We first learn about grief as children when a pet dies or a grandparent. But as adults, we’re supposed to buck up and go on with life after profound losses like the death of a parent, a spouse, a friend, or even a child. This is an unrealistic expectation. In this episode, we’re going to have a frank discussion about grief and how it manifests itself in our adult lives, weeks, months, and sometime years after a loss. I speak with a woman who lost both parents in less than a year and spent years trying to recover. I also speak with an expert who shares techniques for handling grief, giving ourselves grace, and finding peace after the darkness lifts.

After the Shock by Becky Sansbury

Sometimes, it seems impossible to get in shape, to stay in shape, and to choose a fitness routine that you can stick with. In this episode, I quiz two female fitness experts who are at the door of midlife. Actor and former Junior Olympian, Kerstin Schulze, and health and wellness expert and former co-owner of Star Cycle in Santa Barbara, Kayla Johnson, have pro tips and sustainable ideas for taking your body back from the throes of menopause. We unpack everything from quick, realistic workouts, to diet, and even weight loss drugs. Kerstin and Kayla share their personal journeys in an effort to help women embrace their changing bodies with confidence and strength.

To learn more about my guests:

Kayla Johnson:

https://kaylajohnsonfitness.com

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063535519220

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567519163244

https://www.instagram.com/kaylajohnsonfitness/

Kerstin Schulze:

https://partyanddiet.com

https://www.facebook.com/KerstinAmazon

https://www.instagram.com/kerstin__schulze/

https://x.com/schulze_kerstin

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerstin-schulze-94b5209a/

One of my favorite quotes is the African Proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” I’ve realized that when women come together we are capable of just about anything. I see this in the workplace, in volunteer organizations, and in social groups meant to build belonging and community. But most of all, it’s been a constant theme in my podcast. AGELESS started out profiling individual women, their struggles, their resilience, and their accomplishments on the other side of the obstacles they overcame. But it’s grown into something much greater. It is a platform for new ideas, life transformation, and yes, for community among women. In today’s episode, Anne Hungate and Andrea Mohamed talk about casting off the safety and toxicity of corporate America in favor of going together down a business path that lifts women up. Their company is called “QuantumBloom,” and their lives have definitely bloomed since teaming up for this inspiring adventure.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ANNE AND ANDREA:

https://quantumbloom.com/

https://www.instagram.com/quantumbloominc/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/quantumbloom/

About 53 million Americans care for a spouse, an elderly parent, another relative, or a special needs child. Often, the call to caregiving for many of us is a big surprise when a loved one faces a sudden illness or has an accident. We don’t have time to plan. Frankly, we don’t have time to think about it, we just DO it. It’s a skillset that doesn’t come naturally to everyone, yet we rise to the occasion because we have no choice. Chances are we will all face this at one point or another in our lives if we haven’t already, especially if you are in midlife and your parents are getting older. It can be scary and exhausting, but we can learn from other women who have been caregivers. In today’s episode, we speak to women who have cared for their parents and to an expert about how to usher our loved ones out of this world with grace while maintaining our own strength and sanity.

Stephanie Knichel:

(20+) Facebook

Instagram

(36) Stephanie Knichel | LinkedIn

Andrea Pettine:

Pettine Law Offices, LLC - Family Law, Mediation

Facebook

(41) Andrea Glass Pettine | LinkedIn

Edla Prevette:

www.edlaprevette.com

https://www.facebook.com/eprevette

https://www.instagram.com/oneeighty_edlaprevette/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/edla-prevette-lcmhc-b2b71935/

All of us have looked in the mirror and asked ourselves: “Am I too old to wear this?” Or: “Does this make me look old?” Cultivating your personal style in midlife doesn’t come without challenges. Our bodies are changing. The way the world sees us is changing. We want to look our best, but we also want to be comfortable. What are the rules about dressing as we get older? Are there rules? In this episode, New York based style expert Elysha Lenkin has tips for dressing in every season of your life so that you can feel confident and authentically yourself. A big part of the process is eliminating pieces in your closet that no longer serve you. You will love Elysha’s suggestions for taking risks and adding creativity and style into your life.

To learn more:

The Guided Closet Cleanout Challenge: https://elyshalenkin.com/al_gcc

Website: https://elyshalenkin.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elysha_nyc/

FB group, Closet Shopping Collective: https://www.facebook.com/groups/elyshalenkinstyle/

FREE QUIZ to FIND YOUR IT FACTOR and discover your ON-CAMERA style: https://elyshalenkin.com/ital_quiz

I started yoga in 2023 after being very skeptical about it as a confirmed adrenaline junkie. I’m now closing in on 500 classes. I’ve learned so much about myself through yoga. It’s not just about physical health, but about mental and spiritual health as well. And while it’s great for people of any age, there is growing research that it is specifically helpful to people in midlife and can even prolong life. Doctors and scientists report that it lowers your heart rate and your blood pressure, reduces stress and helps prevent injuries from other activities, like running. In this episode I’m talking to a yoga teacher about her personal transformation through yoga and the joy it brings to her students. Amy Boerner calls herself an “evangelical yogi.” After listening to this interview you will understand why!

To learn more:

Good JuJu Yoga & Retreats

Instagram

In this episode, we talk to Sairan Aqwari who achieved the American dream by coming from Iraq to build a career in the United States as a successful engineer. It wasn’t an easy transition coming from the Middle East and building a life in the United States, but with dedication and hard work she was able to find here what she had always dreamed about—personal and professional success. Then, suddenly, in midlife, she realized that the messages she and other women were getting about reinventing themselves were negative. She says: “I was navigating feelings of stagnation, questioning whether I was truly living up to my full potential. It was daunting to imagine reinventing myself at a stage in life when many believe it’s too late.” Determined to quiet the negative voices and to help other women do the same, she began coaching women. Her goal is to help them define their passion, recognize their potential, and make an income in their new chapters. You will enjoy our lively conversation with practical tips on how to silence the naysayers, unlock your hidden talents, and begin again.

To learn more about Sairan:

https://www.instagram.com/sairanaqrawi/

It’s not something many of us feel comfortable talking about-sex. But let’s face it, most of us are doing sex wrong. We’ve been fed a bunch of images from movies and media that don’t pan out in the real world. According to recent studies, about 73 percent of women between 48 and 68 are still sexually active, but that number continues to decrease with age according to Harvard Medical School as about 50 percent of them are experiencing some type of sexual dysfunction. Some of this is physical—typically a woman’s libido decreases in menopause with a decrease in estrogen, and these physical changes can lead to painful intercourse. But barriers to sex and intimacy can also be psychological, and this is troubling because there is ample scientific evidence that having real intimacy in our lives is critical to our emotional well-being and longevity.

In this episode, my dear longtime friend Bella Brooks talks about her journey to becoming a newly minted Certified Sex Coach and Sexologist. She explains how she helps people find better connection, intimacy, and pleasure by improving sexual confidence and communication skills. Her goal is to help them redefine relationships and re-frame sexuality on their own terms. What’s missing in your sex life? What do you want to change? Bella has a lot of great wisdom to share on these topics.

SPECIAL CONTENT FOR AGELESS LISTENERS:

Bella Brooks Love Coach - Couples Intimacy Guide Ageless

Bella Brooks Love Coach - Online Dating Survival Guide - Ageless

https://bellabrookslovecoach.com/