#40 When Strength Stops Working with Russell Betts

In this episode of The Refinery Podcast, Rick Burris welcomes Russell Betts, international bestselling author, founder of Connected Through Change™, and relational leadership guide. Russell helps men, couples, and leaders navigate the disorientation of midlife with clarity, emotional maturity, and steadier presence. His book The Good Husband’s Guide to Menopause helped reshape how partners understand menopause, marriage, and change. His forthcoming book, When Strength Stops Working, explores what happens when the old strategies of fixing, powering through, performing, and controlling no longer work. Rick and Russell talk about why midlife is not a crisis, but a transition of identity. They explore the emotional reality many couples rarely say out loud: men often feel confused, ashamed, or unsure when their old strengths stop translating, while women often feel unseen, alone, or tired of carrying the emotional load. Yet underneath it all, both are often longing for the same thing: to feel safe, understood, and connected again. This conversation is for anyone navigating marriage, menopause, midlife, leadership, emotional growth, or a season where the tools that once worked no longer seem to fit. Connect with Russell Betts: Website: https://connectedthroughchange.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/@connectedthroughchange LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rubetts/ Email: [email protected] Subscribe to The Refinery Podcast for more conversations on leadership, purpose, growth, and meaningful change.