PODCAST · society
The Right-Sized Life with Amy Schmidt
by Amy Schmidt
You've proven you're brave. You cannonballed into one chapter of your life and showed up fully — for your family, your career, your community, everyone who needed you. You did that. And it mattered. Now you're asking a different question. Not how do I do more? But does this still fit? Welcome to The Right-Sized Life with Amy Schmidt — the podcast for women who are done maintaining the old life and ready to build the true one. Every episode, Amy brings the honest conversation you've been waiting for — the one that sounds less like a self-help seminar and more like a glass of wine with your wisest friend. Real stories. Practical frameworks. Permission to let go of what no longer fits and make room for what actually does. Because a right-sized life isn't about having less. It's about having what fits — so when the moments that matter arrive, you are actually there for them. Amy Schmidt is the founder of Fearlessly Facing Fifty
Episodes
-
EP23: Turning Loss Into Purpose: Cheryl Colleluori’s Story of Love and Legacy
Sometimes life takes a turn you never would have chosen, and you find yourself trying to figure out how to move forward when nothing feels the same. For Cheryl Colleluori, that moment came when her 19-year-old son, Nick, was diagnosed with cancer. During his 14 months of treatment, Nick saw how...
-
EP22: Surviving the Now: Karen Sandone’s Caregiving Journey Through Younger Onset Alzheimer’s
Karen Sandone joins me today to share the deeply personal story of caring for her husband Anthony after his younger onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis, and what it has meant for their marriage, their family, and her own identity. This conversation is for anyone navigating dementia caregiving, grieving a...
-
EP21: What If Love Means Letting Them Lead Parenting Young Adults with Amy Schmidt
Parenting adult kids asks us to trade control for connection and learn how to love in a way that fits who they are now. I share the mindset shifts that help me move from managing my kids’ lives to being invited into the lives they are building. • noticing when the parenting “job description”...
-
EP20: Living Fully While Carrying Grief with Kate Doerge
What if moving forward after loss doesn’t mean moving on? When you’re grieving, it can be hard to know how to take the next step, especially when the world seems to expect you to eventually return to “normal.” In this conversation, Kate Doerge shares how losing her daughter, Penny, along with the...
-
EP19: A Right-Sized Definition Of Wellness After Midlife with Amy Schmidt
This weeks Right-Sized Reflection solocast is going deep. We discuss how to stop treating wellness like a race back to our younger selves, and start building the strength, energy, and resilience to live the life ahead. I share a simple question that right-sizes everything, from beauty and…
more -
EP18: Nourishing Your Body in Midlife: A Non-Diet Approach to Nutrition with Lee Cotton
It’s easy to feel like you’re constantly getting new rules about what to eat, how much to eat, and what your body should look like, especially as you move through midlife and your body begins to change. But what if the answer isn’t another diet or set of restrictions, but learning to listen to…
more -
EP17: The Legacy Filter - Legacy begins before you are gone with Amy Schmidt
We share the story of a turquoise necklace and the moment a mother hands her daughter more than jewelry. We use that moment to walk through a legacy filter that helps us choose what to keep, what to release, and what love asks us to pass on. • Telling the backstory of the turquoise necklace and…
more -
EP16: Decluttering Your Life: How to Make Space for What Matters with Shira Gill
What if the same approach you use to declutter your home could help you create more space in the rest of your life, too? Shira Gill, a globally recognized organizing expert and bestselling author, has built her career around helping people clear the clutter, but her newest book, LifeStyled…
more -
EP15: Who Are You Becoming And How Will You Care For Her
Self-care has quietly become another job many of us feel like we’re failing at. If you’ve ever turned “take care of yourself” into a punishing checklist, this solo cast is for you. I’m Amy, and I’m talking about self-care for midlife women in a way that’s less about adding more routines and more...
-
EP 14: How to Stop Avoiding Conflict and Reconnect in Your Relationship with Colette Jane Fehr
Have you ever stayed quiet because bringing something up felt harder than just letting it go? Between busy schedules, phones, family responsibilities, and years of falling into familiar patterns, it can be surprisingly easy to become disconnected from the people closest to you without realizing…
more -
EP13: What If Fun Is A Health Practice? Right-Sizing Joy In The Empty Nest
Your kids grow up and move out, the house gets quieter, and suddenly the question is not “What’s next for them?” It is “What fits me now?” I’m sharing a personal right-sized reflection sparked by a Motown costume party, an unexpectedly tender empty nest summer, and a big realisation: the space…
more -
EP12: Right-Sizing Your Wellness in Midlife with Linda Stephens
It's easy to feel like midlife arrived and your body suddenly started playing by a completely different set of rules. The habits that used to work no longer seem to make a difference, there's endless advice telling you what to do, and it can leave you wondering where to even begin. I sat down…
more -
EP11: Amy's RightSize Reflection - The Energy Audit
Your calendar can look perfectly reasonable and still leave you wiped out by Friday. We dig into the real reason: a planner tracks time, but it does not measure emotional load, mental stress, or the subtle drain of always being “on.” When we start asking “Do I have the energy?” instead of only…
more -
EP10: The Truth About Time Abundance with Laura Vanderkam
Life can feel full long before it's actually full. We tell ourselves there's no time for the things that matter, wear "busy" like a badge of honor, and assume our schedules are the problem. In this conversation, I'm joined by bestselling author and time management expert Laura Vanderkam to…
more -
EP9: Making Room for Love: How Family Grows When We Expand Our Hearts
Making Room for Love: How Family Grows When We Expand Our Hearts Amy shares a heartfelt reflection on how making room in our hearts and homes can lead to deeper connections and new beginnings, inspired by her daughter's wedding weekend. Making space in our hearts and homes The significance of...
-
EP8: No estate mistakes with Roger Schrenk
The fastest way to turn grief into chaos is to ignore the question nobody wants to ask: what happens to all the things we collect over a lifetime? I’m joined by Roger Schrenk, founder of DontMakeAnEstateMistake.com, who has spent 30+ years helping families navigate downsizing, estate liquidation,...
-
EP7: The One Night a Week That Changes Everything — Introducing No Plan Night™
Your calendar can look totally reasonable and still leave you running on empty. That’s the tension we dig into today: the quiet exhaustion that doesn’t come from “too much to do,” but from giving your energy in the wrong directions, often by habit. I share the moment that forced me to face it…
more -
EP6: The Paper Bag Plan with Director/Writer/Producer Anthony Lucero
There’s a moment in caregiving that almost nobody says out loud, yet so many families recognize instantly. That’s where my conversation with filmmaker Anthony Lucero begins and where his movie The Paper Bag Plan goes with honesty, tenderness, and a steady respect for dignity. If you’re caring for...
-
EP5: When A Big Move Feels Wrong At 2 A.M. with Amy Schmidt
A brave decision can still feel terrifying once the noise stops. If you’ve ever said yes to a big change then found yourself staring at the ceiling at 2 a.m., replaying every detail and wondering whether you made a mistake, you’re not alone. I’m Amy Schmidt, and I’m sharing a very real chapter…
more -
EP4: What If “Enough” Is The Real Upgrade a conversation with Tidy Dad
A 14-inch closet, three kids, and a 750 square foot apartment in New York City sounds like a recipe for constant chaos, yet Tyler Moore (Tidy Dad) uses it as proof that simplicity can create real calm. We sit down with Tyler to talk about decluttering and home organization as something deeper…
more -
EP3:The Fearless Edit - A 20 minute rightsizing tool that builds momentum
That pile on the shelf isn’t just clutter, it’s a backlog of decisions. We share a simple tool we call the Fearless Edit, built for real life when you’re busy, overwhelmed, or in the middle of change. It starts with a timer, one small space, and one honest question that cuts through guilt and...
-
EP2: From Cannonball To Calm: Building A Life That Fits Now
Something shifts after the big midlife leap. You make the brave move, you do the hard thing, you prove you still have it and then you come up for air and realize the real question is quieter: does this still fit? That question is why Fearlessly Facing Fifty and Beyond is evolving into The Right...
-
Episode 1: Why So Many Women Miss Sleep Apnea Signs
You can do everything “right” and still wake up exhausted, headachy, and foggy and it might not be menopause at all. We’re pulling back the curtain on obstructive sleep apnea in women over 50, a condition that’s massively underdiagnosed because many women don’t fit the stereotype of loud snoring...
-
EP 217: Hot Flashes and New Flames: Author Jane Costello's Take on Midlife and beyond
Dive into the refreshing world of midlife fiction with bestselling UK novelist Jane Costello as she reveals the creative journey behind her latest romantic comedy, "It's Getting Hot in Here." With candor and humor, Jane shares how she's boldly reimagining the rom-com genre with a 47-year-old...
-
EP 216: The Fearless Path to Longevity: Reframing Aging Through Nutrition, Sleep, and Movement
Michele Cuffe's powerful insights on extending not just lifespan but healthspan will transform how you think about aging. Drawing from evolutionary biology and modern research, she reveals why Europeans can indulge in bread and wine without weight gain while Americans struggle despite "healthy"...
-
EP215: Reinvention After Motherhood you are made for more - Meet Sharon Macey
Sharon Macey's journey from stay-at-home mom to podcast host and competitive dancer offers a refreshing roadmap for life's second act. The question that guided her wasn't "What do I want to do when I grow up?" but rather "What do I want to do when my kids grow up?"—a subtle distinction that...
-
EP214: Finding Time in a World of Chaos: Breaking Free from Over-Achievement
Have you ever felt like you're doing everything "right" according to everyone else's checklist, yet something feels profoundly missing? Margaret White knows that feeling all too well. As a self-proclaimed recovering perfectionist and former overachiever, she found herself waking up one morning…
more -
EP213: Becoming Who You Really Are: A Midlife Awakening with Filmmaker Brooke Berman
What happens when we wake up in midlife and realize we've become someone we never intended to be? Award-winning playwright and filmmaker Brooke Berman joins us to explore this profound question through the lens of her debut feature film, "Ramona at Midlife," which recently premiered at Geena…
more -
EP212:Through the Lens of Beauty a conversation with Kristen Jensen
Fearlessly Facing Fifty and beyond - What does it mean to see yourself through a lens of beauty rather than criticism? This question forms the heart of my conversation with former Ford model turned photographer Kristen Jensen, who has mastered the art of capturing authentic beauty in everyone she...
-
EP211:Crafting Your Fearless Story: Lisa Loyet-Schmitz on Writing and Life
Fearlessly Facing......starting something new and outside of your comfort zone. My guest today is Lisa Loyet-Schmitz. Lisa shares her journey of contributing to the anthology "Living Well with Grit," discovering that every woman's story is special precisely because it is uniquely hers. Through...
-
EP210: Embracing The Gray: A Conversation with Beauty Icon Claudia Fabian
Beauty icon Claudia Fabian discusses her journey from coloring her first gray hair at 30 to embracing her natural silver locks and building a second career as a pro-aging influencer. • Getting first gray hair at 30 and initially covering it for years • How the pandemic lockdowns sparked a gray…
more -
EP209: Breaking Free from the Need to Please: A Conversation with Amy Wilson
The silences that follow our "no" speak volumes. As women, we've mastered saying the word itself, but it's what happens after—that uncomfortable pause—where we often surrender our power. In this eye-opening conversation, author Amy Wilson discusses her new book "Happy to Help: Adventures of a...
-
EP208: Snooze or lose: Why women need their sleep and three things to start today for better zzz's
And the F WORD IS: FATIGUE Fearlessly Facing our sleep as we age. Sleep is a fundamental component of our health that dramatically impacts longevity, cognitive function and disease risk. As the "Sleep Goddess," Dr. Matsumura brings her double-board certification and deep expertise to explain why...
-
EP207: Beauty Beyond Age with Laura Geller
Fearlessly Facing FACING our FUTURE FACES! What happens when a Broadway makeup artist discovers her true passion lies in making everyday women feel beautiful? Laura Geller's remarkable journey from theater makeup to beauty mogul reveals the power of authenticity and the magic that unfolds when...
-
EP206: From Heartbreak to Hope: Meet Casey Baynes
Fearlessly Facing FUNDRAISING! I love sharing incredible stories of amazing people - and at this stage of life we often find ourselves with a bit more bandwidth. And maybe this story and this incredible organization will ignite something in you. Meet Casey Baynes, Founder of The Casey Cares...
-
EP:205 Empty Nest Marriage: Rediscovering Connection with Jim Burns
Jim Burns returns to discuss how couples can reinvent their marriage after children leave home, exploring the unexpected challenges and opportunities of the empty nest phase. • Empty nest can be challenging as couples suddenly have more time together after years of child-focused living • The…
more -
EP204: Fashion with a Soul: How One Woman's Courage Created Something Meaningful
And the F WORD IS: FASHION Fearlessly Facing Fashion as we age with Fashion designer, Karla Murguia, Founder of the Montsera Collective. Karla's story is a masterclass in following your soul's calling, no matter how daunting the journey might seem. From her comfortable position as a digital…
more -
EP203: Makeup Magic with Joshua Hardinger: Unlocking the Secrets of Mature Skin
And the F WORD is: Fearlessly Facing our FACES as we age. Today my guest is Joshua Hardinger, an incredible makeup artist specializing in mature skin who transforms women's confidence through his artistic approach to makeup. He shares his philosophy of enhancing natural beauty rather than…
more -
EP202: Bestie or Bust? Fearlessly Facing Our Friendships
And the "F WORD" is: FRIENDSHIP. Fearlessly Facing our friendships as we age. Friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson unpacks the science of women's platonic relationships and offers practical strategies for navigating friendship challenges after 50. Research shows that loneliness increases...
-
EP201: Fearlessly Facing Faith and discovering your worth with Annie Mayfield
F Word is - Fearlessly Facing FAITH This episode is packed to the brim - actually overflowing with nuggets that will make you stop and think and leave you with a smile. My guest is a light in this world and Annie’s journey is one so many of us can relate to—the endless striving to prove our…
more -
EP200: Heart to Heart with Dr. Jayne Morgan: The EKG Every Woman Needs
And the F WORD is Fearlessly Facing Our Futures and our future health. Dr. Jayne Morgan, a cardiologist, joins host, Amy Schmidt to explore the link between hormones and heart health in women at midlife and beyond. They discuss heart disease, the leading cause of death among women, and emphasize...
-
EP191: Lessons in kindness. Meet Susan Verde
Number one New York Times bestselling author and children’s yoga and mindfulness expert Susan Verde knows the power of positive self-talk. For decades, Verde has struggled with her inner critic, a voice inside telling her that she was not enough. Yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practices became...
-
EP190: A Mother's Day Special rerun with Alex Sanfillippo
In this episode I talk to the inspiring Alex Sanfilippo. Not only is Alex a successful podcast host and entrepreneur, but he values the importance of relationships and staying connected. In this very special Mother's Day episode, we hear in his own words, what it's like to look back at his...
-
EP189: Smashing the menopause taboo with Jackie Giannelli and Elektra Health
One of my favorite conversations - and one of yours as well - we are replaying some of our favorites from seasons past - and you don't want to miss this one. Menopause is a challenging time for women. Expanding waistlines, loss of sleep, forgetfulness….we need to find some peace of mind. Wouldn’t...
-
EP188: Spring Cleaning with Jill Comes Clean
In this episode we meet the Jill of all trades, Jill Koch, Founder of Jill Comes Clean. She is passionate about so many things - and has mastered the art of reinvention like so many over the years. After the birth of her son, Jill decided to start blogging about the things she loves best…
more -
EP187: Midday Health at the intersection of women's health and technology
Your menopause journey is certainly not one size fits all. Today my guest is Ann Garnier, the Co- Founder and CEO of Lisa Health, working to transform the lives of over 3.8B women and how they live 1/3 of their life. Midday exists to help women walk on the brightest path of health and wellness.…
more -
EP186: Feel fully alive at midlife with Dr. Susan Hardwick-Smith
Dr. Susan Hardwick-Smith is dedicated to empowering women in midlife to feel fully alive – sexually, relationally, and spiritually. An award-winning gynecologist and best-selling author of Sexually Woke, Dr. Susan believes that a woman can experience her most fulfilling life and truest self at…
more -
EP 185: Meet the genius behind BossaBars: Female formulated energy bars
In this episode of The Fearlessly Facing Fifty Podcast, my guest Julie Gordon White shares why it’s never too late to launch something new. Julie is an entrepreneur extraordinaire, and she shares where her passion and purpose intersected - and why it’s so important to not only walk the walk - but...
-
EP184: Finding humor at any age with Carole Montgomery
My words for 2023 was laughter. There's something about having fun and finding joy at this phase of life that is what everyone needs. Carole Montgomery has had a long and varied career. With over two dozen television credits to her name, Carole Montgomery is a respected veteran of the standup...
-
EP183: Overcoming obstacles and finding your inner warrior with Amy Polacko
In today's episode meet Amy Polacko. She is the Freedom Warrior. She’s a divorce coach and journalist, whose writing about divorce and women’s issues has been featured in national media. In this episode, she talks about how she empowers women to create an amazing next chapter in their lives…
more
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
You've proven you're brave. You cannonballed into one chapter of your life and showed up fully — for your family, your career, your community, everyone who needed you. You did that. And it mattered.
Now you're asking a different question.
Not how do I do more? But does this still fit?
Welcome to The Right-Sized Life with Amy Schmidt — the podcast for women who are done maintaining the old life and ready to build the true one.
Every episode, Amy brings the honest conversation you've been waiting for — the one that sounds less like a self-help seminar and more like a glass of wine with your wisest friend. Real stories. Practical frameworks. Permission to let go of what no longer fits and make room for what actually does.
Because a right-sized life isn't about having less.
It's about having what fits — so when the moments that matter arrive, you are actually there for them.
Amy Schmidt is the founder of Fearlessly Facing Fifty
HOSTED BY
Amy Schmidt
Loading similar podcasts...