Dive into the refreshing world of midlife fiction with bestselling UK novelist Jane Costello as she reveals the creative journey behind her latest romantic comedy, "It's Getting Hot in Here." With candor and humor, Jane shares how she's boldly reimagining the rom-com genre with a 47-year-old protagonist navigating perimenopause, teenage children, and unexpected romantic stirrings.

After selling over a million copies of her debut novel and publishing 15 books across two decades, Jane offers a fascinating glimpse into her evolution as a writer. Her story begins not with childhood dreams of authorship, but during maternity leave with her first child, when she carved out precious writing time during nap sessions. For anyone who's ever doubted their creative potential, Jane's journey from uncertainty to international success proves that persistence transforms possibility into reality.

Whether you're an aspiring writer seeking practical advice or a reader hungry for stories that reflect the richness of midlife experiences, this conversation delivers wisdom and warmth in equal measure. Jane demystifies the writing process with refreshing honesty, sometimes describing it as "like knitting with spaghetti," while celebrating how her latest book flowed with unexpected joy. Her advice to writers—begin with a compelling idea, create a rough plot outline, and treat writing as a marathon rather than a sprint—cuts through creative intimidation with practical clarity. And her message to her younger self? "Relax more and worry less. Things are going to work out okay." Don't miss this inspiring conversation about finding new creative chapters in midlife and beyond.

Connect with Jane and purchase her book here:

Ready to FEARLESSLY FACE all the F WORDS – be inspired and encouraged?

Get a copy of Amy’s Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here

Fearlessly Facing Fifty and Beyond has over 200 episodes with inspiration and stories to age fearlessly and connect confidently to others thriving at midlife and beyond.

Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the Fearlessly Facing Fifty podcast share it with the world – a review means so much.

And don’t forget to follow along on all the socials:

http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/

Michele Cuffe's powerful insights on extending not just lifespan but healthspan will transform how you think about aging. Drawing from evolutionary biology and modern research, she reveals why Europeans can indulge in bread and wine without weight gain while Americans struggle despite "healthy" habits - it's not just what we eat, but how we live.

Stress represents the silent epidemic undermining American health, with most of us trapped in a chronic stress response for eight hours daily when it was designed to last mere seconds. Michele shares accessible techniques to break this cycle through simple daily practices requiring just 20 minutes. The conversation tackles sleep quality with alarming statistics - insufficient sleep increases accident risk by 70% and cancer risk by 69% while potentially shortening lifespan by nearly five years.

When it comes to nutrition, Michele cuts through fad diet confusion with refreshing clarity: "We were given two categories on this planet - plants and animals." Her practical grocery shopping guidance emphasizes perimeter shopping for organic vegetables and high-quality proteins while explaining why some seemingly healthy options like farm-raised salmon should be avoided entirely. For women over 50, she emphasizes the critical importance of strength training over endless cardio for hormonal balance and longevity.

Most movingly, Michele shares her personal journey from stay-at-home mom to fitness instructor to author, proving it's never too late to discover new passions and silence the inner critic. Whether you're just beginning your health journey or looking to optimize your wellness practices, this conversation delivers actionable wisdom for creating a vibrant, energetic life that could extend to 100 years and beyond. Don't miss Michele's practical tips for approaching fitness without intimidation - your future self will thank you.

Connect with Michele and purchase her book here:

Ready to FEARLESSLY FACE all the F WORDS – be inspired and encouraged?

Get a copy of Amy’s Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here

Fearlessly Facing Fifty and Beyond has over 200 episodes with inspiration and stories to age fearlessly and connect confidently to others thriving at midlife and beyond.

Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the Fearlessly Facing Fifty podcast share it with the world – a review means so much.

And don’t forget to follow along on all the socials:

http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt

https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/

Sharon Macey's journey from stay-at-home mom to podcast host and competitive dancer offers a refreshing roadmap for life's second act. The question that guided her wasn't "What do I want to do when I grow up?" but rather "What do I want to do when my kids grow up?"—a subtle distinction that resonates deeply with women navigating the transition from active motherhood to their next chapter.

What makes Sharon's approach so accessible is her emphasis on baby steps. "The beauty of taking a baby step is that if it doesn't work, we can pivot," she explains, giving women permission to experiment without the pressure of getting it perfectly right the first time. Her own return to dance after many years away led her to Latin ballroom competitions, complete with spray tans and elaborate costumes—a testament to the joy that comes from reconnecting with forgotten passions.

The conversation explores how friendships evolve, family dynamics shift, and faith deepens as we age. Sharon challenges the notion that making friends gets harder with age, noting how her social circle has expanded in her sixties. Both women discuss the intentionality required to maintain connections with adult children while embracing this new phase of life. Most powerfully, Sharon reminds listeners that reinvention is deeply personal: "You do you, and no one does you better than you." Whether that means launching a podcast, playing pickleball, or simply focusing on wellness, the path forward should reflect your unique desires, not external expectations.

Ready to take your own baby step toward reinvention? Listen now and discover how the wisdom, resilience, and experience you've gained become your greatest assets in creating life's most meaningful chapters. What will you become when your children grow up?

Connect with Sharon and take a listen to her MOM to more podcast here:

Ready to FEARLESSLY FACE all the F WORDS – be inspired and encouraged?

Get a copy of Amy’s Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here

Fearlessly Facing Fifty and Beyond has over 200 episodes with inspiration and stories to age fearlessly and connect confidently to others thriving at midlife and beyond.

Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the Fearlessly Facing Fifty podcast share it with the world – a review means so much.

And don’t forget to follow along on all the socials:

http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt

https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/

Have you ever felt like you're doing everything "right" according to everyone else's checklist, yet something feels profoundly missing? Margaret White knows that feeling all too well. As a self-proclaimed recovering perfectionist and former overachiever, she found herself waking up one morning with the stark realization that despite her successful career, marriage, and all the external markers of achievement, she was utterly depleted.

This powerful conversation takes us through Margaret's transformative journey from living by others' expectations to discovering what she calls "soul alignment." With refreshing candor, she shares the moment that changed everything – when she canceled her husband from their vacation and spent two weeks alone in the Caribbean, reconnecting with herself and hearing the whispers of her intuition for perhaps the first time in years.

Margaret challenges conventional wisdom around work-life balance, suggesting we should instead seek harmony – a dynamic dance that ebbs and flows rather than a tightrope walk of tension. "We were never intended or created to work from depletion," she explains. "We were created to be poured into so that we could then give of our gifts, time, and talent to others."

The discussion dives deep into what it means to get over "the overs" – overachieving, overstriving, overfunctioning, overcompensating, and overcommitting. For women who find themselves perpetually stuck in these patterns, Margaret offers practical wisdom for breaking free and creating space for what truly matters. She simplifies the often-elusive concept of alignment: "Alignment really comes down to how you're choosing."

Whether you're feeling caught in a hamster wheel of busyness, struggling with permission to prioritize your needs, or simply seeking more meaning in your daily life, Margaret's parting wisdom will stay with you: "Don't shrink to fit into spaces you're not meant to be in." This episode is for anyone ready to move beyond external validation and into the powerful place of living authentically, loving abundantly, and thriving unimaginably.

Connect with Margaret and come along on the retreat. 

Rise. Reset. Reclaim.

An Exclusive 6-Day, 5-Night Experience for Women Ready to Step into Your Next Evolution. Click here for more info.

Ready to FEARLESSLY FACE all the F WORDS – be inspired and encouraged?

Get a copy of Amy’s Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here

Fearlessly Facing Fifty and Beyond has over 200 episodes with inspiration and stories to age fearlessly and connect confidently to others thriving at midlife and beyond.

Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the Fearlessly Facing Fifty podcast share it with the world – a review means so much.

And don’t forget to follow along on all the socials:

http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt

https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/

What happens when we wake up in midlife and realize we've become someone we never intended to be? Award-winning playwright and filmmaker Brooke Berman joins us to explore this profound question through the lens of her debut feature film, "Ramona at Midlife," which recently premiered at Geena Davis' Bentonville Film Festival.

Brooke shares her remarkable journey from acclaimed playwright to first-time film director at 52—a rare achievement in an industry where first-time directors are typically men under 35. Her candid reflections on creating an authentic female leadership style reveal the delicate balance between collaboration and direction on set, shooting an entire feature in just 15 days.

The conversation takes unexpected turns as we discuss the liberation that comes with midlife awakening. When we were 25 and imagined our future selves at 50, most of us pictured someone who had "done the heavy lifting" and was essentially coasting. Reality proves far more dynamic and challenging, but also more rewarding than we ever anticipated.

Most powerful is Brooke's insight about self-acceptance: "If I don't love the person I am right now in my imperfect skin, then what are we talking about?" This revelation, alongside her disciplined approach to self-care through morning rituals of meditation, yoga, and gratitude practices, offers a blueprint for thriving in our fifth decade.

Whether you're approaching midlife, navigating its complexities, or looking back on it, Brooke's story will inspire you to embrace your authentic self and recognize that evolution doesn't end at 50—it often accelerates in the most beautiful, unexpected ways.

Connect with Brooke. Listen now, and then watch "Ramona at Midlife" on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, or Fandango at Home to continue the conversation about reinvention and self-discovery.

Ready to FEARLESSLY FACE all the F WORDS – be inspired and encouraged?

Get a copy of Amy’s Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here

Fearlessly Facing Fifty and Beyond has over 200 episodes with inspiration and stories to age fearlessly and connect confidently to others thriving at midlife and beyond.

Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the Fearlessly Facing Fifty podcast share it with the world – a review means so much.

And don’t forget to follow along on all the socials:

http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt

https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/

Fearlessly Facing Fifty and beyond - What does it mean to see yourself through a lens of beauty rather than criticism? This question forms the heart of my conversation with former Ford model turned photographer Kristen Jensen, who has mastered the art of capturing authentic beauty in everyone she photographs.

Kristen's journey began in front of the camera, traveling to 34 countries during her 20-year modeling career. But it was the moment she picked up a Hi8 camera and started filming behind the scenes that she discovered her true calling. "I was used to being photographed, but I wanted to be on the other side," she explains. This transition from being seen to seeing others became her superpower – the ability to look at people through what she calls "a soft lens" that reveals their inherent beauty.

As we navigate our 50s and beyond, many women experience a dip in self-confidence and struggle with visibility. Kristen's perspective offers a refreshing antidote: "It's not about perfection, that's not what sells. It's about energy." This wisdom extends beyond photography into how we present ourselves in every aspect of life. Whether starting a business, moving to a new community, or simply facing another day, authenticity trumps perfection every time.

Our conversation explores the challenges of reinvention – from building new friendships to redefining purpose. We discuss the importance of having cheerleaders in your corner when taking risks, the reality of aging bodies that require different care, and the poignant experience of losing parents. Through it all, we return to the central question that defines this stage of life: "Who am I now?"

Ready to see yourself through a kinder lens? Listen now to discover how embracing your authentic self – wrinkles, imperfections, and all – might be the most fearless act of all. Then join our community of women who are choosing courage over comfort every day as they fearlessly face their futures.

Connect with Kristen here

Ready to FEARLESSLY FACE all the F WORDS – be inspired and encouraged?

Get a copy of Amy’s Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here

Fearlessly Facing Fifty and Beyond has over 200 episodes with inspiration and stories to age fearlessly and connect confidently to others thriving at midlife and beyond.

Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the Fearlessly Facing Fifty podcast share it with the world – a review means so much.

And don’t forget to follow along on all the socials:

http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt

https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/

Fearlessly Facing......starting something new and outside of your comfort zone.

My guest today is Lisa Loyet-Schmitz. Lisa shares her journey of contributing to the anthology "Living Well with Grit," discovering that every woman's story is special precisely because it is uniquely hers. Through vulnerability and authenticity, Lisa found writing about her life experiences to be surprisingly therapeutic, helping her recognize patterns and growth that shaped her present self.

• Overcoming the belief that her story wasn't "special enough" to share
• Finding the courage to write authentically about personal experiences
• The concept of being "Too Young to Be Beige" – losing yourself trying to please everyone
• Learning to set boundaries and say "no" to maintain balance
• The importance of mentors and expressing gratitude to those who've helped us
• Building community through shared vulnerability and storytelling
• Embracing life's curveballs with resilience
• Finding strength through allowing others to help during difficult times

Find "Living Well with Grit" on Amazon. The book features chapters from 37 women sharing their unique stories of growth, resilience, intention, and tenacity.

Ready to FEARLESSLY FACE all the F WORDS – be inspired and encouraged?

Get a copy of Amy’s Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here

Fearlessly Facing Fifty and Beyond has over 200 episodes with inspiration and stories to age fearlessly and connect confidently to others thriving at midlife and beyond.

Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the Fearlessly Facing Fifty podcast share it with the world – a review means so much.

And don’t forget to follow along on all the socials:

http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt

https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/

Beauty icon Claudia Fabian discusses her journey from coloring her first gray hair at 30 to embracing her natural silver locks and building a second career as a pro-aging influencer.

• Getting first gray hair at 30 and initially covering it for years
• How the pandemic lockdowns sparked a gray hair revolution
• Reframing aging as a privilege rather than something to fear
• Changing "I have to" statements to "I get to" statements
• Finding confidence and peace in your 50s that wasn't possible in your 20s
• The beauty industry's problem with ignoring older women
• Using "makeup meditation" as a daily self-affirmation practice
• How women can support each other through compliments and community
• Finding inspiration in mothers and mentors who came before us
• Treating yourself as a "guest of honor" in your own life
• Finding and sharing your authentic gifts as life's purpose

Ready to FEARLESSLY FACE all the F WORDS – be inspired and encouraged?

Get a copy of Amy’s Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here

Fearlessly Facing Fifty and Beyond has over 200 episodes with inspiration and stories to age fearlessly and connect confidently to others thriving at midlife and beyond.

Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the Fearlessly Facing Fifty podcast share it with the world – a review means so much.

And don’t forget to follow along on all the socials:

http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt

https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/

The silences that follow our "no" speak volumes. As women, we've mastered saying the word itself, but it's what happens after—that uncomfortable pause—where we often surrender our power.

In this eye-opening conversation, author Amy Wilson discusses her new book "Happy to Help: Adventures of a People Pleaser," revealing how deeply ingrained the people-pleasing tendency becomes in women's lives. When Amy tells us that people-pleasing is "putting other people's wants and needs before your own," she's describing the unspoken assignment given to every mother, every woman. Yet this societal expectation exacts a serious toll, from strained relationships to physical illness.

What makes this discussion particularly powerful is Wilson's ability to distinguish between life's unavoidable challenges and the optional burdens we assume. "When you've got a sick parent and a sick kid at the same time, you're not a people pleaser—you're just somebody with too much on your plate," she notes, helping listeners separate necessary responsibilities from those taken on purely out of obligation or need for external validation.

The conversation explores "socially prescribed perfectionism"—the researched phenomenon where women internalize impossibly high societal standards—and offers refreshing perspectives on female friendships, writing discipline, and self-compassion. Wilson's advice to her younger self resonates deeply: "When hard times come, they're hard because they're hard, not because there's anything wrong with you."

Whether you identify as a people pleaser or simply find yourself perpetually overwhelmed, this episode provides both validation and practical wisdom for reclaiming your boundaries without sacrificing meaningful connections. Listen now for a transformative conversation that might just change how you respond the next time someone asks for "just one more thing."

Connect with Amy Wilson Click here:

Ready to FEARLESSLY FACE all the F WORDS – be inspired and encouraged?

Get a copy of Amy’s Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here

Fearlessly Facing Fifty and Beyond has over 200 episodes with inspiration and stories to age fearlessly and connect confidently to others thriving at midlife and beyond.

Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the Fearlessly Facing Fifty podcast share it with the world – a review means so much.

And don’t forget to follow along on all the socials:

http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt

https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/

And the F WORD IS: FATIGUE

Fearlessly Facing our sleep as we age. Sleep is a fundamental component of our health that dramatically impacts longevity, cognitive function and disease risk.

As the "Sleep Goddess," Dr. Matsumura brings her double-board certification and deep expertise to explain why sleep is particularly challenging for women navigating perimenopause and menopause. The hormonal roller coaster of this life stage directly impacts how melatonin functions in our brains, creating the perfect storm for sleep disturbances that many women mistakenly accept as an inevitable part of aging. She is a sought-after expert on women and sleep. She is the founder and CEO of Sleep Goddess MD offering individual consultations, public speaking, and workshops for practitioners. She also offers business consulting to improve team health and productivity for better sleep.

In this episode you will discover:

• Women who don't get enough sleep have up to 69% higher risk for cancer compared to men
• Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause significantly impact sleep quality through melatonin disruption
• Sleep archetypes are determined by our genetic "clock genes" - Artemis (early birds), Aphrodite (night owls), and Athena (societal norm)
• The DREAM formula addresses Daytime activities, Resting environment, Emotions, Archetype, and Medical conditions
• Nine out of ten women who are postmenopausal don't know they have sleep apnea because symptoms present differently than in men
• Going to bed and waking at consistent times trains your brain for better sleep
• Electronic devices should be turned off at least one hour before bedtime
• Commercial melatonin supplements are sold in doses millions of times higher than what our bodies naturally produce
• Quality sleep requires proper preparation - create an optimal sleep environment that's dark, cool and quiet
• Napping should complement good nighttime sleep, not compensate for poor sleep habits

Visit www.sleepgoddessmd.com to take Dr. Matsumura's quiz and discover your sleep archetype.

Ready to FEARLESSLY FACE all the F WORDS – be inspired and encouraged?

Get a copy of Amy’s Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here

Fearlessly Facing Fifty and Beyond has over 200 episodes with inspiration and stories to age fearlessly and connect confidently to others thriving at midlife and beyond.

Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the Fearlessly Facing Fifty podcast share it with the world – a review means so much.

And don’t forget to follow along on all the socials:

http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt

https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/