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Female friendships aren't always forever—and that might be exactly how it should be. In this revealing conversation with author Susan Shapiro Barash about her new book "Estranged: How Female Friendships Are Mended or Ended," we explore the complicated reality behind those seemingly unbreakable bonds.

The statistics are striking: 88% of women have had significant problems with close friends, and surprisingly, 75% feel more obligated to stay in troubled friendships than in problematic romantic relationships. Through extensive interviews with women across America, Barash uncovered seven distinct types of friendship challenges that often lead to estrangement—from the faithless friend who prioritizes romantic interests over friendship to the jealous friend who can't celebrate your success.

What makes these relationships so difficult to end? Barash explains how cultural messages about "best friends forever" create guilt around setting boundaries, while shared history ("we've known each other since kindergarten") often keeps women trapped in unhealthy dynamics far too long. The betrayals can cut deep—stolen ideas at work, seduced partners, shared confidences broadcast widely—but women often rationalize staying despite clear evidence the friendship is harmful.

"Estranged" offers a refreshingly honest perspective on friendship breakups as potentially healthy choices rather than failures. As Barash puts it, there's "a new trend where we hit our limit and we say this isn't really a healthy friendship for me, and we estrange from a place of power and voice." The pandemic accelerated this trend, prompting many women to reevaluate which connections truly deserve their emotional investment.

Whether you're struggling with a friendship that's become one-sided, wondering if jealousy has poisoned a once-strong bond, or simply questioning why certain relationships leave you feeling drained rather than supported, this conversation offers valuable insights for navigating the complex terrain of female friendship with honesty, self-awareness, and ultimately, self-respect.

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Thanks for listening to Diva Tonight!

I want to thank my Podcast Editor Sean for helping with the show, and all the Guests who have made the time to share their stories.

Thanks to Altered by Mom for sponsoring the music for the show!

Music provided by Altered by Mom

Check out their new song Okay Okay!

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Send us a text

Support the show

Thanks for listening to Diva Tonight!

I want to thank my Podcast Editor Sean for helping with the show, and all the Guests who have made the time to share their stories.

Thanks to Altered by Mom for sponsoring the music for the show!

Music provided by Altered by Mom

Check out their new song Okay Okay!

Follow Altered by mom on social media!

https://www.instagram.com/alteredByMom/

https://www.tiktok.com/@alteredbymom

Check out the show @ https://divatonight.buzzsprout.com/

Follow the show on social media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Diivaontheradio/

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

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Twitter https://twitter.com/DivaontheRadio

If you would like email the show with an idea an email at [email protected]

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Debi Kinney shares how turning 40 can be the start of your best decade yet, as she transformed her career from corporate hospitality to goals coaching at 45 and achieved her best physical health at 49. We explore the powerful mindset shift that comes with embracing your 40s as a fresh start rather than a decline.

• Breaking free from corporate America to pursue more fulfilling work with greater impact
• The importance of proactive health monitoring including hormone levels and vitamin deficiencies
• Why coaches look at health, fitness, lifestyle, and business goals as interconnected areas
• The "BID System" for creating sustainable habits through small, consistent changes
• How women in their 40s can leverage self-knowledge and experience to reinvent themselves
• Practical strategies for overcoming overwhelm when making life changes

Visit hellocoachinginfo.com to connect with Debi Kinney and access free resources and tools to help you achieve your goals.

http://www.hellocoaching.info/
Instagram: @coachdebikinney

Facebook: Debi Kinney 

Support the show

Thanks for listening to Diva Tonight!

I want to thank my Podcast Editor Sean for helping with the show, and all the Guests who have made the time to share their stories.

Thanks to Altered by Mom for sponsoring the music for the show!

Music provided by Altered by Mom

Check out their new song Okay Okay!

Follow Altered by mom on social media!

https://www.instagram.com/alteredByMom/

https://www.tiktok.com/@alteredbymom

Check out the show @ https://divatonight.buzzsprout.com/

Follow the show on social media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Diivaontheradio/

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

Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/diivaontheradio

Twitter https://twitter.com/DivaontheRadio

If you would like email the show with an idea an email at [email protected]

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Dr. Amy Beckley shares her journey from personal infertility struggles to creating an at-home hormone testing platform that helps women understand and advocate for their hormonal health. She explains how women's healthcare often overlooks hormone imbalances until they become severe issues, leaving many suffering unnecessarily.

• Hormones affect every cell in our bodies, impacting everything from fertility to brain function, bone strength, and heart health
• Many women's health issues stem from hormone imbalances that are easily treatable when properly identified
• Traditional healthcare often takes a reactive rather than preventative approach to women's health
• Conditions like PCOS and endometriosis affect 10-12% of women but take an average of 10 years to diagnose
• Perimenopause typically begins in our late thirties, with hormone decline starting well before official menopause
• Progesterone is critically important for mood balance, sleep, and overall wellbeing, yet remains poorly understood
• Self-advocacy and community support are essential for navigating women's health challenges
• The Proov hormone testing platform allows women to track and understand their hormone patterns at home

Visit ProovTest.com to learn more about at-home hormone testing and join their supportive communities on Facebook and Instagram.

Support the show

Thanks for listening to Diva Tonight!

I want to thank my Podcast Editor Sean for helping with the show, and all the Guests who have made the time to share their stories.

Thanks to Altered by Mom for sponsoring the music for the show!

Music provided by Altered by Mom

Check out their new song Okay Okay!

Follow Altered by mom on social media!

https://www.instagram.com/alteredByMom/

https://www.tiktok.com/@alteredbymom

Check out the show @ https://divatonight.buzzsprout.com/

Follow the show on social media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Diivaontheradio/

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

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Twitter https://twitter.com/DivaontheRadio

If you would like email the show with an idea an email at [email protected]

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I want to thank Altered by Mom Gina Kennedy and Devon Lougheed for sharing Okay okay! 

Music by Altered by Mom 

https://www.alteredbymom.com

What does it take to walk away from a 20-year emotionally abusive marriage with nothing but a suitcase and a few canvases? Jodi Law shares her remarkable journey of transformation from feeling like "a lodger in my own home" to creating a life of authenticity and inner peace.

Unlike physical abuse, emotional abuse leaves no visible scars but devastates your sense of self. "You don't know who you are anymore because everything that you think is questioned by the other party," Jodi explains. After leaving her marriage and rebuilding her relationship with her children, Jodi discovered that conventional therapy and medication weren't enough to help her heal. Instead, she found transformation through yoga and energy medicine practices that allowed her to reconnect with herself on a profound level.

As a former healthcare professional who worked in intensive care and cardiac catheterization for 30 years, Jodi brings a unique perspective to holistic healing. She explains how our bodies' energy systems work, why 90% of chronic illnesses stem from stress keeping us in "fight or flight" mode, and how simple energy practices can create balance. Now, through her 12-week energy medicine program, Jodi helps others find their authentic selves and create lives aligned with their true purpose. "Your body is designed to heal itself," she shares. "You just have to give it the right environment to do so."

Ready to explore how energy medicine might support your own healing journey? Visit Jodi-Ann Law's website for free resources including affirmations and anxiety relief techniques, or book a complimentary consultation to learn more about taking control of your health naturally.

Support the show

Thanks for listening to Diva Tonight!

I want to thank my Podcast Editor Sean for helping with the show, and all the Guests who have made the time to share their stories.

Thanks to Altered by Mom for sponsoring the music for the show!

Music provided by Altered by Mom

Check out their new song Okay Okay!

Follow Altered by mom on social media!

https://www.instagram.com/alteredByMom/

https://www.tiktok.com/@alteredbymom

Check out the show @ https://divatonight.buzzsprout.com/

Follow the show on social media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Diivaontheradio/

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

Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/diivaontheradio

Twitter https://twitter.com/DivaontheRadio

If you would like email the show with an idea an email at [email protected]

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This episode features an inspiring conversation with Jodi Law, who shares her emotional journey of leaving an abusive relationship at 40. Her story highlights the importance of self-discovery, healing, and finding one's voice after personal trauma.

• Discussion about Jodi's background and her work in healthcare  
• Exploration of emotional abuse and its impact on self-identity  
• The turning point leading to Jodi's decision to leave her marriage  
• The complexity of leaving behind an abusive situation, particularly with children involved  
• Insights into the healing journey through yoga and energy medicine  
• Encouragement for listeners experiencing similar struggles to seek help and embrace change  

Support the show

Thanks for listening to Diva Tonight!

I want to thank my Podcast Editor Sean for helping with the show, and all the Guests who have made the time to share their stories.

Thanks to Altered by Mom for sponsoring the music for the show!

Music provided by Altered by Mom

Check out their new song Okay Okay!

Follow Altered by mom on social media!

https://www.instagram.com/alteredByMom/

https://www.tiktok.com/@alteredbymom

Check out the show @ https://divatonight.buzzsprout.com/

Follow the show on social media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Diivaontheradio/

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

Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/diivaontheradio

Twitter https://twitter.com/DivaontheRadio

If you would like email the show with an idea an email at [email protected]

Send us a text

Ever wondered how turning 40 could be a profound milestone filled with wisdom and unexpected lessons? Join us for an enriching conversation with Melissa Schillingford, a dynamic entrepreneur and business consultant from Hudson Valley, New York. She shares her inspiring journey from a nonprofit career to empowering organizations impacted by the criminal legal system. Melissa opens up about her passion for serving others while balancing a flexible lifestyle, and provides actionable insights into optimizing processes for more impactful work. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of nonprofit work and the significance of maintaining personal fulfillment alongside professional achievements.

Taking a nostalgic walk through Melissa's memories, we uncover how her childhood in East Flatbush and East New York shaped her professional path. From the hustle of her entrepreneurial parents to the cultural shocks of moving to Long Island, these experiences sowed the seeds for her dedication to community work. Growing up with foster siblings and witnessing the dedication of social workers fueled her desire to contribute positively to society. This heartfelt narrative blends cultural nuances and family dynamics, illustrating how early life experiences can influence our careers and aspirations.

Celebrate the unique journey of embracing life at 40, as we explore the twists and turns of managing media influence and cultural expectations in parenthood. Listen to humorous anecdotes and reflective stories about navigating societal pressures and setting boundaries during postpartum recovery. From a surprise birthday in Mexico to the maze of unsolicited parenting advice, we highlight the challenges of balancing personal well-being with societal expectations. Join us as we unpack the societal norms that shape our lives, all while cherishing the rewarding journey of reaching this milestone with grace and wisdom.

Melissa Shillingford - Make Ideas Work 

https://makeideaswork.org/

Support the show

Thanks for listening to Diva Tonight!

I want to thank my Podcast Editor Sean for helping with the show, and all the Guests who have made the time to share their stories.

Thanks to Altered by Mom for sponsoring the music for the show!

Music provided by Altered by Mom

Check out their new song Okay Okay!

Follow Altered by mom on social media!

https://www.instagram.com/alteredByMom/

https://www.tiktok.com/@alteredbymom

Check out the show @ https://divatonight.buzzsprout.com/

Follow the show on social media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Diivaontheradio/

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

Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/diivaontheradio

Twitter https://twitter.com/DivaontheRadio

If you would like email the show with an idea an email at [email protected]

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What drives someone to make a bold career transition from the media industry to healthcare? Join us as we unravel Danae's transformative journey from being a media mogul at CHRY to an influential leader in nurse practitioner-led clinics. Danae's story is a testament to the power of transferable skills and the courage to pursue passions, no matter the industry. Her experience is a beacon for those contemplating a career change, showcasing how involvement with community health initiatives can spark unexpected interests and lead to fulfilling roles in healthcare.

Balancing a day job while nurturing entrepreneurial dreams is no small feat, especially in a post-COVID world. We explore the intricate dance of building a consulting business aimed at uplifting small businesses, all while honoring cultural roots and personal identity. From organizing events like AfroFest to supporting the Caribbean diaspora, this narrative highlights the intertwined journey of career alignment and community development. The challenges of blending full-time work responsibilities with the calling of entrepreneurship are painted with vivid strokes of passion and purpose.

The episode takes a reflective turn as we consider the broader societal issues of climate change and economic challenges, and how these shape our work ethic and financial outlook. Personal anecdotes reveal the influence of family and upbringing on our approach to work and money, urging a reevaluation of inherited mindsets. By sharing the struggles and triumphs of breaking generational patterns, we aim to inspire listeners to cultivate self-awareness and strive for personal growth in both their careers and financial lives.

Support the show

Thanks for listening to Diva Tonight!

I want to thank my Podcast Editor Sean for helping with the show, and all the Guests who have made the time to share their stories.

Thanks to Altered by Mom for sponsoring the music for the show!

Music provided by Altered by Mom

Check out their new song Okay Okay!

Follow Altered by mom on social media!

https://www.instagram.com/alteredByMom/

https://www.tiktok.com/@alteredbymom

Check out the show @ https://divatonight.buzzsprout.com/

Follow the show on social media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Diivaontheradio/

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

Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/diivaontheradio

Twitter https://twitter.com/DivaontheRadio

If you would like email the show with an idea an email at [email protected]

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Have you ever wondered if turning 40 could be just as exciting as the teenage years, but far more empowering? Join us for a riveting conversation with Karen Eldad, renowned coach and author of "Gilded," as she unveils the notion of a second adolescence at midlife. We tackle the cages of ambition and the relentless pursuit of perfectionism, discovering how reaching this milestone can herald a golden era of self-discovery and authenticity. Through inner work, we explore transforming fear into deep appreciation and reverence for life.

Unlock the secrets of manifestation and the immense power of self-belief with engaging insights from music and theater. We promise you'll rethink your limitations as we reference popular culture icons like the Backstreet Boys and the musical Wicked. Karen shares her personal journey through the creative process, underscoring the importance of persistence and learning from setbacks. By understanding our origins, we can truly appreciate the journey towards success and fulfillment.

High achievers, this one's for you! Conquer the challenges of people-pleasing and perfectionism by embracing mindfulness practices that enhance not only professional success but also personal well-being. We cover cornerstone habits like meditation and the revolutionary "pause principle" to help transform reactive responses into thoughtful actions. As we wrap up, we express our excitement about Justin Bieber's much-anticipated track "Gilded" and celebrate the impactful contributions of Karen Eldad. Don't miss out on this empowering episode that's all about reclaiming authenticity and championing personal growth.

Support the show

Thanks for listening to Diva Tonight!

I want to thank my Podcast Editor Sean for helping with the show, and all the Guests who have made the time to share their stories.

Thanks to Altered by Mom for sponsoring the music for the show!

Music provided by Altered by Mom

Check out their new song Okay Okay!

Follow Altered by mom on social media!

https://www.instagram.com/alteredByMom/

https://www.tiktok.com/@alteredbymom

Check out the show @ https://divatonight.buzzsprout.com/

Follow the show on social media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Diivaontheradio/

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

Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/diivaontheradio

Twitter https://twitter.com/DivaontheRadio

If you would like email the show with an idea an email at [email protected]

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What if turning 40 wasn't just a milestone, but a profound moment of reflection on life's journey? Join me, Carlene, and our guest Ashley Newport, editor for INSAUGA, as we unravel the complex tapestry of emotions that accompany this significant age. We share our stories, discussing the intricate balance between caring for young children and aging parents, alongside the heightened awareness of health that marks this stage of life. Together, we paint a candid picture of how the paths we've chosen in family and career shape our perspectives on aging and the cultural perceptions that come with it.

As the conversation unfolds, we delve into the seismic shifts brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, exploring how personal events like loss and new beginnings have redefined our lives. We recount the challenges of navigating a world turned upside down, reflecting on shifting family dynamics, career changes, and the resilience needed to forge ahead. Through personal anecdotes, we contemplate the lasting societal impact of the pandemic, acknowledging the trauma and upheaval it has left in its wake. 

We also take a fascinating journey through the landscape of technological advancements that have shaped our generation, considering the role of media influence and the internet in our lives. From the rise of social media echo chambers to the transformation of employment and information access, we discuss the double-edged nature of technology. Join us as we explore these themes and more, enriched by Ashley's insightful contributions and our shared reflections on aging, parenthood, and life's transitions. Let's connect and keep the conversation going on Instagram @diva_tonight.

Support the show

Thanks for listening to Diva Tonight!

I want to thank my Podcast Editor Sean for helping with the show, and all the Guests who have made the time to share their stories.

Thanks to Altered by Mom for sponsoring the music for the show!

Music provided by Altered by Mom

Check out their new song Okay Okay!

Follow Altered by mom on social media!

https://www.instagram.com/alteredByMom/

https://www.tiktok.com/@alteredbymom

Check out the show @ https://divatonight.buzzsprout.com/

Follow the show on social media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Diivaontheradio/

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

Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/diivaontheradio

Twitter https://twitter.com/DivaontheRadio

If you would like email the show with an idea an email at [email protected]