Explore every episode of the podcast The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40

There's a difference between surviving the turbulence of life and doing the internal work of transition. Rachel Lobdell is a journalist, mother, and nonprofit executive, approaching 40 with a generational lens on what midlife really looks like for millennials. She makes the case that her generation has been in continuous transition since adulthood began, which may be why their forties feel less like crisis and more like relief. We talk about the inherited blueprint and what happens when it stops fitting, the question of where identity actually lives, and why the hardest work of midlife might be sorting out what you've genuinely worked through from what you've just outrun.

Rachel Lobdell is the executive director of News Creator Corps, a nonprofit focused on fighting misinformation. She has nearly two decades of media experience focused on digital transformation, innovation, and audience growth at some of the country's largest publishers including USA Today, Fortune, VICE, the Wall Street Journal, and a series of local newspapers. Born and raised in the Midwest, she has Masters and Bachelors degrees from the Missouri School of Journalism. She now resides in Brooklyn with her husband and son.

This week on The Big Four Oh Podcast, host Stephanie McLaughlin sits down with Rachel Lobdell, who shares her candid journey through the unpredictable terrain of early midlife. Rachel opens up about the messy, beautiful process of redefining success, balancing multiple identities, and finding peace amid the chaos of millennial adulthood. As she approaches her 40th birthday, Rachel reflects on career pivots, delayed milestones, and the ongoing quest to build a life on her own terms.

Episode Highlights:

• Rachel’s early days in journalism, the influence of a pivotal mentor, and her leap into founding the News Creator Core nonprofit.
• How parenthood reshaped her views on community, information, and the value of trusted networks.
• The unique turbulence millennials face, economic instability, delayed homeownership, and constant career transitions, and how these challenges fuel self-reflection and adaptation.
• The generational shift from chasing excitement at midlife to seeking inner peace and stability.
• Navigating parenting later in life, the new realities of the sandwich generation, and evolving family dynamics.
• Letting go of inherited blueprints and building a more authentic, realistic life that aligns with personal values.

Rachel and Stephanie dive deep into the uniquely millennial experience of adulthood, exploring how constant change prompts introspection and a reimagining of what it means to thrive at midlife. Rachel’s story is a great reminder that resilience, intentionality, and meaning can be found in both personal and professional reinvention.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate, follow, and share The Big Four Oh Podcast.

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Download Stephanie’s People Pleasing Playbook to understand where it comes from, how it’s showing up, and what it’s costing you. www.thebigfouroh.com/peoplepleaser

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At 45, MJ Rod discovered that the man she'd believed was her birth father biologically couldn't have been. What followed was a years-long investigation: cold calls, DNA tests, dead ends, and a mother who went silent rather than tell the truth. MJ eventually cracked the case. But the real story isn't about who her father turned out to be. It's about what MJ discovered about herself in the process of finding him, and why it took until 45 for any of it to be possible.

Melissa Jean Rod helps women heal from the pain of absent fathers and discover God as the loving Father who never leaves. A proud Texan raised in the little town of Cut and Shoot (yes, it’s real), Melissa writes with warmth, wit, and a deep sense of purpose. Married, a mom of six (a mix of step, birth and adopted), and Honey to five wild and wonderful grandsons, she’s also a sunset-chasing, chocolate-sneaking, Jesus-loving storyteller. Her debut self-help/memoir, The Daddy Files: A Story of Secrets, Forgiveness, and the Search for Identity is all about healing through honesty, faith, and a little laughter.

MJ Rod spent most of her life filling in a blank she didn't realize was there. Raised in a warm, loud, loving extended family in Texas, she grew up without her birth father, and built her whole sense of self around pleasing the people who were there. Then, at 45, while tracing her family tree, a blood type on an old military document stopped her cold. The man she had been told and believed was her biological father couldn't have been. What followed was a years-long investigation into her own origins, one that would crack open not just the mystery of where she came from, but everything she thought she knew about who she was.

Episode Highlights

• MJ discovered at 45 that her birth father wasn't who she'd always believed, not from a confession or a DNA test, but from a blood type she had looked at dozens of times without registering what it meant.
• With no background in investigation but a lifelong dream of working in law enforcement, MJ built her own case from scratch, tracking down military Facebook groups, cold-calling strangers, and eventually hiring a professional genealogist through Ancestry.com to get her across the finish line.
• The search led her to her birth father's sister, who welcomed MJ without hesitation and even insisted on doing a DNA test, not because she doubted her, but so MJ would never have to doubt herself again.
• Finding her biological family didn't just answer a question. It answered a feeling. MJ discovered she shared her father's speech patterns, his curiosity about other cultures, his habit of pausing before he spoke, connection she had been searching for her whole life, arriving through a sister rather than a father.
• The discovery briefly cracked open every old insecurity MJ had worked to outgrow. But unlike her younger self, she moved through it, and came out the other side with a clarity about her own worth she hadn't had before.
• MJ also had to reckon with her mother's silence. For a year during MJ’s search, her mom stopped returning her calls entirely. What MJ eventually understood was that her mother wasn't angry, she was protecting herself, at MJ's expense.
• By the time her forties finished with her, MJ had written a book, started a nonprofit, raised money for kids in foster care, learned to love public speaking, and stopped calling herself "just a mom" - for good.

Midlife has a way of surfacing what we spent decades avoiding, and MJ's story is proof that the thing you were most afraid to find out might be what finally sets you free. She came into her forties thinking the question was where she came from. She left knowing the more important answer was who she already was.

If this episode resonated with you, please take a moment to rate and follow the show and share it with someone who might need to hear it.

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Dr. Polly Watson did everything right. Medical school, residency, a thriving OB-GYN practice, two kids. And yet somewhere in her mid-thirties she looked up and realized the career she built felt nothing like the one she intended. What followed was a decade of discomfort, reckoning, and a slow, scary pivot to something that felt much better. In this episode, Polly talks about why women's perimenopause symptoms get dismissed, what conventional medicine gets wrong about menopause, and the fear she hid behind a mortgage payment for longer than she’d like. If you've ever had a life that looked fine from the outside but felt wrong on the inside, this one is for you.

Dr. Polly Watson is a board-certified OB-GYN with over 20 years of experience, specializing in menopausal, sexual, and functional medicine. She is an expert in addressing a wide range of hormonal concerns, including PCOS, PMS, perimenopause, menopause, low libido, and sexual pain. As a certified practitioner with the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), Dr. Watson integrates holistic care approaches that go beyond traditional medicine through her North Carolina-based practice, Hormone Wellness MD.

Her specialized training includes menopausal medicine through The Menopause Society, and sexual medicine through the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health. Dr. Watson partners closely with her patients, utilizing a combination of lifestyle modifications, nutrition, mindfulness, bio-identical hormones, and supplements to optimize hormonal balance and overall well-being.

Dr. Polly Watson spent nearly a decade doing everything right. Eight years of postgraduate training, a full OB-GYN practice, two kids, and a schedule that looked successful from every angle. But somewhere in her mid-thirties, she picked her head up and realized she felt more like an insurance clerk than a physician. What followed wasn't a quick pivot. It was a slow, sometimes terrifying, decade-long journey from conventional medicine into functional gynecology, from following the path to building her own. Along the way she navigated early menopause, a failed first business, a fear she wasn't quite ready to name, and the hard work of becoming the kind of doctor she always intended to be. She got there. And this conversation is about how.

Episode Highlights

• Polly traces her original drive to become a doctor back to watching her mother go through early menopause at 38 and receive what she describes as abysmal care, a pattern of women not being heard that she would spend her entire career pushing back against.
• The arrival of electronic health records transformed medicine in ways that left many physicians feeling like they were working for insurance companies rather than patients. Polly felt it acutely, and it became one of the early signals that something needed to change.
• When patients started arriving with garbage bags full of supplements and questions conventional medicine couldn't answer, Polly followed her curiosity into integrative and functional medicine spaces and found a world of doctors who were actually happy.
• At 39, sweating through the sheets and struggling to remember the names of drugs she prescribed daily, Polly experienced her own early perimenopause.
• She breaks down the outdated science behind hormone replacement therapy, debunking the Women's Health Initiative study clearly and accessibly, and makes a compelling case for why the conversation needs to shift from fear to informed decision-making.
• Polly founded Hormone Wellness MD in January 2019, in her mid-forties, with no formal business training and a previous failed business in her rearview mirror. She reflects honestly on the fear that kept her in the wrong place longer than she needed to be.
• Her take on menopause as a second adolescence, a chance to separate from old identities and show up with more intention, reframes a transition most women dread into something genuinely worth getting curious about.

Polly's story is ultimately about learning to trust the discomfort, even when everything on the outside looks completely fine. She didn't leave conventional medicine because it stopped working. She left because she was finally honest about the fact that it stopped working for her, and that fear, not logistics, was the thing standing in the way. What she found on the other side is a practice she's proud of, patients she actually has time for, and a Tuesday night pottery class where she's learning to stop forcing the clay. Not bad for a decade's worth of slow, scary work.

If this episode resonated with you, please take a moment to rate the show, follow wherever you listen, and share it with someone who might need to hear it. It genuinely helps more people find these conversations.

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John King spent decades building a life that looked successful on paper, until it all unraveled in a single moment in his mid-40s. What followed wasn’t a clean reset. It was years of redefining what normal meant for him and then rebuilding according to that definition. This conversation gets into what happens when you can’t push your way through anymore, and how small, daily choices can become the foundation for something entirely different. It looks at identity, resilience, and illustrates what it really means to find your way back to yourself.

Dr. John A. King is a Warumungu man, childhood abuse and trafficking survivor, and founder of The Phoenix Collective, a platform for trauma recovery built by survivors, for survivors. Drawing on decades of lived experience, he equips men to face PTSD, rebuild identity, and develop the mental toughness needed to thrive. An award-winning filmmaker, author, and speaker, Dr. King blends raw honesty with practical strategies to help men heal without losing their edge.

Melissa King is the co-founder of the Phoenix Collective and a certified life coach with a decade of experience in trauma recovery, wellness, and organizational leadership. In addition to her nonprofit work, Melissa is the co-founder of November Media, a social impact marketing firm with a digital reach exceeding 4 million.

John King built a life that, from the outside, looked like success by every possible measure. He was driven, accomplished, and constantly moving. But in his mid-40s, everything changed in a single moment when long-suppressed childhood trauma resurfaced, setting off a chain reaction that dismantled his marriage, his career, and his identity. What followed wasn’t a quick recovery. It was years of rebuilding from the ground up, redefining who he was, what “normal” meant, and how to create a life that actually worked for him. This conversation with John and his wife Melissa is about that unraveling, and the intentional, often unexpected ways he found his way back.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How a life that looks successful can actually be built on survival and constant motion
• What it feels like when everything that once worked suddenly stops working
• The difference between burnout and what John describes as a complete “system failure”
• Why rebuilding your life often starts with small, daily decisions rather than big changes
• The shift from external validation to internal authority, and why it’s so uncomfortable
• How John developed a set of tools to manage his mental health and shorten recovery time
• The role of steady, supportive relationships during periods of deep transition

This conversation provides a different lens on healing. There’s no clean “before and after;” instead, it provides a picture of what it means to live with ongoing challenges while building the awareness and tools to navigate them. It’s a reminder that transformation isn’t always about eliminating struggle, but about learning how to come back to yourself, again and again, with more clarity each time.

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate, follow, and share The Big Four Oh Podcast with someone who might need to hear it.

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Zoey Charif describes how a painful breakup in her early thirties forced her to confront her lack of self-worth and the relationship patterns she had repeated for years. Growing up across continents, Zoey was no stranger to change, but this moment required a different kind of transition: an internal one. By examining her values and the beliefs guiding her choices, she began rebuilding her life in a way that finally felt aligned. Zoey and Stephanie explore self-awareness, authenticity, and the freedom that comes when you stop living by what life “should” look like and start choosing what actually fits you.

Zoey Charif isn’t just redefining how we think about love — she’s providing a blueprint for it. As the author of “Love Can, In Fact, Be Calculated”, Zoey spent nearly two decades decoding the patterns of human attraction, pulling from her background in criminology, data analytics, and a relentless drive to challenge everything we’ve been taught about relationships.

Born in Afghanistan, raised in Vancouver, Canada, and now based in Orange County, California, Zoey brings a rare blend of emotional depth, analytical precision, and lived experience to her work. Her framework isn’t just theoretical, it’s coachable, actionable, and designed to help people transform how they choose, build, and sustain relationships.

Her work is a wake-up call: love isn’t magic. It’s math, psychology, and emotional mastery. Outside of the relationship space, Zoey is a powerhouse entrepreneur — the founder of Business Plans USA— helping startups and established businesses secure funding and scale with precision. Whether she’s helping people find aligned love or aligned success, Zoey’s mission is the same: to turn hope into mastery and potential into reality.

Zoey Charif has spent most of her life navigating change. Born in Afghanistan and raised across multiple countries, transition has been part of her story from the beginning. But in her early thirties, after a painful breakup left her questioning her self-worth and direction, Zoey hit a personal rock bottom that forced her to look inward. Instead of continuing down the same path, she developed a framework to examine her values, rebuild her confidence, and change the patterns shaping her relationships and life. In this conversation, Zoey shares how that moment of self-reflection led to a rapid and profound shift, one that ultimately helped her create a healthier relationship, a stronger sense of identity, and a life that feels much more aligned with who she truly is.

In This Episode, We Talk About

1. How a childhood filled with constant transition shaped Zoey’s resilience and adaptability, buy ultimately affected her sense of self
2. The breakup in her early thirties that forced her to confront her sense of self-worth and the patterns in her relationships
3. Why many of us spend our twenties and early thirties blaming external circumstances before realizing we may be part of the pattern
4. How small shifts in mindset, daily habits, and environment can trigger surprisingly fast personal transformation
5. Meeting her husband at a dog park and discovering the difference between dramatic relationships and peaceful ones
6. Letting go of comparison and embracing an unconventional life path as she approaches 40

Self-awareness can completely change the trajectory of a life. Zoey shares how recognizing her own role in repeating relationship patterns allowed her to break those cycles and create something healthier. Along the way, she and Stephanie reflect on the broader midlife transition many people experience, the shift from external validation to internal alignment, and the surprising freedom that comes from letting go of expectations about what life “should” look like.

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to follow the podcast, leave a rating, and share it with someone who might need to hear this conversation.

Zoey’s book, “Love Can, In Fact, Be Calculated”

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Download Stephanie’s guide to the Ick to diagnose whether you or someone you love is suffering from this insidious midlife malaise. www.thebigfouroh.com/ick

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Cora Rennie was a good girl who did everything “right.” Military. Marriage. Motherhood. Long-term partnership. From the outside, her life looked good. Inside, though, something felt off. Cora shares how divorce, a passionate but painful second relationship, and the looming reality of an empty nest forced her to confront the fact that her nervous system, not her conscious mind, had been choosing her partners. As she learned about people pleasing, the fawning response, and what safety really feels like in the body, she started making choices from a different place. If you have ever wondered why you keep repeating patterns in love, or why midlife feels like a blank slate you did not ask for, this episode will land.

Cora is a recovering people-pleaser, and identifies as a highly sensitive deep-feeler. Through her training to become a biodynamic craniosacral therapist, Cora gained profound insights into the body's innate wisdom, and learned directly in her own body, the importance of a felt-sense of safety.

Cora incorporates the foundations of the cranio modality with her personal gifts and own lifelong healing experiences, to support others in their recovery-of-self processes. She believes there are key components to true, deep, lasting healing that communicate directly to the physiological wiring of our systems, and providing those elements allows for us to cultivate a deep sense of self, resilience, and trust.

Her work combines an understanding of natural body responses with deeply attuned presence, for those navigating complex emotional landscapes.

When Cora Rennie divorced her husband at 36 after 18 years together, it shocked everyone around her. From the outside, their marriage looked steady and intact. Inside, they were two conflict-avoidant people growing further apart through miscarriage, postpartum struggles, military deployments, and years of emotional disconnection. What followed was a fast, passionate relationship filled with chemistry, red flags, financial strain, betrayal, and hard-earned clarity. But beneath the relationship drama was a woman beginning to understand how a lifetime of living by “the next step” had shaped her choices. In her early 40s, staring down the reality of becoming an empty nester, Cora finally made a choice that felt like her own. And that changed everything.

In This Episode, We Talk About:

1. How a “good girl” identity can quietly become a people-pleasing pattern that runs your life
2. The moment Cora realized she could not stay in a marriage where emotions were unwelcome but intimacy was expected
3. Why intense chemistry can cloud discernment, and how oxytocin plays a role in bonding
4. Overlooking red flags, merging finances, and losing herself in a relationship that felt like a “love story” but not a “life story”
5. Reconnecting with creativity, sensuality, and art as part of reclaiming her identity
6. Discovering the fawning response and how the nervous system can unconsciously choose our partners
7. Facing the empty nest transition and asking, “Who am I now?”
8. The difference between living by default and making a conscious, heart-led choice
9. How biodynamic cranio psychotherapy and nervous system regulation reshaped her healing

Cora’s story is not just about divorce, dating, or even people pleasing. It is about the shift from living by internalized programming to living by conscious choice. For most of her life, each step she took felt predetermined, like the next logical box to check. Military. Marriage. Motherhood. Partnership. Even divorce felt like the inevitable next move. But in midlife, she looked at a blank slate. In the stillness before her youngest left home, she realized this was the first time she could choose without reacting, without fawning, without following a script. When the external noise quieted enough that she could hear something internal speak up, she found the heartbeat of this midlife transition so many of us experience.

If this episode resonated with you, please take a moment to rate, follow, and share The Big Four Oh. It helps more people find these conversations and realize they are not alone in their own turning-40 transition.

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A career pivot in his early 40s forced Nathan Karol to confront something he had not thought about since childhood: how his brain actually works. What followed was not a crisis, but a reorientation. Through therapy, testing accommodations, and a willingness to rebuild his systems from the inside out, Nathan found relief, momentum, and a version of success that fits him. This conversation explores late-diagnosed ADHD, identity, ambition, and the freedom that comes from finally working with your wiring instead of against it.

Nathan Karol has played many roles in the world both personal and professional. Most notably he is a husband, father, Jew by choice, mental health advocate and mediocre golfer. He's spent his life figuring out what he wants to do when he "grows up," having been mentored and influenced by some amazing human beings. The years around forty have been full of change, reflection, awareness and hard work both professionally and personally.

Nathan Karol’s midlife transition did not arrive with fireworks or a dramatic breakdown. It arrived through pressure, persistence, and a growing realization that the way he had been moving through the world no longer fit his life or, more importantly, how his brain worked. In his early 40s, while pivoting into a new career in financial services, Nathan was forced to confront something he had not thought about since childhood: ADHD. What followed was a reckoning. Through therapy, testing accommodations, and a radical reframing of what success can look like, Nathan found clarity, self-trust, and a path that finally works with his wiring instead of against it.

In this episode, we talk about:

1. Growing up curious, hands-on, and constantly in motion, and how early experiences shape adult identity.
2. Losing connection to a childhood ADHD diagnosis and the quiet ways it continued to affect work, stress, and self-worth.
3. Why traditional career paths and rigid structures can be especially punishing for ADHD brains.
4. Hitting a wall in midlife when intense licensing exams forced Nathan to relearn how his brain actually works.
5. The power of therapy, diagnosis, and accommodations in adulthood, and why none of that is a failure.
6. Letting go of a solo business that no longer scaled, and stepping into a role that offers both structure and autonomy.
7. Redefining success as building systems that work for you, not forcing yourself into ones that do not.

Midlife clarity often comes from revisiting old truths with new eyes. Nathan didn’t start over from scratch. But he worked towards understanding himself enough to choose a path that fit. His transition demonstrates how self-awareness, support, and flexibility can turn long-standing friction into momentum, and how learning how your brain works can change everything about how you live and work.

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate, follow, and share The Big Four Oh Podcast. It helps more people find these stories and reminds them they are not alone.

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Download Stephanie’s guide to the Ick to diagnose whether you or someone you love is suffering from this insidious midlife malaise. www.thebigfouroh.com/ick

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Today, Stephanie McLaughlin shares the unexpected result of an experiment she brought to Podfest 2026: the Midlife Burn Book. Here’s what happened when real people were invited to reflect on midlife, in their own words, written in a notebook passed hand to hand at Podfest.

What was intended to be a playful, analog, nostalgia-tinted way to connect with other podcasters turned into a compelling snapshot of what so many people are carrying beneath the surface as they approach or move through midlife.

Stephanie explains the origins of the Burn Book; the prompts inspired by years of conversations on the show; and the sometimes surprisingly honest responses people left behind.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

1. Why Stephanie brought the Midlife Burn Book to Podfest and what she hoped would happen
2. The 10 core themes that have emerged across nearly four years of The Big Four Oh conversations
3. How burnout often comes from obedience, over-functioning, and living by rules we did not choose
4. The prompt that resonated most: “What I no longer need to justify”
5. The grief that can accompany shedding identities that once felt essential
6. Why exhaustion is often information, not a personal failure
7. What it looks like to redefine success from the inside out

In reflecting on the responses in the Burn Book, Stephanie notices a striking pattern: people were far more ready to explore the rupture than the resolution. The episode underscores how universal the midlife transition really is, and how often the questions we avoid are already waiting just beneath the surface.

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, and share The Big Four Oh Podcast. Your support helps these conversations reach more people who are realizing they are not alone as the ground begins to shift beneath their feet.

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Burnout rarely announces itself. It shows up as brain fog, chronic stress, unexplained health issues, and a sense that you are doing everything right but still falling apart. Michelle Niemeyer spent years powering through a high-pressure career, a difficult marriage, and nonstop responsibility before her body forced a reckoning. This conversation explores how achievement can become a coping mechanism, how chronic inflammation becomes “normal,” and why real healing often requires changing how you relate to work, time, and control. Michelle’s story offers a helpful reframe of midlife burnout: not as collapse, but as an opportunity to build a life that finally fits.

Michelle Niemeyer is a speaker, coach and former attorney who teaches professionals how to bend time so they can stay sharp, productive and profitable – without burning out. After finding her way to burnout and back in her own high-performing legal career, Michelle created The Art of Bending Time, a framework that helps people connect the dots across work, life, and purpose to magnetize success and reclaim their joy. She helps businesses retain top talent, boost development, and keep their people energized and engaged – all while making the magic happen.

From the outside, Michelle Niemeyer looked like the picture of success. She was a high-achieving attorney, deeply involved in her community, and constantly in motion. Underneath that polished exterior, she was exhausted, chronically stressed, and living in a body that was fighting itself. In her mid-30s and early 40s, Michelle’s drive to achieve, her hyper-independence, and years of pushing through discomfort collided with burnout and a serious autoimmune diagnosis. What followed was not just a health reckoning, but a complete transformation in how she relates to work, relationships, time, and herself.

Episode Highlights:

1. How Michelle’s childhood conditioning around achievement and responsibility shaped her relentless work ethic.
2. What it looks like when burnout shows up as brain fog, detachment, and physical symptoms long before we recognize it as burnout.
3. The moment her body forced her to pay attention, and how an autoimmune diagnosis changed everything.
4. How lifestyle changes, stress reduction, and radical self-awareness helped Michelle reverse disease progression.
5. The surprising emotional and personality shift that came with learning to slow down and ask for help.
6. Why burnout is often less about time management and more about alignment.

Michelle’s story is a reminder that midlife transitions often arrive disguised as health crises, exhaustion, or emotional unraveling. For her, healing was not just about diet or medication, it was about dismantling a lifetime of hyper-independence, redefining success, and reconnecting with what actually brings energy and joy. Her transformation highlights a truth many listeners will recognize: when you stop living in constant survival mode, your body and your life respond in ways that can feel almost miraculous.

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, and share The Big Four Oh Podcast. It helps more people find these stories and reminds others in the middle of their own transition that they are not alone.

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Download Stephanie’s guide to the Ick to diagnose whether you or someone you love is suffering from this insidious midlife malaise. www.thebigfouroh.com/ick

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What happens when a life that looks “fine” stops feeling true? Mikelann Valterra discusses the strange freedom that can follow loss. From rebuilding financially at age 40 to learning how to trust intuition, design a life on her own terms, and say no to other people’s expectations, Mikelann shares what it looks like to move from survival into possibility. This conversation is for anyone in midlife who feels untethered, restless, or quietly hungry for something more, even if they cannot yet name it.

Mikelann Valterra is an author, speaker, financial therapist, and master money coach who helps women around the world rise above the money fog, transform their relationship with money, and design their ideal life. For twenty-five years, Mikelann Valterra, MA, AFC has been a thought leader in financial psychology. She has written, spoken, and been interviewed extensively on powerful, practical ways to reduce money anxiety and teaches effective methods for earning, saving, reducing debt, and managing money. Her new book, Rise Above the Money Fog is now available online. When she’s not working with clients, you can find Mikelann on the dance floor, indulging her love of Argentine Tango.

Mikelann Valterra’s transformation began just before her 40th birthday, with a divorce that ended a “good on paper” marriage, the loss of nearly all her financial stability, and a year spent rebuilding from zero while living in her childhood bedroom. What followed was not a collapse, but an “uncorking,” a period of deep self-reflection, creative awakening, and intentional redesign of her life, her finances, and her sense of self.

Episode Highlights

1. How a career that looked unconventional on paper led Mikelann to pioneer money coaching before it was widely known
2. Why “losing everything” after divorce felt terrifying and oddly freeing at the same time
3. The messy middle between ending a marriage and starting over financially at age 40
4. How journaling, therapy, and deep self-reflection helped her rebuild from the ground up
5. The shift from living by external “shoulds” to designing a life that actually fit
6. Why knowing yourself is the foundation of both financial peace and personal fulfillment
7. How synchronicity, intuition, and curiosity led Mikelann to Argentine tango, and how dance became part of her second adulthood

Midlife transitions are rarely neat or linear, but they can be profoundly liberating. Through honesty, humor, and hard-earned wisdom, Mikelann illustrates how rebuilding after loss can open the door to creativity, clarity, and trusting yourself. Her story reframes starting over not as failure, but as an invitation to design a life that aligns with who you truly are, not who you were told to be.

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate, follow, and share The Big Four Oh Podcast. It helps more people find these stories and reminds listeners that they are not alone in the messy middle.

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Andrea McGinty built what many people would call the ultimate success story: a booming global business, a high-profile marriage, and great kids. So why did midlife still ask her to stop and reconsider everything? Andrea talks about what it feels like when the life you built no longer matches the person you have become. We talk about intuition, values, second acts, and why clarity often arrives slowly, quietly, and from the inside out. If you have ever wondered whether it is possible to change course without burning everything down, this conversation will resonate deeply.

Andrea McGinty’s journey is as compelling as the love stories she’s helped create. After being dumped at the altar in her 20s, founding It’s Just Lunch Matchmaking in 1990 (before Google and online dating), and later navigating divorce after 24 years of marriage, Andrea took a four-year pause from dating to focus on raising her teenage daughter. When she decided to jump back into the dating world, she approached it strategically, and it paid off—her sixth first date turned into her husband, whom she married in Rome in 2024.

As the founder of It’s Just Lunch in the 1990s, Andrea revolutionized the matchmaking industry. Her innovative service grew to over 110 locations worldwide and facilitated over 33,000 setups, resulting in more than 10,000 marriages. Today, her company, 33,000 Dates, focuses on helping the over-45 crowd find love in the second act of their lives. Currently, 65% of her clients are in long-term relationships, a testament to her expertise and unique methods.

Often referred to as the OG or “Godmother” of modern dating, Andrea’s impact extends beyond her clients. Like an NFL coaching tree, more than 40% of today’s top 25 matchmakers trace their roots back to Andrea’s mentorship and pioneering techniques. Her influence has shaped the industry, creating a legacy that stands out in the world of matchmaking.

Andrea’s work has garnered extensive media attention. She has been featured on Oprah, People, Today Show, and named Entrepreneur of the Month on the Early Show. As a sought-after speaker, she has addressed audiences at the American Marketing Association and other prestigious events. Her insights and passion have made her a trusted voice in the realm of love and relationships.

With over three decades of experience, Andrea doesn’t just write about dating; she’s lived it. Her latest book, 2nd Acts: Winning Strategies for Dating Over 50, combines personal anecdotes and professional expertise to guide singles on finding meaningful connections later in life. Andrea’s vibrant, no-nonsense approach continues to inspire and empower those ready to embrace their second act with optimism and love.

Andrea McGinty built one of the most successful dating companies in the world before most of us had email, Google, or any idea what online dating might become. But by midlife, the business she had poured herself into, along with the marriage built alongside it, no longer fit who she was becoming. Andrea shares what it was like to grow up as the oldest daughter in a big Irish Catholic family; launch It’s Just Lunch with $3,000 and a dream;, navigate public success alongside private fear; and ultimately listen to the quiet inner voice that told her it was time for something different. Her midlife transition includes selling a global company, divorcing amicably, facing cancer, and stepping fully into a second act built around values, alignment, and deeply personal fulfillment.

Episode Highlights

1. Growing up as the oldest child in a large Irish Catholic family and how responsibility and resilience shaped Andrea early on
2. Launching It’s Just Lunch before online dating existed, and how sheer scrappiness, intuition, and grit fueled its success
3. The emotional reality of early entrepreneurship: outward confidence paired with constant private fear
4. What happens when success scales beyond recognition, and the work you love turns into meetings you dread
5. How selling a wildly successful company coincided with a deeper reassessment of marriage, values, and family life
6. The slow, internal process of deciding to divorce, and why midlife clarity often arrives quietly, not dramatically

Andrea’s story is a great reminder that midlife change is not always sparked by crisis or collapse. Sometimes it comes from clarity. As external pressures fall away, what matters most rises to the surface. This episode explores how success can evolve into misalignment, how values become louder in our forties, and how honoring that inner voice can open the door to a more honest, grounded, and fulfilling second adulthood.

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate, follow, and share The Big Four Oh Podcast. Your support helps more people realize they are not alone in this transition.

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Stephanie digs into the deeper meaning behind that restless, unsettled feeling so many people experience in their thirties and forties. Instead of considering midlife a crisis, she reframes it as a natural emotional upgrade, the moment when your inner world starts demanding a better fit with the life you built. Drawing on insights from her conversation with Dr. Deborah Heiser, Stephanie explores how curiosity, subtraction, and a simple what if question can turn confusion into clarity. If you are sensing a shift, feeling misaligned, or wondering what comes next, this episode will help you understand what is happening and why you are more ready for change than you think.

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What if midlife isn’t a crisis at all, but an upgrade you never knew you were getting? In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Dr. Deborah Heiser, a psychologist and midlife specialist who believes our forties mark the moment we finally step into our deepest emotional power. Together, they cover why so many people feel unsettled during this season of life; how to tell when you’ve outgrown the path you’re on; and the surprising science that shows our emotional well-being only gets better with age. If you’re standing at the edge of change and wondering what comes next, this conversation will give you language, perspective, and permission to imagine something more.

Dr. Deborah Heiser is an applied developmental psychologist, the CEO/Founder of The Mentor Project, and author of The Mentorship Edge. She is a TEDx speaker, member of Marshall Goldsmith 100 Coaches, Thinkers 50 Radar List, expert contributor to Psychology Today and is also an Adjunct Professor.

What happens when a lifelong researcher stops studying everything no one wants to have and instead turns her attention toward what we get to look forward to as we age? For Dr. Deborah Heiser, the answer was a midlife awakening that liberated her from expectations, perfectionism, and the need for a safety net. In her early forties, she left a secure and prestigious research career to build a new life rooted in purpose, fulfillment, and the belief that emotional growth continues long after our bodies start to creak. She discovered that midlife isn’t a crisis, it’s a transition, and it is rich with potential if we’re willing to ask one simple question: what if?

In this warm and energizing conversation, Deborah and Stephanie explore the emotional arc of adulthood, the surprising freedom that comes with experience, and why midlife may be the happiest, most meaningful chapter yet.

Episode Highlights

• How Deborah walked away from a secure research career at 40 to pursue meaning, joy, and a new definition of success.
• The surprising freedom that comes from realizing the “tightrope” of big life changes is actually close to the ground.
• The shift from relying on external authority to trusting your own experience and expertise.
• Why the emotional trajectory of life goes up even as the physical one goes down.
• Midlife transitions vs. midlife crisis: how changing the language opens new possibilities.
• How cultural norms have shifted since the 1970s, and what Millennials bring to the midlife conversation.
• The power of asking “What if?” to reveal possibilities, uncover desires, and subtract what no longer serves you.
• Why fulfillment becomes non-negotiable in your forties, and how to follow the internal cues that point you toward it.

This conversation takes an insightful deep dive into the emotional transition of midlife, guided by someone who has both studied it and lived it. Stephanie and Deborah unpack why our forties often spark a shift toward fulfillment, autonomy, and self-trust, and how curiosity, not crisis, is the real engine behind change. Through stories, science, and a few well-placed laughs, they reframe midlife as an exciting developmental stage where we get to rethink our choices, reclaim our authority, and create lives that feel good from the inside out.

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, and share The Big Four Oh so more people can discover what this transition is really all about.

Deborah’s book: The Mentorship Edge: Creating Maximum Impact Through Lateral and Hierarchical Mentoring

Deborah’s Psychology Today Blog about Turning 40

Article: The Midlife “What if?”

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When Lauren Hayes became a mother in her mid-30s, her fierce independence and lifelong people-pleasing suddenly collided. Parenthood cracked open old patterns she didn’t know were running the show, like the “funny” family story about her as a child that led to the belief that she had to earn love to be worthy of it. Through therapy, self-inquiry, and later, an unexpected exploration of ethical non-monogamy with her husband, Lauren began to uncover what authentic love and connection actually feel like. In this candid, funny, and deeply human conversation, she shares how healing her “little-t” trauma helped her trust her own voice, redefine intimacy, and finally stop hustling for approval.

Lauren Hayes is speaker, author and relationship coach specializing in supporting ethically non-monogamous (ENM) couples, including swingers and the ENM-curious. She helps couples navigate and engage the swinging and non-monogamous community in the healthiest of ways. She holds the perspective that non-monogamous relationships share the same foundations of any healthy relationship, however, they need to operate at a higher level of health to accommodate the additional complexities. Her approach aims to help couples build their ideal relationship, regardless of whether or how many others it includes. She also brings personal experience to her coaching having been married for 20+ years and ENM (swingers) for the last 6+ years.

Lauren Hayes shares a story of courage, curiosity, and radical honesty. From an early childhood experience that left her believing she had to earn love, Lauren built a life of high achievement and independence. But when motherhood stripped away her identity and marriage revealed deep emotional patterns, she began the hard work of healing. That healing eventually led her, and her husband, to explore non-monogamy, a journey that brought her closer to self-acceptance, intimacy, and personal freedom than she’d ever known. Now a relationship coach and author, Lauren shares how learning to trust her own voice and desires transformed not just her marriage but her sense of self.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How a “funny” childhood story revealed the root of a lifelong belief that she had to earn love
• The surprising ways people-pleasing shows up even in adulthood and marriage
• What happens when independence becomes a trauma response instead of a strength
• How becoming a mother cracked open her identity and forced her to redefine “being enough”
• What ethical non-monogamy is, and what it isn’t
• How exploring non-traditional relationships can become a path to deep personal growth
• The empowerment that comes from embracing your sexuality and using your voice

Lauren’s midlife transformation story is an invitation to examine the stories we tell ourselves about love, worth, and belonging. What began as a journey to fix what wasn’t working turned into an awakening to her own inner truth. Through therapy, personal growth, and open-hearted exploration, she discovered that love rooted in authenticity and self-knowledge is more fulfilling than love earned through approval or performance. Her story is proof that midlife isn’t a crisis: it’s a chance to rewrite the script and live in alignment with who you truly are.

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate, follow, and share The Big Four Oh Podcast; it helps more people find these conversations about transformation, truth, and growth.

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If your life looks fine on paper but feels off on the inside, you should probably tune in for the Season 8 opener of The Big Four Oh, in which Stephanie McLaughlin shines a light on the very real midlife transition that nobody warns you about. Stephanie breaks down how midlife forces us to pause, listen, and rebuild from the inside out. With humor, honesty, and hard-won wisdom, she explains why everything that’s coming apart might actually be coming together. If you’ve been wondering, is this all there is?, this conversation is for you.

Stephanie McLaughlin kicks off Season 8 of The Big Four Oh with a warm, wise, and funny solo episode that unpacks what really happens during the midlife transition. Forget the tired “midlife crisis” cliché; there are no red sports cars or blonde secretaries named Muffy here. Instead, Stephanie shares the real story: how our 40s invite us to pause, reevaluate, and rebuild our lives from the inside out. Drawing on lessons from Season 7’s guests, she maps out what midlife transformation actually looks like: messy, revealing, full of friction, and ultimately full of grace.

• The moment “The Ick” sets in; when life still looks fine on paper but feels off inside
• The shift from achievement mode to alignment mode, and why your old definition of success might no longer fit
• How subconscious rules and patterns formed in childhood quietly shape adult life
• The power of pausing, whether it’s intentional or forced by burnout, loss, or exhaustion
• Why stillness isn’t failure, but the space to find where your next chapter begins
• How creativity becomes a tool for healing and rebuilding confidence
• What it means to anchor your worth internally instead of chasing external validation

This episode is your midlife decoder ring; a guide to what’s breaking, what’s being rebuilt, and what it all means. Stephanie walks you through the patterns that surfaced in Season 7’s conversations and sets the tone for Season 8. It’s a compassionate, funny, and refreshingly real look at how midlife isn’t a crisis, but a renovation, and why you’re not late, you’re right on time for your own life.

If you enjoy the show, please rate, follow, and share The Big Four Oh wherever you listen. It helps other people find the podcast, and reminds them they’re not alone on this midlife journey.

Download Stephanie’s guide to the Ick to diagnose whether you or someone you love is suffering from this insidious midlife malaise. www.thebigfouroh.com/ick

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When Terry Tateossian hit her late 30s, she was running a successful marketing agency, raising two kids, and running herself into the ground. Two hospital visits later, she realized her body was sending a message she could no longer ignore. In this conversation, Terry shares her journey from overwork and denial to deep self-awareness and healing. She opens up about escaping communism as a child, building a career from scratch, and finally learning how to slow down and reconnect with herself. Her story is raw, insightful, and a powerful reminder that sometimes the bravest thing we can do is stop running and start listening.

Terry Tateossian—a midlife health coach, certified trainer, nutritionist, and host of How Good Can It Get.Terry’s story of how she lost over 80 pounds in her mid-40s and transformed every area of her life — while running a business and raising a family — speaks directly to women going through midlife transitions. Her message is clear: your most impactful chapter may still be ahead.

Terry Tateossian’s story begins in communist Bulgaria and stretches all the way to the boardrooms of Fortune 100 companies. By her late 30s, she achieved what many would call “success,” a booming marketing agency, two children, and a tireless work ethic. But that relentless drive came with a cost: two hospitalizations, burnout, and a total disconnection from herself. Her midlife transformation began not with another business plan, but with a reckoning with her body. Through deep inner work, Terry learned to stop running on survival mode and instead reconnect with the parts of herself she’d long silenced. 

Episode Highlights

• From refugee to entrepreneur: Terry’s early life in a Bulgarian refugee camp taught her survival, grit, and resourcefulness, skills that would later fuel her success.
• Workaholism disguised as strength: As she built her business empire, Terry’s need for control and constant motion masked deeper wounds from childhood loss and trauma.
• The wake-up call: Two terrifying hospital visits in her 30s finally made her listen to her body after decades of ignoring it.
• The bull and the baby: Terry shares a powerful metaphor for healing the “bull” that once protected her and the “baby” within who needed love and attention to heal.
• Learning stillness: After walking away from her company, Terry began to rebuild her life slowly, learning to sit with discomfort and rediscover joy.
• Healing through feeling: Allowing herself to grieve her father’s death years after learning of it became the turning point that confirmed she was truly healing.
• A new kind of success: Today, Terry finds fulfillment not in hustle but in helping others rediscover wholeness through retreats and holistic coaching.

In this deeply human conversation, Terry Tateossian opens up about the cost of constant striving and the grace that comes with slowing down. From escaping communism to building a thriving agency to walking away from it all, her story is a testament to resilience and rebirth. Midlife didn’t just ask her to change her ways; it invited her to finally feel her feelings. Terry’s insights about self-compassion, emotional honesty, and healing the “bull and baby” within will resonate with anyone who’s ever worked themselves to exhaustion trying to prove their worth.

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, and share The Big Four Oh so more people can discover stories like Terry’s.

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At 43, Ray Martin’s world fell apart. His marriage ended, his business unraveled, and his father passed away, all within months. What looked like an ending became the beginning of his midlife transformation. In this episode, Ray shares how he went from broken and lost to discovering that “Ray the Businessman” was just a character he had been playing. Through an unexpected acting role, a six-month sabbatical that stretched into 14 years, and a backpack full of lessons on minimalism, meditation, and intuition, Ray learned how to align with his true self. His story is proof that when life implodes, it can be the opening to something extraordinary.

Ray Martin, aka The Daily Explorer, is an entrepreneur and award-winning business leader. As a coach, mentor, facilitator, speaker, writer, and mindfulness teacher, he is a torchbearer for greater human consciousness. Ray is also a marathon runner and fundraiser. He’s on a mission to empower people to live authentically and to bring more joy and happiness into the world.

At 43, Ray Martin’s seemingly perfect life collapsed overnight. A thriving consulting firm, public recognition as the United Kingdom’s “Business Leader of the Year,” and a marriage that doubled as a business partnership: all of it came undone when his wife walked out and his father died within months of each other. Suddenly, the man who had done everything “right” was standing in the rubble of his own blueprint, wondering if happiness was forever out of reach. What followed was a radical reinvention that took Ray from despair in London to the stage in Australia, to a six-month backpacking trip across Asia that turned into 14 years of minimalist living, marathon running, and meditation. His journey shows us what can happen when you stop playing the character others expect you to be and start writing your own script.

Highlights from this episode:

• How Ray’s life imploded at 43 despite having “checked every box” of success.
• The moment he realized “Ray the Businessman” was just a character he had created.
• Why listening to his gut, and asking for confirmation signals, became his compass.
• How a 10-day silent meditation retreat shifted his mindset from outside-in to inside-out happiness.
• The sabbatical that turned into 14 years of travel, minimalism, and discovery.
• The guiding principles he created to stop the cycle of negative self-talk.
• Building a foundation of trust in intuition that led him to running marathons, fundraising, and eventually writing his memoir, Life Without a Tie.

Ray Martin’s story is a vivid reminder that midlife is less about crisis and more about opportunity. When the life he had built fell apart, he discovered that identity is flexible, happiness can be cultivated from within, and alignment with your true self often means following the path that feels effortless. His journey from boardrooms to backpacks invites us to reflect on the characters we play, the voices we listen to, and the possibility of stepping into the role of author and director of our own lives.

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, and share The Big Four Oh Podcast so more people can hear these powerful stories of transformation.

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Denise Lee’s path through midlife has been anything but simple. From surviving childhood trauma to battling addiction and the pressure to live up to cultural expectations, she spent years feeling like she was running behind everyone else. But her 40s brought a wake-up call: healing isn’t about timelines or comparisons, it’s about learning to trust yourself.  In this candid conversation, Denise shares how she rebuilt her inner voice, discovered what real leadership looks like, and finally began to trust herself. If you’ve ever felt behind on life’s timeline or trapped by old patterns, this episode will show you what it means to wake up in midlife.

Denise G. Lee is a healing and leadership coach who helps high-achieving adults untangle the inner scripts they didn’t know they were living by. She works with people who look like they have it all together—but quietly wonder why it still feels hollow. In her work, Denise invites honest reflection on identity, success, and the invisible expectations we carry, especially as we age. Her podcast and coaching explore what it means to lead from emotional clarity, not cultural pressure.

When Denise G. Lee hit her mid-30s, she was juggling new motherhood, an immigrant identity that didn’t fit neatly into any box, and the heavy weight of a painful childhood. From the outside, her life looked picture-perfect, but on the inside, Denise was still carrying chaos, addiction, and self-doubt. It wasn’t until a series of wake-up calls, including getting kicked out of a therapist’s office and facing hard truths in recovery, that she began the long process of “growing up” on the inside. Now in her 40s, Denise has stepped into a life of healing, self-trust, and authentic leadership, and she’s sharing what it really takes to get there.

Highlights from this episode:

• How Denise’s immigrant upbringing shaped her sense of identity and belonging.
• Becoming a first-time mom at 35 and wrestling with feelings of being “too old” and unprepared.
• The chaos and trauma of her childhood, and how it stunted her inner growth.
• The pivotal moment at 27 when a therapist sent her to Sexaholics Anonymous, forcing her to face her addictions and denial.
• What it meant to outgrow her environment and seek a fresh start in Texas.
• The danger of chasing image and comparison, and how Denise learned to stop living by others’ timelines.
• Redefining leadership, moving away from manipulation toward empathy, resilience, and safety.
• The ongoing process of tuning into her “inner voices” and learning to trust herself.

In this episode, you’ll hear a story that proves growth isn’t linear: it’s layered, messy, and deeply human. Denise’s journey from chaos to clarity is a reminder that midlife isn’t about hitting milestones on a set timeline. It’s about waking up, tuning into the right frequencies within yourself, and learning to lead your own life with compassion and courage.

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, and share The Big Four Oh Podcast. It helps more people find the show, and reminds them they’re not alone in this wild midlife transition.

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What happens when a Google search changes the course of your life? Sabrina Victoria shares how she broke free from a controlling, abusive relationship and rebuilt her life from scratch. From secret bank accounts and late-night hustle to the moment she realized she had a choice, Sabrina’s story is raw, powerful, and full of lessons about resilience and self-discovery. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a situation that seemed impossible to escape, this conversation will show you that there’s always a way forward, and that your voice and your power are waiting to be reclaimed.

Sabrina Victoria is a seasoned entrepreneur and TEDx speaker with a background in door-to-door sales. She brings over two decades of experience of building and co-building multiple 6 and 7-figure businesses to Her Nation Global, a dynamic media platform showcasing women business owners through podcasts, virtual magazine features, and empowering events. Her charismatic leadership style centers on community building, education, and strategic networking as the core of success for women in business.

Sabrina Victoria’s story is one of grit, resilience, and rebirth. Raised as a Jehovah’s Witness, she was disfellowshipped at just 20 years old after becoming a single mom. What followed was a tumble into isolation, addiction, and eventually an abusive relationship that nearly consumed her. But Sabrina’s midlife transformation began with one late-night Google search that opened her eyes, gave her a new language for what she was experiencing, and set her on a path to reclaim her life, her freedom, and ultimately, her voice. Today, she runs a community to empower women and she’s living proof that even in your darkest moment, hope and healing are possible.

Highlights in this episode:

• How Sabrina’s strict religious upbringing shaped her early years—and left her vulnerable when she was cast out
• The turning point when she chose sobriety and has stayed sober for the next 20 years
• The insidious ways financial, emotional, and psychological abuse can strip away autonomy
• The breakdown moment that led to the Google search that saved her life
• The secret businesses, hidden bank account, and quiet determination that became her ticket to freedom
• The role of personal development voices like Lisa Nichols, Tony Robbins, and Les Brown in keeping her motivated
• How Sabrina has navigated relationships in her 30s and 40s and found balance between masculine drive and feminine energy
• The liberating realization that she had a choice—and how that awareness changed everything

Sabrina’s journey from being silenced and controlled to finding her voice is inspiring. Her story reminds us that midlife transitions often come with both hardship and profound opportunity. She illustrates how resilience, resourcefulness, and a refusal to give up “until” can transform even the most difficult circumstances into a life filled with freedom, balance, and authenticity.

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, and share The Big Four Oh Podcast so more people can discover these stories of midlife transformation.

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When Edel Howlin moved from Ireland to Houston in her late 20s, she was certain she was building her dream life. She found her calling in public radio and was thriving professionally. But a decade later, and another relocation, to Philadelphia in her late 30s, triggered a profound and unexpected unraveling. What started as a fresh chapter became a full-on identity crisis. Without a job to define her and overwhelmed by change, Edel found herself crying, storming out of the house, and eventually taking refuge in bed with a cup of tea and banana bread. That messy, quiet breakdown would become the birthplace of her reinvention. In this episode, Edel shares how she built a business from the ashes, and why she’s never been happier.

Highlights from this episode:

• Edel’s winding path from a science degree in Ireland to her dream job in public radio in Houston
• Why moving to a new city in her late 30s upended her identity, and led to a full-blown midlife crisis
• How a literal pause (in bed, with banana bread) helped her start listening to her inner voice
• The moment she realized she’d been chasing “success” instead of happiness
• How gardening unexpectedly planted the seeds for her next chapter
• The surprising empowerment of realizing: I am enough, without needing outside validation
• Why her business now feels like joy, not just work

Edel Howlin’s story is a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the path to who we’re meant to be isn’t straight; it’s full of detours, breakdowns, and banana bread-fueled breakthroughs. In her 20s, she followed her husband and her love for radio across the Atlantic. In her late 30s, she followed her husband to Philadelphia, and promptly lost her sense of self. But in the pause, she began to hear her own voice. What emerged was not just a new career path, but a deeper understanding of herself. Edel's midlife transition wasn’t graceful, but it was powerful. And today, she’s living life on her own terms, with more joy and confidence than ever before.

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, and share The Big Four Oh Podcast. Your support helps more people find these stories of midlife transformation.

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What if the thing you’ve been trying to fix your whole life isn’t actually the thing that needs fixing? At 38, Patty Cabot began a journey that would unravel decades of emotional pain, body image struggles, and silence surrounding childhood trauma. In this raw and inspiring conversation, Patty shares how deep inner work—not dieting—finally brought her peace, perspective, and a surprising path to love. If you’ve ever felt stuck or wondered why certain patterns keep repeating, this episode offers powerful insight into healing, self-trust, and reclaiming your story.

Beginning in her teens, Patty Cabot battled drastic weight fluctuations. Desperate to break the cycle and thinking it was what prevented her from meeting men, in her late 30s Patty embarked on a therapeutic journey that led to her unresolved childhood sexual abuse. Over 12 years she worked with her therapist and EMDR, a chiropractor to release trapped “fight or flight” responses, a sex therapist and attended group therapy for sexual abuse. Patty published Not That Girl Anymore, a memoir about the alternative therapies she explored in the hopes of undoing the ruin within to claim the happiness she – and everyone else struggling with trauma – deserves.

What if the thing you’ve been battling for decades - your weight, your relationships, your shame - was never the real issue? This week’s guest, Patty Cabot, spent 20 years trapped in a cycle of yo-yo dieting, self-doubt, and emotional isolation before a turning point at 38 led her to finally confront the childhood trauma she thought she had long since buried and forgotten about. Through therapy, unconventional healing modalities, and a fierce determination to find love and wholeness, Patty transformed her life from the inside out. 

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• *Trigger warning* discussion of childhood sexual abuse; no details
• How a cycle of weight loss and gain led Patty to uncover deeper unresolved trauma
• The transformative power of EMDR therapy and what it taught her about her past
• Why anger was the only emotion she could access, and how she learned to feel more
• How vulnerability became a gateway to healing and connection
• The role running (literally!) played in finding love and confidence
• Why publishing her book helped lift the final layer of shame
• The profound insight: “it’s not your shame, and it’s not your secret to keep”

Patty Cabot’s midlife transition is a powerful example of what’s possible when we stop treating the symptom and start addressing the root cause. After decades of believing her weight and romantic struggles were the problem, Patty finally faced her childhood trauma head-on, peeling back the layers of self-protection to rediscover her worth and capacity for love. Her healing wasn’t linear, but it was bold, and in the process, she transformed shame into self-acceptance and silence into storytelling. Today, she’s helping others believe that healing is not only possible—it’s worth it.

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, and share The Big Four Oh wherever you listen to podcasts. Your support means the world!

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Anne Montgomery was one of the first women to anchor ESPN’s SportsCenter—but when her TV career ended abruptly at 38, she found herself broke, heartbroken, and convinced her best days were behind her. In this gripping and often funny episode, Anne shares the highs of breaking barriers in sports media and the lows of losing it all. What came next? A completely unexpected new identity that brought her more joy and meaning than she ever imagined. If you've ever faced a reinvention you didn’t ask for, Anne’s story will make you laugh, tear up, and rethink what it means to start over.

Anne Butler Montgomery has worked as a television sportscaster, newspaper and magazine writer, teacher, author, and amateur sports official. She worked for five TV stations, including ESPN where she anchored SportsCenter and finished her on-camera broadcasting career with a two-year stint as the studio host for the NBA’s Phoenix Suns. Montgomery was a freelance and/or staff reporter for six publications and has written six traditionally published novels. Montgomery taught journalism and communication skills in a Title I high school for 20 years and was an amateur sports official for four decades, a time during which she called football, baseball, ice hockey, soccer, and basketball games. Montgomery is a foster mom to three sons and a daughter. When she can, she indulges in her passions: rock collecting, scuba diving, and playing her guitar.

Anne Montgomery broke barriers as one of the first female sportscasters in the U.S., working for five television stations—including anchoring SportsCenter at ESPN—during an era when women were barely visible in sports media. But when her contract wasn’t renewed at age 38, her career came to an abrupt halt, and she faced a painful truth: the industry thought she was too old to be on TV. What followed was a years-long identity crisis marked by debt, self-doubt, and the collapse of her marriage. And yet, as she shares in this remarkable conversation, Anne's midlife “derailment” led her to the most meaningful work—and relationships—of her life.

In this heartfelt and often hilarious episode, Anne recounts the twists and turns of a life that didn’t go as planned, but ended up exactly where she was meant to be.

• The moment in high school when Anne insisted on reading the sports—and never looked back
• How she trained as a referee in five sports to learn the rules and build credibility as a sportscaster
• What it was like to be the only woman in the locker room, on the sidelines, and at ESPN in the 1980s
• The brutal way she was pushed out of TV and how long it took to find her footing again
• The unexpected friendship that helped her shift perspective and stop feeling sorry for herself
• How returning to school at 42 led her to a 20-year teaching career that reshaped her identity
• The emotional story of how she became a mother—at age 55—to one of her former students

Anne Montgomery’s story is one of perseverance, reinvention, and unexpected blessings. What began as a pioneering career in sports broadcasting eventually gave way to an equally meaningful chapter as a teacher and foster mother. Her journey reminds us that losing what we thought we wanted can clear space for what’s truly meant for us—and that midlife transitions, no matter how messy, can become the catalyst for our most profound growth.

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate, follow, and share The Big Four Oh Podcast. It helps others find the show—and who knows, it might help someone else feel a little less alone in their own midlife transition.

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What if slowing down isn’t a setback, but a turning point? In this episode, Stephanie explores how midlife often presses pause on our hustle-filled lives -  and what looks at first like a punishment is usually an invitation. Through powerful stories from past guests and her own experience, she unpacks how stillness can help us reconnect with what really matters—and why our worth was never meant to be measured by productivity. If you’ve been feeling the pull to step off the hamster wheel (or if life has already pushed you off), this episode offers the clarity, compassion, and company you didn’t know you needed.

In this episode, Stephanie explores the hard-earned wisdom that comes when midlife forces us to slow down. Whether through burnout, illness, or emotional exhaustion, many of us hit a moment where hustle stops working, and stillness becomes not just necessary, but enlightening. Drawing from past guest stories and her own experience, Stephanie reflects on how slowing down can shift our relationship with productivity, identity, and self-worth. Midlife, it turns out, might just be the invitation we need to listen more closely to the voice within—and discover a gentler, more honest way of being.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• Why hustle is so deeply ingrained for many of us—and how it eventually starts to break down
• The breaking points that forced past guests like Anna Brooke, Tina Bakehouse, and Jennifer Arthurton to stop pushing
• How quiet moments revealed surprising truths for Stephanie Rose and Steve Vincent
• The disorientation (and gift) of realizing you don’t really know yourself
• The difference between judgment and discernment—and why it matters
• How slowing down opens space to reconnect with long-lost parts of ourselves
• Stephanie’s personal journey toward redefining productivity on her own term

Slowing down isn’t the end of ambition—it’s the beginning of wisdom. In the stillness, we stop performing life and start living inside it. Whether midlife has already forced your pause or you’re just beginning to question the pace, this episode is a gentle reminder that your inner voice is worth listening to—and it’s probably not asking you to hustle.

If this episode resonated with you, please take a moment to rate, follow, and share The Big Four Oh with a friend. It might be just the nudge they need today.

Download Stephanie’s guide to the Ick to diagnose whether you or someone you love is suffering from this insidious midlife malaise. www.thebigfouroh.com/ick  

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When Anna Brooke heard a mysterious voice say “burlesque dancer” during a meditation, she had no idea it would lead to a full-blown metamorphosis. Known on stage as the Reverend Legs Malone, Anna built a dazzling career that lit her up—until her body forced her to stop. In this deeply human episode, she opens up about listening to intuition, navigating grief, and learning to slow down. From the thrill of the spotlight to the quiet power of discernment, Anna’s story is a bold invitation to shed the shoulds and embrace joy on your own terms.

Anna Brooke is an author, speaker, and healing arts practitioner dedicated to helping people reconnect with their hearts and core creative spark. She is the author of the award-winning book Stripped Down: How Burlesque Led Me Home and co-author of WRITE! Your Guide to Revealing the Writer Within. She is also known as Rev. Legs Malone, a burlesque performer, show producer, educator and advocate who has been featured in Page Six, Buzzfeed, and Huffington Post. She has taught her transformational workshops nationally and internationally since 2010.

What happens when you finally listen to the quiet voice inside you—and it says “burlesque dancer”? Anna Brooke’s story is a masterclass in trusting your gut, embracing your weird, and healing from the burnout that comes from doing all the “right” things. 

From her early days of internal tug-of-war between what she wanted and what others expected, to becoming Rev. Legs Malone on the stages of New York City, Anna shares how stepping fully into joy changed everything. When a back injury at 39 forced her to slow down, she began a deeper journey—this time into the healing arts, entrepreneurship, and the hard-won clarity of her 40s.

Episode Highlights:

• How Anna navigated a lifelong conflict between doing what she wanted and what she “should” do
• The serendipitous moment when intuition told her to become a burlesque dancer—and how she listened
• Creating and evolving the on-stage persona of Rev. Legs Malone
• The toll of hustle culture on her physical health, and the injury that forced a complete lifestyle shift
• Finding strength through slowing down, healing, and learning to trust herself
• Letting go of the “shoulds” and learning to follow discernment over judgment
• Why self-expression and joy are powerful tools for personal transformation

Anna’s story reminds us that our bodies don’t lie, joy is a radical act, and that sometimes the most powerful transformations come from sitting still long enough to hear ourselves. If you’ve ever felt pulled in too many directions or wondered what it might look like to trust your intuition, this conversation will inspire you to take the next right step—for you.

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, and share The Big Four Oh Podcast. Your support helps us reach more people navigating life’s beautiful, bumpy middle!

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Burnout is more than just being tired—it’s about finding out the limits of a life that no longer fits. In this solo bonus episode, Stephanie pulls together stories from past guests who pushed themselves to the edge by doing everything “right”—only to discover that success built on someone else’s terms can quietly unravel your sense of self. From panic attacks to identity crises, she explores the hidden patterns of burnout and the radical clarity that can emerge when you finally start listening to your own voice. If you've ever wondered, “Is this really it?”—this one’s for you.

What happens when the success you’ve worked so hard to achieve starts to break you down? In this special solo episode, Stephanie takes us on a deep and thoughtful journey into burnout—not just as exhaustion, but as a wake-up call. Inspired by her recent conversation with Angela Hwang, and supported by clips from past guests including Jennifer Arthurton, Tara McFarland, AdaPia D’Errico, Julie Hutsell-Starling, and Mindy Amita Aisling, Stephanie unpacks how burnout intersects with the invisible cost of “doing everything right” and the powerful, often uncomfortable process of learning to trust your own voice.

Episode Highlights

• Why burnout isn't a failure—it's a signal that something deeper needs your attention
• How following someone else’s script can lead to an identity crisis around age 40
• The three patterns of burnout that show up most often (and how to recognize them)
• What happens when the external validation you've relied on starts to falter
• Real stories of women who lost themselves in their roles—and how they found their way back
• How tuning into your body, voice and intuition can lead to radical transformation
• The truth about hearing your own voice: it’s not loud, but it is honest

Download Stephanie’s guide to the Ick to diagnose whether you or someone you love is suffering from this insidious midlife malaise. www.thebigfouroh.com/ick

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What happens when you reach the top—and realize it’s not what you wanted? Angela Hwang had the résumé, the accolades, and the paycheck, but behind the scenes, her health was deteriorating and her happiness was nowhere to be found. In this honest and eye-opening episode, Angela shares how a health scare, motherhood, and burnout collided to spark a total life reset. If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s more to life than climbing the next rung, this conversation is for you.

Angela Hwang has more than 18 years of experience in marketing and business development. Angela has helped to raise more than $150M in direct investments for real estate fund managers since 2020 and contributed to significant revenue growth for various tech startups since 2016. She has a wide array of experience across multiple industries including financial services, real estate, legal and technology. In 2021, Angela was selected as one of 40 under 40 by Silicon Valley Business Journal for her marketing leadership. Angela graduated from University of California, Berkeley with a B.A. in Mass Communications and a B.A. in Sociology and earned her M.B.A. from Pepperdine University.

Angela Hwang checked every box on the “successful life” checklist her parents handed her, and then realized none of it was making her happy. Born in South Korea and raised in the U.S., Angela spent decades chasing stability, prestige, and approval—especially from her parents, who had sacrificed everything for the American Dream. She climbed through the corporate ranks, earned accolades like Silicon Valley’s 40 Under 40, and reached the coveted C-suite. But behind the scenes, she was unraveling. It wasn’t until a terrifying health scare and the sobering clarity of new motherhood that Angela finally began to question the life she had built—and discovered the strength to redefine it.

Episode Highlights:

• Angela’s upbringing as a first-generation Korean-American and internalizing a success script rooted in her parents’ fear, thus the immense pressure to achieve “safe” success.
• Climbing the corporate ladder—and the personal cost of doing so while hiding burnout and physical symptoms.
• The turning point: how becoming a mother and experiencing a health crisis forced Angela to reevaluate her priorities.
• Breaking generational narratives around work, safety, and entrepreneurship.
• The shift from external validation (titles, salaries, luxury goods) to internal fulfillment and presence.
• Selling off her designer wardrobe, trading Silicon Valley hustle for quiet comfort—and finding her true self in the process.
• How sleep, stillness, and finally listening to her own voice laid the foundation for shedding her parents’ fears and starting her own business.

In this deeply honest conversation, Angela Hwang shares what it’s like to reach the top of the ladder your parents built for you—and realize it’s leaning against the wrong wall. Her story is an invitation to question the narratives we inherit, especially when they’re rooted in fear, sacrifice, and survival. If you’ve ever wondered whose life you’re really living, this episode will leave you thinking—and maybe even reimagining what your next chapter could be.

If this episode resonated with you, please take a moment to rate, follow, and share The Big Four Oh with a friend who might need a little inspiration of their own.

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Among the many strange and funny things that can happen as you reach midlife is this: just when everything feels like it’s falling apart, something creative starts to stir. In this bonus episode, Stephanie explores the idea of a midlife creative awakening—inspired by past guests who picked up paint brushes, pens, instruments, and more in the messy middle of their lives. Creativity often shows up when we need it most. Because sometimes, when you think you need less on your plate, what you really need is something that’s just *yours*. You’ll hear reflections, real talk, and a few stories that might just remind you of yourself. If you’ve got a creative itch—or a long-lost hobby whispering in your ear—this one’s for you.

Download Stephanie’s guide to the Ick to diagnose whether you or someone you love is suffering from this insidious midlife malaise. www.thebigfouroh.com/ick

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When Jenn Kacmar and Rose Planer met at an engagement party, they had no idea their friendship would become the anchor that carried them through midlife chaos. With a decade between them, different careers, and wildly different life stages, their bond became a lifeline—especially during the isolating early days of the pandemic. In this heartfelt and humorous episode, they share how they supported each other through burnout, motherhood, and identity shifts—and how they turned all of it into art. If you've ever felt alone in your midlife unraveling, this conversation will remind you that the right friendship can change everything.

Fifteen years ago, Jenn Kacmar was balancing working as an ob/gyn at the county health department, parenting two elementary-aged boys, and surviving the culture shock of life in a small Southern town after a decade living in New England. More than ten years younger, Rose Planer was newly engaged and preparing to move to her soon-to-be husband’s hometown where she would hold a few different jobs, including palliative care coordinator and trauma therapist, before starting her own family.

In many ways, we owe our friendship to women a generation ahead of us who brought us together at, of all things, an engagement party. While we couldn’t predict the depths our friendship would reach, we both felt the “zing” of recognizing a kindred spirit at that initial meeting. Over the years, we have supported each other, learned from each other, bickered with each other. We “bubbled” together during Covid. And, yes, we have even survived traveling together! But one of the best things to come out of our friendship was creative collaboration. 

Writing a novel together propelled our friendship to a new level. This life-changing experience offered a tremendous opportunity to learn more about ourselves and each other. Working together to frame a story, to bring it and its characters to life, was both challenging and exhilarating. Having a teammate to share in the process proved invaluable—when one of us had an off day, the other picked up the slack and vice versa. We bring complementary strengths to our partnership and believe we have both become better writers from working together. More importantly, however, we feel compelled to share the secret power this friendship revealed: the power of connection and creative collaboration to extinguish the mid-life "Ick."

What if your midlife transformation didn’t happen alone—but in lockstep with your best friend? In this episode, we meet Jenn Kacmar and Rose Planer, who navigated the complexities of motherhood, identity, and burnout during the pandemic—and found a lifeline in each other. Their friendship began at an engagement party and blossomed into a life-saving connection that not only saw them through the icky, isolating parts of midlife, but also gave birth to something beautiful: a novel they co-wrote during lockdown. These women didn’t just survive; they created.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• How Jenn and Rose’s unlikely friendship began across a 12-year age gap—and why it became their greatest midlife survival tool
• Jenn’s journey from high-achieving OB-GYN to burnout and reinvention
• Rose’s pivot from aspiring journalist to therapist after the loss of her sister
• The crushing loneliness of motherhood during COVID—and how they turned it into creative fuel
• Honest reflections on alcohol as a culturally “acceptable” coping mechanism for overwhelmed moms
• The transformative power of collaboration, and how their friendship turned into a creative partnership
• Why their novel Snowflakes in the South became both a lifeline and a legacy

One last thing…

Jenn and Rose are proof that friendship can be a transformative force—not just a comfort, but a catalyst. Their story is a reminder that we don’t always have to navigate the messy middle alone. Sometimes the most healing thing we can do is find a friend, make some art, and redefine what fulfillment looks like in this season of life. 

If this episode resonated with you, don’t forget to rate, follow, and leave a review for The Big Four Oh. It helps new listeners find the show—and might just connect them with the lifeline they didn’t know they needed.

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In this short bonus episode, Steph unpacks the deeper themes from her conversation with Elizabeth Makepeace—no listening homework required. Through Elizabeth’s story, Steph explores how unconscious patterns from childhood shape our adult relationships, often without us realizing it. She dives into what it means to break the caretaker cycle, how to recognize when care turns into codependency, and why midlife is the perfect time to stop over-functioning and start listening to your own needs. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why does this keep happening?”—this episode is for you. It's a thoughtful, eye-opening reflection on moving from survival mode to self-honoring in the season of Second Adulthood.

Download Stephanie’s guide to the Ick to diagnose whether you or someone you love is suffering from this insidious midlife malaise. www.thebigfouroh.com/ick  

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When Elizabeth Makepeace fell for a younger, free-spirited musician, she thought she’d found the love foretold in a dream. But what began as a spiritual connection turned into a controlling, emotionally draining marriage that forced her to confront an old pattern she thought she’d outgrown: the compulsion to care for others at the cost of herself. In this deeply honest conversation, Elizabeth shares how she broke the cycle, rebuilt trust with her children, and finally found peace—not just in a partner, but within herself. If you’ve ever wondered why certain roles keep showing up in your relationships, this episode offers insight, healing, and hope.

If you're curious about energy/magic then you need to meet Elizabeth Elenor. Her journey through her 40s was the progression of taking back her power as she left her narcissistic marriage and he started dating a 21 year old. A deep dive into personal power led her to discover the secrets of alchemy; she merged this knowledge with 25 years of being a healer to create The Ascendance Code and energetically align with her Higher Self Wisdom.

Elizabeth Makepeace was living a vibrant life in the tropics of Far North Queensland—raising her kids, running a successful healing practice, and feeling aligned in mind, body, and spirit. But when she met a charming, younger musician who swept her off her feet, her well-calibrated world began to shift. What started as a dream romance quickly turned into a rigid, emotionally complex marriage that echoed a painful pattern from her past: the need to care for and fix others, often at her own expense.

In this candid and deeply personal episode, Elizabeth shares how a midlife unraveling—marked by loss, anxiety, and the crumbling of family trust—pushed her to finally recognize a generational caretaking pattern she’d been unconsciously replaying. Her story is one of heartbreak, healing, and ultimately, liberation. And yes—her real-life love story ends with a twist that feels straight out of a fairy tale (complete with a symbolic last name!).

Episode Highlights

• Elizabeth’s early life as a caretaker for her ill father shaped her subconscious belief that love means caregiving
• How a “dream come true” romance slowly morphed into an emotionally taxing marriage marked by control and rigidity
• The moment she realized she couldn’t heal her partner—and the empowerment of walking away
• Rebuilding trust with her children and healing her own trauma through bodywork and reflection
• The emotional and spiritual reckoning that came with turning 40—and the clarity it brought
• Her advice for listeners: examine the “movie” of your life and ask why certain characters keep showing up in the same roles
• The joyful discovery of a new, healthy relationship built on peace and mutual care

Elizabeth’s story is a wonderful reminder that no matter how much personal work we’ve done, there are always deeper layers waiting to be revealed. Her midlife unraveling wasn’t a failure—it was the doorway to true healing. By identifying the patterns that kept her stuck and tracing them back to their origins, she was able to finally break the cycle. And in doing so, she made peace—with her past, her pain, and eventually, with a man whose name poetically symbolized that transformation.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate, follow and review the podcast. Your support helps more listeners discover these transformative stories.

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At age 39, Francesca Montillo had a thriving healthcare career at a prestigious Boston hospital—but her heart was in Italy, dreaming of pasta, wine, and sun-soaked adventures. In this episode, she shares how she slowly and strategically built a food and travel business on the side, eventually trading her secure 9-to-5 for a life she once thought was too good to be true. From pandemic pivots to cultural expectations and midlife realizations, Francesca’s story is a masterclass in following your gut, even when it takes 20 years to listen. If you’ve ever wondered what might be waiting on the other side of “what if,” this conversation is for you.

Francesca Montillo grew up in Italy until the age of 11, upon which time she moved to Boston with her family. She spent every summer after the move back in Calabria, enjoying time at the beach, local markets and spending time with childhood friends. It was during her trips back that her love for Italy grew even more intensely. 

Her initial career ambitions were to work in law enforcement and she holds a Bachelor's degree in Criminology and Law. After a short stint in the field, she went on to earn a Masters in Healthcare Management instead. 

After a successful 22+ year career in healthcare management for both private and governmental sectors, Francesca reinvented herself again and took the leap and started her own business, combining her love of Italian travels and cooking. Via her business, Lazy Italian Culinary Adventures, Francesca is able to showcase her native land and its cuisine. Francesca has also written three Amazon bestselling cooking books focusing on Italian dishes.

Francesca Montillo was living the dream—on paper. With a master’s degree in healthcare administration and a thriving job at a Harvard-affiliated hospital, she had what many would call a “great job.” But deep down, Francesca knew it wasn’t her dream. At 39, just shy of her milestone 40th birthday, she quietly began building a very different life—one steeped in Italian cuisine, rolling Tuscan hills, and the freedom of self-employment. Today, she leads delicious culinary adventures in Italy and has turned her side hustle into a full-blown business and lifestyle. In this episode, Francesca shares how she slowly and strategically transitioned from a traditional career to creating Lazy Italian Culinary Adventures, proving that it's never too late to design a life you love.

Episode Highlights:

• How Francesca’s childhood in Calabria and Boston shaped her love for Italian food and culture.
• The early whispers of entrepreneurship—and why it took nearly 20 years to act on them.
• The delicate balance of building a business while holding down a demanding 9-to-5.
• How COVID nearly derailed her dream—and how she pivoted to Zoom cooking classes and writing cookbooks.
• What finally pushed her to walk away from a safe, successful career in healthcare.
• The cultural tug-of-war between traditional expectations and personal fulfillment.
• Why midlife was the perfect time for Francesca to bet on herself—and what she’d tell others standing at the same crossroads.

This conversation is a reminder that the path to your dream life might not be a straight line—and that’s okay. Francesca’s story shows us the power of patience, planning, and trusting your gut—even if it takes two decades to do something about it. If you’ve ever thought “someday” could be “today,” this is the inspiration you’ve been waiting for.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate, follow, and review The Big Four Oh Podcast. It helps more people find us—and find the courage to make their own big midlife moves.

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Download Stephanie’s guide to the Ick to diagnose whether you or someone you love is suffering from this insidious midlife malaise. www.thebigfouroh.com/ick  

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What if your “successful” life started to feel like a slow, quiet heartbreak? In this episode, Steve Vincent shares how he went from burned-out high school vice principal to thriving freelance copywriter—by finally listening to the voice he’d been pushing down for years. He opens up about the emotional weight of staying in a life that looks good on paper but feels wrong in your soul—and how a couple of chance encounters cracked his world wide open. If you’re feeling stuck, restless, or wondering—‘is this all there is?’—this conversation will show you what becomes possible when you take the first brave step toward change.

As a professional writer, teacher, spiritual coach, poet and author, Steve Vincent brings more than 33 years of experience to the table to help others overcome their challenges and live their dharma. A lover of sunsets, his search for the truth of our human existence has stretched from the sands of the Sunshine Coast to the hot springs of New Zealand, to the Peruvian Amazon for ayahuasca ceremonies, and has included many an energetic healing online and in person, and long hours alone pondering the meaning of life.

Originally a high school teacher, faculty head and vice principal then freelance journalist, copywriter, writing coach and marketing consultant, his journey inwards via his popular book “Finding You” has unlocked the pain of the human experience, which emerges in his words that are said to move women to tears and make men squirm. Steve has spoken to audiences as large as 1500 and has coached groups of all ages and sizes. He appears on a weekly international spiritual broadcast and contributes to several weekly self-improvement movements.  

A father of 4 now adult children, he lives on the sub-tropical Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia and when not writing and mentoring others, can be found at one of the beautiful local beaches communing with Mother Earth or gazing out to sea.

What if the life you built—stable, successful, and safe—started to feel like a cage? This week’s guest, Steve Vincent, opens up about his courageous midlife transformation from high school vice principal to successful freelance copywriter. From the outside, Steve had it all: a leadership role in education, a loving family with four kids, a nice home by the water. But internally, he was wrestling with the quiet sadness of a life that felt too small for his spirit. In this conversation, Steve shares how he stopped ignoring that still, small voice and instead let it guide him toward a radically different—and much more fulfilling—path.

• 🌏 Growing up in Brisbane, Australia, with Catholic roots, and how early conditioning shaped his beliefs about success and security
• 
  
• 🧠 The subtle but persistent feeling that “this isn’t working anymore”—and the deep sadness that came with pretending it was
• 
  
• ✨ The power of seemingly small moments—like a passing comment at a seminar—that can flip the switch and open up new possibilities
• 
  
• 💼 How Steve used long service leave to “test drive” his dream of being a full-time copywriter
• 
  
• 🔄 The importance of motion: why getting unstuck often starts with simply doing something new
• 
  
• 🧘‍♂️ Emotional wisdom: learning to accept all of life’s seasons—and finding peace even in discomfort
• 
  
• 📋 A practical technique from Abraham Hicks—the “Placemat Process”—that helped Steve manage overwhelm and shift energy (and that Stephanie plans to try herself!)
• 
  

Steve’s story is a beautiful reminder that courage doesn’t always look like a dramatic leap—it often starts with a whisper in your soul and a single, intentional step forward. If you’re feeling stuck, take a cue from Steve: get into motion. Go to the seminar. Read the book. Take the quiet time. And trust that the next piece of your path will appear. If this episode spoke to you, please rate, follow, and leave a review—we love hearing how these conversations are landing with you.

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Download Stephanie’s guide to the Ick to diagnose whether you or someone you love is suffering from this insidious midlife malaise. www.thebigfouroh.com/ick

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When Amita Sharma hit her 40s, her body started betraying her—crippling fatigue, brain fog, and relentless hot flashes—but doctors told her she was "fine." Frustrated and desperate for answers, she turned to holistic medicine, unknowingly setting herself on a path to revolutionize women's health. Amita shares her eye-opening journey through perimenopause, the shocking gaps in medical knowledge, and how she’s building a platform to give women affordable access to holistic care. If you’ve ever felt dismissed by doctors or struggled to make sense of your changing body, this episode is a must-listen.

Amita is co-founder of NourishDoc, a global holistic wellness platform for women to manage their hormone transition from PMS to Postmenopause. Inspired by her perimenopausal journey and working in the high tech world, she felt unsupported and a need to bring the taboo topic of perimenopause at the workplace for an open discussion. In her experience of going through perimenopause, keeping it a secret added more stress to the perimenopause state. She is on a mission to make this taboo topic be part of DEI, health equity at work for women in their 40's who feel that they cannot discuss this with HR or their colleagues.

For years, Amita Sharma was a high-achieving professional balancing a demanding career in the tech industry with the responsibilities of motherhood. But as she entered her 40s, her body started sending distress signals—chronic fatigue, brain fog, erratic cycles, and mood swings—yet every doctor she saw insisted she was "normal." Frustrated and exhausted, Amita took matters into her own hands, diving deep into holistic medicine, Ayurveda, and functional health. What started as a personal journey to reclaim her vitality soon transformed into a mission to educate and empower other women. Now, through her platform, NourishDoc, Amita is revolutionizing access to credible, affordable, holistic health solutions for perimenopause and beyond.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• 🌿 The wake-up call: Amita’s debilitating fatigue and how doctors dismissed her symptoms
• 🔥 The boardroom battle: Experiencing severe hot flashes in high-pressure corporate meetings
• 🎓 From architecture to tech to holistic health: Amita’s unconventional career path
• 🧠 Why brain fog and exhaustion aren’t "just stress"—and what your doctor might not tell you
• 🔍 The shocking lack of research and education around women’s health post-reproduction
• 🤝 How Amita’s interviews with 3,000+ holistic health experts led to the creation of NourishDoc

 Amita’s story is a powerful reminder that, at midlife, you can turn your breakdown into a breakthrough. By questioning the status quo and seeking out alternative solutions, she found a path to healing that mainstream medicine had overlooked. If you’ve ever felt dismissed or unheard when it comes to your health, this episode is for you. Tune in, take notes, and most importantly, know that you’re not alone.

 ✨ Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to rate, follow, and review The Big Four Oh Podcast! Your support helps us bring more important conversations like this to the world. 💙

NourishDoc platform

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Naomi Kreske thought she had built the perfect life—marriage, kids, and the white picket fence dream. But when her marriage crumbled, she found herself stuck in survival mode, barely holding it all together. For years, she unknowingly repeated the same patterns—ignoring her needs, attracting unhealthy relationships, and staying in a job that drained her. Everything changed when she realized the problem wasn’t just external—it was who she was being. In this episode, Naomi shares how she finally broke free, rebuilt her life on her own terms, and found love again—this time, the right kind. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a life that doesn’t quite fit, this conversation is for you.

Guest Bio

I’m Naomi Kreske, a certified life coach, founder of Keep Finding You life coaching, wife, and mother of four. I'm passionate about helping women transform their lives: finding out who they are, what they want and how to get there. After facing one of life’s toughest challenges—divorce—and rebuilding my life from the ground up, I’ve learned how to move from survival mode to truly thriving. It was an aha moment that changed everything for me, and now I have a career I love, a fulfilling marriage, and a life of purpose and happiness. My mission is to help other women find their own aha moment—empowering those who feel stuck, frustrated, and unfulfilled to take charge of their lives. Through my coaching, I help them keep finding themselves.

Naomi Kreske thought she was living the dream—married young, staying home to raise raising three kids, and following the storybook life she always envisioned. But when her marriage unraveled, she found herself unexpectedly lost, navigating single motherhood, financial hardship, and an emotional tailspin that lasted years. Stuck in survival mode, Naomi unknowingly built walls around herself, attracting the wrong relationships and feeling disconnected from her own happiness. It wasn’t until she had a major wake-up call—thanks to a book that hit her like a lightning bolt—that she realized the problem wasn’t just external. It was time to rebuild, redefine, and create Naomi 2.0. This is the story of how she did it.

• How Naomi’s picture-perfect life began to crumble and why she felt like a failure.
• The slow slide into survival mode and how it shaped her relationships, career, and sense of self.
• The pivotal moment that made her realize she had to change who she was being in order to attract the life she wanted.
• The boundaries she set to stop accepting less than she deserved.
• Her journey out of the restaurant business she co-owned with her ex-husband and into a career she loves.
• How she found love—for real this time—after years of dating the wrong people.
• What happiness looks like now and why she’s more fulfilled than ever.

Naomi’s story is a powerful reminder that transformation doesn’t happen overnight, and sometimes, the hardest part is realizing that you have to change before your life can. It took years of struggle, self-discovery, and bold decisions, but Naomi came out the other side happier, more fulfilled, and aligned with her true self. Her story proves that even after years of surviving, you can still learn to thrive.

✨ If you loved this episode, please take a moment to rate, follow, and review The Big Four Oh Podcast! It helps more people find stories like Naomi’s that might just be the push they need. 💛

Naomi’s Midweek Find Newsletter

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📖 I'm Done by Lucy Shahjahan – The book that changed everything for Naomi

📖 Two Weeks Notice by Amy Porterfield – The book that gave her the courage to leave her job

Download Stephanie’s guide to the Ick to diagnose whether you or someone you love is suffering from this insidious midlife malaise. www.thebigfouroh.com/ick  

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In this bonus episode of the Big Four Oh Podcast, Steph delves deeper into themes discussed with Shā Sparks, focusing on the concepts of releasing the need for understanding to heal, and the importance of positive self-talk. Steph shares additional stories from previous guests, Julie Hutsell Starling (episode 99) and Jeff Glauser (episode 96), to illustrate these powerful transformation tools. Explore the concept of letting go of seeking closure and instead take actionable steps towards a better future, while also transforming internal dialogue to foster personal growth and healing. Steph encourages listeners to consider how they can apply these insights in their own lives.

Download Stephanie’s guide to the Ick to diagnose whether you or someone you love is suffering from this insidious midlife malaise. www.thebigfouroh.com/ick

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Shā Sparks’ midlife transformation was about breaking free—from toxic relationships, self-doubt, and the need for closure. After years in an abusive relationship, she realized she didn’t need answers or closure to heal—she just needed to walk away. Letting go of the “why” allowed her to move forward and build a life rooted in self-worth rather than past wounds. A big part of that journey was changing her self-talk—shifting from harsh self-judgment to a more compassionate view. Now, in her 40s, she’s thriving. Her story is a reminder that healing isn’t about understanding the past—it’s about reclaiming your future.

As the CEO (Chief Excitement Officer) of Sparks of Fire International, Shā hosts her signature podcast, The Shā Sparks Show and is co-host of UnderWired podcast. She is also a Master Practitioner of NLP, Hypnosis, Reiki, Mental and Emotional Release, a Certified Fearless Living Coach and Trainer, the author of How to Get Your Voice Back, and the Co-Founder of the FIRESTARTERS Project.

At 16, Shā Sparks found herself at rock bottom—arrested for a DUI and facing the reality of a life shaped by addiction, abuse, and deep emotional wounds. But that moment of humiliation was also the spark that ignited her journey toward healing. In this episode, she shares her incredible story of resilience, the power of breaking cycles, and how she found real love—not just in others, but within herself.

Episode Highlights:

• The defining moment at 16 that changed the trajectory of Sha’s life.
• How childhood trauma shaped her early years and led to self-destructive habits.
• The pivotal decision to quit drinking at 25—and the surprising catalyst behind it.
• What kept her stuck in an abusive relationship for 12 years, and what finally set her free.
• How journaling and gratitude helped her regain control over her life.
• The profound realization that changed her understanding of love and relationships.
• Why she believes healing starts with the way we speak to ourselves.

Shā’s story reminds us that healing isn’t about understanding why bad things happened—it’s about learning to let go and move forward. If you’re struggling to break free from patterns that no longer serve you, this conversation may be the push you need to start rewriting your story.

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate, follow, and review The Big Four Oh Podcast! Your support helps us continue bringing you inspiring conversations like this one. 🎙✨

Shā’s Gift To TBFO Listeners: Complimentary Release Your Addiction Meditation

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Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend – A must-read for anyone struggling to set healthy limits in relationships.

Women Who Love Too Much by Robin Norwood – A book that sheds light on how childhood experiences influence our adult relationships.

Download Stephanie’s guide to the Ick to diagnose whether you or someone you love is suffering from this insidious midlife malaise. www.thebigfouroh.com/ick

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In this episode, Stephanie talks to Marcy Langlois, who shares her extraordinary story of resilience and recovery. Born with a cleft lip and palate requiring multiple surgeries, Marcy grew up in a chaotic household and struggled with addiction following a life-altering car accident. Her story explores the impact of trauma on physical health, including her struggles with mast cell activation syndrome and chronic infections. Marcy explains how she transformed her life through neuroplasticity and nervous system work, ultimately achieving a state of health and vitality. Her journey highlights the intertwining of mental, emotional, and physical healing and the continuous effort required to maintain wellness.

Guest Bio

Marcy Langlois is a trauma survivor and chronic illness warrior, 20+ years into her sobriety journey. She shares tips and tools accumulated from a lifetime of work to help others live beyond their limits through her coaching practice, social media posts and some freebies on her website. Online classes are coming soon!

In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Marcy Langlois to explore her story of survival, transformation, and healing. After a childhood marked by medical challenges, family instability, and a battle with addiction, she found sobriety—only to face a new and terrifying crisis in her mid-40s when her body began to shut down. Diagnosed with mast cell activation syndrome and histamine intolerance, Marcy was bedridden for 40 days, grappling with allergic reactions to everything in her environment—including her own thoughts. But through deep inner work, rewiring her brain, and healing her nervous system, she emerged healthier and stronger than ever.

Episode Highlights:

• A childhood shaped by medical challenges – Born with a cleft lip and palate, Marcy endured 20 surgeries between birth and age 18, and a difficult upbringing in a home affected by addiction and instability.
• The impact of unprocessed trauma – How childhood survival mechanisms carried into adulthood, leading to addiction and self-destructive patterns.
• The breaking point – At 45, Marcy’s body rebelled, leaving her unable to function and suffering from life-threatening reactions to food, stress, and even her own thoughts.
• Rewiring the brain for healing – Marcy shares how she used neuroplasticity and what she calls the "cancel method" to retrain her mind and shift her body's response to stress.
• The power of nervous system regulation – Understanding the difference between fight-flight-freeze and rest-digest-heal, and how true healing can’t happen until the body feels safe.
• Energy and frequency in healing – Why raising the body's energetic vibration was a crucial final step in Marcy’s recovery.
• Life after transformation – How Marcy is now thriving, free of chronic illness, and living with vitality and purpose.

Marcy’s story is a testament to the incredible resilience of the human body and spirit. Her journey from a lifetime of trauma and illness to vibrant health is inspiring proof that healing is possible, even when all seems lost. Tune in to hear how she transformed her life—and take away powerful lessons on the mind-body connection.

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate, follow, and review the podcast—it helps us reach more listeners on their own journeys of transformation!

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Download Stephanie’s guide to the Ick to diagnose whether you or someone you love is suffering from this insidious midlife malaise. www.thebigfouroh.com/ick  

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Steph delves into Emily Hall's emotional story, where she reveals how she tied her self-worth to societal milestones like marriage and having kids, leading to an identity crisis fueled by low self-esteem. Through self-reflection and a pivotal conversation with a friend, Emily began to reshape her internal dialogue, shifting her belief system to value her resilience and inner strength. Steph elaborates on the concept of self-worth, offering practical steps to cultivate a more compassionate and empowering self-identity while warning against harsh inner critics and social comparisons. The transformation Emily underwent highlights the importance of building self-worth from within, ultimately leading to a life aligned with your true values and passions.

Download Stephanie’s guide to the Ick to diagnose whether you or someone you love is suffering from this insidious midlife malaise. www.thebigfouroh.com/ick  

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In this episode of The Big Four Oh Podcast, Stephanie talks to Emily Hall, who shares her remarkable journey through tumultuous life experiences, including a toxic childhood, substance abuse, near-death experiences, and codependent relationships. Emily opens up about her emotional breakdown on her 40th birthday and the pivotal moment she realized she needed to change her life. Through intense self-work, therapy, and a transformational shift in mindset, she managed to build a fulfilling life, focusing on her passions and helping others with binge eating disorders. Her candid recounting of her struggle and triumphs offers invaluable insights into the power of self-love and resilience.

Guest Bio

Would you choose chocolate over your eyesight? It’s a hard no, right? So, why was Emily Hall’s answer a ‘Yes’?

After losing the sight permanently in her left eye as a result of her binge eating (yes, chocolate came first) and several other significant events including surviving a suicide attempt, Emily decided that enough was enough and went on a quest for happiness and self-acceptance. Ditching the traditional ways of self-healing Emily began to realise that only she could change the self-sabotaging patterns that were holding her back.

Now an award-winning hypnotherapist and coach, Emily works with women around the world to help stop them binge eating, overeating and emotional eating just by changing how they think. She has unrivalled success in her field, getting her clients food freedom for good and loving themselves naked (!) in just a matter of weeks.

Emily has been featured on the BBC, GB News, The Sun, The Daily Mail, The Mirror, The Express, Yahoo and MSN to name a few, talking about this subject. Her aim is to eliminate the stigma of overeating, emotional eating and weight issues and help educate people that diets are not the answer, and that it’s not even about food.

Emily Hall's 40th birthday wasn’t the celebration she imagined—it was a breaking point. Years of trauma, toxic relationships, and personal struggles finally brought her to tears. But instead of staying broken, Emily embarked on a journey of self-discovery, confronting her deepest fears and limiting beliefs. From near-death experiences and a crushing heartbreak to a triumphant reinvention, Emily now helps others heal from disordered eating and internal battles. Join us as she shares the raw and emotional story behind her incredible transformation.

Episode Highlights

• Emily's traumatic childhood led to years of self-destructive behavior.
• A toxic relationship and unmet life expectations triggered her 40th birthday breakdown.
• She endured near-death experiences, which shaped but didn't define her transformation.
• Codependency and low self-worth influenced many of her relationships.
• When her life imploded, Emily reached a crossroads with only three options—one of which saved her life.
• Her healing process included retraining her internal dialogue, engaging with forward-thinking coaches, and cutting out toxic influences.
• Emily has since built a successful business helping women overcome disordered eating by addressing deep-seated self-beliefs.

Emily’s story is a powerful reminder that life’s toughest challenges can be the catalyst for incredible growth. Through deep inner work and self-compassion, she has found peace, success, and a new purpose. If you’ve ever felt stuck in negative patterns, Emily’s experience might offer the insight and inspiration you need to move forward.

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, and review the podcast! It helps us reach more listeners on their paths of transformation.

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Download Stephanie’s guide to the Ick to diagnose whether you or someone you love is suffering from this insidious midlife malaise. It’s one of the first signs of a midlife transition.  www.thebigfouroh/ick

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Today, Philip Blackett reflects on his upbringing in the South, growing up with a single mother, and the pivotal roles his grandparents played in shaping his values. As he navigates midlife, Philip reveals how his faith has become his core anchor following the deaths of his grandparents. He shares the challenges of running a business that closed during the pandemic and how this impacted his identity. The conversation explores the complexities of being a recovering people-pleaser, the lessons learned from his failures, and the quest for deeper connections. Philip emphasizes the role of faith, perseverance, and perspective in overcoming obstacles and building a meaningful life.

Guest Bio

Philip Blackett is an author, consultant and entrepreneur who previously has worked with FedEx, Goldman Sachs, Bank of America and Chick-Fil-A. He got his Masters of Divinity degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, his MBA from Harvard Business School and his Bachelor’s Degree majoring in Political Science and Economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

In this episode, Philip Blackett joins Stephanie to share his journey through midlife transformation as he approaches his 40th birthday. With candor and vulnerability, Philip reflects on how his upbringing, faith, and personal losses have shaped his values and priorities. From grappling with the identity challenges of closing a business to finding strength in his faith and family, Philip's story is a reminder of the resilience and courage it takes to embrace life’s transitions.

Episode Highlights:

• The Power of Legacy: Philip's reflections on wanting to be a present and protective father and husband, drawing inspiration from his grandfather's example.
• Faith as a Lifelong Anchor: How losing loved ones led Philip to shift his sense of self-worth from external validation to a deep reliance on faith.
• Navigating Major Transitions: The emotional and practical challenges of closing a business during the pandemic and relocating his family to start anew.
• Embracing Vulnerability: How sharing failures and struggles can create deeper, more meaningful connections with others.
• Lessons in Resilience: Understanding that life’s detours, setbacks, and endings are part of a greater process leading to growth and renewal.
• The Middle Space: Stephanie and Philip discuss the "gray area" of transitions—navigating life between endings and new beginnings.
• Bravery in Connection: Why building trust and relationships requires courage and perseverance, even after setbacks.

Resources Mentioned:

• Books: Transitions by William Bridges

Today, Philip Blackett opens up about the highs and lows of navigating midlife. From the emotional toll of business closure to finding a renewed sense of purpose through his faith, Philip’s reflections are both grounding and inspiring. His story encourages listeners to embrace life’s transitions, lean on their inner strength, and focus on the legacy they want to leave behind. Whether you’re in the middle of your own “gray space” or simply seeking motivation, this episode is full of wisdom and hope.

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Download Stephanie’s guide to the Ick to diagnose whether you or someone you love is suffering from this insidious midlife malaise. www.thebigfouroh.com/ick

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After 115 episodes, Forty Drinks is relaunching as The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40. The podcast maintains the same mission and focus, but will move forward under a new name with the goal of reaching a wider audience with the message of transition at midlife. 

This podcast is about transitions, and specifically the ones that we go through sometime around age 40, those internal shifts that we make, where we start to see and interact with the world differently. 

I will continue to bring you stories of transition, of transformation, of stepping into power and wisdom and purpose and fulfillment.  I will continue to discern the commonalities among these individual transitions.  I will continue to develop a framework for identifying when you've entered your transitional phase and how to make your way through it without making as much of a mess of it as I did.  And I will work to uncover the keys to doing just that. Welcome to The Big Four Oh. 

Stephanie McLaughlin is a marketer and podcaster who is captivated about the transition many of us go through around age 40. Stephanie celebrated her 40th birthday by having 40 drinks with 40 people in 40 different places. Each drink had some thematic connection to her friend or their relationship. What began as a ridiculous way to celebrate the milestone birthday ultimately revealed itself as a powerful, soul-searching journey that changed her life profoundly. This was the dawn of her interest in the shift so

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In this episode, Stephanie talks to Marc Scheff about the midlife transitions experienced around the age of 40. They discuss Mark’s journey, including incidents that led him to take up jiu jitsu, his shifting dreams, and his struggles with toxic work environments. The conversation highlights the importance of introspection, updating old dreams, listening to inner voices, and having the courage to start anew. They also explore the challenges of people-pleasing, resistance to change, and the process of finding joy and fulfillment in midlife.

Guest Bio

Marc Scheff is a visionary coach dedicated to guiding mid-life professionals on a profound inner journey. With his expertise, individuals break through barriers, transcending self-limiting beliefs to unlock the full spectrum of their capabilities. Marc's transformative coaching goes beyond the visual arts, resonating with a diverse array of creative minds, empowering them to architect their own narrative and flourish in their professional endeavors.

He has won awards for his painting, photography, and coaching and can be found at https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcscheff/

Marc Scheff joins Stephanie to share his midlife transformation, a journey that includes personal growth, family grounding, and unexpected turns like picking up Jiu-Jitsu at age 41. Marc’s story dives deep into the cyclical nature of life, the power of self-awareness, and the unexpected ways our paths reveal themselves when we’re open to change.

At 35, Marc noticed small shifts—hangovers with just one drink, a desire for deeper meaning, and growing roots in New York with his wife and child. By midlife, he faced challenges that forced him to reimagine his career, joy, and purpose. From running an arts retreat to coaching others through transformation, Marc’s journey highlights the importance of listening to intuition, trying new things, and honoring evolving dreams.

Highlights:

• Marc’s insight into life as a series of 7-year cycles of growth and change.
• The pivotal shift at 35: the emergence of roots, responsibility, and self-reflection.
• His journey from professional art to founding an arts retreat center—and how it unexpectedly fell apart.
• How Jiu-Jitsu at 41 taught Marc to leave his ego at the door and embrace starting as a beginner.
• The “formula for change”: dissatisfaction, vision, and small first steps.
• The realization that evolving dreams are just as valid as old ones.
• Marc’s transition to a career in coaching, helping others design and activate their next chapter.

Marc’s transformation demonstrates the power of midlife reflection. From his days as an artist to embracing coaching, Marc learned that evolving goals and dreams are not failures—they’re part of the journey. His story shows that midlife offers a chance to reorient, reflect, and reignite our purpose. Tune in for a conversation about resilience, self-discovery, and the courage to start anew, whether it’s a new hobby, career, or way of thinking.

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, and review the podcast to support us and hear more inspiring midlife transformations!

Marc’s Unleash Creativity Club

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Download Stephanie’s guide to the Ick to diagnose whether you or someone you love is suffering from this insidious midlife malaise. www.fortydrinks.com/ick  

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The Forty Drinks Podcast is produced and presented by Savoir Faire Marketing/Communications

Gabby Gilliam shares her experience of navigating through multiple losses, career transitions, moves, and personal growth from her early 30s to her early 40s. She talks about her late start in becoming a parent, the numerous moves her family made, and the struggles she encountered in finding a job after relocating. Gabby delves into the profound impact of her father's rapid decline and passing, followed by the subsequent losses of other close family members within a short span. Despite these challenges, Gabby finds solace in her writing, support from her sisters, and the drive to show her son resilience. She also discusses the perspective shifts that these experiences brought into her life, emphasizing the importance of focusing on joy over adhering to societal 'shoulds.'

Gabby Gilliam is a writer, a teacher, and a mom. She lives in the DC metro area with her husband and son. She is a founding member of the Old Scratch Short Form Collective. Her first chapbook, No Ocean Spit Me Out, was released in June 2024 from Old Scratch Press. Her novella duology, Drumming for the Dead: Trouble in Tomsk and Drumming for the Dead: Chasing a Cure were released from Black Hare Press. Her poetry and fiction has appeared online and in multiple anthologies.

Gabby Gilliam talks about how she navigated a whirlwind of grief, including the loss of her father and several other loved ones in a short time, and rediscovering her identity through writing and teaching. Gabby’s story reminds us of the strength we can find amidst profound challenges. She opens up about her 40s arriving with unexpected hardships but also with clarity and purpose, reshaping how she approaches life, work, and joy.

Episode Highlights:

• Gabby's early 30s were shaped by frequent moves, career shifts, and adjusting to motherhood.
• The profound impact of losing her father and how it marked her 40th birthday.
• Coping with compounded losses in a short time, including family members and close friends.
• Writing as a lifeline: Gabby’s use of poetry and storytelling to process grief and find healing.
• How loss shifted Gabby’s perspective on rules, priorities, and the “shoulds” in life.
• Her commitment to focusing on joy and meaningful experiences over perfection.

In this candid conversation, Gabby reflects on the transformative period of her 30s and early 40s, shaped by loss, creativity, and resilience. Her story is a testament to the power of finding clarity through adversity, redefining personal priorities, and embracing joy amidst life's unpredictability. Gabby's journey is sure to inspire anyone navigating their own transitions and challenges.

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, and review the podcast to support more inspiring conversations like this one!

Gabby’s Author Website

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Download Stephanie’s guide to the Ick to diagnose whether you or someone you love is suffering from this insidious midlife malaise. www.fortydrinks.com/ick

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In this episode of the Forty Drinks Podcast, Stephanie interviews Meredith and Craig Bennett, her first dual interview guests, about their shared midlife transition. The couple discusses their background, how perfectionism and societal expectations shaped their early lives, and how a pivotal moment led them to make significant life changes during the pandemic. They delve into their journey of personal growth, self-discovery, and the deep work they've done to redefine their identities and values, both as individuals and as a couple. Their story highlights the power of intuition, vulnerability, and the importance of working on oneself as well as one's relationship. Now, as marriage coaches, they help others navigate similar transitions, focusing on relationships and personal fulfillment.

We are Meredith & Craig. We left the 9-to-5 corporate grind right around our 40th birthdays, to become full time entrepreneurs...and had no idea what we were doing. We knew we were unhappy and unfulfilled in our corporate careers and that life is just too short for that. So we made a massive change, left our corporate careers without a plan. And promptly fell on our faces. We picked ourselves up, found our purpose and along the way created a rock solid marriage... that we believe is the cheat code for leveling up all areas of life. We love helping others get that part of their lives exactly where they’ve always wanted it, so they can go out and crush the rest of their lives too.

Meredith and Craig Bennett’s journey is one of transformation, courage, and deep connection. Facing a midlife turning point together, they left behind stable corporate careers, ventured into personal growth, and emerged as partners in life and business. Their story is about finding themselves, rebuilding their identities, and embracing vulnerability—all while strengthening their marriage.

Episode Highlights:

• Breaking free from the “default life”: Meredith and Craig shared how they challenged societal expectations, left secure corporate jobs, and explored paths more aligned with their values and dreams.
• Facing fears head-on: Both admitted to grappling with perfectionism, fear of failure, and external validation, but they worked to unlearn limiting beliefs.
• Reinvention through personal growth: A six-month journey of self-discovery led to insights about their identities, strengths, and life aspirations, helping them transition into marriage coaching.
• Navigating transitions as a team: They highlighted the power of shared growth, common language, and accountability in creating a strong, resilient partnership.
• Lessons in vulnerability and connection: From journaling practices to unlearning negative self-talk, they shared tools and insights that strengthened both their individual selves and their relationship.
• Becoming coaches: Inspired by their transformative journey and feedback from peers, they now help others build stronger relationships and navigate personal growth.
• Embracing their next big chapter: Writing a book and continuing their growth journey is their focus, showcasing the importance of lifelong learning and entrepreneurship.

Meredith and Craig Bennett share how midlife transitions reshaped their lives and marriage. Their journey reveals the power of self-discovery, the importance of shared growth, and the courage it takes to rewrite your story. From breaking free of societal norms to navigating challenges together, they model what’s possible when you trust your intuition and prioritize what truly matters. Meredith and Craig’s honesty and insights offer listeners valuable lessons for their own transformations.

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, and review the podcast. Your support helps us share more stories of midlife transformations!

Craig & Meredith’s website, Road of Life Coaching

Download Stephanie’s guide to the Ick to diagnose whether you or someone you love is suffering from this insidious midlife malaise. www.fortydrinks.com/ick

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Today, Laurie-Ann Murabito shares her midlife transition journey, beginning in her early 30s working in healthcare; meeting and losing her husband Bob to cancer after being married less than a year; and the profound personal growth that followed. She tells us about her experience as a leadership speaker, the challenges she faced, and how a crucial text message redirected her professional path towards helping others craft impactful speeches. Laurie Ann acknowledges the importance of optimism, resilience, and the pivotal moments that led to finding love again with her current husband, Mike.

Laurie-Ann Murabito, Speaking & Visibility Coach is a reformed painfully shy gal who works with motivated business owners to leverage speaking opportunities to get credibility, sell out their high-end programs and monetize their authority. She combines her years as an award winning professional speaker, executive leadership coach and having started three successful businesses from the ground up. Besides helping her clients get positioned as the expert in their industry and building a profitable business that aligns with their purpose; she’s the best selling author of Rethink Leadership and Rethink Your Leadership. A few of her clients are Johnson & Johnson, American Cancer Society, Baystate Wealth and Bali Mastermind by Sabrina Philipp. To learn more, visit her website at SpeakAndStandOut.com.

Laurie-Ann Murabito shares her journey of love, loss, and reinvention in this episode. Once a healthcare professional, Laurie-Ann faced one of life’s greatest challenges when she became a widow at just 36. Her story doesn’t stop there—as she transformed her life into one filled with purpose and empowerment. From navigating grief to finding love again, and ultimately discovering her true calling as a speaking coach, Laurie-Ann reminds us that life’s toughest chapters can lead to its most fulfilling rewards.

Episode Highlights

• Laurie-Ann’s early career in healthcare and her realization that she wasn’t meant for a traditional corporate structure.
• The whirlwind romance with her first husband, Bob, and the profound lessons she learned during his illness and passing.
• How Laurie-Ann channeled optimism and resilience to guide herself and others through one of the hardest periods of her life.
• Her journey into the world of public speaking and the challenges of navigating this new career path.
• The moment a serendipitous text message changed her life, leading her to her true passion as a speaking coach for small business owners.
• Finding love again with her husband, Mike, and the lessons she learned about partnership and self-sufficiency.
• The metaphor of “going through the mud” and embracing life’s messiness as a path to greater self-discovery and fulfillment.

In this heartfelt conversation, Laurie-Ann Murabito opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped her midlife transformation. From navigating loss to discovering her voice and purpose, she shares wisdom on resilience, following life’s breadcrumbs, and learning to embrace the messy middle. Laurie-Ann’s story is a testament to the beauty of reinvention and finding fulfillment on the other side of life’s challenges.

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, and review the podcast—it helps others find the show and share in these transformative conversations!

Free Resource for Forty Drinks Listeners: The Directory of Places to Speak

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Download Stephanie’s guide to the Ick to diagnose whether you or someone you love is suffering from this insidious midlife malaise. www.fortydrinks.com/ick  

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Dr. Mort Orman discusses his personal journey with anger management. Despite being a successful physician, Mort struggled with deep-seated anger issues that began in his college years. Through personal development and significant breakthroughs, Mort discovered the internal filters driving his anger and devised methods to control it. He emphasizes the importance of understanding our unconscious habits and philosophies to achieve better emotional health. Mort's insights provide actionable steps for anyone grappling with anger.

Guest Bio

Dr. Mort Orman, M.D. is an internal medicine physician and a 40-year anger elimination and stress elimination expert. He has written 23 books on how to eliminate anger and stress without using drugs, relaxation exercises or other traditional management techniques. He is creator of the 10-session Angry No More anger elimination program, the Anger Internal Causes Framework, and The Ultimate Anger Elimination System. Dr. Orman has led more than 100 anger and stress elimination workshops for doctors, nurses, lawyers, business owners, entrepreneurs, other professionals, the clergy, and even the F.B.I. He has also been the official sponsor of National Stress Awareness Month in the U.S. every April since 1992. His newest book is “Dr. Orman’s Life-Changing Anger Cure: Eliminate Unwanted Anger, Without Anger Management, So You Can Be Happier, Healthier, and Don’t End Up Alone.”

In this episode, Dr. Mort Orman, a physician with over 50 years of experience, dives into the nuances of anger—how it forms, why it persists, and how we can finally let go of it. Dr. Mort shares his journey from being a hot-headed young adult who had difficulty in relationships to discovering how deeply ingrained habits and unchallenged beliefs fueled his anger. Through his midlife transformation, he unveils the three "filters" that distort our perceptions and lead us into anger, showing how uncovering and questioning these can profoundly change our lives.

Episode Highlights:

• Dr. Mort’s early struggles with anger and how it developed into a habitual response in his relationships and professional life.
• The transformative conversation with a college professor that shifted his career path and opened his mind to new possibilities.
• How anger negatively impacts health, relationships, and overall well-being.
• The three filters that create anger: (1) judging someone’s actions as “bad or wrong,” (2) feeling personally harmed, and (3) blaming the other party as solely responsible.
• The importance of recognizing that anger comes from within and is often based on distorted perceptions rather than external events.
• Dr. Mort’s unique “experiment” with marathon running to explore personal development principles and his eventual breakthroughs in overcoming anger and other limiting beliefs.
• Practical advice on how to cultivate patience and awareness to rewire our responses to anger triggers.

Dr. Mort Orman reveals his personal and professional journey in understanding and ultimately conquering anger. Through exploring internal triggers and debunking the common belief that external events are the sole cause of anger, he offers a clear path to lasting change. His practical and thought-provoking insights are a must-listen for anyone seeking to create healthier relationships and improve their mental well-being. Don’t forget to rate, follow, and review if you enjoyed the episode!

Dr. Orman's Life-Changing Anger Cure on Amazon

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The Best Anger Elimination Method You Can Find

Download Stephanie’s guide to the Ick to diagnose whether you or someone you love is suffering from this insidious midlife malaise. www.fortydrinks.com/ick

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In this episode of the Forty Drinks Podcast, Fran Caudron opens up about her upbringing in a strict Catholic family, her early marriage to an addict, and the subsequent emotional turmoil. She discusses how her deep dive into different spiritual paths, including evangelical Christianity and a transformative retreat, helped her rediscover hope and strength. Fran also highlights the importance of community, the powerful impact of somatic experiences, and the lifelong process of self-improvement through programs like the 12-step initiative. Fran’s story illustrates the ongoing journey towards inner peace and happiness.

Fran Caudron spent a 34 year career as a highly skilled, creative, and motivated master elementary educator in Northern Alberta, Canada; from which she recently retired and continues to work as an adult educator and healer through hypnotherapy.

She is humbled and fortunate to have had a wealth of collaborative opportunities working alongside Indigenous elders and community leaders. Open minded and responsive to the impact and influence of culture, experiences and family on student learners, she has a proven success rate at supporting and teaching diverse learners and Indigenous students. Her leadership is based on collegiality, creativity and awareness. 

With a strong background in teaching Indigenous students and diverse students from high risk environments, her pedagogy aligns with the holism of mind-body-spirit, and how students, parents and the community can teach educators, and together, heal the education system.

Fran experienced intense internal spiritual growth through surrendering to the 12 step program of recovery, and furthered her growth with a masters in Religious Education. She is a trained hypnotherapist and in her weekly vlog called “Hopenning” she interviews authors and healers who promote hope and inner spirit healing.

Today, Fran thrives by creating an attitude and environment of gratitude, resilience, and forgiveness. She teaches pre-service teachers from Indigenous and other backgrounds through the University of Alberta on-line and next September, in-person and she continues to promote recovery through her work with the 12 steps and by healing the inner child.

Fran Caudron joins Stephanie to share her story of resilience and transformation after leaving a controlling marriage marred by addiction and betrayal. Raised in a traditional Catholic family and influenced by evangelical beliefs, Fran initially felt trapped in a life that didn’t align with her true self. Her story unfolds as she learns to break free from deeply ingrained beliefs, rebuild her identity, and find healing through a weeklong retreat, spiritual exploration, and the strength of community. This episode dives deep into themes of accountability, self-love, and the power of somatic experiences in processing buried emotions.

Episode Highlights:

• Roots of Restriction: Fran’s upbringing in a strict Catholic family and subsequent involvement in evangelical Christianity added layers of control and suppression, especially around the roles of women and the stigma of divorce.
• Marriage as a “Fix”: In her early twenties, Fran believed marriage and children could “fix” existing relationship issues, a notion that only led to deeper despair.
• The Breaking Point: At 38, Fran’s discovery of her husband’s infidelity was the final push she needed to seek a new life for herself and her daughters.
• Healing Through Retreat: A transformative retreat on Vancouver Island introduced Fran to somatic healing, where she learned to process and release her pent-up anger and pain, finding solidarity with others who shared similar emotional struggles.
• Building a New Life: With the support of a 12-step program, Fran redefined her values and set boundaries that allowed her to grow spiritually and emotionally, despite her husband’s attempts to regain control.
• Integrating Spirituality: Fran found solace in her Catholic roots while exploring a broader, more personal spirituality that didn’t rely solely on religious dogma, adopting a "take what resonates, leave the rest" approach to her faith.
• Puzzle Pieces of Self: Fran shares how life’s lessons and experiences are pieces of a puzzle, each adding depth to the picture of our best selves, a theme that resonates with the mission of the Forty Drinks Podcast.

Today's episode with Fran is a powerful exploration of how personal crises can lead to profound growth and transformation. Fran’s journey went from a life of restrictive beliefs and a toxic marriage to self-liberation and spiritual growth. Through somatic experiences, supportive communities, and a redefined relationship with her faith, Fran reclaims her life. Her continued commitment to her faith, while also embracing new methods of healing, offers a unique perspective on navigating life's toughest challenges. 

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate, follow, and review "The Forty Drinks Podcast"!

Fran’s Hypnotherapy Website 

Fran’s podcast, the Hopenning 

Find Fran on Instagram 

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Name/Title: Fran Caudron - Inspired Healing Hypnotherapy

URL: https://inhealtherapy.com/

Download Stephanie’s guide to the Ick to diagnose whether you or someone you love is suffering from this insidious midlife malaise. www.fortydrinks.com/ick  

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In this episode of the Forty Drinks Podcast, Stephanie welcomes Anjel Hartwell to explore her profound spiritual awakening and transformation that began at the age of 38. The conversation explores Anjel's tumultuous upbringing in New Hampshire, her successful career in real estate, and the series of life-altering events that led to her awakening. Anjel shares vivid accounts of supernatural experiences, her journey into creative and healing arts, and the courage it took to leave behind her conditioned life. The episode also delves into the importance of listening to one's inner voice, manifesting positivity, and embracing one's gifts. Anjel's inspiring story demonstrates the power of following your intuition, even when it demands radical life changes.

Anjel B Hartwell is an internationally known author, artist & evolutionary alchemist. Honored as a Be The Change “Movement To Watch” Award Winner and one of America’s Premier Experts, she’s appeared multiple times in major media. Creator, Executive Producer & Host of 13X Award Winning & Apple #1 Internationally ranked Wickedly Smart Women Podcast and Top 50 Internationally ranked Leading Visionaries Podcast, author of Be Heard By Millions & Live Your Destiny a #1 New Release in 3 Categories, she's hired to consult with high achieving visionary leaders who are called to be the Vanguard of the Creative Age.

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Forty Drinks Podcast, where Stephanie sits down with Anjel B. Hartwell, who shares her incredible journey through a midlife transformation that began with a spiritual awakening and led her to leave a successful real estate career to cultivate her intuitive gifts. Diving deep into the challenges and revelations that reshaped Anjel’s midlife, you will hear the profound effect of embracing change and following your inner voice, no matter how outlandish it may seem.

 Episode Highlights:

• Anjel discusses her tumultuous childhood and early career in real estate, setting the stage for her dramatic life changes.
• The pivotal moments that led to her spiritual awakening, including personal crises and a transformative yoga practice.
• Anjel's experiences with seeing visions and her decision to embrace these new spiritual insights rather than fear them.
• The impact of her awakening on her personal and professional life, including leaving her real estate career and marriages ("wasbands").
• Insights into how Anjel navigated fears and societal expectations to pursue a life aligned with her newfound gifts.
• The creation of her art gallery and healing center, and how these ventures served as stepping stones in her journey.
• Anjel's venture into podcasting with "Wickedly Smart Women" and "Leading Visionaries," and her innovative approach to integrating her life's work with her spiritual mission.

 In this episode, Anjel B. Hartwell teaches us what it means to listen deeply to our inner voice and the courage it takes to follow it, even when it leads away from conventional success towards uncharted territories of personal fulfillment and service. 

If Anjel's journey resonates with you, don't forget to rate, follow, and review the Forty Drinks Podcast. Your feedback helps us bring more inspiring stories like this one to you!

Anjel’s free gift for Forty Drinks Listeners: : 8 Days of Prosperity Activation Series

Wickedly Smart Women Podcast

Leading Visionaries Podcast

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Download Stephanie’s guide to the Ick to diagnose whether you or someone you love is suffering from this insidious midlife malaise. www.fortydrinks.com/ick  

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Marina Theron-Monnery opens up about her journey from growing up during apartheid in South Africa, through challenging romantic relationships that reflected the toxicity of her childhood home, to the eventual embrace of self-love after an aha moment in the bath. Marina details her escape from an abusive family, the struggles of adjusting to a new country with young children after divorce, and her battles with poverty and depression. A pivotal moment in her early forties led her to introspection, culminating in a deep understanding and acceptance of herself. This journey included journaling, meditation, and adopting new self-expectations, which ultimately guided her to a fulfilling marriage and a strong blended family.

Marina Theron-Monnery, is a RTT practitioner, Clinical Hypnotherapist and Coach guiding people to overcome the pains of childhood trauma, abuse, poverty, weight issues, cancer and many more. Her professional expertise through years and many clients is complemented and enhanced by her personal experience with many forms of the same pain, abuse and disease, and overcoming them.

Using Rapid Transformational Therapy and coaching, Marina has a tremendously positive energy and an approach with all her clients of “if I could do it, so can you”. She feels called to do this work and thrives on helping people live their full potential every day. With the gift of intuition, Marina helps people see who they want to be, and then she guides them to rehearse that role, until it feels natural.

After a life that felt to her as if she was living in a bubble of perpetual failure and not being worthy and good enough, Marina battled with depression and the burning desire to find out why she is here, living this life. Slowly life unraveled and when she hit rock bottom after a cancer diagnosis, the right teachers showed up in her life. Through training from Natalie Ledwell to Mary Morrissey and finally Marisa Peer, Marina found her purpose. Today Marina truly knows success. In love, business, singing, parenting and life. She is in love with life and it radiates to her clients.

As an author, speaker and podcast host, Marina’s mess became her message. She lives in gratitude today, as everything she had to overcome, also makes her relatable to a variety of clients. She is a living example of the success of the work she does.

Marina believes that every person has the potential to live the life of their dreams. She knows first hand that our mind dictates to our body, and if we can harness our thoughts, we can change our reality. The best part is that she does not just say that, she lives it.

In this episode of the Forty Drinks podcast, Stephanie is joined by Marina Theron-Monnery, a woman with a powerful story of resilience and transformation. Growing up in apartheid-era South Africa, Marina faced challenges early on, including a difficult family dynamic. She moved to Canada, started over as a single mother, and navigated the heartbreak of difficult relationships in addition to poverty and depression. But it wasn’t until she reached her 40s, after a particularly abusive relationship, that she had a life-changing “aha” moment—realizing that she had never learned to love herself. This realization set her on a path of self-discovery, which eventually led her to finding the kind of love she had always wanted.

Episode Highlights:

• Marina’s early life in South Africa: Growing up in a strict religious household during apartheid shaped her sense of justice and personal struggles.
• Moving to Canada: At 32, Marina left her home country, bringing her two young children to a new life, but soon faced divorce, poverty, and depression.
• Career transformation: From being an opera singer in South Africa to starting over with no work experience in Canada, Marina rebuilt her career and found strength as a single mother.
• Love and loss: Her tumultuous romantic life included the sudden death of a partner and later escaping an abusive relationship in her early 40s.
• The turning point: A profound moment of clarity came when Marina realized she hadn’t been standing up for herself like she did for her children, leading to her journey of self-love.
• Two years of self-discovery: Marina isolated herself from dating and focused on understanding and appreciating who she really was, which led her to the loving relationship she enjoys today.
• Finding true love: Marina ultimately found her “movie-like” marriage after doing the inner work necessary to love herself first.

In this episode, Marina’s story highlights the importance of self-love, resilience, and the journey to finding peace and fulfillment in midlife. Her transformation from a life of hardship to one of love and contentment is an inspiring reminder that it’s never too late to rewrite your story. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate, follow, and review the Forty Drinks podcast!

Marina’s website

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Download Stephanie’s guide to the Ick to diagnose whether you or someone you love is suffering from this insidious midlife malaise. www.fortydrinks.com/ick  

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In the first episode of season six of the Forty Drinks Podcast, Stephanie McLaughlin delves into the concept of the 'Ick,' a common feeling of discomfort experienced around the age of 40. Unlike the stereotypical midlife crisis, the Ick is characterized by a low-grade unease and a desire for change. Stephanie shares insights from her guests, highlighting seven recurring themes: self-discovery and authenticity, purpose and meaning, personal growth, relationships, health and well-being, career changes, and intuition. This episode explores how these themes mark the transformative journeys individuals undergo during midlife, encouraging listeners to recognize this phase as an opportunity for growth, self-reinvention, and a more fulfilling life.

In the season six opener, Stephanie dives deep into the midlife transition, or the "Ick" as she affectionately calls it. She shares insights from her own journey and the collective wisdom of over a hundred interviews, aiming to help listeners navigate this transformative period with grace and understanding. She illuminates how to know whether what you’re feeling is an isolated issue or part of the larger midlife transition. She leaves listeners with three takeaways about this period of transition. Whether you're approaching 40, just past it, or curious about this significant life phase, this episode offers valuable perspectives on embracing change and finding fulfillment.

Episode Highlights:

• Understanding the Ick: Stephanie defines the "Ick" as a subtle, often vague feeling of discomfort that signals a misalignment in one’s life, typically occurring around midlife.
• Themes from Interviews: The episode outlines seven major themes from past guest interviews, including self-discovery, purpose, personal growth, relationships, health, career changes, and intuition.
• How to diagnose whether what you’re feeling is an isolated issue or part of the larger transition at midlife.  
• Three takeaways for listeners facing their own Ick: This midlife transition is a normal and natural phase of life. These transitions can be triggered by significant life events or realizations. Midlife is an opportunity for growth, reinvention, and creating a more authentic and fulfilling life. 

Stephanie unpacks the complexities of the midlife transition, offering a beacon of understanding and support for anyone experiencing the "Ick." Through engaging stories she provides a roadmap for personal growth and fulfillment during this pivotal life stage. 

Remember, if you found value in this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone navigating their own midlife journey. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue producing impactful content.

01:07 Understanding the Midlife Ick

01:29 Defining the Ick

04:40 Common Themes of the Midlife Ick

04:56 Self Discovery and Authenticity

06:08 Purpose and Meaning

07:03 Personal Growth and Self Discovery

08:45 Impact on Relationships

09:50 Health and Well-being

10:18 Lifestyle Changes for Wellbeing

10:49 Career Changes in Midlife

11:40 Trusting Your Intuition

13:14 Identifying Midlife Transition Signs

16:47 Navigating Midlife Transitions

18:16 Embracing Midlife Opportunities

18:47 Conclusion and Next Steps

Download Stephanie’s guide to the Ick to diagnose whether you or someone you love is suffering from this insidious midlife malaise. www.fortydrinks.com/ick

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The Forty Drinks Podcast is produced and presented by Savoir Faire Marketing/Communications