In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with the brilliant author and military spouse-turned-memoirist, Heather Sweeney. Her new book Camouflage: How I Emerged from the Shadows of a Military Marriage takes us inside the complex emotional terrain of identity loss, divorce, resilience, and ultimately, self-discovery. Heather's story is not just one of heartbreak, but of reclaiming voice, power, and purpose—especially for women navigating life after a long-term partnership.

We talk about everything from the layered reality of military marriage to the quiet courage it takes to start over. Heather shares what it's like to lose yourself inside someone else’s story—and how she found her way back. If you’re feeling stuck, alone, or like your identity has been swallowed by your roles, this episode is your permission slip to rediscover who you are.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] – Introducing Heather Sweeney: Writer, military spouse, and memoirist
[1:35] – From blogging to bylines: Heather’s journey to becoming a published author
[3:42] – Riding the roller coaster of military life and finding connection online
[5:38] – Heather’s national writing credits and how she landed in The New York Times
[8:38] – The invisible load of military marriage and emotional isolation
[10:41] – Losing identity in someone else’s career—and the silent toll it takes
[15:00] – Why divorce was always “in the air” and how it evolved over years
[19:43] – The emotional aftermath of a partner’s divorce request
[23:25] – Financial freedom as the catalyst for leaving
[26:03] – Navigating in-house separation and the complicated new normal
[28:20] – Military custody realities: long-distance parenting and letting go
[31:31] – The bridge from loss to liberation: reclaiming your voice
[33:56] – Building a new relationship from a place of strength and clarity
[36:52] – Advice for women at the edge of leaving: where to begin
[39:34] – Heather’s reflections on rediscovering herself through writing and therapy
[40:13] – Where to find Heather’s book and follow her journey

Links and Resources:

· Order Camouflage: http://posthill.to/B0F316HJTD

· Website: https://www.heatherlsweeney.com/

· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writersweeney

· Substack: https://heathersweeney.substack.com/

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🎙️ 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!

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Ever feel like your toddler is trying to break you? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re joined by the incredible Devon Kuntzman—toddler parenting expert and author of the brand new book Transforming Toddlerhood: How to Handle Tantrums and Power Struggles and Raise Resilient Kids Without Losing Your Mind. We dive into the real talk about toddler behavior, emotional regulation, and how we as parents can stay sane and connected in the chaos.

Whether you’re in the thick of toddlerhood yourself, preparing for grandparenting, or just love understanding the "why" behind those tiny tornadoes, this conversation is packed with empathy, science-backed strategies, and hope. Devon gives us a totally refreshing reframe on discipline, tantrums, and screen time—and we also explore how much has changed (and how much hasn’t) in parenting over the decades.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] Meet Devon and her just-launched book on toddlerhood
[3:06] Redefining what “toddler” really means
[4:33] What’s changed in the way we understand toddler behavior
[7:48] Why toddler meltdowns aren’t bad behavior—they’re communication
[9:47] Parenting styles: from controlling commander to confident guide
[12:49] Real-world scenario: what to do when your toddler hits you
[15:24] Teaching kids to cope with emotions instead of just punishing behavior
[17:19] The importance of reparenting yourself while raising your child
[18:24] How to avoid permissiveness while still setting healthy limits
[21:08] It’s okay to be overwhelmed—and why repair is more powerful than perfection
[25:00] Devon’s 4-step process for repairing relationships after a parenting slip
[27:27] Generational gaps: parenting now vs. then
[29:53] Navigating boundaries with your child and your parents
[32:04] Real talk: toddlers and restaurants are not always a match
[33:53] What’s the deal with screens? Devon breaks down screen time and brain health
[35:32] Parenting isn’t passive—it’s the hardest job you’ll ever love
[37:56] Self-compassion, strong-willed toddlers, and hilarious parenting fails
[39:44] Final takeaways: discipline that connects, teaches, and sets limits

Links and Resources:

🍼 Transforming Toddlerhood by Devon Kuntzman: https://www.transformingtoddlerhood.com/book/

📲 Follow Devon on Instagram: @transformingtoddlerhood

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

🎙️ 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/?rdid=QDc8ryzocgFpBrbm#]

In this intense and emotionally charged episode, we dive deep into some of the most chilling and perplexing true crime cases involving mothers who committed unimaginable acts against their own children. From psychological abuse to cold-blooded murder, we’re peeling back the layers on what happens when motherhood takes a dark, dangerous turn.

We explore the twisted motivations and complex psychopathology behind cases like Unknown Number, Casey Anthony, Lindsay Clancy, Ruby Franke, and her notorious partner Jodi Hildebrandt. We’re not just recapping the crimes—you’ll hear our raw reactions as therapists and mothers, and we’ll take you into the murky territory of trauma, sociopathy, narcissism, and the haunting dynamics of parent-child bonds gone horribly wrong.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - Kicking off with our Midlife Masterclass and a true crime deep dive
[1:24] - “Mothers Gone Wrong” intro and a therapist’s disbelief at these cases
[3:00] - Breaking down the “Unknown Number” Netflix documentary
[5:54] - The big reveal: a mother as the digital abuser of her own daughter
[10:22] - Exploring Munchausen by proxy, sociopathy, and attention-seeking behavior
[13:32] - Control, puppet-mastery, and compulsive lying
[19:31] - Is pathological lying an addiction?
[22:41] - Shifting to Ruby Franke and the cult-like influence of Jodi Hildebrandt
[26:14] - Exploitation, rigidity, and mental manipulation in parenting
[30:16] - The horrifying rescue of Ruby Franke’s emaciated son
[32:47] - Discussing Lindsay Clancy and the reality of postpartum psychosis
[36:52] - The tragic consequences of untreated mental health struggles
[38:45] - Revisiting Casey Anthony from a therapist’s lens
[42:12] - Sociopathy hiding behind maternal faces
[45:01] - Wrapping up with empathy for victims and a plea for prevention
[46:50] - Community callout and how to stay connected

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

🎙️ 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/?rdid=QDc8ryzocgFpBrbm#]

We’re thrilled to bring you this heartfelt and hilarious conversation with Dave Tarnowski—author, creative force behind the Instagram phenomenon Disappointing Affirmations, and the man redefining self-help with a dose of sharp wit and raw honesty. With over 2.5 million followers, Dave’s take on mental health, neurodivergence, grief, and healing resonates deeply—and this episode is no exception.

Together, we explore Dave’s late-in-life diagnoses of bipolar disorder and ADHD, his journey through therapy, sobriety, and grief, and how humor became his lifeline. We dive into the making of his newest book, Sorry in Advance for Making Things Weird, and talk about what it means to “do the work”—even when it sucks. If you’ve ever felt like you’re falling apart while still managing to laugh, this episode will make you feel seen, heard, and a little more okay with not being okay.

Episode Highlights:

[1:19] – Dave shares the origin story of Disappointing Affirmations and how his mental health journey shaped his work.
[3:04] – Getting diagnosed with bipolar disorder and ADHD later in life.
[5:03] – The neurodivergent mind: creativity, sensitivity, and deep knowing.
[7:43] – Using humor to bring healing to heavy emotions.
[9:52] – Why negative thoughts deserve affirmation too.
[13:04] – Medication trials, missteps, and finally finding a fit.
[15:31] – From unfinished novels to viral memes: how the Instagram page was born.
[21:26] – The power of dark humor, cynicism, and embracing absurdity.
[23:00] – Creating a safe space for all—why Dave stays out of divisive commentary.
[26:17] – Generational therapy gaps and shifting the mental health narrative.
[29:19] – What it means to actually do the work in therapy.
[33:38] – Sibling trauma, family hierarchy, and navigating long-standing dynamics.
[38:35] – Grief, loss, and finally facing what we try to avoid.
[42:22] – What's inside the new book—and why it goes deeper than the first.
[46:13] – Where to find Dave’s books, cards, and more.
[48:13] – The importance of men accessing therapy and emotional healing.

Links and Resources:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disappointingaffirmations

Dave Tarnowski’s book Disappointing Affirmations

Dave Tarnowski’s book Sorry in advance for making things weird

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

🎙️ 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/?rdid=QDc8ryzocgFpBrbm#]

In this deeply moving and eye-opening episode, we sit down with Dr. Nadine Macaluso—therapist, author, and trauma bond expert—to explore the insidious dynamics of trauma bonded relationships. Nadine bravely shares her own experience as the ex-wife of “The Wolf of Wall Street,” shedding light on the coercion, manipulation, and psychological warfare that define these toxic partnerships. But more than just surviving, Nadine walks us through what it truly takes to heal, reclaim your identity, and find peace on the other side. We unpack what trauma bonding really means (and what it doesn’t), the behavioral patterns that make these relationships so hard to leave, and why traditional labels like “codependency” often miss the mark.

Episode Highlights:

[0:26] - Welcoming Dr. Nadine Macaluso and the powerful topic of trauma bonding
[2:46] - Defining trauma bonds: the toxic dance of power imbalance and intermittent reinforcement
[4:32] - The difference between conflict in healthy relationships and trauma bonds
[6:18] - Why “narcissistic abuse” doesn’t cover the full picture
[8:48] - How trauma bonds begin with charm, love bombing, and hidden pathology
[9:37] - The damaging effects of victim-blaming language in therapy and society
[11:54] - Living with public exposure and reclaiming her story after The Wolf of Wall Street
[14:08] - The viral TikTok that launched Nadine’s healing advocacy online
[17:32] - Coercion disguised as love: fast-tracked marriage, children, and control
[18:37] - Why trauma bonds are so hard to break: fear, shame, confusion, and dependency
[21:33] - Nadine’s healing roadmap: education, stabilization, and rediscovery of self
[27:36] - What life feels like after leaving a trauma bond: freedom, peace, and autonomy
[29:42] - Learning to trust your intuition again and spotting red flags early
[30:24] - Can women be the pathological partner? The gendered nature of coercive control
[32:50] - Process addictions and their devastating impact on self-worth
[33:09] - Cognitive dissonance: the mental glue of trauma bonded relationships
[34:45] - Realizing there was only ever one person in the relationship—the manipulator
[36:24] - How to access Nadine’s book, community, and incredible healing resources

Links & Resources

Download the First Chapter of Dr. Nadine Macalso’s book Run Like Hell for Free: https://heal.drnae.com/podcast-book-giveaway

Join Dr. Nadine Macaluso’s trauma bond recovery course: https://course.drnae.com/trauma-bond-recovery-course-c

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

🎙️ 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/?rdid=QDc8ryzocgFpBrbm#]

Hey there, friends! In this episode, we sit down with our fabulous returning guest, Dr. Juliana Hauser, to talk about her powerful new book, A New Position on Sex. Trust us when we say, this conversation is one you do not want to miss. Whether you're feeling disconnected from your sexual self, stuck in old beliefs, or just plain exhausted, Dr. Juliana offers an entirely new—and deeply empowering—way to approach sexuality in midlife.

We dig into everything from sensuality and sexual agency to what it means to feel vibrant, connected, and alive again—on your own terms. You’ll hear real talk (and plenty of laughs) about shame, societal expectations, pleasure beyond the bedroom, and why embracing your sexuality is not about performing for others. If you've ever felt like sex was just one more to-do item or wondered what it means to be a sexual being when you're just plain tired, this episode is a beautiful, validating starting point.

Episode Highlights:

[0:41] - Welcoming back Dr. Juliana and diving into her new book on sexual agency
[2:23] - Why sexuality looks different for every woman—and changes with life
[6:12] - The “quiet part out loud”: What women really feel about sex at midlife
[7:04] - How shame and comparison hold us back from sexual freedom
[10:52] - Pajamas, books, and sensuality: reframing what it means to be sexual
[12:27] - The crushing mental load that zaps our energy—and our libido
[15:07] - What’s the real point of sex? Dr. Juliana challenges us to find our “why”
[17:09] - Sexual energy as power, fuel, and a path to aliveness
[21:13] - From invisible to vibrant: reclaiming visibility through sexual self-connection
[27:38] - Dismantling the performance myth: what you want matters
[33:09] - What is pegging? (Yes, we went there—and learned a thing or two)
[36:19] - Exploring new sexual pathways with creativity and curiosity
[40:22] - The power of safety, self-trust, and saying no with confidence
[44:24] - Time is now: why midlife is the moment to claim your sexual agency
[46:59] - Where to find Dr. Juliana, her book, and how to start your journey

Links and Resources:

Dr. Juliana’s Website: https://dr-juliana.com/

The Revealed Lift: https://therevealedlife.com/

Dr. Juliana’s book: A New Position on Sex https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OoHcmzMbKAImZG501v6l1cNM_DCOKv19/view?usp=drive_link

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

🎙️ 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/?rdid=QDc8ryzocgFpBrbm#]

In this episode of Insights from the Couch, we're diving into one of the most talked-about but least understood challenges many women face at midlife: imposter syndrome. We're Colette and Laura, two therapists and best friends, and we're getting real about the self-doubt that shows up right when we're trying to level up in life, work, and relationships.

We unpack why imposter syndrome hits so hard in midlife, how it keeps you stuck in comparison and perfectionism, and why it's time to ditch the stilettos and stop shrinking. We also share our personal stories of growth, setbacks, vulnerability, and what it actually looks like to push through imposter feelings and get back in the arena. This one is heartfelt, funny, and packed with real tools you can use to build confidence, reframe your inner dialogue, and reclaim your space—because your worth is not up for debate.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - Kicking off with why imposter syndrome is so real for women in midlife
[1:10] - Defining imposter syndrome and the mental trap it creates
[2:34] - The impact of shifting identity and risk-taking at midlife
[7:06] - Laura's story: inherited privilege and narrative excuses
[15:08] - Perfectionism, performance pressure, and playing small
[16:45] - The shift to embracing grit and a growth mindset
[19:57] - Naming the struggle and the power of vulnerability
[23:24] - Building a stack of evidence: celebrating micro wins
[24:41] - Taking messy action and staying in the arena
[26:35] - Rewriting the inner dialogue with self-compassion
[27:12] - Recommended reads to help rewire imposter thinking
[28:35] - Feeling fear means you're growing: normalizing discomfort
[30:36] - Growing into big roles and owning your worth
[32:01] - Ego strength vs. anxiety and visibility fears
[33:43] - From cringe to confident: the social media journey
[34:30] - Reflecting on each other's strengths and sharing the love

Links and Resources:

• Own Your Greatness: Overcome Impostor Syndrome, Beat Self-Doubt, and Succeed in Life https://www.amazon.com/Own-Your-Greatness-Overcome-Self-Doubt-ebook/dp/B07ZZHY1Z8/ref=sr_1_1?crid=
• The Imposter Cure: Beat insecurities and gain self-belief: https://www.amazon.com/Imposter-Cure-Beat-insecurities-self-belief/dp/1783256273/ref=monarch_sidesheet_title
• Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well https://www.amazon.com/Thanks-Feedback-Science-Receiving-Well/dp/0670014664
• Mindset: The New Psychology of Success: https://a.co/d/5P8Mri5

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

🎙️ 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/?rdid=QDc8ryzocgFpBrbm#]

If you’ve been hearing all the buzz about GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Zepbound, and you’re wondering if they could be the right fit for you at midlife, this is the episode to press play on. We brought on nurse practitioner and health optimization expert Amy Wrenn to demystify what GLP-1s actually are, how they work, who they’re for, and what you really need to know about taking them during perimenopause and menopause. Amy is passionate, informed, and totally relatable—she cuts through the hype to bring clarity to a topic that’s been wrapped in confusion and judgment.

In this conversation, we get real about our own experiences, bust some myths, talk side effects (yep, we go there), and explore the broader context of hormone therapy, weight gain, metabolic dysfunction, and the importance of doing what works for your individual body and life. Whether you’re curious, cautious, or already on a GLP-1, this is a must-listen packed with valuable insights.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - Welcoming Amy Wrenn and kicking off our deep dive into GLP-1s
[3:10] - What exactly are GLP-1s, and how do they work in your body?
[5:00] - Understanding insulin resistance, perimenopause, and why midlife changes everything
[6:57] - Real-life examples of "metabolic mayhem" that hits out of nowhere
[8:03] - Challenging the lazy stereotype: GLP-1s are not a quick fix
[10:08] - The far-reaching benefits: inflammation, PCOS, cognitive health, and more
[12:10] - Social media hype vs. safe medical prescribing—know the difference
[13:46] - Compounded medications vs. name-brand prescriptions: what to watch for
[17:33] - Who qualifies for GLP-1s, and what do providers look for?
[20:43] - It's not about skinny—it's about healthy: the real goal of treatment
[22:34] - Common side effects: what to expect and how to manage them
[25:25] - Nutrition matters: prioritizing protein, avoiding high-fat traps
[26:38] - Surprising benefits: reduced alcohol cravings, better food boundaries
[28:12] - Coming off GLP-1s: what it looks like, and when it’s okay to stay on
[31:48] - Does your body adapt over time? Amy explains habituation and dosing
[33:32] - The power trio: GLP-1s, HRT, and resistance training
[36:08] - Hormone therapy explained: symptom relief vs. long-term prevention
[40:51] - Why we’re not getting this info from our doctors—and how to change that
[42:24] - Where to follow Amy and keep learning more

Links & Resources

Follow Amy Wrenn, NP on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/np_wrenn

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

🎙️ 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/?rdid=QDc8ryzocgFpBrbm#]