Welcome to The House of Middlescence—your unofficial HQ for bold living, solo life, second acts, and all the WTFs that come with aging out loud.
This isn’t a quiet chapter. It’s a glow-up.
I’m Barbara Brooks—founder of SecondActWomen, solo-ager, unapologetic champion of middlescent women (and the allies who get it), and your host here inside the content house for grown women rewriting what midlife really looks like.
Each week, we’re serving up real talk about career pivots, starting over, dating solo, building something new, personal branding, aging in the workplace, and everything else they don’t tell you about life after 40.
Expect unfiltered stories, expert convos, behind-the-scenes of running my second act, and a whole lot of “wait, what just happened?” moments—because that’s life, and we’re living it boldly.
Whether you’re shifting careers, growing your own thing, or simply tired of being underestimated, this space is for you.
Because age isn’t a decline—it’s your damn rise.
Welcome to The House. You’re already on the list.
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Welcome to The House of Middlescence—your unofficial HQ for bold living, solo life, second acts, and all the WTFs that come with aging out loud.
This isn’t a quiet chapter. It’s a glow-up.
I’m Barbara Brooks—founder of SecondActWomen, solo-ager, unapologetic champion of middlescent women (and the allies who get it), and your host here inside the content house for grown women rewriting what midlife really looks like.
Each week, we’re serving up real talk about career pivots, starting over, dating solo, building something new, personal branding, aging in the workplace, and everything else they don’t tell you about life after 40.
Expect unfiltered stories, expert convos, behind-the-scenes of running my second act, and a whole lot of “wait, what just happened?” moments—because that’s life, and we’re living it boldly.
Whether you’re shifting careers, growing your own thing, or simply tired of being underestimated, this space is for you.
Because age isn’t a decline—it’s your damn rise.
Welcome to The House. You’re already on the list.
In this candid session we explore what it really means to be a solopreneur in midlife, especially when the usual boxes no longer fit. We talk about the isolation that can follow leaving corporate life, what it means to carve your own path after 40, and how loneliness can become a turning point instead of a setback. With women over 40 now leading the charge as the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs nearly half of all new women-owned businesses are started by women over 45 this episode is a reminder that even when you’re building alone, you’re not the only one feeling it.
Find Tasha Jones at www.linkedin.com/in/tasha-jones/
What you’ll walk away with:
✅ Recognizing the loneliness phase you might be in and why it matters
✅ A new perspective on midlife business as strength, not deficit
✅ Simple ways to find community, redefine support, and step into your rightful space If you’re ready to stop playing small, own your story, and build with purpose in your 40s and beyond, this episode is for you.
Visit SecondActWomen.com to download The Midlife Power Plan and join the community for more age inclusive conversations.
We’re in the middle of the year, and it’s the perfect time to pause, reset, and design the next six months with intention. In this episode of The House of Middlescence, I share three power moves to help you revise your goals, celebrate your wins, and create a bold new vision for how you want to finish 2025.
Download the Six‑Month Vision Reset Worksheet here: https://bit.ly/45uQxZp
Comment below: What’s your one big “back‑to‑school” goal before December 31?
Yeah, dating in midlife is very much a thing, and I’m living proof and getting real about what it’s like to date as a solo-ager at 58, what the dating landscape really looks like today, and where the heck we’re supposed to meet our humans.
From the app gap to curated connection spaces (and a few “no thanks” gym moments), I’m not holding back.
This one’s for the women, the solo-agers, the late bloomers, and anyone ready to say: “It’s our time.” Because it is. Let’s talk about finding love in the second (or third) act, with intention, humor, and high standards.
Find me on YouTube too! My channel is for women who know life doesn’t come with an expiration date. Around here, we’re flipping the script on aging, career pivots, and what it means to live fully in your prime.
If you’re ready to mix life in the middle with a little fun, a little grit, and a whole lot of real talk, you’re in the right place. We’re Aging Out Loud, and the best chapters are still ahead.
Get in touch with me at barbara@bloomcopresents.com or learn how you can book me to speak at https://www.barbarabrooks.com.
📧 Get on my Aging Out Loud monthly newsletter here lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/0VxszrI/getonthelist
📢 Find me on socials:
https:/linkedin.com/in/barbaralbrooks
https://instagram.com/heybarbarabrooks
https:/youtube.com/@BarbaraBrooks
👉🏽 Find My Community for Women 40+ SecondAct|Women on socials
https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondactwomen https://www.linkedin.com/company/secondactwomen/
https://www.instagram.com/secondactwomen
Over 50 and living solo? You’re not alone—and it’s not a downgrade. It’s a power move.
I share 7 smart, soulful, and handy rules for living alone after 50, after having done it for most of my adult life. From getting rid of outdated expectations for people ”our age” to staying healthy, connected, and curious, this is your no-fluff, pro-age guide to thriving solo in midlife.
Feel like you’re getting passed over, tuned out, or just plain left out after 40? You’re not imagining it—but you’re also not powerless.
I’m giving you 5 bold, doable ways to get seen, heard, and back in the room where opportunities happen.
Are you feeling like you’re working on different planets with your coworkers? You’re not alone—and it’s not about age, it’s about unspoken assumptions and clashing communication styles.
Feeling invisible, undervalued, and overlooked as a #womanover40? You're not alone. I'm sharing 5 actionable tips to help you take back control of your visibility, show up unapologetically, and achieve your goals. You'll: ✨ Discover the surprising truth about women over 40 in entrepreneurship ✨ Learn how to overcome age-related biases and get the recognition you deserve ✨ Get actionable tips on owning your story, speaking up, boosting your personal brand, leveraging your network, and being consistent
Chapters:
03:25 Tip 1: Own Your Story. Confidently share your wins, lessons, and expertise.
06:21 Tip:2: Speak Up, Sister. Let your voice be heard in a meeting, a social post, or a conversation.
09:23 Tip 3: Own Your Personal Brand: Define what you stand for and ensure every action aligns with it.
13:21 Tip 4: Leverage Your Network: Collaborate, connect, and support others.
15:44 Tip 5: Be Consistent: Visibility isn’t a one-time act; it’s a habit.
Subscribe to my channel for more #entrepreneurship and career'ing in the #secondact.
#visibilitymatters #womenover40 #secondact #entrepreneurship #careergoals #proage
Get in touch with me at barbara@bloomcopresents.com or learn how you can book me to speak at https://www.barbarabrooks.com.
📢Find Barbara on socials: https://www.youtube.com/@BarbaraBrooks/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaralbrooks/ https://www.instagram.com/heybarbarabrooks https://www.tiktok.com/@heybarbarabrooks
👉🏽 Find SecondAct|Women on socials https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondactwomen https://www.linkedin.com/company/secondactwomen/ https://www.instagram.com/secondactwomen
✔️ Get on the Aging Out Loud email list: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/0VxszrI/getonthelist
You open Facebook one day, and changes have happened—only you didn't make them, and now your profile picture, cover photo, name, or other personal information is all different. You've been hacked and no longer have access to your digital life—ever again. On average, 1.4 billion social media accounts are hacked every month,
Today's guest, Michelle Vos, had her second act happen to her versus making the choice. She'll share her story of grief, guidance, and today's gift, plus seven things to do if it happens to you.
Watch this and other episodes on YouTube too at https://www.youtube.com/@BarbaraBrooks/
Get in touch with me at barbara@bloomcopresents.com or learn how you can book me to speak at https://www.barbarabrooks.com.
The 40s are fabulous. 50s are fierce. 60+ is a force. 👩🏽👩🏼🧔🏼♀️👩🏻👩🦰
📢 Find Barbara on socials:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaralbrooks/
https://www.instagram.com/heybarbarabrooks
https://www.tiktok.com/@heybarbarabrooks
👉🏽 Find SecondAct|Women on socials
https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondactwomen
https://www.linkedin.com/company/secondactwomen/
https://www.instagram.com/secondactwomen
✔️ Get on the Aging Out Loud email list: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/0VxszrI/getonthelist
Three-time cancer survivor Lori Frisher shares her new disability journey, having already been living being deaf with two Cochlear implants.
July was Disability Pride Month, and this thriver and second-acter at 51 has recently 'rang the bell' receiving the "all clear" on her latest bought with cancer. Since her October diagnosis, she's been on a ride in her new life's journey. It's one for the books, having now taken on a new disability in the wake of her survival. But if you know this advocate and speaker on adding #Ableism to #DEIinitiatives, you know she's resilient and coming back stronger than before.
Listen to her story in my latest talk or watch her tell it on YouTube youtube.com/barbarabrooks.
Find Lori Frisher at:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorifrisher/
https://linktr.ee/readyornotmedia
Get in touch with me at barbara@bloomcopresents.com or learn how you can book me to speak at https://www.barbarabrooks.com.
📢 Find Barbara on socials:
https://www.youtube.com/@BarbaraBrooks/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaralbrooks/
https://www.instagram.com/heybarbarabrooks
https://www.tiktok.com/@heybarbarabrooks
👉🏽 Find SecondAct|Women on socials
https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondactwomen
https://www.linkedin.com/company/secondactwomen/
https://www.instagram.com/secondactwomen
✔️ Get on the Aging Out Loud email list: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/0VxszrI/getonthelist
You're burned out and stuck in life, your career, and everything; sometimes, it's hard to get unstuck. Add a little horseplay to your life. That'll help you.
Today, we're talking about Equus coaching, also known as horse-assisted coaching. Our guest, Nancy McKay, knows all about it, and by that, I mean she was stuck until she herself took a journey from being an alcoholic to sober living, all through horseplay and coaching. Horses can particularly benefit women over 40 who feel stuck in life.
Nancy can be found at https://amazingoutlookcoaching.com/
Get in touch with me at barbara@bloomcopresents.com or learn how you can book me to speak at https://www.barbarabrooks.com.
📢 Find Barbara on socials:
https://www.youtube.com/@BarbaraBrooks/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaralbrooks/
https://www.instagram.com/heybarbarabrooks
https://www.tiktok.com/@heybarbarabrooks
👉🏽 Find SecondAct|Women on socials
https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondactwomen
https://www.linkedin.com/company/secondactwomen/
https://www.instagram.com/secondactwomen
✔️ Get on the Aging Out Loud email list: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/0VxszrI/getonthelist
It's #disability Pride Month, and we're celebrating our #neurodivergent brains. Both of us were diagnosed our late 40s and 50s, and it's been life-changing.
There's that one friend who seems like they're never paying attention, cutting you off when you speak and sometimes moody, but you don't know why. Or the friend who seems always annoyed in certain situations and environments, but you love them anyway and say, that's just her. Today, we're talking about our late "age" ADHD and Autism #neurodiversity diagnoses we both received at 56 and 48 years old.
Catch Chrysta here at Live Work Play http://www.liveandlovework.com
📢 Find Barbara on socials: https://www.youtube.com/@BarbaraBrooks/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaralbrooks/ https://www.instagram.com/heybarbarabrooks https://www.tiktok.com/@heybarbarabrooks
👉🏽 Find SecondAct|Women on socials https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondactwomen https://www.linkedin.com/company/secondactwomen/ https://www.instagram.com/secondactwomen
12.3% of women aged 40–59 have the highest rate of depression of any group in the United States according to the CDC.
We're taking the shame out of our game! Mental health should be expressed, and #SecondActWomen licensed therapist Sarah Senst and former school principal Melanie Moreno, turned entrepreneur, talked to me about it.
1. Get the stats to know you're not alone
2. Hear from the three of us who've had our own mental health journeys
3. Get practical #mentalhealth tips from Sara, including the RIGHT way to journal. (Here's a Link to her podcast for more explanation on journaling: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/encore-living-your-best-second-act/id1619706734?i=1000625204771.) We're framing depression, giving tips, and dropping truth bombs from our own admissions.
We got you if you can relate! If you are struggling and want to check if you are experiencing symptoms of depression, take an online mental health screen here: https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools/depression
Call 988 if you or someone you know has Suicidal Ideation or is feeling down.
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Get in touch with me at barbara@bloomcopresents.com or learn how you can book me to speak at https://www.barbarabrooks.com.
📢 Find Barbara on socials:
https://www.youtube.com/@BarbaraBrooks/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaralbrooks/
https://www.instagram.com/heybarbarabrooks
https://www.tiktok.com/@heybarbarabrooks
👉🏽 Find SecondAct|Women on socials
https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondactwomen
https://www.linkedin.com/company/secondactwomen/
https://www.instagram.com/secondactwomen
✔️ Get on the Aging Out Loud email list: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/0VxszrI/getonthelist
Job Fairness Act in Colorado took effect July 1, 2024. How does it apply to job seekers over 40? What can you do to use it in your favor? Why was it needed? What #career strategies will land you the interview?
So we're talking about:
1. Ageism in the Workplace stats for you to be aware, understand, and overcome
2. Pro-aging activist and former attorney Janine Vanderburg speaks with me about the Job Fairness Act of Colorado and how you can apply it to job-seeking
3. Get 5 #careerstrategies to help get you the interview.
4. Hear the other 4 states that have similar acts.
#jobfairnessact: https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb23-058
Catch Janine Vanderburg on LinkedIn
-----------------------------------
Get in touch with me at barbara@bloomcopresents.com or learn how you can book me to speak at https://www.barbarabrooks.com.
📢 Find Barbara on socials:
https://www.youtube.com/@BarbaraBrooks/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaralbrooks/
https://www.instagram.com/heybarbarabrooks
https://www.tiktok.com/@heybarbarabrooks
👉🏽 Find SecondAct|Women on socials
https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondactwomen
https://www.linkedin.com/company/secondactwomen/
https://www.instagram.com/secondactwomen
✔️ Get on the Aging Out Loud email list: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/0VxszrI/getonthelist
22 million employed adults (aged 18 and over) in the U.S. always work from home. But what about quitting to start a company and travel while doing it?
Nadia Mitchem did exactly that, leaving her position at St. Jude to start a company, get on the road, and travel the world. She's sharing tips and more on how she did it, and you can, too.
Here's her Guide to Banish your fears of doing it.
📢 Find me on socials:
https://www.youtube.com/@BarbaraBrooks/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaralbrooks/
https://www.instagram.com/heybarbarabrooks
https://www.tiktok.com/@heybarbarabrooks
👉🏽 Find SecondAct|Women on socials
https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondactwomen
https://www.linkedin.com/company/secondactwomen/
https://www.instagram.com/secondactwomen
✔️ Get on the Aging Out Loud email list:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/0VxszrI/getonthelist
Your age is a disease.
You're 49, and in a few months, it's your birthday. What immediately came to mind? Fear of turning 50. That's what the world says about us, too. Because you're turning 50, you're shunned from working, living, being, and doing what YOU want. You're invisible. It's AGEISM!
Your age is a superpower, and your spending authority is over 15 trillion dollars.
Grab seven tips to refute it … to understand the power you wield, and play age to your advantage. This way, you can advocate for yourself the next time someone brings up age, or you feel bias coming on.
Understand your power as a human over 40, 50, and sixty.
Lazy or aren't resourceful
Can’t think as clearly
You can't start a company or switch careers entirely
Technophobia
You look good for your age. Of course, you do.
As we age, we're weaker in the workplace - and the world.
United Nations Video: Age Does Not Define You
Find me on socials:
https://www.youtube.com/@BarbaraBrooks/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaralbrooks/
https://www.instagram.com/heybarbarabrooks
https://www.tiktok.com/@heybarbarabrooks
Find SecondAct|Women on socials
www.facebook.com/groups/secondactwomen
https://www.linkedin.com/company/secondactwomen/
https://www.instagram.com/secondactwomen
Get on the Aging Out Loud email list:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/0VxszrI/getonthelist
Now more than ever, corporate boards are looking for qualified female candidates; by that, we mean paid boardships. It can be a boon to your household income, too!
Michele Ashby with ACE Consulting is sharing the 'how-tos.' She's an expert at boards, teaching women everything they need to know to serve on corporate boards. Some have made a living from being board members. But most importantly, women serving in the boardroom can turn the tide and change the world. Truly.
Michele's trained thousands with the success of placing her students on boards. Listen or watch the show and come up with questions. She has the answers.
Michelle Ashby can be found at www.acellc.consulting
Find me on socials
https://www.youtube.com/@BarbaraBrooks/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaralbrooks/
https://www.instagram.com/heybarbarabrooks
https://www.tiktok.com/@heybarbarabrooks
Find SecondAct|Women on socials
www.facebook.com/groups/secondactwomen
https://www.linkedin.com/company/secondactwomen/
https://www.instagram.com/secondactwomen
Get on the Aging Out Loud email list:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/0VxszrI/getonthelist
Are you tired of not earning anything when you speak? You can generate revenue by speaking and giving keynotes at conferences, and it's a great way to share your expertise to help others, build your reputation, and earn money.
Public speaking coach and expert Mari Geaseair shares her five tips to help you get started:
Have something to say
Don't let ego get in the way of income
Do Industry Homework
Be Part of a Speaker Community
Follow-Up
Bonus Tip- Notice the stages you are not on this year and plan to get on them next year. (Not all events put out a request for speakers. Sometimes, you need to approach them.
Find me on socials
https://www.youtube.com/@BarbaraBrooks/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaralbrooks/
https://www.instagram.com/heybarbarabrooks
https://www.tiktok.com/@heybarbarabrooks
Find SecondAct|Women on socials
www.facebook.com/groups/secondactwomen
https://www.linkedin.com/company/secondactwomen/
https://www.instagram.com/secondactwomen
Let Chelle Johnson, a talent acquisition expert and founder of Career Connectors, give you tips on what NOT to DO and do when looking for your next job. If you're over 45, finding a job, let alone getting an interview, can be incredibly daunting. The age bias that can arise if you don't follow her tips.
Don't stop using AI for resumes. It's part of your golden ticket/your personal brand DNA.
Don't give away your power.
Don't go without using your network.
Don't do it alone.
Don't go into an interview without practice and research.
Don't believe the stereotypes that come with age bias like you're too old.
You can watch the video podcast live on YouTube on Thursdays at 9 a.m. MT, or listen wherever you get your podcasts.
https://www.youtube.com/@BarbaraBrooks/
Menopause—what's the deal? Why don't we talk about it enough, and why don't our doctors tell us what we need to know? After all, there are over 80 symptoms of menopause, yet we mostly hear about hot flashes but who knew brain fog, sleepless nights and weigh gain were some of them?
Board-certified adult nurse practitioner, Kimberly Cunningham with the Cunningham Clinic schools us on hormone imbalances, estrogen, testerone and others that play a big part in the health of our bodies as we move through peri, menpause and post. Who knew menopause is actually a very short period of time in our lives, literally. Yep. There's more to it that we're in the dark about. Until now.
Hear how Mounjara has helped me and others fight the weight-gain. I've lost 17lbs in 2.5 months. BUT. There's more to taking these medical weightloss prescriptions.
Cunningham Clinic is in Denver, Colorado. cunninghamclinicstore.com
AI. Using it not? Well, you should. It can shave precious time, leaving you space to be the CEO of your company and focus on business development, sales, and revenue.
Angela Green Urbaczewski, a Fractional CMO | Revenue Optimization, AI & Marketing Automation Expert with RevOppAI who says productivity can increase by 10-30%. She shares tips on using Chat and others.
Writing Effective Prompts. The most successful prompts average 21 words, and include: 1. Persona: Describe point of view or voice to use2. Question: Like you'd ask a junior intern3. Context: Your research, outline, a reference URL4. Format: Grid? Document? Code? CSV file? Code?
Find Angela on LinkedIn [linkedin.com/in/angelaurbaczewski]
Welcome to The House of Middlescence—your unofficial HQ for bold living, solo life, second acts, and all the WTFs that come with aging out loud.
This isn’t a quiet chapter. It’s a glow-up.
I’m Barbara Brooks—founder of SecondActWomen, solo-ager, unapologetic champion of middlescent women (and the allies who get it), and your host here inside the content house for grown women rewriting what midlife really looks like.
Each week, we’re serving up real talk about career pivots, starting over, dating solo, building something new, personal branding, aging in the workplace, and everything else they don’t tell you about life after 40.
Expect unfiltered stories, expert convos, behind-the-scenes of running my second act, and a whole lot of “wait, what just happened?” moments—because that’s life, and we’re living it boldly.
Whether you’re shifting careers, growing your own thing, or simply tired of being underestimated, this space is for you.
Because age isn’t a decline—it’s your damn rise.
Welcome to The House. You’re already on the list.