Alright, ladies, buckle up because today’s guest is about to rock your world! If you’ve ever found yourself hustling for success, grinding yourself into the ground, or feeling like manifestation is some fluffy, wishful thinking that never quite works for you—THINK AGAIN.
We are about to dive deep into the kind of transformation that doesn’t just shift your mindset—it shakes up your entire damn reality.
Meet Jaime Pallotolo—a powerhouse Energetic Master, Soul Activator, and Shamanic Healer who helps badass women step into their power and manifest their wildest dreams. We’re talking six-figure months, viral TED Talks, NYT bestsellers, national TV appearances, soul-aligned love, pregnancies, and next-level success. And guess what? She doesn’t do it through overworking, overthinking, or over-sacrificing. Nope. Jaime teaches women how to manifest from a place of ease, pleasure, and energetic alignment—because let’s be real, the hustle culture is played out, and wealth should feel GOOD, not like a punishment.
Jaime’s story is one of resilience, rebirth, and radical transformation—she’s walked away from corporate burnout, survived an abusive marriage, and quite literally came back from her own deathbed. And now? She’s helping women release their own blocks, connect with Spirit, and create realities beyond their wildest dreams.
So if you’re ready to stop playing small, let go of the baggage that’s been holding you back, and start calling in the kind of abundance that makes your soul do a happy dance… THIS is the episode you’ve been waiting for.
In this episode Jaime teaches us:
For more of Jaime:
Website | jaimepallotolo.com
Instagram | @jaimepallotolo
If you've been a long time supporter of the Dear Midlife podcast, we'd love to thank you! It has been a 3-year journey and we couldn't have had the success that we have without your support. We love you but, we're taking. a break to regroup and realign. If you interested in continuing to be part of the conversation, you can email me at dearmidlife@gmail.com or find us on Instagram or Facebook and we'll continue to keep you in the loop as we find new and exciting ways to connect. This isn't goodbye, it is just "see you later"
Ladies, buckle up because today’s guest is bringing the truth bombs you need to hear! Our guest, Lori Balue is not here to sugarcoat anything—literally. You know...with 88% of the population being insulin resistant, it’s no wonder we’re in the middle of an obesity epidemic, and Lori is on a mission to help women over 50 take back control of their health, their bodies, and their future.
Lori is a Certified Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner and Adapt-Certified Functional Health Coach, and she’s all about ditching the BS diets, fixing your gut, and making sure you don’t spend your golden years feeling sluggish, inflamed, and stuck in stretchy pants. She’s the creator of The Holistic Low Carb Method and Weight Loss & Diabetes Solution, designed specifically for women who are sick of the endless cycle of dieting, weight regain, and health struggles.
Lori isn’t just talking the talk—she lost 100 pounds herself, and she’s keeping it off in her 50s. She knows firsthand what it takes to get out of the insulin resistance trap, reset your metabolism, and actually enjoy life without being controlled by food and cravings. She’s helped women shift their mindsets, ditch the office candy, and feel empowered instead of deprived—because health is about making choices that serve you, not settling for whatever’s in the breakroom.
In this episode, Lori is spilling all the tea on:
Lori has been featured on multiple podcasts, spoken at the Whole Wheatery in Lancaster, CA, and is an absolute force when it comes to aging beautifully, adventurously, and on your own terms. When she’s not helping women reclaim their bodies, you’ll find her out in nature, running half-marathons, or hiking the Bright Angel Trail at the Grand Canyon—because aging doesn’t mean slowing down, it means leveling up.
To Find more of Lori:
Website | Loribalue.com
Instagram | @loribalueweightloss
Girl, weight loss is just ONE of the journey's we find ourselves on in midlife, right?! I mean, there's the "I don't know who I am anymore" journey, the "I feel stuck" journey and the "journey of reinvention". You get to choose which journey you're on. Maybe you're on more than one of these paths. But, here's the deal! You don't have to do the journey alone! I will be launching a membership in 2Q 2025 and we want you to be a part of it. Our goal is to connect women from around the world for friendship and fun...virtually and face-to-face (where possible). If you're interested in being a founding member, email me at Shelby.bybee@gmail.com to get in on the action. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram to stay tuned for more fun info!
Ever Felt Stuck, Burned Out, and Wondering WTF is Next? Yep, me too. Trapped in a job that sucked the life out of me, clinging to what felt “safe” even though it made me miserable. Stuck in the muck, as today's guest, Michael Gardon, calls it. Sound familiar?
Mike knows a thing or two about breaking free. He walked away from corporate burnout, turned a side hustle into a million-dollar business, and built a framework called Advantage Mapping to help others do the same. He’s a 3x entrepreneur, career pivot pro, and founder of The Break Community, where he helps 14,000+ people ditch unfulfilling work and design lives they actually love.
Here’s the kicker—your identity isn’t set in stone. You have way more agency over who you are and where you’re headed than you think. Mike will show you how to **stop asking “What do I want to DO?” and start asking “How do I want to FEEL?”** Because real transformation starts with knowing yourself and then mapping out multiple paths to get where you actually want to be. If you’ve ever thought, "Is this really IT?"—you’re gonna want to tune in. 🚀
In this episode, Mike teaches us
For more of Michael:
Website | michaelgardon.com
LinkedIn | Michaelgardon
And if you find yourself feeling stuck and wondering who you are and what do you want to become-join us. We are a tribe of like-minded, women in midlife who are trying to build connection with one another. You see, the more connections and friendships you have, the happier you will be as well. We will be launching a membership in 2Q 2025 and we want you to be a part of it. Our goal is to connect women from around the world for friendship and fun...virtually and face-to-face (where possible). If you're interested in being a founding member, email me at Shelby.bybee@gmail.com to get in on the action. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram to stay tuned for more fun info!
Picture this: it’s January 1st, and you’ve decided this is your year. You’ve got the vision board, the new planner, maybe even some cute workout gear you bought to “motivate” yourself. You’re ready to transform your life. But fast-forward a few weeks (or, let’s be real, a few days), and your big plans have already turned into a pile of “meh.” Sound familiar? Starting a new habit is hard, and sticking with it? Even harder. But what if you’ve been going about it all wrong?
Enter today’s guest, Julie DeLucca-Collins, the habit queen, mindset coach, and all-around badass who’s here to tell you that the secret to lasting change isn’t about doing more—it’s about starting smaller. Like, ridiculously small. Julie is certified in “Tiny Habits,” and trust me, she’ll have you rethinking the way you approach every goal you’ve ever set.
Julie’s all about taking those microscopic wins, celebrating the heck out of them, and building momentum until your brain is hooked on feeling good. And here’s the kicker: she’s not here for comparison games or perfection. Julie is here to help you embrace your strengths, stay in your lane, and unapologetically show up as you.
Oh, and let’s talk receipts: Julie is a TEDx speaker, a member of the Governor’s Counsel for Women and Girls in Connecticut, and has been featured on ABC, NBC, and FOX. She’s also the host of the top-rated podcast Casa DeConfidence, where she co-hosts with her #HotHandsomeHusband—yes, that’s what she calls him—and dishes out wisdom to help you step into your best life.
She’s also sharing her personal journey—how growing up as an outsider taught her the importance of belonging and how she helps others embrace their authentic selves to thrive.
So, if you’re tired of starting over, playing small, or waiting for “someday” to make a change, buckle up. Julie’s about to give you the truth, the tools, and the tiny habits you need to actually transform your life—one small step at a time.
In this episode, Julie teaches us:
To find more of Julie:
TEDx Talk | How Habits Give Us the Confidence to Dance in Life
Website | goconfidentlycoaching.com
Facebook | goconfidentlycoaching
For so long, I've felt stuck...that's right. I'm just like you. Struggling to figure out who I'm supposed to be when I grow up. But, you know what I've come to realize? I'm a connector. That is my calling. And I've wanted to form a membership for women in midlife to connect with other like minded women for friendship and support. But, I'll be honest. I've been too afraid to do it. But...not anymore. I'm going to build and launch a membership in Q2 2025 so that all of us can feel the power of that connection. If you want to be part of the founding members...email me at Shelby.bybee@gmail.com and help me to shape this fabulous friendship group. You can also find me on Facebook and Instagram to follow this exciting journey.
You know, back in 2019, I made a decision that everyone in my life thought was completely out of character. I got a dog. That’s right—me, allergic to dogs, raised in a family of “definitely-not-dog-people,” decided to throw caution, logic, and my sinuses to the wind and bring home Oliver Van Winkle Tinkle. Yes, that’s his real name. And let me tell you, Ollie didn’t just chew through my favorite shoes—he chewed through my old way of life.
Fast forward past middle-of-the-night potty breaks, chewed-up underwear, and a global pandemic, and guess what? This single mom who once swore she’d never be “a dog person” is now that dog person. You know the type. The one talking to strangers at the dog park. The one organizing playdates for her dog like it’s preschool. The one whose dog has a better social life than she does.
But here’s the thing—Ollie didn’t just change my life; he taught me how to live it. And if you’re also a “dog person,” you get it. Dogs have this uncanny ability to teach us humans some pretty profound life lessons—things like living in the moment, finding your pack, and never underestimating the power of play.
Which brings me to today’s guest: Michelle Waitzman. Michelle is a writer, dog lover, and the author of Be as Happy as Your Dog: 16 Dog-Tested Ways to Be Happier Using Pawsitive Psychology. That’s right—she took all those little nuggets of wisdom our dogs offer us and turned them into a guide for living your best life.
So, whether you’re a dog owner, a dog admirer, or just someone trying to figure out why your Labrador is happier than you are, stick around. Michelle’s here to spill the tea—or should I say, the kibble—on how we can all live a little more like our dogs.
In this episode, Michelle is going to show us how to:
1. Humans spend 50% of their time obsessing over the past and future. You can't change the past, nor can you control the future. The present is where happiness lives. Embrace the present like your dog chasing a squirrel.
2. Savor the small joys in life—because honestly, if your dog can lose their mind over a squeaky toy, you can get excited about that first sip of coffee and experiencing and savoring joy for 20 seconds daily changes your brain chemistry.
3. Find your pack—and that includes cutting loose the energy vampires who don’t bring joy to your life and finding people who boost your joy with a love of common things.
4. Play like your happiness depends on it (because, spoiler alert, it does).
5. Embrace serendipity—because sometimes, the best things in life aren’t what you were chasing in the first place.
To find more of Michelle:
Website | beashappyasyourdog.com
Facebook | beashappyasyourdog
Instagram | @beashappyasyourdog
And if you find yourself feeling stuck and wondering my YOUR dog is happier than you are...join us. We are a tribe of like-minded, women in midlife who are trying to build connection with one another. You see, the more connections and friendships you have (and we're talking with people here...not our furry friends), the happier you will be as well. We will be launching a membership in 2Q2025 and we want you to be a part of it. Our goal is to connect women from around the world for friendship and fun...virtually and face-to-face (where possible). If you're interested in being a founding member, email me at Shelby.bybee@gmail.com to get in on the action. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram to stay tuned for more fun info!
Ever found yourself in the middle of your life thinking, “Wait…is this it?” You've checked all the boxes—career, family, responsibilities—but somewhere along the way, you feel stuck. Like you’re spinning your wheels in the same patterns, wondering why you're not thriving the way you imagined. Maybe it’s the self-doubt whispering in the background. Maybe it's the invisible script of "I'm too old," or "Who am I to want more?" running on repeat.
Today’s guest is here to help you break free from that mental loop and step into the version of yourself you've been craving.
Meet Mindi Huebner, the Intuitive Mindset Mastery Coach who’s rewriting the rules on personal transformation. She’s not just about positive thinking—she’s about rewiring your brain for real so you can stop self-sabotaging and start living fully.
Mindi helps high-achieving women like YOU identify the subconscious beliefs holding them back, crush the mental habits that keep you playing small, and show up with confidence like never before.
She’s an IBCP certified NLP practitioner, Clinical Hypnotherapist, and the queen of subconscious reprogramming and today, she’s sharing the exact tools she’s used with countless women to turn them from goal-setters to goal-getters. We’ll dive into her game-changing Mental Rehearsal technique, discuss why negative self-talk is your brain’s worst enemy, and provide tools on how to align your conscious and subconscious minds for unstoppable success.
Today, she’s spilling all the tea on the 7 keys to achieving your desires, why visualization is your secret weapon for consistent success, and how to stop "shoulding" all over yourself.
In this episode Mindi teaches us:
For more of Mindi:
Website | mindihuebner.com
Instagram | @mindihuebner
Mindi teaches us that when you change the way you look at things the things you look at change. That really resonated with me because we are forced to look at things differently in midlife. Not only because we are wiser, but because to stay the same is to stagnate. Midlife can be one of the best times in our lives. It is time to let go of the narratives that have held us back for so long and reframe and rewire the way we think because then and only then will you get different results. But, change is hard and that's why our community is here to love you and to lift you up. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram to level up your midlife today!
Welcome back, beautiful souls. Today's episode is a powerful one. We're diving deep into the messy, complicated, heart-wrenching reality of grief. Not the "just keep busy and you'll get over it" kind — but the raw, unapologetic truth of loss and healing.
My guest today is the unstoppable Deb Day, a Certified Master Transformational Health and Life Coach, motivational speaker, and author who knows firsthand what it means to rebuild after profound loss. After losing her husband suddenly at 50, Deb found herself navigating a storm of grief, PTSD, and anxiety. Yet she emerged with a new purpose: guiding high-achieving women to break free from stress, burnout, and the cycles that no longer serve them. She's a change master and cycle breaker with a gift for helping others see what's possible in their lives, even when they're stuck in the darkest chapters.
As this episode goes live, I find myself personally connected to this conversation in a way I never expected. My ex-husband, Michael - the father of my two incredible daughters — has just passed away unexpectedly. Our relationship had so much complexity and was layered with love, laughter, and struggle, and while we've been emotionally peeling back these layers for years. His death has brought a wave of grief I didn't see coming. It's not just about mourning him, but also witnessing the pain my daughters are facing, losing their dad far too soon.
Grief isn't just about losing someone physically. It can be the loss of a relationship, an identity, your youth, a job, or the version of yourself you thought you'd always be. Deb teaches us that grief, while gut-wrenching, can also be a space for rebirth. She shares how to honor those we've lost by honoring ourselves — taking care of our mind, body, and spirit, one small step at a time.
In this episode, we get real about the winding road of grief — the triggers that can knock you sideways when you least expect it and how to hold space for those emotions instead of brushing them under the rug. Deb shares her signature IMPACT Alignment Methodology — a holistic approach to breaking free from self-sabotage, stress, and patterns that hold us back.
If you're walking through a season of loss — whether it's a person, a dream, or a part of yourself — this conversation will remind you that healing is possible. You are stronger than you think. And on the other side of grief? There’s growth, resilience, and a life filled with purpose.
In this episode, Deb teaches us:
For more of Deb:
Website | debdaycoaching.com
Facebook | debdaycoaching
Facebook Group | bbliveloveleadafterloss
Take advantage of Deb's TWO WEEK TRIAL of her Beyond Bereavement Mentorship program
Beyond Bereavement is a monthly paid membership designed to support you as you move forward on your journey. The room is a safe space for those who have experienced loss and you will have the opportunity to:
💖 Share your experience and your feelings in a judgement-free zone
💖 Learn ways to honor your loved one's memory and integrate the memories into your life now
💖 Participate in healing, connection and the value of building resilience. Meet new like-minded souls.
💖 Choose to make grief care your priority, commit to taking extra special care of you
And girl...we know that midlife brings with it major transitions, which can feel like loss. I think about my own life, I just lost my job, my oldest daughter is off to college, now the loss of my ex and come to realize that this kind of loss can bring with it significant feelings of confusion, heartache, frustration, regret, and emptiness. It can be hard to dig ourselves out, to figure out what direction to take next, to find our path forward. But, I just want you to know that you don't have to do this alone. We are here to support you. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and join a tribe of badass women who understand where you are and are traveling this journey alongside you.
So, here’s the tea: I once dated a guy who had 8 kids (yes...8). He also had a volatile ex, and a demanding job with insane hours. Between late-night hangouts after his shifts and babysitting his two giant dogs (because his place wouldn’t allow pets), I twisted myself into a pretzel trying to keep up with the chaos. Spoiler alert: it didn’t work. We eventually admitted he wasn’t emotionally available, and I had to face the fact that no amount of magnetic chemistry could fix what wasn’t right.
Once I stepped back, I had a major "aha" moment. I wasn’t just drawn to him...I was drawn to the chaos. Growing up in a whirlwind household with 4 kids and two constantly-on-the-go executive parents, chaos was my comfort zone. Add a past relationship with a narcissist into the mix, and I’d spent years hustling for love and validation, convinced that meeting everyone else’s needs was the key to feeling worthy.
Sound familiar? Do you keep finding yourself replaying the same tired dating script—different face, same emotionally unavailable guy? Let me tell you, it’s not just bad luck. It’s about the stories we’re carrying, and until you rewrite them, you’ll keep attracting the same drama in a different package.
But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be this way. Enter Soni Pelty, certified relationship coach and founder of Limitless Love with Soni. Soni is the fierce, unapologetic guide you didn’t know you needed. She’s here to help you untangle those toxic narratives, break free from those generational chains, and uncover who you really are—your true, radiant, limitless self.
Soni’s story begins with an arranged marriage—a cultural expectation she didn’t question until misery forced her to. Taking a bold step, she became the first in her family to reclaim her power and walk away. Suddenly single in her 40s, she entered the dating world for the very first time. What happened next? Let’s just say it’s a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and transformation.
Through her innovative coaching and personal story, Soni helps women rewrite their love narratives, step into their worth, and attract the deep, soul-nourishing love they deserve. She’s here to show you why settling is never an option—and why soaring is your birthright. Today, she’s spilling all the wisdom that can help you do the same.
In this episode, Soni teaches us:
For more of Soni:
Website | limitlesslovewithsoni.com
Instagram | @limitlesslovewithsoni
And ladies, stepping into your worth and power won't just enhance your romantic relationships it will elevate your life! Are you ready to step into who you were meant to be and life a life you love? Find us on Facebook and follow us on instagram where we have a tribe of badass women to lift you up and support you as you strive to remember who you are and figure out who in the hell you want to become. You don't have to do this journey alone!
Alright, ladies — let’s talk about the wild ride they don’t prepare you for. The kind where you wake up drenched like you’ve run a marathon, your brain decides to clock out mid-sentence, and you could fry an egg on your forehead from the heat you’re radiating. Yes, I’m talking about that glorious midlife circus known as menopause. But guess what? Life doesn’t have to feel like this crazy-ass, hormone-fueled dumpster fire!
Enter today’s guest: the absolute powerhouse of holistic health, Louise Carr! This Certified Holistic Nutrition Consultant is here to help you kick menopause’s butt and do it with confidence, energy, and yes, a little sass. Louise isn’t about just surviving perimenopause; she’s all about thriving through it!
With a mission to revolutionize how midlife women tackle these rollercoaster years, Louise uses food as your not-so-secret weapon against hot flashes, night sweats, and brain fog. She believes in the transformative power of whole foods and dense nutrition to turn midlife into your personal glow-up era. Through her online course, Menopause U, she breaks down the craziness of hormonal changes and nutrition like it’s your favorite binge-worthy series — no jargon, no judgment, just practical, empowering info.
But here’s the magic sauce — Louise does it all with warmth, empathy, and that ‘I’ve-got-your-back’ vibe. She’s your guide, your cheerleader, and maybe the voice telling you to put down that sad salad and grab something deliciously nourishing instead. Her mission? To boost your energy, protect your health, and keep you living those active, thriving years with swagger.
In this episode, Louise teaches us:
For more of Louise:
website | louisecarrnutrition.com
And ladies...feeding your body is just the start. Are you ready for a midlife makeover? Do you want to get unstuck and create a life you love, body, mind, AND spirit!? If you're ready to flip the script on menopause and reclaim your midlife mojo, find us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram because life is better in the middle when we do it together.
Writer John Barth is quoted as saying "Everyone is necessarily the hero of his (or her) own life story." Our guest today, Bambi Lynn reminds us that THIS...this is because we have all survived our own stories. The events that have happened in the past have shaped who we are today and have taught us to be resilient. And Bambi didn’t just survive the chaos; she THRIVED and THEN she wrote about it — twice! And guess what? She’s just getting started.
Bambi has come through the fire...we're talking about empty nests, broken hearts, and moving across the damn country to start over… with nothing but a notebook app, a beach, and a burning need to tell her story. This mama of SIX adult kids and grandma to THIRTEEN grandbabies went from feeling like a lonely transplant in the middle of nowhere to blooming, thriving, and building a tribe of fierce, fabulous women who know what struggle tastes like — and who refuse to let it define them.
Not only does Bambi carry with her her own story, but the stories of countless others which she acquired working for the Neilson Ratings, which required her to go into the homes of strangers on a daily and regular basis and, there, she would hold space for the stories of the women and families she encountered in that role. She reminds us that everyone has a story and through the power of shared stories comes understanding and rebirth.
So grab your coffee, your wine, or whatever fuels your fire, because today we’re diving into how storytelling heals, why loneliness doesn’t get the last word, and how sometimes, the only way to find your roots is to let go of everything that’s holding you back.
In this episode, Bambi teaches us:
For more of Bambi:
Website | Healingthroughstories.com
Facebook | bambi.lynn
Instagram | @lynn.bambi
TikTok | healingthroughstories
Thank you so much to Bambi for reminding us that we all have a story and that our stories MATTER. We want to hear your story. Because, when we share our stories, there is power in our vulnerability. There is power in shared circumstance. There is power when women come together and we want to be that catalyst...that hub for community and conversation. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram. We want to hear your story. So join us on this midlife journey. Because it is so much better when we do midlife together!
We’ve all been there...looking a monumental birthday strait in the eyes thinking, “Yeah, no thanks. Hard pass on the balloons and forced cheer.” That’s exactly where our guest, Stephanie McLaughlin, found herself — staring down 40 and realizing she was in no mood for some cookie-cutter party.
So, instead of throwing some cliché party for her 40th birthday, she launched her Forty Drinks Project — 40 drinks, 40 people, 40 places. No deadlines, no pressure, just Stephanie reconnecting with people who’d been part of her wild ride through life. Think of it as her own sassy spin on that old TV show “This Is Your Life” — except with fewer cringey moments and way more real talk. What started as a boozy adventure turned into a year-long transformation. Conversations...reconnections...truths she didn’t even know she needed. And by the end? Her life had done a total 180. Every conversation, every reconnection peeled back layers she didn’t even know were there. She didn’t just mark her 40th; she redefined it.
Stephanie turned 40 into a damn midlife awakening. What were her revelations, you ask? She realized that in our 20s and 30s, we shrink, we defer, we ignore our gut feelings. But when the midlife awakening hits (around 40-ish), your intuition starts knocking. If you try to ignore it, it’ll go from a gentle tap to a full-on, no-holds-barred smackdown until you finally get the message. And that message? Baby girl..It’s all about trusting yourself.
Yes, it’s uncomfortable. Yes, it’s scary. But here’s the truth bomb: your instincts are your personal GPS, and they don’t need validation from anyone else. Following them might lead you down paths you’ve never seen before — but that’s where the magic happens.
Today, she’s spilling the tea (or maybe the martini) on how this project woke her up to the power of midlife transitions. We’ll talk about how embracing your intuition and shaking off those old “shoulds” can lead to breakdowns, breakthroughs, or — if you're lucky — a little of both.
So grab your drink of choice and get ready, because Stephanie’s about to show us how to navigate midlife with challenge and cheer and, maybe, change your life in the process.
In this episode, Stephanie teaches
To follow Stephanie:
Website | fortydrinks.com
Instagram | @fortydrinks
Here's the deal, ladies. We all have those moments in life when we look in the mirror and wonder who is that woman staring back at me. We all lose ourselves sometimes. But, in those moments...like Stephanie...we can make a choice. We can allow us to let life get us down OR we can lean into the discomfort, make new choices and transform our lives....what path will you choose? If you want to forge a new life for yourself, you don't have to do it alone. Follow us on Facebook and find us on Instagram. Let's transform our lives together. Cheers to that! 🍸
Ladies! Gather around because today we’re throwing it back and diving deep into the cosmos. Remember the thrill of flipping through the glossy pages of Teen Magazine, Tiger Beat, or Seventeen? Oh yes, those paper relics (pre-digital takeover, IYKYK). I don't know about you, but it was a sacred ritual of mine to check my horoscope to see if the stars had finally aligned for that hot crush to NOTICE me. Cute then, but let’s be real — we didn’t know astrology’s true power.
Well, buckle up, because our guest today, Suzanne Gerber, is here to drop some serious cosmic truth bombs. Suzanne isn’t just dabbling in stardust — she’s a classically trained modern astrological counselor who knows how to make the stars make sense. Her own journey started young, with an Ouija board session that revealed her late grandmother’s Hebrew name. (Talk about mystical origins!)
And here’s the tea: If you’re in midlife and wondering why you feel a bit… stuck, lost, or like you’re just wandering around in a cosmic fog — it’s not just you. Enter: the planetary return of Chiron, aka the “wounded healer.” Suzanne teaches us that this powerful planetary return during midlife is stirring up all kinds of old wounds and patterns. But don’t panic! Because, just like we’d never leave the house for a big event without checking ourselves in the mirror first (lashes on point, outfit on fire), astrology is our soul's mirror. It reflects the shifts, changes, and possibilities in our lives — and then we get to decide how to navigate them.
Think of it this way: Every movie boils down to 9 main plots, but the details make each story unique. Your life? Same deal. The planets may set the stage, but Suzanne shows us how to finesse the script, embrace our journey, and own our midlife magic.
In this episode, Suzanne teaches us that:
To find more of Suzanne:
Website | starsandstoneshealing.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzanne.gerber
Instagram: @suzannegerberastrology
Go to asksuzanne.com to book complimentary call on her calendar
So, how are YOU going to choose to live your life? And, yes! I used the word "choose" with intention. Because your path in life IS a choice. Do you want to choose to remain stagnant and stuck? or do you CHOOSE to follow your dreams and create a life you love? We're here to back you up with a supportive girl gang that will never fail you! Find us on Facebook and Instagram and let's do life in the middle together.
When the hell did it happen?! I mean, I think I'm a pretty friggen fun and FUNNY person. But, how easy is it to get caught up in the rat race and lose our spark? As women and mothers we shoulder so much! We juggle jobs, calendars (for ourselves, our partners, our kids), snack duty, home schooling (if that's your jam) laundry, life, doctors appointments, school lunches, I mean...the list goes on and ON...think about the duties and responsibilities of motherhood that you carry. But, here's the kicker, girls...these are the things that are sucking away our will to live and leaving us as depleted puddles in the corner unable to even speak. What is happening here? I mean-didn't we jump into motherhood with both feet because of the sheer and utter joy we expected to receive from these little humans that we grew inside of our bodies?! Because of the love we wanted to feel when only mommy can kiss that boo boo to make it all better or when your little looks deep into your eyes and says "I love you"? But, I don't know about you...when I look into the mirror it is not love and joy I see on my face. It is the stress and gray hair that comes with this under appreciated job!
So, HOW do we as mothers lose our joy? Why do we suddenly find ourselves overtaxed, under valued and hating life? What can we do to reclaim a small bit of that woman we once were...even among the chaos and constant pace that comes with motherhood?
Our guest today, Vanessa Wright, is here to help us jump off the carousel of craziness and find our FLOW. Vanessa is a published writer, certified life coach, and speaker. Her expertise centers around supporting midlife mothers in reclaiming their energy, joy, and creativity using her "FLOW" self-care method. She created this method in 2018 for herself, began sharing about it on Instagram—and it snowballed! FLOW stands for Feed your body, mind, and spirit; Love yourself and your season of life; Own your time and space; Weed out what's not working; and welcome something new. And let me tell you, ladies. It's not just for burned out mamas. If you are struggling, exhausted, and don't know who you are anymore, you can go with the FLOW too!
So, join us as we dive into the practice of creating a sustainable self-care practice because your life depends on it! Pedicures and hot baths will never be enough to wash away the stress and burdens that we as women hold ourselves accountable to. When you find your FLOW you will be better able to navigate midlife with confidence and grace.
In this episode, Vanessa teaches us:
To find more of Vanessa:
Website | vanessanwright.com
Instagram | @vanessanwright
Vanessa's advice is life giving and that's what we're all about here on the Dear Midlife podcast. Because, you see, we know your life, your challenges, and your pain. We understand what it is like to feel stuck and stressed. We know what it is like to look in the mirror one day and not even recognize the woman who is staring back at you. But it doesn't have to be that way. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram. We want you to become part of our tribe of strong women who will help to life you out of your despair and find a path forward in life with expert advice and tools that suite your unique needs.
You know, I think I had a pretty idyllic upbringing. While my mother passed away when I was young, my father quickly remarried and he and my stepmother (who I call "mom") were tremendous role models and parents. They were both executives and taught me that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. My mother was a testament to what women can achieve when they challenge societal norms. My siblings and I were close. However, there was a high bar set in the family. I grew up feeling that I had to be perfect in order to be acknowledged or loved, leaving me feeling like I was "not enough". As a result, I've carried the need for perfectionism, hustle, and "performance" into my adulthood. We all have our stories, don't we? Sometimes these stories prevent us from living the life we are meant to because they breed imposter syndrome, fear, uncertainty, and doubt that we are capable or that we are enough.
Our guest today, Alicia Farricielli, is here today to help us understand new tools and techniques to let go of our own inhibitions and to follow our intuition to find our future. Alicia is a Certified Life and Health Coach specializing in intuitive healing and personal empowerment. Her philosophy focuses on intuition, holistic wellbeing, and life balance, helping clients overcome limiting beliefs, embrace change, and unlock their potential. Through her own experiences of overcoming adversity and mastering life's complexities, Alicia brings empathy and profound insight to her coaching, to aid individuals in their quest for self-discovery and freedom from insecurity, anxiety, and burnout. Committed to nurturing inner strength and equilibrium, Alicia stands as a pillar of support and motivation for those on the path to authenticity, growth, and a harmoniously empowered existence. Alicia is also the host of The Intuitive Revolution Podcast.
As a holistic coach and healer, Alicia believes that within each of us lies an untapped wellspring of power, often hidden beneath layers of past hurts and self-doubt. Her mission is to help her clients peel back these layers. She guides her clients to gently explore their inner childhood wounds to release old patterns and reclaim the vibrant essence of who they truly are.
In today's episode, she helps us learn to reframe the perspectives that once held us back. What seem like insurmountable obstacles will become stepping stones on your path to growth. This journey isn't just mental; it's energetic and spiritual too. As a Reiki Master and energy practitioner, she channels universal life force to clear blockages, balance your energy centers, and amplify your innate healing abilities.
Alicia has come to discover that this work is her calling. She revels at the fact that she gets to witness her clients transform from feeling trapped by circumstances to becoming the architects of their dreams.
And, listen, ladies. If you're ready to transcend the ordinary and craft a life that's magically and uniquely yours, we are here to walk that path with you. We started the Dear Midlife podcast because we were feeling stuck and lost. If this is you...it is time to take the steps to turn your wildest dreams into your lived reality.
In this episode, Alicia teaches us:
To find more of Alicia:
Website: https://www.aliciafarricielli.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/alicia_farricielli/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRJ8Sol2nPin0bvP8D7T_nQ
Retreats: https://elevateoasisretreats.com
And listen, we're all about growth. We WANT to be there to support you through all the messiness of life on your journey to becoming the best version of you. We are striving to do this with toolkits that will empower you to heal and find yourself, with expert advice and a tribe of badass women to support you along the way. So, find us on Facebook and join us on Instagram. Let's do life together...right here in the middle.
You know, in 2016, I got divorced and left a toxic relationship in which I was so busy accommodating the needs of everyone else, I really lost who I was. So, at the encouragement of a friend I picked up a book called "The Miracle Morning" by Hal Elrod, which advocates 6 new habits that highly successful people do, one of which is journaling. And if you've gotten to know me by now, you know when I decide to do something, I'm ALL IN. So, I adopt this new habit of getting up earlier in the morning and go through the practices in the book and really found the journaling piece therapeutic. Before I knew it, I was journaling in longer increments of time each day 15 minutes became 30 and even 45 minutes sometimes. It helped me to heal. I identified patterns that I wanted to let go of. I identified goals I wanted to work towards and held myself accountable to achieving them. It was an amazing practice that helped me heal in so many ways AND it truly helped me to reflect and remember who I was...that woman that had been so lost.
Our guest today, Jessa Frances, also found healing in the power of the pen and uses a signature memoir writing program that helps people holistically work their way from past to present to future. Through the program, they are able to recognize their patterns and their limiting beliefs where they stemmed from and to finally process them and release them with self-awareness self forgiveness and self-love.
Jessa is a badass and is not only a holistic writing coach, but also a USAF veteran, a black belt in tae-kwon-do and a trauma informed yoga instructor. In this episode, she helps us to understand that our story is our roadmap to finding our purpose and meaning in life by finding our selves! You are the open book. Get curious not judgmental and discover yourself.
She runs an incredible holistic community membership called "The Empowered Path" that supports people in overcoming their past, becoming present in the now, and feeling confident, aligned, and empowered. She uses her gifts of writing, yoga, mindfulness, and meditation to help her clients rewire their own neuropathways for healing.
In this episode, Jessa teaches us:
To find more of Jessa:
Website | Unintoxicated.world or jessafrances.net
Instagram | @jessafrances
If you are feeling stuck in the same old patterns and are struggling to envision a future for yourself where you are clear on the path forward...follow us. So many women in midlife are just like us, trying to remember who they were and figure out who in the hell they want to become. If this is you...join our tribe of badass women to find out what you are made of. Follow us on Instagram and find us on Facebook and let's do midlife together.
This year has been a real year of transition for me and i’m feeling the weight of midlife more than ever. I don’t know about you, but i often find myself living in a space of discontent or negativity. And then I shame myself for feeling this way and end up in a shame spiral because that’s NOT who I am or the way that I want to show up in the world but, I am, admittedly, having a hard time digging myself out.
That's why I found the conversation with our guest today, Christina Smith, so refreshing and it has given me a new way to approach life that is so simple, yet transformative. Instead of asking ourselves what we want in midlife (you know...the house, the perfect relationship, the dream job), Christina, instead, encourages us to ask ourselves how we want to feel. Because, you see, if we approach life from this perspective it makes it easier to align or lives with these intentions. It provides us a frame of reference in how we show up to life.
Christina is a life coach specializing in confidence and self-love in midlife so that women can finally truly like themselves and how they show up for themselves and their relationships, their jobs, and their lives. She's helped people move through tough transitions in coaching and with her book, Inviting Shift. Her focus is on helping women to empower themselves so they can make their second half of life the best half by dropping the people-pleasing and perfection and stepping into desire, authenticity and joy.
Christina is also the host of The Inviting Shift Podcast - a place for midlife women to embrace their uniqueness and truth with confidence. Her mission is to help women reinvent midlife so we can revolutionize how we see aging and ourselves as we age. She encourages people to be more gentle with their humanness so they can truly shine the way they choose to without gratitude lists or toxic positivity.
If you're struggling with midlife...
To find more of Christina:
And if you are like us and struggling with all the ups and downs midlife has to dish out, join us on our journey to figure it all out. Follow this podcast and leave us a review. You can join our tribe of badass women on Facebook or Instagram.
Alright, ladies—let’s get real about our hair! Because if menopause has taught us anything, it’s that your hair can suddenly decide it’s not gonna play nice. I get it—I've been there, struggling to manage my own hair after a thyroid condition left it dry, brittle, and breaking off at the shoulders. My solution? Gorgeous extensions from my girl Tessa at Coco's Style Lounge in Lee’s Summit, Missouri! They give me life and make me feel like I’m rocking my 30s again. But sometimes I wonder, is there a better way to get that fabulous, full look without the extensions?
Enter today’s powerhouse guest: Angela Fields! Angela is an award-winning entrepreneur and Curl Restoration Coach whose story starts with a chemical burn disaster and ends with her creating a fragrance-free haircare empire that’s caught the attention of O Magazine and Black Enterprise. Angela’s on a mission to help us all navigate those tricky hair changes that hit with menopause and beyond.
In this episode, Angela spills the secrets on haircare for women over 50, offering real solutions for thinning hair, changing curl patterns, and those pesky shrinking follicles. We’re talking products with humectants and moisturizers (applied on *soaking* wet hair!), understanding porosity, and knowing when it’s time to switch up our routine. She even has tips for tracking shed hair (yes, grab your phone camera) and insights on alopecia, which affects so many women but has solutions once you know what you’re dealing with.
Angela’s passion, energy, and insane knowledge will have you feeling empowered to take your hair health into your own hands—no extensions required. Ready to reclaim your crown and feel fabulous in every way? Hit play, and let’s dive in!
In this episode, Angela teaches us
To find more of Angela:
https://curlycoilytresses.com/
https://www.facebook.com/CurlyCoilyTresses
https://www.instagram.com/curlycoilytresses_
And if you are like us and struggling with all the ups and downs midlife has to dish out, join us on our journey to figure it all out. Follow this podcast and leave us a review. You can join our tribe of badass women on Facebook or Instagram.
Ladies...Being a mama is HELLA hard. I read this poem by Cameron Poynter recently called "I am the Keeper" and in this poem she says:
"I Am The Keeper....I am the keeper of schedules. Of practices, games, and lessons. Of projects, parties, and dinners. Of appointments and homework assignments.
I am the keeper of solutions. Of bandaids and sewing kits and snacks in my purse. But also of emotional balms and metaphorical security blankets.
I am the keeper of emotional security. Everyone's.
I am the keeper of worry. Theirs and my own.
I am the keeper of the good and the bad, the big and the small, the beautiful and the hard.
Most of the time, the weight of these things are buoying me with a sense of purpose. It’s what I signed up for. It’s the one thing I am really good at.
But sometimes the weight of these things I keep pulls me down below the surface until I am kicking and struggling to break the surface and gasp for breath."
These are small segments of the poem that spoke to me the most...but, the reality is that we carry a HUGE weight on our shoulders as women and mothers and so, at the end of the night...It feels right to just settle in with a glass of wine to just...breathe, and be. Am I right ladies? I mean, raise your hand if this is YOUR ritual too.
Now, raise your hand if you think the drinking has gone further than you wanted it to in the recent past? Maybe the alcohol has caused you to snap at your kids? Or, perhaps, your partner. Maybe, you've sent a snarky text to a friend? Do you always feel terrible in the morning, because if you're like me just 2 glasses of wine at night can create a massive headache in the morning.
Now...ask yourself if this is the way you want to feel? Would you give up the alcohol to live a richer, more full life? That is exactly what our guest today, Stephanie Brislin did. She found herself questioning whether her drinking had gone too far and if she was showing up in life the way she wanted to...She wanted to THRIVE not just SURVIVE and it was then she became determined to ditch the wine glass and break free from the “Mom’s Nightly Ritual”.
In this episode, we're diving into the cycle of stress, wine, repeat—and how it holds us back. Stephanie Brislin, joins us to share her journey and how she found freedom beyond the bottle. We’re talking real solutions, redefining rituals, and reclaiming your energy—no deprivation, no shame, just the confidence to live a life that truly fills you up. Join us as we tackle over-drinking at its root and discover how a life in the middle can be monumental, not just managed. 🥂
This Naked Mind is a book and a movement started by Annie Grace as she found herself getting more curious about WHY she thought she needed alcohol and asking herself how much better life could be without it. It was the book and the movement that inspired Stephanie to become a Certified Naked Mind Coach, and she is guiding women just like us through the process of changing unwanted habits and behaviors at the subconscious level. She focuses primarily on helping people get back control over their use of alcohol, without feelings of deprivation, shame or judgment. It is in that space that she's able to help women to create lasting change by finding awareness in the thoughts and beliefs that control our subconscious behaviors and actions.
In this episode, Stephanie teaches us:
To find more of Stephanie:
Book a Free Strategy Call NOW
Learn More https://www.thelifewithincoaching.com/
Follow @coachstephaniebrislin
Register Free Self-care Series
Ladies if you're ready for a change, we are here with you. We are struggling with the same challenges that come with this midlife transition. Let's do life in the middle together...because, let's face it-we are built for connection. We are made for community. we NEED one another to get through this thing called life. If you're looking for a tribe of bad ass women and some tools and resources to help you up-level your life, we've got your back. Follow this podcast for our continued expert advice. Find us on Instagram and Facebook. and let's make life in the middle monumental...instead of a crisis!
Today, we’re diving into motivation...and I'm not just talking about the quick-fix, caffeine-and-panic kind, but the deep, sustainable motivation that actually sticks. And who better to guide us than Dr. Rebecca Block, the former professor, parent of two lively sons, and all-around motivation expert?
Rebecca’s here to break down the four essentials of motivation—her ABCDs—which are all about feeling "A" Able, finding "B" Belonging, being given "C" Choices, and, yes, even getting a "D" Dopamine boost. This framework is profound because we can start to recognize that when one of these is off, our motivation tanks. The real kicker is that Midlife hits us with new challenges everyday like menopause, sleep disruptions, and juggling way too many “shoulds"! So, ladies, getting our ABCDs in order can be a lifesaver.
In today’s chat, Rebecca gives us tools to recalibrate our motivation when life feels off-track. She’s got tips for avoiding those sneaky dopamine-sucking apps, reframing the “have-to’s” (like dinner duty) into “choose-to’s,” and recognizing what’s sapping our energy. Plus, she’ll let us in on what motivated her to tackle this topic after years of seeing teens *and* adults wrestle with it alike.
So whether you’re trying to motivate yourself, your kids, or your team at work, this episode is for you. Get ready to drop the guilt, harness your energy, and get a fresh take on motivation—let’s dive into the ABCDs with Dr. Rebecca Block!
In this episode, Rebecca teaches us:
To find more of Rebecca:
Website | canyouhelpmegivea.com
We were amazed by this episode! So many revelations...because, we know women in midlife (women like us!) struggle with their own midlife momentum. We are all about brining these juicy tips and resources and making them applicable to your real life. If you want more tips and tools, visit our website at dearmidlife.com or find us on Facebook or Instagram.
What IF you could wave a magic wand and gain clarity on who you are and what you know you do best so that you could harness these qualities and characteristics to live a life with purpose and intention.
We know you're thinking "that would be some magic wand!" But, we our guest today, Mikkel Leslie does just that for her clients. But, there is no magic wand just the magic of a little tool called "Human Design"
Human Design is a holistic system that uses a person's birth date, time, and place to reveal their unique energetic makeup and life purpose. Human design is based on the idea that people can detach from societal expectations and re-establish their individuality. Human Design won't tell you what you should or shouldn't do, but it guides you towards the things you are most suited to and helps you do "life" in a way that capitalizes on your strengths and feels good!
What?!?...letting go of societal expectations?? Think you could do that? Let's face it! As women, many of us have lived life being the "good girl" and fulfilling ALL of the societal expectations and then some. We "should" yourselves all day long! I should make a gourmet meal tonight, should be Supermom, should get up at the crack of dawn to squeeze in just a little more work....should do all the things.
We need to step back and evaluate what is most important to us. Cut out the noise and focus on what we each, individually, do best and let life do the rest! Mikkel is a champion, author, coach and business manager for those ready to live their own lives. She has coached hundreds of individuals awakening them to their potential. Before coaching, Mikkel went through her own journey of self exploration, moving from what she was supposed to do, to what she is passionate about.
We're getting to that point where we are SOO burned out! We're ready to throw the "shoulds" out the window and just take a breath. Let go...and lean into the things we love. Mikkel is here to help us to screw the societal BS that has held so many of us back and guide us to step into our own true selves. Her genius comes in two parts. The first providing inspiration, clarity, and motivation for people ready for their next level to get after it. The second is providing tools, tips, and techniques to help people break through the doubts, fears, and apprehensions about living their truest, best life.
This episode is packed with human design a touch of sass, and a sprinkle of F-bombs, it’s all about breaking free from guilt, people-pleasing, and perfectionism.
Today, Mikkel teaches us:
For more of Mikkel
If you are "shoulding" on YOURSELF, stop the insanity and join us at dearmidlife.com. Break free with the support of a tribe of bad ass women who are going through the same monumental transitions and here to support you every step of the way with toolkits and conversation to guide and uplift you!