What if the life you planned isn't the life you got… and what if that's actually a good thing?
When the kids grow up, relationships change, careers shift, or the roles that once defined us no longer fit, it's easy to wonder: Who am I now?
This week on Drinks With the Girls, Karen and Lisa welcome writer, editor, and book coach Carolyn Flynn for a heartfelt, funny, and refreshingly honest conversation about midlife reinvention and the possibility of a second adulthood.
Carolyn shares her experience of navigating major life transitions, questioning the identities she'd built her life around, and discovering that starting over doesn't have to mean starting from scratch.
Together, we explore the friendships that remind us who we are, the courage to let go of what no longer serves us, and why life after 40 or 50 might be an opportunity to become more ourselves than ever before.
Because maybe midlife isn't about winding down. Maybe we're just getting warmed up!
🍸 In This Episode, We're Talking About:
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The life you planned versus the life you got: What happens when your carefully imagined future takes an unexpected turn?
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Finding yourself beyond your roles: Remembering that being a mother, partner, or professional is part of who you are, not all of who you are.
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Empty nesting and identity: Navigating the emotional shift when children grow up and family dynamics change.
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The power of female friendship: How our friends can remind us of the parts of ourselves we've forgotten—and why we don't have time for mean girls anymore. (Seriously, they're still around?)
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Letting go and starting over: Learning what to keep, what to release, and how to move forward without having everything figured out.
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Your second adulthood: Why life after 50 can be a time for meaningful choices, creativity, adventure, and purpose.
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Making room for yourself: Asking what you want after years of prioritizing everyone else's needs.
💜 Meet Our Guest: Carolyn Flynn
Carolyn Flynn is a writer, editor, and book coach who helps people bring their stories to life. A former editor of Sage magazine, she has interviewed inspiring women, including Gloria Steinem, and writes about reinvention, storytelling, and living boundlessly.
In this episode, Carolyn shares experiences that shaped her own reinvention and the lessons she's learned about identity, resilience, and the possibilities of a second adulthood.
✍️ Two Free Opportunities From Carolyn!
Inspired to write your own story? Carolyn has two special opportunities for Drinks With the Girls listeners!
Free 30-Minute Writing Consultation
If you've been thinking about writing your story but aren't sure where to begin, Carolyn is offering listeners a complimentary 30-minute Find Out More consultation.
Whether you're exploring an idea for a book or finally ready to put your experiences into words, this is an opportunity to connect with Carolyn and talk about your writing goals.
Book your free consultation:
https://calendly.com/carolyn-777/30min-free-find-out-more
Free Monthly Writing Community on Zoom
Looking for a little encouragement, dedicated writing time, and a warm-hearted community?
Carolyn also hosts a free monthly Zoom gathering featuring writing time and supportive community. Our listeners are welcome to join any month!
When: The last Monday of every month.
Register for the free Zoom gathering:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/yQwt-sftQFScOMI0xIqBhw
🌐 Connect With Carolyn
Explore Carolyn's writing, books, book-coaching services, and more at:
Website: https://carolynflynn.com
Carolyn also writes on Substack about living boundlessly and storytelling, and discusses her June 2027 writing retreat in Dingle, Ireland.
☕ Keep the Conversation Going
Have you ever reached a point where the life you planned no longer fit the person you'd become?
We'd love to hear what reinvention means to you—and whether you're beginning to imagine your own second adulthood.
Pour yourself a cocktail or a cup of coffee and join us for a conversation about finding yourself, embracing change, and asking one deliciously hopeful question:
What if it's better?
If this episode resonates, share it with a friend who might need to hear it, and follow Drinks With the Girls for more real, raw, heartfelt, and often hilarious conversations about navigating midlife together.
Find us at: https://www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com
🍸☕ What We Were Drinking:
Coconut pineapple sparkling water with vodka
Hop Wtr Blood Orange
Aperol Spritz
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🍸Want your very own piece of @DrinksWithTheGirls for half the cost of one bougie cocktail per month? Enjoy exclusive bonus ad free content in After Hours. Head to Patreon and join the community!
https://www.patreon.com/cw/DrinksWiththeGirlsPodcast
💬 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 Connected
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Website: 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 – https://karenshatafian.substack.com/
✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – https://www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com
🏥Medical Disclaimer:
The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While we may discuss functional medicine, wellness practices, and personal health experiences, this content is not a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health, medications, or lifestyle. The views expressed in this podcast are our own and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Listener discretion is advised, and any actions you take based on the information provided are at your own risk.