Fifteen Minutes With Amy and Faith

What happens when work ends—who are you then?In this episode of Fifteen Minutes with Amy and Faith, we’re joined by life coach Joe Sumekh, who challenges the idea of “retirement” and introduces a more empowering concept: graduating from work.Together, we explore what it means to step into your next chapter with purpose, how to reconnect with yourself after years of responsibility, and why this stage of life can be the most meaningful yet.If you’ve ever wondered “what’s next?”—this conversation is for you.00:00 Welcome to Fifteen Minutes with Amy and Faith00:06 Breathing exercise00:50 Introducing Joe Sumekh01:46 What does “graduating from work” mean?03:49 Taking lessons into your next chapter04:20 Finding purpose after work05:43 A lifelong search for meaning07:20 Why purpose can feel hard to find08:22 Teaching your kids through how you live09:31 Fear of “what’s next”10:19 Modeling passion for your children11:37 Reacquainting yourself with YOU12:29 Living vs. existing13:08 Being present and creating “magic”14:19 What legacy looks like15:23 Fulfillment through reflection16:09 Listener invitation + future conversations17:03 This stage of life for Gen X17:49 Joe’s message: “Life is good when…”

Menopause is more than hot flashes—and for many of us, it’s a conversation we never had.In this episode, Joyce McCall shares what’s really happening during midlife, from brain fog and fatigue to emotional shifts that can leave women feeling unseen and uncertain.But this stage isn’t about losing yourself—it’s about finding a new way forward.With her three pillars—Recovery, Regulation, and Fuel—Joyce offers simple, practical ways to support your body, restore your energy, and move from foggy to focused. Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple PodcastsMenopause is more than hot flashes—and for many of us, it’s a conversation we never had.In this episode, Joyce McCall shares what’s really happening during midlife, from brain fog and fatigue to emotional shifts that can leave women feeling unseen and uncertain.But this stage isn’t about losing yourself—it’s about finding a new way forward.With her three pillars—Recovery, Regulation, and Fuel—Joyce offers simple, practical ways to support your body, restore your energy, and move from foggy to focused. Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts

Ever feel overwhelmed by even the smallest decisions?In this episode of Fifteen Minutes with Amy and Faith, we sit down with executive coach Joyce Heckman to talk about decision fatigue — what it is, why it happens, and how it shows up in everyday life.From choosing what to wear to making bigger life decisions like career moves or retirement, the constant pressure to make the “right” choice can leave us stuck.Joyce shares how building her own website brought this into focus — and how stepping back, letting go of perfection, and asking better questions can help you move forward.If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure what to do next… this conversation is for you.

What happens after a long career finally ends?In this episode of 15 Minutes with Amy and Faith, we launch our new series exploring the question many people eventually face:What do you do after you “graduate from work”?Our guest, Ed Schollmeyer, recently retired after a 33-year career at Fidelity. Instead of trying to recreate a traditional full-time role, Ed began exploring new ways to stay engaged, purposeful, and connected.Today he serves as an adjunct college professor, mentoring students and sharing real-world insights from decades in the financial industry.In this conversation we talk about:• The emotional side of leaving a long career• Why retirement doesn’t have to mean stopping work completely• Taking small steps toward what interests you• Finding purpose through mentoring and teaching• Redefining work and balance in the next stage of lifeIf you’re thinking about retirement, a career transition, or simply wondering what comes next, this conversation will get you thinking.And remember…tell your bestie.Chapters:00:00 Welcome to 15 Minutes with Amy and Faith00:06 Breathing exercise00:40 Starting the series: Graduating From Work01:00 Meet Ed Schollmeier02:30 The first feeling after retiring03:50 Why retirement decisions happen in small steps06:00 Finding purpose after a long career07:20 How mentoring led to teaching12:00 The best part of teaching students15:00 Advice for people graduating from work18:40 Setting boundaries in the next stage of life20:00 How retirement changes your perspective21:40 You don’t need a full-time “next act”23:00 Final thoughts and takeaway24:15 Tell your bestie

Spring is arriving — the birds are back, the days are getting longer, and sunlight is suddenly streaming through the windows. And with it comes a familiar realization: it might be time to clean and declutter.In this episode of Fifteen Minutes with Amy and Faith, we talk about the signs of spring and why this season naturally leads to the urge to reset our homes and our routines.From sunlight revealing the dust we ignored all winter to deciding what to keep, what to let go of, and why we should finally start using our “good stuff,” this conversation explores the emotional side of decluttering that many Gen Xers are experiencing right now.We also talk about:• Why longer days trigger the spring cleaning instinct• Letting go of things we’ve accumulated over the years• The challenge of inheriting family items and collections• How to decide what to keep and what to release• Why it may be time to start using the things we’ve been savingSometimes the signs of spring don’t just change the season — they change how we look at our homes and the things we hold onto.

What if you could design an app for happiness? Would it actually work?In this episode, Amy and Faith imagine what a happiness app might look like — and discover that true happiness isn’t something you download or swipe through. Instead, it comes from small, intentional daily actions.They explore practical ways to boost your mood, retrain your brain, and find more joy every day, including:• Getting a little sunshine, even in winter• Listening to your favorite music to shift your mood• Faith’s Positivity Toolbox — simple mindset tools that really work• The facial feedback loop: why smiling (even fake smiles) releases feel-good chemicals• How neuroplasticity helps your brain notice the good and build happinessWhether you grew up without apps like Gen X or just want simple, actionable ways to feel lighter, calmer, and happier, this episode is full of practical ideas you can try today.Connect with Faith for coaching: Reach her on Instagram or Facebook to learn more about using these tools in your everyday life.Subscribe for more real conversations about life, mindset, and everyday challenges from a Gen X perspective.Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to 15 Minutes with Amy and Faith00:15 Why we’re talking about happiness today01:20 Breathing exercise01:55 Imagining an app for happiness02:55 Happiness Tool #1 – Sunshine and mood05:55 Happiness Tool #2 – Music and emotional shifts08:40 Our go-to songs that instantly change our mood10:45 Faith’s Positivity Toolbox – The power of smiling12:50 Reframing thoughts: “I’m safe, I’m okay”14:10 Training your brain to notice the good15:40 Designing your own happiness app16:30 Final thoughts and where to connect with usChapters / Timestamps

Do you ever feel like you care too much… or just feel completely drained? You’re not alone. In this episode of Fifteen Minutes with Amy and Faith, we talk with life coach Richard Taliaferro about misplaced caring, why “not caring” can become a coping mechanism, and how to protect your energy and set boundaries.We cover:How to know when caring is hurting instead of helpingUsing your energy as data to guide your choicesLearning to say “no” without guiltUnderstanding who truly deserves your energyReclaiming focus, clarity, and emotional balanceThis conversation is for Gen X women and anyone feeling burned out, stretched thin, or unsure what matters most. Reflect with us: What truly matters to you? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!0:00 – Welcome & Episode Intro1:06 – Breathing Exercise: 5-5-7 Reset2:16 – Guest Introduction: Richard Taliaferro3:10 – Richard’s Podcasts & Career Insights3:50 – Misplaced Caring & Zero Fs Given Era5:16 – Not Caring as a Coping Mechanism6:41 – Choosing What Matters & Prioritizing Energy7:08 – Boundaries: Good Fences8:22 – Saying No & Protecting Your Limits9:36 – Difficult Conversations10:50 – Energy as Data13:27 – Journaling & Reflection15:02 – Authenticity vs Performative Caring16:35 – Making the List: What to Care About18:14 – Permission to Want What You Want19:04 – Reflective Question: What Really Matters to You?19:50 – Episode Wrap-Up & ClosingListen wherever you get your podcasts: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Are we becoming our grandmas — or is Gen X just remembering something we forgot?In this episode of Fifteen Minutes with Amy and Faith, we talk about the rise of “granny hobbies” like crochet, gardening, baking, and puzzles — and why so many of us are suddenly choosing yarn over scrolling.But this conversation doesn’t stay light. Gen X is the bridge generation. We grew up with analog childhoods and now live fully digital adult lives. We remember slower afternoons, fewer notifications, and homes shaped by women whose hands were always creating something steady and warm.What we once brushed off as ordinary now feels meaningful.This episode shifts from hobbies to nostalgia — from what we’re making now to what our mothers and grandmothers quietly built before us. We used to roll our eyes. Now we’re rolling yarn.And maybe that’s the power of nostalgia.

In this episode of Fifteen Minutes with Amy & Faith, Jocelyn Kenner shares five practical ways to get organized, reduce overwhelm, and discover joy in your everyday life. Whether you’re a busy Gen X listener or anyone looking to create more order, simplify routines, and enjoy your space, this episode is packed with actionable tips and insights you can put into practice immediately.

This Valentine’s Day, join Amy & Faith as they share heartwarming stories and reflections on love, connection, and meaningful gestures. From childhood Valentine’s cards to thoughtful surprises between partners, they explore the moments that make us truly feel love. Whether it’s a small act of kindness or a nostalgic memory, this episode is all about celebrating the love that surrounds us every day.

Not everyone grew up hearing I love you. In this episode, Amy and Faith explore how to recognize love through the five love languages: Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service, and Physical Touch.Through personal stories and generational insights, discover how to both give and receive love meaningfully — even if the words weren’t said growing up.

Join Amy and Faith as they welcome life coach Emily Orginz (Parenting for Independence) for a special episode on Groundhog’s Day, sustainability, and eco-conscious living. Emily explains why Groundhog Day is one of her favorite holidays and how observing natural cycles connects us to the earth. We explore practical tips for reducing waste, recycling, reusing, and repurposing, and dive into the expanded 10 R’s of sustainability — rethink, refuse, reduce, reuse, repair, restore, refurbish, remanufacture, repurpose, recycle, and rot.Discover strategies for shopping your fridge before buying more, repairing instead of replacing, and making mindful choices that make a real difference for the planet. Perfect for Gen X listeners looking to live more sustainably in their everyday lives.

 Is coffee just a drink, a morning ritual, or a full-blown hobby? In this episode of 15 Minutes with Amy and Faith, we explore coffee culture from a Gen X perspective, sharing our personal experiences, funny stories, and thoughtful reflections on what coffee really means in our lives.From the aroma of a freshly brewed cup to the nostalgia of coffee and cake at a friend’s house, we dive into the social rituals and cozy moments that make coffee more than just a beverage. We also explore whether obsessing over the perfect cup, collecting mugs, or curating coffee accessories counts as a hobby.

A special episode dedicated to thanking our listeners and reflecting on midlife, growth, and rediscovery.We discuss:Life pauses and refocusing on yourselfRediscovering passions and opportunities in midlifeReflections from 2025 and plans for the year aheadThis episode is for anyone in Gen X navigating midlife transitions, embracing personal growth, and seeking insight into life’s next chapter.

Traditional New Year's Resolutions not working for you? We got you! In this episode of 15 Minutes With Amy and Faith, we share practical tools to make 2026 your best year: mantras, words of the year, vision boards, mini coaching questions to ponder and the power of "no". Pick one or use them all and start designing a year with clarity, intention and small actionable steps. 

Are New Year’s resolutions really worth it? In this episode of 15 Minutes with Amy and Faith: Life from a Gen X Perspective, we dive into the world of resolutions, intentions, and personal growth. Amy and Faith share stories from their own lives — from small everyday changes to Faith’s unforgettable grad school kiss — and explore why giving yourself grace and focusing on achievable goals can make all the difference.We also talk about the ups and downs of the gym in January, how diet culture affects your goals, and what our Coaches Over 50 club had to say about resetting, creating mantras, and setting intentions instead of strict resolutions. Special shoutout to life coach Natasha Hardy and her inspiring reminder: “Be amazing!”Whether you’re a Gen X mom, someone navigating health and wellness, or just curious about what actually works for personal growth, this episode is full of relatable insights, practical advice, and a touch of humor to help you start 2026 right.

In this special Christmas Eve episode, Amy and Faith talk all things holiday—from cherished memories and meaningful traditions to favorite Christmas movies, songs, cookies, and iconic TV moments.Listeners weighed in on everything from classic Christmas films (Home Alone, Elf, It’s a Wonderful Life) to the very important question: Is Die Hard actually a Christmas movie? The conversation also covers holiday music favorites, why chocolate chip cookies dominate every cookie discussion, and the beauty (and controversy) of sugar cookies.Amy and Faith also share Christmas Eve traditions that don’t always get talked about, including what Jewish families often do on Christmas Eve—movies, Chinese food, time with friends—and why gathering together matters more than how you celebrate.This episode is a reminder that the holidays don’t have to look one specific way. However you celebrate—or don’t—there’s space for you here.

The holidays can be joyful, chaotic and sometimes complicated - especially from a Gen X perspective! In this episode of 15 Minutes With Amy and Faith, we share stories, traditions and tips for finding the merry, the bright and the light, no matter what you celebrate!

Life coach Natascha joins Amy & Faith to talk openly about midlife reinvention, menopause, caring for aging parents, guiding adult children, and preparing for the next chapter with clarity and confidence. She also shares the surprising lessons she learned from her time on The Golden Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise — and why it pushed her to dream even bigger at 50+.A grounded, hopeful episode for every woman rethinking what’s possible.

In this episode of 15 Minutes with Amy and Faith: Life with a Gen X Slant, we talk honestly about what it feels like when your friends’ kids are getting engaged, getting married, and having babies…while your own kids aren’t there yet. It’s a mix of joy, pride for your friends, and that quiet ache of “Why not us?” Amy opens up about her own experiences, and Faith offers coaching tools to help you step back, reframe, and let go of comparison. This is a real, grounded conversation for every Gen X mom learning to celebrate others without losing herself in the process.

From turkey, pie, and stuffing to parades, football, travel days, and blended family traditions — this Thanksgiving episode dives into what the holiday really looks like for Gen X. Amy and Faith are sharing the memories they grew up with, the expectations we all try to manage, and the unfiltered realities of hosting, traveling, and navigating family dynamics during the holidays. Whether you’re cooking, traveling, hiding from your in-laws, or taking a quiet moment with coffee, this episode is for you!

In this episode, Amy and Faith sit down with Emily, their friend and fellow life coach, to talk Gen X parenting, raising adulting children and navigating the challenges of young adults living at home or boomeranging back and forth. From shifting expectations and emotional triggers to modeling resilience and knowing when "don't say anything" is the best move, this episode is packed with real talk, humor and insights every parent of adult kids will relate to.

With Tamar joining Amy and Faith, this episode dives deep into the friendships that shape our lives - the ones that stick, the ones that fade and the ones that were only meant to be part of a season. For Gen X women navigating everything from empty nests to life transitions, friendships play a more significant role than we often realize. In this episode, we talk about the joy of friends who have known you "way back when", the excitement of new connections later in life, what to do when friendships shift or fade and the realities of being the friend who always initiates.

In this episode, your hosts sit down with combat veteran, life coach and podcaster Christian Betancourt for a conversation about what to ask and not to ask a veteran and what every veteran wants you to know.

Why are the holidays starting earlier every year? We talk about the holiday creep, the loss of personal connection in celebrations and what it might say about a cultural shift - all from a Gen X perspective.

In this episode, we chat with Tamar and Sue, the Gen X friends behind Calling All Cupids, about why they started a podcast about love. They share how it began, how matchmaking became part of the story, and a surprise that proves Tamar might actually be a real-life Cupid!

This episode features a conversation with our colleague and friend, career coach Richard Taliaferro. We discuss repurposing strengths to create meaningful next chapters, the challenges of perfectionism and facing contention with curiosity.

In this episode, your hosts discuss the undeniable holiday creep, as holidays like Halloween seem to be celebrated earlier and earlier every year. We also talk about the impersonality of Halloween and how this could be a symbol of a shift in our cultural mindset.

This episode features a conversation with our colleague and friend, career coach Richard Taliaferro. He will talk about his work assisting others in repurposing their strengths, meeting roadblocks with curiosity and the challenges of perfectionism.

In this episode, your hosts discuss the undeniable holiday creep, as holidays such as Halloween seem to be celebrated earlier and earlier every year. We also talk about the impersonality of certain holidays and how this could be seen as symbolic of a cultural shift in mindset.

In this episode, your hosts discuss the undeniable holiday creep, as holidays like Halloween seem to be celebrated earlier and earlier. every year. We will also talk about the impersonality of the holidays as a possible symbol of a cultural shift in mindset.

This episode features a conversation with our colleague and friend, career coach Richard Taliaferro. He will talk about his work assisting others in repurposing their strengths, meeting roadblocks with curiosity and the challenges of perfectionism.

In this episode, we will talk about the undeniable holiday creep as holidays like Halloween seem to be getting pushed out earlier and earlier. We will discuss holiday celebrations then and now and how times have changed. Is the holiday creep a real life example of our constantly shifting and evolving culture?

In this episode, we will speak with midlife coach Jill Pakledinaz about helping women create meaningful next chapters, her Midlife Secret Society and the important topic of making friends in our fifties and beyond.

In this episode, we will discuss hair dyeing (or the choice to go gray) as it relates to us as Gen Xers. We will also talk about how our hair speaks volumes about who we are and how our upbringing has influenced our hair choices.

Your hosts are joined by coach Robin, a life coach for women 45 and over! This episode is all about shedding old labels, challenging (the many) misconceptions about midlife and living this next chapter fiercely!

Why doesn’t customer service feel the same anymore?In this episode of Fifteen Minutes with Amy and Faith, we explore the experience gap in modern customer service — from frustrating visits to the bank to confusing interactions at retail and beauty counters.Through these stories, we ask: Are we somehow responsible? Did Gen X’s embrace of convenience and technology change the way service works today — for better or worse?We also examine:The growing generation gap in communication and social interactionHow post-COVID life and device culture have shifted in-person experiencesThe subtle ways our expectations and habits may have shaped today’s service landscapeThis isn’t about blaming younger generations. It’s about understanding the shift from relationship-based service to transactional service, and exploring what part Gen X may have played — intentionally or not. Join the conversation:Have you noticed a change in customer service?Do you think our generation played a role in the experience gap? Share your experiences with us! Subscribe to Fifteen Minutes with Amy and Faith for thoughtful, relatable conversations about culture, connection, adult kids, and navigating life from a Gen X perspective — for Gen X… and anybody.00:00 Welcome to Fifteen Minutes with Amy and Faith00:15 Adding the “Gen X Lens” Clarifier00:45 Breathing Exercise02:00 Customer Service Experience at the Bank04:30 The Generation Gap in Customer Service06:15 What Did We Not Teach the Younger Generation?07:50 Loneliness, Disconnection & Post-COVID Social Shifts08:55 Retail Customer Service Experience (Sephora Story)11:20 The Power of the Customer Experience13:30 Did We Upgrade Convenience and Lose Connection?14:50 Are We Somehow Responsible?15:20 Join the Conversation

In this episode, your hosts will discuss what it looks like to chart a new course or blaze a new trail in your 50's and beyond! Amy and Faith will also touch on their personal experiences with this concept as it relates to their life coaching journeys. Calling all Gen Xers to get inspired and ready to begin this exciting new chapter of our lives!

In this episode, you will hear all about Amy's visit with Faith and her family. We will also discuss why this in-person meeting was so momentous for us both as co-hosts of a podcast and in the broader context of this digital world in which we all live.

This episode discusses a phenomenon common to most Gen X parents: the empty nest! We will talk about how expectations are often very different from reality!

In this episode, Faith and Amy will discuss the challenges of helping your anxious child navigate significant transitions, such as leaving home for college! Also in this episode, possible strategies for coping with anxiety to help our children or even ourselves!

This episode will discuss a topic that hits home for one of our hosts. We will explore the challenges and changes to the family structure when an adult child moves back home.

Midlife is messy, hilarious, and full of change—and nobody talks about it! Join Amy and Faith as they dish on adulting children, aging parents, shifting friendships, and rediscovering yourself—all through a Gen X lens.In this pilot episode, they introduce themselves, share why they started the podcast, and explore the realities of the “sandwich generation.” From long-term relationships to personal growth, this episode gives a taste of the honest, relatable conversations that define Fifteen Minutes with Amy & Faith.Get involved: Answer our weekly question and help build a supportive, real-life community.Chapters:0:00 – Welcome & Episode Introduction0:15 – Amy & Faith Say Hello1:10 – Amy’s Introduction & Coaching Background1:38 – Faith’s Introduction & Coaching Approach2:45 – How the Podcast Started3:34 – The Gen X Perspective & Sandwich Generation3:59 – What Topics We’ll Cover4:51 – Finding Yourself in Midlife5:25 – The Challenge of Midlife Friendships7:01 – How to Engage With Us7:16 – Episode Question for the Community8:10 – Wrap-Up & Next Episode PreviewInstagram: @fifteenminuteswithamyandfaithFacebook: Fifteen Minutes With Amy And Faith Podcast