Midlife Crescendo | Faith, Reinvention and Honest Conversations about Midlife for Women Over 40

Are you facing a season of change? Whether you’re sending a child off to college, stepping into an empty nest, relocating, retiring, or simply feeling the nudge to shift direction—midlife is full of powerful transitions. In this heartfelt episode of Midlife Crescendo, Debbie shares personal reflections on why this summer is a time of transition for so many women and why she herself is taking a short pause from the podcast.You'll discover how to navigate midlife transitions with intention, grace, and even hope, while honoring the emotions that often come with major life changes. From retirement to reinvention, motherhood shifts to milestone birthdays (yes—Debbie is turning 60!), this conversation reminds you that change isn’t the end of something… it’s the beginning of something new.Plus, you’ll hear about a free resource to help you reflect, reimagine, and move forward in your own next chapter.For Info: Making Space for Your Dreams FREE Masterclass- https://debbiecunningham.net/masterclassConnect with Debbie over the summer?At Midlife Crescendo -https://debbiecunningham.net/midlife-questions-for-podcastOn Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/midlifecrescendo/https://www.instagram.com/debbiecunninghamofficial/Want to listen to Debbie's music this summer?  It’s great background music for dinner parties, relaxing by the pool or couple time.  😉  Listen on Spotify, Pandora, iheart radio, apple music, amazon and wherever you stream music! Just search Debbie Cunningham.As always, thank you for listening! Remember , midlife is not a crisis, it's a crescendo! Keep living that way.Happy Summer friends! See you in season 3.

She started her novel in her 20s... but life, motherhood, and even a health crisis—including an 8-week coma—put her dream on hold. Now, at 49, Jessica Stone has released her debut novel, Beauty in the Bittersweet.In this episode, we talk about the power of second chances, the courage to pursue creative dreams later in life, and how to start again—no matter how much time has passed.✨ If you’ve ever put a dream on the shelf, this conversation will inspire you to dust it off and take your next brave step.PLUS, I give a sneak peek of next week’s episode on navigating the Summer of Transition—from empty nests to midlife reinvention—and how you can join my free mastermind class to take action on your own dreams.🎧 Tune in and be reminded: it's never too late to begin again.Connect with Jessica-Website: https://www.jessicastonestories.com/Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/JessicaStoneStorytellerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JessicaStoneStoryteller

In part 2 of this heartfelt Mother’s Day series, Debbie Cunningham continues her honest conversation with her daughter, Deanna Carter. Together, they explore the challenges and blessings of motherhood from two different life stages.In this episode, Deanna shares her experience raising young kids while living abroad for three years and opens up about the added pressure of parenting in the digital and social media age. They also dive into the importance of community whether you're navigating tantrums, teen years, or the transitions of the empty nest.If you're a midlife mom needing encouragement, or a young mom feeling overwhelmed, this is a gentle reminder that you’re not meant to do it alone.This episode is packed with real-life wisdom, faith, and hope for moms in every season.🎧 Listen to Midlife Crescendo in your favorite podcast app or at link in bio.

In this special Mother’s Day episode of Midlife Crescendo, Debbie Cunningham and her daughter,Deanna—mom to two energetic little boys—sit down for an honest, heart-to-heart conversation about the real journey of motherhood through two seasons of life.Together, they share what surprised them most about being moms, how motherhood has shaped their relationship with God, and why parenting is one long journey of learning to let go—whether you have toddlers, teens, or adult children. You’ll hear faith-filled reflections, real-life encouragement, and a powerful reminder that you don’t have to do this alone.This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation that will speak to the hearts of Christian moms in all stages—especially midlife women navigating new motherhood roles, grand-parenting, or letting go in love.Questions/Comments on this episode go towww.midlifecrescendo.comWant to join our Midlife Travel Group? Debbie is curating a list of Midlifers who are interested in traveling with her for women's trips or with her and her husband for couples trips! Want to join the list? No pressure just information! https://debbiecunningham.net/travel-with-debbie

Have your dreams ever taken an unexpected detour?In today’s episode, Debbie Cunningham shares how embracing new beginnings — even when they don’t look like the original plan — can lead to deeper purpose and unexpected joy.If you’re navigating change, feeling stuck, or wondering if it’s too late to start again, this conversation will remind you: it’s not over — it’s a new beginning.PLUS: Debbie invites you to a free Permission to Begin mini coaching call to help you take your next step with courage and clarity.To grab a free mini Coaching call -⁠https://debbiecunningham.net/coaching⁠Got questions/topics you want covered on the podcast?⁠https://debbiecunningham.net/midlife-questions-for-podcast⁠

Are you noticing more hair in your brush lately? You’re not alone. In this episode of Midlife Crescendo, Debbie Cunningham opens up about her personal journey through menopause-related hair loss—including the surprising results of her own mineral hair analysis.We’ll unpack why estrogen loss in menopause causes hair thinning, how stress and nutritional imbalances can make it worse, and the natural, non-toxic solutions that can help support hair growth. Debbie shares practical tips that empower you to care for your changing body with grace.Plus, she offers a powerful spiritual perspective with Scriptures that remind us God’s grace is present in every season of transition—even the ones that show up strand by strand.🎧 Tune in to learn:The connection between hormone loss and hair lossWhat hair mineral analysis can reveal about your healthNatural ways to support hair growth in midlifeHow to care for your hair—and your heart—through the changes of agingA beautiful reminder that you are still fearfully and wonderfully madeFor $20 off Nutrafol Products- Vitamins/Shampoo I use go to here: https://share.nutrafol.com/x/lmuh9ZQuestions / Topic Suggestions? www.midlifecrescendo.comThank you for listening! Enjoying Midlife Crescendo? Remember to subscribe and review the podcast wherever you listen to help other women just like you, get the encouragement and Inspiration they need in midlife and beyond!

What are the real symptoms of menopause—and why didn’t anyone warn us? In this candid roundtable, Debbie Cunningham and friends discuss 35 symptoms of menopause  that affect women physically, emotionally, and mentally during midlife. Whether you’re in perimenopause, menopause, or post-menopause, this conversation will help you feel seen, supported, and more informed about your health.If you've been wondering about hormone shifts, brain fog, or unexpected changes in your body, you're not alone. Join us as we shine a light on what many women experience—but few talk about. 👭 Listen to the end for bonus insights from other midlife women! 📕The List referenced in this episode comes from Tamsen Fadal's new book, How To Menopause.Connect with Host, Debbie Cunningham: https://debbiecunningham.net/Connect with Becky Baudouin : https://www.beckybaudouin.com/Connect with Melissa Lewis: https://www.melissalewiscounseling.com/Questions or Comments on this episode? Go to www.midlifecrescendo.com and submit your comments/questions there.

Hi Friends! Because I have been sick, I am replaying an episode from season 1 about Anxiety & Worry. -How it affects us physically-How to process it in daily living-Why laughter & fun are vital to our wellbeing-How I have dealt with it in my own fearful seasons (including when my daughter had open heart surgery and we were unsure of the outcome.)Additionally, there's a chic chat segment sharing wisdom from some of my friends , with their thoughts on how they handle anxiety or worry in their own lives. With storms raging across the country, I'm sure we could all use some tools these days as we process what's been happening. So whether you listened the first time around or missed it. It's definitely an episode worth repeating. Thanks for your patience as I heal from this virus! and as always, thank you for listening!

If you have ever wondered what you will do after the kids leave this episode is for you!! Whether you are already an empty nester or are preparing for the empty nest, listen in as we discuss:-Three kinds of Empty Nest Moms-The Normalcy of Sadness When They Leave-What Might Be Challenging In The Empty Nest and How To Move Forward-The Most Exciting Things About The Empty Nest- Her journey to become an author and speaker in her empty nest season. Connect with Kate Battistelli-Website: https://katebattistelli.comInstagram : https://www.instagram.com/katebattistelli/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KateBattistelli/The After Party of The Empty Nest on Amazon: HEREConnect with Host, Debbie Cunningham https://debbiecunningham.netDownload Dreams Over 40 Guide: What's Stopping you and How to Break Free HEREListen To Debbie's Music On Spotify Questions/ Comments about this episode: www.MidlifeCrescendo.com

This week, we are wrapping up our month long series of making space for our dreams . Today’s episode of Midlife Crescendo is about shifting from thinking about dreams to living them—letting go of excuses, embracing change, and overcoming fear and doubt. It’s not just about checking off goals; it’s about creating a joyful and meaningful midlife.We’ll explore why change is hard, how fear keeps us stuck, and what it really takes to move forward without letting busyness or doubt derail us.Download the free guide: Dreams After 40: What’s Stopping You and How to Break Freemidlifecrescendo.comdebbiecunningham.net/free-resources 

Today we are taking a slight detour from our month long series of Making Space for Your Dreams to talk about the Lingering Effects of Grief and How to Move Forward.If you've ever found yourself feeling stuck, isolated or confused at how grief is still presenting itself in your life, join me today as we’re tackling:✨Common Myths of Grief✨ Signs You Might Be Stuck in Grief✨ How Unresolved Grief Affects Relationships, Work and Personal Dreams ✨ 5 Ways to Process Grief to Move Forward.A special thanks to @refugeingrief for the grief work you do and the jump off point of our discussion today.Comments or questions about this episode? Message me-www.midlifecrescendo.com or Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/midlifecrescendo/For more info on Debbie's Book, Dancing InTthe Kitchen https://debbiecunningham.net/bookor on Amazon: HEREAudio Book On Spotify HereNew episodes each Monday. Remember to follow & subscribe so you don't miss it!

Last week we talked about midlife pivots, but today, I want to go beyond the big shifts—starting a business, going back to school, or writing a book. Those are amazing, but let’s dive deeper into why making space for personal growth and aspirations is vital to your well-being.-What happens when we deny our aspirations-How it can have a positive impact on your family-10 Positive Personal Outcomes of pursuing your passionsWant to learn more about how to make space for your dreams and aspirations? Sign up for my FREE masterclass and I'll share the process I used to pursue mine. If I can do it so can you! https://debbiecunningham.net/masterclassMore info on the podcast go to www.midlifecrescendo.comMore info on Host: ⁠https://debbiecunningham.net

Are you living as the leading lady of your own life or are you currently playing a supporting role? Do you feel that LIFE is passing you by right now and you just seem to facilitate everyone else’s life instead of your own?Do you want to live life without regret?Today we are talking about YOUR Midlife Pivot.Listen is as I share advice and social proof from previous guests and well known public figures who have dared to pursue their aspirations in midlife. Let them inspire you to finally cultivate those stirrings in your heart to follow your own dreams.At the end of your life WHAT WILL YOU REGRET not giving yourself PERMISSION to try?  You should do that now. Not sure if you are ready to pursue your dream ideas? Take my Clarity quiz!  debbiecunningham.net/quizAre you ready to take action but need help getting started with the process? Sign up for my FREE masterclass -4 Keys to Launch , Here

Today we are talking about Midlife Pivots, especially, The Journey of a Teacher with my friend, Melissa Lewis!Have you ever felt a stirring in your heart to change or shift your career? That's exactly how Melissa felt. Listen in as we discuss:-What prompted the pivot-Why she wanted the change-How she wrote a book in the middle of the pivot-The satisfying work she's doing nowI hope you'll be inspired by today's conversation!❤️Connect with Melissa:The Journey of a Teacher is a resource guide to navigating the world of teaching! Amazon Website- https://www.melissalewiscounseling.com Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/melissalewiscounseling/Facebook- The Journey of a Teacher hereFor more info on Podcast - www.Midlifecrescendo.com More info on Host -https://debbiecunningham.net

This week on the podcast I'm sharing the #1 Secret that will actually change your marriage for good. Whether you are struggling in your relationship or just want to make your marriage better and enjoy it more! For free resources - 20 New Date night ideas And Rekindling Playfulness and Fun. Just go to -https://debbiecunningham.net/datenightFor free chapters /audio chapters & more info on the book Dancing in the kitchen go to https://debbiecunningham.net/book

Our guest this week is Patsy Clairmont! She has been trotting the globe bringing her message of Faith, laced with her gift of humorous storytelling for over 40 years. Some of you may be familiar with her work as an author, God uses cracked Pots, or Normal is just a setting on your dryer and over 35 titles. Perhaps you know her as a speaker from her Women of Faith Conference days but what you may not know about her is how deeply she struggled with Agoraphobia, depression & anxiety attacks early in her adult life.  Today, you will hear her transformative story, how God healed her and how she continues to live life in Crescendo. If you’ve ever struggled with any of these things, or felt like there is no hope for your life or healing from your past,  I know you will find hope and encouragement in her words!  More info on Patsy Clairmont - https://patsyclairmont.com/ Her free gift, From Panic to Peace: 10 steps to soothe your soul Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/patsyclairmont/ Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/@PatsyClairmont Debbie’s Info or Music- https://debbiecunningham.net/ Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/debbiecunninghamofficial/ Questions or comments about Podcast-  MidlifeCrescendo.com Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/midlifecrescendo/

Today we are talking about Thyroid health and hashimoto’s with Dr. Lori Kalie! Do you know what symptoms indicate a thyroid issue? Some of them are similar to perimenopause symptoms so it is easy to be confused! In this week’s episode, you’ll hear what to look out for and things you can do to balance your hormones and begin healing your thyroid issues. 🎧Listen to Midlife Crescendo in your favorite podcast app or link in bio. Connect with Dr.Lori Kalie :https://www.drlorikalie.comInstagram -https://www.instagram.com/drkalie/Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/drlorikalieTo schedule your free consultation with/ Dr. Kalie: Click hereQuestions or comments about Midlife Crescendo-www.midlifecrescendo.comMore Info on Host, Debbie Cunningham -https://debbiecunningham.net

This week on the podcast we are talking about career changes, pauses and resilience! Our guest who started out as a therapist then becoming not only a best selling author but a strategic book coach and publisher. Karen Anderson's career doesn’t look a-n-y-t-h-i-n-g like it did when she graduated college. She even had an 8 year career pause because she was caregiving to several family members and friends who had terminal illness. Obviously not a part of her plan. If you have struggled that your life or career didn’t exactly turn out where you had aimed. I hope you will listen expectantly to hear how sometimes the twist and turns of our life are guideposts that lead us exactly where our gifts and talents are needed.  Connect with Karen for free books and more info: www.Karenanderson.co (not a misprint) https://www.strategicbookcoach.com On Socials: https://www.instagram.com/dearkaren/ https://www.facebook.com/dearkaren

Welcome Back to Season 2 Friends! Today, we are talking about the top 10 resolutions of the year and making this year all you hope it will be!It will take -effort-intentionality -accountability but you can thrive in 2025!🎧This year, we will continue bringing you information and guests experts to help you in your midlife season but we are expanding our community to include a book club ,a conference and travel opportunities! So tune in to hear more.Go to www.midlifecrescendo.com for all the details,Get a free resource- Thrive in 2025 and take our podcast survey to help us serve you better in this season of your life! 🎧Listen to Midlife Crescendo in your favorite podcast app or at link in bio!

Today we are wrapping up our holiday topics series with one on the spiritual side. Christmas & the Heart of Emmanuel! It is our last for 2024!! I just found out that Midlife Crescendo is named in the top 10% of all podcasts for midlife women for 2024. Woohoo! Not bad for our first year. Thank you so much for listening. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! We are taking a break and we'll be back Jan 13th, 2025! For more info on Midlife Crescendo or the host, Debbie Cunningham, or to subscribe to the newsletter and more go to: www.midlifecrescendo.com