Midlife has a funny way of sneaking up on us. One day you’re celebrating how resilient, wise, and capable you’ve become, and the next you’re staring in the mirror wondering, Who is that with the frizz, wrinkles, and uneven skin?

In this episode of In the Middle, Josh and Sarah get real about the changes that come with aging: physically, emotionally, and culturally. From the pressures men and women face differently, to the quiet fear of becoming invisible, to the awkwardness that feels a lot like puberty all over again, we’re asking the questions most of us wrestle with but rarely voice:

- Where’s the line between self-care and denial?

- What are we really chasing when we fight aging?

- Can we learn to embrace the mirror without losing ourselves?

If you’re navigating the strange, beautiful, and sometimes disorienting middle years, this conversation is for you.

Plus, we unveil our surprise mentioned in the last episode!

For more resources, or ways to work together, visit inthemiddlecoaching.co.

Midlife shows up differently for men and women in our biology, emotions, and, spirituality. In this episode, we break down how “the change” isn’t just about hormones, but also identity, purpose, energy, and expectations. We talk about what’s happening in our bodies, what we’re wrestling with in our souls, and how those inner and outer shifts sometimes lead to confusion, conflict, or unexpected connection.

If you can handle the candor and humor, join us for a look at the midlife terrain for couples trying to understand each other in the midst of it. If you’re in it, this will help you laugh, think, and maybe even breathe easier.

For more resources and ways to work together, visit inthemiddlecoaching.co.

Ever tried to watch a show with your spouse and ended up watching separate screens from opposite ends of the couch? In this episode, we talk about what it really means when couples can’t sync their schedules, sleep cycles, or streaming tastes.

Of course, this is about more than watching shows. It’s really about connection. We’ll share our own hilarious fails, some sneaky ways we’ve learned to reconnect, and why “just one show” might actually be a big deal. Press play, then press pause on doing life like roommates.

For more resources and ways to work together, visit inthemiddlecoaching.co.

In this episode, we unpack how vacations shift in midlife—from spontaneous adventures to carefully choreographed family productions. With kids, changes in physical abilities, marriage dynamics, and work pressures in the mix, “getting away” now comes with baggage, both literal and emotional.

We explore why rest can feel elusive, how our expectations get hijacked, and what our vacations say about who we’ve become. Is it possible to reclaim joy, connection, and actual rest without needing a reset when you get home? We take a look and invite you to rethink what a meaningful vacation looks like in the chaos and beauty of midlife.

For more resources and ways to work together, visit inthemiddlecoaching.co.

This week, we're diving into a strange midlife phenomenon: picking up a hobby you never saw coming. Why do grown men suddenly get into bird watching, espresso science, or pickleball? Why do women rediscover their love of painting, piano, or gardening? It turns out, there’s real science behind it. From neurological shifts to psychological needs, this episode breaks down why so many of us pick up new hobbies in our 40s and 50s, and why that’s actually a good thing.

We talk about the mental health benefits, the craving for novelty, and how hobbies help you reconnect with parts of yourself that have been buried under work, parenting, or stress. We also laugh through some of our own hobby phases (some lasted weeks, some stuck) and share the weirder ones we’ve seen friends try.

If you're in midlife and wondering what’s next—or just need something fun that doesn’t involve a screen—this episode is for you.

For more resources and ways to work together, visit inthemiddlecoaching.co.

In this episode, we start with a sad update in the Siders household. Then, we pick up where we left off—right after that slow-burn spark finally caught fire. Part two of our love story takes you through our dating season, the moment we knew this was it, and what those early steps toward marriage really looked like.

We’re talking proposals (yep, the story behind that one), planning a wedding when you're young and idealistic, and all the lessons we didn’t know we were about to learn. Then we get into the real stuff—our first year of marriage. The good, the hard, the surprising things nobody told us to expect, and how we started building a life together.

It’s honest, sometimes funny, sometimes messy—and it’s all part of the journey that shaped who we are now. Whether you’re just starting out, in the thick of it, or reflecting on your own story, we hope this episode helps you feel seen and a little less alone.

And if you missed Part 1, go back and give it a listen first. That one sets the stage.

For more resources and ways to work together, visit inthemiddlecoaching.co.

In this episode, we're going back (way back) 18 years to where our story first began. We're sharing how we met, what we really thought of each other at first (spoiler: not exactly love at first sight), and the unexpected series of events that brought us together. From awkward early conversations to the surprising spark that slowly started to form, this is part one of our two-part love story.

You’ll hear the funny, honest, sometimes cringeworthy details that shaped the beginning of us. Whether you’re married, dating, or still wondering if your person is out there, we hope this episode makes you smile, laugh, and maybe remember your own beginning.

Here's the link to Josh's project, The Family Legacy Workshop

In this episode, we’re talking about more than spring cleaning. We’re digging into the deeper layers—the habits, roles, beliefs, and emotional clutter that pile up over the years. Midlife has a way of forcing the question: What still fits?

Together, we unpack the process of letting go. Not just of physical stuff, but of outdated identities, inherited expectations, and the quiet fears we’ve been carrying. We explore what we keep out of love or duty, what we toss to breathe again, and what we’re still deciding about.

You’ll hear stories from our own lives, moments we’ve held on too long, and times we’ve finally released what no longer served us. It’s not always neat or easy, but it’s necessary.

This episode is part confession, part encouragement, and a gentle nudge for anyone feeling the weight of too much, on shelves or in the soul. What if less really is more? What if the next chapter begins with a good clear-out?

Pour a cup, take a breath, and join us. Let’s make space, together, for who we’re becoming.

For more resources, as well as ways to work together, visit ⁠inthemiddlecoaching.co⁠.

In this episode, we take a nostalgic walk down memory lane, back to the 1980s: a time when kids roamed the neighborhood on bikes until the streetlights came on, played unsupervised for hours, and learned life skills through scraped knees and spontaneous adventures. We unpack the benefits of that free-range childhood and ask what we’ve gained—and lost—since then.

We talk about how cultural shifts, safety fears, and technology have led to a more overprotected and screen-saturated childhood for many kids today. While the digital world brings real opportunities, it also brings real challenges, from rising anxiety to a lack of independence and outdoor play.

We also explore practical ways to help our own kids live more balanced lives. How do we encourage outdoor play without sounding like we’re lecturing? How can we set healthy screen boundaries without turning tech into the forbidden fruit? And how do we model the kind of balanced life we hope they’ll learn to live?

Whether you're a Gen Xer remembering your own latchkey kid days or a parent navigating today’s realities, this episode is an honest, encouraging conversation about raising resilient, grounded kids in a world that looks very different than the one we grew up in.

For more resources, as well as ways to work together, visit inthemiddlecoaching.co.

In this week’s episode, we dive into the power and necessity of a midlife mission reset. Midlife brings a shift—kids may be growing up, careers evolving, and long-held identities being reexamined. It's a natural time to pause, reflect, and ask: What’s my purpose now? 

Together, we explore how to discern a renewed mission that aligns with your current values, passions, and life realities. We share our own stories of mission realignment, talk through the signs it might be time for a reset, and offer practical steps for crafting a meaningful second-half vision. Whether you’re in your 40s, 50s, or beyond, this episode is a guide to moving forward with clarity and intention.

Midlife isn’t the end of the story—it’s the start of a new, purpose-filled chapter. Let’s reset, refocus, and reignite together.

Get Josh's guide, Midlife Mission Reset, here.

For more resources and ways to work with us, visit inthemiddlecoaching.co.

In this episode, we’re raising a glass to all the late bloomers out there—you know who you are! Whether you’ve just started a new career, picked up a paintbrush for the first time since middle school, or finally figured out what you actually want out of life (hello, boundaries and better coffee), we’re diving deep into what it means to blossom on your own timeline.

We share our own stories of late-in-life pivots—some graceful, some face-first—and unpack why society’s obsession with early achievement is, frankly, exhausting. From the myth of the "overnight success" to the joy of discovering new passions in your 40s, 50s, and beyond, this episode is a reminder that it’s never too late to bloom.

So whether you're reinventing yourself or just remembering who you were before the world told you to hurry up, this episode is for you. Grab a cup of something strong, take a deep breath, and join us as we celebrate the beauty of blooming exactly when you're meant to.

Because late bloomers don’t show up late—they show up ready.

Here's the article we referenced from David Brooks: theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/06/successs-late-bloomers-motivation/678798

For more resources and ways to work with us, visit www.inthemiddlecoaching.co.

In this episode, things heat up—and not just because our thermostat is mysteriously stuck at 65. Sarah quizzes Josh about all things menopause. Think of it as a pop quiz with no studying, no mercy, and plenty of gentle correction. Does he know what estrogen actually does? Can he define perimenopause without using the words “vibes” or “probably hormones”? Is “I’m just a little warm” code for “I’m about to incinerate you with my rage”? Spoiler: he didn’t study, and it shows.

With equal parts curiosity, comedy, and “wait, what happens to the body?”, we take a playful look at how midlife changes test not only the body, but the relationship. There’s awkward guessing, genuine learning, and a few moments where the husband’s face says, “Why didn’t they teach us this in school?”

Menopause may be inevitable, but confusion doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re in it, near it, or just trying to support someone through it without putting your foot in your mouth, this episode is for you. Tune in for laughs, insight, and a little public husbandly humility—all in good fun, of course.

For more resources & ways to work together, visit inthemiddlecoaching.co.

In this episode, we open up about the seductive pull of nostalgia during midlife—the highlight reels, the “what ifs,” and the days we romanticize. Together, we unpack how looking back can quietly keep us stuck and how to honor the past without living in it. And we explore practical ways to stay grounded in the present and energized for what’s ahead. If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “Those were the days,” this one’s for you. Let’s reframe midlife as a beginning, not a rewind.

For more resources and ways we can work together, visit inthemiddlecoaching.co

In this episode, we dive deep into the importance of mentors during midlife transitions--people who can provide valuable guidance, perspective, and wisdom, helping us navigate complex decisions in our careers, faith, and family life.

But when we don’t actively seek out mentors, we risk feeling stuck or overwhelmed. We discuss the consequences of not having a mentor, including missed opportunities for growth and support. We also share practical tips on how to find the right mentor, from identifying your needs to building meaningful relationships.

Whether you're looking for mentorship or eager to step into the role yourself, this episode offers insightful advice for making these connections a crucial part of your midlife journey.

For more resources, or ways we can work together, visit inthemiddlecoaching.co.

In this episode, we tackle a growing crisis—loneliness. Studies show that loneliness can be as harmful to our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, yet so many of us struggle to build and maintain deep connections. Midlife brings shifts in friendships, family dynamics, and community ties, making this the perfect time to rethink how we invest in relationships.

We discuss how to cultivate friendships today that will still be strong when we’re 80, the importance of showing up for others even when it’s inconvenient, and why deep relationships require embracing small annoyances.

If you’ve ever worried about growing old alone or wondered how to create a social circle that endures, this episode is for you. Let’s build the relationships now that will sustain us for a lifetime.

And here's the graph referenced: Our World In Data: Time Use

For more resources, or to find out how we can work together, visit inthemiddlecoaching.co

Midlife isn’t the dream vacation you signed up for—it’s the trip you never even thought you'd have to take. In this episode, we unpack the unexpected detours, losses, and shifts that hit hard in your 40s and 50s—things like career pivots, changing bodies, coping skills, and questions about who you really are now.

We’ll walk you through four specific places we all visit (briefly, we hope), why the changes we endure feel so disruptive, and how they can actually become the launchpad for a richer, more authentic second act. If you’re feeling stuck, restless, or wondering, “Is this all there is?”—this episode is for you.

For more resources, including ways you can work together, visit inthemiddlecoaching.co.

In this episode, we’re diving into the midlife faith shift—the quiet (or not-so-quiet) evolution of our beliefs as we grow, question, and redefine what spirituality means to us.

Maybe the faith that once felt like a solid foundation now feels more like a renovation project. Or perhaps you're discovering a deeper, more personal connection beyond old structures. We’ll explore the doubts, the revelations, and the freedom that comes with embracing change.

Because midlife isn’t just about changing bodies and careers—it’s also about rethinking the soul stuff.

For more resources, visit inthemiddlecoaching.co

In this episode, we get real about the things we've outgrown in midlife—whether it's chasing approval, tolerating toxic relationships, or pretending we enjoy all the latest trends. We laugh (and maybe cringe just a bit) at our past selves while embracing the wisdom that comes with age.

What have you realized you're too old for?--maybe social media drama to uncomfortable shoes, we’re all letting go and leveling up. So join us as we talk about the freedom of saying, “No thanks, I’m too old for that,” and why midlife is the perfect time to redefine what truly matters.

For more resources, visit us at inthemiddlecoaching.co.

Midlife isn’t the end of the road—it’s a pivot point. In this episode, Josh and Sarah dive into the power of reinvention, exploring why change isn’t just possible but necessary.

Whether you’re facing career shifts, evolving relationships, or a need for personal growth, we’ll discuss practical strategies to break free from stagnation, embrace new opportunities, and redefine your purpose. It’s time to step into the next chapter with confidence and clarity.

For more resources, visit inthemiddlecoaching.co.

Have you hit your peak, or is that just midlife playing mind games with you? In this episode, we tackle the unsettling fear that your best days are in the rearview mirror.

Spoiler: They’re not.

We’ll unpack why this season of life is actually your prime, how to break free from the “I’ve plateaued” mindset, and what it takes to rediscover purpose, passion, and possibility—because your story is far from over.

For more resources, visit inthemiddlecoaching.co