In this candid and deeply personal solo episode, Amanda reflects on five years of sobriety and the transformative lessons she has learned along the way. She shares how getting sober wasn’t just about giving up alcohol—it was about coming home to herself, rebuilding trust, and learning to live with integrity.

Amanda opens up about the complexities of early sobriety, the emotional work of healing without numbing, and the clarity that comes with facing life fully awake. With warmth and candor, she offers insight into what sobriety has taught her about connection, presence, and becoming the person she was always meant to be.

Together, we explore:

• Why sobriety is more than abstinence—it’s about self-reclamation

• The unexpected grief and beauty that come with living un-numbed

• How relationships shift and evolve in sobriety

• The role of daily rituals and emotional honesty in long-term healing

• What it means to choose integrity and self-trust, over and over again

  
  

A few key takeaways:

• You don’t have to hit rock bottom to choose a better life

• Healing requires both gentleness and radical honesty

• Sobriety can be a doorway into deeper purpose, connection, and joy

• The journey is ongoing, and worth it

  
  

The Five Lessons That Changed Amanda’s Life:

• Lesson 1: Never Question the Decision (NQTD)—a guiding mantra through doubt

• Lesson 2: You Don’t Live There Anymore—on identity shifts and owning personal growth

• Lesson 3: Keep Your Side of the Street Clean—emotional sobriety and boundaries

• Lesson 4: Don’t Quit Before the Miracle Happens—learning to see the beauty in the small things

• Lesson 5: It’s an Inside Job—the truth that real change starts from within

  
  

If you’ve ever questioned your relationship with alcohol, felt the pull toward something more honest, or just needed a reminder that change is possible, this episode is for you. Tune in and let Amanda’s reflections offer hope, clarity, and encouragement for wherever you are on your path.

Want to be a guest on the Midlife Catalyst Podcast?

We’d love to hear your story. Whether you’re figuring things out, navigating a big shift, or have something on your heart you want to share, reach out!

Visit midlifecatalyst.net or email info@midlifecatalyst.net.

And don’t forget to subscribe to Amanda’s Substack at amandayounts.substack.com. That’s where all the good stuff lives—episode extras, playlists, journal prompts, and deeper dives into everything we talk about here.

In this powerful episode of Midlife Catalyst, Amanda Younts sits down with hormonal health expert, herbalist, and founder of Ladywell, Ashley Rocha. Ashley shares her deeply personal journey with hormonal imbalance: from debilitating PMS and undiagnosed PMDD to her fertility struggles and eventual empowerment through herbal healing. She explains how those challenges inspired the birth of Ladywell, a mission-driven supplement brand helping women navigate the complex phases of hormonal health—PMDD, postpartum, perimenopause, and beyond.

Ashley offers a grounded, transparent look into the gaps in mainstream medicine, the stigma surrounding menopause, and why understanding and tracking your cycle is one of the most powerful things a woman can do. Whether you're preparing for pregnancy, in the thick of postpartum, or entering perimenopause, this episode is packed with insights to help you feel more informed, less alone, and fully supported.

Together, we explore:

• The crucial connection between hormones and fertility, and how imbalances can affect overall well-being

• Why understanding your cycle is key to hormonal health and fertility

• The significance of adaptogens and herbs in supporting hormonal balance and stress resilience

• The journey from fertility struggles to postpartum recovery—and how to heal holistically

• Why women should not have to suffer through hormonal imbalances and how we can change the narrative around menopause and perimenopause

A few key takeaways:

• Hormonal imbalances affect far more than just our periods: they impact our moods, relationships, and productivity.

• The journey through perimenopause and menopause is complex but manageable with the right knowledge and resources.

• Herbal medicine and adaptogens are powerful tools for restoring balance and alleviating symptoms naturally.

• The conversation around women’s health, especially fertility and menopause, needs to be normalized and destigmatized.

If you're ready to understand your body, take control of your hormonal health, and explore how informed choices can empower you at every stage of life, this episode is for you. Tune in and discover how small shifts can lead to lasting transformation.

Want to be a guest on the Midlife Catalyst Podcast? We’d love to hear your story. Whether you’re figuring things out, navigating a big shift, or have something on your heart you want to share, reach out! Visit midlifecatalyst.net or email info@midlifecatalyst.net.

And don’t forget to subscribe to Amanda’s Substack at amandayounts.substack.com. That’s where all the good stuff lives—episode extras, playlists, journal prompts, and deeper dives into everything we discuss here.

In this deeply reflective and thought-provoking episode, Eric Ayers shares his journey of navigating personal healing while driving cultural transformation. Eric opens up about how his purpose-led work has guided him through significant life transitions and how he’s used his experiences to fuel positive change within communities.

Eric discusses the power of storytelling as a vehicle for healing and how individuals and cultures can shift by simply reevaluating their narrative. He reflects on the importance of aligning with your core values and how doing so has impacted his wellness journey. From redefining success to confronting the barriers that hold us back, this conversation explores the intersection of personal growth and cultural evolution.

Together, we explore:

• Why your purpose is the foundation for personal and collective transformation
• How healing isn’t just an individual process, but a collective one
• The power of shifting your narrative to unlock new opportunities for growth
• What cultural shifts can look like when we start within ourselves
• Practical tips for using storytelling to create meaningful change
  

A few key takeaways:

• Healing is a lifelong journey, and it starts with understanding who you are at your core

• Shifting your mindset and embracing your purpose can change your life—and the world around you

• Small, conscious acts of cultural change can lead to larger societal transformations

• Authentic connection and storytelling can be powerful tools for healing and growth

If you're ready to shift your perspective, embrace healing, and explore how purpose-driven action can change your world, this episode is for you. Tune in and get inspired to transform from within.

Eric Ayers is the Founder of emc², LLC — an Alignment Practitioner and Transformation Guide who helps individuals and organizations move from surviving to thriving. Through offerings like Align by Design, Sim | Rx™, and his podcast PEP Talks, Eric creates spaces where insight inspires action and sparks of transformation ignite lasting change.To find out more about Eric, visit his website https://lifebydesign.net or email him at eric@lifebydesign.me

Want to be a guest on the Midlife Catalyst Podcast? We’d love to hear your story. Whether you’re figuring things out, navigating a significant shift, or have something on your heart you want to share, reach out! Visit midlifecatalyst.net or email info@midlifecatalyst.net.

And don’t forget to subscribe to Amanda’s Substack at amandayounts.substack.com. That’s where all the good stuff lives—episode extras, playlists, journal prompts, and deeper dives into everything we talk about here.