How to Support Someone Without Trying to Fix Them with Susan Guthrie - Ep#156

Why do so many people struggle to sit with someone else’s pain?Why do we rush to fix, minimize, distract, or offer advice instead of simply staying present?In this deeply honest and insightful episode of Dare On, Jodi sits down with attorney, mediator, author, and relationship expert Susan Guthrie for a powerful conversation about emotional support, curiosity, gray divorce, reinvention, and navigating life’s hardest transitions in midlife.While Susan is widely known for her expertise around divorce and mediation, this conversation goes far beyond divorce itself. Together, Jodi and Susan unpack why discomfort makes people pull away, what true support actually looks like, and how major life shifts — from empty nesting to health challenges to divorce — often become invitations to reexamine who we are and what we truly want moving forward.Susan also shares insight into the growing rise of gray divorce among couples over 50 and marriages lasting 20+ years, including why more women are choosing authenticity, fulfillment, and personal alignment in this next chapter of life.If you’ve ever struggled to support someone going through a difficult season… or if you’re the one navigating a major life transition yourself… this episode will leave you feeling seen, grounded, and hopeful.In This Episode, We Discuss:Why people struggle to sit with discomfort and painThe most unhelpful things people say during difficult life seasonsWhat true emotional support actually looks likeWhy curiosity creates deeper connectionThe rise of gray divorce in midlifeHow identity shifts impact women after 50Reinvention after divorce, empty nesting, or major life changesThe importance of support systems during transitionsWhy “fixing” isn’t always helpfulMoving from victimhood toward empowermentJodi shares 3 Powerful Takeaways From This Episode at the end.Memorable Quotes“People don’t always need you to fix their pain. They need you to stay.”“Curiosity creates connection.”“Midlife transitions are not proof that life is falling apart. Sometimes they’re invitations to rebuild life more honestly.”“Everyone wants to feel heard.”Resources & LinksTake the Happy In Midlife Quiz HEREListen to the Oprah podcast episode featuring Susan Guthrie discussing gray divorce HEREConnect with Susan Guthrie HEREAbout Susan GuthrieSusan Guthrie is an attorney, mediator, author, podcast host, and entrepreneurial strategist who helps professionals build successful and aligned careers and lives. After decades as a family law litigator, Susan reinvented her own career in midlife and now shares practical insights on reinvention, relationships, entrepreneurship, and designing a life that reflects who you are now.If this episode resonated with you, share it with another woman navigating this season of life. And if you’re loving what you’re hearing on Dare On, leaving a review helps us reach more women who need these conversations too.Send me a quick note/message- what stood out in this episode! 🎙️ You've been listening to me—now I want to meet YOU.  Join me on Substack, where Dare On goes beyond the podcast. We're having real conversations about midlife, what's next, the things we're struggling with, and the lives we still want to create. You'll find live gatherings, connection, encouragement. Subscribe for FREE and come introduce yourself HEREI can't wait to meet Subscribe to my Substack HEREStep into the Dare On Circle HERE