Ever feel like you’re doing everything for everyone—and slowly disappearing from your own life?

In this raw and relatable episode, host Michele Folan sits down with writer and coach Jen Butler, author of the forthcoming memoir Mom Rediscovered, to talk about the messy, brave work of finding yourself again—after kids, after moves, and after the coping habits that promised relief but delivered fog.

Jen opens up about her seven-year alcohol-free journey, her decisive breakup with diet culture, and the “soft rock bottom” that sparked it all. We unpack:

• How sobriety led to radical self-compassion
• The dopamine “easy buttons” women often turn to—and how to replace them
• What curating your social media inputs can do for your inner weather
• How strength training, protein, and bone health became part of her midlife healing
• The simple life-circle exercise to spot what’s not working

Therapy threads through Jen’s story as a practical, stigma-free tool for connecting the dots between motherhood, partnership, and identity. She shares how writing the hardest scenes—hangovers, shame, and all—became deeply healing.

If you’re curious about gray-area drinking, breaking up with diet culture, or building a midlife you actually want to live, this conversation will meet you where you are and gently nudge you forward.

👉 Preorder Mom Rediscovered, share this episode with a friend who needs it, and leave a review to help more women find this space.

https://jenbutlerwrites.com/
https://www.instagram.com/jenbutlerwrites/

_________________________________________
1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:[email protected]

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.