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Have you ever found yourself wondering, “Is this it?”—like you’ve checked all the boxes but something still feels...off? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m joined by the fabulous Sue Willoughby, a fearless midlife trailblazer whose journey will make you laugh, cry, and most of all, feel inspired. From her VW bus named Arlo to her unique work with horses through Equus coaching, Sue is on a mission to help women over 40 drop the roles that no longer serve them and live a life that feels authentic and bold.

We explore why midlife is actually the perfect time to shake things up, stop people-pleasing, and get radically honest about what we want. Sue shares her own powerful story of transformation and healing—from a tough childhood and corporate burnout to creating a life filled with meaning, connection, and (yes!) horse wisdom. This one’s all about permission: to evolve, to feel deeply, and to live fully.

In this episode:

•  00:01 – Why Sue and I are instant kindred spirits (hint: VW buses and bold living).
• 02:30 – Sue opens up about growing up with chaos and becoming fiercely independent.
• 04:45 – The moment we lose ourselves in the roles of wife, mother, and caretaker.
• 06:00 – Why questioning the script is essential for midlife women.
• 08:30 – Chinese Medicine’s take on midlife and how kidney energy fuels reflection.
• 11:00 – Saying yes to yourself (and no to what no longer fits).
• 13:00 – The magic of letting go: how discomfort leads to freedom.
• 15:00 – Boundaries, reactivity, and what it really means to stay in your lane.
• 17:25 – What a horse can teach you about truth, presence, and being seen.
• 22:00 – Curious about Equus coaching? Here’s what it’s like—no riding required!
• 27:30 – Details on Sue’s upcoming women’s retreats and how to join her.

Connect with Sue Willoughby:

• Web: https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/
• Insta: https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/
• LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/
• YT: https://www.youtube.com/@SueWilloughby
• Podcast: A Life Worth Being
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SueWilloughby

Connect with me, Dr. Sara Poldmae:

Website: https://risingwomanproject.com

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

Join me at my next wellness retreat!   https://risingwomanproject.com/retreats/2025-april/