Midlife with Courage

Life is full of transitions, especially in our relationships, and Sharon Costanzo experienced her fair share. She talks with Kim today about the courage she found to tell her husband she was not going to keep going the way things were.

She also offers some great insight into how to work through the conflict created by transitions such as empty nest and retirement. Sharon wants us to realize that it's ok to want something different and helps navigate how to do that with your partner.

Annie Gaudreault talks with Kim this week about how our nutritional needs change in midlife and how important it is to pay attention to what we eat. She shares some tips for eating better to support our changing bodies and health needs. She even shares a slightly different definition of the word metabolism and explains insulin resistance.

If you are a woman over 40, you need to listen to this episode. You may learn something that could improve your life starting now.

Although she looks much younger, Kyleigh Weathers is a 41 year old woman who has made a lot of choices in her life. She says it best (from her website) as she describes her journey: A Mormon missionary in Argentina one moment and home 6 months later because lesbians gonna lesbian. From U-Hauls in Utah, to RV’s in Georgia. 7 acres in Idaho to a 2 bedroom in Kansas, Kyleigh’s attachment spiral is a hell of a ride. 

This week she talks with Kim about her journey of self-abandonment and attachment trauma. This is an important episode for anyone to hear.

Gail Lynn talks with Kim about her journey of childhood abuse, two divorces, many career changes, making a movie with Elvis' stepbrother, illness and thankfully-healing and helping others. She talks about all of this and her invention of the "Harmonic Egg" which helps heal with light and sound therapy.

Susan Friedland belongs to the "horse crazy girl" club and found herself reading all the horse books she could get her hands on as a child. One of those books was Misty of Chincoteague written by Marguerite Henry. As an adult, she became interested in Marguerite's life and the idea to write her own book about the author led her on a path to discovering that she was connected with the author in interesting ways.

Her book is called Marguerite, Misty & Me and Susan reveals the kind, generous and empowered woman that many horse lovers probably did not know.

To find out more about Susan, you can find her blog and books on her website saddleseekshorse.com.

This week Kim shares what she has been learning and focusing on related to Midlife with Courage podcast.

She is excited to refocus and energize her listeners to live every moment!

Mary Carroll Moore is a writer who found herself wanting to explore the world of fiction after a distinguished career as a chef and food columnist and writer. She talks with Kim about her journey including the lessons she learned from her amazing mother who flew military airplanes before raising a family, second chances and her cancer diagnosis.

Note to the listener and viewers: For what it's worth, I recorded this episode last week before the events of the past weekend.

Kim shares her thoughts about navigating the next four months before the election. She is sick of the political messages we all get and shares ways to manage this sometimes frustrating time.

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Leslie Draffin has a story of being raised in such a way that she decided she had to be a high achiever and she looked like she had it made from the outside. Inside, however was a different story. She talks with Kim about her story of challenges, changes, leaving behind what did not serve her and how she found psychedelics and her female-centered spiritual beliefs.

Karen Anne Coccioli is an author who talks with Kim about her past which was filled with challenges and her coming out later in life and so much more. This delightful lady wants everyone to be brave by sharing their own story and finding that spark of hope that keeps you going.

Trigger warning-the discussion does involve abuse and attempted suicide.

Kat Halushka literally woke up one morning and realized she needed a break. Despite having a very successful business, she was tired and she had lost the spark that kept her excited about what she was doing. Listen to this conversation about finding that spark again and how she is filling her own cup to help others.

Bona Normandeau had a pivotal life moment when she was asked about her dream in life and she could not come up with anything. This led her on a journey of finding her own "happy" and now she helps others find it for themselves too. Listen in as she and Kim talk about ways to celebrate the moments as you go instead of "saving" happiness for one day and so much more.

Marnie Swedberg talks with Kim about her faith and how she has learned to go to God first when she is presented with challenges. This author, speaker and overall lovely lady speaks her faith as she discusses what she calls 'comeback behavior' and 'possibility thinking.' Her way of seeing the world and positive thinking is contagious.

Alicia Demetropolis is a lively and engaging woman who leads a nonprofit called The Global Humanity Initiative. She talks to Kim from Katmandu, Nepal where she helps rescue homeless and abandoned elders.

Alicia's story of following her intuition throughout her life and the humorous way she tells her story will leave you smiling. You need to hear about the elk story so make sure you listen to the whole episode.

You can read about Alicia's story in her book called Drowning In Now: A search for humanity and God at the top of the world. (Alicia and Kim encourage you to contact your local bookstore to purchase the book if you are interested using the ISBN of 979-8-218-27566-2).

Jayne Poli is a wife, mom, self-taught artist and is active in helping connect people to resources through her church including mission trips at home and throughout the world.

Jayne talks to Kim about her mission in life to help make a difference and be a blessing in the lives of others. As a licensed pastor, she feels she has the privilege to partner with other organizations that help the poor, widows, orphans, war-torn countries by helping to connect them with resources.

Kim was struck by inspiration and decided to let you all know that she is finding so many positive messages this week that she grabbed her microphone and talked about it. Short and sweet and hopefully inspirational!

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This week, Kim talks with Kimberly Webb, a woman who has found joy in helping other women over 40 find their spark that helps them feel confident and yes, a little bit sassy.

Kimberly shares her story of challenges in her youth that led her to feel less-than and wanting to find a way to make a difference in the world. She has done that many times over.

Carol Williams aka The Green Goddess of Productivity talks with Kim this week about her journey to listening to her inner voice and knowing what to do when things looked bleak. She found herself unemployed and in an unhealthy marriage with two children and needed to find a new path. How she did this is a wonderful story that Carol shares with energy and courage. She believes that we all have the power to manifest our greatness and her purpose is to help others do that.

Juli Reynolds is an RN, Certified Clinical Aromatherapist, podcast host and Certified Nurse Coach who experienced profound burnout about 11 years ago. She talks with Kim about overcoming that time and how she was introduced to essential oils and what happened next.

They also talk about the role that education plays (or should play) both with health care practitioners and the public to help others see that essential oils do work and how to safely use them.

This is the second episode this month about toxic relationships; this week Kim talks with Dr. Justine Weber about this important subject. Dr. Weber gives us great insight into what toxic relationships look like and what to do if you or someone you love is in one and what to do after you get out.

Justine has written a book for those who have been able to get out of these relationships and she also talks with Kim about what happens next.

Twelve years ago, Kisha Stewart was a 31 year old who recently gave birth trying to enjoy a night out with her husband. She dismissed some symptoms she was experiencing, but as the night progressed, she could not ignore what she was feeling and she went to the Emergency Room. Thanks to the RN who realized she was having a heart attack, she was eventually diagnosed with Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD). She is now an advocate for women who need to use their voice when they know something isn't right and yes, be dramatic to get someone to listen.

Elaine Glass came to a point in her life where she felt stuck and not sure what to do next. Sound familiar?

She shares how she listened to her intuition (eventually) and made a plan to figure out her next steps.

Jane Rankin shares her story of starting an alpaca farm as a solo mom with a toddler in tow. Her journey is full of valuable messages for all of us as she navigates uncharted territory with alpacas, goats and living in a new place.

If you would like to know more about Jane's story, you can find her book Farm Family: A Solo Mom's Memoir about Finding Home, Happiness and Alpacas anywhere you buy books.

Jill McNamee believes in giving back to her community and talks with Kim about how she does this through her real estate business and support of women in business. They discuss the importance of gratitude and showing kindness when you can.

To learn more about Jill you can find her at the following links:

Suzanne Robotti is a DES baby. If you are not familiar with that term, you will learn what it means during this conversation and how it shaped Suzanne's life path. She shares her advice about what to do when you are given a diagnosis and treatment plan and what she does to support anyone looking for non-biased medication information.

In 2012, Jessica Peterson suffered the horrific loss of all three of her daughters through domestic violence. She talks with Kim about her journey of hope and helping others. She encourages others to acept the change that happens, both good and bad, and find the balance to continue living.

Laura Broome had a 5 year period of major adversity which left her two choices: be bitter or be better. She talks with Kim about her choice to focus on gratitude and how she moved on from breast cancer, the death of her son, a heart transplant and an unexpected divorce. You will find at least one nugget of wisdom and strength in this uplifting conversation.

Tracy Herbert was given a life sentence of diabetic complications and an early death when she was diagnosed at age 17 with what we now call Type 1 Diabetes. Although she struggled with her new life of insulin injections and diet restrictions, she eventually found hope and a new attitude. And oh yes, there's that 3000+ mile bike ride across the United States.

Rhonda Parker Taylor was helping everyone else fulfill their dreams and ambitions and finally realized she needed to follow hers. She talks with Kim about her journey of fearlessly pursuing her dreams.

Kim decided to try something a little different this week. She is sharing a conversation with 3 former guests of the podcast: Sue Quinn, Mary Beth Bolles and Lisa Kindle. They discuss the challenges, benefits and lessons they have learned in midlife.

This entertaining and powerful discussion offers many nuggets of knowledge and motivation for those who need it.

You can find more information about each of these fabulous women by going to the links below.

Sue Quinn:

Jen Hardy builds communities. This fabulous, over 50, woman has learned how to live with a chronic illness, homeschool 7 kids and so much more. She talks with Kim about creating tools to share with others going through illness, raising 7 kids, choosing our attitude, sharing knowledge with younger generations and combating loneliness in older adults.

This episode has so many great messages for all ages that you need to hear.

This is the 150th episode of Midlife with Courage!! Thank you all for listening and watch for some fun changes coming soon!!!

Georgia Giguere is a dynamic woman who is passionate about sharing what she learns with other women and men too. She talks with Kim about her journey through breast cancer, asking questions of everyone and teaching others about what they are putting into and onto their bodies.

In 2012, June K. Collins suffered the loss of her son Kaleb. She talks with Kim about his life, loss, and how she rebuilt and found purpose and peace in her life.

Pam Warren talks with Kim about her experience as a survivor of the Paddington train crash in 1999 and how she changed a near death experience into a life changing positive. Pam no longer considers herself a victim, instead a successful survivor and now shares her experiences on overcoming obstacles, eager to show that, with resilience and perseverance, no problems in your work or personal life are insurmountable.

This time of year can be wonderful and filled with joy and it can be difficult and challenging for those experiencing grief. Please listen to this conversation to learn more about how grief and gratitude go together to help us navigate life with loss especially around the holidays.

Mandy Capehart is a certified trauma professional, somatic embodiment practitioner, and grief coach helping grievers heal through alignment with their values and future selves. She is also the author of “Restorative Grief: Embracing Our Losses Without Losing Ourselves”, and the host of the podcast “Restorative Grief with Mandy Capehart”. Her work serves grievers and grief supporters through meaningful conversations about client values, self-awareness, and sustainable pathways toward growth.

Mandy began this work after her mom died when she could not find the resources she needed; she decided to create the support she needed and offer it to others.

Pam Bohlken lost her grandson Tyler two years ago and she talks with Kim about that journey of healing and helping. She enlisted the help of her other grandchildren to find ways to create positive messages and mindsets for children, pre-teens, teenagers and even adults. This is a wonderful and open conversation that you need to hear.

Dr. Gina Simmons Schneider helps people cope with anxiety and conflict especially in the workplace. Her story includes being abandoned by her father and at age 15 she started working to help her family. Her original dream was to be a musician and eventually reality hit when she experienced the drawbacks to that life and decided she wanted to do something in the area of psychology and mental health.

Check out this conversation to hear more about Dr. Schneider's "aha" moment and what she means by "frazzlebrain!"

Katherine Fossler has accomplished so much in her career and life and she's not done yet. She shares with Kim her journey including her early life as a single mom, business woman and co-founder of an animal sanctuary and what her plans are moving forward.

She is a great supporter of women and feels called to continue that work despite not knowing exactly what it will look like.

We plan for retirement or our later years by focusing on our financial health but what about our physical, emotional and spiritual wellness? Kelly Majdan talks about her journey of competing in obstacle courses with her family and friends and how the lessons she's learned can help others. Start planning for your wellness now and when you have your rocking chair moment, you will look back with no regrets.

In this solo episode, Kim talks about a new piece of artwork that helped her realize that too many of us are waiting for something to happen or come to us before we live our life.

What do you think? What are you waiting for?

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Brittany Cano is a passionate advocate for holistic health and wellness and is dedicated to empowering others to connect with themselves to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives. As a Registered Nurse, she found herself wondering how she could help patients lead better lives so they could avoid becoming a patient. She sees herself as a bridge between conventional medicine and holistic wellness and she talks with Kim about what that means and how it looks for her. Brittany has become a sought-after public speaker, personal trainer, holistic health coach, mindfulness and EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) practitioner, Reiki healer, and yin yoga instructor. She talks about ways she helps her clients find their inner calm and safety to live the best life possible.

You can find Brittany at www.HolisticNurseCoaches.com where she offers some free gifts as well as her coaching services.

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Clementine Moss is a hard rock drummer, singer, songwriter, spiritual counselor and author. Some of the items on this list may not seem to "match up" and Clem talks with Kim about how her contemplative practices have helped her to be fully present in all aspects of her life, including onstage. She talks about those inner voices and really listening to find out where they are coming from and their purpose in order to live your life the way you want to.

Susan Gold is currently living in bliss. Her childhood was-as she puts it-brutal-and she left home for New York City as soon as possible for a career that included matching celebrities with brands. She talks with Kim about working with her childhood idol Barbara Walters and Andy Warhol among others in both NYC and a television production career in LA. Eventually she found the person she calls her "guru" and her experiences with him taught her how to love herself again. This courageous woman has a story you will love to listen to.

Susan helps others who are interested in transforming their trauma into freedom and has also written a book called Toxic Family: Turning Childhood Trauma into Adult Freedom which can be found by going to her website https://www.susangold.us/.

Susan reminds us that as we are learning to live from our hearts, it's a long process but we need to keep holding on until the miracle happens.

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