Mixing Up Midlife

212. Stepping Back to Move Forward

Summer Break: A Pause, Not a Goodbye In this heartfelt episode of 'Mixing Up Midlife,' hosts Terri and Melissa discuss the challenges of balancing their beloved podcast with their busy lives. As they reflect on their journey and shared passion for creating content for women in their fifties and beyond, they announce a much-needed summer break. They talk candidly about their personal struggles and the importance of living in the moment,  Tune in for a therapeutic and honest conversation abo...

211. Women Over 50 UGC

The Power of User-Generated Content in Boosting Brand Popularity   In this episode, we explore user-generated content. Is it a good money maker for women over 50? We’ve got lots of questions and very few answers!   00:00 Introduction to Mixing at Midlife 00:47 Understanding User Generated Content (UGC) 03:10 The Value of UGC for Women Over 50 07:10 How to Get Started with UGC 16:51 Weekend Watch and Podcast Updates   Here’s the article we quoted   Mix It Up with US ...

210. Micro Vacations and Writing Your Own Obituary

Terri and Melissa discuss the importance of micro vacations, and share their recent getaway experiences. We talk about memorable discussions from our last guest, Jean Blasberg, and the overarching philosophy of 'using your life as a laboratory.'  Is writing your own obituary a trend?   We wrap up  the episode with weekend watches, noting shows like 'Dark Matter' and 'Hacks,' and contemplate future content such as a book club discussion.   Mix It Up with US Leave Us A Voicemail   ...

209 Reinvention in Midlife Through Fiction and Farming with Author Jeanne Blasberg

Today we’re sitting down with award-winning author Jeanne Blasberg to discuss Jeanne's journey from writing successful novels like 'The Nine' and 'Eden’, to embracing a new life as a regenerative farmer in Wisconsin. Jeanne talks about the challenges and rewards of farming, the importance of curiosity and trying new things, and how her experiences have influenced her writing. She also offers advice on pursuing creative passions later in life, emphasizing the value of consistent effort and ex...

208. Midlife Pop Culture Catch Up

Ready for a pop culture deep dive with a midlife twist? This week on Mixing Up Midlife, Terri and Melissa are back with a fun-filled episode, catching you up on all things midlife pop culture and sharing some personal adventures along the way. What's on Tap? Midlife Adventures: Terri and Melissa dish on Melissa’s recent Cape Cod vacation, spilling the tea on their adventures (and misadventures!). TikTok Takeover We can't resist the siren song of TikTok! We share our favorite  recent t...

207. Horses as Healers Exploring Equine Gestalt Coaching with Allison Goldfarb

Equine Gestalt Coaching: Ever wonder how horses can help you heal? This week on Mixing Up Midlife, Terri and Melissa chat with Allison Goldfarb, a certified Equine Gestalt Coach who uses the magic of horses to unlock emotional transformation. Allison explains how she combines gestalt psychology  with the incredible intuition of horses to help people overcome emotional baggage and past hurts. We're talking deep dives, personal stories, and powerful connections formed between humans and thes...

206. Invest in Yourself in Midlife

Melissa becomes the guest today as she & Terri talk about the value of stepping out of your comfort zone and investing in yourself, particularly in midlife. The discussion pivots around Melissa's recent experience of being on the other side of the camera for a branding photo session, emphasizing the value of high-quality photography for personal branding and the importance of preparation.  If you're interested in a mini branding session with Melissa in are the DC area on June 6 or in Conne...

205. Small Steps to Sustainability

Small Steps to Sustainable Living  We’re talking about the small, eco-friendly steps we’ve taken over the past year and revisiting our interview with Trace Zero Waste owner, Mala Persaud.  Learn about simple swaps like bamboo washcloths and cloth napkins, along with the challenges and triumphs of minimizing paper towel use. The episode also explores innovative sustainable products and eco-friendly cleaning methods. Inspired to make a difference? Let us know how you’re reducing waste on...

204. More Glimmers, Less Triggers

Are you experiencing glimmers or triggers? In the he aftermath of a lost recording, Terri & Melissa share their experiences with technology mishaps, and introduce the concept of 'Glimmers'—positive experiences that contrast with triggers, often associated with negative emotions. They explain the psychological benefits of recognizing glimmers, drawing from an article in Real Simple and videos on TikTok. If you're in Vienna, VA, make sure to check out Royal Nepal Bistro  & The Mixx Delight ...

203.Transforming Midlife Through Weightlifting

Transforming Midlife Through Weightlifting: Kim Rahir’s Journey from MS to Master Athlete   In this episode of 'Mixing Up Midlife,' hosts Terri and Melissa explore the power of physical strength and mental resilience with their guest, Kim Rahir. Kim is a 60 year old mother of three who was diagnosed with MS 10 years ago and decided to ignore her doctor's advice and muscle her way back to a happy life. This year she became European Champion in Masters Weightlifting in her age and weight c...

202. TikTok Helped Me Find A New Hobby

TikTok has made it easier than ever to find new hobbies to try. Melissa doesn’t want more stuff, but Terri went down a paperback to hardcover book binding rabbit hole and is now obsessed. We have 4 News Items that women over 50 might be interested in and the Weekend Watch. Executive Order on Women’s Midlife Health Older Models at Paris Fashion Week Anne Hathaway The Idea of You Earlybirds Club Would you go to an event that starts at 6 and ends at 10Pm?   Weekend Watch Huge in F...

201. Calm Within Adult Swim: Overcoming Hurdles and Embracing Tiny Adventures with Cori Myka

In this episode of 'Mixing Up Midlife,' hosts Terri and Melissa welcome Cori Myka, the founder of Calm Within Adult Swim and the creator of the Foundations of Change Learning Method. Cori shares her insights on the transformative power of learning to swim as an adult, addressing common fears and obstacles. The discussion explores Cori's approach to teaching swimming, which emphasizes a mindset-first methodology and breaking down learning into small, manageable steps. Cori also discusses the ...

200.From Books to Bingo: Celebrating 200 Episodes of Adventure with Mixing Up Midlife

We’re celebrating our beloved 'Mixing Up Midlife' since we just hit a HUGE milestone- our 200th episode!  It's been a wild ride filled with adventures, curiosity, and, well, some unexpected steamy book moments. Fourth Wing had us blushing a bit! If you haven’t read it,  it's like 'Hunger Games' but with dragons, a touch of magic, and a whole lot of steaminess. Melissa and Terri have finally launched the Ageless Adventure Bingo Card- it’s all about making goal-setting fun and gamified - think...

199. Climbing Kilimanjaro A Midlife Adventure with Joann Meginley

In this episode of 'Mixing a Midlife,' hosts Terri and Melissa explore the adventure of a lifetime with their special guest, Joanne McGinley, who shares her experience climbing Mount Kilimanjaro at the age of 55. Joanne, a former stay-at-home mom who later built a fitness community and survived the challenges of COVID-19 with her studio, embarked on this journey as part of fulfilling her bucket list. The conversation touches on Joanne's motivations, preparations, and the physical and mental ...

198. Marking A Milestone Celebrating Turning 60

Terri is turning 60 and we’re celebrating! In this emergency podcast episode, Terri & Melissa talk about marking this milestone, the significance of turning 60 and some of the challenges. Terri calls BS on herself and is determined to live more adventurously by doing more of the things she and Melissa encourage others to do. The episode includes a fun Turning 60 trivia quiz, a TikTok that’s a masterclass in story telling and a new weekend watch.   00:00 Introduction and Birthday Celebrat...

197. Midlife Fantasy Fun: Dungeons and Dragons in the Empty Nest

Step into the world of Dungeons and Dragons with Terri and Melissa on the latest episode of the 'Mixing Up Midlife' podcast! Join them for a dose of midlife fantasy fun as they delve into this beloved role-playing game from the cozy confines of their Empty Nest. Listen in as Terri and Melissa share their initial confusion and subsequent fascination with D&D, discussing how they believe playing this game could expand their creativity and imagination. Mentioned on the episode: Listen to Y...

196. Finding Your Perfect Retirement Location with Margaret Vandergriff, Founder of Your Place Finder

Have you been searching for the perfect retirement location, but aren't quite sure where that is or how to find it? Today's guest, Margaret Vandergriff, founder of Your Place Finder is here to help!  Drawing on 30+ years of prospect research, strategic planning, and consulting/coaching experience, Margaret created the Spark System to guide retirees and almost retirees from deciding to move (or not), to finding their perfect retirement location, to smoothly navigating their move and transitio...

195. Romantasy Isn’t New, BookTok is

Terri and Melissa are transported into the world of Romantasy on today’s episode.  Terri shares her long-time love for the genre, highlighting its role in offering complete escapism and its evolution from conventional romance narratives. Terri and Melissa consider how the genre has grown thanks to social media and the popularity of BookTok and have some  starter romantasy book recs . They chat about other facets of pop culture like Taylor Swift's Grammy win and the Super Bowl.    00:00 I...

194. The Empty Nest or the Endless Nest and 3 Fun Facts

Join hosts Terri and Melissa as they candidly discuss life in their fifties and beyond, particularly focusing on the 'empty nest' stage of life. They mull over questions like 'When do we stop parenting our adult children?' and 'How to balance personal interests and a career while making space for enjoyment in retirement?' The discussion also includes their personal fun facts and an invitation to listeners to share their own. They touch upon reality TV shows like 'Love on the Spectrum' and 'B...

193. Exploring Twin Flame Soulmates and Tarot with MaryJo Cranmore

192. Finding Your Purpose with Astrology, the North Node and Intuition with Mary Jo Cranmore of Soulful Revolution

Can astrology help women over 50 find their purpose? In this episode of the 'Mixing Up Midlife' podcast, hosts Terri and Melissa interview intuitive tarot reader and astrologer, Mary Jo Cranmore aka MJ. MJ shares her journey from a television news producer to an astrologer, her spiritual awakening and provides insights about astrological houses, North Node, South Node and how they relate to one's purpose in life. She also provides guidance on how to interpret this information to guide decisi...

191. Bingo Card Goal Setting, New Adventures, and Puppies in the Empty Nest

We're back together for the first time since December and we've got updates! Melissa went to Colorado, hiked Garden of the Gods and came home with her new fur baby. We ask if it's crazy that we both got puppies as empty nesters. Our answers may suprise you. We're going to be gamifying our 2024 goal setting by making bingo cards! What do you think? Let us know by shooting us an email or leaving us a voicemail! Weekend Watch: Golden Bachelor Wedding Bodies   Books: Hamnet Court o...

190. Living A Bodacious Life: Seasonal Work For Women over 50 with Dawna Jarvis

Living A Bodacious Life: Seasonal Work For Women over 50 with Dawna Jarvis In this episode, Terri and Melissa of 'Mixing up Midlife' podcast speak with Dawna Jarvis in an enlightening conversation about pursuing an adventurous life post-age 50. Dawna shares her journey of taking a divergent route in her empty nesting life, leaving the corporate world behind, and embracing the adventures of seasonal work. From working as a front desk staff to tour guide, her seasonal jobs have taken her aro...

189. Ending the Year on A NOTE

It's the last episode of 2023 and we went off the rails a bit...Today's episode is a bit of everthing...A squirell story, a COVID Christmas, A new arrival and a Try it or Buy it. HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND WE'LL SEE YOU IN 2024 (we might get a tiny commission for these): Ulike Air 3 Labigo Electric Spin Scrubber Mix It Up with Us Leave Us A Voicemail     Terri on Instagram  Melissa on Instagram  Join the Mixing Up Midlife Discussion Facebook Group Email Us: MixingupMidlife@gmai...

188. The Holiday Mixer: Reflections from the Past and Gifts for the Present

It's the annual holiday episode! Today we're sharing what makes our holidays special and we're sharing some of our past podcast episodes, especially the ones that could help you with your holiday shopping! From books and skincare products to eco-friendly stocking stuffers and unique travel experiences, there's something for everyone! We also touch on topics like solo travel, sustainable lifestyle changes, and support for female entrepreneurs. We hope you are celebrating the season by creat...

187 The Golden Bachelor Finale A Gen Z POV

For the first time in the show's history, we've got  a twenty something on as our guest! We're joined by Melissa's Gen Z daughter, Alison, who gives us her thoughts on The Golden Bachelor, explains what "Porch Era"is  and talks about what she liked about the show. Mix It Up with Us Leave Us A Voicemail     Terri on Instagram  Melissa on Instagram  Join the Mixing Up Midlife Discussion Facebook Group Email Us: [email protected]  Visit the Mixing Up Midlife website Ma...

186. Women in Wine Pour Sip and Learn with Iola Wines Marilee Bramhall

In this episode, hosts Melissa and Terri sit down with Marilee Bramhall, the passionate founder of Iola Wines. Marilee takes us on a sensory journey, sharing her adventures in the wine business and her dedication to elevating the work of women in the wine industry. From virtual wine tastings to her deep-rooted connection to Old World wines and the influence of women in its production, Marilee's innovative approach and unwavering commitment to sustainability and women empowerment shine throug...

185. Shootin' the Shh Chin Hair and Pillow Talk

Not a Golden Bachelor fan? Don't despair! While we do discuss the most recent TGB episode (The Fantasy Suites), we dive into some of the bigger themes that struck us: Does sex equal intimacy, would you choose adventure vs. safety and the importance of pillow talk. We also laugh about grappeling with chin hair, sports and concepts of aging. HAPPY THANKSGIVING to our listeners who celebrate. We're truly grateful for you! Weekend Watch: Murder at the End of the World on Hulu   Do you ...

184. Camera Shy Posing Tips for the Holidays, Women Tell All and Try It or Buy It

Get ready for the holidays! Melissa gives posing tips for the camera shy, which include holding a 6 inch sub and getting comfortable with yourself in front of a mirror....we do a not recap of the Golden Bachelor Women Tell All and we get ready for Black Friday with a few Try it or Buy its and we have some Weekend Watches for you. Get Melissa’s  Camera Shy Guide: The Ultimate Guide to Stepping In Front of the Camera     Weekend Watch: Quiz Lady on Hulu Nyad  on Netflix Lessons ...

183. Kickstart Your Life and Lessons Learned from The Golden Bachelor Recap Ep.6

Inspired by an interview with The Golden Bachelor contestant, Nancy Hulkower, we talk about what it would take to kickstart your life and make yourself a little uncomfortable so you can reap the benefits and grow. We do a pretty quick recap of the Golden Bachelor Ep. 6. We think Faith is out and it's going to be Theresa and Leslie after the hometown visits. Send us an email or voicemail with your own kickstart project or let us know if you need help and accountability doing "the thing" Mix It...

182. Helicopters and Roller Coasters The Golden Bachelor recap Ep. 5

It's another recap: Gerry is having the time of his life, but are the women? 3 women go home in this episode, 3 move onto hometown visits. Weekend Watch: Drops of God is an absolute must see on Apple TV + Get ready for Thnanksgiving now by making this insanely good Pumkin Spiced Latte clarified milk punch. It takes about 3 days to make and lasts for as long as you can leave it in the fridge. Mix It Up with Us Leave Us A Voicemail     Terri on Instagram  Melissa on Instagram ...

181. It's A Pickleball Party The Golden Bachelor Recap Ep. 4

Terri is back from Paris, the City of Love. She walked, ate and drank her way through most of the city's arrondissements. Speaking of love, we're back breaking down episode 4 of The Golden Bachelor. TLDR: Kathy & Theresa are having a disagreement and Gerry feels the negativity.  Sweet & Spicy Sandra plays a mean game of Pickleball on 2 artificial knees, while missing her daughter's wedding. Then gets sick while playing a game of Never Have I Ever with ice cream (she's lactose intoleran...

180.The Golden Bachelor Recap Ep.3: What's Your Talent?

Third time’s a charm.  We’re back and recapping episode 3 of The Golden Bachelor. This week’s group date is a talent show, the winner of which will be awarded a prized one on one date with Gerry. The ladies were so creative with their talents and we wonder:  If you had an hour to prep for a talent show, what would your talent be? Leave Us A Voicemail  with your talent! Joan mentions feeling invisible- this seems to be common with women our age- listen to this episode to hear more. 158....

179. Golden Bachelor Recap ep. 2 Romance Novel

We’re back breaking down Episode 2 of the Golden Bachelor. We got a voicemail from our favorite listener Carrie weighing in on why she won’t be watching the Golden Bachelor and how being energetic is a mindset and not at all about age. Go Tigger! So far, we are absolutely loving how the ladies are representing the over 50 crowd, but we’re a bit concerned with their hearts. So many of the women have been through enough heartache, and while we know they’re strong enough for anything that T...

178. The Golden Bachelor

We swear, we had notes for this show! But here we go again... Melissa & Terri watch ABC/Hulu's The Golden Bachelor and have thoughts and HOPES on how these women are portrayed. We were invited to a watch party with Golden Bachelor contestant, Natascha, who we met a few years ago on Clubhouse. It was a fascinating opportunity. We have concerns of course- will this forward the pro-aging conversation that seems to be happening in the media, or will the media try to put these funny, smart, m...

178. The Golden Bachelor Recap ep. 1 Meet the Ladies

We swear, we had notes for this show! But here we go again... Melissa & Terri watch ABC/Hulu's The Golden Bachelor and have thoughts and HOPES on how these women are portrayed. We were invited to a watch party with Golden Bachelor contestant, Natascha, who we met a few years ago on Clubhouse. It was a fascinating opportunity. We have concerns of course- will this forward the pro-aging conversation that seems to be happening in the media, or will the media try to put these funny, smart, m...

177.From Empty Nesting to Empowering Others- Redefining Midlife with Purpose and Passion

A lot has happened since we first had Erica Schulte King on episode 140. When we last spoke almost a year ago, Erica was just about to host her first meet-up of women in Minnesota who were interested in creating connections. Since then, Erica has hosted an exchange student, quit her job of 10+ years, took the summer off to figure out what she really wanted to do in this new phase of life , found a new job that aligns with her passion and under her company Kookaburra Meets, has hosted over 2...

176. Discovering the Secrets of a Good Story: Igniting Imagination in Midlife

In this episode of Mixing Up Midlife,  Terri and Melissa delve into the power of storytelling in reigniting imagination during midlife. They explore the intricacies of storytelling, drawing inspiration from John Truby's book "The Anatomy of a Story”. They also discuss the evolution of storytelling in music, with artists like Bruce Springsteen and Chrissie Hynde embracing the themes of aging and introspection. From Weekend Watches to the changing perceptions of menopause, Terri and Melissa ex...

175. Is Aging Gracefully Gracelessly Ageist?

Is the term “Aging Gracefully” gracelessly ageist? Melissa and Terri discuss the term and question why do supposedly “pro-age” accounts and influencers use a term that seems to be based in submissive, passive and powerless language. We prefer to use a term that previous guest, Holly Boxenhorn suggests: “Aging Powerfully”. We’re going to be recapping The Golden Bachelor on our soon to be released Patreon channel and we’d love you to join in on the discussion- more details coming up!   ...

174. It's Empty Nest Season

It’s that time of year again, Back to School. For many, this will be the first taste of an empty nest and while tears might be shed, Terri & Melissa, who have been empty nesters-then not empty nesters for a few years now (hello, adult children between jobs), have some thoughts on how to empty nest happily. Some episodes mentioned and worth a re-listen:   Episode 154. Katherine Leamy The 5 Kilo Traveler Episode 119 SisterStay Episode 105. Wander Women Episode 73. Fly Fishing w...

173 Skincare Beyond the Surface: Nurturing Self-Intimacy and Creating a Relationship with Beauty with the Skintessa, Amy Wall

n today’s episode, we have the pleasure of chatting with the inspiring Amy Wall. Amy is a skincare expert and beauty coach who is here to share her incredible knowledge and insights with us.  Amy dives deep into her three pillars of beauty: skin intelligence, energy illumination, and self-image. She believes that taking care of ourselves goes beyond just using the right skincare products. It's about tapping into our body's natural regeneration ability, harnessing the power of energy, and d...

172. Adventures in Close Quarters: Discovering the True Strength of a Relationship in 6 Weeks

Welcome back. Summer adventures are coming to a close and Melissa & Terri are back together! In today's episode, we dive into the question: Can you spend six weeks with one person? Melissa takes us on a journey through her recent experiences, including hiking in the wilderness, dealing with unexpected challenges, and reflecting on the dynamics of a marriage in really tight quarters . From the beauty of waterfalls to the frustrations of broken cars and injured pets, join us as we explore the ...

171. Aging Powerfully with Midlife Coach Holly Boxenhorn

Are you ready to embrace the transformative power of midlife? Join us on the latest episode of Mixing Up Midlife as we dive deep into the world of empowered aging with midlife coach Holly Boxenhorn.In this episode, Holly shares her expertise in creating an empowered energetic state during midlife and how it can positively impact all areas of your life. She highlights the six influencers that impact this state - spiritual, physical, social, environmental, emotional, and mental - and explains ...

170. From Surprise Proposals to Camping Mishaps: Tales from a Midlife Adventure

It’s been 4 weeks since we last spoke and boy do we have a lot to catch up on. From picturesque towns and adventurous hikes to surprise engagements and house hunting, we'll dive into the highs and lows that have been shaping our lives recently. Hold on tight as we journey through family visits, camping adventures, and the delight that comes with welcoming new family members. We’ve missed each other, but we’ve really missed YOU! Make sure to leave us a message:   Mix It Up with Us  Terr...

169. Quiz Time! Discover Your House Guest Persona

 Terri and Melissa dive into the summer season with a fun BuzzFeed-style quiz created on ChatGPT to determine what type of house guest (or host) you might be. The quiz wasn’t the best, but the conversation surrounding it was! We’re both off for our summer adventures and we won’t be seeing each other for a few weeks, but we’ve got some great guests lined up for you! Are you going on a summer adventure or doing something fun? Tag us in your stories or join our Facebook group to let us know...

168. Buying A Home in Italy A Midlife Adventure with The Amateurs Abroad

167. The Ladies of the 80's: The Soundtrack of Our Lives

Has there been something that affected you so profoundly that it changed the course of your life? An encounter with the music of Joni Mitchell’s music made Annie Lenox change her life. On today’s episode we’re talking about the ladies of the 80’s- iconic 80’s singers and how they navigated  families, children and becoming empty nesters.    Annie Lenox on Instagram, On PBS Interview Suzannah Hoffs - instagram Jane Weidlin - instagram Tracey Thorn Interview with Terri Gross   Me...

166. Podcast Updates, Natalie Merchant On Tour, Season Finales & More

MUM 166. Podcast Updates, Natalie Merchant On Tour, Season FInales & More While there are literally millions of podcasts, that shouldn’t stop you from creating your own. As “women of a certain age”, there are a ton of reasons why you should start podcasting. On today’s episode, Terri and Melissa, talk about some of those reasons and what it’s meant for their friendship. We get back to segments today and yes, there’s a cocktail!   Hot Flash Hero: Natalie Merchant   Weekend Watch...

165. Summer Bliss: Tips and Listener Favorites to Make Your Summer Last Longer

We're talking about ways to make summer last longer on today's episode. This episode is short & sweet with listener ideas and our own thoughts on ways to stretch the good vibes of summer. Melissa's summer started 2 weeks ago with a chilly, but relaxing beach get away on Cape Cod. Terri is dreaming of creating a romantic outdoor reading room that will be a shaded place to relax and dream. What are some of the ways you'll make summer last? Let us know: Mix It Up with Us  Terri on Insta...

164. Financial Empowerment for Women Over 50: Navigating Widowhood, Divorce, and Savvy Strategies with Stacy Francis

Not a finance nerd? Neither were we, until we had the pleasure of speaking Stacy Francis, CFP®, CDFA®, CES™, President & CEO of Francis Financial and the visionary behind Savvy Ladies, a charity dedicated to empowering women through no cost financial education and resources.  Stacy joins us on today’s episode and shares her expertise with us, making personal finance relatable, accessible and attainable.  Join us as we discuss the unique financial challenges faced by women over 50, especial...