Women in the Middle: Loving Life After 50 - Midlife Podcast

Finding your perfect retirement location in midlife can be one of the most exciting or confusing times in midlife. This episodes explores the relevant issues to consider when you make the decision to move and relocate to the location for your retirement chapter. My guest is retirement relocation expert, Margaret Vandergriff.  Margaret founded Your Place Finder LLC in 2017 after three disastrous empty nest moves herself. These experiences greatly informed some of her best advice! Margaret helps individuals and couples avoid the pitfalls and reap the rewards of finding the perfect location to retire. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-407-how-to-find-your-perfect-retirement-location-with-margaret-vandergriff/

Today's episode is about a midlife clarity hack to get unstuck. It's called “What First, Then How and it can deliver powerful results for you. So many midlife women feel stuck about what to do in their next chapter. So many midlife women also love to plan. This midlife mindfulness hack can help you get clear fast, and use that clarity to gain momentum and go after your goals. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-406-what-first-then-how-midlife-clarity-hack-to-get-unstuck/

If you're fortunate enough to still have your parents, you're also likely to be aware of how you may feel a lot of overwhelm with your end-of-life planning journey. If so, you're not alone. My interview is with Marni Blank. Marni Blank is the founder of Begin With The End. She is a recovering lawyer, mediator, death doula, and after-loss consultant.  Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-405-less-stress-more-conversations-about-end-of-life-planning-with-marni-blank/

Today's episode is about giving yourself permission to play with creativity in midlife because it can be self-care in disguise. It's quite common to regret not allowing yourself to be happy. Nobody wants regrets in life. Having increased awareness about your thoughts related to what makes you happy and how creativity can help your happiness is important.  Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-404-permission-to-play-with-in-midlife-why-creativity-is-self-care-in-disguise/

Loneliness is a common experience for older women. Today's interview is with two women who are involved with AARP's Ethel Gathering Groups, an initiative that is working well to help navigate loneliness with women over 50.  Lisa Marcellino, who, after facing isolation following her divorce and while caregiving for her parents, found a powerful sense of connection and lifelong friendships in her 60s through AARP's Ethel Gathering Groups. She's a living example of how it's never too late to create meaningful relationships. In this conversation, we'll explore how Lisa overcame loneliness and the impact of community as she navigated this chapter of life. We're also joined by Shelley Emling, Editor-in-Chief of The Ethel Circle at AARP, who will offer expert insights into the loneliness epidemic among older women and explain how programs like AARP's Ethel Gathering Groups are making a difference in combating this issue. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-403-the-ethel-from-aarp-giving-a-voice-to-women-50-to-navigate-loneliness/

Today's episode is about snoring, sleep apnea, resistance, and your health. Specifically, I share my personal journey from being resistant to CPAP to embracing CPAP and improving my sleep and my health. When you are a woman who snores and has sleep apnea in midlife, you may not embrace CPAP as a treatment option. There are a variety of common reasons for this, including vanity, inconvenience, and discomfort. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-402-why-i-finally-said-yes-to-a-cpap-after-years-of-snoring-resistance/

Caring for aging parents who live in a rural or frontier community has unique challenges. Today's guest is Renee Schulte, a woman in the middle of being an entrepreneur and prioritizing both her parents' care and her own self-care. Renee Schulte has over 20 years of leadership experience in the mental health field at the national, state, and provider levels. Because of her work in both the public and private sectors, she has a distinct understanding of the complexities in delivering quality healthcare to all - especially rural and remote communities. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-401-when-your-aging-parents-live-in-a-rural-community-with-renee-schulte/

Welcome to Ep 400! This special episode is part of the Podcasthon initiative, where podcast hosts around the world are featuring charities simultaneously this week. I was super excited when I found my guests today because you'll be meeting and learning about the folks at Cape May Marine Mammal Research Center, the non-profit arm of Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center in Cape May, New Jersey. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-400-doing-what-you-love-protecting-whales-dolphins-with-cape-may-marine-mammal-research-center/

Discover 3 ways to stop wasting time in midlife so you can regret proof your life. Time is a funny thing when you think about the extent to which your perception and experience of it can be so powerful. Aging can create more time urgency as you think about your future and what you may be running out of time to still do. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-399-3-ways-to-stop-wasting-time-in-midlife-to-regret-proof-your-life/

Today's episode is about 5 Ways to Learn to Trust Yourself To Get Unstuck without Certainty in Midlife. Lack of certainty is a reality that so many of us don't fully appreciate. Believing in certainty can actually get in your way and keep you stuck.  This episode outlines 5 specific strategies to help you get unstuck in midlife. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-398-5-ways-to-learn-to-trust-yourself-to-get-unstuck-without-certainty-in-midlife/

Today's episode is about how to love your midlife body and get stronger with Alicia Jones. Most would likely agree that your midlife body can surprise you in many ways. So many changes, so much to learn. It can be difficult to understand how to create the health you are interested in. My guest today can help. Since 2006, Alicia Jones has helped transform the health and the lives of women over 50 through her fitness and weight loss strategies. Alicia is an expert featured in major outlets including Shape Magazine, VeryWellFit, and Aaptiv. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-397-love-your-midlife-body-get-stronger-with-alicia-jones/

Today's episode is about the joys and challenges of coming out later in life.  My interview is with two women who both realized something about themselves after long term marriages and children.   My guests are Anne-Marie Zanzal and Barbara Rowlandson; they are the team from Lotus Group Coaching and they both came out later in life as lesbians.   Anne-Marie was 52 and Barb was 46 when they came out.  No, they are not a couple but work colleagues.  Anne-Marie is a graduate of Yale Divinity School, an ordained minister in the progressive United Church of Christ, a hospice chaplain, a bereavement counselor, a coming out expert, and a divorce coach.   Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-396-the-joys-and-challenges-of-coming-out-later-in-life-with-anne-marie-zanzal-barbara-rowlandson/

Today's episode will help you love and care about your heart. It's important to care about your heart's health, and women to understand that heart disease is the #1 killer of women (and men). In fact, heart disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined. My guest today is Dr. Tracy Paeschke, Preventive Cardiologist, Founder, and CEO of Heart Health Prevention and Wellness. Dr. Paeschke is a board-certified cardiologist and health coach with over 25 years of experience caring for people with heart disease. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-395-preventing-heart-disease-a-cardiologists-guide-for-women-with-dr-tracy-paeschke/

Today's episode will help you understand the importance of increasing your awareness of your limiting beliefs in midlife. When you're in midlife, your decades of experience and life make it easy to believe what you think; sometimes that means your automatic thinking. When you make a specific effort to look for thoughts about what you may think you're too old to do, what you find out can be revealing. You may believe limiting beliefs about what you can really do, think, feel, and try on purpose. This will make it harder for you to fulfill your dreams. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-394-limiting-beliefs-as-a-midlife-gal/

Today's episode will help you understand the challenges and joys experienced by many family caregivers in midlife. Family caregivers, especially those working, face many challenges in midlife as they navigate taking care of the needs of many. Self-care is often ignored and puts many family caregivers at risk of burnout. My guest today is Christa Haanstra; today's interview helps shine a light on the experiences of many working family caregivers. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-393-shining-a-light-on-family-caregivers-in-midlife-with-christa-haanstra/

Today's episode will help you understand how to use envy for potential power and positive change in your life. Envy is one of those common negative emotions that can make you uncomfortable. But, when you understand what envy is helping you see about yourself, you can use envy for good, especially in midlife. Your awareness of envy can be a useful insight for you.  Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-392-the-positive-power-of-envy-in-midlife/

Starting something new, like a podcast, in midlife can be scary. It can also feel like an adventure and can be a perfect way to get unstuck and discover more about yourself, what you're good at and what you like. In today's episode, you'll meet my guest, Elizabeth Pearson Garr. Elizabeth made a big transition from her earlier life and is now using her skills as a journalist, documentary filmmaker, TV producer, and even time off as a stay-at-home mom in a podcast business that shares stories about people who do extraordinary things.  Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-391-the-adventure-of-starting-a-podcast-in-midlife-with-elizabeth-pearson-garr/

Using a vision board as a tool to get unstuck in midlife is highly effective. It's not just assembling the vision board that's important; it's also the preparation and the follow-up. Of course, it's a lot of fun to actually assemble the vision board. It can feel like a grown-up arts and craft project. But it's more than that. Careful planning is an opportunity to be intentional about the direction of your life, especially your next chapter.  Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-390-encore-how-to-get-unstuck-with-a-midlife-vision-board/

Today's encore podcast episode is about thinking about who you are going to be in your next chapter in midlife. When you're over 50, it's easy to have been living your life guided by your belief in “limiting beliefs” and personal labels for yourself for decades. This mindset you may have adopted can have a profound impact on your life; it may have prevented you from truly imagining what's a priority for you and who you really want to be during your valuable time on this planet. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-389-encore-who-are-you-going-to-be-in-your-next-chapter-in-midlife/

Today's encore episode is all about how to make a fun and special connection with a “Top 10 Days of the Year” list for your New Year celebration in midlife…or at any age. It's a special encore episode that is perfect to hear again at this time of year. You'll discover an idea from podcast guest, Bob Schneeweiss (originally from Episode 78, Why You Should Celebrate Family Traditions in Midlife) that's a powerful idea for a new tradition for the new year. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-388-encore-the-top-10-days-of-the-year-celebrate-midlife-with-connection/

Today's episode is all about intentional storytelling and sharing your childhood and life stories in midlife. I think that sharing your childhood and life stories with your family can turn into a deeply meaningful informal tradition that you can be super intentional about. Curating and sharing your stories is a way to connect the past to the present in a way that can foster love, understanding, and even a sense of belonging.  Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-387-intentional-storytelling-sharing-your-childhood-and-life-stories-in-midlife/

Today's episode is all about the power of mindfulness when you're coping with a terminal illness with Gillian Borg. Gillian was diagnosed as terminally ill in August 2022 and was given less than a year to live. She's a mother of two beautiful children and grandmother to a beautiful granddaughter.  Gillian was previously a debt specialist and from a banking background. She's now retired due to ill health. Gillian also has lots of life skills and hobbies that she's accumulated over the years. Now 60 years young, she's definitely got a few stories and experiences to share.  Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-386-the-power-of-mindfulness-when-coping-with-a-terminal-illness-with-gillian-borg/

Today's episode is all about why you need a word of the year and how you can use your word to your advantage. You might be surprised to learn all of the benefits of the simple word of the year exercise. Discover five reasons why it's a great idea to make selecting a word of the year a priority for you. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-385-5-reasons-why-you-need-a-word-of-the-year-in-midlife/

Today's episode is all about being more intentional about creating new traditions, especially during the holidays. As a woman over 50, it's common to be more comfortable putting others first, especially related to the holidays, and this can eventually have a negative effect. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-384-new-traditions-in-midlife/

Today's episode is all about being more intentional about experiencing your holidays on purpose in midlife. As a woman over 50, it's common to be more comfortable putting others first, especially around the holiday season. Raising awareness of what you want for yourself, including your feelings, can be a skill that is life-changing and can lead to greater fulfillment, happiness, and fewer regrets. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/episode-383-holidays-on-purpose-in-midlife/

Today's episode is all about how to handle disappointment in midlife.  It's common in midlife to feel disappointed. Being more sensitive to the passage of time when you're older can factor into feeling disappointed as well; you may feel pressure to “fix it” or resolve whatever it is to move forward. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-382-how-to-handle-disappointment-in-midlife/

Today's encore episode is about the importance of find joy in the present moment by developing more thought awareness, especially in midlife. Our guest today is Thomas M. Sterner, author of the amazing book, The Practicing Mind: Developing Focus and Discipline in Your Life -- Master Any Skill or Challenge by Learning to Love the Process. He's also the founder and CEO of The Practicing Mind Institute and is an expert in Present Moment Functioning. Prior to founding The Practicing Mind Institute, Tom served as Chief Concert Piano technician for a major performing arts center preparing instruments for the most demanding performances. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-381-encore-finding-joy-in-the-present-moment-with-tom-sterner-of-the-practicing-mind/

Today's encore episode is all about your choice to avoid regrets in midlife. Notice the word “choice.” It's common in midlife to start to worry about having regrets. When you get close to turning 50 or you're in your 50s or older, many women in the middle start to be more concerned that they may regret what they haven't done, having tried, haven't said or haven't prioritized. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-380-encore-your-choice-to-avoid-regrets-in-midlife/

Today's episode is all about becoming a professional planner for your midlife and beyond.  As an older and wiser midlife woman, your knowledge and experience will support YOUR intentional decision making on the path to a meaningful, fulfilling, and exciting next chapter. The result will be your ability to truly inspire yourself as you intentionally create your personal roadmap to happiness. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-379-becoming-your-own-professional-planner-for-midlife-beyond/

Today's episode is all about infidelity in midlife relationships with Dr. Lauren Napolitano.  Surprisingly, one of the hardest parts of working through infidelity can be that you feel alone and without support; that's because shame and stigma may keep you from telling your loved ones about the infidelity. My guest today is Dr. Lauren Napolitano, a clinical psychologist in Philadelphia. She has 25 years of experience treating individuals and couples. She specializes in helping couples who are dealing with infidelity, sexual difficulties, and communication issues.  Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-378-infidelity-in-midlife-relationships-with-dr-lauren-napolitano/

Today's episode is all about 5 Steps to Create a Comeback for Your Midlife Health with Holly Bertone.  Holly Bertone is a Certified Holistic Health Coach, Motivational Speaker, #1 Amazon bestselling author, and Host of Your Comeback Story Podcast. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-377-5-steps-to-create-a-comeback-for-your-midlife-health-with-holly-bertone/

Today's episode is all about gratitude for your dog in midlife. There is a lot of evidence-based research to support the importance of regular gratitude practices in your life. There's also a lot of research to support the wide variety of health and wellbeing benefits from relationships with dogs and companionship with animals overall. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-376-gratitude-for-life-with-your-dog-in-midlife/

Today's episode is all about why labeling yourself in a negative way can keep you stuck. Using labels to describe yourself and your weaknesses can really hold you back and keep you stuck. Labels can feel real, like truths, but they aren't. A personal label is just an expectation of yourself, which is an optional thought. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-375-why-labeling-yourself-keeps-you-stuck-in-midlife/

Today's episode is all about when you start to feel old or older in midlife. It's interesting to think about the first time thoughts about aging made you feel old. It's different for everyone, but important to understand and be aware of. You'll hear a variety of personal examples about feeling old and the thoughts and feelings associated with the situations. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-374-when-you-feel-old-in-midlife/

Today's episode is all about not letting hormones ruin your midlife with Kathy Fritz. Like so many of us, Kathy discovered her true passion as a result of her own personal experience, and in this case, that was with her hormones! My guest today is Kathy Fritz. Kathy is a board-certified master hormone coach who coaches women in perimenopause and menopause to get rid of weight gain, hot flashes, and sleep & hormonal issues so they can feel like themselves again, regain their energy, and lead a longer, healthier life.  Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/episode-373-dont-let-hormones-ruin-midlife-with-kathy-fritz/

Today's episode is about reimagining your life and career as a cattle rancher after empty nest in Montana.  My guest today is Meredith McKinney. I interviewed Meredith originally on my sister podcast, Women in the Middle® Entrepreneurs. Today, I'm sharing this interview here on the Women in the Middle® Show.  Meredith worked with her husband for about 3 decades as a cattle rancher. She decided to change things up after her kids graduated and she and her husband were faced with an empty nest.  Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-372-reimagining-life-and-career-as-a-cattle-rancher-after-empty-nest-in-montana-with-meredith-mckinney/

Today's episode is all about how to get the sleep you need for your best life in midlife and beyond with Terry Cralle. Terry Cralle is a spokesperson and representative of the Better Sleep Council, a Registered Nurse, and a Certified Clinical Sleep Educator who specializes in sleep health and wellness. A national speaker, educator, and author on sleep, Terry is the co-founder of a four-bed sleep disorders clinic and has served as a consultant to a variety of industries and organizations on the topic of sleep health. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-371-how-to-get-the-sleep-you-need-for-your-best-life-in-midlife-and-beyond-with-terry-cralle/

Today's episode is all about waiting vs. creating in midlife and what effect it has on you and your happiness. As a midlife woman, you may be surprised that even if you know what you want and what your priorities are, you still may not be moving in that direction. In fact, you may find yourself waiting rather than creating your life. Leran more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/episode-370-waiting-vs-creating-midlife/

Today's encore episode is all about your mindset power when you're on your midlife vacation. It's easy to feel excited and confident when your vacation starts that everything's going to go great! Unfortunately, this isn't always true. I experienced this firsthand on a recent sailing trip in Antigua. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/encore-episode-369-midlife-vacation-mindset-power/

Today's podcast episode is about busting through fear about what you really want in midlife. Even though it may seem counterintuitive that feeling fear might lead to you getting in your own way of happiness, it turns out that you just might be playing a huge role. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/encore-episode-368-busting-through-fear-about-what-you-really-want-in-midlife/

This week's episode is about how to create a midlife career change and go from being an accountant to an author of midlife stories for women.   My guest today is Kimberly Diede. I interviewed Kimberly originally on my sister podcast, Women in the Middle® Entrepreneurs. Today, I'm sharing this interview here on the Women in the Middle® Show. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-367-from-accountant-to-author-of-midlife-stories-for-women-with-kimberly-diede/

This week's episode is about 3 ways to be delighted in midlife. Being delighted more often is a worthy pursuit! Especially when you're a woman over 50. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-366-3-ways-to-be-delighted-in-midlife/

This week's episode is about how life as a baby boomer can still be full of opportunity. My guest today is Wendy Green.  Wendy is now the host of the inspiring live show & podcast. “Hey, Boomer!” which is FULL OF REAL TALK ABOUT AGING WELL.  Wendy's serves an important inspirational role for people 55 to 75, who are looking for ways to live meaningful, fulfilling lives. Her goal is to help people see that they are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-365-life-as-a-baby-boomer-can-be-full-of-opportunity-with-wendy-green/

This week's encore episode is about getting unstuck in midlife and features insights from the Women in the Middle Academy. The original episode was published in December 2021. Getting unstuck in midlife is a goal for many amazing women over 50. When you're feeling stuck, it's hard to imagine how to get super clear about what you want and make the changes necessary to move toward it. That's why today's interview panel will be so impactful. Today's guests have all been stuck and confused about what they wanted in their next chapter and now they're on the other side of it, happy and more fulfilled. They didn't figure it all out on their own; they got coaching. They joined the coaching group, the Women in the Middle Academy. They did the hard work of digging deep, self-reflection, and self-exploration. They reimagined what was possible for their lives.  Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-364-encore-getting-unstuck-in-midlife-insights-from-women-in-the-middle/

This week's episode is about learning the Art of Chilling Out in midlife with special guest, Angela D. Coleman.  Do you feel anxious? Maybe you're overworked or burned out? If this sounds like you, you are not alone. In a world where women are more worn out than ever before, this stress can lead to serious mental and physical consequences.  My guest, Angela D. Coleman, is the author of the book, The Art of Chilling Out For Women, is a holistic health expert who founded the global nonprofit Sisterhood Agenda in 1994 and later the for-profit business, Sisterhood Agenda Enterprises, LLC. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-363-the-art-of-chilling-out-for-women-in-midlife-with-angela-d-coleman/

This week's episode is about 3 ways that your mindset around the passage of time can support you by being on your side in midlife. It's common to think quite negatively about the passage of time and aging in midlife. It's easy to focus on time running out and flying by. This episode helps you appreciate three ways that your concept of time can help you and be more “on your side” by being useful on your path to happiness. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-362-3-ways-that-time-is-on-your-side-in-midlife/

This week's episode is about how to sleep better in midlife with special guest, Morgan Adams. Morgan Adams is a holistic sleep coach for women who struggle with getting a good night's sleep consistently.  Her goal is to help women feel better and live better, and the key to both begins with a good night's sleep. Sleep can be a huge problem for midlife women and can have surprising negative health effects. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-361-how-to-sleep-better-in-midlife-with-morgan-adams/

This week's episode of the Women in the Middle® Podcast is all about Understanding Wants & Needs in Midlife So You Don't Have Regrets.   In midlife, it's common to feel disconnected from your desires because you've likely been putting others first for decades. Increasing your awareness of what you actually want can feel challenging and indulgent. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-360-understanding-wants-needs-in-midlife-so-you-dont-have-regrets/

This week's encore episode of the Women in the Middle® Podcast features special guest, Joan Lunden. Joan stops by the podcast today to talk about her new book, Why Did I Come Into This Room? What followed was an incredibly candid and hilarious conversation about aging.  Note: The original podcast episode was published as Episode 178 in late 2020/early 2021. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-359-encore-a-candid-humorous-look-at-aging-with-joan-lunden/

Today's episode is all about five ways to bring summer camp vibes back in midlife. As a kid, thinking about summer camp can feel like magical anticipation. It can be one of the most memorable, wonderfully rich times of your life. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-358-5-ways-to-bring-summer-camp-vibes-back-in-midlife/

Today's encore episode is all about 8 simple steps to improve your accountability to yourself in midlife. Learning how to be more accountable to yourself in midlife and why you might want to think about it isn't always obvious. Accountability is so important to focus on how you want to show up in life, how to get what you want, and how to know how to rely on yourself…but there's more.   Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-357-encore-8-steps-to-improve-how-accountable-you-are-in-midlife