In this episode of Life Over 40, I sit down with Ava Laura Gaither—transformational life coach and intuitive consultant—to explore what it means to build a supportive circle that truly serves your growth. We talk about how to define genuine friendships, how self-care plays a vital role in connection, and how to take practical steps to evaluate the people around you. If you're navigating friendship shifts in your 40s or seeking more meaningful relationships, this conversation is a must-listen.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to build a community of friends with purpose and intention
• The power of a supportive circle in your healing and evolution
• The link between self-love and the quality of your relationships
• Red flags and signs your current relationships may need re-evaluating
• Simple shifts you can make to invite aligned, genuine friendships into your life

Guest Bio:

Ava Laura Gaither is an internationally known intuitive consultant, life coach, and speaker with 18+ years of experience helping high-achieving women and creatives move from burnout to balance. Her work focuses on guiding individuals through radical healing and intentional living.

Connect with Ava Laura:

Website: https://liveyourflife.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avalaura/

Call to Action:

Reflect on your current relationships. Are they helping you grow? After you listen, tag a friend who’s part of your circle—or who’s building their own.

Hashtags:

#HowToBuildACommunityOfFriends #SupportiveCommunity #HowToMakeFriends #GenuineFriends #Over40Friendships #LifeOver40 #PersonalGrowthPodcast #SelfCareOver40

Losing a parent changes you forever. In this heartfelt episode of Life Over 40, host Jese Lewing Gary is joined by Iyabo Alli for an honest and compassionate conversation about the grief that follows a parent’s passing.

They reflect on their caregiving experiences, the emotional weight of watching a loved one decline, and how they found resilience and gratitude even in the darkest moments. This episode offers support and guidance for those navigating grief after losing a parent, including practical tips for self-care, understanding emotional triggers, and ways to keep memories alive.

What You’ll Learn:

• The layered grief of caregiving and loss
• How to deal with the grief of losing a parent
• Ways to honor and remember your parent
• The value of community and checking in on grieving friends
• How setting boundaries can support the healing process

Whether you're currently grieving or want to support a loved one through their loss, this episode is a reminder that healing takes time — and that no one has to do it alone.

Keywords: grief after losing a parent, how to deal with grief of losing a parent, parent passed away, emotional healing, caregiving and grief, life over 40 podcast

Connect with Us
💌 Stay connected: @lifeover40podcast
📥 Want to share your story or be a guest? Email us at lifeover40podcast@gmail.com
🎧 Subscribe and leave a review — it helps more people find this show.

In this heartfelt solo episode of the Life Over 40 podcast, host Jese Gary celebrates the end of Season One with deep reflections, real talk, and excitement for what’s ahead. From embracing vulnerability to learning by doing, Jese shares powerful lessons learned from launching the show—and what it means to show up for yourself when you're over 40.

Whether you're navigating midlife or wondering how to start a video podcast over 40, this episode reminds you that it's never too late to follow what’s on your heart.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why clarity comes through action
• What it really takes to start a video podcast over 40
• How vulnerability can be your superpower
• Why giving voice to your truth can unlock freedom
• Sneak peek at Season 2: more dynamic interviews + deeper solo episodes

Key Takeaways:

• Over 40 doesn’t mean over the hill.
• We’re more connected than we think.
• It’s okay to say the uncomfortable truth.
• The journey begins when you stop waiting for perfect.
• Writing your truth down is the first step to speaking it.

🎯 Action Step:

Take a moment after this episode and write down one truth you’ve been afraid to say out loud. You never know what kind of freedom it might unlock.

Connect:

Subscribe and follow the Life Over 40 podcast for stories, strategies, and soul-led conversations that help you thrive in midlife and beyond.

📲 Share your favorite takeaway on social and tag @lifeover40podcast
💌 Want to be part of Season 2? Drop your story or guest pitch at lifeover40podcast@gmail.com