The Paula Faris Show

I pulled an audible this week, and I'm so glad I did. My hubby John was supposed to join me for another episode about sending our daughter off to college. Instead, he went golfing (on a 90-degree day, no less), so I called one of my closest friends, Michelle, and asked her to jump on the podcast with about an hour's notice.  You’ll love Michelle! She’s a preschool teacher, a mom of three, and a fellow mom navigating that strange middle season of parenting: one kid out of the house, two still at home, and a whole lot of feelings in between.  We talk about “mom-encholy,” that bittersweet and very strange mix of pride and grief that hits when your kids grow up and leave home. We talk about parenting older kids from a little farther away, the quieter house, and why friendship has become such a lifeline.  I’m learning that we can’t rush the grief or talk ourselves out of missing our kids. We have to feel it, keep moving, and more importantly, let our friends help carry it.  Honestly, this was the perfect accidental episode, because next week I'm launching a month-long series on friendship, connection and social health. I can't think of a better way to begin than with one of the mamas who has reminded me what friendship is supposed to look like. Because when we’re going through something hard, the best thing we can do is call a friend.  Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It.  Here’s the prayer I read from Dr Roland Ashby:  “Heavenly Father, I lift my children into your hands. Go into the rooms I can not walk into. Stand at the doors I am not there to lock. Guard their hearts from bitterness, their minds from fear, their bodies from harm. Lord, you see what they carry, that they will never bring home to me. The worry they decided not to mention. The thing that went wrong that they handled alone. When they are tired, be their rest. When they are unsure, be their answer. When they are far from me, do not let them be far from you. Keep them close to you even in the seasons they drift from me. And let them find out one day that somebody was praying over their whole life before they ever thought to ask. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” Listen in to learn more: [0:00:00] Calling an Audible With Michelle [0:03:32] Friendship Chemistry and Personality Clash [0:03:47] Lightning Round: Meet Michelle [0:07:02] Real-Life Paula vs Expectations [0:08:42] A Year of Show-Up Friendship [0:10:08] John’s Golf-Day Cameo [0:11:08] Naming Mom-Melancholy [0:15:13] From Helicopter to Quiet Watcher [0:18:58] Grief, Growth, and Letting Them Fly [0:20:12] Weekly Girl Time as Lifeline [0:22:38] Rethinking Coed Dorm Life [0:23:10] Inside a Pre-K Teacher’s World [0:25:26] Building Independence in Little Kids [0:28:03] Why Summer Break Keeps Shrinking [0:31:20] Gratitude for a Once-in-a-Lifetime Friend [0:33:40] A Nightly Prayer for Launched Kids In this episode, we are digging into parenting older children; the difference between first-time college drop-off and when college students return to school; encouragement for parents launching their kids or who have recently launched them; different perspectives on co-ed bathrooms in college dorms; and what back-to-school is really like for teachers. Connect with Paula on Instagram  Paula’s Newsletter is on Substack!!  THE CARRY ALL weekly newsletter  is on Substack!!  Paula’s Book: You Don’t Have To Carry It All Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Well…we dropped Caroline off at college. And I’m not gonna lie…. it’s been a week. I knew I would be emotional. I just didn’t realize how emotional I’d be after we left. The actual drop-off was surprisingly easy. But then you come home, walk past their empty bedroom, smell their pajamas because they still smell like them (yes, I did that), and it hits you: this chapter of childhood is over. This week, John and I are talking about what it’s really been like: the pride, the sadness, the excitement and the very weird realization that our family dynamic has changed. We’re talking about how the transition affects the siblings, how much we should be checking Life360, and how you let your kid go experience this new life without emotionally hijacking it for them. And I’m also sharing some of the advice I’ve gotten from moms who have done this before, because apparently this is one of those things you just have to go through to understand. I’m learning that you can be incredibly happy for your kid and still really miss them. You can be proud and heartbroken. Cheers and tears can exist at the exact same time. So if you’ve dropped a kid at college or you’re about to—come sit with us for a little bit. We’re figuring this out, too. And maybe the only way through it is…through. Let’s Talk About It. Listen in to learn more: [0:00:00] Empty Nest Transition Hits Home [0:00:46] Coping by Wearing Daughter’s Clothes [0:01:53] Preserving Her Room as a Shrine [0:02:24] Turning College Drop-Off into a Smooth Operation [0:02:45] Clemson’s Hyper-Efficient Move-In System [0:03:20] Dining Hall Discoveries and Cafeteria Bliss In this episode, we are diving into the experience of dropping your first child off at college, navigating college move-in day and the emotions that come with it, how moms and dads experience the transition differently, how a child moving out impacts family dynamics and siblings at home, opinions on Life360 and location tracking for college students, young adults living closer to home after college, and advice from parents who have been there.  LINKS Connect with Paula on Instagram  Paula’s Newsletter is on Substack!!  THE CARRY ALL weekly newsletter  is on Substack!!  Paula’s Book: You Don’t Have To Carry It All Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we drop off our oldest child at college this week, we’re having the conversation every family eventually faces. People try to prepare you for this moment. They really do. But I don’t think anything truly prepares you for letting go. And I want to be honest…we’re not coming at this from a place of having all the answers. This week, my husband John, our daughter Caroline, and I talk through what this transition actually feels like from both sides. Caroline tells us what she needs from us as parents (it’s probably less than we think… and more than we realize). John is handling it in his very John way, steady and practical. And me? I’m somewhere between incredibly proud and completely undone. We also share the best college advice we’ve ever received.  If you’re sending a child to college or you’ve already been there, I hope this episode feels like a hug and a reminder that this isn’t the end of your relationship. It’s the beginning of a new one. And if you hear me trying not to cry… just know I didn’t succeed. Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more:  [0:01:42] Dad’s Excitement vs. Mom’s Grief-Wrapped Celebration [0:03:51] Caroline’s Request for Support and Space [0:06:21] Dorm Prep, Pinterest Boards, and Move-In Madness [0:09:39] Communication Expectations After Move-In [0:11:37] Free Meals, Church Visits, and Staying Connected [0:13:18] Setting a Fixed College Budget for All Kids [0:14:13] Learning Financial Responsibility Through College Choice [0:16:36] College Is What You Make It, Not Where You Go [0:20:24] Siblings, Changing Home Dynamics, and Goodbyes [0:21:31] The Numbers 6:24–26 Family Blessing [0:23:21] Who Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up? [0:24:16] Caroline’s Vision of the Person She Wants to Become [0:25:44] Letting Go, Trusting God, and Looking Ahead In this episode, we are digging into the emotional highs and lows of dropping a child off at college, how family members process and navigate this transition differently, practical advice for parents preparing to launch their kids, the financial realities that influence college choices, and why who our kids become matters more than the college or career paths they choose. LINKS Connect with Paula on Instagram  Paula’s Newsletter is on Substack!!  THE CARRY ALL weekly newsletter is on Substack!!  Paula’s Book: You Don’t Have To Carry It All Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I'm back after my annual July hiatus, and we've got a lot to catch up on. John is turning 50, we checked Europe off our family's bucket list, and I'm finally learning to play golf (I am still terrible LOL).  But let's be honest: as much as we love summer and our kids by August, we're ready for the routine that school brings. We're talking about birthdays, bucket-list memories, why golf might be the best family sport you've never considered, and how we’re gearing up to launch our oldest to college.  Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more : [0:00:00] July Reset & College Launch Season [0:01:06] Turning 50 and Midlife Perspective [0:02:26] Legacy of John's 90-Year-Old Dad [0:04:18] Healthy Aging in the Kruger Family [0:06:39] Entering the Empty-Nest Years [0:09:11] Asheville Getaway & Couple Time [0:10:23] Golf as a Family Connection Tool [0:13:15] Back-to-School Relief and Routine [0:15:26] Summer Sports and “Voluntary” Commitments [0:18:42] Bucket-List Europe Trip Recap [0:21:05] Airbnb Strategy for Family Travel [0:22:05] Guided E-Bike Tour in Rome Highlight [0:23:19] European Food, Activity, and Health Contrast [0:24:52] Venice’s Engineering and Charm [0:26:00] Future Golf Trip Dreams for JJ [0:26:13] Preparing Emotionally to Drop Caroline off at College In this episode, we are sharing a summer recap and reflecting on turning 50, discussing why golf is a fun way to spend quality family time, the value of shared hobbies, navigating busy summer sports schedules and practices, the excitement of a new school year and getting back into routines, plus family travel ideas and tips for making meaningful memories together. LINKS Connect with Paula on Instagram  Paula’s Newsletter is on Substack!!  THE CARRY ALL weekly newsletter is on Substack!!  Paula’s Book: You Don’t Have To Carry It All Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Youth sports are out of control. And the worst part? We might be part of the problem. Spoiler alert: I know I am. I’m the mom with a packed sports calendar, a trunk full of Chick-fil-A, and a competitive streak that sometimes gets the best of me. Guilty as charged. I’m also a coach's wife, so this topic hits close to home.  We’re closing out Momfessions, our month-long series where we’ve said the quiet parts of parenting out loud. And for our final confession, I’m joined once again by my teammate at CARRY Media, Kristen White, a mom of three boys. This week: Why youth sports are out of control—and why we might be part of the problem. Kids are specializing younger. Parents are spending more money than ever. And somewhere along the way, sports stopped being about kids having fun and started feeling like a full-time job for the whole family. Here’s the wild part: When kids were asked what makes sports fun, winning ranked 48th. They cared more about playing with friends, getting better, feeling supported, and having fun. So maybe the question isn’t, “How far can my child go in sports?” Maybe it’s, “What do I want sports to teach my child?” This one might ruffle a few feathers (or cleats 😉). But as always with Momfessions... we’re willing to look in the mirror. Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more:  [0:00:00] Youth Sports Are Out of Control [0:05:15] Kids Quit Because It’s Not Fun [0:06:40] Early Specialization and Burnout [0:09:06] Parents’ Behavior Driving Pressure [0:10:53] Winning Matters Less to Kids [0:13:25] The Scholarship and Pro Fantasy [0:16:20] Chasing Travel Ball and Private Coaches [0:17:56] Parent Ego and Living Through Kids [0:18:32] Remembering the Real Purpose of Sports [0:19:40] Power of Great Coaches and Other Adults [0:20:35] You Either Win or Learn [0:22:07] Core Question: What Should Sports Teach Our Kids? In this episode, we are digging into youth sports culture, the benefits and costs of youth sports, why kids want to play sports versus why parents want them to play, the odds of playing college sports or becoming a professional athlete, the importance of great coaches and trusted mentors in the lives of kids and teens, and how to keep the focus on the value of youth sports and why kids play in the first place. Resources Connect with Paula on Instagram  Paula’s Newsletter is on Substack!!  THE CARRY ALL weekly newsletter  is on Substack!!  Paula’s Book: You Don’t Have To Carry It All Download the Savor Your Summer Guide HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re back with a Momfessions confession that might hit close to home: are we accidentally raising sons who expect too much from women?  I’m joined by my teammate at CARRY Media, Kristen White, a mom of three boys, for a candid conversation about the messages our sons absorb about work, caregiving, and what they should expect from a future partner. Oof. We’re going there. Between the two of us, we’re raising five boys, and this conversation has been brewing in my mind for years: Are we raising sons who expect a partner…or a parent? And listen, this was an uncomfortable conversation for us. It made us examine our own habits, our own assumptions, and the messages we may be sending without even realizing it. But uncomfortable conversations are often the ones we most need to have. Before you come for us, this is NOT a working-mom-VS-stay-at-home-mom debate. It’s something much deeper. What are our sons learning about women from watching us? Are they learning that caregiving belongs to women, or that family life belongs to everyone? They’re watching everything.  We talk about why boys need to see moms with dreams, goals, and identities outside of motherhood, and why they need to see fathers cooking, cleaning, caregiving, and showing up as true partners. Because I don’t want my sons to grow up looking for someone to cook and clean for them. I want them to grow up wanting to build a life alongside someone, not expect someone to carry it all. This one will ruffle some feathers. But that’s what Momfessions is all about. Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more:  0:01:00] Are We Raising Sons for Partnership or Service? [0:03:39] The Cost of “Automatic” Mothering for Our Sons’ Expectations [0:05:00] Do Boys Learn Caregiving Belongs to Women? [0:07:58] Modeling True Partnership and Domestic Equity at Home [0:10:20] Spousal Equity and Joint Career Decisions in Marriage [0:12:22] Kids Seeing Mom’s Ambition and Dad Tag‑Teaming at Home [0:14:14] Research: How Working Moms Shape Sons’ and Daughters’ Futures [0:16:30] Teaching Kids “See a Need, Meet a Need” as a Family Ethic [0:18:18] Why Engaged Fatherhood Radically Shapes Boys and Girls [0:19:18] Kids Aren’t the Center of the Universe: Healthy Family Priorities In this episode, we are diving into how boys learn to respect and value women by observing their mothers, why moms need personal goals and priorities beyond parenting, the critical role of active fathers, the benefits of strong parenting partnerships, the family motto “see a need, meet a need,” and how shared family responsibilities help raise confident, responsible, and contributing children. Connect with Paula on Instagram  Paula’s Newsletter is on Substack!!  THE CARRY ALL weekly newsletter is on Substack!!  Paula’s Book: You Don’t Have To Carry It All Download the Savor Your Summer Guide HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’ve always said: boys are a heart attack and girls are a heartache. And if you’ve ever rushed a son to the ER or helped your daughter navigate friendship drama, you probably know exactly what I mean We’re back with Momfessions–our month-long series, talking about how we really feel about some of parenting's biggest, hottest topics. And I’m joined by my teammate at CARRY Media, Kristen White, a mom to three boys.  This week: Why We Raise Boys and Girls Differently (Without Even Realizing It) It got me thinking: are those differences really about our kids…or about how we’re raising them?  Kristin and I talk about the stereotypes we’ve accepted, the double standards we don’t even notice, and the different expectations we place on our sons and daughters, from emotions and independence to responsibility and resilience. And my biggest takeaway? Maybe we need to stop telling our boys to “man up” and start teaching all our kids to simply be good humans. This one might make you laugh, cringe, and rethink a few things (it certainly did for me). Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more: [0:00:08] Baptism by Boy Mom Life [0:03:20] Girls are Heartache, Boys are Heart Attack [0:04:00] When the ER Becomes Your Second Home [0:05:25] The Golf Course Splinter Saga [0:08:09] Girl Drama, Social Media, and Mama Heartache [0:09:31] Caroline’s Leadership vs. Little Brother Chaos In this episode, we are diving into the unique challenges of parenting boys and girls, how gender stereotypes and societal expectations shape our approach to parenting, and the importance of being intentional as we raise confident, compassionate children with strong character. Connect with Paula on Instagram  Paula’s Newsletter is on Substack!!  THE CARRY ALL weekly newsletter is on Substack!!  Download the Savor Your Summer Guide HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re back with Momfessions–—our month-long series, talking about how we really feel about some of parenting's biggest, hottest topics. And I’m joined by my teammate at CARRY Media, Kristen White, a mom to three boys.  This week: Why Summer Isn't a Break. We spend all year dreaming about summer, but when it finally arrives, many of us are juggling childcare, camps, schedules, work, guilt, and the pressure to make it all feel magical.  In this episode, we're sharing our real thoughts about summer, why so many parents feel exhausted before it even begins, and practical ways to enjoy it without burning out. Plus, Kristen introduces a simple idea called "Proof of Mom" that just might change the way you experience this season. Because your kids aren't the only ones allowed to have a summer. Let's Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more: [0:00:37] Complicated Feelings About Kids Home All Day [0:01:08] Expectation vs Reality of the Perfect Summer [0:03:25] Proof of Mom and Moms in Their Own Memories [0:05:01] The Impossible Math of Summer Childcare [0:09:27] Lowering the Bar on a Magical Summer In this episode, we are digging into summer parenting challenges for working parents, including summer childcare and scheduling issues, managing the mental load, letting go of unrealistic expectations and the pressure to make summer magical, why it's okay for kids to be bored, and why children benefit from seeing their parents enjoy summer, hobbies, and personal time too. LINKS Connect with Paula on Instagram  Paula’s Newsletter is on Substack!!  THE CARRY ALL weekly newsletter  is on Substack!!  Download the Savor Your Summer Guide HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All month long, Kristen White and I are sharing our Momfessions – how we really feel about some of parenting’s biggest, messiest, most talked-about topics. Kristen is my teammate at CARRY Media and a boy mom to three boys, so trust me: we have thoughts. First up: Maycember. You know…the month we just survived. But barely.  It’s the month that feels like December-level chaos but delivers exactly none of the holiday magic. Concerts. Field days. Teacher gifts. Sports banquets. Spirit weeks. Summer planning. Working. Parenting. Existing. Graduations!  In this episode, we’re looking back at what May did to us, why modern parenting feels unsustainable this time of year, and practical ways to make sure next May doesn’t completely take us out. Because if next May looks exactly like this May…we may not make it. Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more: [0:00:00] Maycember Overwhelm for Parents [0:06:59] Mental Load and Triple Logistics in May [0:09:54] Letting Go of Guilt and Missed Events [0:18:38] You Can’t Do It All, and That’s Okay [0:21:03] Minimum Viable Parenting Mindset [0:24:16] Evolving Beyond the Pinterest Mom [0:24:57] Workplaces Need May Flexibility In this episode, we are digging into surviving the chaos of “Maycember,” the challenges of balancing school activities with standard work hours, how our communication with our kids shapes their perceptions, practical strategies for managing busy families, giving yourself grace as a parent, and how employers can better support working parents during the demanding month of May. Connect with Paula on Instagram  Paula’s Newsletter is on Substack!!  THE CARRY ALL weekly newsletter is now on Substack!!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I knew this would be emotional.  I just didn’t realize it would be this hard. In the final episode of my I Wish Someone Had Told Me series, I’m sitting down with Niro Feliciano—a mom of four who’s already been through this—to talk about my daughter’s graduation…and honestly, I’m a hot mess. People can try to explain what the moment is like, but until you’re in it, it’s hard to fully comprehend. Someone once described it as “grief wrapped in celebration,” and honestly, that’s the best way to put it. You’re so proud. Super excited for them.And at the same time… you’re trying to process how fast it all went. We talk about: That “weird trifecta” of emotions—happy, sad, and everything in between How the rhythm of your family changes overnight And what’s on the other side of this: a different, and often deeper, relationship with your child Niro is also our comfort animal (lol) because she offers perspective, encouragement, and the reminder that this season—while hard—is also full of growth and beauty. If you’re in this season—or heading toward it—let’s talk about it.  Because it’s not the end, but it is a change. And it’s okay to feel all of it. Let’s Talk About It. Listen in to learn more:  [0:03:03] Mixed emotions of grief and celebration around a child’s graduation [0:04:59] Parenting goal framed as launching capable, confident, independent kids [0:08:35] Graduation grief linked to the speed of childhood and the passage of time [0:16:09] New grief opening a box of earlier grief and regrets about parents [0:17:09] Practical strategies: choose moments to be present and plan future anchors In this episode, we are digging into why high school graduation can feel like grief wrapped in celebration, how parenting years pass so quickly, why major life transitions can resurface past grief, the evolving parent-child relationship after graduation, and practical advice for parents navigating every stage of raising teens and young adults. THE CARRY ALL weekly newsletter  is on Substack!! https://officialcarrymedia.substack.com/ Paula’s Newsletter https://paulafarisofficial.substack.com/ Connect with Paula on Instagram  Niro Felicano  Paula’s Favorite Protein Powder 15% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There was a season not long ago when I didn’t feel like myself at all. Overwhelmed. Emotional. In a really dark place. No one really prepares you for this part. Perimenopause isn’t just hot flashes and mood swings; it can quietly impact your mental health in ways you don’t expect. Even though I could point to many of the reasons… I wasn’t at all prepared for how deeply it would affect me. In this episode, I’m opening up about that season, and I’m joined by my friend, psychotherapist Niro Feliciano, to help make sense of what so many women in midlife are quietly experiencing. For many of us, it’s a perfect storm: grief, stress, shifting identity, and hormonal changes all colliding at once. We talk about: Why some women experience anxiety or depression for the first time Why this stage of life can feel so emotionally intense How hormonal shifts impact your brain, mood, and sense of self And what actually helps: support, connection, and getting the right kind of care If you’ve been feeling off, overwhelmed, or not like yourself… you’re not alone, and you don’t have to carry this by yourself. Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more:  [0:03:17] Suicide Risk Peaks at Midlife [0:06:49] Therapy as Lifeline in the Darkest Season [0:13:10] Dopamine, Screens & Perimenopause Vulnerability [0:15:11] HRT, Testosterone & Rethinking SSRIs [0:21:18] Social Health, Friendship & Longevity In this episode, we are diving into how perimenopause affects mental health, including hormone-related mood changes, stress, anxiety, and depression, the “perfect storm” of emotional challenges and stressors in midlife, finding the right therapist, and the powerful role of friendship and emotional support in overall wellness.  If you need someone to talk to, you can call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We tell our kids to get off their phones…But, um, if we’re honest, we’re often the worst offenders. 🤭 So how do we actually build healthy, sustainable phone habits that work in real life? In part two of my I Wish Someone Had Told Me series, I’m back with psychotherapist Niro Feliciano, and we’re not just naming the problem—we’re talking about how to fix it. We talk about: Why adults actually have the worst phone habits The surprising stat about Gen Z that might give you hope Why more time online can leave us feeling more disconnected The “slow living” movement and simple ways to start Practical, doable habits you can implement right away If you’ve ever picked up your phone for one thing… and lost 30 minutes, you’re not alone. The goal isn’t to ditch your phone, it’s to finally feel in control of it! Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more:  [0:00:41] Adults Have Worse Phone Habits Than Their Kids [0:02:20] Gen Z Leads the Way in Cutting Screen Time [0:04:14] Mornings Without Phones Improve Mood and Productivity [0:09:58] Dopamine, Addiction, and Doing Media Fasts [0:12:02] Grayscale, App Moves, and Notification Detox [0:19:12] Enjoying Life More When the Phone Isn’t Visible [0:20:43] Embracing Slow Living and Intentional Offline Moments SUMMARY:  In this episode, we are diving into how to create healthier phone habits through phone-free moments, analog activities, and slow living, practical tips for setting better boundaries with screen time, and why life feels more balanced and fulfilling when your phone is put away. LINKS Connect with Paula on Instagram  Get Paula's personal newsletter Niro Felicano  THE CARRY™ ALL NEWSLETTER by and for working moms Paula’s Favorite Protein Powder 15% off YOUTUBE  Connect with Paula on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/paulafaris/?hl=en  THE CARRY™ ALL NEWSLETTER by and for working moms  https://carrymedia.com/the-carry-all/  Get Paula's personal newsletter https://www.paulafarisofficial.com/newsletter Paula’s Favorite Protein Powder 15% off https://thepeachiespoon.com/?rfsn=8647660.93b706f&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=8647660.93b706f  Connect with Niro - https://www.nirofeliciano.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s a shift happening. For the first time, we’re seeing legal accountability for social media companies, growing cultural pushback on screen time, and even the return of something we thought was gone for good—the landline!  All of it pointing to one question: what are phones actually doing to our kids? We gave them for all the right reasons: safety, connection, convenience.But we know more now than we did then. And if we’re honest… we might have done things differently. In the first episode of my I Wish Someone Had Told Me series, I’m joined by my friend—author, mom, and psychotherapist Niro Feliciano—for a real, no-judgment conversation about giving phones to our kids. Because chances are… you’ve already done it. I have too. We talk about: The cultural pushback Legal accountability and what it means The changes we’ve seen in our own kids  Plus, the return of the landline And why this becomes one of the biggest parenting battles.  If you’re wondering “What have I done… and what do I do now?”—this episode is for you. We know more now. And it’s never too late for us to do better. Let’s Talk About It.  SUMMARY In this episode, we are digging into parenting decisions around kids and smartphones, how and why those rules evolve over time, landmark court cases on social media’s impact on teen mental health, the dopamine deficit and why social media use often looks a lot like addiction, the importance of nuanced family tech conversations, how boredom builds resilience in children and teens, the resurgence of landlines, and smartphone alternatives for families. Next week: I Wish Someone Had Told Me Adults Have the Worst Phone Habits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let’s answer the questions everyone asks about the Enneagram: Can your type change? Why do your results keep changing? What if you relate to more than one type? We’re wrapping up our month-long series with Enneagram expert and author Ian Morgan Cron by getting clear on what actually matters about the Enneagram. This isn’t about traits. It’s about motivation: why you do what you do. We get into mistypes, bad tests, and why you can’t outsource this to a quiz and call it done. There’s no “best” type, but there is a healthiest version of you, and the Enneagram can help you get there. Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It. Listen in to learn more:  [0:00:00] Type Doesn’t Change, But You Evolve [0:04:09] Why Your Test Results Keep Shifting [0:07:21] You Are All Nine Types, But One Dominates [0:10:19] Common Mistypes and Confusing Wings [0:14:42] No “Best” Type and How Leaders Show Up as Nines In this episode, we are diving into whether your Enneagram type can change over time, common Enneagram mistypes, why you shouldn’t only rely on an Enneagram test to determine your type, which Enneagram type is considered the best, and which Enneagram type is the hardest to parent. LINKS Connect with Paula on Instagram  Get Paula's personal newsletter– win Ian’s book!  Meet Ian Morgan Cron  Take Ian’s Enneagram Assessment: Code PAULA for 15% off  THE CARRY™ ALL NEWSLETTER by and for working moms Paula’s Favorite Protein Powder 15% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’re not fighting about what you think you’re fighting about. We’re continuing our month-long Enneagram series with Ian Morgan Cron, and this one hits close to home. When it comes to Enneagram types, there are no bad pairings, but there are patterns that quietly wear relationships down. What if the tension in your marriage isn’t personal? What if it’s predictable? Using the Enneagram as a parenting tool can help…or hurt. When do you introduce it? How do you use it without labeling your kids too early? We’re going there today because the Enneagram isn’t about putting people in boxes. It’s about seeing what’s actually driving them. And once you see it, you can’t unsee it. Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It. Listen in to learn more:  [0:00:00] Enneagram As Marriage Game-Changer [0:02:59] No Bad Pairings Only Stuck Partners [0:07:42] Character Crushes Personality In Partner Choice [0:09:39] Don’t Rush Typing Kids Wait Till Fifteen [0:15:18] Parent With Curiosity Not Enneagram Labels In this episode, we are digging into how to use the Enneagram to strengthen your marriage and parenting, the Enneagram as a tool to resolve recurring relationship conflicts, why no Enneagram pairing is inherently bad, why choosing a partner based on type can be misleading, what truly matters in a life partner beyond personality, when kids and teens should learn their Enneagram type, and how to parent more effectively using the Enneagram. LINKS Connect with Paula on Instagram  Get Paula's personal newsletter– win a copy of Ian’s book!  Meet Ian Morgan Cron  Take Ian’s Enneagram Assessment: Code PAULA for 15% off  THE CARRY™ ALL NEWSLETTER by and for working moms Paula’s Favorite Protein Powder 15% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re continuing our month-long Enneagram series with Ian Morgan Cron and getting into what most people miss. What does “healthy” actually look like? And what does it look like when you’re off, and everyone else can see it before you do? Every type has a pattern, a tell, a default that feels right…until it starts working against you. Underneath each of those patterns is the same lie: When I finally get this, I’ll be okay. Knowing your number isn’t the work. Seeing your patterns and choosing differently is. Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It. Listen in to learn more : [0:00:00] Healthy Isn’t Changing Your Type, It’s Growing Awareness [0:04:29] The “I’ll Be Okay When…” Lie for All Nine Types [0:07:38] Using the Passions and Deadly Sins as Warning Lights [0:18:20] SNAP: Stop, Notice, Ask, Pivot Toward Health [0:21:40] Information Isn’t Transformation—Doing the Work (and Next Up: Relationships & Parenting) In this episode, we are digging into becoming a healthy version of your Enneagram type, signs of unhealth in each Enneagram type, a simple framework to help you move towards health when you notice unhealthy patterns, and why understanding your type alone isn’t enough for lasting transformation. LINKS: Connect with Paula on Instagram  Get Paula's personal newsletter– win Ian’s book!  Meet Ian Morgan Cron  Take Ian’s Enneagram Assessment: Code PAULA for 15% off  THE CARRY™ ALL NEWSLETTER by and for working moms Paula’s Favorite Protein Powder 15% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re kicking off a month-long series on the Enneagram, and we’re starting with the basics. I’ll be honest: I was skeptical at first. But after seeing how it’s transformed my own self-awareness and relationships, I’m convinced it’s one of the most powerful personality tools out there. I’m sitting down with author and Enneagram expert Ian Morgan Cron to break it all down. This isn’t just another personality test. The Enneagram reveals the why behind your behavior: your unconscious motivations that drive how you think, act, and show up in your relationships. We cover the nine types, where this framework actually comes from (it’s older than you think), why so many people mistype themselves, and what makes this different from tools like StrengthsFinder or Myers-Briggs. If you’re skeptical, curious, or just want to understand yourself better, this is where to start. Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more :  [0:00:00] Anecdotal Evidence and the Enneagram’s Impact [0:04:31] Why the Enneagram: Motivation Over Behavior [0:06:30] Quick Tour of the Nine Types [0:15:21] Origins, Science, and “Woo-Woo” Concerns [0:18:22] Blind Spots, Stress, and Using Type for Growth In this episode, we are diving into the Enneagram personality system, the origins of the Enneagram, the nine Enneagram numbers or types, how to find your enneagram type, uncovering our blind spots using the Enneagram, why and how people mistype themselves, and why the enneagram does not excuse behavior.  Connect with Paula on Instagram  Get Paula's personal newsletter– win Ian’s book!  Meet Ian Morgan Cron  Take Ian’s Enneagram Assessment: Code PAULA for 15% off  THE CARRY™ ALL NEWSLETTER by and for working moms Paula’s Favorite Protein Powder 15% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The endless tasks at home aren’t small—they’re the hidden strain on most relationships, quietly building stress, frustration, and resentment.  It’s no secret that women often shoulder the majority of invisible work, from meal planning to school schedules to household upkeep, while trying to juggle careers and parenting. In honor of Women’s History Month, I’m talking about things that matter to women—and this is at the top of the list.  Eve Rodsky, creator of Fair Play, joins me to explain how to break the cycle of overwhelm, take full ownership of tasks, and share the load without guilt, nagging, or resentment.  She walks through a practical system for boundaries, accountability, and communication that restores trust, strengthens partnerships, and makes running a home fair—and yes, actually possible—for real families. Listen in to learn more : [00:00] The Blueberries That Broke the Camel's Back [02:00] Domestic Load – Invisible, Unequal, Unsustainable [09:19] Run Your Home Like a World-Class Organization [11:57] The Tooth Fairy Redemption Arc [23:19] Minimum Standard of Care – Goodbye Weaponized Incompetence In this episode, we are digging into how to build healthy relationships through clear boundaries, effective systems, and strong communication, why communication about the domestic load can feel when when it is important, the two essential elements of a successful relationship, the value of having tough conversations when emotions are low and thinking is clear, and how to start the conversation with your partner about sharing the domestic load. Connect with Paula on Instagram  Get Paula's personal newsletter  THE CARRY™ ALL NEWSLETTER by and for working moms Paula’s Favorite Protein Powder 15% off Connect with Eve Rodsky Watch the FairPlay Documentary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Being equal partners isn’t just a nice idea—it’s how marriage and family actually work. John and I share what it took to get here: putting careers, expectations, and traditional roles on the table, figuring out who owns what at home, and finally treating each other like true teammates. In honor of Women’s History Month, we talk about what equal partnership really looks like, why it matters for women and families, and how it changes the way you show up—for your spouse, your kids, and yourself. Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more :  0:00:00] – Spousal Equity Is a Unicorn—But Possible [0:05:44] – How the 1950s Broke Both Men and Women [0:10:10] – Following Her Career, Not the Script [0:21:07] – The Real Fight: Who Does What at Home? [0:18:54] – Ditch ‘Breadwinner’—We’re Just Partners In this episode, we are diving into the importance of being a supportive partner, supporting your partner in career changes, how taking risks together can strengthen your relationship, the impact of traditional gender roles on men and women, and a proven method for sharing household responsibilities that has been a lifesaver.  LINKS Connect with Paula on Instagram  Get Paula's personal newsletter  THE CARRY™ ALL NEWSLETTER by and for working moms Paula’s Favorite Protein Powder 15% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Life has a way of catching up with you. I’ve lost both of my parents. And last year, after the loss of my mom, I found myself in a really dark place. I was still showing up for life—but underneath it all, something wasn’t right. John (my husband) was the one who finally said it: it might be time to talk to someone. So I did. In this conversation, John and I  talk about why I went to therapy, the stigma that still surrounds it, and what happens when we avoid processing what life hands us. Because if you don’t process grief, you carry it. Most of us are dragging around a U-Haul of unprocessed pain without even realizing it—and it eventually shows up somewhere: in our moods, our reactions, our relationships, even our performance. In honor of Women’s History Month, this episode highlights a topic that matters deeply for women: making space to process loss, grief, and the pressures we carry every day. We also talk about how to find the right therapist, why therapy isn’t just for when life falls apart, and how it helped me walk through the anniversary of my parents’ deaths. Your body is designed to process what life brings you. But it can’t do that work if we never slow down long enough to face it. Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It.  Listen to learn more : [0:00:00] Therapy Isn’t Just for “When Life Falls Apart.” [0:04:19] Midlife, Hormones, and the Hidden Weight of Women’s Grief [0:08:29] How to Actually Find the Right Therapist (and Advocate for Yourself) [0:12:21] Metabolizing Grief: Turning U-Hauls of Pain into Rituals of Remembrance [0:19:58] Therapy as Lifelong Maintenance, Not a One-Time Fix In this episode, we are digging into changing the stigma around therapy, how to find the right therapist and why that matters, the impact of unprocessed emotions, what to expect during your first therapy appointment, practical ways to process grief and loss, being honest about your needs, and the importance of caring for your mental and emotional health.  Listen to Paula’s episodes on Grief/Loss: Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, Episode 4 Connect with Paula on Instagram  Get Paula's personal newsletter  THE CARRY™ ALL NEWSLETTER by and for working moms Paula’s Favorite Protein Powder 15% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GLP-1s—Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound—are everywhere right now. And so is the debate. Some people call it a breakthrough. Others say it’s cheating. So let’s talk about it. In this episode, I’m sharing my personal experience taking a GLP-1 as a 50-year-old woman navigating perimenopause, inflammation, and a body that suddenly stopped responding to all the things that used to work. My CARRY Media colleague Kristen White joins me to ask the questions so many women are asking privately: What are the side effects? Does it actually work? And what happens when you stop? It’s also Women’s History Month, and all March long, we’re talking about the issues that matter to women. No hype. No shame. Just an honest conversation about women’s health—and what I’ve learned so far. Life Happens. Let’s Talk About it.  Listen in to learn more : [0:04:58] "GLP-1s Aren’t Cheating—They’re a Tool." [0:05:30] "Doing ‘All the Right Things’ but Still Struggling." [0:14:18] "Slow, Steady Weight Loss and Inflammation Down." [0:19:35] "Muscle Loss Is the Biggest GLP-1 Red Flag." [0:18:30] "Protein and Heavy Lifting Are Non‑Negotiable." In this episode, we are diving into my personal experience with GLP-1s, why I share my experiences publicly, the stigma associated with GLP-1 medications and other weight loss drugs, benefits of GLP-1s in addition to weight loss, negative side effects of GLP-1s, practical ways to balance the risks and benefits of GLP-1 medications, having healthy expectations about weight loss, and two habits to focus on if you use a GLP-1. LINKS Connect with Paula on Instagram  Get Paula's personal newsletter  THE CARRY™ ALL NEWSLETTER by and for working moms Paula’s Favorite Protein Powder 15% off Connect with Kristen!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to "The Paula Faris Show", where life happens, so let’s talk about it! Join Emmy-award-winning journalist Paula Faris as she brings you candid conversations to help you live your best life. From personal journeys to societal issues, Paula talks to guests from all walks of life. Tune in to explore the unfiltered truths, inspiring moments, and thought-provoking discussions that make us human. It's time to dig deep, laugh, cry, and most importantly, let's talk about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This conversation hit me hard — because of the loneliness so many women quietly carry? It’s real. And you are not alone. The month of March is Women’s History Month, and we’re talking about what truly matters to women. Friendship is at the top of that list. In this conversation with author Jennie Allen, we unpack why so many of us have plenty of acquaintances but still feel deeply disconnected. The research is clear: meaningful friendship isn’t optional — it’s essential to our mental, emotional, and physical health. We talk about why we’ve lost the art of initiation, how to find your people, and what to do if building deep friendships feels harder than it should. Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more: [0:00:00] Humans Are Starving for Connection, Not Convenience [0:02:07] We’re “Connected” Yet Lonely: The Friendship Gap for Women [0:09:58] Loneliness Is More Dangerous Than Drugs or Alcohol [0:16:43] Your Inner Circle: Why You Only Need 3–5 Deep Friends [0:23:38] You Can Be Lonely, or You Can Initiate—Those Are Your Options In this episode, we are digging into the growing loneliness epidemic, how the quality of your friendships affects every aspect of your health, the biggest barriers to building meaningful friendships, the difference between having a village and having an inner circle (and why we need both!), five different types of friends you need in your life, three qualities to look for in a friend, how to handle conflict in friendship, and healthy boundaries in relationships with friends and family. Connect with Paula on Instagram  THE CARRY™ ALL NEWSLETTER by and for working moms Jennie Allen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is the practical episode. Now it’s time to take everything we’ve learned in this series with Dr. Chapman—and actually use it. After breaking down what the love languages are (and what they aren’t), Dr. Gary Chapman joins me and John in the final conversation of our Love Languages series, to show us how to put them into practice in real life.  We’ll break down what he calls the dialects of each love language—the specific ways love is expressed, received, and often misunderstood. Because knowing the language isn’t enough if you’re speaking it in a way that doesn’t land. We also dig into how love languages show up with kids, and how to recognize what our children are actually asking for. If you’ve ever thought, I’m trying—but it’s not working, this is where it finally clicks. Life Happens. Let’s talk about it. Listen in to learn more  [0:00:00] Why This New Love Languages Book Exists: Dialects + Personality [0:02:53] Dialects Turn Generic Love Languages into a Personal “Master Class” [0:06:03] Words of Affirmation: Encouragement, Appreciation, and Compliments [0:09:34] Quality Time, Gifts, and Acts of Service: Getting the Dialect Right [0:19:40] Physical Touch and Acts of Service: Customizing Love for Your Family In this episode, we are digging into the personal ways people give and receive love, the difference between encouragement, appreciation, and compliments, practical ways to spend quality time with your partner, different kinds of gifts loved ones may enjoy, what acts of service and physical touch look like in different contexts, and why it is important to know the dialect of your partner’s love language.  LINKS Get my personal newsletter and win a copy of Dr Chapman’s new book Take the Love Languages Quiz Take the Premium Assessment Get his new book: The Love Language That Matters Most  Connect with Paula on Instagram  THE CARRY™ ALL NEWSLETTER by and for working moms Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sex. Almost every man will say it’s their love language. But Dr. Gary Chapman—the expert behind The Five Love Languages—explains why that’s not quite right, and makes a crucial distinction between physical desire and emotional connection. John and I dig into what this really means for intimacy, unpacking the science behind male vs. female sexual needs and why understanding your partner’s love language can change everything.  We also explore how love languages show up in parenting—and how to recognize them in your kids. ⚠️Warning: we go there. Sex, chemistry, and the truths you’ve been too polite to ask about.  Listen in to learn more  [0:03:26] Sex Isn’t a Love Language [0:07:28] Men’s Bodies, Women’s Emotions [0:08:29] Fill the Love Tank, Fix the Bedroom [0:14:25] Decode Your Kid’s Love Language by Age Four [0:19:24] Mental Load: The Ultimate Intimacy Killer SUMMARY In this episode, we are digging into the distinction between emotional and physiological aspects of sex, the biological reason men desire sex, differences in men and women when it comes to sex, the importance of emotional connection with your partner, meeting the emotional needs of your partner in seasons of stress, and (sharp turn) three ways to know your child’s love language.  LINKS Get my personal newsletter and win a copy of Dr. Chapman’s new book Take the Love Languages Quiz Take the Premium Assessment Get his new book: The Love Language That Matters Most  Connect with Paula on Instagram  THE CARRY™ ALL NEWSLETTER by and for working moms Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You can be doing all the “right” things—and still missing each other. In part two of our month-long series on The Five Love Languages, we dive into Dr. Chapman’s newest book, The Love Language That Matters Most—what he calls the masterclass on love languages, to explore why good intentions miss the mark.  We dig into the gap between intention and impact—and why so many relationships feel stuck despite trying harder Also, John and I take the premium assessment, and our results genuinely shock us—we did not see them coming.  And coming up next: sex, physical touch, and why it’s not a sixth love language (that conversation might surprise you). Life Happens. Let’s talk about it. Listen in to learn more: [0:09:43] Love vs. Manipulation: Speaking the Language for the Right Reason [0:05:18] Lopsided Love Tanks: When One Partner Feels Empty and the Other’s Full [0:13:07] Dialects Matter: Missing the Mark Inside the Right Love Language [0:16:44] The Third Ear: Listening for Emotions, Not Just Words [0:20:09] Attitude Over Feeling: Choosing Unconditional Love Daily In this episode, we are digging into ways we fall short in speaking the love language of our partner, the importance of having an attitude of love, what love is and what it is not, speaking our partner’s love language for the right reasons, two kinds of people who are fluent in all five love languages, staying curious and listening to understand, and the most important question you can ask your partner. Get my personal newsletter and win a copy of Dr Chapman’s new book Take the Love Languages Quiz Take the Premium Assessment Get his new book: The Love Language That Matters Most  Connect with Paula on Instagram  THE CARRY™ ALL NEWSLETTER by and for working moms  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thirty years after The Five Love Languages reshaped how we talk about relationships, Dr. Gary Chapman joins John and me to revisit the core question that matters most: Do the people you love actually feel loved? This episode kicks off our month-long series with Dr. Chapman—a deep dive into the love languages that becomes a master class in how we give and receive love. We unpack the five love languages, the idea of the “love tank,” and why good intentions aren’t enough. This episode sets the foundation for the entire series and reframes how we think about love, connection, and effort. Life Happens. Let’s talk about it. Listen in to learn more: [0:00:34] Timeless Impact of the Five Love Languages[0:07:59] The Five Love Languages, Clearly Defined[0:11:31] The Love Tank and the 5:1 Magic Ratio[0:16:19] How to Check Your Partner’s Love Tank Level[0:18:07] Simple Ways to Discover Someone’s Love Language In this episode, we are diving into an overview of the five love languages, why it is important to know your love language, how to figure out your partner’s love language, the love tank metaphor and why it matters, the magic ratio of negative to positive interactions with your loved ones, one check in question to ask your partner, and the love language that matters most. Get my personal newsletter and win a copy of Dr Chapman’s new book Take the Love Languages Quiz Take the Premium Assessment Get Dr. new book: The Love Language That Matters Most  Connect with Paula on Instagram  THE CARRY™ ALL NEWSLETTER by and for working moms  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We want to protect our kids from the awkwardness, heartbreak, and intensity of teen dating. But what if avoiding it altogether is actually doing more harm than good? In this episode, I’m joined by therapists Sissy Goff and David Thomas to make a compelling case for why healthy, age-appropriate dating is necessary—not optional—for emotional and relational development. We talk about dating as skill development: learning how to communicate, set boundaries, handle rejection, pace relationships, and maintain a sense of self. These are skills kids don’t magically acquire in adulthood—and when dating is delayed or forbidden, many are left unprepared. We also unpack how parents can stay appropriately involved while we’re still close enough to guide them. This is a reassuring, practical conversation for all of us parents who feel conflicted—wanting to protect their kids, but also wanting to prepare them for real life.  Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more: [3:39] The Dating Age Debate  [11:10] Dating Builds Life Skills [29:48]Tech, Texts, and Emotional Tangles [41:15] Healthy Boundaries & Family Rules In this episode, we are digging into wisdom for starting teen dating conversations, a healthy approach to intimacy, practicing relationship building skills, concerns about teen dating, teaching our kids how they deserve to be treated in friendship and dating relationships, having realistic expectations of teen relationships, relieving pressure from teen dating, healthy boundaries for teen dating, appropriate pacing in relationship and developing social skills, helping teens foster healthy friendships, and modeling healthy relationships for our kids of all ages. LINKS Get Paula’s Personal Newsletter   Connect with Paula on Instagram  THE CARRY™ ALL NEWSLETTER by and for working moms Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The teen mental health crisis can no longer be ignored. Anxiety, depression, attention issues, and suicidal ideation are rising—and the science is increasingly clear about the role screens are playing in reshaping our kids’ brains. As we continue to revisit our most talked-about conversations from 2025, this remains one of the most shared and downloaded. In this episode, I’m joined by Sissy Goff, therapist and Executive Director of Daystar Counseling, and Niro Feliciano, cognitive psychotherapist, wife, and mom of four. Together, we break down how technology and algorithms hijack neurochemistry, create unhealthy dopamine cycles, and impact attention, sleep, and emotional regulation. We also talk about what parents can do—how to set healthy boundaries, what warning signs to watch for, and why there is real reason for hope.  I also share why I’m choosing not to give my youngest a phone—and why just because you did it with one child doesn’t mean you have to do it again. This is an empowering, practical conversation for anyone raising kids in a world that never logs off. Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more: [4:13] Gender Differences & Social Media Effects [7:06] Developmental Setbacks from Tech and Pandemic [12:43] Dopamine Deficit and Screen Time [27:44] Parental Strategies and Boundaries In this episode, we are diving into how anxiety presents differently for boys and girls, the impact of technology on teen social and emotional development, the correlation between teen mental health issues and technology, what technology and social media are doing to teen brains, signs and symptoms of mental health concerns in teens, research on dopamine and brain chemistry, navigating conversations around social media and phones with teens, making changes to how you handle phones and social media within your family, and healthy boundaries for social media and technology. LINKS : Get Paula’s Personal Newsletter   https://www.paulafarisofficial.com/newsletter  Connect with Paula on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/paulafaris/?hl=en  THE CARRY™ ALL NEWSLETTER by and for working moms  https://carrymedia.com/the-carry-all/  Connect with Sissy Goff https://www.instagram.com/sissygoff/?hl=en  Connect with Niro Feliciano  https://www.instagram.com/niro_feliciano/?hl=en Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

January is our “greatest hits” month—and this conversation with Dr. Jen Ashton and Aarti Sequeira remains one of the most shared and talked-about episodes of 2025. Perimenopause is messy, misunderstood, and wildly under-discussed—even though it can last a decade or more and affect nearly every system in the body. I’ve been going through it for 12 years…and counting!  In this episode, we get real about what perimenopause actually looks like in real life: brain fog, sleep disruption, rage, hormone chaos, and that unsettling feeling of “I don’t feel like myself anymore.” Dr. Jen explains why the most significant changes happen during perimenopause—not after menopause—and why women deserve better information, better research, and better care. We also explore why this season can be both destabilizing and deeply empowering. It’s not about fear. It’s about reclaiming agency in a phase of life that too often goes unexplained.  If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this normal?” or “Why didn’t anyone tell me about this?”—this conversation is for you. Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more :  [0:00:57] - Changing Perceptions of Perimenopause [0:01:05] - Consistency and the Connectivity Challenge [0:06:36] - Hormonal Changes During Perimenopause [0:12:03] - Gender Equity and Research Funding [0:22:47] - Challenging Perimenopause Victim Narratives Listen to the entire Perimenopause Series here:  Ep 1 Perimenopause: The real change Ep 2  Perimenopause: How to prepare  Ep 3  Perimenopause: What no one is saying about GLP-1’s Ep 4  Perimenopause: Is Testosterone the game-changer women need Ep 5 Perimenopause: Why ages 45-50 are so risky for women and how to get help In this episode, we are diving into honest conversations about perimenopause, three major changes a woman goes through in her lifetime, why the changes in perimenopause feel so monumental, current research on women’s health, the pros and cons of western medicine and the American healthcare system, advocating for ourselves, and taking responsibility for our own health. LINKS Get Paula’s Personal Newsletter   https://www.paulafarisofficial.com/newsletter  Connect with Paula on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/paulafaris/?hl=en  THE CARRY™ ALL NEWSLETTER by and for working moms  https://carrymedia.com/the-carry-all/  My Favorite Weighted Vest https://amzn.to/4iMWhla  https://menopause.org/  https://www.myalloy.com/ Use code: PAULA42103 for $25 off first order Meet Dr Jen Meet Aarti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if midlife isn’t a slow fade into invisibility, but the most confident, ridiculous, and joyful chapter yet? All month long in January, we’re revisiting the best of our most downloaded, most shared, and most talked-about conversations from 2025—and this episode is a true greatest hit. In this laugh-out-loud conversation, I’m talking with the wildly relatable Peaches of Peaches and Diesel 104, the Instagram phenom who’s turned Gen X midlife into must-watch comedy. From menopause mishaps and rogue eyebrow hairs to empty nesting, friendship, marriage, and saying “yes” to absolutely absurd ideas (Dateline murder binders, wedding dress try-ons, goat yoga—yes, really), nothing is off-limits. Peaches shares how her platform unexpectedly blew up during the pandemic, why women in midlife are more powerful (and less apologetic) than ever, and how humor and friendship can carry us through big transitions—menopause included.  Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It.  🎧 Bonus tip: This episode includes plenty of visual “show and tell,” so be sure to watch it on YouTube for the full experience! Listen in to learn more:  (3:15) Midlife Isn’t Decline — It’s Confidence, Freedom, and Trying New Things (8:40) Laughter and Levity Are Essential Tools for This Season of Life (24:30) Empty Nesting Requires Investing in Your Marriage, Not Just Your Kids (37:50) Menopause & Perimenopause: Normalize the Symptoms and Stop the Shame (52:10) Friendship in Midlife Matters More Than Ever — Seek Connection and Say Yes In this episode, we are digging into the power of saying yes and trying new things, stepping out of your comfort zone, embracing what makes you unique, finding humor and joy in midlife, what it’s like to be an empty nester, encouragement for navigating menopause, staying healthy and having fun as we age, and the importance of friendship in midlife. In this episode, we are digging into finding humor and joy in midlife, what it’s like to be an empty nester, saying yes to things that bring you joy, being willing to try something new, navigating menopause, and the importance of friendship in midlife.  My Favorite Weighted Vest Follow Peaches on IG Get Paula’s Personal Newsletter   Follow Paula on IG THE CARRY™ ALL NEWSLETTER by and for working moms Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we head into the season of gathering, giving… and gritting our teeth at the dinner table, we’re revisiting one of my most popular conversations — with Harvard happiness expert, Professor Arthur Brooks. The research is clear: the happiest people in the world have one thing in common — strong family connections. But what if your family drives you nuts? What if the group chat is a minefield and you’re already bracing yourself for Aunt Marge’s political monologue? If you struggle with family dynamics, you’re not alone. It’s normal. In this episode, we unpack why we need our families even when we don’t always like them, the neurobiological wiring that keeps us connected, and why conflict doesn’t mean failure. If you’re heading into this season with mixed emotions, this one will help you navigate the tension.  Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more (0:30) — Family dynamics (1:40) — Happiness / “science of happiness” (10:30) — Neurobiological connection / sense of self (14:50) — “Love without liking” (25:30) — Conflict vs. schism (estrangement) SUMMARY In this episode, we are diving into estrangement in families, expectations in parenting and family relationships, the differences between family connections and friendships (and why we need both!), the science of how family connects us to a sense of self, how much effort you should put into family relationships, common challenges that make family life complicated, the difference between conflict and schism in relationships, a call back to intergenerational living, and advice for managing conflict in family relationships.  Sponsor : Cozy Earth – Luxury Bedding and Loungewear  Cozy Earth offers luxury bedding and loungewear known for its incredible softness and temperature regulation. Browse today. Never worry about sleeping hot again! Head to ⁠cozyearth.com⁠ and use my code PAULA for up to  40% off! Want to advertise on my show? Link HERE Sign up to receive Paula’s email where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms.  Connect with Professor Arthur Brooks   ​​https://arthurbrooks.com/meet-arthur  Please donate today to Mercy Ships.  Visit Omaha Steaks for 50% off sitewide during their Sizzle All the Way Sale. And for an extra $35 off, use promo code FUN at checkout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part two of our annual Ask Us Anything series, John and I tackle your questions about the messy world of parenting, surviving the holidays, and what life really looks like after stepping away from TV. We get into all of it — how we handled (and mishandled) the sex talk with our kids, why the teenage years nearly broke us (and what ultimately helped), and the backwards parenting advice we wish we could give our 30-year-old selves. We also talk holiday traditions and how unprepared we actually are every December. It’s very us — flannels, real talk, and all.  Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more : (04:30)  How to Handle “The Sex Talk” With Kids (12:00) Holiday Stress, Traditions & the Reality of Being Unprepared (20:30) Parenting Advice for Your 30s: Let Them Fail Forward (30:30) Surviving the Teen Years & Planned Emancipation (44:30)College Search, Leaving New York & Life Reset Reflections In this episode, we are digging into holiday prep and holiday traditions, parenting advice for parents in the little years, tough parenting seasons and coming out on the other side, parenting as partners, helping our teens make college decisions, and taking the risk to start over in a new place. Sponsor: Cozy Earth – Luxury Bedding and Loungewear  Cozy Earth offers luxury bedding and loungewear known for its incredible softness and temperature regulation. Browse today. Never worry about sleeping hot again! Head to ⁠cozyearth.com⁠ and use my code PAULA for up to  40% off! Want to advertise on my show? Link HERE Sign up to receive Paula’s email, where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms.  Connect with John Please donate today to Mercy Ships.  Visit Omaha Steaks for 50% off sitewide during their Sizzle All the Way Sale. And for an extra $35 off, use promo code FUN at checkout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s that time of year again—our annual Ask Us Anything episodes, where John and I answer your questions with zero prep (on his part), lots of honesty, and the usual amount of chaos. In Part 1, we tackle everything from marriage in midlife to Michigan football, GLP-1 meds, the best trip we took this year, and the places we still dream of traveling. You’ll hear why I refuse to watch Michigan–Ohio State with other humans, the memoir John believes he’s writing, my experience with GLP-1s, and how we’re navigating big changes together. It’s unfiltered, unscripted, and very us: a little marriage therapy, a little sports talk, a little midlife crisis, and a lot of laughter. Part 2 drops next week! Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more: (06:20) College Choices and Family Dynamics  (13:54) Considering Weight Loss and Inflammation  (19:24) The Importance of Perseverance  (24:25) Navigating Marriage Challenges and Intimacy  (29:08) “Quality Time “ In this episode, we are digging into the best way to watch the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry game, our favorite travel experiences and places we dream of going, the pros and cons of GLP-1s, why commitment is key to a strong marriage, the power of forgiveness, how to keep your relationship strong after many years together, and what women wish men knew about intimacy.  Sponsor: Cozy Earth – Luxury Bedding and Loungewear  Cozy Earth offers luxury bedding and loungewear known for its incredible softness and temperature regulation. Browse today. Never worry about sleeping hot again! Head to ⁠cozyearth.com⁠ and use my code PAULA for up to  40% off! Want to advertise on my show? Link HERE Sign up to receive Paula’s email, where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms.  Connect with John Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the final episode of our midlife series, John, Liz, and I dig into what it looks like to not just add years to our life, but to add more LIFE to our YEARS. Liz introduces this fascinating idea of social health—and trust me, it’s not what you think. According to the research, your relationships may matter more to your longevity than your workout routine, your diet, or even your genetics!! We explore stretching your mind, body, and yes…your comfort zone. And of course, we settle the burning question: who’s going to outlive whom: Me or John? (Spoiler: the debate gets heated.) If midlife has you rethinking how you want to show up, this episode will give you a hopeful, practical place to start. Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more:  (01:41) Midlife Revelation  (05:40) Memory, Experience, and Communication Skills  (14:35) Numbing Pain With Consumption and Technology  (20:06) Preparing for Quality Last Decade  (25:37) Improving Cognitive and Social Health  In this episode, we are diving into abilities that improve with age, one surprising factor that influences the length and quality of lives, why our social health and relationships are as important as our physical and mental health for longevity, why independence is not always a good thing, and how to continue to build resilience as we age.  Sponsor : Cozy Earth – Luxury Bedding and Loungewear  Cozy Earth offers luxury bedding and loungewear known for its incredible softness and temperature regulation. Browse today. Never worry about sleeping hot again! Head to ⁠cozyearth.com⁠ and use my code PAULA for up to  40% off! Want to advertise on my show? Link HERE Sign up to receive Paula’s email where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms.  Connect with Liz Bohannon Connect with John Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some people call it a midlife crisis. I’m calling mine a midlife evaluation.  Continuing our month-long series on MIDLIFE, we’re sharing the unexpected (and slightly hilarious) ways our “evaluations” have shown up: from tattoos, to a concealed weapons permit that’s never been used, and a Jeep lifted high enough to require a stretch routine. Liz, John, and I unpack why this season hits so hard—especially for women—and why the language we use to describe it actually shapes how we experience it. Instead of imagining midlife as the beginning of the end, we talk about reframing it as the beginning of the good stuff: the part of the rollercoaster where the ride gets fast, wild, and surprisingly fun. Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more : (00:00) Midlife Surprises and Laughter  (10:01) Avoiding Midlife Crisis Through Reflection  (12:42) Nervous Anticipation of Kids Leaving  (23:48) Numbing Midlife Unraveling In this episode, we are digging into defining a midlife crisis, things that can trigger a midlife crisis, the importance of reflection and taking time to reevaluate our lives, cultural changes in how we think about aging, why the stories we tell ourselves matter, reevaluating what success looks like, and why a midlife crisis is not always a bad thing.  Sponsor: Cozy Earth – Luxury Bedding and Loungewear  Cozy Earth offers luxury bedding and loungewear known for its incredible softness and temperature regulation. Browse today. Never worry about sleeping hot again! Head to ⁠cozyearth.com ⁠ and use my code PAULA for up to  40% off! Want to advertise on my show? Link HERE Sign up to receive Paula’s email, where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms.  Connect with Liz Bohannon Connect with John Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Midlife hits, and suddenly you’re doing things you swore you’d never do. I’m talking about tending a plant army like it’s a full-time job, nurturing a sourdough starter like it’s a child, obsessing over pickleball like it’s the Olympics, and thinking a “quiet night in” is a vacation. In this second episode of our month-long series on MIDLIFE, John, Liz, and I confess the weird, hilarious, and sometimes borderline embarrassing habits that come with hitting the middle lane of life. We talk about rituals, obsessions, and tiny victories (like finally finding the perfect reading glasses or the right high-protein snack combo) that make midlife…well, weirdly satisfying. If you’ve ever caught yourself Googling “is this normal in midlife?” or just stared at your growing collection of random hobbies and thought, yep, this is me now, this episode is for you. Let’s Talk About It.  In this episode, we are diving into new habits formed in midlife, physical changes we experience in midlife, how aging and beauty standards have changed over time, how far is too far when it comes to anti-aging procedures, the importance of friendship and connection, and ways to invest in your health in midlife that you may not have considered before. Sponsor : Cozy Earth – Luxury Bedding and Loungewear  Cozy Earth offers luxury bedding and loungewear known for its incredible softness and temperature regulation. Browse today. Never worry about sleeping hot again! Head to ⁠cozyearth.com⁠ and use my code PAULA for up to  40% off! Want to advertise on my show? Link HERE Sign up to receive Paula’s email where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to MIDLIFE: The Big Awakening — where the weighted vests are real, the fountain drinks are flowing, and the existential questions hit differently. I’m kicking off this new month-long series with my husband, John, and my friend Liz Bohannon — author, speaker, and mom of three — to tackle the big question: When does midlife actually begin? For me, it’s when you’re touching up your grays every two weeks, comfortable shoes suddenly feel sexy, 10 p.m. qualifies as a “late night out,” and you start getting weirdly nostalgic about, well… everything. We’re laughing our way through the weird, wonderful in-between — where your body changes, your confidence deepens, and your priorities finally start to make I    sense. Whether you’re 35 or 55, I think you’ll feel seen, laugh hard, and maybe even realize: midlife isn’t the beginning of the end — it’s the start of waking up. Let’s Talk About It.  In this episode, we are digging into when midlife begins, investing in relationships with other adults in your kid’s life, midlife body changes, changes in mental health and self-awareness, making decisions with the future in mind, and the freedom that comes from embracing midlife. Sponsor: Cozy Earth – Luxury Bedding and Loungewear  Cozy Earth offers luxury bedding and loungewear known for its incredible softness and temperature regulation. Browse today. Never worry about sleeping hot again! Head to ⁠cozyearth.com⁠ and use my code PAULA for up to  40% off! Want to advertise on my show? Link HERE Sign up to receive Paula’s email, where she keeps it honest about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After loss, dreaming again can feel almost wrong—as if moving forward dishonors what we’ve lost. In this final episode of Good Grief, Dr. Henry Cloud, Annie F. Downs, Jessica N. Turner, and I talk about reclaiming hope, embracing vulnerability, and finding the courage to dream once more. We explore how grief can actually give us permission to imagine a life beyond loss, and how doing the work of healing can open the door to something unexpectedly beautiful. Listen in to learn more: (04:42) Power of Therapy in Life Transformation  (14:14) Benefits of Cozy Earth Sheets  (21:25) Rediscovering Possibilities Through Personal Growth  (24:30) Healing From Loss in Relationships  (35:50) Healing and Reclaiming Access to Heart  In this episode, we are digging into how to find a therapist, the risks of being vulnerable, finding strength in vulnerability, the benefits of going to a grief group, giving yourself permission to dream again after loss, balancing contentment with dreams, staying present in the midst of grief, and the beauty that is waiting on the other side of hard seasons. Sponsor : Cozy Earth – Luxury Bedding and Loungewear  Cozy Earth offers luxury bedding and loungewear known for its incredible softness and temperature regulation. Browse today. Never worry about sleeping hot again! Head to ⁠cozyearth.com⁠ and use my code PAULA for 40% off! Want to advertise on my show? Link HERE Sign up to receive Paula’s email where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms.  Meet Dr Henry Cloud Meet Annie F Downs Meet Jessica N Turner  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grief changes you—but does it define you? In this third episode of our month-long series on grief and loss, I’m sitting down with Dr. Henry Cloud, Jessica Honegger, and Annie F. Downs to talk about what happens after loss. Everyone expects you to “get over it” in a year, to go back to who you were before. But what if you can’t? What if you’re not supposed to? Dr. Cloud shares why grief isn’t about “filling the hole,” but about changing your relationship to what you’ve lost. Jessica opens up about the scars—both physical and emotional—that still ache long after the loss of her marriage. Annie shares the pain of grieving dreams that haven’t yet come true—the longing to be a wife and a mom—and how that kind of grief can feel invisible. And I talk about losing both of my parents and feeling that loss so viscerally, it still takes my breath away. This conversation isn’t about moving on. It’s about learning to live forward—different, maybe, but still whole. Let’s Talk About It. Listen in to learn more: In this episode, we are diving into whether or not grief ever ends, the importance of getting emotionally healthy, grieving a person or situation that was complicated, the scars we are left with as we heal, and how grief changes over time. Sponsor: Cozy Earth – Luxury Bedding and Loungewear  Cozy Earth offers luxury bedding and loungewear known for its incredible softness and temperature regulation. Browse today. Never worry about sleeping hot again! Head to ⁠cozyearth.com⁠ and use my code PAULA for 40% off! Want to advertise on my show? Link HERE Sign up to receive Paula’s email where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms.  Meet Dr Henry Cloud Meet Annie F Downs Meet Jessica N Turner  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Continuing our month-long series on grief and loss, I’m in conversation with Dr. Henry Cloud, Annie F. Downs, and Jessica N. Turner about the tricky, messy, and deeply human process of grief. We talk about the questions everyone asks but few know the answers to: When should I grieve? How do I actually grieve? And what am I supposed to do with all this grief? We dig into why grief isn’t something you handle alone—why having people around who truly see you makes all the difference. We talk about the difference between private and secret grief, why crying isn’t weakness, and how shame and guilt can quietly block your healing. Plus, we get real about the non-linear nature of grief—how sadness, anger, denial, and acceptance can show up in any order, and sometimes years later. By the end, we realize that grief isn’t about finishing—it’s about learning to carry the love and loss in a way that lets life, and hope, back in. Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more: (00:35) The Relational Nature of Grief (69 Seconds) (08:44) Exploring Private vs. Secret Grief (63 Seconds) (22:05) Understanding Stages of Grief (81 Seconds) (27:34) Navigating Grief and Anger (53 Seconds) (31:59) Trusting God in Times of Loss In this episode, we are diving into the grieving process, the importance of being present with loved ones in grief, the difference between isolation and solitude, knowing when and how to share our grief, a different way to think about the five stages of grief, dealing with anger as part of grief, and letting go of shame.  Sponsor : Cozy Earth – Luxury Bedding and Loungewear  Cozy Earth offers luxury bedding and loungewear known for its incredible softness and temperature regulation. Browse today. Never worry about sleeping hot again! Head to ⁠cozyearth.com⁠ and use my code PAULA for 40% off! Want to advertise on my show? Link HERE Sign up to receive Paula’s email where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms.  Meet Dr Henry Cloud Meet Annie F Downs Meet Jessica N Turner  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All month long, I’m in conversation with Dr. Henry Cloud, Annie F. Downs (author/podcaster), and Jessica N. Turner (author) for a series on GRIEF and LOSS.  Together, we explore why grief is not just a response to loss, but a necessary process for healing and growth. In this episode, I share the profound losses in my own life—the passing of my mom, the earlier loss of my dad, and the unexpected ending of my TV career—and we dive into how these experiences ripple through our bodies, minds, and hearts. Dr. Cloud explains why unprocessed grief can linger and affect every single area of our lives, while Annie and Jessica share personal stories of loss that go beyond the death of a loved one—from divorce to the loss of a dream to heartbreaking family experiences. We’ll talk about why society often pressures us to “move on,” why women in particular feel the need to appear like they’ve got it all together, and how listening to our bodies and giving ourselves permission to feel can help us metabolize grief.  This is the first step in understanding grief not as something to get over, but as a journey to live through—and ultimately, a way to carry our losses while still moving forward with hope.  Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more: (03:27) Understanding Grief With Dr. Cloud  (12:08) The Importance of Processing Life Experiences  (16:40) Listening to Your Body in Grief  (24:59) Navigating the Process of Grief  (29:26) The Impact of Grieving on Health In this episode, we are digging into different kinds of loss we experience, why it is important to grieve, how our brains and bodies are designed to process grief, why we struggle with grief, listening to our bodies throughout the grieving process, whether or not time heals all wounds, and what it takes to process our grief in a healthy way.  Sponsor: Cozy Earth – Luxury Bedding and Loungewear  Cozy Earth offers luxury bedding and loungewear known for its incredible softness and temperature regulation. Browse today. Never worry about sleeping hot again! Head to ⁠cozyearth.com⁠ and use my code PAULA for 40% off! Want to advertise on my show? Link HERE Sign up to receive Paula’s email, where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms.  Meet Dr Henry Cloud Meet Annie F Downs Meet Jessica N Turner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The ages of 45–50 can be some of the hardest years of a woman’s life. We’re in the thick of perimenopause and menopause, often juggling teenagers, aging parents, and careers—all while our hormones are shifting dramatically. It’s no surprise that suicide rates peak for women in this age range. In this final episode of our month-long series on PERIMENOPAUSE, I share deeply personal stories alongside Dr. Jen Ashton and Aarti Sequeira about the mental health challenges women face in midlife. We discuss grief, anxiety, rage, and the silent struggles many of us go through—and, most importantly, we talk about help, hope, and the power of speaking up. This is a safe, honest space to acknowledge the dark moments, break the stigma, and remind ourselves: you are not alone. 📌 If you or someone you know is struggling, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7. Let’s Talk About It. Listen in to learn more: (05:20) Hidden Impact of Suicide (12:03) Conversation on Mental Health Awareness  (15:00) Coping With Mental Health Challenges (19:40) Suicide Hotline - Get Help In this episode, we are diving into mental health challenges that can come up in midlife, the trauma and grief of those who have lost someone they love to suicide, fears and pressures women face that can lead to mental health concerns, the importance of being honest about what you are thinking and feeling, breaking the stigma of mental health issues, and the hope that it gets better.  Sponsor: Cozy Earth – Luxury Bedding and Loungewear  Cozy Earth offers luxury bedding and loungewear known for its incredible softness and temperature regulation. Browse today. Never worry about sleeping hot again! Head to ⁠cozyearth.com⁠ and use my code PAULA for 40% off! Want to advertise on my show? Link HERE Sign up to receive Paula’s email, where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms.  https://www.paulafarisofficial.com/newsletterhttps://carrymedia.com/the-carry-all/  https://menopause.org/  https://www.myalloy.com/ Use code: PAULA42103 for $25 off first order Dr Jen Meet Aarti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For decades, testosterone has been prescribed freely to men—yet when it comes to women, there’s no FDA-approved dose, little medical training, and a whole lot of stigma. I’ve been on testosterone for a couple of months, and I’ll be honest: for me, it’s been a game-changer. More clarity. More energy. Even my husband says my brain is on fire again. So why are women forced to fight for access, pay out of pocket, and justify their choices? In this episode, Dr. Jen Ashton, Aarti Sequeira, and I break down what testosterone can (and can’t) do for women in perimenopause. We talk about the benefits, the risks, the stigma—and whether this overlooked hormone could be the missing piece in your midlife health. 👉 This is part of our month-long series on PERIMENOPAUSE and women’s health.  Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more: (00:33) Struggling With Memory and Words  (06:27) Testosterone Use in Women  (14:00) Memory and Menopause Concerns  (17:45) The Benefits of Creatine Supplement  (21:08) Managing Testosterone in Women In this episode, we are diving into ways to support our bodies in perimenopause and menopause, barriers to women receiving hormone replacement therapy, including testosterone, the risks and benefits of testosterone replacement for women in perimenopause, the importance of working with an experienced provider to find out what works well for your body, and the benefits of creatine.  CozyEarth: Head to cozyearth.com and use my code PAULA for 40% off! Want to advertise on my show? Link HERE Sign up to receive Paula’s email where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms.  https://www.paulafarisofficial.com/newsletterhttps://carrymedia.com/the-carry-all/  https://menopause.org/  https://www.myalloy.com/ Use code: PAULA42103 for $25 off first order Dr Jen Meet Aarti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why does weight management feel impossible during perimenopause? In this raw and honest conversation, Dr Jen Ashton, Aarti Sequeira, and I are pulling back the curtain on our own weight struggles–PCOS, Hashimoto’s, inflammation, and the emotional toll of it all. We’re sharing things publicly that we’ve never shared before. From the stigma of GLP-1s and other weight management drugs, Dr. Jen breaks down the science (and the myths) behind these controversial meds, Aarti shares her first-ever public story, and I get candid about my own next steps. This isn’t about being “skinny”—it’s about being strong, healthy, and honest about the choices women are facing in midlife. This conversation is part of our month-long series on PERIMENOPAUSE and women’s health. Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more:  (00:57) Perimenopause Weight Management and Nutrition  (06:09) Challenges With GLP-1 for Weight Loss  (22:24) Weight Loss Management With GLP-1s  (28:28) Exploring GLP-1 and Weight Loss  In this episode, we are digging into personal experiences with GLP-1s, the stigma associated with weight loss medications, the research and science behind GLP-1s (they are not as new as many of us think!), why weight loss is so difficult, especially for women in perimenopause, the causes and challenges of increased inflammation, and the impact of inflammation on our bodies.  CozyEarth: Head to ⁠cozyearth.com⁠ and use my code PAULA for 40% off! Want to advertise on my show? Link HERE Sign up to receive Paula’s email where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms.  https://www.paulafarisofficial.com/newsletterhttps://carrymedia.com/the-carry-all/  https://menopause.org/  https://www.myalloy.com/ Use code: PAULA42103 for $25 off first order Dr Jen Meet Aarti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If perimenopause is the storm before the calm, how do we prepare for it? In Part 2 of our month-long series on PERIMENOPAUSE and women’s health,, Dr. Jen Ashton (Founder, Ajenda), and Aarti Sequeira (Food Network) and I get real about the routines, remedies, and experiments we’re using to navigate this stage. From chia seeds vs. basil seeds, to hormones and hairpieces, to the power of pelvic floor therapy, nothing is off the table. Dr. Jen breaks down why protein and fiber are key (with an easy formula you’ll actually want to write down), while Aarti and I share the very real, sometimes hilarious, science projects our own bodies have become. Preparation isn’t about perfection. It’s about experimenting, listening to your body, and finding what works best for you. This conversation is part of our month-long series on PERIMENOPAUSE and women’s health. Listen in to learn more (03:33) New Office, Perimenopause Preparation (16:44) Balancing Macronutrients for Weight Management (22:58) Holistic Approach to Health and Nutrition  (28:57) Protein Intake Formula Explained In this episode, we are diving into how to prepare our bodies for perimenopause and menopause, how to support our bodies during perimenopause, the importance of protein and fiber in our diet, medical interventions like hormone replacement therapy and GLP-1s, and ways to experiment to find a wellness plan that works for you. Links- Sign up to receive Paula’s email, where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms.  https://www.paulafarisofficial.com/newsletterhttps://carrymedia.com/the-carry-all/  https://menopause.org/  https://www.myalloy.com/ Use code: PAULA42103 for $25 off first order Dr Jen Meet Aarti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’m kicking off a month-long series on Perimenopause and women’s health with a doozy.  Did you know that most of the upheaval doesn’t happen at menopause? It happens DURING perimenopause. Not before. Not after. In this episode, I’m talking to Dr. Jen Ashton (Founder, Ajenda) and Aarti Sequeira (Food Network)  to unpack why perimenopause is the true turning point for women. Essentially, it’s the storm before the calm.  We’ll discuss new research finally focused on women’s health, the cultural silence that treats it as negotiable, plus why this stage is often called the “coming of rage” — and how it can also be the moment we step into our Midlife Wonder Woman years. This conversation is part of our month-long series on PERIMENOPAUSE and women’s health. Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more: 05:31) Perimenopause (10:49) Health Concerns and Perimenopause (13:39) Women's Menopause Market Growth and Research (19:35) Healthcare System and Wellness Focus  (22:12) Menopause Movement and Women's Strength  (24:42) Menopause Experts' Responsibility and Empowerment  (29:13) Brain Changes During Perimenopause In this episode, we are diving into honest conversations about perimenopause and menopause, the three significant changes a woman goes through in her lifetime, why the changes in perimenopause often feel so monumental, current research on women’s health, the pros and cons of western medicine and the American healthcare system, and taking responsibility for our own health. Sign up to receive Paula’s email, where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms.  https://www.paulafarisofficial.com/newsletterhttps://carrymedia.com/the-carry-all/  RESOURCES https://menopause.org/  https://www.myalloy.com/ Use code: PAULA42103 for $25 off first order Dr Jen Meet Aarti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the series finale of our month-long TEENAGERS series, Paula Faris is joined by therapists Sissy Goff and Niro Feliciano,and a special guest, Paula's husband John, to tackle the truth about teen dating and friendships.  Why are teens stuck in toxic relationships and toxic friend groups? How do you set real boundaries when everything’s online and under pressure? And what does a dad’s “no blankets, no bedrooms” rule really mean?  We’re sharing the unfiltered truth about teen love, loyalty, and letting go. No sugarcoating...just real talk! Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more: (00:51) Teen Dating and Friendships  (05:17) Concerns About Teen Dating Trends (13:19) Rise in Group Cyberbullying Among Youth  (16:07) Teen Dating Perspective and Realistic Expectations (22:21) Modeling Healthy Conversations for Relationships  (30:53) Teaching Friendship and Behavior Awareness  (34:15) Teen Dating in the Pandemic Era In this episode, we are digging into navigating teen dating conversations, concerns about teen dating, teaching our kids how they deserve to be treated in friendship and dating relationships, having realistic expectations of teen relationships, healthy boundaries for teen dating, helping teens foster healthy friendships, and modeling healthy relationships for our kids of all ages. Connect with Sissy Goff Connect with Niro Feliciano  Sissy’s Parenting Conference Sign up to receive Paula’s newsletter, where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms.    Want to watch this episode? Watch on your Spotify app, or head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are we raising soft kids? In Episode 3 of our TEENAGERS series, therapists Sissy Goff and Niro Feliciano are back, along with my husband John, to call out the rescue culture that’s stripping our teens of their grit. We dive deep into why failure is essential for building resilience—and how stepping in too soon tells our kids they’re not capable.  You’ll learn: ➡️ Why kids need to struggle ➡️ How failure builds grit ➡️ What it looks like to parent with empathy without stepping in to fix everything. If you want to raise strong, confident teens who can handle life’s hard knocks, this episode is a must-listen.  Let’s Talk About It.  Listen in to learn more:  (00:52) Raising Resilient Kids  (04:10) Quality Time With Kids Through Golf  (07:29) Raising Kids in Modern Society  (16:24) Teaching Kids to Embrace Failure  (19:26) Redefining Expectations for Teenagers (23:07) Empowering Choices in Athletics  (33:20) Building Resilience in Children  In this episode, we delve into why parents often do more for their kids than they should, the evolution of parent-child relationships across generations, providing kids with opportunities to practice resilience, the messages we convey to our kids when we overstep, shifting our mindset around failure, and modeling resilience for our children. Connect with Sissy Goff Connect with Niro Feliciano  Sissy’s Parenting Conference Sign up to receive Paula’s newsletter, where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms.    Want to watch this episode? Watch on your Spotify app, or head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Teen anxiety, depression, and even OCD-like symptoms are rising at staggering rates—and technology plus social media are playing a major role. In this second episode of our month-long series on TEENAGERS, I’m joined by therapists Sissy Goff and Niro Feliciano to unpack the connection between mental health struggles and the digital world our kids are growing up in. We’ll explain:  ➡️ why girls are experiencing anxiety at twice the rate of boys ➡️ how social media hijacks the brain’s dopamine system ➡️ and the critical signs parents shouldn’t ignore From early intervention to everyday tech boundaries, this conversation is a must-listen for every parent raising kids in a digital age. Listen in to learn more: (00:10) Gender Disparity in Mental Health Treatment  (03:06) Teen Mental Health Crisis and Parenting (07:53) Rise in Anxiety Symptoms Among Girls  (11:16) Yoga Exercise for Mental Health  (16:02) Social Media's Impact on Children's Brains  (20:33) Effects of Grayscale Phone Display  (24:05) Parenting and Technology Concerns  (27:10) The Complexity of Social Media Decision  (33:19) Effects of Social Media on Kids  (39:41) Limiting Screen Time With Grayscale Mode SUMMARY In this episode, we are diving into the correlation between teen mental health issues and technology, what technology and social media are doing to teen brains, signs and symptoms of mental health concerns in teens, the research on dopamine and brain chemistry, navigating conversations around social media and phones with teens, making changes to how you handle phones and social media within your family, and healthy boundaries for social media and technology. Connect with Sissy Goff Connect with Niro Feliciano  Learn more about the upcoming parenting conference with Sissy Goff and David Thomas on September 13th! https://www.raisingboysandgirls.com/events/raising-capable-kids-a-one-day-parenting-conference-with-david-thomas-amp-sissy-goff Sign up to receive Paula’s newsletter, where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms.    Want to watch this episode? Watch on your Spotify app, or head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices