It's time to talk about retirement. Retirement is often framed as a financial transition, but the emotional aspect is equally important. We explore the emotional and identity shifts that accompany this significant life transition. Personal experiences are shared, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that arise when redefining oneself beyond a career. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-discovery, purpose, and the importance of community and connection in this new chapter of life.
#unpackingmidlife #retirement #identity #purpose #planning, #self-discovery #emotional transition #womenatmidlife #personalgrowth #lifeafterwork
We're taking the week off to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday but didn't want to miss the opportunity to express gratitude to our listeners. We wish you all a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!
Many of us are currently struggling with the challenges of maintaining personal peace amidst a chaotic world filled with negativity and conflict. in this episode, we explore the emotional impacts of recent global events, emphasizing the importance of empathy, understanding, and healthy boundaries in relationships. The conversation highlights strategies for cultivating calm, such as volunteering, mindfulness, and radical acceptance of emotions. Ultimately, we encourage listeners to seek common ground and be active participants in fostering peace and understanding in their lives and communities.
#unpackingmidlife #personalpeace #emotionalhealth #relationships #mindfulness #volunteering #empathy #radicalacceptance #copingstrategies
What does it mean to be authentic? We explore the pressures of being authentic, the importance of self-awareness, and the impact of social conditioning on personal identity. The conversation touches on the journey of self-discovery, the challenges of imposter syndrome, and the significance of embracing one's true self. Through personal anecdotes and insights, we encourage our community to reflect on your values and live authentically, emphasizing that this journey is a process that requires time and effort.
#authenticity #womenatmidlife #selfawareness #impostersyndrome #personalgrowth #womenempowerment #coaching #unpackingmidlife
Navigating sugar consumption during the holiday season. from Halloween through New Year's Day can be challenging. We explore the health impacts of excessive sugar intake, the addictive nature of sugar, and practical strategies for mindful eating. The conversation emphasizes the importance of personal accountability, moderation, and coping strategies to maintain health goals while enjoying the festive season.
#sugarholidays #health #nutrition #sugaraddiction #mindfuleating #copingstrategies #healthgoals #wisewomen #unpackingmidlife #womenatmidlife
Meet our guest, Deborah Ives, a passionate advocate for solo female travel, particularly for women over 50. Deborah is the founder and administrator of the Facebook group Solo In Style: Women Over 50 Travelling Solo & Loving It! Together, we explore the transformative power of solo travel, discussing its benefits, the importance of community support, and practical tips for embarking on solo adventures. Deborah shares her personal journey into solo travel, the challenges women face, and how to overcome them. The conversation emphasizes empowerment, personal growth, and the joy of connecting with like-minded women while traveling.
#solo travel #womenover50 #womenatmidlife #unpackingmidlife #empowerment #community #traveltips #personalgrowth
Show Notes
The Facebook Group: Solo In Style: Women Over 50 Travelling Solo & Loving It!
Deborah's Website: https://deborahives.com/
Deborah's Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@deborahivessoloinstyle/videos
Deborah's Interview With Girl about the Globe, Lisa Eldridge, on How to Get Started Solo Travelling: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Nmxv6F1qK4
Trusted Housesitters: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/
In this episode, we delve into the complex nature of fear, exploring personal experiences and societal perceptions. We discuss how fear can manifest in various forms, especially during midlife, and emphasize the importance of understanding and reframing fear as a teacher rather than an enemy. The conversation highlights coping mechanisms, the mind-body connection, and the role of community in facing fears. Ultimately, we encourage listeners to embrace fear as a natural part of life and a catalyst for personal growth.
In this episode of the Four Wise Women podcast, hosts Maria, Robin, and Lorin delve into the complexities of change during midlife. They discuss the inevitability of change, the importance of mindfulness and acceptance, and share personal experiences that highlight the emotional journey of navigating transitions. The conversation emphasizes the power of choice in how we respond to change and the significance of community support. As they reflect on their own challenges, they also announce an exciting new chapter for the podcast, rebranding as 'Unpacking Midlife with the Wise Women.'
What if everything you've been told about willpower is wrong? What if beating yourself up for "lack of discipline" is actually keeping you stuck?
Most of what we call "willpower failures" are actually design failures. The real science of behavior change shows us that follow-through comes down to three simple elements: cues, convenience, and consequences. When we change the prompt, make the action the easiest option, and attach a small immediate win, our success rate skyrockets, even when motivation is just average.
And, yet, most of us are constantly berating ourselves over willpower that was never the real problem to begin with.
In this episode, we demystify change. We're myth-busting the biggest lies about behavior change, the ones that keep us trapped in old patterns, erode our self-trust, and prevent us from reaching our goals.
You'll discover what actually predicts follow-through (spoiler: it's not what you think), why your current approach might be sabotaging your progress, and how to redesign your environment for automatic success.
We're stopping the self-blame spiral and working with the brain instead of against it.
This episode explores menopause as a natural yet often misunderstood transition, aiming to normalize discussion of its many symptoms and encourage women to seek support rather than suffer in silence. We share personal experiences with both well-known issues (hot flashes, brain fog, weight gain, sleep disturbances) and lesser-known ones (frozen shoulder, tinnitus, itchy skin, joint stiffness), emphasizing that most symptoms stem from declining estrogen levels but are treatable. The conversation reframes menopause as a gateway to strength, resilience, and a fulfilling next chapter, rather than decline.
We delve into the complex world of the Sandwich Generation, those caught between caring for aging parents and supporting their own children. We explore the emotional toll and financial pressures they face, sharing personal stories and expert insights. Discover strategies to navigate these challenges to find balance in a demanding role. Join us for a heartfelt discussion on resilience, support, and the power of community.
In this episode, we dive deep into a feeling we all know too well: regret. Whether it’s a missed opportunity, a choice shaped by fear, or something left unsaid, regret often lingers beneath the surface, especially in midlife. But what if, instead of avoiding it, we leaned in? With insights from modern Stoic William Irvine and vulnerability expert Brené Brown, this conversation explores how regret can be more than just a burden, it can be a wake-up call. Tune in as we unpack how to honor our past without getting stuck in it, and discover the wisdom regret might be trying to offer.
An overview with Malika Boukhelifa, PhD, a national board certified integrative health and wellbeing coach focused on burnout, discusses how to recognize burnout and regain balance, and well-being. Malika has a PhD in biology and over 30 years of international experience in cell biology and neurobiology, in academia and biotech industry. Her research focused on cell movement, multiplication, and connections across organs, including the nervous system. She founded Founding Momentum, LLC, an integrative health coaching company, to help professionals and caregivers https://foundingmomentum.com.
Note: Burnout assessment referred to the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI)
Maslach, C., & Jackson, S. E. (1981).The measurement of experienced burnout.
Journal of Occupational Behaviour, 2(2), 99–113.
We’re diving into a topic that’s everywhere lately: purpose. What does it really mean and does it change as we age?
In a world that pressures us to "find our why," purpose can start to feel more like a burden than a gift. We explore why this is the case and why we may have overcomplicated the entire idea.
What if purpose isn’t a grand mission, but something quieter, simpler, and allowed to evolve? Redefining purpose might just be the most purposeful thing you can do.
During our brief break between podcast seasons, the Four Wise Women invite you to consider taking yourself on a self-date. In this bonus episode we explore the concept of self-dating, a form of self-care. Intentionality and scheduling are the keys to making self-dates special. The most important and longest relationship you'll ever have is with yourself so treat yourself right and have fun!
Join four health and well-being coaches as we close out Season One of The Four Wise Women podcast—a space built on honest conversation, shared insight, and the real ups and downs of midlife. In this final episode of the season, we look back on the themes that resonated most: reframing, resilience, identity, connection, and joy. This isn’t about one-size fits all answers—it’s about walking through midlife together, with humor, perspective, and a growing community of wise women. Whether you’re new here or have been with us from the start, this wrap-up episode is a chance to join us for the highlights from Season One.
Thriving in midlife—four voices, countless possibilities.
Season Two coming mid-July 2025!
In the whirlwind of modern life, with its endless to-do lists, constant notifications, and the relentless hum of busyness, finding a moment of calm can feel like an impossible task. Our minds race, our bodies tense, and the present moment often slips away unnoticed. But what if there was a way to navigate this chaos with a sense of inner peace and clarity?
This episode is your guide to meditation and mindfulness, proving you don't need a mountaintop to find calm. We're busting myths and sharing real-world, doable practices that bring clarity and presence to your daily chaos. Discover how ancient wisdom meets modern science, from Jon Kabat-Zinn's work in medicine to the neuroscience of Judson Brewer, revealing mindfulness as a true lifeline for your well-being. If you're new to these practices, or if you've tried and found it challenging, this episode offers encouragement and practical tools to help you quiet your mind and connect with the now. It's not about perfection; it's about showing up, for yourself, one breath at a time.
Mental health, and its unique impact on women in midlife, is explored in this heartfelt and enlightening episode. Midlife is often marked by significant hormonal shifts, particularly due to menopause, as well as social, emotional, and physical transitions.
Drawing on insights from neuroscientist Dr. Lisa Mosconi and her work, The Menopause Brain, the hosts explore how declining estrogen levels can influence mood, cognitive function, and emotional stability. However, they go beyond hormones, shedding light on the psychological impact of Empty Nest Syndrome, caregiving stress, career reassessment, and physical aging.
This episode serves as a compassionate call to reduce stigma, validate women’s experiences, and provide support during a pivotal life phase. It is both educational and deeply personal—a must-listen for women and those who care about them.
Time for a relationship renovation? If you've ever felt like your relationships are undergoing major construction during midlife, you're definitely not alone!
Join the Four Wise Women as they dive deep into the art and science of relationship remodeling. From marriages that need refreshing after decades together to navigating adult children's independence, caring for aging parents, reconnecting with siblings, and friendships that either deepen or drift—midlife transforms our entire relationship ecosystem.
This episode is Part 2 in our relationship series.
Friends help us live better and longer. In this episode, we explore the significance of female friendships in midlife, highlighting the need for deeper connections, the dynamics of friendship, and how choosing friends becomes more intentional as we age. Reflecting on the value of being a witness to each other's lives and the importance of celebrating both similarities and differences in friendships, we discuss how female friendships can not only be a source of joy and comfort but also reduce stress and improve overall health.
This episode is Part 1 in our relationship series.