Hey Gloss Squad — I'm kicking off 2026 with a simple question that might change everything: what's the hard thing you've been avoiding… and why? 👀✨

Yes, I finally did the scary thing I'd been talking myself out of for years (👙), but this episode isn't about the stage — it's about what came after.

Because doing the hard thing is only half the story.
The real magic is standing in it… and asking yourself, now what?!

In this episode, we dig into:

🔥 Why confidence isn't loud — it's built quietly by showing up for yourself
🧠 How discipline is actually self-respect (not punishment)
😂 Laughing through fear instead of waiting to feel "ready"
👯‍♀️ Why the people you surround yourself with either expand you or keep you stuck
✨ Why midlife is the perfect time to choose yourself without apology

📌 The challenge I'm giving you for 2026: commit to one hard thing — not because it's easy, but because it's yours

If you've been playing small, waiting for permission, or telling yourself "maybe next year"… this episode is your sign.

You don't need a perfect plan.
You don't need to be fearless.
You just need to decide.

Midlife isn't a crisis… it's just a plot twist. 💄✨

xoxo
melis

👉 Don't forget to leave a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify (because you're THE BEST!)
👉 Tag me @motivatewithmelis and share with the friend who needs this nudge

🎧 Listen Now On:
Spotify | Apple Podcasts

📧 info@motivatewithmelis.com
🌐 https://motivatewithmelis.com

Why is self-love the hardest love to give? You can hype your kids, cheer on your friends, support your partner… but when it comes to YOU? Suddenly the inner critic takes over.

In today's episode, I'm joined by intuitive empath and seven-time author Karen Blaine to break down what real self-love looks like—beyond the quotes, the memes, and the "just be kind to yourself" advice we all roll our eyes at.

We get into:
• Why women (especially in midlife) struggle to give themselves the compassion they give everyone else
• How being "too sensitive" can actually be your superpower
• Practical tools to stop negative thought loops in their tracks
• The grounding + gratitude practices you can start TODAY
• And why self-love isn't a mood… it's a muscle you build

If you've ever felt stuck, unworthy, or like your own worst critic—this convo will help you shift the energy and finally show yourself the love you've been giving away for years.

PLUS: Karen answers the signature "Now What?" question… and shares a surprising update about what's coming next for her.

Enjoy!
xoxo

melis

Website: https://karenblaine.com
Instagram: @karenblaineauthor
Books on Amazon: Search "Karen Blaine"

Website: https://motivatewithmelis.com
Instagram: @motivatewithmelis
Email: info@motivatewithmelis.com

Hoops & Glossers,

It's our anniversary pod! 🎉 Papi's back—and yes, his microphone decided to go on sabbatical. Consider this your official disclaimer: I did not turn him down on purpose (tempting, but no). You can still hear him—and he is witty, even when he's whispery.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The truth about "24 long years" (said with love… and eye rolls).

• Why marriage is more blooper reel than montage—and why that's normal.

• Raising kids → living parallel lives → finding our way back (hi therapy, we love you).

• Grief & real life: losing our sweet Roxy and helping Toby (our golden) through it.

• Big goals in midlife: Melis' first bodybuilding competition (Mexico, Dec 6) and what that's really been like for both of us.

• Recreating "us" in the empty-nest era: new roles, new rhythms, and saying yes to walks (Papi… put the phone down 😜).

• Marriage is work—not punishment. It's reps. Some days feel heavy; some feel hilarious.

• Therapy helps. Shoutout to Rupa for keeping it neutral and helping us actually listen.

• Midlife reinvention is for both partners. Women and men lose and rebuild roles; make space for each other's "what now?"

1. Puppy poll: Should Toby get a sister or a brother golden?

2. Mic magic: Best budget-friendly couple-podcast mic recs? (Because… yeah.)

3. Empty-nest rituals: What weekly "we" ritual brought you back together?

Feeling blah at 2pm? Want simple food + movement tweaks that actually fit real life? DM me "RESET"—I'm taking new clients and would love to help you feel your best.

Papi's mic dips in and out (happy anniversary to us 🎧). Stick with it—his quiet one-liners still land.

If this episode made you feel seen (or made you snort-laugh), share it with your person or your bestie who's in the thick of it. Rate & review so more midlife humans find our unfiltered corner of the internet.

xoxo

melis

Hoops & Glossers!

Buckle up—today we're going where few podcasts dare to go: the messy, confusing, sometimes downright bizarre world of perimenopause.

Hot flashes? Weight gain? Brain fog? Gas that could clear a room? (Yeah, we said it.) If you've ever felt like your body came with a secret manual that no one bothered to give you, this episode is your missing chapter.

My guest, Dyna Vink, a certified Integrative Health Practitioner and founder of Holistic Nutrition Lifestyle, is here to spill the tea on all things midlife. She's walked the perimenopause path herself, turned her frustration into research, and now helps women uncover the real root causes behind their symptoms.

And here's the jaw-dropper:
👉 One hidden culprit might just be… PARASITES!
Yep. Not sexy. Not talked about. But way more common than you think. From bloating and brain fog to sleep struggles and skin issues, parasites could be part of the puzzle—and Dyna explains how to spot them, test for them, and (most importantly) kick them to the curb.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why perimenopause is still wildly misunderstood (and ignored in med school 🤯)

• The surprising first signs of perimenopause (spoiler: it's not just hot flashes)

• How the gut, hormones, and parasites are all linked

• Why traditional medicine often misses the root cause—and what functional medicine can offer instead

• And yes, the truth about colonics, biofilms, and parasite cleanses 👀

If you're in perimenopause (or think you might be), this convo will give you clarity, relief, and maybe a whole new perspective on what's really going on inside your body.

Because midlife isn't a crisis—it's a plot twist. And with the right tools, you don't just survive it… you thrive.

xoxo

melis

👉 Don't forget to leave a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify (because you're THE BEST!)
👉 Tag me @motivatewithmelis and share with a friend

🎧 Listen Now On:
Spotify | Apple Podcasts

https://motivatewithmelis.com

✨ Resources & Links:

• Connect with Dyna Vink: [Insert her discovery call link or website]

Website: https://holisticnutritionlifestyle.com/;

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dynavink/ ;

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dyna.vink/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerimenopauseRelief

Para Support Parasite herbal rebalancing protocol: https://equi.life/products/parasite-cleanse-protocol?irad=909171&irmp=5705922

Hey Hoops & Glossers — today's guest is proof that you can be strong, healthy, and still grow your own garlic braid worthy of a Pinterest board.

Meet Kim Eagle — fitness coach, nutrition expert, Ironman times two (yes, TWO), and the green thumb behind Grow a Healthy Garden. She's the founder of Earn That Body, where she's been helping clients ditch the diet drama since 2009 with a "real food, no gimmicks" approach. And now, she's teaching people everywhere to plant, grow, and eat organic goodness right from their own backyards (or balconies).

In this episode, we dig into:

• 🚴‍♀️ How training for an Ironman changed her everything (and why she'd do it again in a heartbeat)

• 🍠 Why perimenopause had her swapping marathons for muscle and sweet potato harvests

• 🏋️‍♀️ The myth-busting truth about weight training, carbs, and why eating more can actually help you lose weight

• 🥗 Why Ozempic isn't the magic fix most people think it is — and the ripple effects we're not talking about enough

• 🌿 How growing your own food can boost your health, your mood, and maybe your social life (neighbors love free tomatoes)

Kim's energy is contagious, her advice is practical, and her passion for helping people feel their best is next level. You'll leave this episode ready to rework your workouts… and maybe plant a basil plant while you're at it.

Links from the episode:

• Kim's fitness + nutrition programs: www.EarnThatBody.com

• Start your own organic garden: www.GrowAHealthyGarden.com

Because whether you're building muscle or growing garlic, midlife is all about planting seeds you actually want to see grow. 🌸

xoxo

melis

👉 Don't forget to leave a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify (because you're THE BEST!)
👉 Tag me @motivatewithmelis and share with a friend

🎧 Listen Now On:
Spotify | Apple Podcasts

https://motivatewithmelis.com

Hoops & Glossers - What if your next breakthrough wasn't in another to-do list… but in the pause? This week on Now What?!, Melis sits down with the radiant and real Karen Bartholomew — life coach, speaker, and creator of The Pause Method. Her work helps women (and leaders who feel like they're juggling flaming swords) slow down long enough to actually hear themselves again.

We dive into how overachievement, past conditioning, and people-pleasing can leave us burned out and disconnected from who we really are — and how the power of intentional pause can unlock clarity, peace, and your next big move.

👠 What We Talk About:

• Karen's own "Now What?!" moment as a single mom of three

• Breakdown of the PAUSE Method  — and why you'll want it in your back pocket

• The stories we tell ourselves (and how to stop believing the lies)

• How burnout, hustle culture, and childhood beliefs keep us in a loop

• The truth about being "selfish" (spoiler: it's a superpower)

• Practical ideas for reclaiming your joy, your purpose, and your peace

🌀 Karen's PAUSE Method (teaser version!):

• P – Perceive: Identify patterns and subconscious stories

• A – Acknowledge & Accept: Without judgment, see what's really there

• U – Unwind: Untangle the mental spaghetti of outdated beliefs

• S – Shift: Reframe the narrative and reclaim your voice

• E – Expand: Practice new behaviors, embody the change

💥 Hot Quote Moments:

"The brain is designed to keep you safe. Not fulfilled."
"What story are you telling yourself right now — and is it even true?"
"The hustle isn't a badge of honor. It's a red flag."

🌱 Want to Dive Deeper?

• Karen's free 30-day PAUSE journal: karenbartholomew.com

• DM "Sanctum" to Karen on Instagram for info about her new community circle

• Follow her on IG: @karenbartholomew

🎧 Listen Now On:
Spotify | Apple Podcasts

🔁 Share this with your favorite overwhelmed overachiever
She might be one pause away from her power.

xoxo

melis

👉 Don't forget to leave a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify (because you're my friend, right? RIGHT??)
👉 Tag me @motivatewithmelis and share with a friend

Hey Hoops & Glossers — ever find yourself eating a cold nugget off your kid's plate and wondering, "Now what?" You're not alone. In this no-shame, no-diet-culture deep dive, Melis is keeping it real (and hilarious) as she tackles one of the most asked questions: "What the heck do I eat?"

From ex-fad dieter to macro-based mindset queen, Melis shares her simple, doable approach to nutrition — without the guilt, without the gimmicks, and definitely without the 100-year-old shelf-stable snack bars. 🧃🍗🥦

You'll learn:

• Why nutrition feels so confusing (hint: $$$)

• The basics of macros (and why you don't need a PhD to figure them out)

• What to eat more of (protein is queen 👑)

• The reason you must eat to lose weight (yes, you read that right)

• Real-life meal prep tips for the busiest midlife mama

• And the free gift you didn't know you needed 👀

📩 BONUS: Get your Free Nutrition Guide — just DM Melis the word "guide" on Instagram @motivatewithmelis

Because life is complicated enough — your food shouldn't be.

xoxo

melis

👉 Don't forget to leave a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify (because you're THE BEST!)
👉 Tag me @motivatewithmelis and share with a friend

Hey Hoops & Glossers —
Buckle up for a road trip recap that turns into a full-blown midsummer meltdown (with a dash of Gaga fever and Bieber breakdown concerns thrown in for good measure).

In this unfiltered solo episode, Melis recaps her California college tour with daughter Devyn (yep, the baby's driving now 😱), shares her manifestation station dreams of living that Montecito life, and spirals just a tiny bit into pop culture chaos. We're talking Justin, Britney, Gaga, and why Meghan Markle deserves a break. Oh—and yes, she's still trying to snag last-minute tickets to Gaga's Mayhem Ball. Because obviously.

✨ In this episode:

• Devyn's volleyball camp + Melis' UCSB nostalgia trip

• Mama's dream life: a future house in Montecito (watch out, Oprah)

• Lady Gaga obsession hits peak level

• Midsummer burnout and back-to-school countdown feels

• A reminder: You're not alone if this summer feels a little… unhinged

If you're feeling off, overstimulated, or just done with summer chaos, this one's for you. We're in it together.

🌀 Come hang. Laugh. Vent. Manifest something wild.

xoxo

melis

—----------------------------
✨ Love this kind of chaotic honesty? Subscribe, leave a review, and text your fellow midlife mamas who are ready to scream "Now What?!" into the August abyss
👉 Tag me @motivatewithmelis on IG and share with a friend

Hey Hoops & Glossers —
Happy 4th of July! Fire up the grill, grab a hot dog (mustard only, according to Papi), and buckle up because this week's episode is officially off. the. rails.

🎙️ Featuring: Shannon "Sexy Papi" Murphy — aka my husband, baby daddy, and completely unfiltered co-host for this holiday chaos special.

We're talking…

💥 Club sports: the travel, the cost, the trauma, and why we're still here
💥 The volleyball tournament that gave me a black eye (true story)
💥 A deep dive into Speedos, co-ed swim, and… high school grooming habits?
💥 A very American 4th of July trivia game (Papi shockingly nails it)
💥 Fireworks safety PSA that turns into a full-blown hot take
💥 Nutrition tip: Watching the news might be making you fat

🚨 Caution: This episode includes overshares, unfiltered memories, and a strong opinion about Piccolo Petes.

So whether you're road-tripping, BBQing, or just trying to survive family time without starting a political debate — press play, laugh with us (or at us), and celebrate this beautiful, messy, overcaffeinated American life.

🇺🇸 Happy 4th of July, friends. May your burgers be juicy, your flags un-ironed, and your Speedos retired.

xoxo

melis

👉 Don't forget to leave a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify (because you're my friend, right? RIGHT??)
👉 Tag me @motivatewithmelis and share with a friend

Hey Hoops & Glossers —

She's back! In Part 2 of this powerhouse conversation, Brittany Carbone returns to share what happened when she stopped waiting for the perfect time — and just did the thing. From leaving L.A. to start a new chapter in Tulum to trusting her gut through grief, fear, and big transformation, Brittany gets real about what it takes to live in alignment (even when it's scary).

This episode is full of powerful mindset shifts, emotional breakthroughs, and practical tools you can start using today to stop second-guessing and start listening to your inner knowing.

💬 In this episode:

• Why Brittany left LA to follow a bold new path

• The real reason we struggle to trust our intuition — and how to fix it

• What happens when you stop numbing and start feeling

• The "Sally Jo" strategy for shutting down your inner critic

• How grief shaped Brittany's most powerful win yet

• A mic-drop reminder: You're allowed to take up space. You belong here.

🎧 If you've ever felt stuck in fear or unsure what your next move should be — let this be your nudge.
Do it scared. 

xoxo

melis

👉 Don't forget to leave a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify (because you're my friend, right? RIGHT??)
👉 Tag me @motivatewithmelis and share with a friend

👉Follow @brittneycarbone on IG

Hey Hoops & Glossers —

Ever feel like the underqualified one in the room? SAME. In Part 1 of this powerhouse convo, Melis sits down with fitness champ and mindset coach Brittany Carbone to unpack the sneaky grip of imposter syndrome — and how to shake it loose.

From body image battles and binge cycles to the bodybuilding stage and building a business, Brittany shares how she found confidence, clarity, and community.

💬 In this episode:

• The hilarious way Melis found Brittany (spoiler: Instagram stalking)

• How Brittany rewrote her story around food, fitness, and fear

• What finally helped her kick the shame spiral

• The truth bomb we all need: "You are who you surround yourself with — so own it."

🎧 If you've ever felt like a fraud in your own life, hit play. This one's for you. 

xoxo

melis

👉 Don't forget to leave a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify (because you're my friend, right? RIGHT??)
👉 Tag me @motivatewithmelis and share with a friend

Hey Hoops & Glossers — can you believe it? 33 episodes together! This week, Melis is flying solo to reintroduce herself, reflect on what's brought us here, and celebrate YOU — the community showing up every week with messy buns, full hearts, and maybe a little midlife rage. (Same.)

👋 Get to know your host:
Melis is a 53-year-old mom of three, wife, former stay-at-home burnout survivor, and current queen of "WTF is happening to my hormones?" She started "Now What?!" because one day she looked around and thought… well ,NOW WHAT?!

🌀 In this episode:

• Why this podcast was born from a midlife identity shake-up

• What it means to hit the "messy middle" of parenting, purpose, and perimenopause

• A big thank you to past guests and the magical moments they've shared

• The power of community when everything feels like too much

• Why we're done pretending and fully embracing the ragey, raw, real stuff

🚨 Plus, a lil announcement:
Melis is launching her brand-new 1:1 Reset Coaching Session — a private, no-judgment zone to get unstuck and feel like you again. Spots are limited, but Hoops & Glossers get first dibs. Because you deserve it.

📣 If you've been loving the pod:

• Share it with a friend who's midlife flailing with you

• Leave a 5-star review (1-star people may exit to the left, respectfully)

• Slide into Melis' DMs with topic ideas. Nothing's off the table. NOTHING.

🎧 Press play if you need a reminder that you're not alone in this wild, sweaty, hilarious midlife ride.

Until next week…
💋 Stay messy, stay marvelous, and keep asking: Now What?!

xoxo

melis

👉 Don't forget to leave a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify (because you're my friend, right? RIGHT??)
👉 Tag me @motivatewithmelis and share with a friend

Today Melis is joined by Marie Crews—certified health & wellness coach, retreat facilitator, and bestselling author of Even When… She Rose—to talk about the healing power of journaling, her four-step Nautilus Way, and how she rebuilt her life after unimaginable loss.

• Why you don't need to be a "writer" to journal

• The four steps of her method:

  • Reveal: Stream-of-consciousness writing

  • Review: Spotting pain points & patterns

  • Rewrite: Giving yourself permission, validation & compassion

  • Rewire: Practicing new thoughts and responses

• How writing supported Marie through the sudden loss of her mother

• Why she couldn't journal immediately after losing her son—and what happened when she finally could

• Acceptance vs. "giving someone a pass"

• Why staying stuck is often more painful than starting to heal

• Marie's Gulf-front retreat space in Navarre Beach, Florida

• Why grieving mothers need a room of women who truly get it

• Website: www.mariecrews.com 

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marieeurecrews 

  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@empowermentandgriefguide

• Book: Even When… She Rose

• Website: motivatewithmelis.com

• Email: info@motivatewithmelis.com

• IG/TikTok/Facebook: @motivatewithmelis

Grief isn't a dirty word. It's part of life — and it deserves to be talked about.

In this deeply moving episode, Melis sits down with her close friend Ashley — a wife, mom, and interior designer — who shares her story of losing her son, Alex, to cancer seven years ago. With honesty, heart, and strength, Ashley opens up about what grief really looks like, and why she's on a mission to bring these conversations into the light.

Whether you've experienced loss or want to better support someone who has, this episode is a powerful reminder that you're not alone — and you don't need to have the perfect words to be present.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Ashley's mission to normalize grief and open up real conversations about loss

• The truth about what grief looks and feels like — years later

• How to support a grieving parent (and what not to say)

• Keeping Alex's memory alive in everyday, meaningful ways

• Why talking about grief helps us all feel more human and less alone

Please listen with an open heart — and share with someone who needs to hear it.

xoxo

melis

👉 Don't forget to leave a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify (because you're my friend, right? RIGHT??)
👉 Tag me @motivatewithmelis and share with a friend

Hey Hoops & Glossers,

Grab your tissues and your tassels — we're going there. This solo episode is for all the parents hiding their ugly cries behind sunglasses and wondering why the end of the school year feels like an identity crisis wrapped in a slideshow.

In this graduation-season rollercoaster, Melis gets real (and weepy) about:

• Why you might actually be the one graduating — from carpool duty, form-signing, and snack-pack life

• The bittersweet shift from parenting chaos to "Wait… who am I now?"

• How her own "Now What?!" moment started the day her son walked across that stage

• Reclaiming your time, purpose, and passion — even if you're still figuring out what that looks like (Same.)

🎉 Bonus:

• A sneak peek at Melis' upcoming "reset" coaching offer (because it's time to put yourself back on your own to-do list)

• A very real, very unfiltered midlife pep talk from someone who's navigating it right beside you

So if you're mid-sob, mid-scroll, or mid-"WTF am I doing with my life now?" — you're in the right place.

🎧 Hit play, DM "reset," and let's graduate from putting ourselves last. Together.

xoxo

melis

🌎 Check out how we can work together → https://motivatewithmelis.com/ 

📸 Follow me on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/motivatewithmelis/

🖥️ Let's get connected on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/motivatewithmelis/

📱 Follow me on Tiktok → https://www.tiktok.com/@motivatewithmelis 

Hey hey, Hoops & Gloss crew! 
Today's episode is serving up real estate with a side of real life — think heart, humor, and just a sprinkle of tough love (glossed up, of course). 💄

We're hanging out with the amazing Tina Frechman — realtor, investor, and all-around boss and trust us, this chat goes way beyond open houses and "sold" signs. If you've ever felt torn between your memory-filled home and that dream of something new? This one hits home. 

Here's what's on the table:
・Home = memories – Every corner tells a story, and yeah, it's emotional.
・ More than money – Happiness matters just as much as resale value.
・ Upgrade now – Don't wait to love your space. Make it magical today.
・ Downsizing? – It's not a step back, it's a glow-up with less clutter.
・ Kids returning home – Turns out, they do want to raise their kids where they grew up.
・ Letting go is real – But you're not saying goodbye to memories, just turning the page.

✨ Real talk: Your home isn't just a place — it's a whole mood.
So don't wait for the "For Sale" sign to start living in the space you've always dreamed of.

Throw on your hoops, swipe on that gloss, and dive into this heartfelt convo with us.
Because real estate? It's personal, babe. And that's exactly why we're talking about it.

—-------

🌎 Check out how we can work together → https://motivatewithmelis.com/ 

📸 Follow me on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/motivatewithmelis/

🖥️ Let's get connected on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/motivatewithmelis/

📱 Follow me on Tiktok → https://www.tiktok.com/@motivatewithmelis 

Hoops & Glossers… if you're feeling meh, moody, or just mildly ragey, this episode is the warm hug (and possibly the estrogen patch) you didn't know you needed.

Meet Kelly Brooks Huber: mom of four (two human, two furry), businesswoman, college roommate, and—fun fact—bikini wax spirit guide. We go way back, and this convo? It's real, ridiculous, and ridiculously relatable.

We cover:

• That time both of us broke up with Lexapro (and how we knew it was time)

• Why the estrogen patch might deserve its own holiday

• Parenting adult daughters (and teenage ones who suddenly don't like you anymore 🙃)

• Midlife pivots after 25+ years in the same career

• The magic of radical female friendship—especially the ones that know your college GPA and your current HRT dosage

This one's for the women who are showing up, even if they have no idea what they're doing (spoiler alert: same). So grab your half-caff, text your bestie, and hit play—because life doesn't come with a manual, but it's a lot easier with a hype squad.

👊 If this episode made you laugh, cry, or reconsider your current meds, send it to your favorite rad woman and leave a review!

What do you get when two midlife moms trade stories about protein shakes, pelvic floors, and fighting for their identity one workout at a time? THIS episode.

Melis sits down with Skyler Burton — fellow mom, awesome human, and accountability buddy on the same fitness and mindset journey — to talk about what it really looks like to try and reclaim your energy, your confidence, and maybe even your abs (no promises) while raising kids and holding onto your sanity.

In this episode:

🏋️‍♀️ Why starting a fitness routine in midlife is about so much more than the scale
🤪 How being home with kids can leave you craving adult connection and your old self
👟 The power of finding a community (and a coach!) that sees you even when you feel invisible
🥲 The behind-the-scenes truth of showing up for yourself when motivation is MIA

"I felt like I was disappearing… and lifting weights reminded me I was still in there." – Skyler 💪

👯‍♀️ Have you ever tried to do squats with a toddler hanging on your leg? Then you're going to love this one. Share it with a friend who's also trying to find herself somewhere between the laundry and leg day.

xoxo

melis

👉 Don't forget to leave a 5-star review on Spotify (because you're my friend, right? RIGHT??)
👉 Tag me @motivatewithmelis and tell me how you're taking a break today!

Welcome to this week's from-the-bed episode, where your host Melis, wrapped in cozy PJs and channeling her inner Sara Foster, shares the wild tale of what happens when you don't listen to your body… until it shouts "STREP AND BRONCHITIS" through a megaphone.

Midlife women, it's time to ditch the guilt and reclaim rest—not as a luxury, but as a necessity (and yes, even a performance strategy if you're chasing that 53-year-old booty gain like Melis).

✨ In this episode:

• The true story of how ignoring a cough turned into an urgent care wake-up call

• What a bodybuilding butt has to do with bronchitis (spoiler: a lot)

• Why rest isn't weakness—it's muscle-building, brain-repairing magic

• How we got conned into thinking hustle = worth (and how to unsubscribe)

• The science behind why 6 hours of sleep = pulling an all-nighter (yikes!)

• A hilariously honest look at sleep, guilt, and doomscrolling Harvey from Suits

📍 Your Rest Homework:
Start by going to bed just 15 minutes earlier than last night. That's it. Baby steps toward badassery.

Because, Hoops & Glossers, you can't run the world if you're running on empty.

xoxo

melis

👉 Don't forget to leave a 5-star review on Spotify (because you're my friend, right? RIGHT??)
👉 Tag me @motivatewithmelis and tell me how you're taking a break today!

Why is it that we'll move mountains to show up for everyone else... but ghost our own goals like a bad Tinder date?

In this solo pep talk, Melis gets real about the sneaky ways we slide off our own to-do lists (and what to do about it). From gym daycare confessions to the "start small" mantra, she's calling us all in—with love, laughter, and a little tough truth.

You'll hear:

• Why your calendar needs your name on it
  
  

• The real reason you keep saying "yes" to everyone but you
  
  

• And how not to sign up for a marathon when you haven't taken a walk in weeks (guilty!)

💪 Consider this your permission slip to take up space on your own schedule.

xoxo

melis

👉 Don't forget to leave a 5-star review on Spotify (because you're my friend, right? RIGHT??)
👉 Tag me @motivatewithmelis and tell me how you're spreading the love today!

One minute you're texting your mom to ask how long chicken lasts in the fridge, and the next you're coordinating her hospital discharge and Googling "signs of sepsis." Welcome to the midlife plot twist they forgot to warn us about: parenting our parents.

In this raw, real, and yes—still hilarious—episode, Melis is joined by her longtime bestie and nurse extraordinaire Nicole Jolicoeur Johnson. Together, they unpack what it's like to be full-time caregivers, full-time moms, and part-time guilt-ridden humans trying to hold it all together.

💥 Spoiler alert: there's a penis sighting in the ICU, a prairie fire in the background, and possibly a midlife commune in our future.

Listen in if you've ever:

• Felt completely alone navigating a parent's medical emergency

• Wondered how to support your kids, your parents, and yourself without losing it

• Needed permission to laugh through the chaos

Because somewhere between carpool and care facilities, we all became the grown-ups. And we're still figuring it out, one crisis (and joke) at a time.

xoxo

melis

👉 Don't forget to leave a 5-star review on Spotify (because you're my friend, right? RIGHT??)
👉 Tag me @motivatewithmelis and tell me how you're spreading the love today!

What if this chapter isn't the beginning of the end—but the part where we finally stop playing small?

Welcome back to Now What?!, the podcast that's part pep talk, part group therapy, and all about embracing midlife with grit, grace, and a heavy pour of humor. In this solo episode, Melis is serving up a much-needed reminder: this season of life is not your fade-to-black moment—it's your plot twist. 🎬

From side-eyes at the Nordstrom racks to dreaming big and doing scary things (hello, bodybuilding competition 👀), Melis dishes on what it really means to show up, stand tall, and stop shrinking—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Whether you're training for your own comeback story or just trying to figure out what's next, this episode is your wake-up call to start now.

✨ In this episode, Melis gets real about:

• Why your AARP card doesn't define your power 💅

• Her "OMG am I really doing this?!" journey to the bodybuilding stage

• Cultural BS about women being "too much" in midlife

• Why this isn't the end, it's just the beginning

💬 QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"What if this chapter isn't the beginning of the end, but the part where we stop playing small?"

📣 CALL TO ACTION

1. DM Melis on IG (@motivatewithmelis) and share that one thing you've been putting off—no matter how big or small.
   
   

2. Leave a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple.
   
   

3. Share this episode with 3 badass friends who need to be reminded: YOU'RE NOT DONE YET.

Because let's be honest—midlife is way too weird to navigate alone.
Let's go big, Glossers. 🧡

xoxo

melis

Hey Hoops & Glossers,

We always talk about who shows up when life hits the fan—but what about when life rocks? In today's solo episode, I'm spilling all the tea on friendship: the kind that cheers you on when you're winning, not just when you're wounded.

After a whirlwind weekend where my college besties pulled off an epic surprise trip to celebrate one of us landing a dream promotion (spoiler alert: there were tears, joy, and probably champagne), I started asking myself this question:

👉 How am I showing up for my friends… really?

We get into:

• Why we wait for funerals to say how we really feel 😬

• The silent heartbreak of unsupportive friends

• What to do when your glow-up makes others uncomfortable (hint: it's not about you)

• And the actual magic of a handwritten card 💌 (Millennials, don't panic—I explain)

Oh, and I've got a little challenge for you at the end. Let's just say it involves kindness, connection, and maybe a stamp. 😉

So whether you've got ride-or-dies or you're feeling a little friendship-famished lately, come hang out. Midlife friendship is weird, wild, and 100% worth it.

xoxo
melis

👉 Don't forget to leave a 5-star review on Spotify (because you're my friend, right? RIGHT??)
👉 Tag me @motivatewithmelis and tell me how you're spreading the love today!

Hoops & Glossers… grab your gloss and maybe a fan — because this one's spicy. 🌶️

In Part 2 of The Midlife Flame, Melis and Aimee Ames turn up the heat and get real about physical intimacy, body confidence, and what happens when you decide midlife doesn't have to mean "meh."

Aimee opens up about her Somatica coaching practice — yes, including the now-famous "throw me against the wall" exercise — and how learning new ways to connect can reignite passion in long-term relationships. They talk about shame, kink, curiosity, and the beauty of being fully seen (clothes on or off).

If Part 1 was therapy, this is your permission slip to get bold, curious, and maybe a little wild.

In this episode, we talk about:
🔥 Why desire shifts in midlife (and how to find it again)
💋 The power of Somatica work — fully clothed, deeply connected
💫 The link between body confidence, pleasure, and trust
🖤 How kink and BDSM can actually be healing and nurturing
✨ Inside The Rekindle Program: retreats, group calls, and relationship rebrands
💥 Why it's time to invest in your love life — not a lawyer

Aimee's new Rekindle Program for couples launches this month, and it's all about helping midlife couples rebuild emotional attunement, intimacy, and fun — together.

xoxo

melis

Connect with Aimee:

• Rekindle Program Info & Application → www.aimeeames.com

• Podcast → There She Is (on Apple & Spotify)

• Instagram → @aimeeamescoaching

Connect with Melissa:

• Website → motivatewithmelis.com

• Instagram → @motivatewithmelis

• Email → info@motivatewithmelis.com

What happens when your marriage, your office, your kitchen, and your sanity all exist in the same square footage?

Melis' husband, Shannon (aka Papi), is back on the pod — and they're getting hilariously honest about what it's really like to work from home… together. From dining-room Zoom calls to deli-meat crime scenes, they unpack the highs, the lows, and the "please pretend I'm not here from 9 to 2" moments that come with sharing space 24/7.

This episode doesn't pretend to fix it all — but it normalizes the mess and gives listeners tools and perspective to feel less alone in the chaos.

• The kitchen is not a conference room

• Tips for setting boundaries without setting the house on fire

• Why needing alone time isn't personal (even if it feels that way)

• The power of therapy, meat snacks, and the occasional car call

🎧 Listen now, laugh with us, and share it with your favorite frazzled couple.

And if you're loving Now What?!, leave us a 5-star review!

(Anything less? Keep it moving. We're Uber driver rules around here. 😘)

Until next time, Hoops and Glossers — stay sane, set those boundaries, and remember: it's okay to need space (even from the one you love). 💛

xoxo

melis

🌎 Check out how we can work together → https://motivatewithmelis.com/ 

 📸 Follow me on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/motivatewithmelis/

🖥️ Let's get connected on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/motivatewithmelis/

📱 Follow me on Tiktok → https://www.tiktok.com/@motivatewithmelis

Welcome back, Hoops and Glossers! Buckle up because today's episode is packed with inspiration, motivation, and a few moments that will make you want to rethink everything you know about fitness, nutrition, and mindset. Our guest? None other than the powerhouse that is Jodi Echakowitz– CEO, mom of two, PR queen, autism and mental health advocate, AND a total badass in the gym. Oh, and did we mention she's my teammate? Get ready to fall in love with her story (and her jaw-dropping transformation).

✅ The Wonder Women coaching group – what it is and why it changed Jodi's life
✅ From two-liter-a-day Coke habits to building the discipline of an athlete
✅ How one offhand comment from her mother created a cycle of self-sabotage – and how she finally broke free
✅ The unexpected decision to compete in a bodybuilding competition – and what that process really looks like
✅ And finally… the upcoming plastic surgery journey – why Jodi is making this decision after all the hard work

Jodi's next chapter involves a little "nip and tuck" (okay, a full tummy tuck and breast lift) as she fully steps into the next phase of her transformation. And as for me? I'm knee-deep in my own bodybuilding prep and freaking out just a tiny bit. Will Jodi be in Vegas or Mexico cheering us on? Time will tell!

🔥 Follow Jodi's Journey on Instagram: @jodi.echakowitz
🔥 Follow our fearless coach Michelle MacDonald: @michellemacdonaldofficial                                   🔥 Follow our Wonder Women Team: @thewonderwomenofficial

👊 If this episode fired you up, inspired you, or just made you rethink how you approach your own health journey, hit that subscribe button and leave a review! Melis loves hearing from you!

Until next time, Hoops and Glossers—stay fierce, stay focused, and remember: progress over perfection! 💪

xoxo

melis

🌎 Check out how we can work together → https://motivatewithmelis.com/ 

 📸 Follow me on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/motivatewithmelis/

🖥️ Let's get connected on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/motivatewithmelis/

📱 Follow me on Tiktok → https://www.tiktok.com/@motivatewithmelis

HOOPS & GLOSSERS!

You know that one special friend who you grew up with, who has known you the longest and has been by your side for EVERY stage of life! Well THAT childhood bestie of Melis' is on the pod, and it is Lisa Marie Hoose! From brownies to girl scouts, to college, weddings, kids and more, we have experienced it ALL together! 

Take a listen as they stroll down memory lane together talking about raising kids, marriage, relationships and more. 

Here's what's coming at ya:

• Flojos with socks? Scamming? If you know what these terms mean, chances are you grew up in the 80's and 90's

• Find out why Lisa likes the term "Free Birds" versus "Empty Nesters" and I couldn't agree more 

• Learn how Lisa focuses on daily gratitude and Mel Robbin's "Let Them" Theory

• Last but not least, listen to the end to hear another review from Lisa about "Babygirl", the movie

After listening you will want to call your childhood bestie because there is just nothing better! So settle in and enjoy our chit chat! 

xoxo

melis

🌎 Check out how we can work together → https://motivatewithmelis.com/ 

 📸 Follow me on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/motivatewithmelis/

🖥️ Let's get connected on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/motivatewithmelis/

📱 Follow me on Tiktok → https://www.tiktok.com/@motivatewithmelis

HOOPS & GLOSSERS! The pink carpet has been rolled out and it's time to dish about the Oscars! Rain, sleet or a slight case of Whooping Cough wasn't going to let Melis miss a week of broadcasting a "Now What" episode.

Here's what's coming at ya:

• Love It or Hate It! Melis channels her inner Joan Rivers to discuss the most talked about stars and their fashion choices

• Find out who Melis' FAVORITE designer is …wink wink @csiriano

• Did Melis even watch any of the movies and know any of the actors…tune in to find out!

So Hoops & Glossers, grab some bubbly or some cough syrup and come along for the ride.

xoxo

melis

🌎 Check out how we can work together → https://motivatewithmelis.com/ 

 📸 Follow me on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/motivatewithmelis/

🖥️ Let's get connected on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/motivatewithmelis/

📱 Follow me on Tiktok → https://www.tiktok.com/@motivatewithmelis 

HOOPS & GLOSS! It's time to get a guy's perspective on what dating is like and using the dating apps. We've chatted with professional dating coach, Stacy Perry (ep #10—go check it out again), and today we are talking to an actual single guy and what his thoughts are on being a single dad and being back in the dating scene.

He's not only an awesome dude, he is my brother in law Sheridan Murphy and after listening to him, feel free to slip into his DM's. Might as well kill 2 birds with one stone here. 

Here's what's coming at ya:

• Do's and Dont's 

• Hear about Sheridan's go-to first date! It's a guaranteed good time whether the date is a disaster or not!

• His attitude on going into this world of online dating

• Sheridan shares his hilarious story about a "running" date! You must check it out!

So grab a glass of something (but put it in a fancy glass), and grab your hoops & gloss and let's hear what a dude has to say about this crazy world of mid-life dating!

Enjoy!

xoxo

melis

—-------

🌎 Check out how we can work together → https://motivatewithmelis.com/ 

📸 Connect with Stacy Perry on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/stacyperrycoaching/

 📸 Follow me on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/motivatewithmelis/

🖥️ Let's get connected on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/motivatewithmelis/

📱 Follow me on Tiktok → https://www.tiktok.com/@motivatewithmelis

(#17) "Stop Playing Detective" - How to Talk to Teens with Communication Strategist, Maria Iams

HOOPS & GLOSS! Do you have teens? Are you around teens? Do you have younger kids who will become teens at some point in their lives? Then you DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS EPISODE!

Melis has the most fascinating conversation with Communication Strategist Maria Iams. Maria gives simple communication tools on how to connect with your teenager…and they're easier than you think!

Here's what's coming at ya:

• "Parents…you need to be better listeners!" …Maria explains why this is crucial!

• Learn how to communicate with your teens from a language of "compliance (don't touch the stove, you will burn yourself), to a language of "connection" and "collaboration"

• FInd out the #1 tip of what NOT to do when you first see your teenager (and learn how Melis already broke that rule first thing that morning ;)

This episode is a GAME CHANGER and will help you become closer to your teenagers!

Check it out, Glossers!
xoxo

melis

📸 Connect with Maria Iams on Instagram & TikTok → https://www.instagram.com/executivecoachplaybook / https://www.tiktok.com/@executivecoachplaybook

🌎 Check out how we can work together → https://motivatewithmelis.com/ 

📸 Follow me on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/motivatewithmelis/

 🖥️ Let's get connected on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/motivatewithmelis/

 📱 Follow me on Tiktok → https://www.tiktok.com/@motivatewithmelis 

LOVE is IN THE AIR, Hoops & Gloss! It's Valentine's Week! Whether you love it or hate it, tune in to hear Papi's take on this holiday he calls, "A FAKE HOLIDAY"!

Here's what's coming at ya:

• Does Papi think Valentine's Day is primarily for the ladies?

• Why was he sending Melis dead flowers?

• And NO HE DIDN'T JUST SAY THAT! Listen to Papi's take on ALL fake holidays and the SCANDALOUS comment he makes about Father's Day!

Do Melis & Shannon leave this episode more madly in love or sworn enemies?

Tune it to see.

xoxo

melis

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🌎 Check out how we can work together → https://motivatewithmelis.com/ 

 📸 Follow me on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/motivatewithmelis/

🖥️ Let's get connected on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/motivatewithmelis/

📱 Follow me on Tiktok → https://www.tiktok.com/@motivatewithmelis 

Okay Hoops & Gloss! It's time for some solo GIRL SHIZZ TALKIN! Melis wants to remind all you Hoops & Glossers to go fory our dreams and to create a community where we can come together, laugh, talk shizz, be authentic and fabulous…in other words…just simply BE YOU!

It's time to recap 2025 (yes there has only been 1 month that has occurred) and do some "shizz" talkin' about the Grammy's!

Here's what's coming at ya:

• If your name was Amy, you were probably a pod guess of Melis'! Melis gives her feedback on her two inspirational interviews with Aimee Ames and Amy Hockman. If you haven't listened to episodes #13 & #14 yet, go do it! You won't regret it and you will find out if Melis' has steamed her vagina yet. (refer to episode #13 ;) ). 

• "No one puts Baby in the corner!" Melis has taken a salsa class and can totally relate to Baby from Dirty Dancing!

• Melis encourages all you Hoops & Glossers to "DO THAT ONE THING" you've always wanted to do! Do it NOW!

• THE GRAMMYS - Melis recaps and talks shizz about fashion, winners, losers, mustaches and more!

So grab a glass of something (but put it in a fancy glass), and grab your hoops & gloss and get cozy with some girl talk from the girl herself, Melis!

Enjoy!

xoxo

melis

—-------

🌎 Check out how we can work together → https://motivatewithmelis.com/ 

 📸 Follow me on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/motivatewithmelis/

🖥️ Let's get connected on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/motivatewithmelis/

📱 Follow me on Tiktok → https://www.tiktok.com/@motivatewithmelis

HOOPS & GLOSS!

Want to get inspired by an amazing, brave woman? Well then, you are in the right place!

Listen to Melis' interview with Fitness Instructor, Amy Hockman.  Amy shares her journey from teenage addiction, to raising a family and being a stay at home mom to now creating a fitness business which focuses on inspiring moms to live their best and healthiest lives TODAY! 

Here's what's coming at ya:

• The journey is never perfect. Amy shares her ups and downs navigating sobriety

• At the end of the day, you need to love yourself

• It is never too late to live a healthy lifestyle because YOU ARE WORTH IT

Whether you are a Stay at Home Mom or not, listen to Amy's journey and get INSPIRED! Amy is a woman's biggest cheerleader and wants all of us to thrive!

Ready, Glossers? Let's go!

📸 Connect with Amy Hockman on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/coachamyfit/

🌎 Check out how we can work together → https://motivatewithmelis.com/ 

📸 Follow me on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/motivatewithmelis/

 🖥️ Let's get connected on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/motivatewithmelis/

 📱 Follow me on Tiktok → https://www.tiktok.com/@motivatewithmelis 

HOOPS & GLOSS!

It's getting Hot & Steamy in today's episode…and I'm not talking vegetables!

Melis has the most fascinating chat with Sex & Relationship Coach, Aimee Ames. Aimee shares her process of going from a stay at home mom and feeling lost and empty to now falling in love with HERSELF and living at HER Growing Edge.

Here's what's coming at ya:

• Aimee shares her experience of how her first breathworking session (which she now facilitates for her clients) was a major event in her life

• Learn what Aimee means by living at your "Growing Edge"

• Kourtney Kardashian has done it and so has Aimee Ames! Melis finds out all the details of what it's like to do a "vagina steam"! Will it be on Melis' 2025 bucket list??? Find out this and so much more. 

This is just the tip of the iceberg. Learn how Aimee works with clients using her many tools of breathwork, relationship and sex coaching modalities and exercises, with couples and individuals to discover our true inner selves.

So throw on your Hoops & Gloss…and maybe even a cold cloth…as Melis and Aimee "GO THERE"!

Enjoy!
xoxo
melis

—-------

📸 Connect with Aimee Ames on Instagram/website → https://www.instagram.com/aimeeamescoaching/ https://www.aimeeames.com/

🌎 Check out how we can work together → https://motivatewithmelis.com/ 

📸 Follow me on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/motivatewithmelis/

 🖥️ Let's get connected on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/motivatewithmelis/

 📱 Follow me on Tiktok → https://www.tiktok.com/@motivatewithmelis 

Hoops & Glossers, this one's a must-listen. 💋

In this first half of The Midlife Flame series, Melis sits down with Aimee Ames — a Somatica-trained Sex & Relationship Coach, Breathwork Facilitator, Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, and host of the There She Is podcast — to unpack what actually happens in long-term relationships once midlife hits.

They dive into everything from perimenopause and the emotional load of motherhood to that weird "parallel lives" phase where you realize you and your partner are running the household but forgetting to actually connect.

It's real, hilarious, and surprisingly hopeful. If you've ever wondered whether your relationship is stuck… it might just need a rekindling.

In this episode, we talk about:
🔥 Why so many couples start feeling disconnected in midlife
🧠 How hormones and perimenopause actually affect relationships
❤️ The myth that you're "broken" if your marriage feels off
🔥 The "embers" metaphor that will change how you see your relationship

Make sure to come back next week for Part 2, when we get into physical intimacy, desire, kink, and what actually happens in a Somatica coaching session. Trust me… it gets good. 😉

And remember, midlife doesn't have to be a crisis-it can be your identity rebrand!

xoxo

melis

Connect with Aimee:

• Rekindle Program Info & Application → www.aimeeames.com

• Podcast → There She Is (on Apple & Spotify)

• Instagram → @aimeeamescoaching

Connect with Melis:

• Website → motivatewithmelis.com

• Instagram → @motivatewithmelis

• Email → info@motivatewithmelis.com

HOOPS & GLOSS!

It's TIME to GRAB YOUR GLASS OF MILK and BUCKLE UP while you listen to Melis and her bestie Alicia recap the Nicole Kidman movie, BABYGIRL!

There are giggles, thoughts and analysis that to be honest, don't make much sense! But whether you learn anything about the movie during this chat or not, you are sure to have a good 'ol time laughing with Melis & Alicia.

Remember the days of Siskel & Ebert…well hopefully not because Melis & Alicia's movie review skills are a whole other VIBE!!!

Enjoy Hoops & Gloss!

—-------

🌎 Check out how we can work together → https://motivatewithmelis.com/ 

 📸 Follow me on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/motivatewithmelis/

🖥️ Let's get connected on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/motivatewithmelis/

📱 Follow me on Tiktok → https://www.tiktok.com/@motivatewithmelis 

HOOPS & GLOSS! 2025 is moving along and I want you to think about what is the word you want to infuse into every goal you have this upcoming year!

Here's what's coming at ya:

• What is YOUR word for 2025? Melis wants you to dig deep and think about what vibe you are bringing to 2025

• Learn why Melis loves playing tennis with Men

• Heard of the little movie that's out with Nicole Kidman called "Baby Girl"? Ummm…yeah. Listen to Melis' original thoughts on the movie (don't worry Hoops & Gloss…an in-depth chat with her friend about "Baby GIrl" will be dropping soon!)

• Listen to Melis' PDA for young guys who get buzz cuts! Calling YOU out Robert Pattinson! (Team Edward forever)

So buckle up for this episode! We've got motivation, goal setting and why young men shouldn't get buzz cuts!

Grab your hoops & gloss and enjoy the ride!

xoxo

melis

—-------

🌎 Check out how we can work together → https://motivatewithmelis.com/ 

📸 Follow me on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/motivatewithmelis/

🖥️ Let's get connected on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/motivatewithmelis/

📱 Follow me on Tiktok → https://www.tiktok.com/@motivatewithmelis 

HAPPY NEW YEAR HOOPS & GLOSSERS!

It's Melis here and we are coming into 2025 HOT, HOT, HOT! I'm specifically looking at all of you, fabulous single ladies! If you are single, looking for love, or even in a relationship and want a stronger connection, this episode is for YOU! Listen to my fascinating chat with Dating Coach, Stacy Perry! 

Stacy is on a mission to help women find love faster, more easily, and without all the unnecessary drama and BS.

So grab your hoops, swipe on that gloss, and get comfy—we're about to get into it!

What's Coming Your Way:

• It's time to approach dating as an achievable goal while having fun

• Stacy explains why you should UNAPOLOGETICALLY go after what YOU want!

• Become the entrepreneur of your own life

• Learn about Stacy's 4 key areas to explore while in the throws of dating

Whether you are single or not, Stacy outlines amazing steps that one can use in any aspect of their lives from dating, career planning, friendships, and beyond. So it's time to settle in as we dive into this journey of self-discovery and relationships. Grab a pen and paper too as you will want to jot down all of Stacy's fantastic tools and strategies to use while navigating the dating world.  Ready, Glossers? Let's go!

—-------

📸 Connect with Stacy Perry on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/stacyperrycoaching/

🌎 Check out how we can work together → https://motivatewithmelis.com/ 

📸 Follow me on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/motivatewithmelis/

🖥️ Let's get connected on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/motivatewithmelis/

📱 Follow me on Tiktok → https://www.tiktok.com/@motivatewithmelis 

Happy Holidays and welcome to another week on Now What?! 🎧✨ I'm Melissa, and I'm so excited to bring you this festive episode of holiday cheer and last-minute gift ideas. Whether you're rushing to finish shopping or just here for the fun, this episode has got something for everyone.

This week, we're diving into:

• Tackling last-minute holiday shopping—don't worry, we've got you covered with the ultimate gift list.

• My first-ever "Favorite Things" countdown, featuring the best picks for friends, family, or treating yourself (because you deserve it!).

• Fun holiday vibes with a little help from my squad—Snoop on a Stoop and Jingle the Elf are up to their usual shenanigans.

Grab your favorite holiday drink, get cozy, and let's jump into my top 10 recommendations for this week's countdown! 🎁

Here's what's on my list this week:

1. HHI Candles (Available on Amazon, $18-$25) — Affordable and subtle scents like "Island Spa." Perfect for cozying up or giving the gift of relaxation.

2. Red Light Mask (Available on Amazon, $280) — The ultimate skin booster! This mask is like a mini spa treatment at home.

3. Riddle Scented Oils & Tom Ford Shimmering Body Oils — For that extra glow and an unforgettable scent. These are the perfect indulgence for the holidays!

4. Bala Weighted Jump Rope (Available on Amazon, $55) — A fun and effective way to get moving. Give the gift of fitness this holiday season!

5. Menopause Gift Basket — Curate your own or use my list of ideas. Perfect items can include:

   • Skincare products

   • Aromatherapy candles

   • Herbal teas

   • Journals

   • Heated neck pillow

   • "Goodnight Menopause" Book

6. Tennis Racket Dampeners (Available on Amazon) — A quirky and fun gift for the tennis lover in your life.

7. Torras Min Magpack ($60) — A sleek portable phone charger. A gift that's as practical as it is stylish!

8. Skims Sweats — Because comfort and style go hand-in-hand. Perfect for lounging or running errands in style.

9. Jennifer Fisher's Hoops ($200) — Elevate any outfit with these iconic earrings. The perfect addition to any jewelry collection.

10. Fenty Beauty Gloss (Available at fentybeauty.com) — Give the gift of glossy, shiny lips. Everyone loves a little Fenty!
    Bonus: Check out Saint x Favorite Daughter for unique, fashionable pieces (available at favoritedaughter.com). And don't forget E.l.f. Cosmetics (elfcosmetics.com) for budget-friendly beauty essentials that never disappoint.

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🌎 Check out how we can work together → https://motivatewithmelis.com/

📸 Follow me on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/motivatewithmelis/

🖥️ Let's get connected on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/motivatewithmelis/

📱 Follow me on Tiktok → https://www.tiktok.com/@motivatewithmelis

Happy Holidays and welcome to another week on Now What? I'm Melissa, your host, and I'm so happy you're here! We're officially in the holiday hustle, and I hope you're finding little moments of calm and progress—whether you're tackling the last pumpkin on the porch or savoring the perfect holiday latte.

This week on Now What?, we're chatting about:

• Why waiting until January 1st to start your goals might actually be holding you back—and why it's okay to dive in now, holiday chaos and all.
• Updates from my personal journey:
  • Attending the Taylor Swift Eras Tour—yep, it was magical!
  • Recommitting to a big goal: stepping back on stage for a bodybuilding competition in 2025.
• The power of small, consistent actions: How to make progress even when life feels like a whirlwind.
• Fun holiday vibes, including a little dose of inspiration from Snoop Dogg to spark your creativity.
• Crafting your vision for 2025 NOW—before the New Year rush hits.

Grab your favorite holiday drink, get cozy, and let's dive into this week's episode. 🎧✨

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🌎 Check out how we can work together → https://motivatewithmelis.com/

📸 Follow me on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/motivatewithmelis/

🖥️ Let's get connected on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/motivatewithmelis/

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Welcome back, Hoops and Glossers! Melis here, and I'm coming in hot as we roll into the first week of December — Happy Holidays! This week, we're embracing the chaos of the season and letting go of perfection because, honestly, who has time for that? If you're drowning in holiday madness, still have pumpkins on your porch, or haven't even thought about a tree yet, welcome to the club. We're in this together!

Here's what you can expect in this hilariously relatable holiday episode:

• Why Thanksgiving Was So Late This Year (Seriously, someone answer me. My entire holiday timeline is shot.)
• Christmas Cards? Not Happening. But why do I feel guilty? Plus, my life hack for saving the ones I do get.
• Elf on the Shelf Survival Tips Spoiler: Fighting kids = a stationary elf. And let's talk about Snoop on the Stoop—game changer!
• The Perfect Family Holiday? It's a Lie. Real-life stories of pre-photo chaos and near engagement-breakup moments.
• The Frat Party Kitchen Effect How the mess of having everyone home somehow feels magical — after it's gone.
• Pressure for Perfect Gifts Stay on the list, parents. Creativity isn't always appreciated.

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🌎 Check out how we can work together → https://motivatewithmelis.com/ 

📸 Follow me on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/motivatewithmelis/

🖥️ Let's get connected on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/motivatewithmelis/

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This week on Now What, we're embracing Thanksgiving madness with a very special guest — none other than my husband, Shannon Murphy! Buckle up, because we're diving into life updates, hilarious mishaps, and giving you a behind-the-scenes look at our Thanksgiving traditions (spoiler: they're never smooth sailing). 

What to Expect in This Episode:

• Meet my husband, Shannon, aka Papi — the man, the myth, the legend

• Crazy Thanksgiving fails — raw turkey, fried turkey gone wrong, and a near-fire disaster

• Life updates: three kids, two dogs, and plenty of family drama (and love!)

• Shannon's take on life, work, and surviving a chaotic family holiday

• A deep dive into some wild past Thanksgivings (you won't believe the mishaps we've had)

So grab a glass of wine (or a pumpkin martini if you're feeling adventurous) and enjoy the chaos, laughter, and love in this Thanksgiving week episode!

Happy Thanksgiving, friends! Cheers to surviving and thriving in all the crazy moments!

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🌎 Check out how we can work together → https://motivatewithmelis.com/ 

📸 Follow me on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/motivatewithmelis/

🖥️ Let's get connected on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/motivatewithmelis/

📱 Follow me on Tiktok → https://www.tiktok.com/@motivatewithmelis 

It's a birthday bash on Now What! 🎉 

Melis is celebrating her big week with her lifelong partner-in-crime, Jennifer Tracy Caesar — a mom of four, teacher, business owner, and all-around superstar. Get ready for a wild ride through four decades of friendship, motherhood madness, career reinventions, and the hot mess express of menopause.

Jennifer spills it all: from surviving marathon pregnancies (surprise twins, anyone?) to juggling toddlers, rediscovering her love for teaching, and battling the sneaky symptoms of perimenopause. This episode is a rollercoaster of laughs, "OMG, same!" moments, and life lessons you didn't know you needed.

What's Coming Your Way:

• 40 Years of Shenanigans: Tennis tryouts gone wrong, Catholic school chaos, and how this friendship has survived (and thrived) through it all.

• Mom Life, Unfiltered: Four kids underfoot, a surprise twin reveal, and the moment Jennifer realized quitting her job to be a full-time mom was actually a win.

• Twin Shockers & Career Comebacks: Hear the jaw-dropping story of finding out it's two babies instead of one, opening a business while drowning in diapers, and eventually going back to her teaching roots during a pandemic.

• Menopause Madness: Brain fog, sleep struggles, and the lifesaving miracle of an IUD — Jennifer breaks down the chaos and how she found her groove.

• Laughs for Days: From forgetting her students' names mid-lesson to camping disasters, Jennifer's hilarious moments remind us to embrace the mess and find the joy.

Whether you're laughing through the chaos of parenting, figuring out your next career move, or wondering if you'll ever sleep again thanks to menopause brain fog, Jennifer's story is your new favourite pep talk. Pour a drink, grab your bestie, and dive into this heartwarming and laugh-out-loud episode — you'll leave with a smile on your face and a reminder to love every crazy twist life throws at you.

Press play and join the party! 🥳

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🌎 Check out how we can work together → https://motivatewithmelis.com/ 

📸 Follow me on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/motivatewithmelis/

🖥️ Let's get connected on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/motivatewithmelis/

📱 Follow me on Tiktok → https://www.tiktok.com/@motivatewithmelis 

Hey, hey, Hoops & Glossers! It's Melis here, and today's episode is one for the soul. We're diving deep, keeping it real, and of course, having some fun along the way! If you've ever wondered about life's bigger questions, felt that nudge to trust yourself more, or craved guilt-free self-care, you're in the right place. So grab your hoops, swipe on that gloss, and get comfy—we're about to get into it!

Here's what's on deck:

Spiritual Beliefs and Letting Go of Control: We're getting into the universe's little hints to just let go. Personal hardships can open us up to life's big picture, and finding a higher power, in whatever form feels right, can help make the journey easier.

Trusting Inner Wisdom: No need to look outside for all the answers—they're already in you! With guidance from teachers like Abraham Hicks, we'll chat about tuning into your intuition and how trusting yourself can lead to the most authentic path.

Self-Discovery and Growth: Let's be honest, life isn't always pretty. From tough moments to bathroom-floor breakthroughs, those experiences shape us. I'll share my journey of self-awareness and grounding practices like Pilates and Ayurveda.

Self-Care as Essential, Not Optional: Here's the truth—self-care isn't selfish! We're talking about the importance of making yourself a priority and why guilt-free self-love is essential for everyone around you, too.

Teaching the Next Generation: Imagine if the younger generation could really get to know themselves before making big choices. We'll discuss how we can encourage them to explore who they are first, empowering them to make confident, life-defining decisions.

So whether you're tuning in while doing your skincare routine, sneaking in a mid-day coffee, or just hanging out, I'm so glad you're here. Let's dive into this journey of self-love, discovery, and all the fabulousness that comes with it. Ready, Glossers? Let's go!

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🌎 Check out how we can work together → https://motivatewithmelis.com/ 

📸 Follow me on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/motivatewithmelis/

🖥️ Let's get connected on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/motivatewithmelis/

📱 Follow me on Tiktok → https://www.tiktok.com/@motivatewithmelis 

Hey, hey, Now What? fam! It's Melis here, and oh boy, do I have an episode lined up for you today! We're getting into all the highs, lows, and hilarious moments of midlife—you know, the stuff no one warned us about!

We're talking about everything from binge-worthy TV shows (any other hopeless fangirls out there?), to the wild rollercoaster that is perimenopause (seriously, can we get a user manual for this?), and yes, I'm catching you up on all the latest Lady Gaga tea because I KNOW I'm not the only one who wants to know what she's up to!

So whether you're out for a walk, tackling that mountain of laundry, or just need a break and a friendly voice in your ear, I'm here for you. Grab those headphones and let's dive into some midlife realness—because, girl, we're just getting started!

• Goal Setting and Pivoting: Melis shares insights on how to approach goals when things don't go as planned. The key takeaway? It's okay to adapt and try new strategies without abandoning your goals entirely.

• TV & Pop Culture Chat: A review of Nobody Wants This with Kristen Bell and Adam Brody. Melis is a fan of its charm, wit, and the behind-the-scenes connection to writers Aaron and Sarah Foster. Throwbacks to The O.C. and Gossip Girl nostalgia—Blair and Seth being married in real life? A dream come true for '00s TV fans

• Perimenopause Journey: Melis opens up about her recent perimenopause diagnosis, the struggles with hot flashes, and plans to tackle it with natural remedies. Look out for future guests discussing menopause topics.

• Midlife Lifestyle Choices: From putting competitions on hold to staying on a healthy eating path, Melis shares her journey of feeling her best and staying mindful about what fuels her energy.

• Lady Gaga, Serena Williams, and Strong Female Icons: Inspiration drawn from icons who redefine themselves—Lady Gaga's boldness and Serena Williams' trailblazing fashion influence in tennis.

• Upcoming Interviews and Fun Segments: Teaser for interviews with friends and experts on fascinating midlife topics, including a stay-at-home mom turned nutritionist and sex coach! Melis is ready to ask all the questions, including the ones you send in.

Catch every new episode by subscribing, and be sure to leave a review—it helps others find the show! Connect with Melis and join the Hoops and Gloss community. Let's keep the laughs, stories, and inspiration going!

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🌎 Check out how we can work together → https://motivatewithmelis.com/ 

📸 Follow me on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/motivatewithmelis/

🖥️ Let's get connected on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/motivatewithmelis/

📱 Follow me on Tiktok → https://www.tiktok.com/@motivatewithmelis 

When your old playbook for success stops working, Johanna Danaher helps you write a new one. She's the Founder & Chief Energy Officer of Anchor to Aspire and a former global HR leader at Pfizer. Using Energy Leadership (ELI), Positive Intelligence, HBDI, and happiness science, she coaches mid-life, mid-career pros (hi, that's us) through pivots—so you stop reacting on autopilot and start choosing your response, your energy, and your next chapter.

• "Have to" → "Choose to": a tiny language shift that unlocks better decisions.

• Transferable brilliance: how to turn "I've been out of the game" into real, marketable value.

• GAIL (Gremlin, Assumption, Interpretation, Limiting belief): the 4 mental blocks to spot—and what to say back.

• How to measure impact when your strengths aren't "numbers on a dashboard."

• Protecting your energy with tricky bosses… and at holiday dinners. 😅

• Johanna's site: AnchorToAspire.com (ELI info + free webinars)

• LinkedIn: Johanna Danaher

• Book an ELI debrief/coaching: via her site contact

• "When we understand what influences our energy, we stop operating on autopilot—and become limitless." - Johanna Danaher

If this gave you an "aha," share with a friend who's in a pivot and tap ★★★★★ on Apple & Spotify so more midlife women find us.

Host: Melissa "Melis" Murphy • https://motivatewithmelis.com • IG: @motivatewithmelis • info@motivatewithmelis.com

Cause Midlife doesn't have to be a crisis...it's a time for your REMIX!

xoxo

melis

Hey there, Hoops and Gloss fam! Get ready because today's episode is all about FASHION! Yes, clothes, clothes, and more clothes! If you've ever stood in front of your closet feeling like you're either too cool or too frumpy, then girl, this episode is for you!

• Fashion at 52?!: Melis might be 52, but emotionally she's feeling somewhere between 25 and 35. She's got style and she's spilling all the details on how to dress for your body, stay young at heart, and still feel FUN.
• Shopping Struggles: Ever walk into a store and think, "Am I too old for this?" or "Is this too frumpy?" Yeah, Melis' been there! She's giving the lowdown on shopping at Nordstrom, Revolve, and how Amazon is saving her life (well, her closet at least).
• High-Waisted Jeans for the Win: Melis' found THE jeans. You know, the ones that suck you in, flatter every inch, and look amazing. Tune in to hear all about her love affair with her favorite high-waisted beauties.
• Where's the fun fashion?: Melis' asking for help! Where do YOU shop? She's on the hunt for fun, hip, and fabulous pieces without looking like she's trying too hard—or like she's headed to a PTA meeting.
• Workout Gear Talk: From Lulu to Target to Old Navy, she's breaking down her go-to athleisure for looking cute, even when you're sweating it out at the gym.
• Hoops & Gloss Challenge: Let's spice up our outfits — whether you're in sweats, jeans, or a full glam look, Melis dares you to throw on some hoops and gloss and strut your stuff. Instant mood booster!

Melis' keeping it real, throwing in lots of laughs, and proving that age is just a number when it comes to style. Let's all agree: we deserve to feel cute and confident, no matter where we shop and what we wear!

🌎 Check out how we can work together → https://motivatewithmelis.com/ 

📸 Follow me on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/motivatewithmelis/

🖥️ Let's get connected on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/motivatewithmelis/

📱 Follow me on Tiktok → https://www.tiktok.com/@motivatewithmelis 

Welcome to the first-ever episode of Now What! Melissa is here to share her midlife adventure, and if you're in your 40s or 50s wondering, "Now what?" — this podcast is totally for you!

• Meet Melis: Say hi to Melissa, a 52-year-old mom of three, fitness and nutrition coach, and former corporate boss lady. She's diving headfirst into the "midlife maze" and figuring out what comes next.
• From corporate to full-time mom: Listen in as Melis spills the tea on how she left her career at Microsoft to become a full-time mom, and how that choice has her asking, "Now what?"
• Midlife reflections: With her kids growing up and flying the nest, Melissa talks about how she's navigating this new phase of motherhood and trying to rediscover her purpose.
• What's in store for the podcast: Melis is creating a space for real, unfiltered conversations on midlife—think fitness, fashion, menopause (yes, we're going there!), parenting adult kids, and more. Expect to laugh, maybe cry, and definitely relate as we figure this phase out together.

So, join Melis every week as she invites you along for the ride. Share the episode with a friend, and let's figure out this midlife maze together — one "Now What?" at a time!

🌎 Check out how we can work together → https://motivatewithmelis.com/ 

📸 Follow me on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/motivatewithmelis/

🖥️ Let's get connected on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/motivatewithmelis/

📱 Follow me on Tiktok → https://www.tiktok.com/@motivatewithmelis 

Hoops & Glossers… grab your gloss, pour something bubbly (sparkling water totally counts 🥂), and join the celebration — because Now What?! just turned ONE!

And what's a birthday without your bestie? 🎉
This week, I'm celebrating with my college bestie and OG podcast guest, Kelly Huber — the woman behind the legendary quote: "Don't just be a rad mom… be a rad woman." 🙌

This isn't an interview — it's a catch-up between two lifelong friends. We're recapping the year, laughing about midlife mayhem, talking Lexapro and rebrands, and setting goals for what's next. Think of it as friendship therapy with a mic on. 💬

It's funny, honest, and a reminder that the best part of growing through midlife is doing it together. My hope? That this episode inspires you to reach out to your own bestie — catch up, dream big, and hype each other up for what's coming next.

Because women supporting women is the real glow-up. ✨

💞 The magic of midlife friendship & supporting each other's goals
💊 Real talk on Lexapro, hormones & emotional resets
📚 Kelly's next chapter: yoga, pickleball & purpose
🎙️ Highlights and lessons from a year of Now What?!
🎯 How to set fun, meaningful goals with your girlfriends

So plug in, laugh with us, and celebrate this wild, wonderful, one-year ride. Because midlife's weird — but it's way more fun with friends who remind you who you are and where you're headed. 🧡

Midlife isn't a crisis - it's your REBRAND!

xoxo

melis

Listen now on Apple Podcasts + Spotify
🎧 Apple Podcasts
🎧 Spotify

Connect with Melis:
🌐 motivatewithmelis.com
📩 info@motivatewithmelis.com
📱 @motivatewithmelis

Connect with Kelly Huber:
📸 Instagram: @kellyhuber721

Melis is doing it too — sparkly bikini, big dreams, and zero apologies — and this is your sign to join her.
This isn't about starting over; it's about unleashing the next you — the louder, freer, more confident version that's been waiting to take the mic.

If you've been feeling stuck, stale, or like your spark dimmed somewhere between carpools and career changes — this one's your pep talk. Melis gets real about her own "midlife rebrand" (yes, including the spray tan and clear heels 😅) and walks you through how to relaunch you — body, mindset, and energy — with humor, grit, and gloss.

• How to stop saying "I'm too old for that" (you're not)

• Why fear is a compass, not a stop sign

• The truth about consistency, boundaries, and messy progress

• The secret sauce of every glow-up: community

• And the exact steps to kick off your midlife rebrand — Melis-style

1️⃣ Audit Your Old Brand: Which labels, roles, or excuses don't fit anymore? (Retire them with love 💅)
2️⃣ Pick Your Color Palette: Life is not meant to be beige. Let's bring back bold.
3️⃣ Announce the Launch: Start living and speaking like your next-level self.
4️⃣ Find Your Hype Squad: Surround yourself with women who clap when you win (or DM Melis and she'll coach you there 💪).

Send this episode to 5 girlfriends who need a reminder that midlife is their magic era.
Tag @motivatewithmelis on IG and you'll be entered to win a $25 Starbucks gift card ☕ (because coffee = confidence).

Melis can help you do it — through food, movement, mindset, and a plan that actually fits your real life.

• The Reset Session → Lifestyle support for hormone shifts & energy resets

• DM "RESET" on Instagram: @motivatewithmelis

• Or email info@motivatewithmelis.com

• Visit motivatewithmelis.com

💭 "You're not the same woman you were at 30 — and that's your superpower.
Midlife isn't a crisis. It's your rebrand."

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Follow: @motivatewithmelis
Email: info@motivatewithmelis.com