in this episode, we sit down with Nanci Robinson, a powerhouse mom in her 60s who has worn more hats than most people can imagine — successful businesswoman, devoted mother, trusted friend, tireless volunteer, and club president for youth baseball youth cheerleading and High School Boosters.
She shares what it was like raising kids while balancing a thriving career and staying involved in the community, the lessons she learned from doing it all, and how parenting has evolved from the late 1980s and 90s to today’s tech-driven, fast-paced world.
Together, we talk about the highs and lows of juggling family and ambition, the importance of community, and what she would tell her younger self (and today’s parents) about slowing down, staying grounded, and enjoying the ride
In this powerful episode, we're joined by the inspiring Francesca Thomson, a fierce advocate for living life on your own terms—especially in the wild world of motherhood. Her motto? "Get on the bus." That means stop overthinking, stop complaining, and just do the thing—whatever that thing is.
We talk candidly about what it means to take control of your time, energy, and purpose without waiting for permission or worrying about what anyone else is doing. Francesca shares her refreshing perspective on tuning out the noise, trying new things (even when it's scary), and showing up for yourself unapologetically.
This episode is for every woman who's ever felt judged, held back, or dimmed down. It's a reminder that you don't need everyone—just the right ones who lift you up. Let this be your sign to take that leap, start that thing, and shine that light—because you might just surprise yourself.
Hit play, get on the bus, and let’s go!
Find Francesca on Instagram : @marathonofmotherhood
Healthier Holidays: healthierholidays.com
In this uplifting episode, we sit down with the incredible Krista Franks — a Master Life Design Guide, transformational mentor, and co-founder of Owl & Key — for a meaningful conversation that revolves around an essential question: What does it really mean to know who you are?
With her trademark wisdom and warmth, Krista shares how true self-awareness serves as the foundation for everything — from building richer relationships to achieving fulfillment and success in every area of life.
We dive into the three guiding principles she and her husband use in their life design work — a powerful framework that helps people move from confusion and stagnation to living with intention, clarity, and purpose.
Whether you’re just starting to explore who you are or seeking deeper alignment in your current journey, this episode is filled with soulful insights, practical guidance, and heartfelt encouragement.
Where to find Krista: krista@owlandkey.co
Where to find Owl & Key: https://www.owlandkey.co
Where to find Krista and her husband's book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/100610626X?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_PEKGZNHM2PZ2F30SVM7W
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Becky Imbimbo — a mom, entrepreneur, and powerhouse businesswoman who turned a personal need for creative expression into a thriving jewelry business. What began as a much-needed outlet during the chaos of motherhood became so much more: a space to escape the everyday hustle, reconnect with her creativity, and build something meaningful from the ground up.
We talk about the real-life challenges of balancing family, business, and personal fulfillment — and how she’s learned to create boundaries, prioritize joy, and grow a business that fuels her not just financially, but emotionally. You’ll hear how creativity can be a powerful form of self-care, why starting something new doesn’t require perfect timing, and how to carve out space for yourself while serving everyone else.
If you’ve ever felt stretched thin or as if you have lost yourself, but still dream of building something that’s yours, this episode will leave you inspired — and empowered to begin.
Finding that sleep just isn’t what it used to be? Well you’re not imagining it, and you’re definitely not alone. In this episode, Kelly Murray, a certified sleep coach and functional health coach, helps us explore why sleep can become more elusive toward midlife and what actually helps. From why watching TV across the room is way better than scrolling on your phone in bed, to how alcohol quietly wreaks havoc on your sleep cycles, we get into the habits that could be sabotaging your rest. We also talk about the vicious cycle of worrying about not sleeping — and how that exact stressor alone can keep you up at night. Tune in for real talk, science-backed insight, and tips you can actually use to start getting better sleep starting tonight.
In this episode, we sit down with Cassie, a talented interior decorator who brings fresh insight into how our spaces — and our priorities — evolve in midlife. Cassie shares her thoughts on the latest design trends, from the warm resurgence of browns to the bold impact of color drenching.
We chat about the powerful role artwork plays in shaping a space, and how more of us are now investing in quality pieces that last — rather than fast décor that quickly fades. Cassie also talks about the joy of antique shopping and how vintage finds are making a major comeback in today’s homes.
You will gain some fresh ideas to update your home with current, yet timeless trends and insight on how to shop smarter for long-term pieces.
So whether you are redecorating, downsizing, or simply refining your space to reflect who you are now, this conversation will leave you inspired to curate with intention.
Be sure to check out some of Cassie's work and if you are in the market, contact her to give your home the refresh you have been dreaming of!
In this enlightening episode, we're joined by Teresa Gebhardt, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who blends traditional therapy with the ancient wisdom of astrology to guide people on their life journey.
We dive into what your sun sign really means — beyond the horoscopes — and explore the deeper layers of your birth chart, like what it means to have a planet in one of your houses. Teresa explains how these placements can shape your emotional patterns, relationships, and career paths, helping you make sense of where you are now and where you're headed.
You’ll discover how astrology can be used as a powerful tool for personal growth, understand the connection between the cosmos and your mental health, and gain practical insights to navigate life more intentionally. Whether you're new to astrology or already well-versed in your chart, this episode offers a grounded, therapeutic perspective that brings clarity to both your present and your future.
A relationship isn’t a fairytale—it’s a skill. In this episode, we sit down with licensed marriage and family therapist Anita Chlipala to talk about what it really takes to create a thriving partnership in the thick of modern life.
Anita shares the biggest misconceptions she sees about love and longevity, why timing matters more than drama, and how couples can proactively strengthen their bond (long before things go sideways). From dating smart to navigating mid-marriage identity shifts, she blends research-backed insights with no-BS advice that makes healthy love feel doable—not dreamy. This one’s for anyone who wants to stop coasting and start connecting.
Anita mentions Gottman's research and insights multiple times during the episode. Here's an article that explains the concept of the Four Horsemen, which she refers to:
The stories and inspiration that shape her work:
https://www.oprah.com/omagazine/brene-brown-rising-strong-excerpt
https://www.businessinsider.com/brene-browns-biggest-life-hack-is-a-simple-phrase-2015-8
Anita's Book:
In this deeply personal and heartfelt episode, Brooke opens up about her transformative journey through IUI, IVF, miscarriages, and delivering twins at 23 weeks — the challenges, the hopes, the setbacks, and the strength she never knew she had. She shares what it was like navigating the emotional and physical toll of fertility treatments, how it impacted her relationships, and ways in how she got through it all stronger than ever.
You’ll walk away with more than just an understanding of the IVF process. Brooke’s story is a blueprint for building resilience in any season of life, a guide to showing up for friends and family facing loss, and a reminder that strength doesn’t mean doing it all alone.
Whether you’ve faced similar challenges or simply want to learn how to better support the people you love, this episode will leave you inspired, informed, and rethinking what it truly means to keep going.
In short, it's a life lesson in perseverance!
Ever wonder if your yearly physical is really covering all the bases? Or why your doctor rushes through appointments without really seeing you? In this refreshingly honest conversation, Dr. Maria Palazeti pulls back the curtain on the medical system and shares why so many women in midlife are underserved—and what to do about it. From misunderstood lab results to the real reason behind your fatigue, Maria shares insights you won’t hear at your average checkup. We also get into midwives vs. OBs, advocating for whole-person care, and what it’s really like to deliver babies… until you deliver your own. This episode is your permission slip to take your health seriously—and on your own terms.
What if you ran your life the way a CEO runs a company? Leadership coach Kristen Kosidowski shows us how to borrow tools from the boardroom—like strategic planning sessions, vision setting, and even a good old SWOT analysis—and apply them to our personal lives. We talk about why it’s so easy to lose direction in midlife, how to create alignment with your partner or family, and the surprisingly simple questions that can unlock clarity fast. Kristen walks us through how to reflect on your year, identify your “North Star,” and use your goals to guide everyday decisions. Whether you're in a season of reinvention or just tired of feeling scattered, this conversation will help you map a more intentional path forward.
Esthetician Lauren Carlberg joins us to demystify skincare, sharing what actually works (spoiler: less is more), her go-to tips for healthy skin, and why slugging might just change your nighttime routine. You’ll learn the three essential habits every woman needs for healthy skin, the most common skincare mistakes, and how to simplify your routine for real results. We’re cutting through the noise—and the 12-step routines—to help you achieve glowing skin even when the hormones throw you a curve ball.
Ever felt like you’re checking all the boxes but still feeling… off? Rachelle Welling gets it—and she didn’t just sit with that feeling, she acted on it. In this episode, Rachelle shares how she navigated the uncertainty of leaving “good on paper” jobs to build a career (and life) on her own terms. We break down exactly how she tuned into her gut, explored different paths, and took practical steps toward entrepreneurship. If you’re feeling restless, this conversation is your roadmap for how to start listening to yourself, take that first leap—even if it’s messy—and design a life that actually fits.
Ever feel like you’re doing everything—and somehow still falling short?
In this episode, we’re joined by Claudia Skowron, LCPC, CADC, a seasoned therapist and founder of CST Counseling, who’s here to unpack why women are drowning in guilt—from saying no to plans, to taking a break from their kids, to not “doing enough” in their careers or relationships.
Claudia shares eye-opening insights on:
💥 The difference between real guilt and “pseudo guilt” 💥 Why women feel the need to over-explain their boundaries 💥 How low self-worth and perfectionism sneak into our day-to-day 💥 The pressure to “do it all” (and what happens when we stop trying) 💥 Why it’s okay to not always want sex, be the perfect mom, or RSVP yes
If you’ve ever felt like guilt is running the show—this conversation is your invitation to put it in the backseat. Get ready for “aha” moments, some deep laughs, and permission to put yourself first…without the shame spiral.
Check out Claudia’s Blog - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/different-kind-therapy
Welcome to the Midlife-ish launch pad. In this very first episode, co-hosts Taryn and Marissa invite you into their unfiltered world—where career pivots, mom guilt, relationship curveballs, and identity shake-ups are all on the table. This episode isn’t like the ones that will follow (think: expert interviews, real-life advice, and deep dives into the midlife “WTF” moments).
Instead, it’s your chance to get to know the voices behind the mic. You’ll hear why they started Midlife-ish, what they’re navigating in their own lives, and what you can expect in the episodes ahead. No topic is off limits, and no one here is pretending to have it all together.
If you’ve ever craved a space that feels like therapy, a group chat with your girlfriends, and a warm hug wrapped into one—you’re in the right place.