Crazy Stupid Midlife

In this issue, we dive into the evolving world of fitness as we navigate through midlife. Both hosts share their personal journeys, highlighting the ups and downs of maintaining an active lifestyle. 

Reflecting on Our Fitness Journeys  

Dannielle opens up about her transformation from a non-exerciser to someone who embraces fitness as a lifelong commitment. "I was not happy with my weight and I decided... what's the worst that can happen if I just try this for six weeks?" Her determination led her to lose 40 pounds in two months, sparking a lifelong interest in exercise.  

Renee shares her experiences too, revealing how motherhood and relocation to San Diego influenced her fitness habits. "In Southern California, it's just a different mindset. Everyone wants to be healthy..." She reflects on how the environment shaped her fitness journey, leading her to discover a love for high-intensity interval training and boxing.  

The Challenge of Consistency  

Both hosts discuss the challenges of finding a routine that works as their bodies change. "I think my body now can't sustain that kind of workout... I was always sore, my body hurt..." Renee notes how her love for high-intensity workouts shifted as she sought a more sustainable approach.  

Dannielle echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in fitness: "As much as I love to do them, they don't go well with me... my joints hurt, my muscles hurt. I can't recover."  

Embracing New Routines  

Now, both women focus on finding balance in their routines. Dannielle has embraced Pilates and weight training, recognizing the importance of muscle in maintaining overall health. "I'm just, I'm going by how I feel... the workouts that make me feel good are weightlifting probably three times a week."  

Renee, on the other hand, is currently navigating her fitness journey with an injury. "I go to the gym in my boot... it's not a routine that I would definitely say, this is my routine and I highly recommend it."  

Final Thoughts  

Their conversations highlight the necessity of listening to our bodies and adapting our fitness routines as we age. The key takeaway? Fitness is not one-size-fits-all, and what works for us changes over time.  

If you're curious to hear more about their fitness journeys and tips for finding what works for you, tune in to the full episode!

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Crazy Stupid Midlife

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Crazy Stupid Midlife

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In this episode, Dannielle and Renee reconnect after a busy year to share updates on their lives, discuss their current obsessions, favorite shows, books, beauty routines, and fitness strategies, all tailored for midlife. They explore how consistency, new hobbies, and modern tools like AI are shaping their lives and wellness routines.

midlife, wellness, fitness, books, TV shows, beauty routines, AI, consistency, friendship, life updates


Topics:
Life updates after a busy year
Current obsessions and favorite shows
Beauty routines and skincare products
Fitness strategies and exercise routines
The role of consistency in health and wellness
Using AI to enhance home projects and time management
Books and TV shows that resonate in midlife
Balancing family, work, and personal growth

Chapters
00:00 Welcome Back and Life Updates
01:53 Reflections on the Past Year and Personal Growth
06:02 Current TV Shows and Book Recommendations
11:46 Favorite Beauty Products and Skincare Routines
19:46 Fitness and Exercise: Challenges and New Goals
29:59 Using AI for Home Projects and Time Management
39:51 Upcoming Topics and Future Episodes

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Vibrating Plate:

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In this episode of Crazy Stupid Midlife, we dive into Pilates, macros, and the power of community with Brooklyn, a Pilates instructor with over 10 years of experience. We explore why Pilates is truly for every body and how it supports not only fitness goals, but everyday movement, strength training, and long-term wellness.

Brooklyn shares her personal fitness journey, how Pilates became a lifelong practice, and why sustainable habits—not quick fixes—create real results. We talk about the role of nutrition, supplements, mindfulness, and accountability, and how simple strategies like the 10-minute rule can help you stay consistent even on low-motivation days.

This episode is for anyone navigating midlife fitness, looking to build strength, protect their core, and create a routine that fits real life. Pilates isn’t just a workout—it’s a foundation for how you move through the world.

🧘‍♀️ Where to Find Brooklyn

Brooklyn teaches Pilates at Club Pilates in 4S Ranch, California.

Club Pilates studios are located nationwide, offering accessible, community-based Pilates for all levels. If you’re looking for a Pilates community near you, visit the Club Pilates website and find a studio in your neighborhood.

👉 Website: https://www.clubpilates.com

💊 Supplements We Talk About

We discuss supplements that support overall wellness, energy, recovery, and sustainable fitness.

🛒 Shop our practitioner-recommended supplements here:
 👉 https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/dcrouch
(Fullscript allows you to purchase high-quality, professional-grade supplements in one place.)

📊 Macro Tracking Tools Mentioned

Macro tracking can be a helpful tool for awareness and progress—not perfection. Popular macro-tracking websites and apps include:

• MyFitnessPal
 • MacroFactor
 • Cronometer

Use what works for you—tracking is a tool, not a rule.

Key Takeaways

• Pilates supports daily life, strength training, and long-term wellness
 • Sustainable habits beat extreme fitness plans
 • Community increases motivation and accountability
 • Supplements can support overall health and recovery
 • Macro tracking can provide insight without obsession
 • Mindfulness improves body awareness and movement quality
 • Real progress comes from consistency, not quick fixes

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Season 2

media, books, movies, TV shows, memoirs, health, wellness, family, recommendations, midlife

takeaways

• Renee has been busy teaching multiple subjects and managing a student teacher.
• Dannielle has been focusing on audiobooks during her walks and drives.
• Both hosts have enjoyed reading memoirs that provide deep personal insights.
• Renee recommends 'People We Meet on Vacation' for its engaging story and movie adaptation.
• Dannielle highlights the emotional impact of Lisa Marie Presley's memoir.
• The conversation shifts to discussing the importance of health and wellness in midlife.
• They explore various TV shows and movies that resonate with their experiences.
• The hosts emphasize the value of family game nights and reconnecting with loved ones.
• Renee shares her experience with the Golden Bachelor and its positive portrayal of older adults.
• They conclude with plans for future episodes and a focus on wellness topics.

summary

In this episode of Crazy Stupid Midlife, hosts Dannielle and Renee reconnect after a long break to discuss their media obsessions as they kick off the new year. They share insights on recent books they've read, particularly memoirs that have moved them, and explore the emotional impact of these stories. The conversation shifts to movies and TV shows that resonate with their experiences, including the Golden Bachelor and various emotional dramas. They also touch on the importance of health and wellness in midlife, sharing personal experiences and recommendations. The episode concludes with a focus on family game nights and plans for future episodes, emphasizing the value of connection and personal growth.

• "I cried like a baby."
• "I read The Housemaid."
• "It's like you're at the race track."

Chapters

00:00
New Year, New Media Obsessions

01:41
Books: Recent Reads and Favorites

02:55
Memoirs That Move Us

06:27
Thrillers and Mysteries: A Deep Dive

08:49
Romance and Audiobooks: A New Genre

10:51
Informative Reads: The Menopause Moment

14:42
Upcoming Reads and Recommendations

19:24
The Life of Lisa Marie Presley

22:40
Movies That Touch the Heart

25:53
TV Shows: Recent Discoveries and Favorites

30:22
Exploring New Shows and Movies

35:53
Romantic Comedies and Feel-Good Content

39:50
The Golden Bachelor: A New Perspective on Love

45:36
Diving into True Stories and Dramatic Films

53:02
Games and Family Bonding: A Return to Fun

57:52
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Episode: Welcome to Therapy with Dr. Z – Navigating Midlife Relationships, Marriage, and Sex

This week on Crazy Stupid Midlife, we sit down with Dr. Kristin Zeising, a licensed psychologist and certified sex therapist, to talk about the complexities of navigating relationships in midlife—friendships, marriage, and intimacy.

We open the conversation by exploring the ways women can rekindle desire, from indulging in luxury lingerie (like Honey Birdette and Deja Vu Boutique in Vista) to immersing themselves in sensual storytelling through Dipsea’s romance novels. We even share some go-to sexy movies and books that have sparked desire for women in this season of life: Baby Girl, Sex Life, 365 Days, and of course, Fifty Shades of Grey—the book that ignited a wave of women wanting more pleasure and a different kind of intimacy in their midlife journeys.

One of the most powerful moments of this conversation comes when Dr. Z shares the phrase she hears most often in therapy: “I feel broken.” Hearing this was emotional for us because we want every woman listening to know—you are not broken. You are navigating a season that is complex, and you are not alone.

That’s why we highlight the incredible book You Are Not Broken by Kelly Caspersen, MD—a must-read for anyone who has ever felt this way. It’s enlightening, empowering, and truly shifts the conversation around women’s sexual health and midlife identity. Midlife is not the end of desire or connection—it’s a chance to redefine it. 

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

• Honey Birdette Lingerie
• Deja Vu Boutique
• Dipsea Stories
• Baby Girl (film)
• Sex Life (Netflix series)
• 365 Days (film)
• Fifty Shades of Grey series by E.L. James
• You Are Not Broken by Dr. Kelly Caspersen
• W for Her Personal Lubricant
• Connect with Dr. Kristin Zeising
  • Website: drzeising.com
  • Instagram: @drkristinzeising
  • Private Practice: Individual & Couples Therapy, Sex Therapy

 Tune in to hear why you are not broken, how to reconnect with your desires, and how friendships, marriage, and sex can evolve beautifully in midlife.

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We’re back! After taking a little break, we couldn’t wait to sit down and catch up with you. This season was packed with trips to Paris, Greece, London, Dublin, Copenhagen and Budapest. From milestone birthdays to solo adventures, we had so many moments that were fun, hilarious, and even a little eye-opening.

Traveling wasn’t just about the places we went -- it gave us space to reflect on family, friendship, and what it feels like to unplug from daily responsibilities. There were boat rides in the Greek isles, delicious meals we’ll never forget, and even a chance encounter with a rock band musician (yes, really).

Join us for the laughs, the lessons, and maybe even a little travel inspo for your own next adventure.

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We’re not done yet.

In Part 2 of this important conversation, Dr. Sara McKinney dives deeper into the realities of hormone imbalance, perimenopause, and the emotional and physical toll it takes on women — especially when doctors dismiss your concerns.

Below you’ll find a link to Dr. McKinney's profile at UCSD Health and links to some of the memoirs and recommendations she mentioned during our conversation so you can explore further or follow up on anything that resonated with you.

Sara McKinney, MD - Obstetrics & Gynecology | UC San Diego Health

Brook Shield Is Not Allowed to Get Old by Brooke Shields
Paris, The Memoir by Paris Hilton
Tell Me Everything: A Memoir by Minka Kelly
Finding Me: A Memoir of Radical Honesty and Self-Discovery by Viola Davis

Gyn & Tonic Podcast on Apple Podcasts
Gyn & Tonic Podcast on Spotify

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Are you feeling off, overwhelmed, or just… not like yourself? You’re not alone — and you’re definitely not crazy.

In this episode of Welcome to Women's Health, Dr. Sara McKinney gets real about the symptoms so many women experience but few doctors talk about: mood swings, low sex drive, sleep issues, brain fog, and hormone shifts tied to perimenopause and menopause. She shares what most OB/GYNs are missing in these conversations — and what you should be asking for in your own care.

Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s, or beyond, this episode will help you feel heard, understood, and empowered to take control of your health.

Below you’ll find a link to Dr. McKinney's profile at UCSD Health and links to some of the memoirs and recommendations she mentioned during our conversation so you can explore further or follow up on anything that resonated with you.

Sara McKinney, MD - Obstetrics & Gynecology | UC San Diego Health

Brook Shield Is Not Allowed to Get Old by Brooke Shields
Paris, The Memoir by Paris Hilton
Tell Me Everything: A Memoir by Minka Kelly
Finding Me: A Memoir of Radical Honesty and Self-Discovery by Viola Davis

Gyn & Tonic Podcast on Apple Podcasts
Gyn & Tonic Podcast on Spotify

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Crazy Stupid Midlife

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What if you had a community of women showing up with you—every day—for 100 days of real, sustainable wellness?

In this episode, we’re inviting you to join us and Coach Sasha, founder of LeanPowerment, for the 100 Day Healthy Challenge—a guided program built to help you feel strong, energized, and empowered in your body and mind.

This is about consistency, connection, and confidence—with the kind of support that actually keeps you going.

You’ll hear:

• What the 100 Day Healthy Challenge is all about
• How this program builds on Sasha’s signature LEAN coaching methods
• The power of community and why doing this together makes all the difference
• Simple ways to get started—no matter your current routine

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to reset your habits, focus on your health, and feel better in your body—this is it!

Join the challenge, connect with our community, and make the next 100 days count.

Ready to join the challenge?

CLICK HERE TO JOIN NOW!

Let’s do this. Together. 💥

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Crazy Stupid Midlife

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