Welcome to MIDLIFE: The Big Awakening — where the weighted vests are real, the fountain drinks are flowing, and the existential questions hit differently. I’m kicking off this new month-long series with my husband, John, and my friend Liz Bohannon — author, speaker, and mom of three — to tackle the big question: When does midlife actually begin? For me, it’s when you’re touching up your grays every two weeks, comfortable shoes suddenly feel sexy, 10 p.m. qualifies as a “late night out,” and you start getting weirdly nostalgic about, well… everything. We’re laughing our way through the weird, wonderful in-between — where your body changes, your confidence deepens, and your priorities finally start to make I    sense. Whether you’re 35 or 55, I think you’ll feel seen, laugh hard, and maybe even realize: midlife isn’t the beginning of the end — it’s the start of waking up. Let’s Talk About It.  In this episode, we are digging into when midlife begins, investing in relationships with other adults in your kid’s life, midlife body changes, changes in mental health and self-awareness, making decisions with the future in mind, and the freedom that comes from embracing midlife. Sponsor: Cozy Earth – Luxury Bedding and Loungewear  Cozy Earth offers luxury bedding and loungewear known for its incredible softness and temperature regulation. Browse today. Never worry about sleeping hot again! Head to ⁠cozyearth.com⁠ and use my code PAULA for up to  40% off! Want to advertise on my show? Link HERE Sign up to receive Paula’s email, where she keeps it honest about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After loss, dreaming again can feel almost wrong—as if moving forward dishonors what we’ve lost. In this final episode of Good Grief, Dr. Henry Cloud, Annie F. Downs, Jessica N. Turner, and I talk about reclaiming hope, embracing vulnerability, and finding the courage to dream once more. We explore how grief can actually give us permission to imagine a life beyond loss, and how doing the work of healing can open the door to something unexpectedly beautiful. Listen in to learn more: (04:42) Power of Therapy in Life Transformation  (14:14) Benefits of Cozy Earth Sheets  (21:25) Rediscovering Possibilities Through Personal Growth  (24:30) Healing From Loss in Relationships  (35:50) Healing and Reclaiming Access to Heart  In this episode, we are digging into how to find a therapist, the risks of being vulnerable, finding strength in vulnerability, the benefits of going to a grief group, giving yourself permission to dream again after loss, balancing contentment with dreams, staying present in the midst of grief, and the beauty that is waiting on the other side of hard seasons. Sponsor : Cozy Earth – Luxury Bedding and Loungewear  Cozy Earth offers luxury bedding and loungewear known for its incredible softness and temperature regulation. Browse today. Never worry about sleeping hot again! Head to ⁠cozyearth.com⁠ and use my code PAULA for 40% off! Want to advertise on my show? Link HERE Sign up to receive Paula’s email where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms.  Meet Dr Henry Cloud Meet Annie F Downs Meet Jessica N Turner  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grief changes you—but does it define you? In this third episode of our month-long series on grief and loss, I’m sitting down with Dr. Henry Cloud, Jessica Honegger, and Annie F. Downs to talk about what happens after loss. Everyone expects you to “get over it” in a year, to go back to who you were before. But what if you can’t? What if you’re not supposed to? Dr. Cloud shares why grief isn’t about “filling the hole,” but about changing your relationship to what you’ve lost. Jessica opens up about the scars—both physical and emotional—that still ache long after the loss of her marriage. Annie shares the pain of grieving dreams that haven’t yet come true—the longing to be a wife and a mom—and how that kind of grief can feel invisible. And I talk about losing both of my parents and feeling that loss so viscerally, it still takes my breath away. This conversation isn’t about moving on. It’s about learning to live forward—different, maybe, but still whole. Let’s Talk About It. Listen in to learn more: In this episode, we are diving into whether or not grief ever ends, the importance of getting emotionally healthy, grieving a person or situation that was complicated, the scars we are left with as we heal, and how grief changes over time. Sponsor: Cozy Earth – Luxury Bedding and Loungewear  Cozy Earth offers luxury bedding and loungewear known for its incredible softness and temperature regulation. Browse today. Never worry about sleeping hot again! Head to ⁠cozyearth.com⁠ and use my code PAULA for 40% off! Want to advertise on my show? Link HERE Sign up to receive Paula’s email where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms.  Meet Dr Henry Cloud Meet Annie F Downs Meet Jessica N Turner  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Continuing our month-long series on grief and loss, I’m in conversation with Dr. Henry Cloud, Annie F. Downs, and Jessica N. Turner about the tricky, messy, and deeply human process of grief. We talk about the questions everyone asks but few know the answers to: When should I grieve? How do I actually grieve? And what am I supposed to do with all this grief? We dig into why grief isn’t something you handle alone—why having people around who truly see you makes all the difference. We talk about the difference between private and secret grief, why crying isn’t weakness, and how shame and guilt can quietly block your healing. Plus, we get real about the non-linear nature of grief—how sadness, anger, denial, and acceptance can show up in any order, and sometimes years later. By the end, we realize that grief isn’t about finishing—it’s about learning to carry the love and loss in a way that lets life, and hope, back in. Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more: (00:35) The Relational Nature of Grief (69 Seconds) (08:44) Exploring Private vs. Secret Grief (63 Seconds) (22:05) Understanding Stages of Grief (81 Seconds) (27:34) Navigating Grief and Anger (53 Seconds) (31:59) Trusting God in Times of Loss In this episode, we are diving into the grieving process, the importance of being present with loved ones in grief, the difference between isolation and solitude, knowing when and how to share our grief, a different way to think about the five stages of grief, dealing with anger as part of grief, and letting go of shame.  Sponsor : Cozy Earth – Luxury Bedding and Loungewear  Cozy Earth offers luxury bedding and loungewear known for its incredible softness and temperature regulation. Browse today. Never worry about sleeping hot again! Head to ⁠cozyearth.com⁠ and use my code PAULA for 40% off! Want to advertise on my show? Link HERE Sign up to receive Paula’s email where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms.  Meet Dr Henry Cloud Meet Annie F Downs Meet Jessica N Turner  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All month long, I’m in conversation with Dr. Henry Cloud, Annie F. Downs (author/podcaster), and Jessica N. Turner (author) for a series on GRIEF and LOSS.  Together, we explore why grief is not just a response to loss, but a necessary process for healing and growth. In this episode, I share the profound losses in my own life—the passing of my mom, the earlier loss of my dad, and the unexpected ending of my TV career—and we dive into how these experiences ripple through our bodies, minds, and hearts. Dr. Cloud explains why unprocessed grief can linger and affect every single area of our lives, while Annie and Jessica share personal stories of loss that go beyond the death of a loved one—from divorce to the loss of a dream to heartbreaking family experiences. We’ll talk about why society often pressures us to “move on,” why women in particular feel the need to appear like they’ve got it all together, and how listening to our bodies and giving ourselves permission to feel can help us metabolize grief.  This is the first step in understanding grief not as something to get over, but as a journey to live through—and ultimately, a way to carry our losses while still moving forward with hope.  Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more: (03:27) Understanding Grief With Dr. Cloud  (12:08) The Importance of Processing Life Experiences  (16:40) Listening to Your Body in Grief  (24:59) Navigating the Process of Grief  (29:26) The Impact of Grieving on Health In this episode, we are digging into different kinds of loss we experience, why it is important to grieve, how our brains and bodies are designed to process grief, why we struggle with grief, listening to our bodies throughout the grieving process, whether or not time heals all wounds, and what it takes to process our grief in a healthy way.  Sponsor: Cozy Earth – Luxury Bedding and Loungewear  Cozy Earth offers luxury bedding and loungewear known for its incredible softness and temperature regulation. Browse today. Never worry about sleeping hot again! Head to ⁠cozyearth.com⁠ and use my code PAULA for 40% off! Want to advertise on my show? Link HERE Sign up to receive Paula’s email, where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms.  Meet Dr Henry Cloud Meet Annie F Downs Meet Jessica N Turner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The ages of 45–50 can be some of the hardest years of a woman’s life. We’re in the thick of perimenopause and menopause, often juggling teenagers, aging parents, and careers—all while our hormones are shifting dramatically. It’s no surprise that suicide rates peak for women in this age range. In this final episode of our month-long series on PERIMENOPAUSE, I share deeply personal stories alongside Dr. Jen Ashton and Aarti Sequeira about the mental health challenges women face in midlife. We discuss grief, anxiety, rage, and the silent struggles many of us go through—and, most importantly, we talk about help, hope, and the power of speaking up. This is a safe, honest space to acknowledge the dark moments, break the stigma, and remind ourselves: you are not alone. 📌 If you or someone you know is struggling, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7. Let’s Talk About It. Listen in to learn more: (05:20) Hidden Impact of Suicide (12:03) Conversation on Mental Health Awareness  (15:00) Coping With Mental Health Challenges (19:40) Suicide Hotline - Get Help In this episode, we are diving into mental health challenges that can come up in midlife, the trauma and grief of those who have lost someone they love to suicide, fears and pressures women face that can lead to mental health concerns, the importance of being honest about what you are thinking and feeling, breaking the stigma of mental health issues, and the hope that it gets better.  Sponsor: Cozy Earth – Luxury Bedding and Loungewear  Cozy Earth offers luxury bedding and loungewear known for its incredible softness and temperature regulation. Browse today. Never worry about sleeping hot again! Head to ⁠cozyearth.com⁠ and use my code PAULA for 40% off! Want to advertise on my show? Link HERE Sign up to receive Paula’s email, where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms.  https://www.paulafarisofficial.com/newsletterhttps://carrymedia.com/the-carry-all/  https://menopause.org/  https://www.myalloy.com/ Use code: PAULA42103 for $25 off first order Dr Jen Meet Aarti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For decades, testosterone has been prescribed freely to men—yet when it comes to women, there’s no FDA-approved dose, little medical training, and a whole lot of stigma. I’ve been on testosterone for a couple of months, and I’ll be honest: for me, it’s been a game-changer. More clarity. More energy. Even my husband says my brain is on fire again. So why are women forced to fight for access, pay out of pocket, and justify their choices? In this episode, Dr. Jen Ashton, Aarti Sequeira, and I break down what testosterone can (and can’t) do for women in perimenopause. We talk about the benefits, the risks, the stigma—and whether this overlooked hormone could be the missing piece in your midlife health. 👉 This is part of our month-long series on PERIMENOPAUSE and women’s health.  Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more: (00:33) Struggling With Memory and Words  (06:27) Testosterone Use in Women  (14:00) Memory and Menopause Concerns  (17:45) The Benefits of Creatine Supplement  (21:08) Managing Testosterone in Women In this episode, we are diving into ways to support our bodies in perimenopause and menopause, barriers to women receiving hormone replacement therapy, including testosterone, the risks and benefits of testosterone replacement for women in perimenopause, the importance of working with an experienced provider to find out what works well for your body, and the benefits of creatine.  CozyEarth: Head to cozyearth.com and use my code PAULA for 40% off! Want to advertise on my show? Link HERE Sign up to receive Paula’s email where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms.  https://www.paulafarisofficial.com/newsletterhttps://carrymedia.com/the-carry-all/  https://menopause.org/  https://www.myalloy.com/ Use code: PAULA42103 for $25 off first order Dr Jen Meet Aarti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why does weight management feel impossible during perimenopause? In this raw and honest conversation, Dr Jen Ashton, Aarti Sequeira, and I are pulling back the curtain on our own weight struggles–PCOS, Hashimoto’s, inflammation, and the emotional toll of it all. We’re sharing things publicly that we’ve never shared before. From the stigma of GLP-1s and other weight management drugs, Dr. Jen breaks down the science (and the myths) behind these controversial meds, Aarti shares her first-ever public story, and I get candid about my own next steps. This isn’t about being “skinny”—it’s about being strong, healthy, and honest about the choices women are facing in midlife. This conversation is part of our month-long series on PERIMENOPAUSE and women’s health. Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more:  (00:57) Perimenopause Weight Management and Nutrition  (06:09) Challenges With GLP-1 for Weight Loss  (22:24) Weight Loss Management With GLP-1s  (28:28) Exploring GLP-1 and Weight Loss  In this episode, we are digging into personal experiences with GLP-1s, the stigma associated with weight loss medications, the research and science behind GLP-1s (they are not as new as many of us think!), why weight loss is so difficult, especially for women in perimenopause, the causes and challenges of increased inflammation, and the impact of inflammation on our bodies.  Want to advertise on my show? Link HERE Sign up to receive Paula’s email where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms.  https://www.paulafarisofficial.com/newsletterhttps://carrymedia.com/the-carry-all/  https://menopause.org/  https://www.myalloy.com/ Use code: PAULA42103 for $25 off first order Dr Jen Meet Aarti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If perimenopause is the storm before the calm, how do we prepare for it? In Part 2 of our month-long series on PERIMENOPAUSE and women’s health,, Dr. Jen Ashton (Founder, Ajenda), and Aarti Sequeira (Food Network) and I get real about the routines, remedies, and experiments we’re using to navigate this stage. From chia seeds vs. basil seeds, to hormones and hairpieces, to the power of pelvic floor therapy, nothing is off the table. Dr. Jen breaks down why protein and fiber are key (with an easy formula you’ll actually want to write down), while Aarti and I share the very real, sometimes hilarious, science projects our own bodies have become. Preparation isn’t about perfection. It’s about experimenting, listening to your body, and finding what works best for you. This conversation is part of our month-long series on PERIMENOPAUSE and women’s health. Listen in to learn more (03:33) New Office, Perimenopause Preparation (16:44) Balancing Macronutrients for Weight Management (22:58) Holistic Approach to Health and Nutrition  (28:57) Protein Intake Formula Explained In this episode, we are diving into how to prepare our bodies for perimenopause and menopause, how to support our bodies during perimenopause, the importance of protein and fiber in our diet, medical interventions like hormone replacement therapy and GLP-1s, and ways to experiment to find a wellness plan that works for you. Links- Sign up to receive Paula’s email, where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms.  https://www.paulafarisofficial.com/newsletterhttps://carrymedia.com/the-carry-all/  https://menopause.org/  https://www.myalloy.com/ Use code: PAULA42103 for $25 off first order Dr Jen Meet Aarti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’m kicking off a month-long series on Perimenopause and women’s health with a doozy.  Did you know that most of the upheaval doesn’t happen at menopause? It happens DURING perimenopause. Not before. Not after. In this episode, I’m talking to Dr. Jen Ashton (Founder, Ajenda) and Aarti Sequeira (Food Network)  to unpack why perimenopause is the true turning point for women. Essentially, it’s the storm before the calm.  We’ll discuss new research finally focused on women’s health, the cultural silence that treats it as negotiable, plus why this stage is often called the “coming of rage” — and how it can also be the moment we step into our Midlife Wonder Woman years. This conversation is part of our month-long series on PERIMENOPAUSE and women’s health. Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more: 05:31) Perimenopause (10:49) Health Concerns and Perimenopause (13:39) Women's Menopause Market Growth and Research (19:35) Healthcare System and Wellness Focus  (22:12) Menopause Movement and Women's Strength  (24:42) Menopause Experts' Responsibility and Empowerment  (29:13) Brain Changes During Perimenopause In this episode, we are diving into honest conversations about perimenopause and menopause, the three significant changes a woman goes through in her lifetime, why the changes in perimenopause often feel so monumental, current research on women’s health, the pros and cons of western medicine and the American healthcare system, and taking responsibility for our own health. Sign up to receive Paula’s email, where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms.  https://www.paulafarisofficial.com/newsletterhttps://carrymedia.com/the-carry-all/  RESOURCES https://menopause.org/  https://www.myalloy.com/ Use code: PAULA42103 for $25 off first order Dr Jen Meet Aarti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the series finale of our month-long TEENAGERS series, Paula Faris is joined by therapists Sissy Goff and Niro Feliciano,and a special guest, Paula's husband John, to tackle the truth about teen dating and friendships.  Why are teens stuck in toxic relationships and toxic friend groups? How do you set real boundaries when everything’s online and under pressure? And what does a dad’s “no blankets, no bedrooms” rule really mean?  We’re sharing the unfiltered truth about teen love, loyalty, and letting go. No sugarcoating...just real talk! Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more: (00:51) Teen Dating and Friendships  (05:17) Concerns About Teen Dating Trends (13:19) Rise in Group Cyberbullying Among Youth  (16:07) Teen Dating Perspective and Realistic Expectations (22:21) Modeling Healthy Conversations for Relationships  (30:53) Teaching Friendship and Behavior Awareness  (34:15) Teen Dating in the Pandemic Era In this episode, we are digging into navigating teen dating conversations, concerns about teen dating, teaching our kids how they deserve to be treated in friendship and dating relationships, having realistic expectations of teen relationships, healthy boundaries for teen dating, helping teens foster healthy friendships, and modeling healthy relationships for our kids of all ages. Connect with Sissy Goff Connect with Niro Feliciano  Sissy’s Parenting Conference Sign up to receive Paula’s newsletter, where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms.    Want to watch this episode? Watch on your Spotify app, or head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are we raising soft kids? In Episode 3 of our TEENAGERS series, therapists Sissy Goff and Niro Feliciano are back, along with my husband John, to call out the rescue culture that’s stripping our teens of their grit. We dive deep into why failure is essential for building resilience—and how stepping in too soon tells our kids they’re not capable.  You’ll learn: ➡️ Why kids need to struggle ➡️ How failure builds grit ➡️ What it looks like to parent with empathy without stepping in to fix everything. If you want to raise strong, confident teens who can handle life’s hard knocks, this episode is a must-listen.  Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more:  (00:52) Raising Resilient Kids  (04:10) Quality Time With Kids Through Golf  (07:29) Raising Kids in Modern Society  (16:24) Teaching Kids to Embrace Failure  (19:26) Redefining Expectations for Teenagers (23:07) Empowering Choices in Athletics  (33:20) Building Resilience in Children  In this episode, we delve into why parents often do more for their kids than they should, the evolution of parent-child relationships across generations, providing kids with opportunities to practice resilience, the messages we convey to our kids when we overstep, shifting our mindset around failure, and modeling resilience for our children. Connect with Sissy Goff Connect with Niro Feliciano  Sissy’s Parenting Conference Sign up to receive Paula’s newsletter, where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms.    Want to watch this episode? Watch on your Spotify app, or head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Teen anxiety, depression, and even OCD-like symptoms are rising at staggering rates—and technology plus social media are playing a major role. In this second episode of our month-long series on TEENAGERS, I’m joined by therapists Sissy Goff and Niro Feliciano to unpack the connection between mental health struggles and the digital world our kids are growing up in. We’ll explain:  ➡️ why girls are experiencing anxiety at twice the rate of boys ➡️ how social media hijacks the brain’s dopamine system ➡️ and the critical signs parents shouldn’t ignore From early intervention to everyday tech boundaries, this conversation is a must-listen for every parent raising kids in a digital age. Listen in to learn more: (00:10) Gender Disparity in Mental Health Treatment  (03:06) Teen Mental Health Crisis and Parenting (07:53) Rise in Anxiety Symptoms Among Girls  (11:16) Yoga Exercise for Mental Health  (16:02) Social Media's Impact on Children's Brains  (20:33) Effects of Grayscale Phone Display  (24:05) Parenting and Technology Concerns  (27:10) The Complexity of Social Media Decision  (33:19) Effects of Social Media on Kids  (39:41) Limiting Screen Time With Grayscale Mode SUMMARY In this episode, we are diving into the correlation between teen mental health issues and technology, what technology and social media are doing to teen brains, signs and symptoms of mental health concerns in teens, the research on dopamine and brain chemistry, navigating conversations around social media and phones with teens, making changes to how you handle phones and social media within your family, and healthy boundaries for social media and technology. Connect with Sissy Goff Connect with Niro Feliciano  Learn more about the upcoming parenting conference with Sissy Goff and David Thomas on September 13th! https://www.raisingboysandgirls.com/events/raising-capable-kids-a-one-day-parenting-conference-with-david-thomas-amp-sissy-goff Sign up to receive Paula’s newsletter, where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms.    Want to watch this episode? Watch on your Spotify app, or head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 We’ve been told we only get 18 summers with our kids—but what if that’s not true? All month long, I’m joined by therapists Sissy Goff and Niro Feliciano to talk about teens and parenting. In this episode,we’re unpacking the pressure, guilt, and anxiety parents feel around the ticking clock of childhood. We’ll expose the myth of 18 summers, explore why parenting feels so stressful, and offer a more hopeful, realistic way to connect with your kids—long after they’ve left the nest! This kicks off our month-long series on TEENAGERS and PARENTING—because this season of parenting deserves real talk, expert insight, and its own spotlight. Connect with Sissy Goff Connect with Niro Feliciano  Sign up to receive Paula’s newsletter where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms.    Want to watch this episode? Watch on your Spotify app, or head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!  Listen in to learn more:  (6:45) The lie of 18 summers (11:52) When parents need to feel needed (15:43) Shifting back to intergenerational living (23:20) The bumpy road of adolescence for parents and kids (28:16) Misconceptions about parent-child relationships (29:29) Unrealistic expectations and pressures on parents  (33:30) Advice for more peaceful parenting SUMMARY:  In this episode, we are diving into the lie that we only have 18 summers with our kids, where the lie of 18 summers comes from, when parents need to feel needed, the pull back to intergenerational living within families, misconceptions about relationship between parent and child and how the parent-child relationship changes over time, unrealistic expectations and pressures of parenting, and advice for more peaceful parenting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Should you be friends with your family? Should you keep trying when it gets hard? Harvard professor, bestselling author, and happiness expert Arthur Brooks joins me for a surprising and eye-opening conversation on what truly makes us happy—and why family plays a bigger role than most of us realize. From the science behind our deepest relationships to why conflict is normal (and even necessary), this episode tackles tough questions:→ Should you give up on a strained family relationship?→ How much effort is too much?→ What role does family really play in our identity and well-being? Arthur’s insights just might change how you view your own family—they did for me.  Plus, wait until you hear what Arthur’s doing with his own family that completely surprised me!  It’s the finale of our friendship series, and this conversation is packed with insight that could shift how you show up in your closest relationships.  Listen to learn more :  (01:21) Navigating Family Relationships for Happiness  (10:51) The Impact of Family Loss  (19:30) Family Conflict  (28:01) Parenting Strategies for College Transition  (30:39) Building Relationships Through Simple Communication  (33:25) Improving Relationships Through Communication  (39:39) Reconnecting With Family Relationships CONNECT WITH PROFESSOR ARTHUR BROOKS Sign up to receive Paula’s newsletter, where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms.    Want to watch this episode? Watch on your Spotify app, or head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we continue our series on friendship, my husband John and I dive into the evolving expectations of modern relationships. From the latest research to personal stories (and a few laughs along the way), we explore the pros and cons of being BFFs with your partner.  You’ll hear how relationships have shifted over time, why we’re now looking for emotional connection and romantic love, and whether being best friends really is the secret to a long-lasting partnership. Spoiler alert: we don’t always agree—and that’s what makes it fun. Let’s Talk About It.  P.S. If you missed our episode earlier in the year about How To Keep It Spicy With Your Partner, WATCH HERE OR LISTEN HERE.  Listen in to learn more: (02:16) Partner as Best Friend (04:30) Spouse vs Best Friend  (12:05) Supportive Relationships Enhance Physical  (18:03) Downsides of Being Best Friends  (25:52) Loneliness Epidemic and Deep Friendships  (30:15) Family Relationships and Mental Health  In this episode, we are digging into the evolution of marriage and partnerships, the relatively new expectation of our partners to be both friend and lover, the pros and cons of being best friends with your spouse, why we need more than one friend, the importance of genuine affection for your partner, and realistic expectations within relationships.  RESOURCES Sign up to receive Paula’s email, where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms.    Want to watch this episode? Watch on your Spotify app, or head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From theological debates to newsroom banter, Dan Harris and I couldn't be more different—I grew up in a Midwest Conservative Christian home, while Dan grew up as an East Coast Liberal who had a Bar Mitzvah for the money (his words!). But our unlikely friendship as co-anchors on Good Morning America became a lesson in empathy, curiosity, and the beauty of bridging divides. In this candid and hilarious reunion, Dan and I talk about media bias, religious differences, and how pushing each other made us better journalists—and better people. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at what happens when you stop avoiding the hard conversations and start leaning in and the science behind the importance of having people in our lives who are different from us.  From Bar Mitzvahs to Bible studies, —this episode will make you laugh, reflect, and maybe even text a friend who sees the world a little differently than you do. Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more :  (03:50) Pet Ownership and Dementia Risk (10:54) Different Perspectives on Early Marriage  (15:34) Navigating Diversity in Personal Identity (25:08) Importance of Diverse Friendships  (28:51) Conversation on Open-Mindedness and Compassionate Communication (34:26) The Benefits of Open-Mindedness (37:49) Benefits of Social Awareness and Compassion  (48:23) Challenging Preconceived Notions About Evangelicals (53:18) Importance of Compassion and Diverse Relationships SUMMARY  RESOURCES  Sign up to receive Paula’s email where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms.    Want to watch this episode? Watch on your Spotify app, or head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!  Connect with Dan Harris  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re more connected than ever before, yet more isolated than we’ve ever been. In this raw and eye-opening conversation, bestselling author Jennie Allen and I tackle the loneliness epidemic head-on.  Why do so many of us feel like we have a million acquaintances but zero deep friends? Why do women say “I’m fine” instead of calling someone in the middle of a cry? And how do we build the kind of friendships that actually last—through conflict, growth, and all the mess in between? Jennie shares powerful truths, practical tips, and her personal story of how she created a circle of real friends who show up (even when it’s inconvenient).  You’ll learn: 💬 The 3 things to look for in a deep friend 📍 Why proximity matters more than you think 💔 Why conflict isn’t a friendship-ender 📞 How to start initiating, even when it feels awkward ❤️ And why friendship isn’t just a want—it’s a health need This one’s for anyone who’s ever whispered, “I feel alone”—and is ready to change that. Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more about:(03:28) - The Value of True Friendships (16:53) - Different Types and Roles of Friendships (27:30) - Navigating Conflict in Friendships (37:46) - Building Strong Inner Circle Friendships (43:03) - Fostering Diverse Friendships Better In this episode, we are digging into the loneliness epidemic, why friendships are so important, common barriers to building meaningful friendships, the different types of friends you need in your life, three qualities to look for in a friend, how to handle conflict in friendship, and healthy boundaries in relationships with friends and family.  Sign up to receive Paula’s email where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms.    Want to watch this episode? Watch on your Spotify app, or head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!  Resources:  https://www.jennieallen.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Barbara Corcoran may be a Shark, but even she admits she didn’t know what to do with her money after selling her business, so she left all $66 million in a checking account for two years.  In this candid conversation, Barbara and I unpack why women, despite controlling the majority of the wealth in America, still feel uncertain handling it. Barbara shares her personal money missteps, her surprising struggle with impostor syndrome, and how becoming a grandma changed her hustle.  Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in: (03:12) - Financial Independence and Empowerment (15:20) - Navigating Imposter Syndrome and College Decisions (20:05) - Challenges and Triumphs of Women (28:28) - Cultivating Deep Friendship In this episode, we explore why women feel insecure about money, how to overcome inexperience with finances, the importance of financial independence for women, advice for our daughters on learning about personal finance, the importance of getting your name on shared marital assets, and how to overcome imposter syndrome. Sign up to receive Paula’s email, where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms.  Want to watch this episode? Watch on your Spotify app, or head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Business Coach Christy Wright and I are keeping it real (and in sweatpants) as we dive into our very worst jobs—think janitor shifts, Arby’s roast beef runs, and newspaper cubicle nightmares.  It’s a hilarious walk down the employment Hall of Shame—but beneath the laughs and low wages, there's a deeper convo: why our kids need to work. From confidence to character (and maybe a little cash for snacks), this episode is your permission slip to raise gritty, responsible humans. You’ve been asking for this one! And it’s everything you’d expect: raw, real and ridiculous.  LIFE HAPPENS. Let’s Talk About It. LIsten in (00:00) Why Your Child Needs a Job (09:07) Building Resilience Through Childhood Responsibilities (14:08) Teaching Kids Responsibility Through Work (21:28) Teaching Responsibility Through Privilege Points (29:31) Teens Working (36:48) Teaching Professionalism Through Teen Jobs (43:20) Raising Confident and Resilient Kids Sign up to receive Paula’s email where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms.  Want to watch this episode? Watch on your Spotify app, or head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!  If you want to connect with Christy, follow her on Instagram.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices