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In this episode, Nandita Mahadevan shares her journey through midlife, emphasizing the importance of choosing oneself, understanding perimenopause, and embracing community and mindset shifts for a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Midlife with Courage
00:49 Redefining Success in Midlife
02:39 Cultural Influences on Success and Health
04:14 The Neglect of Self-Care in Women
06:31 Early Signs of Perimenopause
09:03 Medical and Functional Approaches to Hormonal Balance
10:28 The Wisdom and Power Gained in Midlife
12:26 Creating a Roadmap for Hormonal Health
14:52 The Role of Nervous System Regulation
19:24 The Importance of Sisterhood and Community
20:19 Connecting with Your Inner Power
20:45 Addressing Libido and Sexual Wellness
24:35 Breaking the Silence on Women's Sexual Health
26:19 Resources and Support for Midlife Women
28:06 Embracing the Exciting Phase of Midlife
28:52 lifestyle-intro-low-short.wav

Resources

Sol Women - https://solwomen.com
Nandita Mahadevan on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/solwomen/

Exploring conversations for an intentional life.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

Kim Benoy is a retired RN, Certified Aromatherapist, wife and mom who is passionate about inspiring and encouraging women over 40. She wants you to see your own beauty, value and worth through sharing stories of other women just like you.

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If you are looking for deeper connection, encouragement, and support, you should join my free online community. It’s a safe, uplifting space to be inspired, share honestly, and grow alongside women who truly get this season of life.

Midlife with Courage™ Community

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Want to be a guest on Midlife with Courage™-Bold Women Thriving After Forty with Kim Benoy? Send Kim Benoy a message on PodMatch, here:

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In this inspiring episode, Kim Benoy interviews April Garcia about her transformative journey through trauma, healing, and finding joy in midlife. They explore the 'rooms theory' for healing past wounds, the power of vulnerability, and practical ways to embrace courage and joy.



Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kim Benoy and the podcast
00:33 Kim introduces guest April Garcia
00:56 The rooms theory and its significance
02:17 Compartmentalizing memories and healing
03:28 The importance of sitting with painful memories
04:20 Revisiting past trauma with a new perspective
05:40 April’s childhood and early trauma
07:18 Instability and its impact on identity
09:13 Running from problems and carrying them forward
10:28 Healing through resilience and purpose
17:26 Courage in writing her book and overcoming addiction
19:30 The process of honest storytelling and healing
22:03 Using the rooms metaphor for anxiety and PTSD
25:02 Supporting her daughter through anxiety
26:16 Promoting joy in midlife with the Find Your Joy project
29:12 Final message: Courage over past trauma
30:05 Closing thoughts and gratitude

Resources

April Garcia's Website - https://aprildaygarcia.com

You can find a link to purchase her book The Room to Be Brave and the Find Your Joy Project.

Support the show

Kim Benoy is a retired RN, Certified Aromatherapist, wife and mom who is passionate about inspiring and encouraging women over 40. She wants you to see your own beauty, value and worth through sharing stories of other women just like you.

****************************************************

If you are looking for deeper connection, encouragement, and support, you should join my free online community. It’s a safe, uplifting space to be inspired, share honestly, and grow alongside women who truly get this season of life.

Midlife with Courage™ Community

*****************************************************

Want to be a guest on Midlife with Courage™-Bold Women Thriving After Forty with Kim Benoy? Send Kim Benoy a message on PodMatch, here:

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Sue Bartel shares her inspiring journey through midlife health challenges, including her experience with hysterectomy, brain fog, and hormone changes. She discusses how she took control of her health with research, supplements, and community support, empowering women to embrace their midlife with courage and confidence.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:15 The Impact of Medical Advice to Stop Searching for Problems
00:41 Discovering Supplements and Their Role in Transformation
02:03 Realizing the Silence of Women in Midlife Health
02:23 Symptoms Leading to Hysterectomy at 38
02:52 Post-Surgery Challenges and Misdiagnosis
03:47 Understanding Perimenopause and Its Effects
04:30 The Uncertainty of Ovarian Removal and Menopause
05:31 Lack of Communication in Medical Procedures
06:15 Recognizing Brain Fog and Its Impact
06:52 The Power of Community and Shared Experiences
07:21 Partner's Observation of Cognitive Changes
07:46 Hiding Symptoms and Societal Expectations
08:15 Exhaustion and Burnout in Midlife Women
09:01 The Turning Point: Research and Self-Discovery
09:45 The Transformation Through Supplements
11:04 Science and Research in Supplement Development
12:41 Addressing Brain Fog and Cognitive Symptoms
13:19 Benefits of the Custom Supplement Formula
14:03 Restoring Confidence and Self-Identity
15:07 Sue's Most Courageous Moment: Quitting a Secure Job
16:20 Following Dreams and Overcoming Fear
18:04 The Power of Following Your Passion
19:19 Helping Women Find Courage and Self-Discovery
20:36 The Wisdom and Charisma of Women in Their 40s
21:21 Overcoming Fear and Speaking Up in Healthcare
22:22 The Importance of Self-Advocacy and Asking Questions
23:18 Connecting Courage, Confidence, and Community
24:02 Encouraging Women to Push Boundaries
24:59 Resources: Sue's Coaching and Supplements
26:08 Simple Self-Care Practices for Midlife Wellbeing
26:41 Final Words of Encouragement and Empowerment

Find Sue here:

Website - https://myunmess.com/

Exploring conversations for an intentional life.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

Kim Benoy is a retired RN, Certified Aromatherapist, wife and mom who is passionate about inspiring and encouraging women over 40. She wants you to see your own beauty, value and worth through sharing stories of other women just like you.

****************************************************

If you are looking for deeper connection, encouragement, and support, you should join my free online community. It’s a safe, uplifting space to be inspired, share honestly, and grow alongside women who truly get this season of life.

Midlife with Courage™ Community

*****************************************************

Want to be a guest on Midlife with Courage™-Bold Women Thriving After Forty with Kim Benoy? Send Kim Benoy a message on PodMatch, here:

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This week, Kim welcomes Toni LaMotta, an inner compass coach and former Catholic nun, to discuss freeing ourselves from external vows of obedience and trusting our inner voice. They explore how midlife is an opportune time to reconnect with our wisdom and live authentically.

Key Topics

• The impact of vows of obedience and external authority on self-trust
• The journey from religious and societal conditioning to inner grounding
• Differentiating between conditional trust and ground trust
• Practical techniques for listening to your inner voice, including body awareness
• The role of spirituality as a feminine, inclusive experience
• Midlife as a pivotal point for re-evaluating life purpose
• Embracing joy and living lightly amidst life's challenges

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introducing the theme of trusting your inner voice after conditioning
02:01 - How vows of obedience can silence internal knowing
03:37 - Toni’s reasons for leaving the convent after 16 years
05:16 - The Enneagram type six and external authority dynamics
06:41 - Differentiating conditional trust versus ground trust
07:40 - The shift from seeking outside to trusting within
09:14 - Techniques for listening to your body’s signals
10:07 - Navigating midlife crisis and rediscovering purpose
13:29 - The importance of openness and trying new perspectives
14:00 - Giving yourself permission to change what no longer serves you
15:40 - Using small steps and inner dialogue to explore new directions
16:39 - Recognizing the barking dog versus the inner spirit voice
18:06 - Patience with listening and trusting your inner guidance
20:21 - Integrating spirituality as a feminine, inclusive experience
22:04 - The three faces of God and finding your divine connection
23:59 - Embracing what was sacred in your past and including it in your present
25:37 - Learning from rules and trusting your own discernment
26:56 - Toni’s coaching offerings and how to connect with her
30:57 - Final advice: Live with joy, lightness, and trust in your inner voice

Connect with Toni LaMotta:

• Website

Remember, trusting your inner guidance is a lifelong journey, one that requires patience, patience, and a willingness to live with joy and curiosity. Start small, listen deeply, and embrace your divine spark—your authentic self is waiting to lead the way.

Exploring conversations for an intentional life.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

Kim Benoy is a retired RN, Certified Aromatherapist, wife and mom who is passionate about inspiring and encouraging women over 40. She wants you to see your own beauty, value and worth through sharing stories of other women just like you.

****************************************************

If you are looking for deeper connection, encouragement, and support, you should join my free online community. It’s a safe, uplifting space to be inspired, share honestly, and grow alongside women who truly get this season of life.

Midlife with Courage™ Community

*****************************************************

Want to be a guest on Midlife with Courage™-Bold Women Thriving After Forty with Kim Benoy? Send Kim Benoy a message on PodMatch, here:

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In this inspiring interview, Amy Theisen Walz shares her personal journey through mental health struggles, the transformative power of therapy dogs, and the impactful work of the You're Not Alone; organization in supporting mental health awareness in schools.

Please be aware that we do discuss suicide in this episode which may be a trigger for some. If you are in crisis, please call or text 988-the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mental Health Awareness
01:01 Amy's Journey Through Emotional Abuse
02:54 The Struggles of Postpartum Depression
04:55 The Facade of Perfection and Eating Disorders
06:11 Hitting Rock Bottom and Seeking Help
10:14 The Impact of Family Dynamics on Mental Health
16:05 The Crisis with Amy's Son
19:43 Finding Hope Through a Dog
23:43 The Healing Power of Pets
28:41 The Journey of Building You're Not Alone
31:08 Therapy Dog Training and School Integration
33:35 Creating Connections Through Unconditional Love
37:35 Expanding the Reach of Therapy Dogs
43:44 The Impact of Therapy Dogs on Mental Health
49:49 The Magic of Dogs in Healing
51:39 Spreading the Message of Hope

Links

You're Not Alone Organization - https://www.ynausa.org
Therapy Dog Certification Resources - https://www.therapydogs.com
Mental Health Crisis Support (988) - https://988lifeline.org

Exploring conversations for an intentional life.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

Kim Benoy is a retired RN, Certified Aromatherapist, wife and mom who is passionate about inspiring and encouraging women over 40. She wants you to see your own beauty, value and worth through sharing stories of other women just like you.

****************************************************

If you are looking for deeper connection, encouragement, and support, you should join my free online community. It’s a safe, uplifting space to be inspired, share honestly, and grow alongside women who truly get this season of life.

Midlife with Courage™ Community

*****************************************************

Want to be a guest on Midlife with Courage™-Bold Women Thriving After Forty with Kim Benoy? Send Kim Benoy a message on PodMatch, here:

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Gretchen Schoser shares her powerful journey through mental health struggles, a near-suicide attempt, and her inspiring recovery. This episode highlights the importance of mental health awareness, community support, and practical tools for healing at midlife.

Key Topics:

• Mental health struggles in midlife
• The impact of early retirement on mental health
• The role of community and support groups
• The importance of seeking help and therapy
• Practical tips for mental wellness and resilience

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mental Health Journey
00:16 Life-Changing Experiences and Mental Health Struggles
02:21 The Turning Point: Calling 988
09:22 Finding Hope and Purpose After Crisis
11:40 Building a Support System and Community
18:48 Starting a New Chapter: Entrepreneurship and AI Training
21:43 The Importance of Self-Care and Joy
28:49 Final Thoughts on Kindness and Support

Resources

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - https://988lifeline.org/

Gretchen's Podcast: 'Sh!t That Goes On On Our Heads' - https://goesoninourheads.net

Are you ready to stop shrinking yourself? It's time to take up space and live boldly. Join us for a special 4-week workshop this September where we will find those ways we minimize ourselves, explore the why and then take action to transform ourselves from hiding and staying small to owning our bold life.

Looking for a health care provider who really listens and isn't constrained by insurance requirements? You need to check out the Centered Care Directory-a curated, national resource to help you find the right provider for you. Whether it's functional medicine, physical therapy or hormone help, you'll find it here.

Check out how.healthcare to get started.

Support the show

Kim Benoy is a retired RN, Certified Aromatherapist, wife and mom who is passionate about inspiring and encouraging women over 40. She wants you to see your own beauty, value and worth through sharing stories of other women just like you.

****************************************************

If you are looking for deeper connection, encouragement, and support, you should join my free online community. It’s a safe, uplifting space to be inspired, share honestly, and grow alongside women who truly get this season of life.

Midlife with Courage™ Community

*****************************************************

Want to be a guest on Midlife with Courage™-Bold Women Thriving After Forty with Kim Benoy? Send Kim Benoy a message on PodMatch, here:

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In this insightful interview, Dr. Angele Close discusses the transformative journey of motherhood, the concept of matresence, and how women can live more fully by understanding their evolving identities. She shares personal stories, practical advice, and her new book to empower women at any stage of motherhood.

Key Topics

• Matresence as a developmental phase of motherhood
• Healing and personal growth through motherhood
• Self-compassion and boundaries in midlife
• The impact of neurodiversity and parenting challenges
• The importance of understanding identity shifts

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:34 The Origin of Living Fully in Motherhood
01:21 Challenges of Parenting and Moving to the US
02:36 Understanding Matrescence and Its Significance
03:53 Inner Shifts and Personal Transformation
05:27 Hope, Empowerment, and Breaking Shells
06:12 Matrescence Across Different Life Stages
08:00 The Lifelong Nature of Matrescence
10:35 Midlife Challenges and Opportunities
12:28 Redefining Self-Care and Boundaries
15:10 Unburdening Motherhood and Writing the Book
18:23 Most Courageous Moments in Parenting
20:01 Main Message for Mothers at Any Stage
22:49 Where to Find Dr. Close and Final Words

Connect with Dr. Angele

Dr. Angele Close's Website - https://www.drangeleclose.com

Book: Unburdening Motherhood: A Guide to Breaking Cycles, Healing Trauma, and Becoming a Self-Led Mom

Exploring conversations for an intentional life.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

Kim Benoy is a retired RN, Certified Aromatherapist, wife and mom who is passionate about inspiring and encouraging women over 40. She wants you to see your own beauty, value and worth through sharing stories of other women just like you.

****************************************************

If you are looking for deeper connection, encouragement, and support, you should join my free online community. It’s a safe, uplifting space to be inspired, share honestly, and grow alongside women who truly get this season of life.

Midlife with Courage™ Community

*****************************************************

Want to be a guest on Midlife with Courage™-Bold Women Thriving After Forty with Kim Benoy? Send Kim Benoy a message on PodMatch, here:

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This episode dives into the transformative landscape of midlife, emphasizing that this phase is not just about navigating hormonal shifts but about embracing strength, vulnerability, and community. Kari Goeden, a therapist with innovative approaches, shares insights on how women can reconnect with themselves and build supportive networks during this powerful time.

In this episode:

• The concept of midlife as the "sacred art of falling apart and coming back together"
• How hormonal changes influence mental health and emotional regulation
• The importance of sleep hygiene and routine in managing symptoms
• The role of community, such as walk-and-talk therapy, in fostering connection and healing
• Tapping into intuition and quiet reflection to find internal strength
• The significance of vulnerability and sharing experiences to normalize mental health challenges
• Practical advice: how women can prepare support systems before they need them
• The concept of "Cougar Puberty" and the empowerment of this life stage
• The impact of loneliness on physical and mental health, and how to build your support village
• Exciting initiatives: walking clubs, podcasts, and the importance of sharing wisdom across generations

Resources & Links:

• Wisewomxn Wellness — Kari’s website
• This Is Not Therapy Podcast — Hosted by Kari and Kamila

Remember that reaching out for help is a strength, not a weakness. If you or someone you know is struggling, don't hesitate to call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for immediate support. You're not alone, and help is always available.

Exploring conversations for an intentional life.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

Kim Benoy is a retired RN, Certified Aromatherapist, wife and mom who is passionate about inspiring and encouraging women over 40. She wants you to see your own beauty, value and worth through sharing stories of other women just like you.

****************************************************

If you are looking for deeper connection, encouragement, and support, you should join my free online community. It’s a safe, uplifting space to be inspired, share honestly, and grow alongside women who truly get this season of life.

Midlife with Courage™ Community

*****************************************************

Want to be a guest on Midlife with Courage™-Bold Women Thriving After Forty with Kim Benoy? Send Kim Benoy a message on PodMatch, here:

Podmatch Link


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