Episodes

  • Career Pivots, Divorce, Dating & Cat Gang Leaders: Sarah's Midlife Journey
    Sep 17 2025

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    In this heartfelt and hilarious episode of Midlife Uncensored, Poppy and E sit down with E’s longtime friend Sarah, who’s seen her through everything from college days to career pivots and parenthood. Sarah opens up about her journey from high school teacher to labor & delivery nurse, and how becoming a mom inspired her to make a major midlife career change. The conversation dives into teaching struggles, nursing school with two young kids, and the realities of co-parenting after divorce.

    Along the way, they laugh about old memories (including the saga of a stray cat named Romeo), talk about the chaos of dating apps, and reflect on what it means to rebuild, rediscover, and reconnect in midlife. Raw, real, and sprinkled with comedy, this episode is a reminder that growth never stops—and sometimes, the best chapters come after the hardest transitions.

    How to Engage with Us

    • DM us on Instagram yousinglepod
    • Follow Joel on IG jpoppert
    • Follow Emanuela on IG emanuela5683 or accountability_with_e

    Thanks for joining the Owning Alone community, I certainly appreciate you!

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    58 mins
  • Spilled Juice, Spicy Toddlers & IVF Truths: A Belated Mother's Day Chat
    Jun 6 2025

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    This special BELATED Mother’s Day edition of Midlife Uncensored is a raw, hilarious, and moving celebration of modern motherhood. With Poppy out, E holds down the fort alongside two incredible guests—Sasha and Maura—who get real about what it’s like to become a mom today. From handprint crafts and potty-training fails to fertility struggles, miscarriages, and the mental load no one warns you about, they cover it all.

    This episode dives into the unfiltered truths of IVF, pregnancy loss, people-pleasing parenting, the invisible labor of motherhood, and why no one should ever assume you’re pregnant just because you passed on the wine. Whether you're a mom, thinking about motherhood, or just want to better understand the weight (and beauty) of it all, this one is full of heart, laughs, and truth bombs.

    Happy Mother’s Day to the strong, tired, emotionally evolving moms out there—we see you.

    How to Engage with Us

    • DM us on Instagram yousinglepod
    • Follow Joel on IG jpoppert
    • Follow Emanuela on IG emanuela5683 or accountability_with_e

    Thanks for joining the Owning Alone community, I certainly appreciate you!

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    54 mins
  • Planned Breakups, Sex Positivity, and the Modern Dating Circus (feat. Jill & Katie)
    May 23 2025

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    What happens when your breakup has a calendar date? In this raw, hilarious, and unfiltered episode, Poppy and E are joined by guests Jill and Katie for a roundtable on dating in your 30s and 40s—where planned goodbyes, casual hookups, deep friendships, and honest conversations about sex and expectations collide. From the heartbreak of wanting different things to the thrill of “just getting laid last night,” this episode dives into the messy, beautiful, contradictory truths of modern dating. Plus, we talk love bombs, sex drives, orgasms (or lack thereof), friends with benefits, and why some of us are absolutely thriving in the chaos. This is one you won’t want to miss.

    How to Engage with Us

    • DM us on Instagram yousinglepod
    • Follow Joel on IG jpoppert
    • Follow Emanuela on IG emanuela5683 or accountability_with_e

    Thanks for joining the Owning Alone community, I certainly appreciate you!

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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Ditch the Apps & Break a Sweat: Dating IRL with Two Birds Fit's Karen Richards
    Feb 20 2025

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    Forget awkward small talk and endless swiping—what if finding love was as easy as working out in the park or running into someone (literally) at the grocery store? This week, Poppy and E sit down with Karen Richards, the mastermind behind Two Birds Fit, a unique speed-dating-meets-fitness community in Denver.

    From speed-dating walks to singles mixers, Karen shares how her passion for fitness, matchmaking, and social connection led to a movement that’s getting people off the apps and into real-life connections. They talk about the challenges of balancing gender ratios, the surprising success stories, and why every man in Denver needs to sign up, particularly the 50+ crowd.

    Poppy, E, and Karen also brainstorm the ultimate way to recruit singles—by running around town yelling, “Are you single?” (We’re serious. This is happening.) Plus, the gang dives into the psychology of attraction, grocery store dating strategies, and whether Joel should just start wearing his gold tracksuit everywhere.

    If you’re over dating apps and ready to meet someone in the real world, this episode is your sign!

    Follow Two Birds Fit on Instagram and Facebook. Sign up for an event today at their website below!

    IG: @twobirdsfit

    Website: twobirdsfit.com/

    FB: https://www.facebook.com/TwoBirdsFit

    How to Engage with Us

    • DM us on Instagram yousinglepod
    • Follow Joel on IG jpoppert
    • Follow Emanuela on IG emanuela5683 or accountability_with_e

    Thanks for joining the Owning Alone community, I certainly appreciate you!

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    50 mins
  • What Men and Women Need to Know About Each Other (But Never Learned) ft. Relationship Coach Justine Baruch
    Dec 10 2024

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    In Episode 44 of Midlife Uncensored, Poppy and E welcome back relationship coach and therapist Justine Baruch for an unfiltered and insightful discussion on relationships, dating, and personal growth. With nearly 20 years of experience helping individuals and couples navigate the complexities of love, communication, and emotional well-being, Justine dives deep into the tools and strategies that can heal, enhance, and transform relationships.

    From understanding the biological differences between men and women in stress and communication to unpacking the magic of connection through appreciation and curiosity, this episode offers something for everyone—whether you're single, dating, happily coupled, or in the trenches of relationship struggles.

    Highlights include:

    • The difference between how men and women process emotions (and why it matters).
    • The importance of creating your five non-negotiables for relationships.
    • How to reignite passion and intimacy in long-term relationships.
    • Why therapy and coaching must work hand-in-hand for true transformation.
    • Justine’s “Second Floor Effect” metaphor for navigating conflict.

    There’s laughter, wine, and even a little spice as the trio tackle the joys and challenges of midlife relationships with honesty and humor. Don’t miss this episode if you’re ready to level up your personal connections and discover actionable tips for building better relationships.

    Be sure to follow us on Instagram (@midlifeuncensored) to share your thoughts, send in your five non-negotiables, and stay up to date on upcoming episodes and events! 🎙️

    About Justine:
    Justine is a Life and Relationship Coach, now based out of Colorado. With over 20 years of experience, and having coached 1,000's of people, she helps enhance every relationship, including the one with yourself! She can be found on Instagram @justinebaruch and you can engage with her, find her master classes and see what she is up to at her website via this link.

    How to Engage with Us

    • DM us on Instagram yousinglepod
    • Follow Joel on IG jpoppert
    • Follow Emanuela on IG emanuela5683 or accountability_with_e

    Thanks for joining the Owning Alone community, I certainly appreciate you!

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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Trust Issues Unpacked: Navigating Betrayal and Healing in our Relationships ft. Blake Roberts, LPC, MA.
    Dec 3 2024

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    Discover how to rebuild trust and foster healthier relationships, especially during midlife, with insights from our esteemed guest, licensed therapist Blake Roberts, LPC, MA. When trust is compromised, it can feel like the foundation of your relationship is crumbling. Together with Blake, we confront the complex interplay between trust, insecurities, and betrayal, discussing how cognitive distortions and past experiences shape our perceptions. Blake shares personal anecdotes, offering a unique perspective on trusting oneself and understanding the limitations of controlling others.

    Navigating trust issues isn't just about identifying problems; it's about self-awareness and transformation. We dive into the nuances of worry, false accusations, and maladaptive schemas that erode relationship foundations. Through engaging dialogues, we explore how patience, tolerance, and effective communication are crucial in redefining relationships after betrayal. From recognizing signs of infidelity to understanding the impact of social media and online dating, our conversation provides a roadmap for healing and growth.

    As we reflect on the lessons learned from past relationships, we tackle the challenges of balancing career and family life while maintaining meaningful connections. Our discussion extends to the emotional complexities of parenting, co-parenting, and how these dynamics intersect with personal healing. This episode is not just about rebuilding trust but also about appreciating the resilience needed to redefine relationships post-betrayal. Join us for a thoughtful exploration of these themes, enriched by Blake's expertise and personal stories.

    About Blake:
    Blake is a practicing therapist in the Denver, CO area, along with his wife Lindsay Roberts, MA, LPC they own and operate The Gift of Psychotherapy practice and are taking new patients on limited basis.

    How to Engage with Us

    • DM us on Instagram yousinglepod
    • Follow Joel on IG jpoppert
    • Follow Emanuela on IG emanuela5683 or accountability_with_e

    Thanks for joining the Owning Alone community, I certainly appreciate you!

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    57 mins
  • Thankful for Life, Love, and Giving Less F*cks
    Nov 26 2024

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    Join Poppy and E on this special pre-Thanksgiving episode of Midlife Uncensored! This week, we’re serving up a heaping plate of middle-aged wisdom with a side of laughs as we reflect on the art of not giving a f*ck and the many blessings we’re grateful for. From Friendsgiving antics and awkward first dates to hilarious dive bar reviews and egg salad horror stories, we keep it real while finding humor in the chaos of midlife.

    We dive into personal growth topics, like setting boundaries, overcoming people-pleasing tendencies, and navigating relationship trauma with grace. Plus, we dish out our own experiences in dating, friendships, and the delicate dance of prioritizing what truly matters in life.

    If you’re ready to trade guilt for gratitude and let go of life’s little dramas, this episode is your perfect Thanksgiving prep companion. So, grab your pumpkin pie, tune in, and get ready to laugh, reflect, and feel the feels. Gobble, Gobble!

    How to Engage with Us

    • DM us on Instagram yousinglepod
    • Follow Joel on IG jpoppert
    • Follow Emanuela on IG emanuela5683 or accountability_with_e

    Thanks for joining the Owning Alone community, I certainly appreciate you!

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    54 mins
  • What is Midlife and Why so Many People Avoid the Topic all Together
    Nov 5 2024

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    Ever wondered what truly defines being "over the hill"? Is it just another number or something more profound? In this episode of Midlife Uncensored, Joel Poppert and Emanuela Messineo, also known as "Amalfi Pie," tackle this provocative question with humor and candor. From dining escapades at new local hotspots to volunteering with adorable Great Danes, our journey through midlife is anything but mundane. We invite you to challenge the stereotypes and embrace the wisdom, authenticity, and humor that come with this transformative stage of life. Buckle up for a ride that promises laughter and reflection!

    Midlife often prompts us to reassess and redefine our goals and priorities. We dive into personal stories of life's unpredictable turns, like dealing with the loss of a loved one or navigating divorce, and how these events can catalyze profound personal growth. We peel back the layers on the common misconceptions of aging, encouraging listeners to view this phase as an opportunity for self-discovery and authenticity. From navigating the realities of menopause to the unexpected joy of parenthood later in life, our candid conversations aim to shift perceptions and inspire appreciation for the maturity and depth that midlife can bring.

    Our exploration of midlife wouldn't be complete without discussing the quirks and peculiarities that accompany physical aging. Joel and Emanuela share personal anecdotes about adapting fitness routines to suit our evolving bodies, navigating heightened scent sensitivities, and even the hilarity of neighborhood watch antics. As we prepare for upcoming festivities like Halloween and Thanksgiving, this episode wraps up with a sense of excitement and gratitude, recognizing the joy in shared experiences and the little victories that come with embracing this vibrant stage of life. Join us for a relatable and entertaining look at what it means to truly live uncensored in midlife.

    How to Engage with Us

    • DM us on Instagram yousinglepod
    • Follow Joel on IG jpoppert
    • Follow Emanuela on IG emanuela5683 or accountability_with_e

    Thanks for joining the Owning Alone community, I certainly appreciate you!

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    43 mins