Ages & Stages

Sometimes what we call love is actually control, and what we call loyalty is actually fear. In this episode, Wendy, Lindsey, and Emma dig into the difference between healthy and unhealthy dynamics, not just in romantic relationships but in friendships, family, and even therapy.

They cover the obvious red flags, the sneaky ones ("that's just how my family is," "I'm just being brutally honest"), and why green flags deserve more airtime. Wendy brings 30 years of experience in forensics, criminal justice, and mental health to the question of when one red flag is enough. Then the three play a round of "Red, Yellow, or Green?" with real-life scenarios, and the answers aren't always unanimous.

In this episode:

• Each host's personal red flag lists, from disrespect toward waitstaff to "all my exes are crazy"
• Obvious vs. subtle red flags: jealousy dressed up as caring, protectiveness that becomes isolation
• Green flags, beige flags, and how many red flags are too many
• Why you can't fix someone else, and the "inconvenience" idea about what makes people change
• Owning your own red flags: learning to be softer, saying no, managing a hot temper
• How age and experience change what you can see
• Why language matters, including the "but" that cancels a compliment
• Red flags in friendships: competition, one-uppers, passive-aggressive "jokes," and one-sided reciprocity
• Red flags to watch for in a therapist
• The Red, Yellow, or Green game (scenarios below)
• Final takeaways: watch patterns, check in with how you feel, and keep your boundaries

Timestamps:

• 0:00 Love, loyalty, or a red flag?
• 2:10 The hosts' red flag lists
• 3:52 Obvious vs. not-so-obvious red flags
• 7:08 Green flags and beige flags
• 13:46 Can you fix people's red flags?
• 27:15 Red flags in a therapist
• 30:30 How age changes what you can see
• 35:28 Language and intention
• 37:53 Red flags in friendships
• 42:03 Game: Red, Yellow, or Green?
• 1:03:55 "Text me when you get there" (and location sharing)
• 1:07:41 Family guilt trips
• 1:09:00 The friend who takes days to text back
• 1:14:56 Final round and takeaways
• 1:19:31 Closing thoughts and Wendy's new motto

Putting yourself first sounds simple... so why does it feel impossible?

In this episode of Ages & Stages, hosts Wendy and Lindsey sit down with guest Sarah — a homeschool mom of three — to unpack the guilt, people-pleasing, and unspoken expectations that keep women putting everyone else first. From mom guilt to the "earn it" mentality, boundary-setting, burnout, and the pressure of being a "superwoman," this honest conversation covers it all across three different life stages.

We talk about:

✨ Why women feel guilty resting, saying no, or spending on themselves

✨ The difference between people-pleasing and genuine generosity

✨ How the "earn it" mindset keeps us stuck in burnout

✨ Setting boundaries without the guilt spiral

✨ Self-care that doesn't require money — audiobooks, naps, and small wins

✨ A fun (and revealing) round of "what would you actually say?" scenarios

Whatever stage of life you're in, this one will hit close to home.

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#AgesAndStages #PuttingYourselfFirst #MomGuilt #Boundaries #SelfCare #PeoplePleasing #WomensPodcast #Motherhood

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro & meet our guest Sarah

02:00 Why "putting yourself first" feels so hard

05:00 People-pleasing and where it comes from

10:00 The "earn it" mentality

15:00 Guilt, burnout & the superwoman complex

20:00 Boundaries and learning to say no

25:00 Self-care without support systems

33:00 Rapid-fire: What would you actually say?

45:00 Final thoughts & takeaways

What’s the difference between starting over and simply starting something new? In this episode of Ages & Stages, Wendy, Lindsey, and Emma look at how that answer changes through different seasons of life. From relationships and career changes to moving, family, aging, and figuring out what comes next, they share their own experiences with moments that forced them to change direction.

They also talk about the fear that can come with making a big change, the pressure women often feel to have life figured out by a certain age, and why the experiences we’ve already lived don’t disappear when we begin again. Sometimes what feels like starting over is really taking everything you’ve learned and using it to build your next chapter.

What happens to creativity as life gets busier?

In this episode of Ages & Stages, Wendy, Lindsey and Emma talk about creativity, passion and the hobbies that make us feel like ourselves outside of work, motherhood, relationships and everyday responsibilities.

Across three different stages of life, they share how their interests have changed over the years, from gardening, baking and coloring to writing, photography, homesteading and even learning to fly a plane. They also get into the very real reasons we stop making time for the things we enjoy: lack of time, money, mom guilt, perfectionism and the fear of trying something we might not be good at.

The conversation explores why creativity doesn't necessarily disappear as we get older. Sometimes it simply changes form. And sometimes finding yourself again starts with giving yourself permission to try something new, return to something you once loved or do something simply because you enjoy it.

If you've been feeling stuck, overwhelmed or disconnected from the things that used to light you up, this episode is a reminder that there's no age limit on finding a new passion or rediscovering an old one.

Listen in for an honest conversation about creativity, self-care, motherhood, identity, hobbies, personal growth and finding your spark in every stage of life.

Success looks different for everyone and, more importantly, it changes over time.

In this episode of Ages and Stages, Wendy, Lindsey, Emma, and returning guest Angie have an honest conversation about what success has meant throughout their lives. From building careers and raising families to navigating divorce, loss, motherhood, and unexpected life changes, they share how their priorities have shifted with every decade.

The group discusses the people who shaped them, the lessons learned through life's hardest moments, and why resilience often grows from experiences we never would have chosen. Wendy also shares a reflection from her newly published book that encourages listeners to pause and look back at the defining moments that have shaped who they are today.

Whether you're just starting your career, rebuilding after a setback, raising a family, or wondering what comes next, this episode is a reminder that success isn't about reaching a finish line. It's about becoming the person you're meant to be.

In this episode:

• Why the definition of success changes throughout life
• Career success vs. personal fulfillment
• Motherhood and redefining priorities
• Learning from divorce, loss, and difficult seasons
• Building resilience through adversity
• The importance of supportive relationships
• Mentors and the people who influence our live
• Comparing yourself to others and finding contentment
• The value of reflection and personal growth
• What each host hopes success looks like in the future

If today's conversation encouraged you to reflect on your own journey, share this episode with someone who could use the reminder that their story is still unfolding.

Are boundaries selfish? Do healthy boundaries push people away or strengthen relationships? In this episode of Ages & Stages, Wendy, Lindsey, and Emma have an honest conversation about why boundaries are so difficult to set and why so many women struggle with guilt, people-pleasing, conflict, and fear when protecting their own well-being.

From parenting toddlers and setting family expectations to navigating friendships, work, relationships, and toxic environments, they break down the biggest myths about boundaries and explain how healthy boundaries actually create stronger, healthier relationships. Whether you're learning to say no, protecting your peace, or trying to overcome people-pleasing, this episode offers practical encouragement and real-life examples to help you build confidence.

Are you constantly comparing yourself to everyone else? Keeping score in your relationships? Feeling like you're never doing enough?In this episode of Ages & Stages, Lindsey, Emma, and Dr. Wendie explore what they call the invisible emotional scoreboard—the mental tally many of us keep in friendships, marriages, parenting, work, and even with ourselves.From social media comparison and perfectionism to workplace burnout, assumptions, resentment, and communication, they discuss why so many people feel exhausted trying to measure up—and how letting go of unrealistic expectations can lead to healthier relationships and greater peace.Whether you're a young professional, a parent, or navigating life's changing seasons, this conversation offers practical insight into breaking free from comparison and learning to communicate more effectively.In this episode:Why we compare ourselves to othersThe danger of keeping score in relationshipsHow assumptions create conflictParenting guilt and perfectionismSetting healthy workplace boundariesThe difference between high standards and unrealistic expectationsHow resentment quietly builds over timePractical ways to improve communication and emotional healthIf this episode encouraged you, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.00:00 Introduction01:04 What is the "Invisible Scoreboard?"08:20 Keeping score as parents and partners17:30 When the scoreboard turns against yourself22:00 Fear of failure and perfectionism33:00 Assumptions and communication in relationships48:30 Workplace resentment and burnout59:00 Setting healthy boundaries at work1:08:00 High standards vs. unrealistic expectations1:17:00 Final thoughts and practical takeaways

In this heartfelt and wide-ranging conversation, Lindsey, Emma, and Dr. Wendie explore how life changes across generations. From childhood freedoms and outdoor adventures to modern technology, social media, and parenting challenges, the hosts compare their experiences growing up and reflect on what today's younger generations face.

The discussion dives into changing family dynamics, shifting social norms, the impact of technology on independence and mental health, and how societal expectations have evolved. Dr. Wendie shares deeply personal stories about marriage, divorce, resilience, and rebuilding life after unexpected challenges, while Lindsey and Emma reflect on their own experiences with relationships, commitment, and growing into adulthood.

The episode concludes with a powerful conversation about legacy—what each host hopes people remember about them—and the importance of authenticity, kindness, perseverance, and living life fully.

The Changes Nobody Warns Women About

From postpartum hair loss and body changes to shifting relationships, menopause, self-confidence, intimacy, and everything in between—this episode is an honest conversation about what really happens as women move through different stages of life.

Hosts Wendy, Lindsey, and Emma are joined by special guest Angie to discuss the realities of motherhood, aging, physical changes, mental health, marriage, and learning to embrace the person you're becoming. Together they share personal stories, laugh through some of life's most awkward moments, and offer encouragement for women navigating their own journeys.

Whether you're in your 20s adjusting to motherhood, your 40s balancing family and career, or your 50s embracing a new chapter, this episode is a reminder that you're not alone in the challenges—and joys—of growing older.

• Postpartum hair loss and unexpected body changes
• Weight gain, weight loss, and changing metabolism
• Self-confidence and body image struggles
• The realities of motherhood and mental health
• Menopause and hormonal changes
• Marriage, intimacy, and keeping relationships strong
• Communication challenges in long-term relationships
• Parenting through different seasons of life
• Learning to say "no" and protect your peace
• Building meaningful relationships as you age
• The importance of giving yourself grace

✔ Every stage of life comes with unique challenges and opportunities.
✔ Your worth is not determined by your appearance.
✔ Communication is essential in both parenting and marriage.
✔ Small lifestyle changes often create lasting results.
✔ Aging brings clarity, confidence, and a deeper understanding of what truly matters.

Have a topic you'd like us to discuss or a story you'd like to share? We'd love to hear from you. Tune in each week for honest conversations about life, parenting, relationships, and everything in between.

Welcome back to Ages & Stages — the podcast where three women from three different generations come together for honest conversations about life, womanhood, motherhood, relationships, identity, and everything in between.

In this episode, we dive into the reality of self-care — beyond the social media trends, expensive routines, and “perfect wellness” pressure. We talk about what self-care actually looks like in real life at different ages and stages, from postpartum motherhood to balancing work, aging, anxiety, relationships, and finding moments of peace in everyday life.

We discuss:
• How self-care changes through different decades of life
• The pressure women feel to “stay young”
• Social media, beauty standards, and perfectionism
• Meditation, nature, movement, and mindfulness
• Finding your inner child again
• Why self-care doesn’t have to cost money
• Motherhood, routines, relationships, and burnout
• Learning to slow down and create balance

This conversation is honest, relatable, funny, and deeply real — the kind of discussion that reminds you you’re not the only one figuring life out as you go.

Whether your version of self-care is skincare, yoga, camping, watching sunsets, swinging on a playground, or simply taking a breath for yourself, this episode is your reminder that your needs matter too.

Follow Ages & Stages on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube for more conversations across every decade of womanhood.

Show Notes