In today’s episode of The Midlife Edit, we’re stepping into Week 4 of the Pre-Holiday Reset — and this week is all about reflection: the grounding, self-honoring kind… not the childhood “go think about what you did” version.

Before the holidays sweep in, this week invites you to pause, breathe, and ask:
What’s working? What’s not? What am I ready to release — and what do I want to carry with me into the next chapter?
Jen shares powerful journaling prompts, explores her own patterns and wins over the past few weeks, and talks openly about showing up for ourselves before we show up for everyone else.
And then…
You’re getting a two-for-one today.
Because after we reflect, we dive straight into a short but incredible interview with Pittsburgh-based band Neostem — a fusion of grunge, punk, and metal who prove exactly why music and community matter so much in midlife.
✨ In This Episode:

We explore:

• What reflection actually means
• Why it’s not about shame, guilt, or tallying your failures
• How to check in with your energy and behavior
• What you need more of — and what to release
• How self-awareness prepares you for a calmer holiday season

Jen also shares her own reset takeaways: juggling work, volunteering, family roles, and her podcast — and learning to give herself actual credit for the way she shows up for others.

🎸 Interview with Neostem: Music, Mental Health & Community

We talk about:

• How Ryan, Matt, and Rob met
• How their unique blend of punk/grunge/metal came to life
• Their songwriting process and how their influences collide
• Music as self-expression, self-discovery, and emotional processing
• Why Punk Rock Saves Lives matters — especially for men’s mental health
• Their favorite Pittsburgh venues
• What’s next for the band in 2026

This conversation blends music, community, nostalgia, and real talk about mental health — a perfect companion to this week’s theme of reflection.

📝 Download the Midlife Edit Reflection Workbook, your personal “backstage pass” to deeper self-awareness, clarity, and midlife reinvention. 

🖤Visit Punk Rock Saves Lives

🎧 Listen to Neostem on all platforms and check out their socials:

Instagram: @neostemband

Facebook: Neostem

🛍️ The Feed the People Tour — Support Feeding America

We’re just under $150 raised and aiming for $300 by Thanksgiving!
Grab your tee or crewneck here! 100% of profits go directly to Feeding America, now and forever.

✨ Join the Pre-Holiday Reset

If you haven’t joined yet, it’s not too late.
This reset is evergreen — not just for the Christmas season — and will help you slow down, breathe deeper, and reconnect with yourself. Sign up now: Pre-Holiday Reset