whatever point you bring to the table. No more, no less.
