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

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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.instagram.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty_fwords/

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.instagram.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty_fwords/

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

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

Fearlessly Facing FACING our FUTURE FACES!

What happens when a Broadway makeup artist discovers her true passion lies in making everyday women feel beautiful? Laura Geller's remarkable journey from theater makeup to beauty mogul reveals the power of authenticity and the magic that unfolds when passion meets purpose.

Laura shares the pivotal moment that changed everything - working one-on-one with real women at a makeup counter and watching them transform not just physically but emotionally. "I'd see them starting to come alive as I would make up their face...holding their head up higher," she explains. This spark ignited a business that would eventually take her to QVC, where she amazingly sold 750 units in just six minutes during her first appearance.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Laura discusses her decision to focus specifically on women over 40, a demographic often overlooked in the beauty industry. Drawing from her own experiences with aging skin, Laura developed products addressing the unique needs of mature women while keeping application simple. Her authenticity shines through as she admits she didn't always have the business acumen needed, setting prices too low initially, but learned and adapted along the way.

Most poignant is Laura's passion for women's stories and her mission to champion them at every age. When asked how her son views her, Laura's answer is immediate: "He would tell you that I'm a badass." Her parting wisdom resonates deeply: "Don't be in a rush. Good things take time...stay in your lane." In a world obsessed with youth and instant success, Laura Geller stands as living proof that embracing your authentic self and serving others with genuine care creates enduring impact.

Ready to discover makeup that truly understands your skin's needs? Follow Laura on Instagram and explore products designed specifically for celebrating beauty at every age.

Connect with Laura Geller here

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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 an

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.instagram.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty_fwords/

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

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

Fearlessly Facing FUNDRAISING! I love sharing incredible stories of amazing people - and at this stage of life we often find ourselves with a bit more bandwidth. And maybe this story and this incredible organization will ignite something in you. Meet Casey Baynes, Founder of The Casey Cares Foundation.

Casey Baynes founded Casey Cares Foundation at age 21 after hearing a child say "I wish I had cancer" while volunteering at a hospital, recognizing the need to support ALL critically ill children regardless of diagnosis.

• Founded over 25 years ago, Casey Cares has helped over half a million critically ill children
• Unlike traditional wish organizations, provides ongoing support throughout treatment journey rather than one-time experiences
• Focuses on entire family unit including parents and siblings who are often overlooked
• Creates normalcy through simple activities like movie and pizza nights, pajama deliveries, and group events
• Offers palliative care approach that improves treatment outcomes by up to 70%
• Continues supporting families after treatment ends, including bereavement services
• Every 12 minutes, Casey Cares helps a participant in their program
• Annual "Biggest Pajama Party" on April 16th raises awareness and collects pajamas for hospitalized children
• Operates primarily east of the Mississippi with headquarters in Baltimore
• Small contributions and volunteer efforts make meaningful differences - "It doesn't take a lot of zeros to give back"

Visit caseycares.org to learn how you can help critically ill children and their families through volunteering, donating, or connecting them with Casey Cares services.

--------------------------------
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 alo

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.instagram.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty_fwords/

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

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

Jim Burns returns to discuss how couples can reinvent their marriage after children leave home, exploring the unexpected challenges and opportunities of the empty nest phase.

• Empty nest can be challenging as couples suddenly have more time together after years of child-focused living
• The "gray divorce" phenomenon is increasing among those over 50, often due to neglected marriages during child-raising years
• Communication needs reinvention in each marriage phase, particularly when entering the empty nest
• Four powerful questions to discuss: What's working? What's not working? What's confusing? What's missing?
• Creating a dream list together helps couples envision and plan their next chapter
• "Thank therapy" transforms relationships through intentionally practicing gratitude
• Emotional intimacy precedes physical intimacy, requiring intentional effort from both partners
• Three reflective questions: Do I like who I'm becoming? Is my heart for God growing? Am I giving my spouse only emotional scraps?
• Couples may spend more years together after children leave than they did raising children

For more information on empty nest marriage and Jim's resources, visit Homeward.com and check out his books and podcasts "Homeward with Jim Burns" and "Embracing Your Season."

Connect with Jim 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.instagram.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty_fwords/

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

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.instagram.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty_fwords/

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

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

And the F WORD IS: FASHION

Fearlessly Facing Fashion as we age with Fashion designer, Karla Murguia, Founder of the Montsera Collective. Karla's story is a masterclass in following your soul's calling, no matter how daunting the journey might seem. From her comfortable position as a digital editor at Elle magazine in Mexico to the bold decision to start over in New York City, Karla demonstrates what happens when we choose courage over comfort.

The conversation unfolds like a vivid tapestry, revealing how Karla's fearless spirit led her from prestigious fashion houses in Manhattan to remote villages in Chiapas, Mexico. There, she formed profound connections with indigenous women artisans who create magnificent textiles using backstrap looms—a technique they've learned since childhood. These artisans don't simply create fabric; they weave their cultural identity, community markers, and ancestral symbolism into every piece.

What strikes you most about Karla's journey is her unwavering commitment to authentic collaboration. When taxi drivers refused to take her to villages protected by armed guards, she walked alone toward uncertainty. When communication barriers arose with artisans who speak Mayan dialects, she learned key phrases to honor their culture. Rather than imposing her designs, she invites the weavers' creative wisdom into every piece, establishing relationships built on mutual respect rather than exploitation.

The Montsera Collective represents something far more significant than beautiful clothing—it's a bridge between worlds, a preservation of heritage, and a model for ethical fashion. As Karla's father wisely advised her, "Burn your boats"—commit fully to your path without the safety net of retreat. Through periods of doubt and tears, she persevered, understanding that meaningful success is "a marathon, not a sprint."

Ready to be inspired by courage in action? Listen now, and perhaps you'll find yourself questioning: what circles in your life might open into horseshoes, creating space for unexpected magic to enter?

Connect with Karla Murguia and the Montsera Collection  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 an

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.instagram.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty_fwords/

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

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

And the F WORD is: Fearlessly Facing our FACES as we age. Today my guest is Joshua Hardinger, an incredible makeup artist specializing in mature skin who transforms women's confidence through his artistic approach to makeup. He shares his philosophy of enhancing natural beauty rather than changing it, helping women rediscover themselves.

• Joshua's background as an artist from Ringling College of Art and Design influences his approach to makeup
• His specialty in mature skin comes from seeing beauty where women sometimes lose confidence
• The power of seeing someone "perk up and sit taller" after a makeup application
• Practical tips for mature skin: avoid powder, apply concealer strategically at tear ducts
• Place blush high on cheekbones instead of apples for a lifted appearance
• Match foundation to the inside of your wrist to find your true shade
• Women often deflect compliments instead of simply accepting them
• Stop fighting aging and embrace who you are right now

"Let go of the little stuff and just keep killing it. Just keep moving forward. Don't overthink the little stuff or care about what anybody thinks, because it's your mind, it's your matrix."

Connect with Joshua here

Joshua Hardinger is a Makeup Artist and Fine Artist. He is currently a specialist for makeup on mature skin. Joshua paints, draws, and produces murals. He is currently a master makeup artist at Ana Molinari Salon Spa Boutique.

Ready to FEARLESSLY FACE all the F WORDS - be educated, inspired and encouraged?
______________

Fearlessly Facing Fifty and Beyond has over 200 episodes with Inspo 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.instagram.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty_fwords/

https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacin

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.instagram.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty_fwords/

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

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

And the "F WORD" is: FRIENDSHIP. Fearlessly Facing our friendships as we age.

Friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson unpacks the science of women's platonic relationships and offers practical strategies for navigating friendship challenges after 50. Research shows that loneliness increases cognitive decline, dementia, and heart disease by 32% in women over 50, making our friendship connections crucial for health and wellbeing.

• Reframing being "new" as an advantage when entering social situations
• Using the "acceptance prophecy" to approach social situations with confidence 
• Understanding how online friendships should supplement not replace in-person connections
• Handling reciprocity issues by framing concerns as invitations rather than accusations
• Recognizing when a friendship has run its course and how to navigate ending relationships
• Honoring your authentic self in friendship while remaining open to growth
• Taking control of your friendship journey by stepping outside your comfort zone

Find Danielle's book "Fighting for Our Friendships: The Science and Art of Conflict and Connection in Women's Relationships" anywhere books are sold and check out her podcast "Friend Forward" for more insights on women's friendships.

Ready to FEARLESSLY FACE all the F WORDS - be educated, inspired and encouraged?
______________

Fearlessly Facing Fifty and Beyond has over 200 episodes with Inspo 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.instagram.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty_fwords/

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

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

     

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.instagram.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty_fwords/

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

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

F Word is - Fearlessly Facing 

FAITH

This episode is packed to the brim - actually overflowing with nuggets that will make you stop and think and leave you with a smile. My guest is a light in this world and Annie’s journey is one so many of us can relate to—the endless striving to prove our worth, only to discover that our value was never tied to what we achieve.

Annie shares her journey - and how she was addicted to achievement. Chasing accomplishments in sports, relationships, careers, and more to feel like she mattered. When life threw some ‘curveballs’ her way - regarding her health, her relationships and life, she came face-to-face with a raw truth: her worth had nothing to do with what she could do or earn. Instead, it was rooted in God’s unchanging love.

Annie’s message is rooted in faith and her commitment to share her love for the Lord with others. 

If you’ve wrestled with faith this episode is for you - at any age.

Share this episode with a friend who might need a reminder of their worth today. 

Follow here and tag a friend. And there are 200 episodes of the Fearlessly Facing Fifty and beyond podcast filled with inspo to encourage you to live your best, confident life at any age.

Listen to Annie's Podcast, Made To Shine here

Connect with Annie 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.instagram.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty_fwords/

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

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