Women in the Middle®: Loving Life After 50 - Midlife Coach Podcast

This episode is about when you feel stuck in midlife even though everything looks fine. If you've been feeling stuck, unclear, or just slightly off lately…today's show will help you understand why. Feeling this way at this time in your life is common. But, what many women don't realize, especially when you're over 50 is this: It's probably not a clarity problem.  Learn more HERE

Midlife transitions can be challenging. Have you ever felt like your life looks fine… but something feels off? If so, you're not alone. In this episode, we're talking about what a midlife transition after 50 really is and why it often shows up in subtle, confusing ways. For many women, this stage isn't about a dramatic crisis. It's about a quiet shift in awareness. You start noticing how you feel, how you're spending your time, and what you may want next. If you've been feeling restless, disconnected, or unsure about your next chapter, this episode will help you understand what's going on and what to do about it. More info here!

Today you'll discover insight into how writing a book can instigate insight into your own reinvention, especially when it's about midlife women. My guest today is Jennifer Oko. Jennifer Oko is the author of four books of fiction and nonfiction. Her memoir Lying Together: My Russian Affair was twice named an "Editor's Choice" by The New York Times Book Review. Her novels include Gloss, a satire of morning television hailed as "a rare treat" by The Chicago Tribune; Head Case, a comic mystery about psycho-pharmaceutical trafficking. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-457-rewriting-the-story-a-novelists-midlife-reinvention-with-jennifer-oko/

Am I too old to get out of a kayak? This was the question I asked when getting out of a kayak suddenly became difficult; it sparked an unexpected realization about aging, mindset, and decision-making. Ask yourself, what happens for you when something you always loved suddenly gets harder? Do you give it up or do you typically get curious about how to make it work? After an awkward (and hilarious) kayaking moment, I share how noticing your thoughts and getting curious can help you avoid quietly giving up parts of your life you still want. You'll also learn how small challenges can quietly shrink your life and how to use "life leadership" to adjust instead of give things up.  This is how you regret-proof your life! Please enjoy this episode!  Learn More: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-456-am-i-too-old-to-get-out-of-a-kayak-in-midlife/

Today you'll discover an intergenerational friendship between two women 76 and 105 years old, that got better with age. Walking and talking with your 100+ year old friend is not something you might think was even possible.  But it's their reality and my guest wrote a book about it. My guest is Merilyn Simonds.  She's the younger half of this intergenerational friendship.   Merilyn is also an internationally published and award-winning author of three e-born works of fiction and 20 books overall. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-455-walking-and-talking-with-my-100-year-old-friend-intergenerational-friendships-in-midlife-with-merilyn-simonds/

What you'll learn in this episode about how to balance your hormones in menopause and beyond. Today the show's focus is on how to balance hormones in menopause and beyond with Sarah Haas. It's probably no surprise that we're also diving into weight loss, sleep, balance, stress  and more. Menopause can be a confusing time. My guest, Sarah Haas, is a Women's Weight Release & Body Love Coach, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Certified Personal Trainer, yoga instructor, host of the Boss Body podcast, and expert columnist for Aspire Magazine. She empowers women in midlife, menopause, and beyond to create vibrant health, feel good in their bodies, and live a simple, sustainable healthy lifestyle.  Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-454-how-to-balance-your-hormones-in-menopause-and-beyond-with-sarah-haas/

What if nothing is technically wrong in midlife … but something still feels off? In this episode, we explore a common but often hard-to-explain midlife experience: when your life looks good on paper, yet feels slightly out of alignment. You're capable, responsible, and productive. Everything works. And yet… something doesn't quite feel right. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-453-when-your-life-looks-fine-but-feels-slightly-off-after-50/

ADHD (Attention-deficit/hyperactivity Disorder) in midlife is becoming more common. A diagnosis as an adult can feel like a relief. My guest today is ADHD Coach and Professional Organizer, Robynne Pendariès. Robynne received her degree in Child Psychology from Tufts University in Boston, and then moved to Paris in 1989. She worked for 10 years as a fashion buyer in Paris, and subsequently raised her two children while managing her husband's career as a professional golf player. Robynne spent the next eight years perfecting her organizing skills in her own home, and she came to realize how passionate organizing had become for her. During a get-together with some friends, she had her "aha" moment and decided to start her business in 2006 as a Professional Organizer in France. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-452-when-it-finally-makes-sense-adult-adhd-in-midlife-with-robynne-pendaries/

Wildlife rehabilitation is the focus for this special Podcasthon episode. Podcasthon is when hosts around the world feature charities simultaneously during the same week. Born and raised in Argyle, Nova Scotia, Hope Swinimer spent most of her time outdoors as a child enjoying everything the natural world had to offer. She knew that she wanted to work with animals in some capacity, and after missing the ocean terribly while attending college, she wanted to be near the ocean. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-451-reconnecting-people-with-their-natural-world-through-wildlife-rehabilitation-with-hope-swinimer/

Are you ready to stop running on default? Ask yourself, what does "living on autopilot" really mean in midlife? If you're in midlife and feeling slightly unsettled, even though your life looks fine on the outside, this episode is for you. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-450-living-on-autopilot-in-midlife-what-i-see-differently-now/

Discover how an art journal became a sneak attack on autopilot. In this episode, I share how something I once dismissed as "a waste of time" (art journaling) became a quiet but profound practice in staying present. Ask yourself…What if the most powerful shift in midlife didn't require a big decision… but a simple pen? Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-449-the-sneak-attack-on-autopilot-how-my-art-journal-helped-me-stay-present-in-midlife/

Overcoming fear in midlife can be challenging. My guest, Louisa Swaden, is living proof that the second half of life can be the start of something extraordinary.  After turning 50, Louisa began saying yes to things that once felt impossible — setting land speed records on sand, racing at the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats, and riding across Namibia as part of a conservation effort with Rally for Rangers. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-448-overcoming-fear-and-living-a-braver-life-after-50-with-louisa-swaden/

Discover why downsizing with purpose, learning how to keep what matters, and letting go of the rest is a useful direction in midlife. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-447-downsizing-with-purpose-how-to-keep-what-matters-and-let-go-of-the-rest/

In this episode, Suzy reflects on what a recent Costa Rica retreat revealed about slowing down, presence, and the importance of awe and wonder in midlife. Many midlife women are highly capable, productive, and constantly managing full lives, yet feel restless, rushed, and disconnected. This conversation explores why awe doesn't arrive through effort or productivity, but through attention and noticing. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-446-awe-wonder-and-the-joy-of-life-in-the-slow-lane-in-midlife/

In today's episode, I'm introducing something new I've created called the Midlife Doodle-Think Club. It's a gentle, low-pressure Zentangle®-based practice space designed to help midlife women slow down, be present, and create space to think. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-445-midlife-doodle-think-club-slow-down-create-a-space-to-think-with-the-zentangle-method-mindful-doodling/

Today's episode is about becoming an accidental Olympics journalist in midlife with Alison Brown. Alison Brown is the co-host and co-producer of Keep the Flame Alive, the smart and fun podcast for fans of the Olympics and Paralympics. The podcast has been accredited by the USOPC for Beijing 2022, Paris 2024, and Milano-Cortina 2026. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-444-becoming-an-accidental-olympics-journalist-in-midlife-with-alison-brown/

Today's episode is about managing fear of change and a midlife career transition from finance to interior design with Darlene Malaney. I originally interviewed Darlene on my sister's podcast, Women in the Middle® Entrepreneurs. Today I'm sharing this episode here on the Women in the Middle® Show because Darlene was also a client in the Women in the Middle Academy; she also shares her midlife career transition journey from unfulfilled and unhappy to clarity and joy, and talks about her personal experience with decision-making in a way that I know you'll relate to and get a lot from. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-443-midlife-career-transition-from-finance-to-interior-design-with-darlene-malaney/

Shame can silently shape how you see the world. My guest today is Michelle Dovey, who is an artist, bestselling author, and creator of The Naked Man Project and The Naked Man Oracle.  After dismantling her own shame through the radical act of drawing 100 naked men, she now helps women – and organizations – reclaim aliveness, creativity, and authentic power. Her talks blend art, humor, and psychology to spark conversations that break taboos, challenge perfectionism, and inspire courage. She has been featured internationally and is known for creating safe, transformative spaces where audiences laugh, cry, and leave forever changed. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-442-a-surprising-art-form-that-led-to-finding-purpose-the-naked-man-project-with-michelle-dovey/

What if your bucket list isn't a list at all? What if it's a voice—your future self—quietly trying to get your attention? In this episode of Women in the Middle, we take the pressure off the idea of a bucket list and explore it in a completely different way. Instead of treating it like a to-do list or a set of goals, we imagine what your bucket list might say to you if it could talk—about the dreams you've postponed, the ways you've put yourself last, and what still matters as time starts to feel different in midlife. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-441-what-your-bucket-list-wants-you-to-know-before-you-do-anything-about-it/

A New Year's resolution can feel especially frustrating in midlife. Instead of excitement, they often trigger resistance, self-doubt, and the familiar thought: "Why bother?" In this episode, I offer a different approach to goal-setting after 50; it's one that's compassionate, realistic, and surprisingly motivating. Rather than focusing on what you should do, you'll learn how to make one decision your future self will thank you for. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-440-the-best-midlife-resolution-one-decision-your-future-self-will-thank-you-for/

Today's encore episode is all about how to make a fun and special connection with a "Top 10 Days of the Year" list for your new year celebration in midlife…or at any age. It's a special encore episode that is perfect to hear again at this time of year. You'll discover an idea from podcast guest Bob Schneeweiss (originally from Episode 78, Why You Should Celebrate Family Traditions in Midlife) that's a powerful idea for a new tradition for the new year. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-439-encore-pick-your-top-10-days-of-the-year-celebrate-midlife-with-connection/

Today's episode is all about your 7-step guide to regret-proofing your holidays in midlife. Discover 7 specific tips to help you manage your mind, your feelings, and your enjoyment when you're with your family over the holidays. This leads to minimizing the likelihood you'll have regrets. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-438-your-7-step-guide-to-regret-proof-your-holidays-in-midlife/

Today's episode is about the importance of leading and leadership for wellness and creating a corporate culture where everyone thrives. Patricia Grabarek, PhD, is the author of "Leading for Wellness": How to Create a Team Culture Where Everyone Thrives, the co-founder of Workr Beeing, and a seasoned Industrial/Organizational Psychologist specializing in workplace wellness, organizational culture, employee engagement, diversity and inclusion, and leadership development. With a background in both consulting and internal roles. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-437-leading-for-wellness-and-thriving-at-work-in-midlife-with-dr-patricia-grabarek/

Today's episode is all about why you should give yourself a midlife permission slip and even make a ceremony to celebrate! Specifically, we're talking about giving yourself permission to make yourself happy in midlife. It might seem strange that this is even necessary. Unfortunately, it's quite common to hold yourself back when it comes to your dreams. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-436-your-permission-slip-ceremony-in-midlife/

Today's podcast interview is about thriving after grieving a job you love. My guest today is Laverne McKinnon. Laverne is an executive and leadership coach specializing in career transitions—whether recovering from a setback, embracing a pivot, or stepping into a leadership role with confidence. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-435-grieving-the-job-you-loved-or-hated-and-moving-forward-in-midlife-with-laverne-mckinnon/

Today's podcast interview is about learning to swim, but as an adult in midlife.  My guest today is Cori Myka. Cori has spent over 25 years transforming the way adults learn to swim. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-434-overcoming-the-fear-of-learning-to-swim-as-a-midlife-adult/

Today's podcast episode is about helping midlife women support and heal the life-altering and personal issues of pelvic floor dysfunction and prolapse. We're talking about peeing your pants and more. Women in midlife are finally at a point in their journeys where they have children who are gaining more independence. This can also mean more stability in their careers and more ability to turn energy towards taking care of themselves again, which can lead to so much healing at such a crucial time. Get ready to hear tips, practical advice, and actionable steps to support healing your pelvic floor. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-433-stop-peeing-your-pants-why-nows-the-time-to-heal-your-pelvic-floor/

Today's podcast episode is about going from a career in higher education to being a podcaster who helps other women over 40 share their stories with the world through podcasting. You'll also hear about my guest's midlife journey to get there, which included lots of challenges, health issues, stress, and of course, courage. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-432-how-podcasting-your-story-created-a-new-world-for-me-in-midlife-with-julie-marty-pearson/

Today's episode is about the idea that midlife isn't a crisis but rather a recalibration opportunity in your life.  Midlife doesn't have to be about "breaking down." Getting the insight you need about what you actually want next can be about realigning yourself with your priorities now, not from 30 years ago. Things have changed; you have changed. The trick is to actually hear what your future self is trying to tell you or how she's trying to guide you. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-431-midlife-isnt-a-crisis-its-a-recalibration-take-the-get-unstuck-quiz/

Today's episode is about how to get out of debt, save & invest without a strict budget in midlife with Germaine Foley. We're exploring midlife money mindset and how to create the financial future that feels right to you. My guest is Germaine Foley.  Germaine is a Certified Life and Money Coach for women who make good money but aren't building wealth. She helps them take control of their finances and build wealth without losing the freedom to travel &/or buy nice things. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-430-how-to-get-out-of-debt-save-invest-without-a-strict-budget-in-midlife/

Today's "next chapter toolkit" episode for women 60+ is inspired by the topic of reinvention…starting something new…allowing yourself to be happy and regret proof your life. And we're going to look at this through the lens of life after 60.  Don't worry, you'll be able to apply this podcast to your life if you're in your 50s, too. You'll discover why mindfulness tools, practical tools, network tools, and purpose tools are important to have in your toolbox. They will all help you figure out what you want so you can go after it and regret proof your life! Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-429-your-next-chapter-toolkit-starting-something-new-after-60-without-starting-over/

Today's episode is about what it's like when tech feels tricky in midlife and why digital overwhelm isn't about age When it comes to technology in midlife, it's easy to believe that you're too old and it's just too late to be able to use tech without stress. It can seem impossible to believe that tech doesn't have to be hard and problematic for you in life and business. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-428-when-tech-feels-tricky-in-midlife-why-digital-overwhelm-isnt-about-age/

Today's episode is about the science of happiness after 50; research can reveal important information about your next chapter that can make it better! You may be interested to learn that there are decades of happiness research that can teach you about living a fuller, more joyful life after 50. This may surprise you because it's easy to believe that the best is over, and once you're over 50, it can be a downhill slide to the finish line.  This, like many other myths about aging, contributes to a lot of negative emotions about getting older. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-427-the-science-of-happiness-after-50-what-research-reveals-about-your-next-chapter/

Today's encore episode shares a simple strategy to end procrastination and overwhelm in midlife called "minimum baseline."  It was originally published as Episode 324 on October 5, 2023. When you find yourself full of procrastination and overwhelm, you may also notice how bad you feel, how much time you waste, and how hard it is to feel good about small amounts of action. It can feel like you're going nowhere fast. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-426-encore-minimum-baseline-strategy-for-procrastination-overwhelm-in-midlife/

Today's episode is all about someone who went from designing experiments in a nuclear physics laboratory to writing historical fiction novels and danced with her dogs along the way. My guest is Joyce A. Miller, a writer living in Richmond, VA. Before Joyce started writing, she worked for over thirty years as a mechanical designer at a nuclear physics laboratory. She created a fun and interesting journey to her retirement experience for herself. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-425-dog-dancing-writing-reimagining-retirement-with-joyce-a-miller/

Today's episode is all about navigating perimenopause and menopause, starting with nutrition and lifestyle (and perhaps foundational supplements). The perimenopause and menopause phase of life can be an incredibly strange one. Lack of easy-to-access information from reliable sources can be challenging. As an older and wiser woman, it's surprising how difficult it can be to navigate all the confusion!  This show will help. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-424-navigating-perimenopause-menopause-in-midlife-with-andrea-donsky/

Today's episode is all about following your midlife passion into luxury cruising and more. My guest is Dr. Krystal Sodaitis. Krystal Sodaitis is a Physician, Executive, Neurodiversity Coach, & Podcast Host; she's a board-certified pediatrician with a career spanning academic medicine, health plan leadership, and physician coaching. Since transitioning from academic medicine to health plan leadership in 2013, and served as the Associate Chief Medical Officer for a health plan based in her home state of Illinois. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-423-following-your-midlife-passion-into-luxury-cruising-more-with-krystal-sodaitis/

Today's episode is all about midlife memories about perfume! Specifically, it's about your perfume past. I've asked three midlife gals from the Women in the Middle Academy to join me in a panel to talk and share stories of how we all discovered and used perfume and other scents throughout the years. Learn more:  https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-422-midlife-memories-from-your-perfume-past/

This week's encore episode from my other podcast, the Women in the Middle® Entrepreneurs show, about introverts can learn to own & play to their strengths authentically while rattling the cages of organizations to shake out the bias that favours the extravert ideal. Introverts are often known as "the quiet ones" and may feel that way too.  It's common for them to be overlooked. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-421-encore-when-introverts-choose-to-flourish-in-midlife-with-joanna-rawbone/

This week's encore episode is about 3 ways to be delighted in midlife. Being delighted more often is a worthy pursuit! Especially when you're a woman over 50. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-420-encore-3-ways-to-be-delighted-in-midlife/

Today's episode is all about the practical advice regarding two ways to travel solo for midlife women with Janice Waugh. Driven by a passion for travel and a deep understanding of the needs of those who journey alone, Janice Waugh is the founder, publisher, and a key contributor to Solo Traveler, the leading resource for solo travelers worldwide. Inspired by her own experiences traveling solo, Janice created Solo Traveler to offer practical advice, inspiration, and community to those who set out on their own. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-419-practical-advice-two-ways-to-travel-solo-for-midlife-women-with-janice-waugh/

Today's episode is all about the other "Big O" and why it's important to get organized in midlife with Gayle Gruenberg.  Gayle is a woman in the middle entrepreneur who specializes in serving clients who are living with Chronic Disorganization. This interview was originally featured in Episode 27 of the podcast, Women in the Middle Entrepreneurs: The Reality of Running a Business in Midlife, published on June 4, 2024. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-418-the-other-big-o-why-organizing-in-midlife-is-important-with-gayle-gruenberg/

Today's episode is all about 7 Groovy Lessons Marcia Brady Taught Me About Midlife. If you don't know who Marcia Brady is, she's a character from a family sitcom called The Brady Bunch, which ran from 1969-1974. In honor of my 62nd birthday, help me celebrate by reminiscing about this super fun TV show from our childhood. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-417-7-groovy-lessons-marcia-brady-taught-me-about-midlife/

This week's episode is about a midlife journey to hosting women's retreats. Yes, you're invited to the upcoming retreat in Costa Rica called: Unwind and Recharge: Finding Joy in the Slow Lane January 2026! My guest is Stephanie Flanders-Martin. Stephanie has an interesting background and journey to her next chapter career. She has nine years of experience in the wellness industry, after a 32-year restaurant career. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-417a-youre-invited-midlife-journey-to-hosting-womens-retreats-with-stephanie-flanders-martin/

Today's episode is all about healing binge eating in midlife with Internal Family Systems with Martha Ayim, MA. Specifically, today's interview is with someone who healed her nearly 35-year pattern of binge eating and knew she was meant to spend the rest of her life helping others do the same. In her late 40s, she left a full-time, pensioned government position to follow that passion. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-416-healing-binge-eating-in-midlife-with-internal-family-systems-with-martha-ayim-ma/

Today's episode is all about gratitude for sharing midlife with your dog. Do you relate to this? There is a lot of evidence-based research to support the importance of regular gratitude practices in your life. There's also a lot of research to support the wide variety of health and well-being benefits from relationships with dogs and companionship with animals overall. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-415-encore-gratitude-for-sharing-midlife-with-your-dog/

Today's episode is all about failing in advance and why it can be a sneaky way midlife women stay stuck. Do you ever notice that you give up before you really try to be successful with your goal, beliefs, or opportunity? It's usually because you have hidden beliefs, thoughts, and fears that you aren't yet fully aware of. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-414-failing-in-advance-the-sneaky-way-midlife-women-stay-stuck/

Today's episode is all about waiting vs. creating in midlife and what effect it has on you and your happiness. As a midlife woman, you may be surprised that even if you know what you want and what your priorities are, you still may not be moving in that direction. In fact, you may find yourself waiting rather than creating your life.  Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-413-encore-waiting-vs-creating-in-midlife/

Today's show is about style for petite women in midlife. When you're a "petite" midlife gal in a world that says you need to be tall and skinny to look beautiful, it can be challenging. Developing your style can be a fun way to help you feel amazing and look your best, whatever "best" means to you. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-412-style-for-petite-women-in-midlife-with-sandy-okamoto/

Envy can be the gift that helps you create the perfect, most fun, and fulfilling personal bucket list in midlife. Your bucket list will be full of ideas that have the capability of keeping you entertained for years. Midlife can be a great time to start thinking about your bucket list. It seems like it should be easy for you to determine what you really want to do in your life before you run out of time. However, this is not the case for many. Learn more: https://suzyrosenstein.com/podcast/ep-411-the-gift-of-bucket-list-envy-in-midlife/