Text us 1 takeaway from this episode (don’t forget the episode #). We read every message—even if we can’t reply!🥺

What if the stress, tension, or emotional heaviness you’re carrying isn’t just “life”—but a direct result of resisting what you can’t control?

Just like our bodies respond to overexertion, our minds react to the emotional weight of trying to fix, change, or manage things—and people—that aren’t actually ours to carry. In midlife, when so much feels uncertain or outside your influence, the practice of acceptance becomes a quiet but powerful strength.

Acceptance doesn’t mean giving up. It means releasing the fight against reality—so you can meet the moment as it is, not as you wish it were. It looks like noticing where your expectations are creating frustration or pain, and asking whether those expectations were ever agreed to in the first place. It means acknowledging what’s outside your control, so you can reclaim your energy and peace.

This mindset shift invites more than just calm—it creates clarity. When you stop tying your inner peace to someone else’s behavior, you begin to respond rather than react. You choose aligned action over emotional reactivity. You move through disappointment with grace, and find freedom in saying, “This is where I am right now. And that’s okay.”

When you release the need to control what was never yours to begin with, you create space—for peace, for healing, and for something new to begin.

Your Dare for the Week ❤️

Where might you be holding onto something it’s time to let go of?

Revisit the three questions from today (Is this something I can change or influence? Am I expecting someone to act in a way they never agreed to? Is holding onto this expectation costing me my peace?) —and give yourself permission to release what’s not yours to carry.

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Loved this episode? Keep the conversation going in the Moms Who Dare Facebook Group HERE. Jodi’s waiting to say hi.

Next Chapter Coaching Program HERE-  Use code: DAREON20 as my gift to you.

DISCLAIMER: The commentary and opinions available on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical, physical, or psychological advice. You should contact a trained medical professional before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine and with respect to any particular issue or problem.

Text us 1 takeaway from this episode (don’t forget the episode #). We read every message—even if we can’t reply!🥺

What if the mental clutter, overwhelm, or low energy you’re feeling isn’t just “life”—but a direct result of what you’re feeding your mind?

Just like your body reacts to what you eat, your thoughts and emotions respond to the content you consume. In midlife, when transitions can feel overwhelming, being mindful about your mental diet is more important than ever.

Discover how to detox your mind by:
 🌿 Reducing news and social media overload
 🌿 Surrounding yourself with uplifting people
 🌿 Choosing inspiring, intentional reading
 🌿 Decluttering your physical environment
 🌿 Finding peace in nature or silence

When you clear the noise, you create space for peace, creativity, and fresh possibilities.

Your Dare for the Week ❤️

Take a full day away from social media and news. Notice how it shifts your energy and mindset.

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Loved this episode? Keep the conversation going in the Moms Who Dare Facebook Group HERE. Jodi’s waiting to say hi.

Next Chapter Coaching Program HERE-  Use code: DAREON20 as my gift to you.

DISCLAIMER: The commentary and opinions available on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical, physical, or psychological advice. You should contact a trained medical professional before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine and with respect to any particular issue or problem.

Text us 1 takeaway from this episode (don’t forget the episode #). We read every message—even if we can’t reply!🥺

Gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you” or jotting a few notes in a journal. It’s about choosing to focus on what’s good—even when life feels anything but easy.

Especially when life feels messy.

Because when you can find gratitude in the middle of the chaos, everything begins to shift. 💫

Here’s why it matters:
 🌿 Gratitude rewires your brain for more positivity and peace
 🌿 It boosts your resilience, strengthens your relationships, and helps you stay grounded
 🌿 It reminds you there’s still beauty, even when life feels uncertain

The best part? You don’t need more time. Just more intention.

✨ Try this:
 – Write down 3 small things you’re grateful for each day
 – Tell someone out loud why you appreciate them
 – In a hard moment, ask: “What might this be teaching me?”

Gratitude doesn’t ignore the hard—it helps you move through it with strength and softness.

Your Dare for the Week ❤️

Each day, find one thing that makes you feel good or grateful—and let it sink in for at least 20 seconds. Then share it in our Share the Good post inside the Moms Who Dare FB group on Friday. I’d love to hear what shows up for you. 💛

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Loved this episode? Keep the conversation going in the Moms Who Dare Facebook Group HERE. Jodi’s waiting to say hi.

Next Chapter Coaching Program HERE-  Use code: DAREON20 as my gift to you.

DISCLAIMER: The commentary and opinions available on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical, physical, or psychological advice. You should contact a trained medical professional before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine and with respect to any particular issue or problem.

Text us 1 takeaway from this episode (don’t forget the episode #). We read every message—even if we can’t reply!🥺

If you spoke to your best friend the way you speak to yourself… would you still be friends? 😬

It’s a confronting question—but an important one.

Because most of us are walking around with an inner voice that’s not just unkind… it’s downright brutal. And the wild part is, we don’t even realize it.

That voice? It’s shaping your confidence, your choices, your relationships—your whole life.
 Whether you’re aware of it or not, your self-talk is running the show behind the scenes.

But here’s the good news:
You can change it.

You can start noticing the things you say to yourself on repeat.
You can start interrupting the thoughts that tear you down.
And you can start choosing new ones—thoughts that support, uplift, and empower you.

Here’s what helps:
 ✨ Becoming aware of how often your inner dialogue leans negative
 ✨ Making small, intentional swaps in the words you use with yourself
 ✨ Learning the difference between supportive self-talk and tough-love talk—and when to use each
 ✨ Trying a simple affirmation challenge to break the pattern and build a new one

This could be the beginning of a powerful new chapter.
 One where your inner voice finally becomes your greatest ally.

You've got this. 💛

Your Dare for the Week ❤️

What’s one word that best describes you?  Now add the words I AM in front of it and share that affirmation with me!

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Loved this episode? Keep the conversation going in the Moms Who Dare Facebook Group HERE. Jodi’s waiting to say hi.

Next Chapter Coaching Program HERE-  Use code: DAREON20 as my gift to you.

DISCLAIMER: The commentary and opinions available on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical, physical, or psychological advice. You should contact a trained medical professional before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine and with respect to any particular issue or problem.

Text us 1 takeaway from this episode (don’t forget the episode #). We read every message—even if we can’t reply!🥺

What happens when dads take the lead at home? 🤔 In this episode, I’m joined by Paul Sullivan, founder of The Company of Dads, to explore the evolving role of Lead Dads—fathers who step into the primary caregiving role. As a Lead Dad himself, Paul shares how this often-overlooked role is reshaping families, workplaces, and the definition of fatherhood.

We dive into:
 ✨ The untold realities of being a Lead Dad
 ✨ The impact of midlife and empty nest transitions on fatherhood
 ✨ Why workplaces need to rethink policies to support all parents

This conversation will challenge everything you thought you knew about fatherhood and work-life balance!

Your Dare for the Week ❤️
Dare to be open and honest. Speak openly about your caregiving responsibilities and needs at work, and bring forward thoughtful, honest plans when negotiating things like flexible schedules or parental leave. 

Resources Referenced
Lead Dad Guide

About Paul
Paul is the founder of The Company of Dads, the first platform dedicated to creating a community for Lead Dads and working with companies on policies for working parents. As a Lead Dad himself, Paul understands intimately the joys, frustrations, isolation and reticence around talking about being a Lead Dad. It’s a role that is growing in numbers but is far from normalized. Before starting The Company of Dads in 2021, Paul wrote the Wealth Matters column in The New York Times for 13 years. He also created the Money Game column in GOLF Magazine.

Connect With Paul
Website Podcast Instagram

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The #1 Parenting Shift Every Mom Needs
Empower your kids with confidence. Ease your worry. 💜

Grab this must-have resource to help your children thrive — and give yourself peace of mind. Click here.

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

Come Have Lunch with me on July 23rd-we'll connect and dive a bit deeper into the July episodes. Then get ready for our episodes from the Vault in August. You don't want to miss this!

DISCLAIMER: The commentary and opinions available on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical, physical, or psychological advice. You should contact a trained medical professional before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine and with respect to any particular issue or problem.

Text us 1 takeaway from this episode (don’t forget the episode #). We read every message—even if we can’t reply!🥺

Is your comfort zone holding you back from the life—and parenthood—you truly want?

Today, I’m joined by Tim Conniff—keynote speaker, clean comedian, and proud dad—for an inspiring and entertaining conversation about midlife reinvention, fatherhood, and what it really means to step into your purpose with courage and humor.

With over 30 years of experience in sales, training, and leadership in corporate America, Tim now takes the stage across the country delivering his signature keynote, “Your Comfort Zone Is No Joke!” Through his blend of clean comedy and practical wisdom, he encourages audiences to rethink failure, challenge their limits, and live with intention.

In this episode, we talk about getting out of your comfort zone 🎤, viewing failure as valuable feedback 🔁, and the surprising power of ditching negative self-talk 🧠. Tim also shares what fatherhood has taught him about presence, patience, and growth through every season.

Your Dare for the Week ❤️
Make a list of 10 things you want to try. Think about what you used to enjoy doing, what you’ve always thought about doing and what others are doing that you think, “that looks like something I would enjoy.”  

Or head to Tim’s website and ask him to send you his copy of 25 Ways to Step out Of Your Comfort zone.

Resources Referenced

• Email [email protected] for for his PDF- 25 things you can do to get out of your comfort zone
• Tim’s Past Episode on BEN

About Tim
Tim Conniff has over 30 years of sales, training and leadership experience in corporate America.  He couples that with his passion of clean stand-up comedy in his keynote talk "Your Comfort Zone is No Joke!" that he delivers to companies and at conventions across the U.S. each year.  He and his wife Deb live in Doylestown, PA and they are the proud parents of two sons.

Connect With Tim
Website LinkedIn Instagram

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The #1 Parenting Shift Every Mom Needs
Empower your kids with confidence. Ease your worry. 💜

Grab this must-have resource to help your children thrive — and give yourself peace of mind. Click here.

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

Come Have Lunch with me on July 23rd-we'll connect and dive a bit deeper into the July episodes. Then get ready for our episodes from the Vault in August. You don't want to miss this!

DISCLAIMER: The commentary and opinions available on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical, physical, or psychological advice. You should contact a trained medical professional before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine and with respect to any particular issue or problem.

Text us 1 takeaway from this episode (don’t forget the episode #). We read every message—even if we can’t reply!🥺

What does it take to go from workaholic executive to deeply present father and purposeful guide?

Today’s guest, Art Blanchford, has lived that transformation. A father of three (including two adopted children), endurance athlete, and former global executive, Art now dedicates his life to helping others navigate big life transitions. Through his podcast Life in Transition, coaching practice, and new book Purposeful Living 📘, he offers wisdom for finding meaning in the messy middle of life.

In our conversation, Art shares how he shifted from burnout to intentional fatherhood, what parenting adopted children has taught him about trust and resilience, and the two simple parenting rules he swears by—no matter your child’s age or stage. He also reflects on how he learned to balance high-level leadership with being the kind of dad his kids truly needed ❤️.

If you’re navigating change—or craving deeper purpose in the life you’ve built—this episode will speak straight to your heart.

Your Dare for the Week ❤️
​​Have a courageous conversation with someone you love. Whether it’s a child, partner, or parent, choose connection over comfort. Speak from the heart using “I” statements, and express how you feel and how it impacts the relationship.

Resources Referenced

• Art’s Novel
• Jodi on Art’s Podcast

About Art
Art Blanchford is a husband of 30 years and father of three adult children, two adopted. He’s the founder and host of the Life in Transition podcast and Mid-life Transition Mastery, where he coaches individuals and organizations through life’s major changes. A former global executive, Art experienced a profound transformation in midlife. He’s also the author of Purposeful Living and an avid endurance athlete, recently completing a 50-mile Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim trek.

Connect With Art
Website Facebook Instagram

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The #1 Parenting Shift Every Mom Needs
Empower your kids with confidence. Ease your worry. 💜

Grab this must-have resource to help your children thrive — and give yourself peace of mind. Click here.

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

Come Have Lunch with me on July 23rd-we'll connect and dive a bit deeper into the July episodes. Then get ready for our episodes from the Vault in August. You don't want to miss this!

DISCLAIMER: The commentary and opinions available on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical, physical, or psychological advice. You should contact a trained medical professional before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine and with respect to any particular issue or problem.

Text us 1 takeaway from this episode (don’t forget the episode #). We read every message—even if we can’t reply!🥺

What happens when the kids leave, the routine shifts, and you're left asking, "Now what?"

This week, I’m joined by Jay Ramsden—host of The Empty Nest Life Podcast—for a heartfelt conversation about midlife reinvention, purposeful living, and the evolving journey of fatherhood. A graduate of the Coaching & Positive Psychology Institute and a former educator with 30 years of experience, Jay brings deep wisdom, humor, and compassion to the table.

We talk about the emotional landscape of the empty nest years 🏡, what it really means to "find your way" again in midlife 🔍, and how coaching and positive psychology can support meaningful transformation 💬. Jay also shares lessons from decades spent helping others navigate change—and what fatherhood has taught him about presence, patience, and purpose ❤️.

Whether you're entering a new chapter or just starting to ask the big questions, this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported, and inspired.

Your Dare for the Week ❤️
Do it scared!

Resources Referenced
Jay’s Past Appearance on BEN

About Jay
Jay's a graduate of the Coaching & Positive Psychology Institute, and with his background, he has a deep interest and love for helping people find their way in life. Before he became a certified life coach, he spent 30 years in education helping people solve problems and find a better way to move forward in their personal and professional lives. 

Connect With Jay
Website TikTok Podcast

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The #1 Parenting Shift Every Mom Needs
Empower your kids with confidence. Ease your worry. 💜

Grab this must-have resource to help your children thrive — and give yourself peace of mind. Click here.

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

Come Have Lunch with me on July 23rd-we'll connect and dive a bit deeper into the July episodes. Then get ready for our episodes from the Vault in August. You don't want to miss this!

DISCLAIMER: The commentary and opinions available on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical, physical, or psychological advice. You should contact a trained medical professional before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine and with respect to any particular issue or problem.

Text us 1 takeaway from this episode (don’t forget the episode #). We read every message—even if we can’t reply!🥺

✨ You’ve given your heart, your time, and your energy to everyone else—now it’s time to turn that same love inward.

Midlife isn’t a season of slowing down—it’s a season of awakening. A chance to rediscover who you are, reignite your energy, and create a life that deeply supports your health and happiness.

Elizabeth Sherman is a master certified life and health coach who has helped countless women in midlife break free from burnout and step into vibrant, joyful living. We talk about the mindset shift from “mom mode” to “me mode,” how to ditch the guilt of putting yourself first, and the power of building small, sustainable habits that nourish your body and mind. 💪💛 

Elizabeth shares her own personal journey—from a wake-up call after losing her mom to breast cancer to helping women transform their health through holistic wellness, hormone awareness, and emotional self-care. Whether your nest is newly empty or has been for years, this conversation will inspire you to pause, listen to your own wisdom, and take that next step toward a life that truly feels good—on your own terms.

Your Dare for the Week ❤️

• Download Elizabeth’s free resource guide and use the checklist included for one week. 

Resources Referenced

• 8 Simple Habits

About Elizabeth

Elizabeth is a Master Certified Life and Health Coach with over 18 years of experience empowering women in midlife to prioritize their health and live with vitality. Specializing in holistic wellness, she blends her personal journey and extensive certifications—including Life Coaching, Feminist Coaching, Women's Hormonal Health, and Personal Training—to help women build sustainable habits for lasting change. Recognized as a top voice in women’s health, Elizabeth speaks regularly on podcasts, stages, and webinars, inspiring midlife women to thrive physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Connect With Elizabeth

Website | Podcast | Instagram

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🤗 Take Jodi's Happiness Quiz and increase your level of happiness!

Come Have Lunch with me on July 23rd-we'll connect and dive a bit deeper into the July episodes. Then get ready for our episodes from the Vault in August. You don't want to miss this!

DISCLAIMER: The commentary and opinions available on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical, physical, or psychological advice. You should contact a trained medical professional before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine and with respect to any particular issue or problem.

Text us 1 takeaway from this episode (don’t forget the episode #). We read every message—even if we can’t reply!🥺

Today, we’re hopping on the back of a tandem bike and taking a joyful ride through midlife with the wonderful Linda Hanstra—author, semi-retired speech-language pathologist, and the heart behind the book Empty-Nest Joyride. 🚲

With four grown kids, two grandchildren, a love of travel and faith, and a deep appreciation for the open road (both literally and metaphorically), Linda brings a refreshing, honest, and hope-filled perspective on navigating the empty nest years with grace and intention.

In this episode, we explore how to start preparing for the empty nest season before you even get there, the importance of communication—both on the trail and in marriage—how to navigate unexpected “bumps in the road” in your relationships, and how to rediscover joy, adventure, and purpose in this new chapter of life.

So grab your helmet (or your earbuds!) and join us for an encouraging and empowering conversation about riding through midlife with joy and intention.

Your Dare for the Week ❤️

Set up regular (weekly, biweekly, monthly) dates that get you out of any rut you might be in (like dinner out or watching Netflix). Your date can be with your spouse, significant other, a friend, or even just by yourself. Some activities might push you out of your comfort zone; others are just fun things you may not have done for a while or hadn't thought of doing! 

Resources Referenced

• DIY Date Night Jar
• Substack
• Empty Nest Joyride

About Linda

Linda Hanstra is a semi-retired speech-language pathologist who writes about what brings joy to her empty nest—topics like faith, family, cycling, traveling, and grandparenting. Linda is the author of two books—including her upcoming release, Empty-Nest Joyride. Linda and her husband, Tom, live in southwest Michigan and spend summers in Minnesota—their home away from home. With four adult children, a daughter-in-law, a soon-to-be son-in-law, and two adorable grandchildren, Linda is cruising along on her “empty-nest joyride!”

Connect With Linda
Website | Facebook | Instagram

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🤗 Take Jodi's Happiness Quiz and increase your level of happiness!

Come Have Lunch with me on July 23rd-we'll connect and dive a bit deeper into the July episodes. Then get ready for our episodes from the Vault in August. You don't want to miss this!

DISCLAIMER: The commentary and opinions available on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical, physical, or psychological advice. You should contact a trained medical professional before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine and with respect to any particular issue or problem.