The Loneliness Project: Connection after 50 with Pam & Karyn

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)Get ready: It’s our first Q and A Giveaway and you’ve got a front row seat. Is there something you’ve always wondered about loneliness after 50, friendship, grief, purpose, connection, or even what happens behind the scenes of our podcast? Now’s your chance to ask.Submit your question and you’ll be entered to win a $100 Spoonful of Comfort gift card. Their baskets really are like being wrapped in a warm blanket of yumminess.We can’t wait to hear what’s on your mind!Pam and Karyn

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)What would your 70-year-old self thank you for doing today? After talking with a group of women in their 70’s (The Mahjong Gang), Karyn and Pam unpack the biggest lessons these gals wish they had known in their 50’s. Their thoughts about friendship, health, adventure, family, and forgiveness might just change how you think about the years ahead.

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)..We discuss all the benefits of day logging, including how different styles can help us from organization to anger control.  Pam shares a tear jerking entry towards the end of the episode. Send us questions or comments at [email protected], through a text here, or in the comments section.

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)In Part II of The Midlife Supplement Maze, we finish untangling the supplement confusion with an honest look at some of the most contemplated supplements on the market today. Are they for you? We’re spilling the tea so you can decide for yourself. We also pull back the curtain on overhyped supplements that aren’t worth their shiny packaging. And then, we wrap up both episodes with a smart, empowering best practices list to help you choose supplements that actually fit your body, lifestyle, and season of midlife. It’s all the glitter with no filler on this episode of The Loneliness Project. 

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)This episode is a follow-up to our “Crazy Cool Health Builders” conversation. But this time, we’re getting more in tune with the supplements we could potentially take every day. In Part I, Pam and Karyn break down the supplements women over 50 hear about all the time and ask the real question: Are these actually helpful for you? We explore what these supplements do, who they’re best for, lesser-known facts, and what to know before jumping on the bandwagon so you can supplement smarter, not louder. (Edit from Pam's comments about vitamin D...In 2008, doctors were putting her and neighbors on 20K per day to get levels above 30 ng/ML)

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)Karyn can't stand resolutions at the New Year.   She shares with us why.  We are republishing this from two years ago.  Originally aired in January 2024.

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)Pam and Karyn try to decide if happiness is needed every day or just every so often.  They each share why they hate the terms "happy and Joy".  Further, which of the happiness hormones does Pam think is very dangerous?  Finally what are the pitfalls associated with being addicted to happiness?  Listen to how Karyn gets joy from her feet (not from cute shoes!).

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)Is it always better to know the truth or are there times when ignorance really is bliss? In this episode, Karyn and Pam dive into everyday and deeply personal examples of when we seek truth… and when we’d rather look the other way. From haircuts and holiday dinners to health diagnoses and end-of-life confessions, they explore the delicate dance between emotional self-protection and radical honesty — especially for women managing midlife, connection, and vulnerability.

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)Join Pam and Karyn and they each share a top three podcast from their own subscriber libraries.  They want to know if you share a love for any of the ones they discuss.

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)Many Life Coaches and Therapists characterize self-sabotage as positive reinforcement.  Pam and Karyn share their own self sabotaging ways and then contemplate if that’s true for each of them.    Are Women truly as complicated as they see themselves?  Are they allowed to feel fear of Success or should they knock it off?  Is it best to have a great confidence over low self-esteem?  Do men do this too?  Those are some of the questions they ponder in this episode of “The Loneliness Project”.  

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)Do you use Life 360, or is it too intrusive?  How about security cameras?  Do they creep you out?   Did you own a Flip phone?  Are people becoming too isolated?  These are a few of our discussion points today.  We hope you join us!

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)Pam and Karyn discuss the process taken once the realtor has been chosen and the house is on the market.  Plus, they contemplate the pros and cons of holding on to the house for the grandkids vs downsizing.  

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)Karyn was thinking ahead to her own move in the future when she got curious about Pam's real time home selling preparation.   They decided to share with you some ways to get ahead, as well as some not so great ways, to approach the process.   You'll enjoy some giggles as Karyn gets to the bottom of the best tip of all.  

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)Part II is here, and we’re diving deep into the wild world of hormone balance and gut health. From DHEA cream and phage therapy to Thaena poop pills (yes, really). Pam and Karyn get real about their own menopausal journeys, the power of individualized hormone care, and how to finally have that conversation with your doctor. Plus, the truth about where the science of antibiotics is really going, how to rotate your probiotics, what “die off” is, and the best fermented food-based options for a happy gut after 50.

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)Are you feeling stuck in your health routine? In this episode, we dive into crazy cool unconventional health boosters — tools you’ve probably never heard of, but just might change your life. From methylene blue and beetroot crystals to protein cycling and vagus-nerve-hacking humming, this is part one of our most eye-opening wellness chat yet — for women over 50 who want to feel energized, strong, and centered again

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)Thanksgiving was full of surprises this year and we both felt ready!  Listen and then email us at [email protected] to share your Thanksgiving surprises.  

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)Join Pam and Karyn in this insightful episode of "The Loneliness Project" as they delve into the multifaceted world of caregiving. Discover the various roles caregivers play, from the traditional to the unexpected, and learn vital coping strategies to prevent burnout. Whether you’re tending to an aging parent, supporting a friend, or are connected financially, caregiving can be both rewarding and draining. This episode offers valuable advice from those who have been there.  Please visit us on utube to share your thoughts and let us get to know you too.  

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)Episode 39Is Happily Ever After Possible When Your Spouse Annoys the Sh*t Out of You After 20+ Years of Marriage?Is happily ever after a real thing – even when you’ve been married for years and your spouse drives you up the wall?  In this fun yet heartfelt episode, Pam and Karyn share their partners quirks that once made them swoon, but now make them sigh. They also take the conversation deeper, exploring what the research says about the key to maintaining a lasting love in a long term marriage. From dish duty disasters to spouses who listen 50% of the time, this is a real-talk relationship check-in for anyone living with the same human… quirks, annoyances, and all.

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)Description:  Karyn shares a time that she had to EXPECT, ACCEPT, AND ADJUST a situation she had during a difficult time with handling her mom’s cancer treatment.   The friends next discuss some questions about friendships past and present.  They attempt to evaluate what type of friend they are and which type they prefer the most.

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)Expectations can lift us up or leave us feeling let down. In this episode, Pam and Karyn unpack what happens when the people in our lives – from spouses and adult kids to extended family members, flaky friends, emotion dumpers, boundary pushers, etc… don’t show up how we hoped they would. It's a candid convo about letting go, lowering expectations, speaking up, and finding peace in our second chapter.

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)Pam and Karyn ponder WHY we:   1. try to make big problems small, 2.  avoid the truth, 3.  don’t accept our new normal, and 4. can’t stop guilting ourselvesThey discuss why we KNOW more than we can DO.  Finally, is a pity party okay, EVER? 

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)Dive into "The Future of Aging: Lessons from Denmark, Japan, and Beyond." In this episode, Pam and Karyn explore how various countries support their aging to combat loneliness and manage dementia. There are lessons the U.S. can take from these truly inspiring initiatives. Plus, the gal pals love to gamify everything to make an episode more fun, so listen in as Pam and Karyn rate each program “weird, creepy, or cool.” You might be surprised by some of our responses—not everything gets our stamp of approval! Grab a cuppa and get cozy. It’s an all new Loneliness Project.

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)Join Pam and Karyn this week as the gals take a break from the regularpodcast format for a special episode of 'The Loneliness Project: Connection After 50.' It’s time for a heartfelt girlfriend catch-up in which they each share some heartfelt ups and downs.  

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)Do you fear the approach of Empty Nesting?   Through our discussion with Ginger, a seasoned empty nester, we discuss how to prepare for a new normal.  It's all about the planting of certain seeds.  Please join us!

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)Join Pam and Karyn in "The Loneliness Project: Connection After 50" as they explore the transformative journey of rediscovering yourself after the kids have flown the nest. This episode dives into the emotional whirlpool that engulfs many moms transitioning from full-time parenting to finding their own passions and identity. Whether it’s reviving old hobbies, embarking on new educational pursuits, or simply learning to prioritize personal joy, this discussion is a heartfelt guide to embracing life’s second chapter, complete with personal stories and a practical Rediscovery Roadmap Quiz. Tune in to start sculpting a life that truly reflects who you are meant to be, with your partner and as an individual!

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)Is it easier to lose a loved one suddenly vs a slow death?    Are we ever truly prepared for the inevitable loss of our elderly parents?  What about when a loved one dies unexpectedly?   How do we go from feeling devastated to being OK?  Is Loss on a hierarchy?  These questions and more are discussed by Pam and Karyn as they each share their own losses and discuss the toll it takes.

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)Frenemies are TOXIC and it’s time to get them out of your life! Grab a cuppa something cozy and warm and join Pam and Karyn for a deep dive into the world of frenemies on 'The Loneliness Project: Connection After 50.' Ever wonder why these tricky relationships seem to hit differently for women than men– especially as we age? Well, we're unpacking all that with some science, personal frenemy encounters, and even some telltale scenarios to help you decipher if you’ve got an unsuspecting frenemy lurking in your life. We'll explore why these half-friends can be more draining than outright enemies and share some solid tips for how to handle them. Don't miss out on this eye-opening chat—it's like a little guide to peace of mind in every aspect of your social, work, family, and neighborhood life!

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)Welcome back to "The Loneliness Project: Connection After 50," where today's episode dives deep into the complex world of guilt. Join Pam and Karyn as they explore everything from the motivating power of healthy guilt to the paralyzing effects of its toxic counterpart. In this thoughtful discussion, they unpack why we feel guilt, how it shapes our interactions, and what it truly means to manage this powerful emotion wisely. Grab a cuppa tea or coffee and join us, won’t you?

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)Join Pam and Karyn in a thought-provoking episode of "The Loneliness Project," where they delve into the often-celebrated yet psychologically complex role of moms as the familial glue. From the pride and pressure of being the indispensable nurturer to the intriguing dynamics of role-switching with spouses, this episode explores nine critical questions about the emotional landscape of being the central figure in family life.

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)Visit us on utube and make a comment please!How Are You Really?Join Pam and Karyn for an enlightening episode of "The Loneliness Project," where Karyn tells Pam all about her social experiment swapping the casual "how are you?" with a meaningful approach to foster genuine connection. Discover how this simple change in daily conversations can deepen relationships and combat loneliness. Pam and Karyn discuss the surprising outcomes this simple change can bring as we investigate what happens when you ask "How are you, really?" and mean it. 

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)Explore the transformative power of solitude in this insightful episode of "The Loneliness Project." Join Pam and Karyn as they distinguish between the sting of loneliness and the peaceful embrace of solitude. Learn how solitude, when approached with a curious and positive mindset, can lead to self-discovery, creativity, and a renewed appreciation for relationships. The gals discuss simple strategies for cultivating meaningful solitude that enriches your life and strengthens your connections with others. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to turn their alone time into a rejuvenating experience.

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)Join Pam and Karyn in a deeply personal episode of "The Loneliness Project," where they explore the painful realities of family estrangement. They share their own stories and the lasting impact on family gatherings and personal connections. This episode offers insights and strategies for those feeling isolated by familial divides, providing hope and guidance to those navigating this challenging aspect of relationships.   We are now on UTUBE as well.

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)Join Pam and Karyn in a fun-filled episode of "The Loneliness Project" as they unveil their all-time favorite movies. In "Reel Talk: Our Top Must-See Movie Picks for Women Over 50," discover which films have captivated their hearts and why these picks are perfect for women in the prime of life. Will there be overlap in their lists? Does a period piece or a tear-jerker make the cut? Tune in for a delightful dive into cinema that's sure to add a few titles to your must-watch list!

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)Join Pam and Karyn on "The Loneliness Project: Connection After 50" as they delve into friendship for shy and introverted gals. In this insightful episode, Pam and Karyn share deeply personal stories that have shaped their social selves and explore the common misconceptions between being shy and being an introvert. Discover why it's not just about finding friends who mirror who you think you are, but about embracing your “inner tortoise,” taking on leadership roles, and diving into a diverse friend pool. Tune in for their top tips on the best places and strategies for shy and introverted women to forge meaningful connections later in life. Whether you're a lifelong introvert or just finding your social stride, this episode will empower you with the confidence to step out and connect.

comment or question to be read aloud (or not) In today’s episode, hosts Pam and Karyn delve deep into the frustrating world of unknown medical diagnoses. They share their own personal health odysseys—from misdiagnosed dietary issues and autoimmune disorders to finally uncovering the root causes of their symptoms. Their discussion illuminates the challenge we all face within today’s medical system with finding the right diagnosis, reveals how the scarcity of generalist doctors complicates diagnosis, and explores the significant impact of factors like stress, weather, hormones, and diet on our health. This episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling with unresolved health issues or interested in the intricate dance between lifestyle and well-being. Join us as we continue to share in conversation, laughs, sorrows, and the thread that ties us all together—the loneliness community.

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)In this episode of The Loneliness Project: Connection After 50, Pam and Karyn get real with how they’re doing connecting with others in their own lives. This conversation takes several turns as we revisit the love language of “quality time,” discuss passive aggressive people, consider golf as a couple’s sport, ponder the ways having multiple brothers shaped our attitudes, decide if we have more introvert or extrovert energy—and it all gets wrapped up in a nice tidy bow as we reminisce about the fun and stress of planning a gala.  

comment or question to be read aloud (or not) This episode dives deeply into Gary Chapman's renowned concept of the Love Languages, now expanded to seven love languages.   We ponder how our our needs have changed since we first talked about the book that took looking at relationships from a back street to the Autobahn.  Pam and Karyn ponder the possibility of a much-needed sequel: "Love Language After 50." Discover how to effectively communicate your evolving emotional needs to spouses, children, coworkers, and friends. Whether it's Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, or perhaps a new language entirely, understanding these dynamics is key to enriching our relationships.Email us at [email protected] if you have any comments or questions after listening to this.   We might read your message on one of our podcasts (if you don't mind). 

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)We have Pam's husband, Pierre, on to share why he started a Utube channel about travel.   

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)We share our skin care routines and some of our favorite products:  Joans Road, DRMTLGY needless serum, Eminence, Elta MD 40 spf,  BioSsance Vitamin Squalane and vitamin C, and Alpyn Beauty

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)We brought our long time friend and seasoned Empty Nester on to discuss all stages of life once the kids leave the home.   Pam gives the scoop on how surprising the first nine months have been.  We try not to frighten Karyn,  who has a few more years to go before her sweet young boy leaves home.   Ginger dishes us some great tips and we hope you will too by emailing [email protected]

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)Our great friend, Sheridan, lost her mom a few months ago.  What she discovered about her finances after her passing could serve as a warning for those of us unaware.  notes:  Charles Schwab's Guide to Financial Independence:  Simple Solutions for Busy People and You're Fifty-Now What?  Investing for the Second Half of your Life.

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)The following are discussed briefly:  1. Top 5 Chronic Illnesses Impacting Women Over 50 the Most; 2.  Prevention; 3.  New and Innovative Research and Treatments; 4.  Holistic Prevention and Management Strategies when you are over 50; 5.  Innovative and Alternative Research and Treatments ,and 6.  Addressing Isolation and Loneliness Holistically

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)GRRRRRRRRR!  GO AWAY WINTER!!!!!!   Karyn and Pam both suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder and want to share some practical advice on how to cope with their blues.  

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)Do you ever think about how retirement looks for you?  We talk about how to get started on planning your healthiest and best semi-retirement to retirement.    Take that first step towards making sure your dreamiest days are still ahead. 

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)Middlescence is a new term used to describe our midlife years from our 40's through to our 60's or 70's. It is a new term because we never used to live long enough to have such a long stretch of life between young adulthood and our elderly years.   We discuss how we feel about this new term and whether it applies to either of us.

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)We get real here as we share our own DO and DON'T list for future mother in-laws.   We need your help as there's a lot to consider when it comes to adding a family member to your own clan.  

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)We've missed you and now we know that you have missed us too!!  Thank you, Listeners, for giving us your ideas and thoughts.   Please keep your thoughts coming at [email protected].

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)We share how Karyn became a cat lover at age 50 plus we delve into the pros/cons of having pets.  Let us know your opinion at our email:  [email protected] 

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)This is the second part of our discussion of how we barely understand what it's like when our parents get older until we reach our 50s.   We share the role reversal,  changing dynamics, tough conversations, and action steps for maintaining dignity for them while managing our own struggles.  [email protected]

comment or question to be read aloud (or not)Not many of us understand what it's like when our parents get older until we reach our 50s.   We share the role reversal,  changing dynamics, tough conversations, and action steps for maintaining dignity for them while managing our own struggles.  [email protected]