Is 40 the age where adulthood finally finds you, or do we just keep figuring it out as we go? In this episode, I'm joined by an extra special guest: my spouse, Sarah! In our conversation, we acknowledge the grief that comes up once you hit 40, the freedom of queerness in aging, and how Erik Erikson’s theories on generativity help reframe midlife as a time of creativity and opportunity. From mourning fading possibilities to finding surprising moments of growth and acceptance; we explore the tension between feeling “too old” and embracing the joy in new beginnings, even as we say goodbye to some old dreams. Whether it’s going back to school, rethinking career paths, or accepting our newfound wrinkles, this episode is all about embracing the messy and creative middle-life.

Recommendations:
A Visit From the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan

Are you ready for the plot twists that come with turning 40? In today's episode, I'm joined by Lucy Baber, mental health therapist, photographer, and host of Midlife Plot Twists. Lucy shares her personal journey of transitioning into co-parenting and how she embraced redefining and living out her own values. Society sets certain perceptions of turning 40, yet, are you doing the work to overcome the tarnished views you may have outgrown and shed outdated narratives for your life? The conversation explores themes of personal growth, family dynamics, and the importance of community.

Important Sections of the Conversation:

00:54 Meet Lucy Baber

01:05 The Significance of Turning 40

01:56 Parental Influence and Personal Growth

04:55 Family Dynamics and Personal Identity

09:52 Midlife Plot Twists and Personal Revelations

12:29 Embracing Change and New Beginnings

26:01 Advice for Approaching 40

Connect with Lucy
instagram.com/lucybaber
lucybaberphotography.com
lucybaberphotography.com/midlife-plot-twists

By the time we hit 40, most of us have achieved many of the standard goals that are set by society. Owning a home, getting married, having kids, building a career.  But what is it that you're living for when all of those goals have already been met? It's time to start living for you.

Katie Brandon joins us in this episode to share her personal journey to self-realization as she navigates life in her forties. From marriage and motherhood to divorce and starting her own business, Katie reflects on achieving societal milestones and the significance of turning forty. 

The conversation covers the ups and downs of our forties, from dating to societal perceptions of age and the importance of friendships. Katie emphasizes the liberating feeling that comes with age and encourages embracing it as a badge of honor. Whether you're in your twenties, thirties, or already in your forties, Katie's story offers inspiration and insights on living life authentically.

Important Sections of the Conversation:

00:33 - Katie's Journey to Self-Realization

01:13 - Turning 40: Reflections and Revelations

02:20 - Embracing the 40s: A New Lease on Life

03:05 - Navigating Life's Milestones

08:10 - The Beauty Industry and Personal Growth

18:08 - Parental Influence and Aging

20:37 - Reflecting on Childhood Memories

20:49 - Parents' Perspectives on Aging

22:18 - A Memorable 40th Birthday Party

23:59 - Conversations About Aging with My Daughter

25:31 - Challenges of Dating in Your 40s

33:40 - Navigating Friendships Through Life Changes

39:50 - Embracing Life at 40

Connect with Katie

Website: greenhousephilly.com

Instagram: instagram.com/greenhousephilly

In this episode, I interview my mom about her experience with turning 40, a somewhat traumatic event for both of us, but one that only I remember. 

This is a podcast for 

Millennials who are turning 40

And want to thrive in the next 40 years 

And need new inspirational examples and stories