In this deeply honest episode, we sit down with Nora Neiterman, creative director, brand strategist, and founder of Unsweetened New York, to talk about what happens when success comes at the cost of yourself. Nora shares how building a powerful, authentic brand while juggling motherhood, caregiving, and perfectionism eventually pushed her into full-blown burnout, and why ignoring the warning signs is so common for women in midlife.

Together, we explore the hidden toll of living in constant overdrive and why healing doesn’t start by doing more, but by slowing down. Nora opens up about perimenopause, grief, nervous system work, psychedelic therapy, and the surprising ways her creativity returned once she finally listened to her body. If you’re feeling exhausted, disconnected, or quietly wondering how long you can keep going like this, this conversation will land.

Episode Highlights:

[2:01] – From fashion school to building Unsweetened New York
[4:00] – The moment that sparked the brand and why authenticity resonated so deeply
[7:35] – Why women connected so powerfully to unapologetic messaging
[9:31] – Advice for women with an idea who feel “too busy” or “too late”
[12:28] – Why midlife is actually the prime time to pivot and build something new
[14:24] – When passion turns into pressure and the freight train won’t slow down
[17:56] – Early warning signs of burnout that are easy to ignore
[19:52] – Sleep deprivation, stimulants, and living in constant overdrive
[22:08] – Perfectionism, resentment, and struggling to ask for help
[25:46] – Perimenopause, grief, and the slow approach of the wall
[31:21] – Starting over with micro-steps instead of more “stacking”
[33:15] – Psychedelic therapy, intention setting, and unexpected healing
[35:52] – Letting go of alcohol, stimulants, and old coping mechanisms
[38:56] – Reconnecting with creativity by learning how to feel again
[39:58] – Final reflections on authenticity, healing, and choosing yourself

Links & Resources:

Unsweetened New York Website: www.unsweetenednewyork.com

Unsweetened NY on Instagram: @unsweetenednewyork
Nora on Instagram: @noraneiterman

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Pre-order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launches February 3rd. Secure your copy today and get VIP bonuses available only before launch day. https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

🎙️ Love the podcast? Come talk about episodes with us inside The Midlife Chat. It’s a free, private community just for women at midlife who want to keep these conversations going. We’ve created this space for real talk, fresh resources, and honest connection—where you can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and get support from women navigating the same season. Come join us—we’d love to have you!

👉 Join The Midlife Chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795863256460970/

Pre-order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launches February 3rd. Secure your copy today and get VIP bonuses available only before launch day.