Fearless & Forty

Fearless & Forty

By Susan NorgrenEducationSelf-Improvement
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Fearless & Forty episodes

  • Episode 17: Hot Topics

    🎙️ Fearless & Forty – Episode 17: “Hot Topics” 🔥

    In this week’s episode, we’re turning up the heat with Hot Topics — diving into the trending convos that are lighting up our feeds and striking a nerve with women in midlife. From wellness fads to fashion wins (and fails), — nothing is off the table!

    We’re calling out the YAYS and NAYS we see from influencers, sharing our personal takes, and keeping it fun, honest, and a little spicy. Expect laughter, real talk, and some solid “same girl, same” moments as we unpack what’s resonating (and what’s just plain ridiculous) in the online world of midlife.

    🎧 Hit play and let’s get fearless — because being forty means knowing what you want, what you’re over, and what you’re totally into. No filters, just facts (and a little fun).

    For Reference:

    Armchair Expert

    Good Hang with Amy Poehler 

     

    48 min
  • Episode 16: The Power of Letting Go

    Episode 16: The Power of Letting Go

    This summer, we’re shaking off the weight that’s been holding us back—from those quiet whispers of not being enough, to the sneaky, soul-draining grip of envy and comparison. In this episode of Fearless & Forty, we’re getting real about what we’re letting go of and why it matters more than ever.

    We dive into the mindset shift of honoring who we are right now—no edits, no filters—and recognizing our traits, habits, and quirks as reflections of our lived experience, not flaws to fix. Letting go isn't about giving up; it's about creating space for peace, joy, and alignment.

    We also share some heartwarming moments from a recent family beach vacation—because sometimes the best reset comes with salty air, sandy toes, and belly laughs.

    Plus, you know we had to sprinkle in a little fun: we’re chatting about the books on our summer reading lists, what’s on our screens, and what’s helping us unwind these days.

    Tune in for a refreshing dose of truth, laughter, and a little inspiration to help you let go and lean in.

    #fearlessand40 #midlife #lettinggo #summervibes

    For Reference:

    Cozy Conversations 

    The Wedding People 

    Your Friends & Neighbors

    Ginny & Georgia

    The Better Sister 

    39 min
  • Episode 15: From Frustration to Freedom: Midlife Weight Loss Journey

    In this powerful and honest episode of Fearless and 40, we’re getting real about something many of us face but don’t talk about enough: how the ways we used to lose weight in our 20s and 30s just don’t work anymore. From cutting carbs to endless cardio, the old tricks left me feeling exhausted, defeated, and stuck in a cycle of frustration.

    But this time, I said no more.

    I’m sharing the moment I finally decided to stop battling my body and start supporting it. I reached out to a wellness clinic and got the help I needed — not just with weight loss, but with a whole-body reset. We talk about what it’s really like to get personalized support for diet, exercise, and sleep in midlife, and how addressing all three changed everything.

    Whether you’re in the same boat or just curious about what it means to truly prioritize your health at 40 and beyond, this episode is for you. It’s about breaking free from outdated methods, releasing guilt, and taking a fearless step toward freedom.

    #fearlessand40 #midlife #weightlossjourney #weightlossinmidlife

    For Reference:

    Precision MD Wellness & Weight Loss 

    The Better Sister 

    1 hr 11 min
  • Episode 14: Ending Maycember: Saying No, Finding Rest and Pool Days Ahead

    Fearless and Forty - Episode 14: Ending Maycember: Saying No, Finding Rest and Pool Days Ahead

    In this episode of Fearless and Forty, we’re officially closing the chapter on Maycember. If you've ever felt like May is a nonstop rollercoaster of commitments, events, and emotional exhaustion—you're not alone! We’ve been there, too. As we reflect on the whirlwind that was May, we talk about the toll it’s taken—especially on our mental and emotional health—and how saying “no” to things can be so much harder than it sounds.
    Join us as we dive into the challenges of balancing work, family, social obligations, and personal time—and how sometimes, the most important thing is recognizing when it's time to slow down. We’ll also share tips on how we’re learning to say no without guilt, and why embracing rest and setting boundaries is key to avoiding burnout.
    With June around the corner, we’re looking forward to the slower pace of summer: diving into a good book, binging all the shows we’ve missed, and spending lazy days by the pool. It’s time to give ourselves permission to finally hit pause.
    So grab your favorite drink, kick back, and join us for a much-needed chat about stepping away from the hustle and embracing the much-anticipated calm of June. #fearlessand40 #midlife #maycember 

    References:

    The Bright Side 

    Cozy Conversations with The Sister Project 

    The Wedding People 

    16 min
  • Episode 13: No Routine, No Problem? Navigating Summer with Kids

    🎙 Episode 13: "No Routine, No Problem? Navigating Summer with Kids"

    School's out and chaos is in! In this episode, we dive into the wild ride that is summer break when you're a working parent. With no routine, how do we keep our kids off screens all day, encourage outdoor play, keep them from destroying the house (or each other), and still maintain some level of peace and fun?

    We’re talking chores, rules (the flexible kind), summer goals, and what it means to give our kids a great summer without draining our bank accounts—or our sanity. Tune in as we laugh, vent, and strategize our way through the season of popsicles, late bedtimes, and constant snack requests.

    Because parenting in the summer? It’s not for the weak. 💪☀️

    38 min
  • Episode 12: Life Lately - A 24-Hour Reset, Mom Style

    Episode 12: Life Lately – A 24-Hour Reset, Mom Style

    In this episode of Fearless & Forty, we’re catching up on life lately—starting with how we celebrated Mother’s Day with a quick 24-hour girls’ getaway to Bridge Street. From a progressive dinner and shopping spree to brunch and Les Misérables, we packed in all the things that fill our cups. Coming home to our families cooking out for us was the perfect end to a weekend of rest and connection.

    We’re also getting honest about letting go of the guilt that sometimes comes with taking time for ourselves. Spoiler alert: it’s not selfish—it’s necessary. Tune in for a chat about why even the shortest reset can be the most rejuvenating.

    For Your Reference:

    Donna Ashworth 

    26 min
  • Episode 11: Friendships that Nourish: for them and for us

    Episode 11: Friendships that Nourish: For Them and For Us

    In this heartfelt episode, we dive deep into the beauty and complexity of friendships—both for our daughters and ourselves. Fresh off an inspiring talk by author and speaker Kari Kampakis, we reflect on her message about raising kind, compassionate daughters who are also good friends. But just as important is remembering that we, as moms, are still growing in this area too.

    We talk about what it means to find and be the kind of friend who celebrates others, encourages authenticity, and keeps the door open—always. From casting a wide net to never burning bridges, we explore how friendship changes with time and how each connection, whether for a reason or a season, has value. As we say, if you can count your true friends on one hand, you’re among the lucky ones.

    We also catch up on life lately: a special multi-generational girls' trip to NYC, prepping for the Kentucky Derby (hats and all!), binging the new season of Ransom Canyon, and grooving to the soulful sounds of Lake Street Dive.

    Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on the kind of friendships that lift us up—and the kind we hope to nurture in the next generation. 

    References

    Girl Mom Podcast

    Ransom Canyon

    Lake Street Dive

    Maycember Spotify Playlist 

    NYC Itinerary:

    Friday: arrive at apartment by 12 if not earlier and get unpacked and eat a bite from local market nearby 
    At 2pm we have our Liberty boat cruise
    Then we’ll head to Empire State Building for entry at 4:15
    Friday Night- Grand Central Oyster Bar at 6:30 - casual
     
    Saturday: breakfast at apartment then head to Central Park, eat at tavern on the green (reservation is at 1:15) - casual- 
    Ice cream museum at 4pm
    Saturday night- La Esquina Brasserie at 6pm - casual
     
    Sunday: 9/11 tour at 10:30
    John’s pizzeria on Times Square (do not take reservations) 
    shopped around times square
    Wicked at 3pm - casual
    Stardust for dinner following play
     
    Monday: breakfast at a market nearby for a famous NYC bagel
    shopping- headed to Athleta that was nearby 
    back to apartment to pack up and head to airport
    37 min
  • Episode 10: The Weight We Carry: Why Defeat Hits Different at Forty

    🎙️ Episode 10: The Weight We Carry – Why Defeat Hits Different at Forty

    In this heartfelt episode, we get real about the emotional toll of juggling it all—especially when you're deep in your 40s and still trying to be everything for everyone.

    What we talk about:

    💔 Doing It All, Yet Still Not Enough

    We dive into the invisible weight so many women carry—doing all the things and still wondering, “Am I doing enough?” That nagging guilt and self-doubt hit different in this season of life.

    ⏩ From Pause to Warp Speed: Post-Pandemic Whiplash

    Remember the calm (and chaos) of the Covid slowdown? We talk about the jarring shift from stillness to being back in full-throttle mode—and how exhausting that transition has been physically and emotionally.

    📺 Netflix & Perspective: Thoughts on Younger

    We lighten things up with a quick review of the show Younger—Are you team Josh or team Charles? Let us know!

    📚 In Our Book Bag

    Craving a new summer read? So are we. We chat about our desire to read more, what we’re hoping to find in our next book, and ask you for recommendations!

    Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and DM us your summer book recs!

    42 min
  • Episode 9: Hormones, Hustle & the 28 Day Rollercoaster

    🎙 Episode 9: Hormones, Hustle & the 28 Day Rollercoaster

    Welcome back to Fearless and Forty! In this episode, we're diving deep into something that affects every woman, every month — our hormones. But instead of fighting the tide, what if we learned to ride the wave?

    Join us as we unpack the four phases of the female cycle and how each one affects our energy, mood, focus, and even productivity. From the powerful surge of the follicular phase to the reflective calm of the luteal days, we explore how tuning into our natural rhythm can help us hustle smarter — not harder.

    We'll chat about:

    • Understanding your hormonal patterns and how they show up in your daily life

    • Why syncing your schedule with your cycle could be your secret productivity hack

    • How to nourish your body and mind through each phase for optimal energy and balance

    • Tips to stop pushing against your biology and start working with it

      Whether you're 25 or 45, if you're ready to stop seeing your hormones as a hindrance and start treating them like your superpower, this one's for you. Let’s ditch the shame, embrace the science, and learn how to thrive — all month long.

      💬 Ready to decode your 28-day rollercoaster? Hit play and let’s get fearless, together.

      #fearlessand40 #midlife #28daycycle #hormones 

      29 min
    • Episode 8: Waking Up Dreaming

      🎙️ Episode 8: "Waking Up Dreaming" – Embracing the Entrepreneurial Spirit in Midlife

      In this powerful episode of Fearless and Forty, we're having a real and heartfelt conversation about what it means to wake up dreaming—to feel the spark of possibility and purpose reignite in midlife.

      We’re talking about the rise of the entrepreneurial spirit among women in their 40s and beyond, and how this season of life is uniquely positioned for bold moves, reinvention, and fearless pursuit of dreams we may have once put on the back burner.

      But here's the thing—we're not doing it alone.

      We unpack the importance of community—why the people you surround yourself with matter more than ever. From cheerleaders to accountability partners, we explore how encouragement, collaboration, and aligned energy can elevate our growth and keep us moving forward.

      ✨ In this episode, we dive into:

      • Why midlife might actually be the best time to start something new

      • The generational shifts that fuel our desire for purpose-driven work—whether you identify as a Millennial, part of the so-called “Lost Generation,” or somewhere in between

      • How the trailblazing (and sometimes limiting) examples of our parents’ generation shaped our views on work, security, and passion

      • The deep, soul-level fulfillment that comes from finally choosing yourself

        Whether you're launching a business, pivoting careers, or simply allowing yourself to dream bigger—this episode is your reminder that it’s never too late, and you are never too much.

        This is for the dreamers, the doers, and the ones just now giving themselves permission to believe again.

        💬 Let us know what dreams you’re waking up to—we’re in this together.

        #FearlessAndForty #WakingUpDreaming #MidlifeMagic #EntrepreneurSpirit #WomenWhoBuild

         

        29 min

      About Fearless & Forty

      From the publisher's feed

      Fearless & Forty is a podcast hosted by two best friends embracing the challenges and triumphs of midlife. From the ups and downs of motherhood, marriage, and friendship to navigating career…