Midlife Strategies for Badass Women

In this powerful and deeply grounding episode of Midlife Strategies for Badass Women, Sue Willoughby sits down with joy mentor and author Kate Furnish to explore what surrender really means in midlife, and why it might be the key to freedom, flow, and lasting joy. If you are tired of striving, over-achieving, people-pleasing, and carrying the emotional weight of everyone else, this conversation will feel like a deep exhale. Together, Sue and Kate unpack: Why surrender is not giving up, but letting go of ego and control How high-achieving midlife women forget how to receive The difference between uphill striving and downhill flow Why joy is a resilience practice, not a personality trait How to reconnect with your body and nervous system Simple breathwork tools to reset your energy in minutes The truth about midlife awakening versus midlife crisis This episode is a masterclass in choosing joy now, not someday. If you have ever wondered what it would feel like to stop fighting life and start flowing with it, this conversation will meet you exactly where you are. Chapters [00:00:00] Opening welcome and why joy and surrender matter now [00:01:32] Midlife awakenings not midlife crises [00:03:49] Surrender as an anchor during crisis and change [00:11:30] Receiving and turning your strengths toward yourself [00:21:43] Joy Mastery Method book overview and three steps [00:46:52] Closing gems choosing joy even in challenge Key Quote: "It is your time. It is your turn to enjoy your life." Connect with Kate: Website: https://mysanctuarysource.com/joy-mastery-method/ Free 31-Day Joy Expanding Email Series available on her site Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kate.furnish/ Book: Joy Mastery Method: Three Steps to Let Go of Struggle and Enjoy Your Life Now https://a.co/d/0gBewVy4   FOLLOW and CONNECT With Sue Website - https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/ 🎙️If you want to start your own podcast feel free to reach out; I would love to help you on your journey to sharing your story and passion. I'm Pod Curious! Book a Podcast Success Call -  https://willoughby-coaching.myflodesk.com/podcast-success-call #LifeWorthBeing #Transformation #LifeCoach #Women #Empowerment #PersonalGrowth #InnerStrength #PurposefulLiving #MidlifeTransformation #Mindfulness #Mindset #SelfDiscovery #WomenEmpowerment #midlifestrategies 

What if the fastest way back to yourself is not more pushing but more presence with nature with your body and with the quiet signals you keep overriding? In this episode of Midlife Strategies for Badass Women Sue Willoughby welcomes back equus coach and Reiki practitioner Frida Karsberg to explore how her work has evolved into a blended approach that includes equine guided coaching Reiki and intuitive guidance. Frida shares her move from Sweden to the US the reinvention that followed and how returning to horses became a powerful healing path. They also talk about what intuition looks like in real life including how Frida opens her channel during sessions how messages can come through and how grounding practices help clients regulate and reconnect. Frida explains how clients can work with her in person and online and she shares details about an upcoming equine guided retreat in Paso Robles. If you felt something spark while listening take one small step today follow Frida on Instagram visit fridakarsberg.com and book a session or grab a spot in her next equine guided retreat then share this episode with a friend who needs a reset in midlife   What we explore in this episode: Reinventing yourself in midlife after major life changes How horses help regulate and ground human nervous systems Growing into intuitive work after years of ignoring it The difference between religion and universal life force energy How Reiki works and why it is not about controlling energy Receiving spirit messages and learning to trust them Blending Reiki with herd-based equine sessions Why grounding and body awareness are essential Simple practices like body scans, music, and touching trees How to calm your mind without forcing meditation   Chapters [00:00:00] Intro and guest welcome [00:02:24] From Sweden to the US and finding horses again [00:05:30] Intuition spirits and what shows up in energy work [00:15:49] How Frida blends equus coaching Reiki and intuitive guidance [00:24:56] Grounding signs and easy practices to get present [00:33:47] Retreat details how to work with Frida and final advice   Connect with Frida Karsberg: Website https://www.fridakarsberg.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fridakarsberg/ Retreat: https://www.fridakarsberg.com/group-events   FOLLOW and CONNECT with Sue I'm Pod Curious! Book a Podcast Success Call -  https://willoughby-coaching.myflodesk.com/podcast-success-call Website - https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/   If you want to start your own podcast feel free to reach out. I would love to help you on your journey to sharing your story and passion. https://willoughby-coaching.myflodesk.com/podcast-success-call   #LifeWorthBeing #Transformation #LifeCoach #Women #Empowerment #PersonalGrowth #InnerStrength #PurposefulLiving #MidlifeTransformation #Mindfulness #Mindset #SelfDiscovery #WomenEmpowerment #midlifestrategies   🔥 Welcome to Midlife Strategies for Badass Women 🔥   I’m Sue Willoughby—Badass Midlife Strategist, life coach, and your partner in breaking rules, rewriting the script, and thriving unapologetically after 40.   This channel is for women who are DONE playing small. If you’re ready to ditch the “shoulds,” reclaim your power, and live a bold, joyful, purpose-driven life—you’re in the right place.   Each week, you’ll get real talk, raw stories, and badass strategies to help you: ✨ Smash through self-doubt and limitations ✨ Reclaim your confidence and clarity ✨ Build resilience and embrace reinvention ✨ Create a midlife that feels authentic, aligned, and f*cking powerful   This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement. A community of women who are tired of waiting and ready to step into their next-level life, unapologetically.   👉 Hit subscribe and turn on the bell so you never miss an episode. Let’s rise, rebel, and reinvent midlife—together.

What happens when life as you knew it suddenly disappears and there is no handbook for what comes next? In this powerful and deeply honest episode of Midlife Strategies for Badass Women, Sue Willoughby sits down with Stephanie Olivo to talk about grief, healing, energy, and rebuilding life after devastating loss. Stephanie shares the story behind her podcast Discontinued, Now What?, which was born after experiencing multiple life-altering losses in a short period of time. Her stepson died from an overdose, and just over a year later, her husband died by suicide. What followed was not a neat healing arc, but a long, messy, deeply personal journey through grief, spirituality, and self-discovery. Together, Sue and Stephanie explore why we avoid talking about death, addiction, and trauma, how unprocessed emotions live in the body, and why healing is not something you “get over,” but something you learn to live with. They dive into alternative healing modalities like Reiki, hypnotherapy, and energy work, and how curiosity and openness can create unexpected breakthroughs. This episode is for anyone navigating grief, loss, major life transitions, or the quiet question so many women ask in midlife: Now what? In this episode, we cover: The losses that led Stephanie to create Discontinued, Now What? Navigating grief after overdose and suicide Why there is no timeline for healing How grief and trauma live in the body The role of Reiki, hypnotherapy, and energy work in healing Why talking about death and addiction matters Recognizing emotional triggers and where they live physically Protecting your energy in relationships, work, and daily life How sensitivity to energy shows up in unexpected places, including real estate Why healing is a journey, not a destination Chapters [00:00:00] Intro & Guest Welcome [00:03:40] Where’s the Handbook Grief Loss & Closing the Business [00:06:19] Talking About Suicide Addiction & Creating an Outlet Through the Podcast [00:11:47] Tools That Helped Journaling Meditation & Spiritual Connection [00:24:41] Energy Work Reconnection & Reiki Experiences [00:48:45] Closing Gems How to Connect & Healing Is a Journey   Resources and Links: Website: https://www.dcnw.info/ Podcast: Discontinued, Now What? Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DiscontinuedNowWhat/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_dcnw_/ Book: https://amzn.to/4qVGyV3  The Voyage and the Return: A Path to Self Discovery (contributing author)   FOLLOW and CONNECT with Sue I'm Pod Curious! Book a Podcast Success Call -  https://willoughby-coaching.myflodesk.com/podcast-success-call Website - https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/ Burning desire to start your own podcast? I would love to help you on your journey to sharing your story and making your passion a reality. https://willoughby-coaching.myflodesk.com/podcast-success-call #LifeWorthBeing #Transformation #LifeCoach #Women #Empowerment #PersonalGrowth #InnerStrength #PurposefulLiving #MidlifeTransformation #Mindfulness #Mindset #SelfDiscovery #WomenEmpowerment #midlifestrategies    🔥 Welcome to Midlife Strategies for Badass Women 🔥 I’m Sue Willoughby—Badass Midlife Strategist, life coach, and your partner in breaking rules, rewriting the script, and thriving unapologetically after 40. This channel is for women who are DONE playing small. If you’re ready to ditch the “shoulds,” reclaim your power, and live a bold, joyful, purpose-driven life—you’re in the right place. Each week, you’ll get real talk, raw stories, and badass strategies to help you: ✨ Smash through self-doubt and limitations ✨ Reclaim your confidence and clarity ✨ Build resilience and embrace reinvention ✨ Create a midlife that feels authentic, aligned, and f*cking powerful This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement. A community of women who are tired of waiting and ready to step into their next-level life, unapologetically. 👉 Hit subscribe so you never miss an episode. Let’s rise, rebel, and reinvent midlife—together.

What if wisdom doesn’t come from age alone but from what you’ve survived, questioned, and chosen to heal? In this deeply moving episode of Midlife Strategies for Badass Women, Sue Willoughby sits down with Lexi Benitez, a 23-year-old podcaster whose life experience, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness rival that of women decades older. Lexi shares her story of being raised by her great-grandparents, navigating parental incarceration and deportation, losing the woman who raised her just before graduating high school, and becoming a surrogate caretaker for her younger siblings at an age when most people are still figuring themselves out. She opens up about depression, suicidal ideation, leaving the Mormon church, and the moment she realized that her parents’ pain was not hers to carry. That realization came during an unexpected and isolating season working on an oil rig in North Dakota, where distance, silence, and support from the right people helped her reconnect with herself and begin healing. This conversation explores forgiveness without obligation, identity beyond trauma, self-esteem that does not depend on external validation, and why choosing to live for yourself can be the most radical act of all. Whether you are 23 or 63, this episode is a reminder that healing has no timeline and your past does not get to decide your future. In this episode, we cover: Growing up fast and healing generational trauma as the oldest daughter How Lexi broke free from resentment and redefined her role in the family The emotional toll of religious trauma and leaving the Mormon church Coping with grief, depression, and two suicide attempts Why isolation on an oil rig became the catalyst for inner transformation The difference between ego-based confidence and true self-worth How podcasting became Lexi’s purpose and platform for healing The role of mentorship, affirmations, and spirituality in personal growth Advice for those carrying emotional burdens that aren’t theirs to hold Becoming a life coach and turning pain into purpose   Chapters [00:00:00] Lexi's First Podcast Guest Appearance [00:02:27] Childhood, Loss and Stepping Into Survival Mode [00:08:15] Forgiveness, Boundaries and Reclaiming Her Role [00:12:59] Depression, Suicide Attempts and Choosing Life [00:22:52] Oil Rig Epiphany and Birth of a Podcast [00:33:28] Purpose, Podcasting and What’s Next Connect with Lexi Benitez: Lexi Benitez: https://open.spotify.com/show/6VHVXzEgJxsqDmQ8Eml4No Website: https://sincerelyselfpodcast.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/lexbenitez_/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Sincerelyself TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@lexbenitezz?     FOLLOW and CONNECT with Sue I'm Pod Curious! Book a Podcast Success Call -  https://willoughby-coaching.myflodesk.com/podcast-success-call Website - https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/ Burning desire to start your own podcast? I would love to help you on your journey to sharing your story and making your passion a reality. https://willoughby-coaching.myflodesk.com/podcast-success-call #LifeWorthBeing #Transformation #LifeCoach #Women #Empowerment #PersonalGrowth #InnerStrength #PurposefulLiving #MidlifeTransformation #Mindfulness #Mindset #SelfDiscovery #WomenEmpowerment #midlifestrategies    🔥 Welcome to Midlife Strategies for Badass Women 🔥 I’m Sue Willoughby—Badass Midlife Strategist, life coach, and your partner in breaking rules, rewriting the script, and thriving unapologetically after 40. This channel is for women who are DONE playing small. If you’re ready to ditch the “shoulds,” reclaim your power, and live a bold, joyful, purpose-driven life—you’re in the right place. Each week, you’ll get real talk, raw stories, and badass strategies to help you: ✨ Smash through self-doubt and limitations ✨ Reclaim your confidence and clarity ✨ Build resilience and embrace reinvention ✨ Create a midlife that feels authentic, aligned, and f*cking powerful This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement. A community of women who are tired of waiting and ready to step into their next-level life, unapologetically. 👉 Hit subscribe so you never miss an episode. Let’s rise, rebel, and reinvent midlife—together.

What if midlife is not the time to play it safe, but the moment you finally step into visibility, leadership, and bigger goals? In this inspiring episode of Midlife Strategies for Badass Women, Sue Willoughby sits down with entrepreneur and co-founder of the Million Dollar Mom Society to talk about mindset shifts, visibility, and what it really takes to move from employee thinking to CEO thinking in midlife. Anisa shares her journey from a six-figure corporate career in a male-dominated industry to building a seven-figure business in just one year. She opens up about scarcity mindset, grief, personal development, and the courage it takes to give yourself permission to want more. This conversation dives deep into why visibility is not about fame or followers, but about positioning, consistency, and planting seeds long before you see results. Anisa breaks down how women can grow audiences, leverage collaboration, and stop waiting for confidence before taking action. If you are a midlife woman feeling the pull toward something bigger, but fear, self-doubt, or comfort has been keeping you stuck, this episode will stretch you in the best way. In this episode, we cover: Why midlife often triggers a desire for deeper purpose and impact How Anisa shifted from employee mindset to CEO mindset Scarcity thinking, personal development, and breaking generational patterns Why visibility is about consistency, not going viral How collaboration accelerates growth faster than going it alone Building a seven-figure business without a massive social following Why email lists matter more than social media platforms The fear women face around being seen and taking up space Why courage matters more than confidence Playing the long game and trusting compound growth Chapters [00:00:00] Opening and episode framing [00:07:20] COVID pivot and mindset roots [00:14:43] Rapid group growth and list building [00:17:17] Visibility ecosystem and tactics [00:23:33] Compounding growth and long game [00:28:41] Fear, courage, and bigger rooms [00:34:51] Network like a CEO; wrap-up Connect with Anisa Crespo: Website: https://www.milliondollarmom.org/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anisacrespo  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepingupwiththecrespos/  Book: https://a.co/d/dTOwpk4  Free Gift: https://www.milliondollarmom.org/milliondollarminimind    FOLLOW and CONNECT with Sue I'm Pod Curious! Book a Podcast Success Call -  https://willoughby-coaching.myflodesk.com/podcast-success-call Website - https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/   If you want to start your own podcast feel free to reach out. I would love to help you on your journey to sharing your story and passion. https://willoughby-coaching.myflodesk.com/podcast-success-call #LifeWorthBeing #Transformation #LifeCoach #Women #Empowerment #PersonalGrowth #InnerStrength #PurposefulLiving #MidlifeTransformation #Mindfulness #Mindset #SelfDiscovery #WomenEmpowerment #midlifestrategies    🔥 Welcome to Midlife Strategies for Badass Women 🔥   I’m Sue Willoughby—Badass Midlife Strategist, life coach, and your partner in breaking rules, rewriting the script, and thriving unapologetically after 40.   This channel is for women who are DONE playing small. If you’re ready to ditch the “shoulds,” reclaim your power, and live a bold, joyful, purpose-driven life—you’re in the right place. Each week, you’ll get real talk, raw stories, and badass strategies to help you: ✨ Smash through self-doubt and limitations ✨ Reclaim your confidence and clarity ✨ Build resilience and embrace reinvention ✨ Create a midlife that feels authentic, aligned, and f*cking powerful This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement. A community of women who are tired of waiting and ready to step into their next-level life, unapologetically. 👉 Hit subscribe so you never miss an episode. Let’s rise, rebel, and reinvent midlife—together.

What if the reason you feel exhausted, scattered, or behind has nothing to do with motivation and everything to do with how you are wired? In this insightful and energizing episode of Midlife Strategies for Badass Women, Sue Willoughby welcomes Human Design practitioner Mel McSherry back to the show to unpack why January pressure, hustle culture, and one-size-fits-all goal setting leave so many midlife women burned out. Mel explains how Human Design offers a practical framework for understanding your energy, decision-making style, and natural pace. Together, Sue and Mel explore why forcing yourself into systems that are not aligned with your design leads to exhaustion, self-doubt, and constant comparison. From generators and projectors to manifestors and reflectors, this episode breaks down the five Human Design types in a way that is clear, relatable, and immediately useful. You will learn why waiting, resting, responding, or informing are not weaknesses, but strategic strengths when used correctly. This conversation is especially powerful for midlife women who feel pressure to have everything figured out by January 1st and are tired of setting goals that never quite stick. In this episode, we cover: Why January goal pressure does not work for most people The difference between knowing your why and understanding your how How Human Design explains burnout, decision fatigue, and overextension The five Human Design types and their core strategies Why projectors burn out when they try to keep up with generators How waiting, resting, and responding can be powerful strategies Why comparison on social media is misleading and harmful How Human Design supports sustainable business and life decisions Why trusting yourself is the most important skill to develop in midlife Chapters: [00:00:00] Introduction and episode setup [00:03:37] New Year energy, timing, and resolutions vs intentions [00:10:00] What human design is and how it helps [00:13:47] Working with strategy: waiting, boundaries, and conditioning [00:20:51] The five human design types and their strategies [00:26:11] Centers, signatures, and conditioning vs personality tests [00:34:44] Decision-making authorities and practical application; closing advice and links Resources and Links - Connect with Mel: Website: https://www.melmcsherry.com/ Virtual Coffee Chats: https://virtualcoffeewithmel.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mel_mcsherry LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melmcsherry Previous Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unlocking-your-true-potential-with-human-design-with/id1753943662?i=1000688811681   FOLLOW and CONNECT with Sue I'm Pod Curious! Book a Podcast Success Call -  https://willoughby-coaching.myflodesk.com/podcast-success-call Website - https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/ If you want to start your own podcast feel free to reach out. I would love to help you on your journey to sharing your story and passion. https://willoughby-coaching.myflodesk.com/podcast-success-call #LifeWorthBeing #Transformation #LifeCoach #Women #Empowerment #PersonalGrowth #InnerStrength #PurposefulLiving #MidlifeTransformation #Mindfulness #Mindset #SelfDiscovery #WomenEmpowerment #midlifestrategies  🔥 Welcome to Midlife Strategies for Badass Women 🔥 I’m Sue Willoughby—Badass Midlife Strategist, life coach, and your partner in breaking rules, rewriting the script, and thriving unapologetically after 40. This channel is for women who are DONE playing small. If you’re ready to ditch the “shoulds,” reclaim your power, and live a bold, joyful, purpose-driven life—you’re in the right place. Each week, you’ll get real talk, raw stories, and badass strategies to help you: ✨ Smash through self-doubt and limitations ✨ Reclaim your confidence and clarity ✨ Build resilience and embrace reinvention ✨ Create a midlife that feels authentic, aligned, and f*cking powerful This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement. A community of women who are tired of waiting and ready to step into their next-level life, unapologetically. 👉 Hit subscribe and turn on the bell so you never miss an episode. Let’s rise, rebel, and reinvent midlife—together.

What if the reason your goals keep falling apart has nothing to do with discipline, motivation, or willpower? In this powerful and practical episode of Midlife Strategies for Badass Women, Sue Willoughby welcomes somatic practitioner and intuitive Liz Potter back to the show to talk about why most New Year’s goals fail and what actually works instead. Liz breaks down the nervous system science behind resolutions, burnout, and what she calls functional freeze. Together, Sue and Liz explore why setting goals from overwhelm, pressure, or social conditioning almost guarantees self-sabotage and how learning to listen to your body changes everything. This conversation introduces Liz’s SAFE framework for goal setting, which prioritizes safety, alignment, felt sense, and embodied receiving. It is a radically kinder approach that helps women move forward without forcing, collapsing, or burning out. If you are a midlife woman who feels stuck, exhausted, or frustrated by goals that never seem to stick, this episode offers relief, clarity, and a grounded way forward. In this episode, we cover: Why resolutions fail when they are driven by pressure or culture The difference between goals and intentions and why language matters What functional freeze looks like and why so many women live in it How overwhelm disconnects the brain from the body Why your nervous system must consent to your goals Liz’s SAFE framework for sustainable goal setting Why accountability partners often backfire When sharing goals can actually drain momentum How rest, timing, and seasonal energy support real change Why safety can never be the collateral damage of growth Resources mentioned: Connect with Liz https://theselfresourced.com/ Previous Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rewire-your-nervous-system-how-intuition-energy-healing/id1753943662?i=1000728004667 Chapters [00:00:00] Introduction and guest re-introduction [00:03:12] Resolutions vs intentions; social pressure [00:06:38] Nervous system consent and steps [00:12:05] Somatic communication and SAFE framework [00:22:01] Iterate; avoid functional freeze; rest [00:38:59] Preparing during the pause; boundaries [00:52:23] Safety first; cues, wrap-up, promos   FOLLOW and CONNECT with Sue I'm Pod Curious! Book a Podcast Success Call -  https://willoughby-coaching.myflodesk.com/podcast-success-call Website - https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/ Thanks to my amazing Producer and Editor Jess Grace Garcia (they/them) of Springwood Productions. https://www.springwoodproductions.com/ If you want to start your own podcast feel free to reach out to us. Jess and I would love to help you on your journey to sharing your story and passion. #LifeWorthBeing #Transformation #LifeCoach #Women #Empowerment #PersonalGrowth #InnerStrength #PurposefulLiving #MidlifeTransformation #Mindfulness #Mindset #SelfDiscovery #WomenEmpowerment #midlifestrategies #podcastcoach  🔥 Welcome to Midlife Strategies for Badass Women 🔥 I’m Sue Willoughby—Badass Midlife Strategist, life coach, and your partner in breaking rules, rewriting the script, and thriving unapologetically after 40. This channel is for women who are DONE playing small. If you’re ready to ditch the “shoulds,” reclaim your power, and live a bold, joyful, purpose-driven life—you’re in the right place. Each week, you’ll get real talk, raw stories, and badass strategies to help you: ✨ Smash through self-doubt and limitations ✨ Reclaim your confidence and clarity ✨ Build resilience and embrace reinvention ✨ Create a midlife that feels authentic, aligned, and f*cking powerful This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement. A community of women who are tired of waiting and ready to step into their next-level life, unapologetically. 👉 Hit subscribe, send a 5🌟 rating, review, and share with a friend so you never miss an episode. Let’s rise, rebel, and reinvent midlife together.

What if questioning your relationship with alcohol doesn’t mean you have a problem — it just means you’re paying attention? In this honest and eye-opening episode of Midlife Strategies for Badass Women, Sue Willoughby sits down with alcohol relationship coach and host of the Sober and Lit podcast, Susan Larkin, for a compassionate, no-shame conversation about gray area drinking — the space where many successful midlife women quietly wonder, “Is this still serving me?” Susan shares her personal journey of questioning her own drinking, the shame and self-blame that kept her stuck for years, and why the all-or-nothing narrative around alcohol stops so many women from getting the support they actually need. Together, Sue and Susan unpack how alcohol often becomes a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, loneliness, and life transitions — and why curiosity, not labels, is the most powerful place to start. This episode is not about telling you to quit drinking. It’s about giving you information, perspective, and permission to explore your relationship with alcohol in a way that feels empowering and self-directed. 🔥 In this episode, you’ll learn: What gray area drinking really is — and why so many midlife women fall into it Why shame keeps women stuck in negative habit loops How alcohol quietly affects anxiety, depression, sleep, and intuition The difference between “high functioning” and truly thriving Why alcohol-free doesn’t have to mean isolation or deprivation How to get curious about the jobs you’ve given alcohol in your life Why taking a break can be the most revealing experiment of all If you’ve ever Googled “Do I drink too much?”, felt a quiet heaviness after drinking, or wondered why something that once felt fun no longer does — this conversation will resonate deeply. Connect with Susan Larkin Website: https://www.susanlarkincoaching.com/1drinklesswithsusan1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanlarkincoaching/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drinklesswithsusan Book(s): https://www.susanlarkincoaching.com/the-freedom-formula-rewire-regulate-and-rise Podcast: Sober and Lit https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sober-lit-podcast/id1723773456 Free Gift: https://www.susanlarkincoaching.com/afsociallife Chapters [00:00:00] Welcome and guest introduction [00:02:35] Susan’s story and philosophy [00:06:13] Family impact and hidden baggage [00:15:16] Connection, desire, and sobriety framing [00:26:36] Navigating social life without alcohol [00:35:53] Midlife trends, risks, and accelerators [00:41:24] Culture, marketing, and coping patterns [00:48:18] Closing advice, resources, and outro   FOLLOW and CONNECT with Sue I'm Pod Curious! Book a Podcast Success Call -  https://willoughby-coaching.myflodesk.com/podcast-success-call Website - https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/   Thanks to my amazing Producer and Editor Jess Grace Garcia (they/them) of Springwood Productions. https://www.springwoodproductions.com/ If you want to start your own podcast feel free to reach out to us. Jess and I would love to help you on your journey to sharing your story and passion. #LifeWorthBeing #Transformation #LifeCoach #Women #Empowerment #PersonalGrowth #InnerStrength #PurposefulLiving #MidlifeTransformation #Mindfulness #Mindset #SelfDiscovery #WomenEmpowerment #midlifestrategies #podcastcoach  🔥 Welcome to Midlife Strategies for Badass Women 🔥 I’m Sue Willoughby—Badass Midlife Strategist, life coach, and your partner in breaking rules, rewriting the script, and thriving unapologetically after 40. This channel is for women who are DONE playing small. If you’re ready to ditch the “shoulds,” reclaim your power, and live a bold, joyful, purpose-driven life—you’re in the right place. Each week, you’ll get real talk, raw stories, and badass strategies to help you: ✨ Smash through self-doubt and limitations ✨ Reclaim your confidence and clarity ✨ Build resilience and embrace reinvention ✨ Create a midlife that feels authentic, aligned, and f*cking powerful This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement. A community of women who are tired of waiting and ready to step into their next-level life, unapologetically. 👉 Hit subscribe, send a 5🌟 rating, review, and share with a friend so you never miss an episode. Let’s rise, rebel, and reinvent midlife together.

What if your exhaustion isn’t a failure but a message? And what if your next chapter doesn’t require burning your life down, just listening more closely to your body? In this powerful episode of Midlife Strategies for Badass Women, Sue Willoughby sits down with Speaking and Visibility Coach Emily Schickli to unpack burnout, nervous system regulation, passion projects, and why midlife is the perfect time to stop pushing and start aligning. Emily shares her journey from tech burnout and chronic stress to creating a life and business rooted in clarity, capacity, and confidence. Together, Sue and Emily explore how women can reconnect with their bodies, follow the breadcrumbs of curiosity, and experiment their way into purpose without overwhelming pressure. This is not about quitting your job overnight or reinventing yourself through hustle. It’s about learning to regulate your nervous system, reclaim your energy, and create space for what genuinely lights you up. In this episode, you’ll learn: ☑️Why burnout is often a nervous system issue, not a motivation problem ☑️How to recognize the “feather, brick, and Mack truck” signals from your body ☑️What nervous system regulation actually looks like in real life ☑️Why passion projects increase energy instead of draining it ☑️How small, low-pressure experiments lead to lasting clarity in midlife If you’re a woman in midlife feeling tired, disconnected, or unsure what’s next, this conversation offers relief, permission, and a grounded path forward. Chapters [00:00:00] Opening, show intro, and guest introduction [00:03:47] Emily’s journey from tech burnout to coaching [00:11:00] Modalities blend and Human Design discussion [00:15:28] Three-phase method: clarity, capacity, confidence [00:20:00] Who Emily helps and regulation-first approach [00:23:50] Nervous system regulation demo, havening, and somatics [00:37:22] The Compass Club: structure and community [00:41:26] Passion projects: definition, examples, and integration [00:52:13] Closing takeaways, free kit, links, and promo Connect with Emily Schickli 🔗Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Stress Relief Ritual Kit: https://www.emilyschickli.com/offers/KxLTnVz6/ 🔗The 7 Passion Projects for More Purpose, Energy & Time Freedom Guide & Training: https://emilyschickli.com/7-passion-projects 🔗Explore The Compass Club and other ways to work with Emily: https://emilyschickli.com 🔗YouTube: https://youtube.com/@MindBodyDharma  🔗Instagram: https://instagram.com/emilyschickli   I'm Pod Curious! Book a Podcast Success Call -  https://willoughby-coaching.myflodesk.com/podcast-success-call FOLLOW and CONNECT with Sue Website - https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/ Thanks to my amazing Producer and Editor Jess Grace Garcia (they/them) of Springwood Productions. https://www.springwoodproductions.com/ If you want to start your own podcast feel free to reach out to us. Jess and I would love to help you on your journey to sharing your story and passion. #LifeWorthBeing #Transformation #LifeCoach #Women #Empowerment #PersonalGrowth #InnerStrength #PurposefulLiving #MidlifeTransformation #Mindfulness #Mindset #SelfDiscovery #WomenEmpowerment #midlifestrategies #podcastcoach  🔥 Welcome to Midlife Strategies for Badass Women 🔥 I’m Sue Willoughby—Badass Midlife Strategist, life coach, and your partner in breaking rules, rewriting the script, and thriving unapologetically after 40. This channel is for women who are DONE playing small. If you’re ready to ditch the “shoulds,” reclaim your power, and live a bold, joyful, purpose-driven life—you’re in the right place. Each week, you’ll get real talk, raw stories, and badass strategies to help you: ✨ Smash through self-doubt and limitations ✨ Reclaim your confidence and clarity ✨ Build resilience and embrace reinvention ✨ Create a midlife that feels authentic, aligned, and f*cking powerful This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement. A community of women who are tired of waiting and ready to step into their next-level life, unapologetically. 👉 Hit subscribe, send a 5🌟 rating, review, and share with a friend so you never miss an episode. Let’s rise, rebel, and reinvent midlife together.

🎙️ Top 10 Episodes of 2025 🥳 Midlife Strategies for Badass Women As we close out 2025, this special countdown episode highlights the conversations that resonated most deeply with our community of bold, midlife women. These are the stories that sparked courage, challenged comfort zones, and reminded us what’s possible when we stop playing small and start listening to ourselves. This is not about perfection. It’s about truth, resilience, and choosing yourself. Let’s count them down. 🔟 #10 – Kristen Chimack The Cost of Staying: Why Playing It Safe Is Riskier Than You Think Kristen Chimack joins the show to unpack the hidden risks of staying comfortable. This conversation is a powerful reminder that safety can quietly turn into stagnation and that growth often requires courage before confidence. 🎧 Listen to the episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cost-of-staying-why-playing-it-safe-is-riskier-than-you-think/id1753943662?i=1000703563228 🔗 Connect with Kristen: Website: https://kristenschimack.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenschimack/   9️⃣ #9 – Betsy Pepine Breaking Free: Overcoming Life’s Boxes Betsy Pepine explores the invisible boxes we inherit, accept, and enforce in our own lives. This episode challenges listeners to question expectations and redefine success on their own terms. 🎧 Listen to the episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/breaking-free-overcoming-lifes-boxes-with-betsy-pepine/id1753943662?i=1000695780954 🔗 Connect with Betsy: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betsypepine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betsypepine?igsh=Zm1sMWRhdDk3djB2 YouTube:  @BetsyPepine    8️⃣ #8 – Ruth E. Wilson Conquering Clouds: Wisdom, Adventure, and Spirit-Led Living Ruth E. Wilson brings a grounded and soulful perspective on adventure, intuition, and living in alignment. This conversation is for anyone feeling the pull toward something more meaningful. 🎧 Listen to the episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/conquering-clouds-wisdom-adventure-and-spirit-led/id1753943662?i=1000708288683 🔗 Connect with Ruth: Web: https://ruthewilson.com  Order her book Conquering Clouds - https://a.co/d/7Fe7Wlx  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruth.wilson.54379  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthwilson6087/   7️⃣ #7 – Jen Aks The Body Knows: Reclaiming Confidence and Connection Jen Aks reminds us that healing is not just mental; it is physical. This episode explores somatic awareness and how reconnecting with the body can restore confidence, safety, and trust. 🎧 Listen to the episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-body-knows-reclaiming-confidence-connection/id1753943662?i=1000731759988 🔗 Connect with Jen: Free Gifts: The Power of Gesture®, my signature bodyset practice https://bonus.jenaks.com/into-to-the-power-video-page Complimentary Live Gesture Workshop - Every Tuesday at 11:00EST - https://book.jenaks.com/free-live-gesture-workshop-page 🔗 Website: https://jenaks.com/ 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennferaks  🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jen_aks   📚 Grab her book Your Body is Speaking - Book page: https://yourbodyisspeaking.org/ 🎥 Watch her TEDx Talk: The Body’s Hidden Intelligence – From Mindset to Bodyset - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfZGY1mAbWs   6️⃣ #6 – Liz Potter Rewire Your Nervous System: Intuition and Energy Healing Liz Potter dives into nervous system regulation, intuition, and what it really takes to feel safe enough to expand. A favorite for listeners navigating stress, burnout, and growth. 🎧 Listen to the episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rewire-your-nervous-system-how-intuition-energy-healing/id1753943662?i=1000728004667 🔗 Connect with Liz: ✨ Bonus: Learn how Liz uses intuitive frequency reading to detect imbalances in the body—and why the “woo” and the science aren’t as far apart as you think. 🎧 If you’re a woman over 40 who feels stuck, scattered, or soul-tired… This episode is your wake-up call to regulate, reclaim, and rise. 📲 Work with Liz or learn more at https://lizpotterspiritmedium.com/   5️⃣ #5 – Becky Livingston If Not Now, When: Reclaiming Life Through Slow Living Becky Livingston shares a refreshing perspective on slowing down in a world that glorifies hustle. This episode invites listeners to reclaim their time, energy, and presence. 🎧 Listen to the episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/if-not-now-when-reclaiming-life-healing-through-slow/id1753943662?i=1000736232726 🔗 Connect with Becky: 🌍 Learn more at http://www.beckylivingston.com 📚 Read The Suitcase and the Jar: Travels with a Daughter’s Ashes - https://a.co/d/7q5iLbX 📱 Follow Becky on Socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beckylivingston23/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vitaltraveljourneysforwomen 🌟 Special Offer (10% discount on a 1-hour consult) Journey Clarity Consult Link: https://buy.stripe.com/14k6qW4m13Zd7VCcMM Use Code: BADASS10   4️⃣ #4 – Jennifer Spor Burnout to Breakthrough: A Spiritual Awakening at Midlife Jennifer Spor delves into how burnout can transform into a pivotal moment instead of a stalemate. This conversation speaks to the woman who knows something has to change. 🎧 Listen to the episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/burnout-to-breakthrough-a-spiritual-awakening-at-midlife/id1753943662?i=1000704419024 🔗 Connect with Jennifer: Website Link: https://www.jenniferspor.com/ Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferSporCoaching Instagram Link: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer_spor/   3️⃣ #3 – Dana & Krisanna Rescued Hearts: How Horses’ Healing Love Changed Everything Dana and Krisanna share the deeply moving story behind Rescued Hearts. This episode explores grief, healing, and the extraordinary power of the horse-human connection. 🎧 Listen to the episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rescued-hearts-how-horses-healing-love-changed-everything/id1753943662?i=1000714622239 🔗 Connect with Rescued Hearts: 🌐 Website: https://www.rescuedheartsfilm.com  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rescuedheartsfilm 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rescuedheartsfilm 🎥 YouTube: Live Wild Films    2️⃣ #2 – Erin Washington From Perfectionist to Purpose Erin Washington shares her journey from striving for perfection to living with intention. This episode resonated strongly with women ready to release control and trust themselves. 🎧 Listen to the episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-perfectionist-to-purpose-how-erin-washington-found/id1753943662?i=1000737211499 🔗 Connect with Erin: Podcast: thERINpy with Erin Washington https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/therinpy-with-erin-washington/id1530232466  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therinpy_with_erin_washington The Blue Butterfly Foundation Inc.: https://thebluebutterflies.org/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thERINpypodcast  Books: From Pain to Purpose: Finding Meaning in the Mess https://a.co/d/8Uj6xUc Squats and Margaritas: A Journey to Finding Balance https://a.co/d/ivcVhnd   🥇 #1 – Dianette Wells Another Step Up the Mountain: Adventure, Loss, and Living The most listened-to episode of 2025. Dianette Wells shares a powerful story of resilience, loss, and choosing to keep moving forward even when the path is uncertain. 🎧 Listen to the episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/another-step-up-the-mountain-adventure-loss-living/id1753943662?i=1000727011658 🔗 Connect with Dianette: Website: https://dianettewells.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DianetteWellsEnduranceAthlete  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianettewells/  📖Get her Book: Another Step Up the Mountain - https://a.co/d/cK9Ovl6 ✨ Closing Note If this episode inspired you, share it with a woman who needs a reminder that it is not too late to choose herself. And if you are ready for more honest conversations, grounded wisdom, and bold midlife strategy, be sure to follow Midlife Strategies for Badass Women wherever you listen to podcasts.   FOLLOW and CONNECT Website - https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/  

What if this holiday season didn’t require perfection, pressure, or pushing at all? In this special solo holiday episode of Midlife Strategies for Badass Women, Sue Willoughby invites you to slow down, exhale, and remember what actually matters as the year comes to a close. Reflecting on a year of experimentation, unmet expectations, and powerful personal growth, Sue shares what happens when we stop forcing outcomes and start trusting ourselves. From lessons learned through Human Design, to letting go of hustle and control, to tender memories of childhood Christmas traditions, this episode is a gentle reminder that presence beats perfection every time. Sue also speaks candidly about holiday stress, family dynamics, and the pressure to overdo and overgive, offering permission to simplify, choose connection over obligation, and honor your own nervous system during a busy season. This episode is not about productivity or reinvention. It’s about love, light, memory, and easing into the new year with grace. Perfect for anyone who feels overstimulated, sentimental, reflective, or quietly hopeful this time of year.   "Unlocking Your True Potential with Human Design" with Mel McSherry https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unlocking-your-true-potential-with-human-design-with/id1753943662?i=1000688811681   Connect with Sue Web: ⁠https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/⁠⁠ Insta: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/⁠⁠ FB: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/⁠⁠ LI: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/ YT: https://www.youtube.com/@SueWilloughby Podcast: https://www.midlifebadasswomen.com/  

What if the path to healing trauma isn’t just psychological—but soulful, relational, and deeply human? In this profound episode of Midlife Strategies for Badass Women, Sue Willoughby sits down with trauma psychologist, author, and Soulwise Solutions founder Dr. Kirsten Viola-Harrison for a conversation that bridges science, spirituality, trauma, and compassion in a way few are brave enough to explore. With over 35 years of experience working with complex PTSD, dissociative identity disorder, schizophrenia, and near-death experiencers, Dr. Harrison shares how her personal life—including profound loss, caregiving, and an unexpected relationship with an unhoused, intersex woman named Sean/a—reshaped everything she thought she knew about healing, resilience, and consciousness. Together, Sue and Dr. Harrison explore how trauma fragments the human experience, why healing must involve dignity and relationship, and what happens when we take a chance on people society has written off. From near-death experiences to equine-assisted healing, from homelessness to authorship, this episode is a masterclass in compassion-led transformation This conversation is for women in midlife who sense there is more—more meaning, more nuance, more possibility—and are ready to expand how they understand trauma, identity, and the human spirit. Connect with Dr. Kirsten Viola Harrison Website: https://soulwisesolutions.com/ Book: I, Sean/a: The Story of A Homeless Intersex Woman Who Inspired A Community https://a.co/d/fy0nH9g Chapters [00:00:00] January pod-curious Q&A; launch 2026 [00:00:48] Midlife Strategies intro; Sue’s mission [00:01:27] Guest bio: trauma meets spirituality [00:03:01] Why trauma? Personal path and losses [00:09:04] Energy, horses, and Soulwise approach [00:14:01] Meeting Shauna; identity, community, care [00:21:32] Travel, book idea, intersex advocacy [00:30:09] Belonging, etiquette, and perspective-taking [00:35:05] Current focus, spirituality, research, resources FOLLOW and CONNECT with Sue Website - https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/ Thanks to my amazing Producer and Editor Jess Grace Garcia (they/them) of Springwood Productions. https://www.springwoodproductions.com/ If you want to start your own podcast feel free to reach out to us. Jess and I would love to help you on your journey to sharing your story and passion. #LifeWorthBeing #Transformation #LifeCoach #Women #Empowerment #PersonalGrowth #InnerStrength #PurposefulLiving #MidlifeTransformation #Mindfulness #Mindset #SelfDiscovery #WomenEmpowerment #midlifestrategies  🔥 Welcome to Midlife Strategies for Badass Women 🔥 I’m Sue Willoughby—Badass Midlife Strategist, life coach, and your partner in breaking rules, rewriting the script, and thriving unapologetically after 40. This channel is for women who are DONE playing small. If you’re ready to ditch the “shoulds,” reclaim your power, and live a bold, joyful, purpose-driven life—you’re in the right place. Each week, you’ll get real talk, raw stories, and badass strategies to help you: ✨ Smash through self-doubt and limitations ✨ Reclaim your confidence and clarity ✨ Build resilience and embrace reinvention ✨ Create a midlife that feels authentic, aligned, and f*cking powerful This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement. A community of women who are tired of waiting and ready to step into their next-level life, unapologetically. 👉 Hit subscribe and turn on the bell so you never miss an episode. Let’s rise, rebel, and reinvent midlife—together.  

When was the last time you felt fully aligned, body, mind, and heart? In this soul-stirring episode of Midlife Strategies for Badass Women, host Sue Willoughby sits down with author, producer, and creative visionary Deborah Weed, the powerhouse behind Paisley’s Last Quill, a children’s book-turned-Broadway-bound musical about reclaiming self-worth and personal power. Deborah’s story takes us from the corporate world to the depths of a mysterious illness, misdiagnosis, and loss, all of which forced her to rebuild from the inside out. Through that journey, she discovered the difference between self-esteem and self-worth and how true power begins when we stop proving and start aligning. Together, Sue and Deborah dive deep into what it means to lose your voice, give away your “quills,” and finally find your way back to yourself. ✨ In this episode, you’ll hear: The life-changing difference between self-esteem and self-worth How corporate success can disconnect us from our hearts and how to come home again Why women give away their “quills” to belong (and how to get them back) How Deborah turned her pain into a musical that empowers others to reclaim their voices The truth about failure, creativity, and why alignment, not achievement, is the key to wholeness This is more than a conversation; it’s a creative call to rise, reclaim your worth, and live from your heart, quills up. Chapters [00:00:00] Opening: self-worth teaser and intro [00:02:22] From empath to corporate identity [00:05:57] Health crisis and self-worth revealed [00:08:26] Misdiagnoses, invalidation, vow to act [00:11:49] From pain to purpose: Paisley conceived [00:14:40] Paisley’s world, themes, and reception [00:18:00] Strategy to stage: budget and album [00:22:22] Practical empowerment and alignment [00:28:28] People-pleasing roots, badass redefined [00:32:48] Alignment metaphors: horses and eye test [00:37:25] Wrap-up: website, talent call, final advice Connect with Deborah Weed Website: http://www.paisleysfashionforest.com  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deborah.weed.1  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deborah.weed/  FOLLOW and CONNECT Website - https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/ Facebook - hthttps://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/ Thanks to my amazing Producer and Editor Jess Grace Garcia (they/them) of Springwood Productions. https://www.springwoodproductions.com/ If you want to start your own podcast feel free to reach out to us. Jess and I would love to help you on your journey to sharing your story and passion. #LifeWorthBeing #Transformation #LifeCoach #Women #Empowerment #PersonalGrowth #InnerStrength #PurposefulLiving #MidlifeTransformation #Mindfulness #Mindset #SelfDiscovery #WomenEmpowerment #midlifestrategies  🔥 Welcome to Midlife Strategies for Badass Women 🔥 I’m Sue Willoughby—Badass Midlife Strategist, life coach, and your partner in breaking rules, rewriting the script, and thriving unapologetically after 40. This channel is for women who are DONE playing small. If you’re ready to ditch the “shoulds,” reclaim your power, and live a bold, joyful, purpose-driven life—you’re in the right place. Each week, you’ll get real talk, raw stories, and badass strategies to help you: ✨ Smash through self-doubt and limitations ✨ Reclaim your confidence and clarity ✨ Build resilience and embrace reinvention ✨ Create a midlife that feels authentic, aligned, and f*cking powerful This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement. A community of women who are tired of waiting and ready to step into their next-level life, unapologetically. 👉 Hit subscribe and turn on the bell so you never miss an episode. Let’s rise, rebel, and reinvent midlife—together.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, silenced, or suffocated by old beliefs and expectations, this episode will feel like oxygen. In this powerful conversation on Midlife Strategies for Badass Women, Sue sits down with bestselling author, transformational coach, and BS-buster Drenda Thomas to unpack what she calls “the real BS”,  the Beliefs and Stories that shape our decisions, sabotage our confidence, and keep us playing small. Growing up in a rigid, high-control religious environment, Drenda was taught to stay quiet, obey, and never question authority. Later, as a woman in law enforcement and corporate leadership, she learned to overperform, overcompensate, and ignore her intuition until she finally hit a breaking point. In this conversation, Drenda shares how subconscious programming, fear-based narratives, and inherited limitations quietly run our lives and how we can reclaim our power through awareness, pattern interruption, and building new beliefs that actually support who we’re becoming. 🔥 In this episode, we dig into:  - The difference between stories and truth and how to challenge your inner critic  - How childhood conditioning quietly controls adult behavior  - Why women overperform and overgive (and how to stop)  - How fear disguises itself as logic, timing, or “being responsible”  - What hypnosis taught Drenda about money, self-worth, and freedom  - Why failure is an “unexpected outcome.”  - How to break cycles of self-sabotage and build unshakeable confidence This episode is a must-listen for any woman ready to ditch the BS, rewire her beliefs, and step into a limitless midlife. Connect with Drenda! Website: https://www.drendathomasrichards.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drendathomasrichards/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drendathomasrichards Grab her free Sacred Soul Detox Guide: https://www.drendathomasrichards.com/sacred-soul-detox-opt-in Book: Dare to Remember: Uncover Who You Were Before the BS - https://a.co/d/8GK6R5v Chapters [00:00:00] Intro and open [00:02:21] Background: religion and questioning [00:06:09] Early career in law enforcement [00:07:31] From ministry to mindset shift [00:10:50] Money beliefs and women’s narratives [00:17:25] Choice, fear, and reframing tools [00:28:22] Current work and client focus [00:33:48] Renaming failure, evaluating wisely [00:37:51] Wrap-up, resources, and advice FOLLOW and CONNECT Website - https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/ Thanks to my amazing Producer and Editor Jess Grace Garcia (they/them) of Springwood Productions. https://www.springwoodproductions.com/ If you want to start your own podcast feel free to reach out to us. Jess and I would love to help you on your journey to sharing your story and passion. #LifeWorthBeing #Transformation #LifeCoach #Women #Empowerment #PersonalGrowth #InnerStrength #PurposefulLiving #MidlifeTransformation #Mindfulness #Mindset #SelfDiscovery #WomenEmpowerment #midlifestrategies  🔥 Welcome to Midlife Strategies for Badass Women 🔥 I’m Sue Willoughby—Badass Midlife Strategist, life coach, and your partner in breaking rules, rewriting the script, and thriving unapologetically after 40. This channel is for women who are DONE playing small. If you’re ready to ditch the “shoulds,” reclaim your power, and live a bold, joyful, purpose-driven life—you’re in the right place. Each week, you’ll get real talk, raw stories, and badass strategies to help you: ✨ Smash through self-doubt and limitations ✨ Reclaim your confidence and clarity ✨ Build resilience and embrace reinvention ✨ Create a midlife that feels authentic, aligned, and f*cking powerful This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement. A community of women who are tired of waiting and ready to step into their next-level life, unapologetically. 👉 Hit subscribe and turn on the bell so you never miss an episode. Let’s rise, rebel, and reinvent midlife—together.

What happens when life as you know it ends in an instant — and you have to decide what comes next? In this powerful and heart-centered episode of Midlife Strategies for Badass Women, Sue sits down with grief coach, author, and speaker Lisa Boehm, whose journey through loss reshaped everything she thought she knew about life, identity, and resilience. After losing her 17-year-old daughter Katie in a tragic accident, Lisa faced a choice: stay stuck in the grief that consumed her, or find a new way forward. Her path led her to write Journey to Healing: A Mother’s Guide to Navigating Grief, and now her upcoming book Now What? — a guide for anyone facing change, loss, or uncertainty in midlife. Lisa and Sue talk about the myths of resilience, the healing power of curiosity, and how joy — even in small doses — can be a life-saving force. ✨ In this episode: Why “bouncing back” is the wrong idea about resilience How grief transforms every layer of identity — and what to do with that The 1% shifts that move you forward when the mountain feels too big The healing power of service and honoring your loved one through action How joy, curiosity, and small adventures can reignite your spirit This isn’t a conversation about loss — it’s about life. And it’s your reminder that no matter what happens, there’s always a next step. 📬 Connect with Lisa directly at lisa@lisakboehm.com 📚 Read Journey to Healing: A Mother’s Guide to Navigating Grief https://a.co/d/ix8EbVC     Join the Waitlist for: Now What? The Courage to Rise after Everything Changes       https://lisakboehm.kartra.com/page/Nowwhat  🌿 Learn more at https://www.lisakboehm.com  Insta: https://www.instagram.com/lisaboehmofficial/  FB: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/griefsupportformoms [00:00:00] Introducing Lisa and her resilience work   [00:02:24] Podcast intro: Midlife Strategies for Badass Women   [00:04:36] Lisa’s story: losing her 17-year-old daughter   [00:07:44] Writing the first book on grief   [00:11:48] Midlife identity shifts and grief’s broader relevance   [00:13:16] New book “Now What?” and life transitions   [00:15:08] Baby steps, 1% shifts, and manageable change   [00:19:19] Letting go of “what ifs” and reclaiming agency   [00:21:27] Introducing resilience discussion   [00:22:04] Redefining resilience beyond “bouncing back”   [00:26:03] Non-linear healing and messy growth   [00:28:09] Ad break: Podcasting for Real Estate Pros   [00:29:43] Joy and fun as the missing piece   [00:31:26] Micro-adventures and scheduling fun   [00:34:20] Curiosity, exploration, and everyday wonder   [00:37:39] Lisa’s current transition and midlife adventure   [00:39:21] Loss as catalyst and living for today   [00:41:01] Advice for those feeling stuck and joyless   [00:42:19] Choosing joy, curiosity, and small experiments   [00:43:49] Closing, contact info, and final message   FOLLOW and CONNECT Website - https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/  Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/  Thanks to my amazing Producer and Editor Jess Grace Garcia (they/them) of Springwood Productions. https://www.springwoodproductions.com/  If you want to start your own podcast feel free to reach out to us. Jess and I would love to help you on your journey to sharing your story and passion. #LifeWorthBeing #Transformation #LifeCoach #Women #Empowerment #PersonalGrowth #InnerStrength #PurposefulLiving #MidlifeTransformation #Mindfulness #Mindset #SelfDiscovery #WomenEmpowerment #midlifestrategies  🔥 Welcome to Midlife Strategies for Badass Women 🔥 I’m Sue Willoughby—Badass Midlife Strategist, life coach, and your partner in breaking rules, rewriting the script, and thriving unapologetically after 40. This channel is for women who are DONE playing small. If you’re ready to ditch the “shoulds,” reclaim your power, and live a bold, joyful, purpose-driven life—you’re in the right place. Each week, you’ll get real talk, raw stories, and badass strategies to help you: ✨ Smash through self-doubt and limitations ✨ Reclaim your confidence and clarity ✨ Build resilience and embrace reinvention ✨ Create a midlife that feels authentic, aligned, and f*cking powerful This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement. A community of women who are tired of waiting and ready to step into their next-level life, unapologetically. 👉 Hit subscribe and turn on the bell so you never miss an episode. Let’s rise, rebel, and reinvent midlife—together.

What happens when the life you built stops fitting the woman you’ve become? In this candid and powerful episode of Midlife Strategies for Badass Women, Sue sits down with podcaster, author, and speaker Erin Washington — host of ThERINpy with Erin Washington (formerly Squats and Margaritas) — to talk about shedding perfectionism, healing from disordered eating, and finding freedom on the other side of “having it all.” A former D1 soccer player, NFL wife, and mom of two, Erin opens up about her journey from overachieving and overdrinking to living authentically and helping others do the same. Through vulnerability and humor, she shares how letting go of who she thought she should be led her to her true purpose — empowering women and teen girls to embrace imperfection, self-worth, and balance. 🔥 In this episode: How identity and self-worth get tangled in achievement Breaking free from perfectionism and “good girl” programming Sobriety, self-acceptance, and rebuilding from the inside out Why midlife reinvention is messy — and worth it How to model confidence and authenticity for the next generation Erin’s story reminds us that balance isn’t a myth — it’s an evolution. And when we stop hiding the hard stuff, we make space for healing, humor, and genuine joy. Connect with Erin: Podcast: thERINpy with Erin Washington https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/therinpy-with-erin-washington/id1530232466  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therinpy_with_erin_washington The Blue Butterfly Foundation Inc.: https://thebluebutterflies.org/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thERINpypodcast  Books: From Pain to Purpose: Finding Meaning in the Mess https://a.co/d/8Uj6xUc Squats and Margaritas: A Journey to Finding Balance https://a.co/d/ivcVhnd   Chapters 00:00:00] Authenticity and alignment teaser [00:03:03] Erin’s journey and origin story [00:08:23] Balance vs restriction; pandemic habits [00:14:44] Midlife identity and relationships [00:28:03] Purpose, signs, and Blue Butterfly [00:35:19] Stepping from excellent to exceptional [00:48:02] Intuition, sobriety, and wrap-up FOLLOW and CONNECT Website - https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/  Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/  Thanks to my amazing Producer and Editor Jess Grace Garcia (they/them) of Springwood Productions. https://www.springwoodproductions.com/  If you want to start your own podcast feel free to reach out to us. Jess and I would love to help you on your journey to sharing your story and passion. #LifeWorthBeing #Transformation #LifeCoach #Women #Empowerment #PersonalGrowth #InnerStrength #PurposefulLiving #MidlifeTransformation #Mindfulness #Mindset #SelfDiscovery #WomenEmpowerment #midlifestrategies  🔥 Welcome to Midlife Strategies for Badass Women 🔥 I’m Sue Willoughby—Badass Midlife Strategist, life coach, and your partner in breaking rules, rewriting the script, and thriving unapologetically after 40. This channel is for women who are DONE playing small. If you’re ready to ditch the “shoulds,” reclaim your power, and live a bold, joyful, purpose-driven life—you’re in the right place. Each week, you’ll get real talk, raw stories, and badass strategies to help you: ✨ Smash through self-doubt and limitations ✨ Reclaim your confidence and clarity ✨ Build resilience and embrace reinvention ✨ Create a midlife that feels authentic, aligned, and f*cking powerful This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement. A community of women who are tired of waiting and ready to step into their next-level life, unapologetically. 👉 Hit subscribe and turn on the bell so you never miss an episode. Let’s rise, rebel, and reinvent midlife—together.

When life breaks you open, what do you do next? In this emotional and empowering episode of Midlife Strategies for Badass Women, Sue sits down with author, adventurer, and travel coach Becky Livingston, who turned unimaginable grief into a 26-month global journey of healing and rediscovery. After the loss of her 23-year-old daughter, Becky honored her daughter’s final wish to keep traveling the world—carrying her ashes to nine countries and leaving a piece of her spirit in each place. That pilgrimage became the foundation of her award-winning memoir, The Suitcase and the Jar, and her life’s work: helping women rediscover themselves through slow, intentional travel. ✨ In this episode: How travel became a tool for healing after loss Why solo travel in midlife is the ultimate act of courage How slowing down can help you reconnect with yourself The secret to meaningful travel: start with why, not where What it really means to live fully after heartbreak Whether you’re navigating loss, longing for freedom, or just ready to step out of your comfort zone, this conversation is a soul-stirring reminder that it’s never too late to begin again. 🌍 Learn more at http://www.beckylivingston.com 📚 Read The Suitcase and the Jar: Travels with a Daughter’s Ashes - https://a.co/d/7q5iLbX 📱 Follow Becky on Socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beckylivingston23/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vitaltraveljourneysforwomen 🌟 Special Offer (10% discount on a 1-hour consult) Journey Clarity Consult Link: https://buy.stripe.com/14k6qW4m13Zd7VCcMM Use Code: BADASS10 Chapters [00:00:00] Opening: silence, loneliness and mourning [00:01:03] Episode Presentation and Theme [00:02:53] Welcome Becky to the show [00:03:23] Loss of Rachel and the Book [00:07:27] Diary and blog during the trip [00:09:01] Photos and index cards as a guide [00:10:12] How the Journey Unfolded [00:12:59] India and the Taj Mahal [00:14:17] Finding Hardness and Minimalism [00:16:23] Grief: Silence and Solitude Needed [00:19:00] India without calm; Tasmania arrives [00:21:26] Slow Travel Philosophy [00:23:28] Favorite stay: Tasmania [00:26:10] Ad break: podcast miniseries [00:27:43] Book to travel coaching [00:31:33] How you work with women [00:35:46] Solo vs. group and meet people [00:39:23] Local guides and eating alone [00:42:18] Social Conditioning and Perception [00:43:19] Security and Hosting Choices [00:46:09] Immersion vs. hotel; example Vietnam [00:49:02] It's about them, not us [00:51:36] Self-awareness and boxing analogy [00:53:02] Slow Travel, Housesitting and Care [00:56:10] Intention First: The "Why" [00:57:24] Holiday Culture: USA vs Europe [00:58:23] How to contact Becky [00:59:54] Call to action and partial closure [01:01:01] Rachel's final message [01:02:18] Farewell to the episode   FOLLOW and CONNECT Website - https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/ Thanks to my amazing Producer and Editor Jess Grace Garcia (they/them) of Springwood Productions. https://www.springwoodproductions.com/ If you want to start your own podcast feel free to reach out to us. Jess and I would love to help you on your journey to sharing your story and passion. #LifeWorthBeing #Transformation #LifeCoach #Women #Empowerment #PersonalGrowth #InnerStrength #PurposefulLiving #MidlifeTransformation #Mindfulness #Mindset #SelfDiscovery #WomenEmpowerment #midlifestrategies 🔥 Welcome to Midlife Strategies for Badass Women 🔥 I’m Sue Willoughby—Badass Midlife Strategist, life coach, and your partner in breaking rules, rewriting the script, and thriving unapologetically after 40. This channel is for women who are DONE playing small. If you’re ready to ditch the “shoulds,” reclaim your power, and live a bold, joyful, purpose-driven life—you’re in the right place. Each week, you’ll get real talk, raw stories, and badass strategies to help you: ✨ Smash through self-doubt and limitations ✨ Reclaim your confidence and clarity ✨ Build resilience and embrace reinvention ✨ Create a midlife that feels authentic, aligned, and f*cking powerful This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement. A community of women who are tired of waiting and ready to step into their next-level life, unapologetically. 👉 Hit subscribe so you never miss an episode. Let’s rise, rebel, and reinvent midlife—together.  

What if fire wasn’t destruction—but transformation? In this gorgeous, soul-deep episode of Midlife Strategies for Badass Women, Sue reconnects with internationally acclaimed encaustic artist Alicia Tormey, whose latest solo show Pyrophytic explores the themes of rebirth, resilience, and creative regeneration through fire. Alicia uses actual flame as a tool in her art, fusing wax and heat to create luminous botanical works inspired by nature’s ability to rise from ashes. But this conversation goes far beyond technique—it’s about what it means to stay curious, generous, and wildly creative through life’s hardest seasons. 🔥 In this episode: The meaning behind Pyrophytic—and how wildfires mirror the human spirit Why Alicia sees no separation between art, business, and life The myth of balance—and what to aim for instead How to sustain creativity without burning out The mindset shift that changed everything: “I’m here for it.” Alicia’s wisdom applies far beyond the studio—it’s about showing up for yourself, your purpose, and your own creative fire, no matter what stage of life you’re in. 🎨 Explore Alicia’s work at https://www.aliciatormey.com/ 📍Visit her solo exhibition Pyrophytic at the Patricia Rovzar Gallery in Seattle https://rovzargallery.com/exhibitions/pyro/ 📱Follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/alicia.tormey Chapters [00:00:00] - Opening Mindset [00:02:10] - Podcast Identity and Audience [00:04:05] - Exhibition Logistics and Gratitude [00:05:07] - Title: "Pyrophytic" [00:07:29] - Pyrophytic Plants Mentioned on TV [00:09:08] - Focus on Botanicals [00:11:04] - Imagination and Pareidolia [00:13:19] - Encaustic Technique: Hot-Cold Working [00:15:57] - Art Practice as Business [00:19:31] - Studio vs Administrative Pull [00:20:40] - Myth of Balance Debunked [00:22:28] - Mantra: "I’m Here for It" [00:25:10] - Teaching and Retreats [00:27:28] - Vulnerability in Creating [00:28:28] - Community Feedback: Generosity [00:32:21] - Peers Recognize Generosity [00:32:46] - Two Artist Mindsets [00:34:29] - Choosing Generosity and Flow [00:37:15] - Advice for Beginners [00:39:01] - Cycles of Development [00:41:17] - Narrow Focus and Depth [00:42:28] - Knowing When a Piece Is Done [00:45:54] - Gallery and Website Details [00:46:45] - Thanks for Packing Assistance [00:47:24] - Final Encouragement and Outro   FOLLOW and CONNECT Website - https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/  Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/  Thanks to my amazing Producer and Editor Jess Grace Garcia (they/them) of Springwood Productions. https://www.springwoodproductions.com/  If you want to start your own podcast feel free to reach out to us. Jess and I would love to help you on your journey to sharing your story and passion. #LifeWorthBeing #Transformation #LifeCoach #Women #Empowerment #PersonalGrowth #InnerStrength #PurposefulLiving #MidlifeTransformation #Mindfulness #Mindset #SelfDiscovery #WomenEmpowerment #midlifestrategies  🔥 Welcome to Midlife Strategies for Badass Women 🔥 I’m Sue Willoughby—Badass Midlife Strategist, life coach, and your partner in breaking rules, rewriting the script, and thriving unapologetically after 40. This channel is for women who are DONE playing small. If you’re ready to ditch the “shoulds,” reclaim your power, and live a bold, joyful, purpose-driven life—you’re in the right place. Each week, you’ll get real talk, raw stories, and badass strategies to help you: ✨ Smash through self-doubt and limitations ✨ Reclaim your confidence and clarity ✨ Build resilience and embrace reinvention ✨ Create a midlife that feels authentic, aligned, and f*cking powerful This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement. A community of women who are tired of waiting and ready to step into their next-level life, unapologetically. 👉 Hit subscribe and turn on the bell so you never miss an episode. Let’s rise, rebel, and reinvent midlife—together.

Hey Badass listeners, This is a special episode! I'm giving you a little sample of a new limited series podcast that I just launched called: "Podcasting for Real Estate Pros". This limited series includes 21 short, punchy episodes that walk you through how to successfully start your own podcast. Although I initially designed the podcast for real estate professionals, anyone can benefit from these insightful lessons! 🎧Please enjoy the first episode, and I hope you'll binge the rest. 🔗https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/podcasting-for-real-estate-pros/id1843467070  Welcome to the no-BS guide to podcasting for real estate pros. This episode sets the stage for the whole series — showing you how to stop hiding behind boring “look at me” marketing and start building trust, authority, and a brand that actually sticks. Think of this series like a mini-course, only way more fun (and actually useful). ✨ Takeaways: * - Why podcasting beats every tired marketing tactic you’ve been told to use. * - How to treat this podcast like your step-by-step playbook. * - Why grabbing the free workbook will make your life 10x easier.   📌 Call to Action: Hey, future podcaster, quick heads-up—this series comes with a free workbook to make your life way easier. Don’t just listen; actually do the work. Grab your free copy today—click the link below. Download your workbook today! https://podcastingforrealestatepros.com/podcasting-for-real-estate-pros-companion-workbook/

If you’ve ever been told “it’s just menopause” — this one’s for you. In this eye-opening episode of Midlife Strategies for Badass Women, Sue sits down with Dyna Vink, an Integrative Health Practitioner and founder of Holistic Nutrition Lifestyle, to talk about what’s really going on with women’s bodies during perimenopause and menopause. From brain fog and fatigue to sleep issues, anxiety, gut imbalances, and hormone chaos — Dyna breaks down why women are often dismissed by traditional medicine and how functional medicine testing can uncover the root cause of what’s keeping you stuck. 💥 In this episode, you’ll learn: Why your doctor might not actually understand menopause (and it’s not your fault) What functional medicine testing reveals that standard bloodwork doesn’t The link between liver health, gut balance, and hormone regulation The shocking truth about cortisol, sleep, and stress in midlife Why detoxing is the first step to reclaiming your energy and sanity If you’ve ever thought, “I feel like I’m losing my mind,” this conversation will remind you that you’re not crazy — you’re just complex. And there are real, science-based ways to get your balance, energy, and confidence back. Connect with Dyna  Website: https://holisticnutritionlifestyle.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dyna.vink/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerimenopauseRelief Discovery call: https://offers.holisticnutritionlifestyle.com/discoverycall [00:00:00] - Introduction [00:03:04] - Guest welcome [00:08:53] - Gaps in conventional care and testing [00:14:30] - Parasites and lab methods [00:18:33] - Symptom spectrum and daily impact [00:21:06] - Training and blended modalities [00:23:34] - Systematic approach: detox first [00:29:32] - Mid-episode promo [00:31:06] - Finding help and working with Dina [00:36:19] - Beyond perimenopause: ongoing issues [00:38:36] - HRT: benefits and limitations [00:41:29] - Empowerment and next steps FOLLOW and CONNECT Website - https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/  Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/  Thanks to my amazing Producer and Editor Jess Grace Garcia (they/them) of Springwood Productions. https://www.springwoodproductions.com/  If you want to start your own podcast feel free to reach out to us. Jess and I would love to help you on your journey to sharing your story and passion. #LifeWorthBeing #Transformation #LifeCoach #Women #Empowerment #PersonalGrowth #InnerStrength #PurposefulLiving #MidlifeTransformation #Mindfulness #Mindset #SelfDiscovery #WomenEmpowerment #midlifestrategies  🔥 Welcome to Midlife Strategies for Badass Women 🔥 I’m Sue Willoughby—Badass Midlife Strategist, life coach, and your partner in breaking rules, rewriting the script, and thriving unapologetically after 40. This channel is for women who are DONE playing small. If you’re ready to ditch the “shoulds,” reclaim your power, and live a bold, joyful, purpose-driven life—you’re in the right place. Each week, you’ll get real talk, raw stories, and badass strategies to help you: ✨ Smash through self-doubt and limitations ✨ Reclaim your confidence and clarity ✨ Build resilience and embrace reinvention ✨ Create a midlife that feels authentic, aligned, and f*cking powerful This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement. A community of women who are tired of waiting and ready to step into their next-level life, unapologetically. 👉 Hit subscribe and turn on the bell so you never miss an episode. Let’s rise, rebel, and reinvent midlife—together.