School of Midlife

Hillary Dater came to a BEST LIFE Retreat a few years ago -- not because she was in crisis, but because her work brought her there. She had what looked like everything: a dream job in the nonprofit sector, family, community, a life that rang all the bells.And still, something wasn't quite right. She just hadn't stopped long enough to notice.What followed the retreat was a series of genuinely bold moves: a move to the mountains, leaving a career she'd spent decades building to pursue something that actually lit her up, a fly fishing trip to Argentina with her son -- her first international travel in thirty years -- and a year spent intentionally, deliberately, scheduling fun back into her life.In this conversation, Hillary and Laurie talk about what it actually looks like to stop living on the sidelines of your own life...even when the life you're living is already pretty good. They talk about joy as something that has to be practiced, not assumed. About asking for help as a skill. About the moment Hillary's father, in hospice, looked at her and said: "I've got all the time. I've got the money to do anything I want. And I don't have my health. Don't make that mistake."This episode is proof that you don't have to be in crisis to deserve change. You just have to decide the life on the other side of the investment is worth more than the comfort of staying put.What we coverHow Hillary came to the BEST LIFE Retreat for work -- not because anything was wrong in her life -- and what happened after she leftThe light fixture epiphany: the moment she realized she couldn't answer the question "what do you like?" and what that revealed about how far she'd drifted from herselfWhy being in a room of women you barely know can be more liberating than being with your closest friendsThe "scared-cited" feeling: what happens when you share a bold idea with the wrong people first...and what happens when you share it with the right onesHow Hillary's dad's final words from hospice changed everything: "I've got all the time and the money, and I don't have my health. Don't make that mistake."The Hardy reel, the screaming line, the fish she stopped counting, and the moment she realized she hadn't known what fun felt like in decadesMoving to the mountains: the guilt, the fear, the grief...and what she found on the other side (her daughter making her breakfast in pajamas)Argentina: fly fishing with her son, thirty years without international travel, and what happens when you know the what and trust the universe with the howThe year she color-coded her calendar to schedule fun — and how 2026 became the year fun stopped being scheduled and started being just who she isAsking for help as a skill: how fly fishing taught her to say "I don't know this, but I want to"...and trust that willing teachers would show upThe belief she'd been carrying that she was difficult and unpleasant to be around — and what the retreat helped her see insteadWhat it means to leave a legacy while you're still here — and why watching mom live her best life is one of the greatest gifts she can give her childrenThe long arm quilting machine, the 55th birthday sand dunes, the riding lawnmower coveralls...and what it means to finally say yes to yourselfQuotable moments"I'm in a great place. I was in a great place, but I'm in an even better place now — and I feel more authentically myself than I ever have in my entire life.""When you're all there for the same purpose, even if everyone's path is different — it just becomes a game changer.""When you've got a dream and you're aligned with it and you're leaning into it, the path opens up for you.""I just had to get really comfortable with being bad, asking a lot of questions, asking for help...none of those things are like me.""I've got all the time. I've got the money to do anything I want. And I don't have my health. Don't make that mistake." — Hillary's father, from hospice"This is fun. This is what fun feels like." — the moment on the river that changed everything"The idea of not taking the risk and always wondering, if I had just let my life pass me by, if I had just remained sitting on the sidelines...that was way more scary than the idea of doing it.""Don't let life put you back on your heels. Lean into it." — Hillary's grandfather"Get in the game. It's never too late to make a change. It's never too late to be your authentic self.""Every time that I've leaned into something, even if it felt a little scary or overly indulgent, the reward and the return on that investment has just paid off in spades.""Every time I see you, I'm living my best life — and I have you to thank for it."Resources + links mentionedDie With Zero by Bill Perkins — referenced in conversationThe BEST LIFE Retreat Book a 15-minute call with LaurieIf this episode moved you, share it with the woman in your life who has a pretty good life — and deserves to know it can be even better. Subscribe, leave a five-star review, and know that Laurie reads every single one.📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

15 weekends of summer. How are you spending them?Laurie counted them. There are 15 summer weekends this year — and the moment she did that, something shifted. Not because it changed anything. Because finite time does something very particular to high-achieving women: it turns enjoyment into management.This episode started as a thought on a walk and became something much bigger: an honest look at busyness as a drug, the habit of earning rest before allowing it, and why the discomfort of doing nothing might be the most useful information you get all summer.Laurie shares what she's been working through in real time: the Sunday she spent doing absolutely nothing while Mike was out of town, the guilt that followed, and the moment a quote from a keynote at Craft + Commerce hit her in the chest and put language to something she'd been feeling her whole life.Practical, honest, and a little uncomfortable in the best way. This one is for any woman who has ever felt like she needed to earn the weekend before she was allowed to enjoy it.What we coverWhy counting the summer weekends changes the way you experience them...and not always for the betterParkinson's Law: why finite time makes us cram instead of savor, and what that costs usThe two problems with finite time: cramming it full, or feeling guilty for not cramming it fullThe pattern Laurie has been running her whole life — Saturdays off, Sundays working — and why she never questioned it until nowThe Sunday she did absolutely nothing, felt guilty about it, and what that revealedJay Papasan's keynote at Craft + Commerce and the quote that stopped her cold: "If busyness is your drug, rest will feel like stress." — Ian SimpkinsWhy busyness works like a drug, and what the cost of that addiction actually isBusyness as a hiding place: why staying in motion postpones the questions, the decisions, and the version of yourself that has things to deal withThe empty calendar question: if every obligation disappeared tomorrow, what would bubble up for you in the quiet?Three things Laurie has been doing this summer — imperfectly — to practice actual restWhy rest is a skill, not a rewardThe question underneath all of it: who am I when I'm not busy?The three practices1. Name it when the pattern shows up. Not out loud, not dramatically. Just notice: I'm reaching for my laptop because I feel like I should have something to show for this afternoon. That's it. See it.2. Give the guilt somewhere to land. The guilt isn't about the rest. It's about the belief underneath: I'm only as valuable as what I produce. When the guilt arrives, get curious. Ask it: what are you trying to protect me from? What do you think will happen if I just sit here?3. Start smaller than you think you need to. Not the whole weekend. Twenty minutes. No phone, no task, no optimization. Just twenty minutes with no agenda. Then notice: how long after those twenty minutes does it take before you reach for something to do?Quotable moments"The moment something becomes finite, you stop enjoying it and start managing it.""At some point the weekend becomes a production — and the question becomes, is this still a weekend, or is it just a different kind of work?""If busyness is your drug, rest will feel like stress." — Ian Simpkins, shared by Jay Papasan at Craft + Commerce"The rest was always conditional. The play was always something I had to earn first.""The discomfort of being unproductive feels worse to me than the exhaustion of being overworked.""Busyness isn't just a habit. It can be a hiding place.""The busyness feels productive. But what it's actually producing is distance...from the questions, from the stillness, from the version of yourself that knows things you're not ready to deal with.""The rest isn't indulgent. It's information.""Rest is a skill. The first few times you try it, it's probably going to feel awful.""Who am I when I'm not busy? That's one of the most important questions a woman in midlife can ask herself."Resources + links mentionedLast week's episode: Shoot Your Shot — Even When You'd Rather Look AwayApply for the BEST LIFE MastermindBook a 15-minute call with LaurieIf this episode resonated, share it with the woman in your life who needs to hear it. And if you haven't already — subscribe, leave a five-star review, and know that Laurie reads every single one.📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

Guest: Allison Dunn, Executive Business Coach, Founder of Deliberate Directions, Host of the Deliberate Leaders Podcast, Author of Think First: Stop Being the Bottleneck. Start Building Thinkers.Episode summaryAllison Dunn has spent thirty years coaching entrepreneurs and executives — over a thousand of them — and has just written her first book. But this conversation is about so much more than a business framework.Allison's premise: the most capable, most driven leaders eventually become the very bottleneck holding their organizations back. Not because they're failing — because they're succeeding in exactly the way that made them successful in the first place. They keep having the answers. And in doing so, they unintentionally teach everyone around them to stop thinking.Laurie and Allison dig into the five strategic thinking methods in Think First — and why the book reads less like a typical business book and more like a practical manual you'll actually use. But the conversation goes much deeper than the framework. Allison opens up about writing the book in the wake of losing her husband Mark and, shortly after, her mother — and what that loss taught her about legacy, about outgrowing an old version of herself, and about finally clarifying what actually matters now.This one is for anyone leading a team, a family, a household, or just their own life — and tired of being the only one solving every problem.What we cover in this episodeAllison's origin story: getting into a New England prep school at 16, being told no by her parents, and the single question her future father-in-law asked that changed the trajectory of her lifeThe unlikely, full-circle story of how Allison ended up relaunching Deliberate Directions, the same company originally founded by her late husband's fatherWhy Allison wrote Think First now, and the personal loss that made the timing undeniableThe core premise: why becoming "the answer person" is the most common — and most dangerous — habit of successful leadersMethod One: Clarify What Matters — why most of us are achieving goals without ever stepping back to ask if they're still the right goalsThe difference between addition and multiplication, and why most leaders (and most of us, in life) keep adding instead of finding leverageThe Post-it note on Allison's computer: "Is this urgent or is this important?"  and how that single question changes daily decision-makingWhy having all the answers is, in Allison's words, "the worst thing you could possibly have" as a leaderA generational shift in how leaders approach balance, autonomy, and contribution ...and what Gen X is learning from the generation coming up behind themThe identity piece: why letting go of "I have to have all the answers" is so difficult, and what it actually requiresAllison's reflection on outgrowing the version of herself who had a five-year plan with Mark, and what it looks like to rebuild clarity after profound lossWhat Mark would say about Think First being out in the worldQuotable moments"Could you give it the possibility that you could earn the tuition without your parents?" — the question that changed Allison's life at 16"Having all the answers is the worst thing you could possibly have" as a leader."Is this adding or is this multiplying?""I've outgrown the old version of myself.""Too many people hold onto the version of themselves that someone else expected them to be... as things change, letting those old versions go and getting back on track to clarify what matters.""It's not my job" — on no longer carrying the weight of what other people think."It's about the journey. And when you have the time, take it."Resources + links mentioned→ Think First: Stop Being the Bottleneck. Start Building Thinkers by Allison Dunn → Deliberate Directions → The Deliberate Leaders Podcast — hosted by Allison Dunn, listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify → Connect with Allison on LinkedIn and on InstagramConnect with the School of Midlife → Apply for the BEST LIFE Mastermind → Book a 15-minute call with LaurieIf this episode resonated, the most meaningful thing you can do is share it with someone who needs to hear it. And if you haven't already, please subscribe, leave a five-star review, and know that Laurie reads every single one.📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

Laurie opens this episode mid-story -- crossing a street, spotting someone she admires, and doing what she's done her whole life: looking away.What follows is one of the most personal episodes she's recorded. It's the story of her relationship with Ellen Yin — media company founder, host of the Cubicle to CEO podcast, keynote speaker, and one of the most gracious humans Laurie has encountered in six years of building this business. Across four years and four distinct moments, Laurie traces the evolution from moving chicken around a plate at a lunch table to waking up to a DM that said: Laurie, I adore you.But this episode isn't really about Ellen. It's about the conditioning that makes high-achieving women invisible to themselves -- and what it actually looks like to start unlearning it. At 54. After years of doing this work. Still.The theme woven through this year's Craft + Commerce conference: shoot your shot. Be delusionally confident. Stop being the first person to tell yourself no.This episode is Laurie's honest reckoning with all of it.What we coverThe cold open: crossing the street, recognizing Ellen Yin, and the instinct to look away — and what that one moment reveals about a lifetime of habitsWhat happened at the lunch table four years ago — the salad, the chicken, the over-explaining, and the classic nervous deflection of proving how much you know when what you're actually feeling is: do I even deserve to be here?The DM that changed everything: how Laurie shot her shot, flew to Oregon, drove 90 minutes in commuter traffic, and spent an extraordinary day learning from someone she admiredThe crosswalk moment — last year's Craft + Commerce — and why she looked away when she could have made the connection herselfThis year's conference: walking into the breakout room, the hug, the lit-up face, and what it felt like to be seen by someone she'd assumed was too important, too busy, too far above her to see herWhy the tech not working in the room didn't matter — and the Maya Angelou quote that's been living in Laurie's head ever sinceGetting in the photo line — the internal negotiation of "why not me?" — and waking up to Laurie, I adore youLittle Laurie: the conditioning, the beliefs, the habits that were formed so long ago she didn't know she was still running them"I just stopped being the first person to tell myself no" — the keynote line that reframes everythingThe three micro-shots from this year's conference: asking for the free signed book, getting the photo with Ellen, joining a lunch group that felt out of her leagueWhy it's not the ask that's the problem — it's the belief we've attached to the askFour takeaways for shooting your shot, being seen, and doing this work for as long as it takesThe four takeaways1. The look-away is a habit, not a truth. When you feel the impulse to make yourself smaller, to assume someone is too important to see you, to talk yourself out of making the ask — that is old conditioning running a very old program. You can notice it. You don't have to keep obeying it.2. Shooting your shot is a skill — and it gets easier. Not because the fear goes away, but because you build evidence. The ask doesn't kill you. The worst thing people can say is no — and no is not a rejection of you. It means not right now. You keep asking. At some point, they say yes.3. The gift of being seen starts with letting yourself be visible. Ellen couldn't have touched Laurie's arm at the crosswalk if Laurie had walked the other way. Every time we make ourselves invisible, we rob someone else of the chance to surprise us.4. We are never done with this work. At 54. After years of coaching herself and others. Laurie still looked away at the crosswalk last year. Still moved the chicken around the plate four years ago. The difference isn't that the impulse is gone. It's that she notices it faster — and sometimes, not always but more often, does the thing anyway. That's the work. That's all this is.Quotable moments"She made the connection when I wasn't going to do it myself.""I just stopped being the first person to tell myself no.""Being delusionally confident doesn't mean you don't feel the fear. It means you make the ask anyway -- and you let other people decide whether to say yes.""It's not the ask that's the problem. It's the belief we attach to the ask.""Every time we make ourselves invisible, we rob someone else of the chance to surprise us.""The difference between now and four years ago isn't that I've eliminated the impulse. It's that I notice it faster. And sometimes I do the thing anyway.""You shouldn't have to shoot your shot alone.""People will forget what you said. They will forget what you did. But they will never forget how you made them feel." — Maya Angelou"Go make someone feel something this week. Might as well start with yourself."People + resources mentionedEllen Yin — founder of Ellen Yin Media, host of the Cubicle to CEO podcast Craft + Commerce Conference — annual creator conference hosted by Kit in Boise, IdahoKit — Laurie's new email service provider (formerly ConvertKit) James Clear — author of Atomic Habits (30 million copies sold)Maya Angelou — "People will forget what you said. They will forget what you did. But they will never forget how you made them feel."BEST LIFE MastermindEverything in this episode -- the looking away, the over-explaining, the belief that someone else's question matters more than yours, the feeling that you're not worth remembering -- is exactly the work we do inside the BEST LIFE Mastermind. Not in theory. In practice. With ten women who will see you when you want to make yourself invisible. Who will nudge your arm at the crosswalk when you're about to look away.→ Apply now → Book a 15-minute call with Laurie  Retreat 1 — Sun Valley, Idaho · September 1–4, 2026 Retreat 2 — Civana Wellness Resort + Spa · Carefree, Arizona · February 23–26, 2027If this episode made you think of someone who needs to hear it , please send it to them. That's your shot to take this week. 🙏Subscribe, leave a five-star review, and know that Laurie reads every single one📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

What would you do differently if you actually trusted yourself?Laurie is recording from the mountains this week, which means no studio microphone, slightly different audio, and zero apology about it. Some things you just roll with.What she did bring: a piece of paper with four transformations that become possible when a woman finally stops deferring to everyone else and starts trusting herself. Not the problem; we talk about the problem plenty. Today's episode is about the other side. What actually changes when you do this work. How it feels. What it looks like in your real life and your professional life simultaneously.This one will make you nod. Pay attention to which transformation makes you nod the hardest. Laurie wants to know...and there's an ask at the end about exactly that.What we cover in this episodeThe question most midlife women have never been asked -- and why the pause when someone finally asks it tells you everythingWhy you're not avoiding decisions because you don't know the answer -- and what you're actually waiting forThe gap between how you make decisions professionally versus personally -- and how personal leadership development closes itWhy the BEST LIFE Mastermind is where this work happens in practice — not in theoryAn engagement ask: which of the four transformations resonated most with you?Quotable moments from this episode"The reason you haven't made the decision isn't that you don't know the answer. It's that you don't trust yourself fully to act on it. There's a difference.""You've been trained to trust yourself professionally — and trained to defer personally. Personal leadership development closes that gap.""The guilt often arrives before the desire to do the thing is even fully formed. We shut it down before we can fully feel it.""What you want for your life is not less valid than what you want for your career.""This work gets to the reason why you've been waiting — which is almost never about timing and almost always about fear.""There's a difference between knowing something intellectually and integrating it at a level where it changes your behavior."Resources + links mentioned→ Apply for the BEST LIFE Mastermind→ Book a 15-minute call with Laurie Connect + engageLaurie asks directly: Which of the four transformations resonated most with you? Tag her on social or drop her an email — she's using your answers to shape future episodes.Instagram: @laurie.reynoldson Website: schoolofmidlife.comIf this episode landed for you, please subscribe, leave a five-star review, and share it with a woman who needs to hear it. Laurie reads every review personally.📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

Time to do something just for you.When is the last time you made a decision, chose a direction, or said "yes" to something that was entirely, completely just for you? Not for your family, not for your career advancement, and not because it fulfilled a decades-old obligation—but purely for yourself? In this powerful episode, host Laurie Reynoldson challenges high-achieving women to step off the hamster wheel of external validation and confront a heavy midlife reality. If your life looks completely perfect on paper, yet you are still quietly asking, "Is this it?", Laurie reframes this unsettling question not as a crisis, but as a sign that you are finally paying attention. This episode marks the official opening of applications for the Best Life Mastermind, a carefully crafted nine-month experience designed to help you stop performing, start living as one unified woman, and figure out what's next for you.In this episode, you’ll learn:The High-Achiever’s Blindspot: How we unconsciously tie our self-worth to childhood patterns of performance and external approval. The "One Identity" Philosophy: Why trying to shape-shift into different people for your career, family, and community leads to bone-deep burnout. The Nine-Month Metaphor: Why real personal transformation cannot happen in a 30-day sprint or a 90-day quarter, and why it takes nine months to "birth" a completely new version of yourself. The Power of Group Hot Seats: Why listening to other accomplished women untangle their roadblocks serves as your ultimate personal board of directors. Bypassing the No. 1 Deathbed Regret: Confronting the reality that there are fewer years ahead than behind, and how to find the courage to live a life true to yourself right now. The Big Takeaway: Stop waiting for a "perfect time" or postponing your life until retirement or an empty nest. We are no longer relegating the most important work of our lives to left-over weekend hours or late nights after everyone else is asleep. Inside the Best Life Mastermind ContainerApplications are officially open for the founding cohort launching this September. This premium, intimate nine-month personal leadership experience is capped at just 10 women. Two Mid-Week Luxury Retreats: Immersive, all-inclusive, high-end intensives running Tuesday through Friday so you don't sacrifice your weekends. Sun Valley, Idaho (September): Focused on identity and core vision casting. Civana Wellness Resort & Spa, Arizona (February): Diving into boundaries, limiting beliefs, and roadblocks. Monthly Personal Leadership Calls: Two hours of real-time Q&A, group alignment, and dedicated deep-dive hot-seat coaching. A Private, Off-Social-Media Hub: A distraction-free, algorithm-free community platform built for genuine support and connection away from the digital noise. Ready to claim your spot? Founding cohort members receive the highest level of direct access to Laurie at the lowest investment level the program will ever offer. Apply NowBook a Call Got questions? Secure a direct 15-minute alignment call with Laurie via the link in the show notes. Learn More📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

The guilt that so many midlife women feel during graduation seasonIt is officially graduation season! Across the country, high-achieving women are hosting big open houses, packing up dorm rooms, and celebrating incredible milestones. But beneath the festive surface and the proud smiles, many mothers are quietly navigating a profound, silent struggle: the bittersweet realization that their kids are moving on, and they are being left behind.In this deeply empathetic episode, Laurie Reynoldson shines a light on the hidden identity shift that graduation season triggers. When your primary job for the last 18 to 25 years has been mothering on a 24/7 basis, what happens to your sense of self-worth when those small humans no longer depend on you for their daily survival?This episode is a gentle permission slip to stop suffering in silence, acknowledge the grief of an ending chapter, and start looking at midlife not as a crisis, but as a beautiful, much-needed reset.In this episode, you’ll learn:The Motherhood Paradox: The ultimate goal of parenting is to raise a human who doesn’t need you anymore—but actually reaching that milestone can leave you feeling completely untethered.The "Grown and Flown" Reality Check: Why it’s normal to feel an overwhelming mix of intense excitement for your child and deep anxiety about the blank canvas of your own future.The Pancake Marriage Concept: A candid look at the transitions of midlife relationships, why we settle, and why your tastes in partnerships change as you mature.Redefining Midlife as a Season: Why midlife isn't a chronological number; it is a psychological phase that can trigger in your 30s when the choices of your 18-year-old self no longer fit the woman you are today.Stepping Into Phase Two: How to transition into the next phase of motherhood without guilt, putting your own wild and precious dreams front and center.The Big Takeaway: You’ve spent decades doing the heavy lifting of keeping small humans alive. They are successfully launched. Now, it’s your turn to figure out who you are when you aren't first and foremost someone's mother. This second half of your life matters just as much.Special Announcement: The BEST LIFE™ MastermindIf you are standing on the precipice of this massive identity shift and wondering "What's next for me?", you do not have to figure it out alone. This September, Laurie is launching the BEST LIFE Mastermind, a nine-month personal leadership experience for high-achieving women ready to launch their own next chapter.Intimate Community: Capped at just 10 women to serve as your personal board of directors.Two In-Person Luxury Retreats: Immersive, soul-searching getaways in Sun Valley (September) and Arizona (February) to cast your vision and anchor your goals.Continuous Structural Support: Monthly group hot-seat coaching sessions to keep you on the course you set for yourself when daily life tries to pull you back into old routines.Applications Open June 1st: The waitlist is active now and waitlist members receive first-priority access.Get on the waitlist!📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

Have you ever noticed how we almost work twice as hard to get ready to leave for vacation? We pack our schedules with an endless to-do list, run ourselves ragged, and then carry the office right along with us in our pockets.In this rejuvenating episode, Laurie Reynoldson shares her reflections after returning from a completely offline, computer-closed "ass-sitting vacation" on a tropical beach. She explores the immense pressure high-achieving women place on themselves to remain constantly available, and why sacrificing our personal time to make others comfortable is a losing game.This episode is a masterclass in learning how to set boundaries, separate "trips" from true "vacations," and protect your life's most valuable asset: you.In this episode, you’ll learn:The Pre-Vacation Trap: A look into Parkinson's Law and why we create massive 45-item to-do lists just to earn a few days away.The Power in the Pause: The mental and creative breakthroughs that only happen when you step entirely away from technology and the daily hustle.The Broken Client Boundary: Laurie shares a cautionary tale from her law firm days about the ridiculous extremes professionals go to hide the fact that they are taking time off.Trips vs. Vacations: Why dynamic European itineraries are wonderful, but why you still need an absolute "do-nothing" reset on the calendar.The Living Legacy: How prioritizing your own rest and dreams sets a critical behavioral example for your daughters and your sons.The Big Takeaway: You cannot run yourself ragged and expect to have sustainable energy for your life's work. If you don’t protect the asset, the asset won't be able to do the big things you are dreaming about.LINKS + MENTIONS:The Best Life Planner: Implement the daily "Morning 5-10-5" system Laurie used on the beach to ground her day in gratitude and vision.Essentialism by Greg McKeown: The book behind the philosophy of "protecting the asset".The Best Life Mastermind: Ready to get out of your everyday environment so you can focus on your life? Join the waitlist for the exclusive 9-month cohort starting this September.Support the Show: If you enjoyed this reminder to rest, please follow the show, leave a five-star rating, and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

What happens when a successful business owner makes a bold decision to change, but the community she serves isn't ready to let go?In this raw and deeply cathartic conversation, Laurie Reynoldson welcomes back Annie Tevelin, founder of Skin Owl, Daybreak Colour, and Gem Jolie.Annie recently announced the closure of her brick-and-mortar Skin Owl store in Boise, Idaho—a decision made from a place of vision and growth. However, the public reaction was a shock: ranging from invasive harassment to wild speculations about her health and finances.This episode explores the "underbelly" of being a public-facing entrepreneur and the incredible bravery required to stay sovereign in your choices when others project their fears onto your progress.In this episode, you’ll learn:The "Entrepreneur Marathon": Why building a business is less about the product and more about the personal development journey that builds the founder.The "Mean Girl" Underbelly of Success: How a lack of certainty in the public can lead to harmful speculation and why women must allow other women to be malleable in their lives.The Concept of Sovereignty: Annie shares why her new focus is on "complete authority and independence" over her choices, even if those choices aren't understood by the majority.Skin Owl 2.0: A sneak peek into why the next iteration of the brand will be better for both the founder and the community.Living a Fluid Life: From gaining UK citizenship to dreaming of summers in London, Annie and Laurie discuss why staying open to new "chapters" is the ultimate privilege of midlife."It is not my job to live at the length of your ceiling." — Annie Tevelin Episode Resources & LinksSkin Owl: Follow the journey into the new space.Gem Jolie: Salad delivery sourced from Idaho farms.Daybreak Colour: Boise's premiere color analysis experienceSable International: The firm Annie used for her UK citizenship process. The BEST LIFE Mastermind: Join the waitlist for this nine-month personal leadership experience. 📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

The coaching industry has failed high-achieving women. It's time to change that.Have you ever felt like you’re living a double life? Like the "badass" CEO or high-performer at the office has to shape-shift into a completely different person the moment she pulls into her garage?In this breakthrough episode, Laurie Reynoldson reveals why the coaching industry has done high-achieving women a massive disservice by forcing them to choose between "Executive Coaching" and "Life Coaching". Laurie shares how she finally "cracked the code" on why so many successful women still feel burned out and disconnected: you cannot separate the leader from the life she is living.This week is all about the launch of a new umbrella of growth: Personal Leadership Development. It’s time to stop compartmentalizing your soul and start leading yourself with the same clarity and conviction you bring to everyone else.In this episode, you’ll learn:The "One Identity" Truth: Why trying to be two different people at home and at work is the primary driver of midlife burnout.The Myers-Briggs Fallacy: Why up to 75% of personality test results may be skewed by your "conditioned" work mind rather than your authentic self.Masculine vs. Feminine Energy: How to marry the logical, "fix-it" masculine energy required for business with the intuitive, creative feminine energy your soul is yearning for.The Midlife "Crisis" Reframe: Why this season isn't a crisis, but a natural point of friction when your 20-year-old self’s decisions no longer fit the woman you are today.The Founding of the Mastermind: How Laurie’s new 9-month leadership experience bridges the gap between professional excellence and personal fulfillment.Special Announcement: The Best Life MastermindLaurie is officially inviting founding members to the Best Life Mastermind, a nine-month personal leadership experience for women who are done waiting and ready to lead their whole life.Limited to 10 Women: An intimate "personal board of directors".Two Luxury Retreats: Sun Valley in September and Arizona in February.Ongoing Support: Monthly coaching calls and a private community away from the noise of social media.Join the Waitlist: Get first access before applications open to the public on June 1st.Link: schoolofmidlife.com/mastermind-link📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

Cracking the Code on Post-Retreat MomentumHave you ever returned from an incredible vacation or a work conference feeling completely inspired, only to have that "glow" evaporate the moment you hit the reality of traffic, laundry, and a jam-packed calendar? In this episode, Laurie Reynoldson gets raw about a "bananas" week that served as a major wake-up call. Laurie explores the common trap of the "retreat high" and why three and a half days—no matter how magical—isn't enough to rewire decades of habits when life starts "lifeing" the moment you get home. She reveals her newly "cracked code" for maintaining profound change: a framework that marries the deep work of a retreat with ongoing, high-level support. In this episode, you’ll learn:The Post-Retreat Reality Check: Why your new dreams can’t mature in a single weekend without a bridge back to your everyday life. The "Personal Board of Directors": How a small, trusted cohort of peers acts as a safety net when you’re tempted to slide back into your old "reaction mode." Retreat 1.0 vs. 2.0: The difference between "Vision Casting" (who am I now?) and "Shore-Up Tools" (boundaries, limiting beliefs, and human design). The Nine-Month "Birth": Why a school-term-length container is the secret to "birthing" a completely new version of yourself. Personal Leadership Development: Moving beyond just "work skills" to a global umbrella that integrates your career success with your life’s fulfillment. Special Announcement: The Best Life MastermindLaurie is officially introducing a nine-month, intimate leadership experience launching this September.  Limited to just 10 women, this "personal board of directors" includes:Two In-Person Retreats: Kicking off in Sun Valley and regrouping at the Civana Wellness Resort in Arizona. Monthly Support & Coaching: Consistent touchpoints to solve real-time issues and celebrate breakthroughs. No-Asshole Policy: A curated, safe space where every woman is seen and supported. Get on the Waitlist: Waitlist members get first access to apply and a private preview call before applications open to the public on June 1st. Link: schoolofmidlife.com/mastermind-list 📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

You're not the only feeling this way.Host Laurie Reynoldson returns from the latest Best Life Retreat at the Civana Wellness Resort and Spa in Carefree, Arizona, still "basking in that post-retreat glow". In this episode, she pulls back the curtain on why getting away from your everyday life is the only way to truly focus on living it. From the vulnerability of a shared circle to the profound transformation that happens in just a few days, Laurie explores why midlife women are often starving for deep community and the space to be their authentic selves.In this episode, you’ll learn:The "Out of Life" Requirement: Why listening to podcasts or reading books isn't enough; you must physically remove yourself from daily distractions to gain true clarity.The Magic of the Circle: How one woman speaking her truth can validate and heal an entire group of strangers who are facing similar struggles.The Changing Face of Midlife: Why "midlife" is no longer just your 40s and 50s, but a broader season of seeking fulfillment that can start in your 30s and last well into your 60s.Authenticity Over Applause: Breaking the habit of only showing the "successful" parts of yourself and finally owning the parts that feel lost or restless.The Difference Between "Girls' Weekends" and Strategic Retreats: Why curated, fully supported experiences allow for a depth of sharing that even life-long friendships sometimes lack.Special Announcement: The Midlife MastermindLaurie is officially launching a nine-month personal leadership experience this September. Designed for high-achieving women ready for profound change, this intimate cohort features two in-person retreats (Sun Valley and Arizona) and monthly coaching to help you build your "personal board of directors".LINKS + MENTIONS:The Midlife Mastermind Waitlist: Get first access to one of the 10 exclusive spots for the 2026 cohort. Best Life Retreats in Paris: Learn more about the transformational coaching experiences coming to the City of Light this fall.📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

Claiming what you want in midlifeHave you ever felt like you’re an "Olympic level performer" at checking boxes and meeting everyone else’s expectations, yet still feel deeply restless? In this episode, Laurie Reynoldson explores a powerful "intuitive nudge" that changed the trajectory of her week: the necessity of claiming what you want in midlife. Laurie unpacks why high-achieving women often feel guilty or "selfish" for wanting more than the successful lives they’ve already built. She argues that midlife isn't the time to burn your life to the ground, but rather the time to stop outsourcing your happiness to other people's expectations and start making micro-moves toward a life that actually feels like you. In this episode, you’ll learn:Claiming vs. Wanting: Why "wanting" is passive, while "claiming" is an intentional act of ownership that plants a flag for your future. The Permission Slip: Why you are allowed to change your mind and desire different things in your 40s, 50s, or 60s than you did in your 20s. The Power of the "Morning 5-10-5": How writing down your dreams as if they’ve already happened can trigger your subconscious to start creating a new reality. Three Steps to Build Your "Claim It" Muscle: Practical strategies for getting still, speaking your desires out loud, and stopping the endless wait for external validation.LINKS + MENTIONS:📘 Best Life Planner📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

Q2 can be your most important quarter in life + business!Most people treat the second quarter of the year as a time to simply "sail through," coasting on the fumes of their January resolutions. But according to Laurie Reynoldson, Q2 is your secret weapon for finishing the year strong. In this episode, Laurie breaks down the seasonal psychology of the year—from the "shot out of the gate" energy of Q1 to the "balls to the wall" panic of Q4—and explains why January is actually a terrible time to start new habits. She introduces a more agile way to live: using the first 13 weeks of the year as a data-gathering phase, then using Q2 to make the tactical pivots necessary to actually achieve your "Best Life." Key Takeaways:The Winter Trap: Why starting big goals in the dark, cold days of January often leads to disappointment and how to use Q1 as a "toe dip" instead. The Data-Driven Life: How to move beyond "checking boxes" to using habit tracking as a tool for personal information and better decision-making. The Best Life Planner: Laurie shares the science-backed framework of her custom planner, including the "Morning 5, 10, 5" routine to prime your brain for success. The Quarterly Review: Five critical questions to ask yourself right now to assess what is serving you and what needs to be left behind. Sneaky Success: Why making "big moves" in Q2 is easier because nobody else expects them. What’s New at the School of Midlife:The Tech Overhaul: A behind-the-scenes look at the new systems, website, and email platform launching to better serve the community. High-Level Leadership Collective: An exclusive announcement about a new small-group initiative for midlife women featuring in-person intensives and virtual support. Upcoming Workshops: Short, tactical virtual sessions focused on midlife clarity and focusLINKS + MENTIONS:Best Life PlannerSchedule a discover call with Laurie📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

The business of midlife.In this special three-year anniversary episode, Laurie Reynoldson pulls back the curtain on the "business of podcasting" before diving deep into a concept every high-achieving woman needs to hear: The Business of Midlife. If you’ve spent decades advocating for your team at work and your family at home, while leaving your own dreams for "someday," this episode is your wake-up call. Laurie explores why we often treat our careers with more strategy, investment, and clarity than our own lives—and how to flip the script. In this episode, you’ll learn:The IBM Strategy for Personal Growth: How a three-step success secret from former IBM CEO Tom Watson can be applied to designing your second act. The "Someday" Trap: Why waiting for absolute certainty or the "perfect time" is the quickest way to stay stuck. Investing vs. Indulging: Breaking the conditioning that says spending time and money on your own development is selfish. The Power of Sabbaticals: Why you should "try on" your dream life (like moving to a Tuscan villa) before you sell everything to pursue it. The Ripple Effect: How getting clear on your own needs actually makes you show up better for your family and community. Are you ready to treat your life like it’s your career? It’s time to stop waiting for retirement to start living.LINKS + MENTIONS:Best Life Retreat - Civana Wellness Resort + SpaBest Life Retreat - ParisSupport the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please follow, leave a five-star rating, and share it with a friend!📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

First it was Me Too. Then it was Time’s Up. Now it’s time for something new: Me First.In this episode, Laurie introduces what she calls the Me First Movement—a powerful mindset shift for high-achieving midlife women who have spent decades putting everyone else’s needs ahead of their own.After years of conditioning to be helpful, accommodating, and endlessly available, many women in midlife find themselves exhausted, resentful, and wondering where they fit in their own lives. The truth? Putting yourself first isn’t selfish—it’s strategic.Laurie explores why so many women struggle to prioritize themselves, how cultural conditioning and caregiving roles reinforce the habit of self-sacrifice, and why choosing yourself can actually strengthen your relationships, leadership, and legacy.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why the instinct to put yourself last is deeply conditioned—not naturalThe difference between “Me First” and “Me Only” (they are not the same thing)How prioritizing yourself actually improves your relationships and family dynamicsWhy waiting for the “right time” to pursue what you want is a dangerous mythTwo simple challenges you can try this week to begin shifting into Me First modeThis isn’t about abandoning the people you love. It’s about finally including yourself in the equation.Because midlife isn’t a holding pattern—it’s your opportunity to launch the second half of your life with intention, clarity, and courage.📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

You might be closer to your best life than you think.In this episode, Laurie shares two powerful moments from a recent retreat with a cohort of high-achieving midlife women—moments that reveal two of the biggest mindset barriers keeping women from fully stepping into their next chapter.The first came from a woman who realized she was already 75% of the way to living her best life—a reminder that many women don’t need to burn everything down to create change. Often, it’s about small shifts, clearer alignment, and finally prioritizing what matters most.The second moment came from a question many women quietly carry: How can I go after my best life when so many people have it worse than I do?In this conversation, Laurie unpacks both of these ideas and challenges the conditioning that tells women to stay small, feel guilty for wanting more, or wait until “someday” to pursue the life they truly want.You’ll hear why midlife isn’t a crisis—it’s a crossroads—and why living your best life doesn’t require a dramatic reinvention. Sometimes it just requires clarity, courage, and the willingness to make intentional shifts toward what matters most.If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to pursue more happiness, fulfillment, or alignment in your life, this episode will remind you that the second half of your life might just be the best one yet.LINKS + MENTIONS:Upcoming Best Life Retreat📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

What if the clarity you’ve been searching for isn’t going to come from thinking harder…but from stepping away?In this episode, your host Laurie Reynoldson shares a deeply personal invitation into the power of retreats — why getting out of your daily routine isn’t indulgent, it’s transformative. From the Best Life Retreat in Arizona to two intimate Paris experiences this fall, this conversation explores what really happens when midlife women step outside the noise of their everyday lives and into a curated space designed for reflection, expansion, and joy.This isn’t about sightseeing. It’s about seeing yourself differently.If you’ve been feeling stuck in repetition — same days, same responsibilities, same questions — this episode is your nudge to stop postponing your life. Because clarity doesn’t come from waiting. It comes from movement.LINKS + MENTIONS:🌵Best Life Retreat at Civana Wellness Resort + Spa🇫🇷 Best Life Retreats in Paris📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

What are you still doing in life...just because you're good at it?And what can a 21-year-old Olympic gold medalist teach midlife women about happiness? More than you think.In this episode, Laurie shares the story of figure skater Alysa Liu — a prodigy who retired at 17 after reaching the top of her sport, only to return years later and win Olympic gold…on her own terms. Not chasing expectations. Not performing for approval. But choosing joy.Through Alysa’s story, we explore a powerful midlife question: What are you still doing just because you’re good at it — not because you love it?This conversation challenges the idea that success means continuing down the same path forever. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is walk away from what you can do so you have space to discover what you actually want.If you’ve ever felt stuck in a life that looks successful but doesn’t feel aligned, this episode will help you rethink retirement, reinvention, and what your personal “gold medal” really is.📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

What if the problem in your marriage… isn’t your marriage? What if it’s what you’re choosing to notice?In this Valentine’s-season episode, Laurie shares a simple but powerful mindset shift that can transform your relationships — without therapy, ultimatums, or blowing up your life.Midlife has a way of making everything feel louder. The identity shifts. The resentment you didn’t realize was building. The small irritations that start to feel bigger. The question of “Is this it?”But before you make any dramatic moves, Laurie invites you to try something deceptively simple:Change your focus.Because what you focus on grows.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why midlife can intensify dissatisfaction in long-term relationshipsHow your brain is wired to look for evidence that confirms your storyThe subtle difference between healthy awareness and chronic scorekeepingA 7-day experiment that can shift the emotional tone of your relationshipWhy this practice isn’t about settling — it’s about strengthening your mindsetThis conversation isn’t about ignoring real problems. It’s about reclaiming your power in the dynamic. Because midlife isn’t just about redefining success.It’s about redefining what you pay attention to. And that choice changes everything.📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

The moment midlife asks more of you, and the trust and fear issues that may be holding you back.Midlife doesn’t usually announce itself with a crisis.More often, it shows up quietly — as restlessness, hesitation, or the sense that the life you’ve built no longer fits the way it used to.In this special episode of the School of Midlife Podcast, host Laurie Reynoldson is sharing a live recording from the final day of a recent masterclass — a conversation about trust, fear, and the moment midlife asks us to choose differently.Not because something is wrong.But because something more is possible.In this episode, we explore:Why hesitation in midlife is often a trust issue, not a clarity issueThe three fears that keep high-achieving women stuck:fear of judgment (What will they think of me?)fear of failure (What if I’m not good enough?)fear of success (What if I actually do the thing?)Why waiting is still a decision — and how default choices quietly shape our livesHow identity shifts in midlife impact our decisions, relationships, and sense of selfThe ripple effects of choosing yourself — in your marriage, your family, and the legacy you’re modeling for your childrenWhy regret doesn’t come from trying and failing — but from never trying at allThis is not a conversation about blowing up your life or starting over.It’s about learning how to stop overthinking, trust yourself again, and make intentional choices aligned with who you are now — not who you were ten or twenty years ago.If you’ve been feeling stuck between the life you have and the life you want, this episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and ask an honest question:What would it look like to choose differently — on purpose?Want to Go Deeper?The BEST LIFE Lab is a guided coaching experience for high-achieving midlife women who are ready to stop waiting and start choosing their lives intentionally — with clarity, support, and self-trust.You can learn more here.📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

The real reason you don't feel like yourself in midlife...after "fixing" your midlife body.You’ve done the work to address the physical symptoms of midlife: balanced your hormones, changed your eating, added strength training. And you still don't feel like yourself in midlife.And there's a reason for that. The real work of midlife? That's an inside job.In this bonus episode of the School of Midlife podcast, Laurie is dropping us into a recent masterclass to encourage midlife women stop waiting and start living. Laurie shares her own story of rising out of a moment of deep personal and professional frustration to create what became The School of Midlife. And she names the real reason we get stuck again after the first breakthrough: we need structure, support, and community to keep going.If you’ve taken a few big steps but don’t know what’s next—or you’re afraid you’ll lose the progress you’ve made—this one’s for you.LINKS + MENTIONS:Join the BEST LIFE Lab!📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

What it really means to move through midlife with faith instead of fear. From an aerial yoga face-off with my own trust issues to the hard-earned wisdom of the dying, we’re getting brutally honest about how fear creeps into everything—from our bodies to our beliefs—and what to do about it.Midlife is full of transitions—but for many high-achieving women, it’s not just the physical symptoms (hello, hormones, sleep, and body changes) that throw us off course. It’s the emotional weight of fear that creeps in, slows us down, and convinces us to play small.In this powerful episode of The School of Midlife podcast, Laurie returns from her weekend at the magical Civana Wellness Resort with a renewed perspective—after a brush with fear in an aerial yoga class forced her to confront some very old, very real limiting beliefs. She shares how fear often masquerades as “being responsible,” “being prepared,” or even “being informed”—but underneath it all, it’s keeping us stuck.You’ll hear:Why midlife women are often operating in a fear frequency—even when life looks “fine”What an aerial yoga meltdown has to do with trusting your intuitionHow Human Design can reveal hidden fears that quietly sabotage your fulfillmentA powerful quote that reframes the choice between fear and faithA breakdown of the Top 5 Regrets of the Dying—and how they are secretly shaping your midlife decisions right nowPlus, Laurie invites you to the free 5-day Midlife Masterclass on why you still don’t feel like yourself—even after fixing your body. If you’ve been focused on wellness but still feel off… this is for you.Resources + Links:🎓 Sign up for the FREE 5-Day Masterclass💫 Curious about the Best Life Retreat at Civana?Reserve your spot before February 9, 2026!👯‍♀️ Share this episode with a friend who’s ready to move from fear to faith.📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

What happens when your intuition is screaming something isn’t right—but the world keeps telling you to sit down and be quiet? In today’s episode, we’re talking about midlife discernment, political gaslighting, and the rising cost of staying silent. This one’s raw, unfiltered, and unapologetically necessary.In This Episode:In this soul-stirring, no-holds-barred episode, Laurie dives deep into a conversation that’s long overdue: what happens when women finally start trusting their own intuition… and the world around them tries to silence it?This episode isn’t just about politics—it’s about principles. It’s about gaslighting on every level—from government narratives to the deeply personal ways women are told not to trust their own experiences. Laurie explores how the chaos in the world mirrors what midlife women often experience when they stop people-pleasing and start speaking up.She covers:The emotional toll of constantly waking up to bad newsWhy our nervous systems weren’t built for 24/7 chaosThe terrifying rise of authoritarianism—and how it’s gaslighting the publicHow midlife women are reclaiming their voice and power, even when others try to shame them back into silenceThe gut-wrenching parallels between political manipulation and what many women experience in their personal livesMidlife isn’t a crisis. It’s a moment of radical discernment. And if you’ve been feeling like the world’s gone off the rails, and no one’s saying the quiet part out loud? This episode is for you.👀 Listen if you’ve ever felt:Gaslit by the news, your doctor, or your familyLike you’re waking up—but everyone else wants you to stay asleepPulled to speak up... but afraid to rock the boat🎯 Midlife takeaway:Your intuition isn’t a liability—it’s a leadership skill. And the world needs it now more than ever.📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

You think you're just waiting until life gets easier...until the kid graduates, until the project wraps, until the hot flashes stop. But here's the truth: waiting is costing you your one big, wild life. And midlife? That’s your wake-up call.🎙️ Episode Summary:In this fiery, heart-to-heart episode, Laurie calls out one of the most common habits among high-achieving midlife women: waiting.Waiting until your job settles down.Waiting until the kids are grown.Waiting until your parents are taken care of.Waiting until you feel better in your body.But what if waiting is exactly what’s keeping you stuck?Drawing from raw conversations with coaching clients, her own story of midlife reinvention, and the painful realities of caregiving and aging, Laurie makes the case that you can’t keep waiting to live your life—because eventually, you’ll run out of time.She also ties in the School of Midlife’s upcoming free masterclass about why so many women still don’t feel like themselves even after addressing their physical symptoms—because until you figure out what you really want, fulfillment will always feel just out of reach.In this episode:The invisible cost of “waiting for the right time”Why you don’t need to quit your job or blow up your life to make a changeWhat’s really stopping you from putting yourself firstA fresh reframe on success in midlifeHow to start now—before everything is perfect🗓️ Upcoming Event:→ Grab your spot for Laurie’s FREE 5-Day Masterclass this February:"Why You Still Don’t Feel Like Yourself—Even After Fixing Your Midlife Body"LINKS + MENTIONS:Get Laurie's Masterclass: How to Parent Your Parents📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

The way you've been setting personal goals is the very thing holding you back from living your biggest life. It’s time to ditch the SMART framework and finally create goals that align with the woman you’re becoming.Episode Summary:In this week’s fiery episode, Laurie dismantles one of the most overused—and misused—tools in personal development: the SMART goal framework. You’ve been told to make your goals specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. But when it comes to midlife transformation and building your actual BEST LIFE? That framework might be doing more harm than good.Laurie explains why applying a corporate goal-setting system to your deeply personal hopes, dreams, and desires keeps you stuck in external validation and false deadlines. She dives into why midlife is the exact moment to let go of achievable, "relevant," and time-bound goals—and finally start designing your own definition of success.You’ll learn:Why throwaway goals feel good—but don’t change your lifeHow focusing on what’s “achievable” shrinks your visionWhy setting personal goals based on relevance is total BSThe sneaky toxicity of arbitrary deadlinesHow to shift from performance-driven goals to purpose-driven dreamsShe also introduces the BEST LIFE™ framework—a game-changing, trademarked system she uses with all her coaching clients to move from burnout to breakthrough.If 2026 is the year you finally start living for you, this episode is a must-listen.Resources Mentioned:Click here to learn more about 1:1 or group coachingFollow Laurie on Instagram: @schoolofmidlifeTake the Conversation Deeper:Laurie wants to hear from YOU. What was your biggest takeaway from this episode? Slide into her DMs on Instagram or click here to send her an email! 📧📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

Why "New Year, New Me" is total BS—and what to do instead.Welcome to 2026, friend! In this first episode of the year, Laurie Reynoldson takes a refreshingly honest approach to what the New Year really means for high-achieving midlife women. Forget the pressure to overhaul your life overnight. Instead, Laurie shares why easing into the year with intention—not hustle—is the secret to making real, lasting change.From dissecting the toxic “New Year, New Me” narrative to sharing her own personal story as a state-level sprinter (who, spoiler alert, always started slow and still won her races), Laurie makes the case for embracing a more sustainable—and dare we say, enjoyable—approach to the New Year.She also walks you through why the real first step isn’t a new gym membership or a 4:30am alarm. It’s doing your damn year-end review. (Don’t worry—there’s a clickable link in the show notes to help you get that done.)In this episode, you’ll hear:Why fast starts fizzle—and what to do insteadHow to reset your expectations without losing momentumThe power of planning one quarter at a timeWhat “getting back to zero” actually looks likeHow to use lessons from 2025 to build a more intentional 2026Why midlife women need a different kind of January energyWhether you’re feeling fired up or totally wiped out, this episode gives you the permission slip (and game plan) to do things differently this year—and make midlife your best life, one realistic step at a time.Links & Resources:📥 Download the FREE 2025 Year-End Review Workbook🗓️ Check out the Best Life Planner🌵 Learn more about the April 2026 Best Life Retreat at Civana💬 Want to work together in 2026? Book a call with Laurie!📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

The secret to a powerful 2026? Actually finishing 2025.In this soulful, no-BS episode of The School of Midlife, Laurie dives into the real work we often skip at the end of the year: reflection. If you’ve ever found yourself rushing into goal-setting and resolutions while ignoring everything you just lived through, this episode is your permission slip to pause—and do it differently.Laurie shares why the space between Christmas and New Year is the perfect time to slow down, take inventory, and extract the lessons, patterns, and gold from your year—before you try to plan the next one.You’ll also hear how high-achieving women get stuck in the “next goal” dopamine loop, and what it takes to break free and find actual fulfillment.If you’re tired of chasing and ready to live more intentionally in 2026, this episode is the one to listen to before the year ends.💡 In This Episode:Why high-achieving women struggle to pause (and why we must)How to avoid chasing goals that don’t actually fulfill youWhat your calendar and camera roll can reveal about the life you’re really livingThe simple year-end practice that shifts your entire perspectiveWhy data—not drama—is the key to making confident decisions in 2026A sneak peek at Laurie’s personal year-end review and what she’s releasingHow to grab the free Closing Time Workbook to guide your reflection🔥 Favorite Quotes:“If the goal didn’t bring you fulfillment, maybe it wasn’t the right goal.”“You don’t need more goals. You need more clarity.”“Your calendar doesn’t lie. If you want to know what matters to you—look where you spent your time.”“Before you set a single intention for next year, make sure you’ve actually finished this one.”🎯 Resources + Links:📝 Download the Closing Time Workbook (Laurie’s year-end review guide):👉 schoolofmidlife.com/review🎧 Related Episode:Why SMART Goals Are Ruining Your Personal Life📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

What if you didn’t have to do it all this holiday season? What if you could actually enjoy this time of year—without the resentment, exhaustion, or crushing mental load?In this timely and honest episode of The School of Midlife, Laurie shares a powerful coaching conversation with a client who realized she was doing the holidays on autopilot—baking cookies no one eats, mailing cards no one remembers, and hosting a party that felt more like pressure than pleasure.Together, they walk through how to tell the difference between a holiday obligation and a true opportunity—and how to make peace with letting go of traditions that no longer serve you.If you’re tired of performing your way through the holidays (while secretly counting down to when it’s over), this episode is your permission slip to do things differently this year.💡 In This Episode:How to create joyful, intentional holidays without losing your mindThe pressure of family traditions—and how to stop outsourcing your peaceA simple coaching exercise to separate holiday “to-dos” from “should-dos”The energy shift that happens when you drop the guilt and reclaim your timeHow one client redesigned her entire December—and actually started looking forward to itWhy your happiness this season matters just as much as everyone else’s🎯 Don’t Miss:Laurie’s final free masterclasses of 2025 start this week! → How to Not Live the Same Year Every Year → Learn more about The Best Life Lab and how you can start 2026 with clarity, courage, and a plan that fits the woman you are now. 🎟️ Link to register is right here!🔥 Favorite Quotes:“Your happiness and peace and fulfillment around the holidays is just as important as everyone else’s.” “If it's only an obligation—not an opportunity—it doesn't belong on your calendar.” “You are a grown-ass woman. You don’t have to make fruitcake just because your grandma did.”📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

You don’t need to blow up your life. But you do need to stop waiting to live it.In this deeply reflective solo episode, Laurie is back in the studio (fresh off a trip to Paris and a new haircut) with a wake-up call for midlife women everywhere: if you’re not careful, you’ll find yourself living the same year over and over again—and call it a life.From the blur of daily routines to the invisible waitlist we put our dreams on, this episode unpacks why high-achieving women often postpone their own fulfillment—and what it actually takes to start living with more intention, starting now.💡 In This Episode:Why the end of the year feels so jarring—and what to do about itThe difference between living and just preparing to liveWhy most women don’t need reinvention—they need intentionHow to stop deferring your dreams “until after…”A heartfelt invitation to attend either the Best Life Planning Day and the last live masterclass of the year...or both!🔥 Favorite Quotes:“For most of us, we have fewer years ahead than we’ve already lived.” “Hope is not a strategy. Wishing and praying don’t create a best life. Intentional action does.” “You don’t need to blow it all up. But you do need to do some things differently.”🎯 Upcoming Events:🗓️ Best Life Planning Day (Boise): A one-day retreat to create clarity, intention, and a real plan for 2026. No suitcase. No PTO. Just space to focus on you.💻 Final Live Masterclass: How to Not Live the Same Year Every Year — 5 days of coaching to change your next 365.Don’t wait another year to start living the life you actually want.📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

What if you let go of the rulebook and gave yourself permission to create a life that feels like a dream you actually want to be living? This week on the School of Midlife podcast, we’re talking to Wendy Harrop—a retreat host, event planner, and farm-dwelling dream-weaver—who did just that.After years of living the good-girl life, checking the boxes, and doing what was expected of her, Wendy woke up to a deeper longing: one where she gets to be the main character. She didn’t burn it all down in a blaze of midlife crisis. Instead, she took one brave step after another—choosing joy, curiosity, and adventure over obligation.In this powerful conversation, Wendy shares the story of how she moved from California to a 200-year-old farm in Massachusetts, why hosting retreats for women is her calling, and what it means to live with delight, even when things don’t go according to plan. Whether you’re feeling stuck, restless, or just quietly wondering “is this all there is?”—this episode will remind you that midlife isn’t a dead-end... it’s a damn invitation.👂 In this episode, we talk about:Letting go of shoulds and embracing your actual desiresWhat it looks like to be the curator of your own lifeThe power of women gathering in intentional, beautiful spacesLiving with delight—even when life throws curveballs📌 Mentioned in this episode:Wendy’s upcoming retreatsHer dreamy Airbnb on the farm in Massachusetts📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

Pack your bags and your big midlife dreams—we’re going to Paris, babyIn this very personal (and slightly jet-lagged) episode, Laurie shares her reflections from a solo trip to Paris and announces an exciting new adventure for 2026: The School of Midlife Study Abroad Retreats. Imagine sipping wine in sidewalk cafés, sketching in the Luxembourg Gardens, and talking legacy, purpose, and joy with like-minded women.You’ll get the inside scoop on what these upcoming international retreats will look like, why they're tailor-made for midlife women craving more out of life, and how Paris itself reminded Laurie what it means to come home to yourself.This isn't a vacation—it's an immersive, soul-shifting experience. And it’s designed for you.🗝️ In This Episode:Laurie's personal experience traveling solo to Paris (and why it wasn't scary after all)The backstory behind the Study Abroad idea and why midlife is the perfect time for itA sneak peek into what the Paris retreat could include—from morning walks to art classes to Best Life coachingHow you can get on the VIP list to be the first to hear retreat details📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

What if midlife wasn’t a crisis… but a dress rehearsal for how you actually want to live?Episode Summary:In this episode of The School of Midlife Podcast, Laurie sits down with Francine Azel, a woman who is embracing midlife not as a breakdown, but as a dress rehearsal for her next chapter. Fran gets real about the intentional work it takes to keep a long-term marriage alive—and why it's worth it. She talks candidly about the growing importance of friendships, the value of play and curiosity, and the permission she’s given herself to experiment with how she wants to live.From honoring alone time in a house full of people, to making her relationship with her husband a living, breathing priority, Fran reminds us that midlife is the moment to stop going through the motions and start intentionally shaping what comes next.This isn’t about burning it all down. It’s about tending to the flames that keep your soul lit.What We Talk About:Why Fran sees midlife as a dress rehearsal—not a crisisThe myth of “coasting” in long-term relationshipsHow she and her husband are reinvesting in their marriageThe growing significance of friendships in this stage of lifeWhy you don’t need to “figure it all out”—just commit to the practiceConnect with Fran:Fran is a powerhouse midlife woman living this journey in real time. You can find her on Instragram as pocketsized_fran.📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

What flying solo—literally—to France taught me about courage, clarity, and creating the life you actually want in midlife.Episode Summary:In this deeply personal and unscripted episode of The School of Midlife Podcast, Laurie records from the Delta Sky Club just before boarding a solo flight to France—her first international trip alone. It’s raw, honest, and packed with midlife truth bombs.Laurie explores what it really means to live your adult dreams instead of just talking about them. From speaking only a little French to managing the jitters of international travel solo, she shares the messy beauty of stretching outside your comfort zone in pursuit of the life you actually want—not the one you were taught to want.She also unpacks:Why “good enough” isn’t enough anymoreHow midlife can (and should) be your dress rehearsal for the next chapterThe importance of doing the things you coach others to doHow writing down her best life goals—like “I vacation annually in Europe”—created a ripple effect that led to this exact tripThe role of vision boards, retreat invitations, and that red bicycle in the south of FranceThis isn’t a trip to check a box. It’s a powerful reminder that claiming your life starts with one brave decision at a time.📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

What if the best part of your life was still ahead of you?In this inspiring conversation, Laurie sits down with Kathi Holzer—a 67-year-old retiree who stumbled into painting after retirement and is now an award-winning artist. Kathi shares how she went from never having painted to creating pieces that now hang in homes across the country. This episode is a powerful reminder that your creativity doesn’t expire with age—and your next act could be your most fulfilling one yet.Kathi gets real about:Feeling creatively “late to the game”… and doing it anywayHow retirement can be the start of something, not the endWhy she followed a nudge of curiosity—and how it changed everythingWhat midlife women need to hear about starting new things later in lifeWhether you’re standing on the edge of a new idea or feeling like your time has passed, this episode will remind you: it’s never too late to surprise yourself.📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

You don’t get what you don’t claim—so what are you ready to stop whispering about and start declaring?🎙 Episode Summary:Midlife isn’t the time to keep performing, people-pleasing, or pretending. It’s the moment to finally get honest about what you actually want—not what you've been told to want, conditioned to want, or praised for wanting.In this fiery solo episode, Laurie drops the mic on why high-achieving women feel stuck, even when their lives “look good on paper,” and reveals the powerful shift that happens when you stop waiting for clarity and start claiming your desires.We’re talking about the difference between passive wishing and bold ownership. Why claiming what you want feels selfish (spoiler: it’s not). And why you don’t need to blow up your life to start living differently—you just need to stop outsourcing your happiness and start making small intentional moves that align with the woman you are now.If you’ve been craving more clarity, more direction, and more you in your life, this one’s going to light a fire under you.🔥 In This Episode:Why claiming is different from wishing or hopingThe fear of “burning it all down” (and why you don’t need to)The problem with living a life someone else defined as “successful”How to start flexing your “claim it” muscle with tangible tools like the Morning 5-10-5Why waiting for permission is keeping you stuck💬 Memorable Quote:“You can’t pursue what you don’t name. You can’t create what you don’t claim.”📌 Links and Mentions:Ep. 143. You're Not Here to Be the Martyr: Reclaiming Your Life in MidlifeBest Life Planner Best Life Planning Day – Boise 📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

What if you could use “weight release” to get back to who you were always meant to be?💬 Episode Summary:In this empowering conversation, I sit down with Juliana Leamen, Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner, podcast host, and bestselling author, to explore a radically different approach to weight loss and wellness in midlife.Juliana brings the receipts—blending science, functional genomics, and feminine wisdom—to help high-achieving women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s ditch the punishment-based wellness playbook and reconnect with their bodies. She shares how unlocking her own DNA helped her release over 30 pounds—and how you can do the same, without self-abandonment or shame.We dive into:The difference between weight loss and weight release—and why it mattersWhy so much wellness advice feels like a full-time job for midlife womenThe hidden masculine energy driving burnout in your bodyHow functional DNA testing can help you customize your health strategyWhy trying to "fix" your body is a losing game—and what to do insteadThis is your permission slip to stop hustling your way to health. There's a smarter, softer, science-backed path—and Juliana is here to walk you through it.🧠 About Juliana Leamen:Juliana is the founder of Naturally Joyous Inc., host of the Confidence From Within podcast, and author of the bestselling book Release – A Woman's Guide to Releasing Weight in Midlife Through Becoming Your Body’s Best Friend. She holds a Master’s in Science, is board-certified by The American Association of Natural Wellness Practitioners, and specializes in functional DNA testing for weight management and longevity in perimenopause and post-menopause.After releasing 30+ pounds by applying what she teaches, Juliana helps other high-achieving midlife women shift to a functional and feminine approach to wellness—one that works with their bodies instead of against them.🔗 Links & Resources:Learn more about Juliana’s work: naturallyjoyous.caGrab her bestselling book: Release – A Woman's Guide to Releasing Weight in Midlife📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

What if being called “selfish” was actually your first clue that you’re finally doing it right?Episode Summary:We’ve been taught our whole lives that putting ourselves first is selfish. That the gold star goes to the woman who juggles all the balls, sacrifices the most, and never drops a single one—especially not the ones tied to motherhood, marriage, or work. But what if that’s the exact mindset that’s keeping you stuck?In this episode, we’re flipping the script on what it means to be “selfish.” Laurie shares how embracing this misunderstood word is actually the gateway to living your best life in midlife—not someone else’s idea of it. You’ll hear how the conditioning of self-sacrifice shows up in sneaky ways and how reclaiming your energy, your time, and your identity isn’t just okay—it’s imperative.This episode isn’t about blowing up your life. It’s about choosing yourself—without apology. Because the truth is: no one’s going to give you permission to prioritize yourself. You have to take it.What You’ll Learn:Why “selfish” isn’t the dirty word you’ve been taught it isHow societal and cultural conditioning keeps high-achieving women stuck in people-pleasing cyclesReal talk about what it means to reclaim your energy in midlifeWhat choosing yourself actually looks like—without burning it all downWhy the feminine energy of receiving and resting isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessityIf you’re ready to stop asking for permission and start living like your life belongs to you again, this one’s for you.📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

This is the story of what happens when a woman finally says: enough.In this deeply moving episode of The School of Midlife, Laurie is joined by Megan Hodgdon—a survivor, entrepreneur, award-winning food artist, and living proof that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.Megan’s journey includes surviving two abusive marriages, navigating the court system, rebuilding trust, reclaiming her identity, and eventually launching a thriving charcuterie business—Boise Beauty Boards—that’s earned her recognition as a top food influencer and local favorite.You’ll hear how Megan’s business started as a graduation party Pinterest idea and became a full-fledged career that’s not only provided for her family, but also helped her rebuild her confidence, her community, and her voice.This conversation is about pain—but even more about power.If you’ve ever felt stuck in a life that doesn’t reflect who you really are, Megan’s story will remind you: you can walk through fire and still come out whole—and better than before.⚠️ Content Note:This episode includes discussion of domestic violence, including physical and emotional abuse. Please take care while listening.💡 In This Episode:Why it took Megan nearly 15 years to leave—and what finally changedThe real challenges of navigating the court system as a survivorHow charcuterie boards (yes, really) became her creative outlet and callingThe power of saying YES to yourself—and creating Act 3 on your own termsAdvice for women considering entrepreneurship in midlifeHow she handles internet trolls (and goes viral anyway)🔥 Favorite Quotes:“I’ve gone through the fire—and I’m coming out on the other side.” “You don’t know what you’re capable of until you go for it.” “Midlife is where you get to soar.”📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

In this episode, host Laurie Reynoldson dives into a truth many high-achieving women avoid admitting: the discomfort, guilt, and conditioning around prioritizing ourselves.We’re in midlife—when everyone wants us to believe we should be winding down, focusing on others, or finally feeling “settled.” But what if this is actually the season when you’re supposed to become more of yourself? What if the life you've built isn't the life you truly want?Laurie unpacks:Why we wait for a crisis to finally make a changeThe cultural conditioning that tells women they should be grateful, not hungry for moreThe mindset shift that turns midlife from a “meh” season into the main eventWhy "I should be happy" is not the same as I am fulfilledThe power of asking: What do I want now?—without apology or explanationIf you’ve been feeling the quiet nudge (or loud scream) that something needs to shift, this is your reminder: You don’t need permission to want more. You just need to stop pretending you don’t.LINKS + MENTIONS:Email Laurie with Retreat Yes!Essentialism, by Greg McKeown📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

What if the secret to feeling strong and confident in midlife isn’t about starting over—but finally doing the small, sustainable things you've been avoiding?In this episode, host Laurie Reynoldson talks with Renee Bellinger, a certified nutrition and health mindset coach with a background in counseling psychology. Renee is on a mission to help high-achieving midlife women get out of the all-or-nothing trap and finally build the foundation their future selves can stand on—without crash diets, guilt, or burnout.They also take on one of the buzziest tools in the weight loss world right now: GLP-1 medications. Renee shares her hot take on why rapid weight loss without habit change can backfire—and what you should focus on instead.This episode is packed with truth bombs, permission slips, and simple mindset shifts that will get you thinking about your body, your health, and your habits in a totally different way.💡 In This Episode, We Talk About:Why small, repeatable habits matter more than “starting strong”The psychology behind behavior change (and how it trips up perfectionists)Why GLP-1s might help you lose weight fast—but won’t keep it off without habit changeThe power of identity-based goals vs outcome-based onesThe sneaky way perfectionism and “all-or-nothing” thinking keep women stuck🔥 Why You’ll Love It:This isn’t a conversation about looking a certain way—it’s about feeling like yourself again. If you’ve been stuck in start-stop cycles, putting everyone else first, or wondering why motivation never lasts, this episode will meet you where you are and show you a better way forward.Renee doesn’t hand you a 42-step health overhaul. She hands you a flashlight—and helps you finally see what’s actually in your way.LINKS + MENTIONS:Connect with Renee on InstagramConnect with Renee on her website📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

Have you been wondering…Is this a midlife crisis?Nope. It’s not. Not even close.In this episode, Laurie Reynoldson is blowing up the outdated narrative that midlife has to be a downward spiral. If you've found yourself waking up, feeling like something’s off—or like the life you’ve built doesn’t quite fit anymore—it’s not a crisis. It’s a damn awakening.We're diving deep into what’s actually going on for high-achieving midlife women: the identity shifts, the whispers of “more,” the restlessness that isn’t fixed by a new job, new car, or a few downward dogs.And instead of burning it all down, this episode explores what it looks like to tune in, take inventory, and get honest about the life you want—starting now.Because midlife isn’t falling apart. It’s coming back to yourself.In this episode, you’ll hear:Why what you’re feeling isn’t a crisis—it’s a calling.The real reason external success isn’t cutting it anymore.The hidden costs of staying stuck in autopilot.What it means to stop waiting for permission and reclaim your power.A powerful reframing of midlife as a beginning—not an ending.📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

Search terms: midlife retreat, post-retreat integration, women’s retreats, midlife transformation, personal growth for women 40+, retreat aftercare, School of Midlife podcastEpisode Summary:Coming home from retreat is magical… and also really tricky. You’ve just spent days immersed in clarity, deep conversation, and the energy of other women doing the same work. And then? Real life comes rushing back—laundry, emails, carpools, deadlines—and suddenly it feels like the “retreat you” is slipping through your fingers.In this episode, Laurie shares four powerful ways to bring your retreat home with you. Whether you’ve attended a women’s retreat, a leadership intensive, or even just taken a solo weekend to reset, these practices will help you integrate what you learned so you don’t lose momentum the second you unpack your suitcase.In this episode you’ll discover:Why the post-retreat crash is completely normal (and what to do about it)Four simple practices to help you stay connected to the woman you became on retreatHow to bring retreat energy into your everyday life without needing to run away againThe role of community and accountability in keeping your best-life momentum going📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

In this episode: midlife podcast for women, people pleasing in midlife, midlife empowerment, stop asking for permission, confidence after 40, personal growth for high-achieving women, School of Midlife podcast, Laurie’s midlife journeyEpisode Summary:In this week’s firecracker of an episode, Laurie gets real about a midlife realization that changes everything: you don’t need anyone’s permission to live your best life. Not your partner’s, not your boss’s, not society’s, and definitely not your inner perfectionist. This episode is part pep talk, part confession, and part reminder that the only person you need approval from anymore… is you.Drawing from her own life, her client stories, and the clarity that comes with decades of people-pleasing and overachieving, Laurie calls out the invisible permission slips many women are still waiting for. Whether it’s going after the career shift, booking that solo trip, signing up for the retreat, or just finally saying “no” to what no longer fits — this episode is your nudge (okay, maybe a shove) to stop asking, and start deciding.In this episode, you’ll hear:Why high-achieving women often default to seeking permission — even when we think we’ve outgrown itThe silent toll of people-pleasing (and why it’s so hard to quit)The story of a client who kept her dreams quiet until she realized she didn’t need a committee to approve themA new way to think about personal freedom in midlifeA powerful challenge: What would you do if no one else’s opinion mattered?📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

In This Episode:Midlife mindset, midlife transformation, high-achieving women, midlife identity shift, trusting yourself, bold moves in midlife, intuitive decisions, permission to change, midlife clarity, living your best lifeShow Notes: You don’t need to burn your life to the ground to build something that finally feels like you. You just need to stop waiting for permission.In this powerful conversation, Laurie sits down with Best Life Retreat alum and  bold midlife trailblazer Judith Balis to talk about what it looks like to live a life that actually aligns with who you are—and who you’ve always been meant to be.Judith didn’t leave everything behind. She made a series of intentional, courageous decisions that may not have made sense to anyone else…but made perfect sense to her. From launching a storefront against popular opinion to buying an apartment in Spain before her husband was quite ready, Judith is proof that midlife isn’t a crisis—it’s a chance to finally come home to yourself.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:Why you don’t need a full-blown reinvention to feel fulfilledThe difference between people-pleasing and personal alignmentHow to move through doubt and make decisions rooted in your truthThe quiet boldness of trusting yourself in midlifeWhat happens when you stop asking for permissionWhy living your best life doesn’t have to wait until somedayFeeling Inspired? If Judith’s story lit a fire in you—share this episode with a friend, leave a quick review, and hit subscribe so you never miss a dose of midlife real talk and reinvention.Prefer to watch this one? Click here!📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

You know that feeling when you should be celebrating—but instead, you're mentally already onto the next thing?You hit a milestone—moved into a new house, crushed a personal challenge, finished a retreat—and instead of basking in your badassery, your brain starts whispering: "Yeah, but what now?" or worse, "That wasn’t enough."In this solo episode, I (Laurie) invite you into a mindset shift that high-achieving women in midlife desperately need: moving from the Gap (what you haven’t done) to the Gain (how far you’ve already come).This one is personal. I share real-life examples from:My recent move (so many boxes, so many metaphorical mic drops)The brutal-but-beautiful 29029 TRAIL challengeA business retreat that almost sent me into a shame spiral—until someone reminded me of the badass things I'd already doneYou'll walk away with:The 4 key questions to help you catch when you're stuck in the GapA journaling prompt that will shift your whole damn weekHow to celebrate your wins without disclaimers (ahem—stop talking people out of complimenting your sweater)And why “starting from experience” beats “starting from scratch” every. single. time.If you're a high-achieving midlife woman who’s secretly exhausted from always striving and never arriving—this episode is your permission slip to flip the script.💥 You don’t need to do more to be worthy. 💥 You just need to notice how far you’ve already come.Links & Mentions:The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy📌 Take It Further:Share this episode with your ambitious AF bestie who never gives herself credit. She needs this.DM me on Instagram: When have you caught yourself in the gap? How did you shift back into the gain?Rather watch the video? Click here!📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

In This Episode: midlife women, decision-making coach, overcoming guilt, perfectionism, people-pleasing, bold choices, Jessica Frew✨ What would your life look like if you stopped living by everyone else’s rules?In this guest episode of The School of Midlife, Laurie sits down with Jessica Frew—author, speaker, and Bold Decision Coach—on the launch day of her brand-new book, Shove Your Shoulds.Jessica shares her incredible personal journey, from navigating a mixed-orientation marriage and divorce to co-parenting with her ex and building a beautifully unconventional life. Along the way, she unlearned a lot of what she thought she “should” be doing—and replaced it with bold, imperfect decisions rooted in trust, alignment, and self-worth.If you’ve ever struggled with people-pleasing, guilt, second-guessing, or the fear that you’re disappointing others by living your truth—this episode is the permission slip you didn’t know you needed.💡 In This Episode:Why “shoulds” are a sign you’re outsourcing your authorityHow to make bold decisions without guilt or perfectionJessica’s story of navigating a mixed-orientation marriage—and what came afterWhat happens when you prioritize peace over people-pleasingThe real meaning of freedom in midlife (and how to create it)A sneak peek into her brand-new book, Shove Your Shoulds📚 About Jessica Frew:Jessica is the author of Shove Your Shoulds, a speaker, and a Bold Decision Coach. She helps ambitious women unlearn the conditioning they were raised with so they can make bold, imperfect decisions without guilt, fear, or second-guessing.Whether on stage, in coaching, or through her book, Jessica’s mission is to help women stop living by everyone else’s rules and start living boldly, unapologetically, and in full alignment with who they were created to be.📖 Grab the Book:🎉 Shove Your Shoulds is available now! Click here to get your FREE copy!📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

In This Episode: midlife coaching for women, female empowerment, gender bias, professional women, menopause, identity shift✨ Show Notes:Ever been called aggressive when you were just being assertive? Or a “bitch” when you were just doing your job well?In this powerful replay episode of The School of Midlife, host Laurie Reynoldson shares why she made the intentional decision to work exclusively with women—and why creating a “No Boys Allowed” space matters more than ever.From corporate bias and childhood conditioning to midlife shame, guilt, and the universal feeling that you should just be grateful—this episode unpacks the invisible pressure so many high-achieving women carry… and why we need spaces where we can finally put it down.💡 In This Episode:Why women are still expected to succeed like men but stay soft, small, and quietThe double standard at work (assertive vs. aggressive, bold vs. bitchy)A personal story of being told to “soften up” at work—after outperforming the teamHow early socialization and adulting playbooks shaped our identitiesThe physical and emotional gaslighting women endure, especially in health careWhy The School of Midlife exists—and why we’re not editing ourselves anymore🔥 Favorite Quotes:“If you’re a woman in this world, you’ve been expected to do too much with too little support.” “We are done being handed an identity and asked to wear it.” “You can be unhinged and bitchy and still be celebrated here—because this is our space.”📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

In This Episode: procrastination coach, clutter in midlife, anxiety, nervous system regulation, midlife women, productivity tips✨ Show Notes:What if your procrastination isn’t about laziness at all—but about overwhelm, anxiety, and old habits?In this week’s special guest episode of The School of Midlife, Laurie sits down with Dr. Christine Li, New York-based clinical psychologist, productivity expert, and host of the Make Time for Success podcast—also known online as The Procrastination Coach.Christine shares her personal journey from chronic stress and bronchitis to regulated calm and focused energy. She breaks down how procrastination and clutter are symptoms of deeper emotional patterns, especially for high-performing midlife women.Together, they dive into:Why women in midlife are especially prone to procrastinationHow anxiety and identity conditioning block productivityWhat clutter is really trying to tell youSimple steps for reclaiming your energy—and your physical spaceHow Christine’s free 5-day Decluttering Challenge (starting Sept. 8!) can reset your habits and nervous systemWhether you're burned out, surrounded by piles of "later" clutter, or simply feeling like your brain is running on fumes, this episode will feel like an exhale.💡 In This Episode:Why “working better under pressure” is a lie we tell ourselvesThe hidden connection between clutter and identityWhat it means to give your nervous system a breakWhy smart, successful women procrastinate—and how to break the cycleThe power of starting small (and why touching the clutter matters)📌 Join Laurie for Christine's Decluttering Challenge:It’s free. It’s easy. It’s surprisingly energizing. ✅ Sign up: procrastinationcoach.com/laurie📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie

In This Episode: midlife coaching, women over 40, Best Life Retreat, personal growth, identity shift, inspiration✨ Show Notes:We're back—with boxes, big feelings, and big updates.In this casual catch-up episode of The School of Midlife, Laurie Reynoldson shares a behind-the-scenes look at what’s been going on: selling a house, moving into a new one, and navigating midlife transitions with as much grace (and humor) as possible.It’s part life update, part pep talk, and part reminder that perfection isn’t the goal—real life is.Plus: some major announcements about what’s coming to the podcast this fall—including an inspiring new guest series, the return of the Best Life Retreat in Sun Valley, and Laurie’s personal reflections on how a first-grade moment nearly held her back from a life of public speaking.💡 In This Episode:The truth about what it’s like to move homes in midlife (with no internet 😅)Why Laurie’s finally embracing public speaking after decades of fearA preview of the incredible midlife women coming to the podcast guest seriesWhy the Best Life Retreat almost didn’t happen—and why now might be the best time ever to say yesA surprising invitation to bring Laurie in as a speaker for your group or event🔥 Favorite Quotes:“You can’t keep waiting to figure out what you want to do with the rest of your life.” “It’s not about a perfect life. It’s about a life that feels like yours.” “This retreat has changed women’s lives—and it might just change yours, too.”📣 Special Announcements:🎤 New! Two episodes per week! Solo episodes on Tuesdays, guest interviews on Fridays🧳 Best Life Retreat in Sun Valley is officially ON! Use coupon code LASTCHANCE50 to save 50% off this year’s final spots. Click here to learn more.✉️ Want Laurie to speak at your group’s next event? Email her right here!📩 JOIN MY MAILING LISThttps://www.schoolofmidlife.com/newsletter👉 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:📩  Email Laurie 💻 WebsiteOn InstagramOn LinkedInWork with Laurie