🌿 What if the “New Year, New You” mindset is actually making you feel worse — not better? If you're over 40 and exhausted by toxic wellness trends, diet pressure, and the constant demand to “fix” yourself every January… this episode is your reset. We’re tossing out the guilt, the grind, and the goals that don’t serve us — and replacing them with something radical: self-trust. Lisa and Karen dive into what real wellness looks like in midlife, from body image and movement to motivation that actually lasts. 💬 Real talk moments include: Why rage rooms (yes, literal rage rooms) are helping us reset How to stop measuring your worth by productivity The surprising mindset shift that brings peace and momentum Letting go of “before and after” thinking — especially when it comes to your body ✨ You’ll walk away feeling grounded, seen, and ready to embrace the New Year without betraying yourself. Perfect for women over 40 who are done with perfection, craving permission, and ready to redefine what thriving looks like — on their terms. ***************************************** 🍸☕ What We Were Drinking: Trader Joe’s Tangerine Probiotic Sparkling Beverage Squirt 🎧Show NotesLooking for all the magical goodness we mentioned this episode? Want it sent directly to your inbox each week along with every new episode? Join the Pod Squad (our email list!) for direct links, show notes, and more midlife fabulousness delivered to your inbox. 💌 And, even better, no ⛔ spam or selling 💸 of your email - we promise! 👉 Subscribe Here 💬 Takeaways — What Do YOU Think?We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you. And don't worry, no spam and no selling the list to God knows who! 📲 Stay ConnectedFollow, like, and join the conversation:
Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspod
Facebook: Drinks With the Girls Podcast
Pinterest: Drinks With the Girls Podcast
YouTube: Drinks With the Girls Channel
Website: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com 💌 Reach OutGot a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.
Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.comConnect with your hosts:
✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com
✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com  

What if your struggles with food, focus, and fatigue weren’t failures—but signs that your brain has been asking for a different kind of care all along? In this eye-opening episode, Karen and Lisa sit down with nutrition and wellness coach Caroline Hinchliff to unpack the messy, misunderstood relationship between neurodivergency and nourishment—especially for women in midlife. If you've ever stood in front of the fridge completely overwhelmed, skipped meals out of guilt or chaos, or asked yourself “Why can’t I just get it together?”... this conversation will make you feel seen, validated, and a little less alone. Caroline doesn’t just talk about ADHD or food as checklists or diagnoses—she gets to the emotional core. The shame, the sensory overload, the decades of diet culture that taught us to shrink ourselves, not feed ourselves. She brings compassion, real-life wisdom, and a few truth bombs (like why biology always wins over willpower). We talk about everything from late-in-life ADHD realizations to parenting neurodivergent teens, the lies we inherited about health, and what it actually takes to build nourishing habits when your brain doesn’t do “routine.” Expect confessions, hard truths, and the kind of gut-level clarity that sticks. Perfect for any woman in her 40s, 50s, or 60s who’s tired of trying to fix herself—and ready to start feeding herself, instead. **************************************** 🍸☕ What We Were Drinking: Guest: Caroline Hinchliffhttps://eathikelove.com/ 🍸☕ What We Were Drinking:Vernacia sparkling red something (Karen had the nerve to recycle the bottle before we wrote the show notes ☹️) HopWatr - Peach Craftwell Cocktails Pineapple Margarita ***************************************** 🎧Show Notes Looking for all the magical goodness we mentioned in this episode? Want it sent directly to your inbox each week along with every new episode? Join the Pod Squad (our email list!) for direct links, show notes, and more midlife fabulousness delivered to your inbox. 💌 And, even better, no ⛔ spam or selling 💸 of your email - we promise! 👉 Subscribe Here and get the show notes for this episode!  💬 Takeaways — What Do YOU Think? We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you.  📲 Stay ConnectedFollow, like, and join the conversation:Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspodFacebook: Drinks With the Girls PodcastPinterest: Drinks With the Girls PodcastYouTube: Drinks With the Girls ChannelWebsite: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com 💌 Reach OutGot a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com Connect with your hosts:✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com

If you’ve ever walked into a room and immediately scanned the emotional temperature, remembered five birthdays, scheduled a dentist appointment, and wondered why no one else noticed the moldy milk in the fridge… this episode is for you. This week on Drinks With the Girls, Karen and Lisa dive headfirst into the exhausting, invisible work known as the mental load — and why it hits midlife women especially hard. From managing everyone’s emotions to spinning all the plates (even when we have no forks left to give), we’re unpacking what it really means to be the default project manager of life. We talk about: What is the mental load, really? Why emotional labor peaks in your 40s, 50s, and beyond The myth of “doing it all” and how it’s wearing us down How to begin putting the damn bag down This one’s raw, real, and full of laughter, sarcasm, and solidarity — with a splash of wine-in-a-can wisdom. **************************************** 🍸☕ What We Were Drinking: Bloom Energy Drink in Cherry Lime House Wine - Rainbow Rosé Bubbles ***************************************** 🎧Show Notes Looking for all the magical goodness we mentioned in this episode? Want it sent directly to your inbox each week along with every new episode? Join the Pod Squad (our email list!) for direct links, show notes, and more midlife fabulousness delivered to your inbox. 💌 And, even better, no ⛔ spam or selling 💸 of your email - we promise! 👉 Subscribe Here and get the show notes for this episode!  💬 Takeaways — What Do YOU Think? We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you.  📲 Stay ConnectedFollow, like, and join the conversation:Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspodFacebook: Drinks With the Girls PodcastPinterest: Drinks With the Girls PodcastYouTube: Drinks With the Girls ChannelWebsite: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com 💌 Reach OutGot a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com Connect with your hosts:✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com

This week on Drinks With the Girls, Karen and Lisa dive into the viral “We Do Not Care” movement — and let’s just say, it’s giving hot flashes and zero apologies. From twisted bras and visible nipples to ditching people-pleasing and zucchini muffins, they unpack what it really means when midlife women start saying nope, not today. Inspired by Melani Sanders' wildly relatable videos, the conversation gets real about boundaries, identity, and the freedom that comes when estrogen drops and your tolerance for BS goes with it. This episode is for every woman who’s ever felt guilty for setting a boundary, burned out from trying to do it all, or just plain tired of sucking in her stomach. You’re not alone — and guess what? We do not care. Includes talk about:• The We Do Not Care Club & its hilarious origins• Why midlife women are DONE with the emotional labor• The connection between menopause and letting go• Real talk on boundaries, bras, and being unbothered• What we’re finally learning to care about instead Grab your drink, pull up a seat, and welcome to the meeting — no bra required. 🍸 **************************************** 🍸☕ What We Were Drinking:Plift Tart Lime Arbonne - Tart Cherry Energy Fizz (Retired), Skin Elixir, GutHealth ***************************************** 🎧Show Notes Looking for all the magical goodness we mentioned in this episode? Want it sent directly to your inbox each week along with every new episode? Join the Pod Squad (our email list!) for direct links, show notes, and more midlife fabulousness delivered to your inbox. 💌 And, even better, no ⛔ spam or selling 💸 of your email - we promise! 👉 Subscribe Here and get the show notes for this episode!  💬 Takeaways — What Do YOU Think? We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you.  📲 Stay ConnectedFollow, like, and join the conversation:Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspodFacebook: Drinks With the Girls PodcastPinterest: Drinks With the Girls PodcastYouTube: Drinks With the Girls ChannelWebsite: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com 💌 Reach OutGot a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com Connect with your hosts:✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com

This one’s for every woman who’s ever wondered if she was a good enough daughter—or a good enough mom. Karen and Lisa sit down with attorney, writer, and self-proclaimed Queen Bee, Bernadette Catalana, for a conversation that’s tender, honest, and full of midlife wisdom. Inspired by her book Daughter Lessons: Wise and Witty Reflections on Leading, Learning From, and Loving Our Daughters, Bernadette opens up about raising two girls, navigating the emotional complexity of mother-daughter relationships, and how writing helped her process grief, aging, and identity. From healing generational wounds to finding herself after the kids left home, Bernadette’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to reflect, reconnect, and redefine what legacy means. Pour yourself something cozy—this episode explores: Letting go of old narratives (and writing new ones) The surprising grief of launching grown children Reconnecting with hometown roots (and old heartbreaks) Keeping the promises we make to ourselves in midlife The beauty and bravery of sharing our stories—even the hard ones Whether you’re a mom, a daughter, or someone trying to make peace with both, this conversation will hit you in the heart and stay with you long after the last sip. **************************************** 🎙️Guest: Bernadette Catalanabernadette@daughterlessons.com https://www.daughterlessons.com/ Daughter Lessons: Wise and Witty Reflections on Leading, Learning From, and Loving our Daughters by Bernadette Catalana Bernadette on LinkedIn 🍸☕ What We Were Drinking:Pacifico w/LimeDrink Up Witches GlassStella Artois LiberteRosé Wine ***************************************** 🎧Show Notes Looking for all the magical goodness we mentioned in this episode? Want it sent directly to your inbox each week along with every new episode? Join the Pod Squad (our email list!) for direct links, show notes, and more midlife fabulousness delivered to your inbox. 💌 And, even better, no ⛔ spam or selling 💸 of your email - we promise! 👉 Subscribe Here and get the show notes for this episode!  💬 Takeaways — What Do YOU Think? We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you.  📲 Stay ConnectedFollow, like, and join the conversation:Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspodFacebook: Drinks With the Girls PodcastPinterest: Drinks With the Girls PodcastYouTube: Drinks With the Girls ChannelWebsite: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com 💌 Reach OutGot a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com Connect with your hosts:✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com

What if midlife wasn’t the beginning of the end, but the start of your boldest chapter yet—somewhere far, far from home? In this raw and vibrant episode of Drinks With the Girls, Karen and Lisa talk with three midlife women who traded burnout, people-pleasing, and autopilot living for new lives abroad. We're talking Belize, Italy, and a beach in the Caribbean. Real places. Real stories. Real women who said, “What if I just… left?” These aren’t polished highlight reels. You’ll hear about the hot flashes that turned into wake-up calls, the packed suitcases filled with fear and hope, and the quiet moments that sparked giant life pivots. One woman healed her asthma, another rediscovered joy through storytelling, and all of them gave themselves permission to live differently. Whether you’re dreaming of a passport stamp or just desperate to break free from the roles that no longer fit, this episode will leave you feeling empowered, grounded, and deeply seen. 🎧 Perfect for any woman in midlife who’s quietly asking: Is this really it—or could there be more? **************************************** 🎙️Guests: Karen Baskett lives in BelizeShannon Whaley lives in ItalyMegan Mulvihill Elkins lives in Nevis and New York 🍸☕ What We Were Drinking: 🍵TizzyCleanTox Tea + Arbonne Energy Fizz#arbonne☕Basic B*tch Coffee🍵CCF Tea ***************************************** 🎧Show Notes Looking for all the magical goodness we mentioned in this episode? Want it sent directly to your inbox each week along with every new episode? Join the Pod Squad (our email list!) for direct links, show notes, and more midlife fabulousness delivered to your inbox. 💌 And, even better, no ⛔ spam or selling 💸 of your email - we promise! 👉 Subscribe Here and get the show notes for this episode!  💬 Takeaways — What Do YOU Think? We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you.  📲 Stay ConnectedFollow, like, and join the conversation:Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspodFacebook: Drinks With the Girls PodcastPinterest: Drinks With the Girls PodcastYouTube: Drinks With the Girls ChannelWebsite: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com 💌 Reach OutGot a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com Connect with your hosts:✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com

'Tis the season to ditch the pressure and keep the connection! In this festive episode of Drinks With the Girls, Karen and Lisa are joined once again by our favorite kitchen goddess, Lisa Potter, for the third installment of our "Dinner Without the Drama" series—this time with a holiday twist. We're serving up real-talk and real strategies for women in midlife who are over the chaos and ready to reclaim their holiday table. From the art of the “micro-party” to make-ahead mashed potatoes and freezer-friendly gravy (yes, a month ahead), we’re talking about how to host without losing your mind—or your joy. Whether you’re feeding a full house or just gathering your chosen crew, this episode is packed with practical tips, nostalgic laughs (hello, moldy pretzel ornaments), and the kind of heartfelt conversation that reminds you: it’s not about the perfect spread—it’s about the people around it. Topics we cover: Reframing what holiday hosting looks like in midlife Smart prep tips for stress-free entertaining Holiday food hacks that actually work Why it’s okay to say no to the Pinterest pressure Creating memory-making moments without martyring yourself So grab a drink (Slice with vodka, anyone?) and pull up a chair—let’s toast to doing the holidays our way. 🔗 Plus: Recipes, tips, and Lisa Potter’s pantry must-haves in the show notes! Perfect for: women 40+ | midlife moms | empty nesters | holiday hosts | connection seekers **************************************** 🎙️Guest:Lisa PotterSmoke Ridge Custom CateringSmokeridgecc.com 🍸☕ What We Were Drinking: Slice - Grapefruit Spritz w/ Vodka - natchPopwell Cherry CitrusCabernet Sauvignon ***************************************** 🎧Show Notes Looking for all the magical goodness we mentioned in this episode? Want it sent directly to your inbox each week along with every new episode? Join the Pod Squad (our email list!) for direct links, show notes, and more midlife fabulousness delivered to your inbox. 💌 And, even better, no ⛔ spam or selling 💸 of your email - we promise! 👉 Subscribe Here and get the show notes for this episode!  💬 Takeaways — What Do YOU Think? We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you.  📲 Stay ConnectedFollow, like, and join the conversation:Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspodFacebook: Drinks With the Girls PodcastPinterest: Drinks With the Girls PodcastYouTube: Drinks With the Girls ChannelWebsite: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com 💌 Reach OutGot a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com Connect with your hosts:✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com

What if saying “I’m fine” is actually a slow form of self-erasure? In this honest, hilarious, and deeply validating episode, Karen and Lisa unpack the emotional weight behind the word fine—that autopilot answer women give when they’re juggling too much and feeling too little. From vodka-spiked probiotics to midlife truth bombs about burnout, grief, and holiday perfectionism, nothing is off the table. You’ll laugh, you’ll nod, and maybe—just maybe—you’ll start to question where you’ve been playing small in the name of keeping the peace. This one’s for every midlife woman who’s ever smiled through clenched teeth, kept the holiday magic alive solo, or said “I’m fine” when her soul was whispering “I’m not.” You’ll walk away feeling seen, stirred, and a little more ready to reclaim your joy. 👉 Perfect for anyone who’s tired of faking it, carrying the mental load alone, or ready to stop calling burnout a personality trait. **************************************** 🍸☕ What We Were Drinking: Kevita Probiotic Refresher Sparkling Drink - Tangerine Lisa’s After Bahama Mama Recipe (Podsquad Exclusive! Join here…) ***************************************** Karen’s Holiday Divorce Survival Toolkit WHAT’S INSIDE✦ One laser focused coaching call where you and Karen get clear on what would feel most supportive for you.✦ 4 personalized emails that give you a month of tools and tips✦ A Holiday Scripts Cheat Sheet. Instant confidence at your fingertips.✦ A Personalized  Pep Talk AudioHave her in your back pocket whenever you need to Breathe, Reset, and remember who the f*ck you are. To take advantage of this offer, book a free call with her here! 🎧Show Notes Looking for all the magical goodness we mentioned in this episode? Want it sent directly to your inbox each week along with every new episode? Join the Pod Squad (our email list!) for direct links, show notes, and more midlife fabulousness delivered to your inbox. 💌 And, even better, no ⛔ spam or selling 💸 of your email - we promise! 👉 Subscribe Here and get the show notes for this episode!  💬 Takeaways — What Do YOU Think? We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you.  📲 Stay ConnectedFollow, like, and join the conversation:Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspodFacebook: Drinks With the Girls PodcastPinterest: Drinks With the Girls PodcastYouTube: Drinks With the Girls ChannelWebsite: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com 💌 Reach OutGot a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com Connect with your hosts:✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com

Whether you're navigating toddler meltdowns, school refusal in middle school, or your college kid is spiraling from overwhelm, this one’s for you. In this honest and heartfelt episode, Karen and Lisa open up about the moments in parenting when everything feels hard—when the systems don’t fit your child, the experts contradict each other, and your own inner critic is the loudest voice in the room. We’re talking about the times your kid is struggling—socially, emotionally, academically—and the world seems to be judging both of you. From missed milestones to behavior challenges, this conversation will help you feel seen, validated, and more grounded as you parent through it all. Because here’s the truth: There’s no “right” age for the wheels to fall off, and there’s no timeline for getting support. Whether your child is 3, 13, or 23, you deserve resources, community, and a reminder that you're not alone. ✨ In this episode: How to stay calm when your kid is in crisis Dealing with shame, mom guilt & outside judgment Supporting kids through developmental, behavioral, or mental health struggles Why traditional parenting advice often fails modern families Encouragement for every stage: toddlers, tweens, teens, and college-age kids 💬 If you've ever thought, “I’m failing my child,” this one’s for you. You’re not failing—you’re just parenting in real life. **************************************** 🍸☕ What We Were Drinking: 🍹 Zevia Tea Earl Grey Tea Blood Orange ✨Sparkle Hops ***************************************** Lisa's Beat Black Friday Parenting Outside the Lines Megabundle Subscribe to the Podsquad here to get an exclusive listener discount to stack! 🎧Show Notes Looking for all the magical goodness we mentioned in this episode? Want it sent directly to your inbox each week along with every new episode? Join the Pod Squad (our email list!) for direct links, show notes, and more midlife fabulousness delivered to your inbox. 💌 And, even better, no ⛔ spam or selling 💸 of your email - we promise! 👉 Subscribe Here and get the show notes for this episode!  💬 Takeaways — What Do YOU Think? We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you.  📲 Stay ConnectedFollow, like, and join the conversation:Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspodFacebook: Drinks With the Girls PodcastPinterest: Drinks With the Girls PodcastYouTube: Drinks With the Girls ChannelWebsite: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com 💌 Reach OutGot a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com Connect with your hosts:✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com

Grab your favorite mug (preferably one that says I love goats and the word fck*) and cozy up—because in this special Halloween edition of Drinks with the Girls, we're diving into the real-life horror stories of midlife womanhood. You know the ones: A black chin hair that shows up in full sunlight Rogue pubes on your mid-thigh Eyebrow hairs that disappear… only to reappear somewhere completely inappropriate Peeing when you sneeze or laugh Skin tags no one warned you about Fluffy vaginas (yes, really) Karen and Lisa spill all the weird, messy, unfiltered truths about what’s happening to their bodies—and probably yours too—and why talking (and laughing) about it is the best medicine. From hot tips like “keep tweezers in your car” to surprising facts about pelvic floor health, hormone shifts, perimenopause, and the pressure to stay "ageless," this episode is like a girls’ night in with your smartest, funniest, most honest friends. It’s gross. It’s hilarious. And it’s about damn time someone said it out loud. This episode is for you if: You’ve ever screamed at a rogue chin hair in natural light You're wondering WTF is happening to my ankles? You’re tired of pretending your body hasn’t changed since 29 You’re ready to drop the shame, the silence, and maybe your pants (because sweatpants are life)   **************************************** 🍸☕ What We Were Drinking: 🍵TizzyCleanTox Tea + Arbonne Energy Fizz#arbonne ☕Basic B*tch Coffee   ***************************************** 🎧Show Notes Looking for all the magical goodness we mentioned in this episode? Want it sent directly to your inbox each week along with every new episode? Join the Pod Squad (our email list!) for direct links, show notes, and more midlife fabulousness delivered to your inbox. 💌 And, even better, no ⛔ spam or selling 💸 of your email - we promise! 👉 Subscribe Here and get the show notes for this episode!  💬 Takeaways — What Do YOU Think? We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you.  📲 Stay ConnectedFollow, like, and join the conversation:Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspodFacebook: Drinks With the Girls PodcastPinterest: Drinks With the Girls PodcastYouTube: Drinks With the Girls ChannelWebsite: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com 💌 Reach OutGot a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com Connect with your hosts:✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com

What if the most powerful thing you could offer a loved one during cancer… wasn’t advice or casseroles—but empathy? In this vulnerable and surprisingly uplifting episode, breast cancer survivor Amy Bergant joins us for a raw conversation about navigating a diagnosis, parenting twin toddlers through chemo, and why she needed people to laugh with her—not pity her. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, underseen, or stuck in survival mode, Amy’s story will leave you feeling validated, grounded, and surprisingly empowered. She opens up about: How her humor became a survival tool when the world got too heavy The moment she realized she wanted empathy—not sympathy What it’s like to grieve your body while also rebuilding your identity Raising toddlers while tethered to chemo drains And the surprising sisterhood that showed up for her in ways she never expected This isn’t a sanitized story of pink ribbons and brave faces. It’s messy, honest healing—from nipple jokes to emotional gut punches—told with the kind of fierce, funny perspective only midlife can bring. Perfect for any woman who’s tired of being the strong one and wants to feel understood instead. **************************************** Part of our Celebrating the Twins series for Breast Cancer Awareness Month 🩷Guest: Amy Bergant🍸☕ What We Were Drinking: 💖Bloom Energy Drinks 💖Rambler Sparkling Water ***************************************** 🎧Show Notes Looking for all the magical goodness we mentioned in this episode? Want it sent directly to your inbox each week along with every new episode? Join the Pod Squad (our email list!) for direct links, show notes, and more midlife fabulousness delivered to your inbox. 💌 And, even better, no ⛔ spam or selling 💸 of your email - we promise! 👉 Subscribe Here and get the show notes for this episode!  💬 Takeaways — What Do YOU Think? We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you.  📲 Stay ConnectedFollow, like, and join the conversation:Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspodFacebook: Drinks With the Girls PodcastPinterest: Drinks With the Girls PodcastYouTube: Drinks With the Girls ChannelWebsite: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com 💌 Reach OutGot a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com Connect with your hosts:✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com

In this powerful and practical episode of Drinks With the Girls, Karen and Lisa sit down with Dr. Christine Kollmorgen of Oregon Surgical Wellness to talk all things breast health and cancer prevention. From the truth about exercise and cortisol to how female friendships and managing stress can literally save your life, this conversation is a must-listen for every woman over 40. Dr. Kollmorgen shares research-backed strategies to lower your risk of breast cancer, what to do when your mammogram is "wonky," and how to advocate for yourself in a confusing medical system. Real talk, real science, and real support—because knowledge is power and midlife is the time to take control of your health. 🍷💪💖 Topics We Cover: The exact exercise formula shown to reduce breast cancer risk How chronic stress and negative thinking can affect breast tissue Creating calm, connected care in a breast cancer journey What to do after a confusing or scary mammogram result The role of long-term female friendships in overall health Why self-advocacy in midlife medicine matters more than ever ****************************************Guest: Dr. Christine KollmorganOregon Surgical Wellness   🍸☕ What We Were Drinking: 🍷Myrtle Creek Cab Franc ✨Lüp Water ✨Spindrift Mango Orange ***************************************** 🎧Show Notes Looking for all the magical goodness we mentioned in this episode? Want it sent directly to your inbox each week along with every new episode? Join the Pod Squad (our email list!) for direct links, show notes, and more midlife fabulousness delivered to your inbox. 💌 And, even better, no ⛔ spam or selling 💸 of your email - we promise! 👉 Subscribe Here and get the show notes for this episode!  💬 Takeaways — What Do YOU Think? We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you.  📲 Stay Connected Follow, like, and join the conversation:Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspodFacebook: Drinks With the Girls PodcastPinterest: Drinks With the Girls PodcastYouTube: Drinks With the Girls ChannelWebsite: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com 💌 Reach Out Got a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com Connect with your hosts:✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com

What does real allyship look like between women? In this powerful episode of Drinks with the Girls, hosts Lisa and Karen welcome their friend and former colleague, Bri Martin, for an unfiltered, heartfelt conversation about race, gender, identity, and corporate culture. Together, they unpack what it means to show up for each other—not through performative gestures, but by staying human, curious, and connected. Bri brings both personal and professional wisdom to the table, reflecting on growing up with a disabled mother, navigating corporate America as a Black woman, and the complicated history of how women have been divided by systems designed to keep us apart. With humor, heart, and a fierce desire to create real change, the conversation flows from fall drinks to systemic patriarchy, from childhood memories to the ways women treat each other in the workplace and beyond. Perfect for midlife women looking for real talk, this episode is a blend of honest storytelling, historical context, and practical insight on allyship, reminding us that we’re more powerful together.****************************************Guest: Bri Martin
 🍸☕ What We Were Drinking: Starbies🥤, Apple Cider🍎, and Donut Shop Coffee 🍩☕ #forreals***************************************** 🎧Show Notes Looking for all the magical goodness we mentioned in this episode? Want it sent directly to your inbox each week along with every new episode? Join the Pod Squad (our email list!) for direct links, show notes, and more midlife fabulousness delivered to your inbox. 💌 And, even better, no ⛔ spam or selling 💸 of your email - we promise! 👉 Subscribe Here and get the show notes for this episode!  💬 Takeaways — What Do YOU Think? We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you.  📲 Stay Connected Follow, like, and join the conversation:Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspodFacebook: Drinks With the Girls PodcastPinterest: Drinks With the Girls PodcastYouTube: Drinks With the Girls ChannelWebsite: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com 💌 Reach Out Got a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com Connect with your hosts:✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com

Karen and Lisa dive into Tara Schuster’s refreshingly raw and hilarious self-help memoir, Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies. From bath rituals and morning routines to boundary-setting and reparenting our inner child, this conversation is packed with juicy takeaways for every woman navigating midlife. Expect reflections on why self-care isn’t selfish, how to stop waiting for others to bring you flowers (literally and metaphorically), and the power of choosing yourself—one permission slip, journal entry, or Trader Joe’s bouquet at a time. Karen and Lisa share their favorite chapters, how the book mirrors their own journeys, and why creating a sanctuary (even if it means ditching the guest room) is an act of rebellion and radical self-love. Whether you're healing old wounds, trying to reclaim your time, or just need a reminder that you’re a badass goddess, this episode will leave you inspired, laughing, and maybe ready to buy some damn lilies. 👉 Topics we cover: What is reparenting and why it matters in midlife Choosing yourself in small but powerful ways The myth of being "too busy" for joy Creating sacred space in your own home The rituals that help us heal, thrive, and reconnect Grab your favorite drink (hydration counts), hit play, and join us for a conversation that’s equal parts therapy, laughter, and real talk. ***************************************** Book: “Buy Yourself the F*cking Lillies” by Tara Schuster 🍸☕ What We Were Drinking: Straight up H20 🚰 ***************************************** 🎧Show Notes Looking for all the magical goodness we mentioned in this episode? Want it sent directly to your inbox each week along with every new episode? Join the Pod Squad (our email list!) for direct links, show notes, and more midlife fabulousness delivered to your inbox. 💌 And, even better, no ⛔ spam or selling 💸 of your email - we promise! 👉 Subscribe Here and get the show notes for this episode!  💬 Takeaways — What Do YOU Think? We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you.  📲 Stay Connected Follow, like, and join the conversation:Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspodFacebook: Drinks With the Girls PodcastPinterest: Drinks With the Girls PodcastYouTube: Drinks With the Girls ChannelWebsite: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com 💌 Reach Out Got a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com Connect with your hosts:✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com

Karen and Lisa sit down with hypnotherapist, coach, and intuitive healer Christina L. Woods to unpack the power of hypnotherapy for women in midlife in this heartfelt and empowering episode. From breaking free of limiting beliefs and self-doubt to learning how to reconnect with our intuition, Christina shares how hypnosis and energy healing can help women overcome burnout, anxiety, and that relentless inner critic. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, invisible, or like you’ve lost touch with yourself, this conversation is for you. Christina dives into the subconscious mind, why it’s never too late to rewire our thinking, and how midlife can be a powerful portal for transformation. Whether you’re new to hypnotherapy or just curious about how to finally feel enough, this episode will leave you inspired, informed, and maybe even ready to grab a Pellegrino and do a little soul work of your own. ***************************************** Guest: Christina L. WoodsIG: @Christina.lwoodswww.christinalwoods.com 🍸☕ What We Were Drinking: 🍷Michael David Freakshow Cabernet#freakshowcab ✨ Pellegrino Water#pellegrino ***************************************** 🎧Show Notes Looking for all the magical goodness we mentioned in this episode? Want it sent directly to your inbox each week along with every new episode? Join the Pod Squad (our email list!) for direct links, show notes, and more midlife fabulousness delivered to your inbox. 💌 And, even better, no ⛔ spam or selling 💸 of your email - we promise! 👉 Subscribe Here and get the show notes for this episode!  💬 Takeaways — What Do YOU Think? We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you.  📲 Stay Connected Follow, like, and join the conversation:Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspodFacebook: Drinks With the Girls PodcastPinterest: Drinks With the Girls PodcastYouTube: Drinks With the Girls ChannelWebsite: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com 💌 Reach Out Got a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com Connect with your hosts:✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com

In Part 3 of our "Decluttering the Decades" series, Karen and Lisa dive deep into the emotional clutter that midlife women carry—from unresolved grief and mom guilt to “what-if” anxiety and chronic over-functioning. Titled “The Crap We Carry,” this episode is a raw and relatable conversation about the mental load, self-abandonment, and societal expectations women over 40 face. Tune in for personal stories, laughter, truth bombs, and real-life strategies to start letting go—of perfectionism, past shame, and emotional baggage that’s no longer serving us. Perfect for women navigating midlife, menopause, motherhood, reinvention, and all the messy in-between. ***************************************** 🍸☕ What We Were Drinking: ☕Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee#foursigmatic 🍵TizzyCleanTox Tea + Arbonne Energy Fizz#arbonne ***************************************** 🎧Show Notes Looking for all the magical goodness we mentioned in this episode? Want it sent directly to your inbox each week along with every new episode? Join the Pod Squad (our email list!) for direct links, show notes, and more midlife fabulousness delivered to your inbox. 💌 And, even better, no ⛔ spam or selling 💸 of your email - we promise! 👉 Subscribe Here and get the show notes for this episode!  💬 Takeaways — What Do YOU Think? We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you.  📲 Stay Connected Follow, like, and join the conversation:Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspodFacebook: Drinks With the Girls PodcastPinterest: Drinks With the Girls PodcastYouTube: Drinks With the Girls ChannelWebsite: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com 💌 Reach Out Got a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com Connect with your hosts:✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com

In this episode the hosts chat with licensed counselor Alyssa Scarano about generational and childhood trauma, the roles women inherit (people-pleaser, over-functioner, compliant daughter), and how those patterns show up in midlife. They share real stories (including a cathartic rage-room moment), practical guidance on setting boundaries, practicing self-compassion, and reclaiming identity, plus tips like slowing down, asking “what am I saying yes to?”, and practicing saying no. Listeners also learn about Alyssa’s whole-person therapy approach and a free 21-day email challenge to build healthier boundaries. *****************************************Guest: Alyssa Scarano 🍸☕ What We Were Drinking: 🍷 Freakshow Cabernet#freakshowcabernet ***************************************** 🎧Show Notes Looking for all the magical goodness we mentioned in this episode? Want it sent directly to your inbox each week along with every new episode? Join the Pod Squad (our email list!) for direct links, show notes, and more midlife fabulousness delivered to your inbox. 💌 And, even better, no ⛔ spam or selling 💸 of your email - we promise! 👉 Subscribe Here and get the show notes for this episode!  💬 Takeaways — What Do YOU Think? We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you.  📲 Stay Connected Follow, like, and join the conversation:Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspodFacebook: Drinks With the Girls PodcastPinterest: Drinks With the Girls PodcastYouTube: Drinks With the Girls ChannelWebsite: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com 💌 Reach Out Got a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com Connect with your hosts:✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com

Forget the tired trope that “50 is the new 30.” In this unapologetically honest episode, Karen and Lisa are here to tell you—it’s better. Way better. We’re diving into why midlife women are having a full-blown renaissance, ditching outdated expectations, reclaiming their power, and living life on their own damn terms. From societal shifts to stealth-mode grandmas, zero fucks given, and the rise of reinvention, we’re celebrating what it means to thrive at 50 and beyond. If you're a woman navigating midlife, wondering what’s next?—this episode will remind you that the best chapters might just be ahead. ***************************************** 🍸☕What We Were Drinking: Tejava#tejava I’m not putting a link to Coke Zero here. I mean, c’mon! Sparkle Hops Acai#sparklehops 🎧Show Notes Looking for all the magical goodness we mentioned in this episode? Want it sent directly to your inbox each week along with every new episode? Join the Pod Squad (our email list!) for direct links, show notes, and more midlife fabulousness delivered to your inbox. 💌 And, even better, no ⛔ spam or selling 💸 of your email - we promise! 👉 Subscribe Here and get the show notes for this episode!  💬 Takeaways — What Do YOU Think? We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you.  📲 Stay Connected Follow, like, and join the conversation:Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspodFacebook: Drinks With the Girls PodcastPinterest: Drinks With the Girls PodcastYouTube: Drinks With the Girls ChannelWebsite: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com 💌 Reach Out Got a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com Connect with your hosts:✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com

What if the things you’ve brushed off as “just stress” or “mom guilt” are actually unprocessed trauma? In this powerful episode of Drinks With the Girls, Karen and Lisa sit down with therapist and trauma expert Alex Casillas to unpack the emotional baggage many women in midlife have been unknowingly carrying for decades. From survival mode and dissociation to why so many women lose themselves in caregiving roles, this candid conversation breaks down trauma in a way that feels human, relatable, and empowering. Whether you’ve been through something “big” or just feel off, this episode offers real talk, validation, and healing insights for women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. Topics we cover:• What trauma really is (and isn’t)• How trauma shows up in midlife• The good girl, the helper, and other inherited identities• Signs your nervous system is dysregulated• Why self-care is survival, not selfish• How to start healing—even if it’s messy Perfect for listeners who feel overwhelmed, underseen, or like they’ve lost themselves along the way. You’re not broken. You’re just ready to heal. ***************************************** 🎙️Guest Alex Casillas, LCSW Alejandra Casillas is a cisgender Latina/Chicana woman, a proud mother of two, a wife, and a therapist. Her approach to therapy is deeply informed by her lived experience and the intergenerational trauma she carries—rooted in colonialism, migration, the erasure of her Indigenous ancestry, patriarchy, and gender-based violence. And yet, she also carries the strength of her ancestors, the resilience of the women who came before her, and the wisdom of community. She practices from an anti-oppression and Liberation Psychology lens, integrating a variety of modalities—EMDR, Somatic Therapy, Narrative Therapy, IFS, Neurofeedback, CBT, and DBT. These aren’t just tools she's studied—they’re ones she's relied on in her own healing. She see each person as whole and worthy, and she's honored to walk alongside them as they reclaim their stories. 🍸☕What We Were Drinking: Arbonne Energy Fizz & Mind Health#arbonne Sparkle Hops#sparklehops Soleil Sparkling Water#soleilalbertsons Hibiscus Tea#hibiscustea 🎧Show Notes Looking for all the magical goodness we mentioned in this episode? Want it sent directly to your inbox each week along with every new episode? Join the Pod Squad (our email list!) for direct links, show notes, and more midlife fabulousness delivered to your inbox. 💌 And, even better, no ⛔ spam or selling 💸 of your email - we promise! 👉 Subscribe Here and get the show notes for this episode!  💬 Takeaways — What Do YOU Think? We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you.  📲 Stay Connected Follow, like, and join the conversation:Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspodFacebook: Drinks With the Girls PodcastPinterest: Drinks With the Girls PodcastYouTube: Drinks With the Girls ChannelWebsite: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com 💌 Reach Out Got a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com Connect with your hosts:✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com

Life in the so-called Sandwich Generation doesn’t quite capture the pressure many of us feel in midlife. That’s why we call it the Panini Generation—because we’re not just layered between responsibilities, we’re pressed from every direction. In this episode of Drinks With the Girls, we dig into what it means to be squeezed between caring for children, sustaining marriages, managing demanding careers, and supporting aging parents—all at the same time. We open up about the complicated dynamics of helping our fathers, the emotional strain of setting boundaries with parents, and the impossible expectation to hold everything together without breaking down ourselves. This conversation is raw, funny at times, and painfully relatable. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by caregiving, stretched thin by family obligations, or caught in the relentless grind of midlife, this one’s for you. Together we share hard-won insights, a little humor, and some real talk about protecting your energy and finding resilience in the middle of it all. ***************************************** 🍸☕What We Were Drinking: Ketel One BotanicalPeach & Orange Blossom Vodka Spritz#ketelonebotanical Sanzo Sparkling Water - Lychee#sanzo   🎧Show Notes Looking for all the magical goodness we mentioned in this episode? Want it sent directly to your inbox each week along with every new episode? Join the Pod Squad (our email list!) for direct links, show notes, and more midlife fabulousness delivered to your inbox. 💌 And, even better, no ⛔ spam or selling 💸 of your email - we promise! 👉 Subscribe Here and get the show notes for this episode!  💬 Takeaways — What Do YOU Think? We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you.  📲 Stay Connected Follow, like, and join the conversation:Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspodFacebook: Drinks With the Girls PodcastPinterest: Drinks With the Girls PodcastYouTube: Drinks With the Girls ChannelWebsite: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com 💌 Reach Out Got a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com Connect with your hosts:✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com