Girlfriend’s Guide to Midlife Podcast

26. Becoming the Woman You Were Always Meant to Be with Tara Renze, Author, Key Note Speaker, & EQ Expert

This episode of Girlfriend’s Guide to Midlife podcast is a reupload of an incredible interview with my dear friend, Tara Renze. She is someone who’s been such a big part of my journey and her message is so powerful I wanted to share it with you again on the show or for the first time if you have not yet listened to episode 2. 
Tara and I go way back — we first met over a decade ago in the world of network marketing, and our paths have been beautifully intertwined ever since. In this episode, we chat about everything from career pivots to personal growth, motherhood, self-reflection, and all the ups and downs that come with navigating midlife.
Tara shares the powerful story behind her mantra, "Be Who You Came to Be," which started as advice from her grandmother and has become the heartbeat of her life’s mission. We get real about giving ourselves permission to evolve, tuning into our true selves, and embracing the changes that come with this season of life.
We also dive into:
The mental shift that comes with midlife (it’s not all bad!)
How fear is actually a sign you’re on the right path
The role of emotional intelligence in becoming who you’re meant to be
Why movement, routine, and mindset matter more than ever
Letting go of self-sabotage and old stories that no longer serve us
This conversation is full of laughs, a few goosebumps, and a whole lot of heart. I hope it inspires you to lean into who you came to be — because midlife isn’t the end of anything... it’s just the beginning.
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Be Who You Came to Be Podcast 
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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! ❤️

25. SOLO: Wisdom for Navigating Seasons of Change in Motherhood | Slow Down & Enjoy the Sweet Season of Summertime

This one’s just you and me, heart-to-heart. 😊 With school winding down and summer activity schedules already filling up the calendar for so many, I know how chaotic this season can feel. In today’s solo episode I’m sharing real-life stories and simple strategies that remind you to hold onto the sweet stuff (and sanity) while juggling work, kids, and everything in between.
Here’s what we chat about:
The “Summertime Mom” shift—why emotions run high as routines disappear.
How I’m processing my kids getting older (hello, empty-nest feelings).
Summer survival tips that actually work: grabbing extra help, lowering perfection standards, and scheduling tiny self-care pockets.
Permission to hit pause and soak up the micro moments—because these moments really are fleeting.
If your brain is spinning with end-of-year parties, events, activites, and work deadlines - I hope this helps bring you peace and purpose back into this season of life, because time is fleeting and our hustle will always be there but our kids will not. Think of this episode as a deep breath, a pep talk, and a reminder that you are not alone.
 
Come Connect with Me & Other Girlfriend’s in Midlife:
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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.

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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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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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:
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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:
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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:
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Join the Girlfriend’s Guide to Midlife Facebook Community
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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:
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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! ❤️

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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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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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! ❤️