Girlfriend’s Guide to Midlife Podcast

24. Finding Freedom in Who You Are: Mandy Mashaney on Reinvention, Infertility, and Embracing Neurodivergence

In this episode of Girlfriend’s Guide to Midlife podcast, I’m sitting down with the inspiring and multifaceted Mandy Mashaney, and let me tell you—this conversation is a ride through resilience, reinvention, and real-deal self-discovery.
Mandy shares her story from a tough childhood to becoming the grounded, authentic woman she is today at 37. We talk about the twists and turns of her career—from teaching to building a thriving real estate business—and the deep personal work she’s done along the way.
She opens up about: 💛 Navigating infertility and what healing has looked like on her terms 🧠 Living with neurodivergence and learning how to embrace it instead of “fix” it 🏠 Redefining success after chasing what she thought she should want 🎨 The creative outlets and personal shifts that keep her grounded ✨ Why questioning everything led her back to herself
Mandy is funny, insightful, deeply real, and full of hard-won wisdom. Whether you’re in the middle of a major life pivot or just craving a deeper sense of self-discovery, this one will speak to your soul. We hope you enjoy!
 
Come Connect with Me & Other Girlfriend’s in Midlife:
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girlfriendsmidlifepodcast@gmail.com
Follow Mandy on Instagram
 
Thank you for tuning in to this episode! I’m so grateful to have you here as part of this incredible community of women navigating midlife with grace, courage, and curiosity. Remember, this season of life is full of opportunities to rediscover yourself, embrace your wisdom, and live with renewed purpose.
 

23. Money Confidence & Building Wealth in Midlife with Krystal Stearns, Top 1% Loan Officer Nationwide

In this episode of Girlfriend’s Guide to Midlife podcast, I’m joined by the powerhouse Krystal Stearns—a single mom of four, one of the top female loan officers in the country, and a total wealth-building boss.
We’re talking all things money, mindset, and making smart moves in midlife. Krystal opens up about how she built her success in the mortgage and real estate world, how she manages ten (yes, TEN!) investment properties, and why financial independence is such a game-changer for women.
Whether you're starting over, leveling up, or just craving more confidence with your money, this episode is packed with real-life tips and inspiration you can actually use.
Here’s what we chat about: 💰 How Krystal built her wealth—and how you can too 🏡 Why real estate is her favorite wealth-building tool 🧠 The mindset shifts that helped her become financially free 💡 Smart strategies for getting started, even if you're brand new 📈 Real talk on mortgages, market trends, and investing with intention 🌱 And the importance of giving back once you’ve built something meaningful
You’re going to love Krystal’s no-nonsense, heart-forward advice—and walk away with ideas you can start putting into motion today.
 
Come Connect with Me & Other Girlfriend’s in Midlife:
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Join the Girlfriend’s Guide to Midlife Facebook Community
girlfriendsmidlifepodcast@gmail.com
Follow Krystal on Instagram 
www.applywithkrystal.com
Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
You Are A Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero
 
Thank you for tuning in to this episode! I’m so grateful to have you here as part of this incredible community of women navigating midlife with grace, courage, and curiosity. Remember, this season of life is full of opportunities to rediscover yourself, embrace your wisdom, and live with renewed purpose. 

22. Life on the Other Side of Loss | Linsday Aho’s Story of Being a Young Widow, Mom of 2, & Rebuilding Her Life Completely

In this episode of Girlfriend's Guide to Midlife podcast, I’m sitting down with my amazing guest, Lindsay Aho—a 41-year-old single mom of two, entrepreneur, and the author of Redefining Grace.
Lindsay shares her powerful story of navigating deep personal loss after the tragic passing of her husband to PTSD and alcoholism. She opens up about the raw realities of grieving while raising young kids, rebuilding a new life from the ground up, and how her experiences shaped her into the incredibly compassionate woman she is today.
We talk about: 💔 The struggles she faced during marriage and separation 🌱 What it looked like to find the strength to move forward 👧🏼 Sharing heartbreaking news with her children—and helping them heal 🏡 Launching her short-term rental business and creating a new path for her family 📚 How writing Redefining Grace became a healing process (and a gift to others walking through grief) 💛 Finding unexpected new love—with a familiar face from her past
Lindsay’s story is a beautiful reminder that even in our hardest seasons, growth, hope, and new beginnings are possible.
If you’re in the thick of a tough chapter—or just need to hear a story of resilience and heart—you’re going to be so moved by this conversation.
 
Come Connect with Me & Other Girlfriend’s in Midlife:
Follow Me on Instagram
Follow the Podcast on Instagram
Join the Girlfriend’s Guide to Midlife Facebook Community
girlfriendsmidlifepodcast@gmail.com
Get Lindsay's Book Redefining Grace on Amazon 
 
Thank you for tuning in to this episode! I’m so grateful to have you here as part of this incredible community of women navigating midlife with grace, courage, and curiosity. Remember, this season of life is full of opportunities to rediscover yourself, embrace your wisdom, and live with renewed purpose. 
If this episode resonated with you, I’d love for you to share it with a friend or leave a rating & review—it means the world to me and helps more amazing women like you find the show. Here’s to thriving in midlife and beyond!
 

21. Facing Depression in Perimenopause… When It’s More Than a Bad Day Interview with Andrea Isaac

In this episode of Girlfriend’s Guide to Midlife podcast, I’m sitting down with my dear friend Andrea from Colorado Springs—someone I deeply admire for her honesty, strength, and willingness to share the real stuff most people keep quiet.
Andrea opens up about her journey through emotional trauma, relationship struggles, career transitions, and the hormonal rollercoaster that is perimenopause. She talks about what it looked like to hit a low point—and the slow, steady climb back up.
We chat about: 💛 Why self-awareness is your superpower 🩺 How to track what’s really going on with your health and hormones 🫶 The role support systems (and sometimes professional help) play in healing 🌱 What self-care looks like when you're in survival mode
Andrea reminds us that we don’t have to do midlife alone—and we definitely don’t have to pretend everything’s fine when it’s not. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or just not like yourself, I hope this episode feels like a deep breath and a reminder that you're not the only one walking through it.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or in a dark place, you’re not alone—please reach out to someone who cares. You can call or text 8-1-1 for support anytime. You are loved, and your life matters. 💛
 
Come Connect with Me & Other Girlfriend’s in Midlife:
Follow Me on Instagram
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Join the Girlfriend’s Guide to Midlife Facebook Community
girlfriendsmidlifepodcast@gmail.com
Thank you for tuning in to this episode! I’m so grateful to have you here as part of this incredible community of women navigating midlife with grace, courage, and curiosity. Remember, this season of life is full of opportunities to rediscover yourself, embrace your wisdom, and live with renewed purpose. 
 
If this episode resonated with you, I’d love for you to share it with a friend or leave a rating & review—it means the world to me and helps more amazing women like you find the show. Here’s to thriving in midlife and beyond! 

20. Navigating Weight Loss & Big Life Changes in Midlife with Ashley Malik

In this episode of Girlfriend's Guide to Midlife podcast, I’m chatting with the amazing Ashley Malik—a midlife mom from Highlands Ranch, Colorado, who has completely transformed her life (and body!) after 50.
Ashley’s story is one so many of us will relate to—feeling stuck, frustrated, and unsure where to even begin. But after years of trial, error, and research, she not only lost the weight, but created a method that’s now helped hundreds of other women do the same.
We talk about: ✨ Her “aha moment” that sparked the shift 🥗 The anti-inflammatory approach that made a massive difference 🍽️ Her component cooking method (SO genius for busy families with different food needs!) 🧠 The mindset work that truly made the weight loss stick
Ashley keeps it real about the struggles, the self-doubt, and what it really takes to feel good in your body again—especially in midlife.
This episode is packed with encouragement, practical tips, and the reminder that it’s never too late to take your health back and feel amazing in your skin.
Come Connect with Me & Other Girlfriend’s in Midlife:
Follow Me on Instagram
Follow the Podcast on Instagram
Join the Girlfriend’s Guide to Midlife Facebook Community
girlfriendsmidlifepodcast@gmail.com
Follow Ashley Malik on Instagram 
The Family Fork Podcast
www.ashleymalik.com
 
Thank you for tuning in to this episode! I’m so grateful to have you here as part of this incredible community of women navigating midlife with grace, courage, and curiosity. Remember, this season of life is full of opportunities to rediscover yourself, embrace your wisdom, and live with renewed purpose. 
If this episode resonated with you, I’d love for you to share it with a friend or leave a rating & review—it means the world to me and helps more amazing women like you find the show. Here’s to thriving in midlife and beyond! ❤️

19. SOLO CHAT: A Little Life Update & What’s Been on My Heart Lately

In this special solo episode, I’m pressing pause to catch up—just you and me, girlfriend. 💛
We’ve had some amazing conversations over the past three months, and I wanted to take a moment to reflect on what’s been shared, what’s resonated, and what life’s looked like behind the mic lately.
I’m sharing: ✨ My favorite moments and takeaways from recent guest interviews 🏡 What life feels like as an empty nester (spoiler: the boys are thriving, and I’m still figuring it out!) 💬 The support I’ve felt from my husband, trying new things, and starting my journey with hormone replacement therapy 💡 Themes that keep coming up in these powerful conversations—like self-trust, intuition, vulnerability, and giving ourselves so much grace in midlife
If you’ve been here since episode one or just joined in recently, I’m so grateful for you. This space is about connection, community, and real conversations about midlife—the beautiful, messy, transformative parts of it all.
🎧 Tune in for a cozy catch-up and a peek at what’s ahead for the podcast. And if you’ve got a story to share or want to be part of a future episode—I’d love to hear from you.
Because we’re in this together. 💛
Come Connect with Me & Other Girlfriend’s in Midlife:
Follow Me on Instagram
Follow the Podcast on Instagram
Join the Girlfriend’s Guide to Midlife Facebook Community
girlfriendsmidlifepodcast@gmail.com
 
Thank you for tuning in to this episode! I’m so grateful to have you here as part of this incredible community of women navigating midlife with grace, courage, and curiosity. Remember, this season of life is full of opportunities to rediscover yourself, embrace your wisdom, and live with renewed purpose. 
If this episode resonated with you, I’d love for you to share it with a friend or leave a rating & review—it means the world to me and helps more amazing women like you find the show. Here’s to thriving in midlife and beyond! ❤️

18. What Cancer Revealed: A Journey Through Trauma, Therapy & Self-Love with Laura Taylor

In this episode, Cathy sits down with the incredible Laura Taylor, a breast cancer survivor from Orlando who was diagnosed at just 37 years old. Laura shares what those early days were like—how she navigated the emotional rollercoaster, leaned on her family for support, and found her way through some really tough moments.
But Laura’s journey didn’t stop at surviving cancer. She opens up about how therapy helped her heal not just from the trauma of the diagnosis, but also some deep-rooted childhood wounds she hadn’t realized she was carrying. Through it all, Laura discovered the power of self-nurturing, staying spiritually grounded, and practicing gratitude.
And from that healing journey? Something beautiful was born—Messy Craft, a creative studio she founded to offer a safe, inclusive space where both kids and adults can explore their creativity without judgment.
Laura’s story is honest, inspiring, and full of heart. It’s a powerful reminder that even when life throws us curveballs, we can still come out the other side stronger, more connected to ourselves, and full of purpose.
 
Come Connect with Me & Other Girlfriend’s in Midlife:
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Join the Girlfriend’s Guide to Midlife Facebook Community
The Other Side Podcast 
The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Ruben
Follow Laura Taylor on Instagram
www.messycraft.com
 
Thank you for tuning in to this episode! I’m so grateful to have you here as part of this incredible community of women navigating midlife with grace, courage, and curiosity. Remember, this season of life is full of opportunities to rediscover yourself, embrace your wisdom, and live with renewed purpose. 
 
If this episode resonated with you, I’d love for you to share it with a friend or leave a rating & review—it means the world to me and helps more amazing women like you find the show. Here’s to thriving in midlife and beyond! ❤️

17. Let's Talk About Perimenopause & Tips for Supporting Your Hormones Naturally with Suzanne Greiner - Board Certified Nurse Coach

Let’s be real… perimenopause can feel like a wild ride no one warned us about. 🙃
In this episode, I’m opening up about my own struggles with perimenopause—insomnia, brain fog, crushing exhaustion—you name it. And if you’re in it too, I want you to know: you’re not going crazy, and you’re definitely not alone.
I brought on the amazing Suzanne Greiner, a board-certified nurse coach who gets it because she’s walked this path herself. She shares her personal story—from sudden joint pain and unexplained weight gain to anxiety and that foggy-brain feeling we all know too well.
Suzanne breaks down her holistic approach to navigating perimenopause and menopause in a way that feels empowering and doable. We talk about: 💪 The power of nutrition & strength training (yes, weights are your friend!) 😴 Getting your sleep and stress back on track 🫶 The importance of community and not doing this alone 🧠 How to start feeling like yourself again—without guessing your way through
This is the episode I wish I had when all those weird symptoms started showing up. Whether you’re just starting to notice shifts or you’re deep in it, you’ll walk away with practical tips and the reminder that you’re not broken—your body is just asking for support.
Come Connect with Me & Other Girlfriend’s in Midlife:
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Join the Girlfriend’s Guide to Midlife Facebook Community
Follow Suzanne on Instagram
www.suzannegreinercoaching.com
Thank you for tuning in to this episode! I’m so grateful to have you here as part of this incredible community of women navigating midlife with grace, courage, and curiosity. Remember, this season of life is full of opportunities to rediscover yourself, embrace your wisdom, and live with renewed purpose. 
If this episode resonated with you, I’d love for you to share it with a friend or leave a rating & review—it means the world to me and helps more amazing women like you find the show. Here’s to thriving in midlife and beyond! ❤️

16. The Life Changing Impact of Having A Growth Mindset & Self Education - Araceli Jackson Shares Her Incredible Story

Ever feel like the odds are stacked against you? This episode is proof that anything is possible when you bet on yourself.
I’m sitting down with Araceli Jackson, a woman whose story is all about courage, resilience, and the power of persistence. She went from growing up in poverty in Mexico to moving to the U.S. in 2019, learning a new language, and teaching herself the mortgage business—all while navigating an entirely new life.
Now? She’s the top sales rep for a builder in Colorado Springs, a real estate investor, and just recently became a U.S. citizen! 🇺🇸✨
We’re diving into: 🏡 How she broke into real estate and built a thriving career 💡 The mindset shifts that helped her succeed against all odds 🔥 Why taking risks and embracing challenges is everything 📈 Her passion for personal growth & investing in the future
Araceli’s story is one you need to hear—because if she can do it, so can you.
 
Come Connect with Me & Other Girlfriend’s in Midlife:
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Join the Girlfriend’s Guide to Midlife Facebook Community
Follow Araceli on Instagram 
 
Books Mentioned:
Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
I Will Teach You to be Rich by Ramit Sethi
 
Thank you for tuning in to this episode! I’m so grateful to have you here as part of this incredible community of women navigating midlife with grace, courage, and curiosity.
Remember, this season of life is full of opportunities to rediscover yourself, embrace your wisdom, and live with renewed purpose.

15. Dear Cathy, Your Biggest Weight Loss & GLP-1 Questions Answered with Katie Sorenson MSN, FNP-C

Let’s talk about midlife weight loss—because, let’s be honest, it’s a whole different ball game than it was in our 20s and 30s.
In this first-ever Dear Cathy episode, I’m sitting down with nurse practitioner Katie Sorensen from Weight Loss NP in Golden, Colorado to answer your biggest questions about weight loss, GLP-1 medications, and everything that comes with navigating this season of life.
We’re diving into: 🔹 How GLP-1 medications really work—plus side effects & alternative options 💪 How to maintain muscle mass & prevent saggy skin while losing weight 💰 Affordability & insurance coverage—what you need to know before starting 🤔 How to find a reliable provider and make the right choice for YOU
If you’ve been curious about weight loss options in midlife, this episode is packed with real talk and practical advice from a pro who gets it.
And if you’ve got more questions for a future Dear Cathy episode, send them my way—I’d love to hear from you! Send me an email girlfriendsmidlifepodcast@gmail.com and put “Dear Cathy” in the title. 
Come Connect with Me & Other Girlfriend’s in Midlife:
Follow Me on Instagram
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Join the Girlfriend’s Guide to Midlife Facebook Community
https://thewlnp.com/
Weight Loss NP on Instagram 
Follow Weight Loss NP on Facebook 
Thank you for tuning in to this episode! I’m so grateful to have you here as part of this incredible community of women navigating midlife with grace, courage, and curiosity.
Remember, this season of life is full of opportunities to rediscover yourself, embrace your wisdom, and live with renewed purpose.