The Solo Retreat: Alone With Your Thoughts episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 4, 2026 · 51 MIN

The Solo Retreat: Alone With Your Thoughts

from Midlife Circus · host Brent Drever & Rob Espenel

Message the ShowIn this episode of Midlife Circus, Brent and Rob explore solo retreats and the value of intentionally stepping away from the noise of midlife. They share personal stories—from quick outdoor resets to multi-day retreats—and reflect on how creating space can unlock clarity, creativity, and perspective. The conversation also touches on the discomfort that can surface when distractions fade, and why learning to sit with it often leads to growth and calm. If midlife feels full or overwhelming, this episode offers a simple reminder: sometimes clarity comes from stepping back. Links, resources, books mentioned:Visit Episode WebsiteJoin the Midlife Circus Community on SubstackFollow us: Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTubeTopics we are covering in this episode:Solo retreats create space for thoughts and insights to surface without distraction.Stepping away from constant midlife chaos often brings clarity before answers.Reset time works best when it’s not focused on problem-solving or productivity.Simplicity matters—adding too many logistics can reduce the benefits early on.Quiet space can feel uncomfortable at first, especially when inner dialogue shows up.Learning to sit with that discomfort is part of the growth.The urge to document or explain the experience can pull attention away from being present.With practice, solo time becomes easier and more rewarding.Solo retreats are not selfish—they often lead to showing up better for others.Intentional space helps reconnect with perspective, creativity, and calm.

Message the Show In this episode of Midlife Circus, Brent and Rob explore solo retreats and the value of intentionally stepping away from the noise of midlife. They share personal stories—from quick outdoor resets to multi-day retreats—and reflect on how creating space can unlock clarity, creativity, and perspective. The conversation also touches on the discomfort that can surface when distractions fade, and why learning to sit with it often leads to growth and calm. If midlife feels full or ...

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Not My Circus Henrik Flyman (Wavlake) Composed, written, performed and produced by Henrik Flyman. Michelle Sukow Michelle Sukow Michelle is a Restart Coach & Midlife Champion inspiring others to succeed both personally and professionally by encouraging confidence and strength to those who feel like they are stuck and want to take back control of their life. She also shares her story and what this upcoming Podcast will offer 50ish & Fab: The Hot Flash Report KC Sonshine - Your Southern Sweet Tea with a Splash of BROOKLYN! Welcome to 50ish & Fab: The Hot Flash Report — the unapologetic, hilarious, and heart-to-heart podcast for women embracing the fabulousness of life after 50 (and ambitious 40-somethings dreaming of the good life!). Hosted by the witty and warm KC Sonshine, a Brooklyn girl with a little southern charm, this show dives into the messy, magical, and marvelous world of midlife women, menopause, dating, relationships, grandparenting, faith, and living your best life after 50. Because growing old gracefully is cute, but THRIVING after 50 is FABULOUS! pick up books lishusheng adventure:In the Bishop's Carriage By: Miriam Michelson (1870-1942)The Milky Way By: F. Tennyson Jesse (1888-1958)The Heritage Of The Desert By: Zane Grey (1872-1939)Toby Tyler or Ten Weeks with a Circus By: James Otis (1848-1912)The Merry Anne By: Samuel Merwin (1874-1936)Uncle Bernac: A Memory of the Empire By: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930)Lysbeth, a Tale of the Dutch By: H. Rider Haggard (1856-1925)The Lord of Death and the Queen of Life By: Homer Eon Flint (1888-1924)The Confessions of Arsene Lupin By: Maurice Leblanc (1864-1941)The Brethren By: H. Rider Haggard (1856-1925)The Missing Bride By: E.D.E.N. Southworth (1819-1899)The Ebb-Tide By: Robert Louis Stevenson and Lloyd Osbourne (1850-1894)The Well at the World's End, Book 1: The Road unto Love By: William Morris (1834-1896)Galaxy Primes By: E. E. Smith (1890-1965)Camp-Fire Girls in the Country or The Secret Aunt Hannah Forgot By: Ste

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This episode is 51 minutes long.

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This episode was published on February 4, 2026.

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Message the ShowIn this episode of Midlife Circus, Brent and Rob explore solo retreats and the value of intentionally stepping away from the noise of midlife. They share personal stories—from quick outdoor resets to multi-day retreats—and reflect on...

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