In this episode, Stephanie talks to Marc Scheff about the midlife transitions experienced around the age of 40. They discuss Mark’s journey, including incidents that led him to take up jiu jitsu, his shifting dreams, and his struggles with toxic work environments. The conversation highlights the importance of introspection, updating old dreams, listening to inner voices, and having the courage to start anew. They also explore the challenges of people-pleasing, resistance to change, and the process of finding joy and fulfillment in midlife.

Guest Bio

Marc Scheff is a visionary coach dedicated to guiding mid-life professionals on a profound inner journey. With his expertise, individuals break through barriers, transcending self-limiting beliefs to unlock the full spectrum of their capabilities. Marc's transformative coaching goes beyond the visual arts, resonating with a diverse array of creative minds, empowering them to architect their own narrative and flourish in their professional endeavors.

He has won awards for his painting, photography, and coaching and can be found at https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcscheff/

Marc Scheff joins Stephanie to share his midlife transformation, a journey that includes personal growth, family grounding, and unexpected turns like picking up Jiu-Jitsu at age 41. Marc’s story dives deep into the cyclical nature of life, the power of self-awareness, and the unexpected ways our paths reveal themselves when we’re open to change.

At 35, Marc noticed small shifts—hangovers with just one drink, a desire for deeper meaning, and growing roots in New York with his wife and child. By midlife, he faced challenges that forced him to reimagine his career, joy, and purpose. From running an arts retreat to coaching others through transformation, Marc’s journey highlights the importance of listening to intuition, trying new things, and honoring evolving dreams.

Highlights:

• Marc’s insight into life as a series of 7-year cycles of growth and change.
• The pivotal shift at 35: the emergence of roots, responsibility, and self-reflection.
• His journey from professional art to founding an arts retreat center—and how it unexpectedly fell apart.
• How Jiu-Jitsu at 41 taught Marc to leave his ego at the door and embrace starting as a beginner.
• The “formula for change”: dissatisfaction, vision, and small first steps.
• The realization that evolving dreams are just as valid as old ones.
• Marc’s transition to a career in coaching, helping others design and activate their next chapter.

Marc’s transformation demonstrates the power of midlife reflection. From his days as an artist to embracing coaching, Marc learned that evolving goals and dreams are not failures—they’re part of the journey. His story shows that midlife offers a chance to reorient, reflect, and reignite our purpose. Tune in for a conversation about resilience, self-discovery, and the courage to start anew, whether it’s a new hobby, career, or way of thinking.

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, and review the podcast to support us and hear more inspiring midlife transformations!

Marc’s Unleash Creativity Club

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Gabby Gilliam shares her experience of navigating through multiple losses, career transitions, moves, and personal growth from her early 30s to her early 40s. She talks about her late start in becoming a parent, the numerous moves her family made, and the struggles she encountered in finding a job after relocating. Gabby delves into the profound impact of her father's rapid decline and passing, followed by the subsequent losses of other close family members within a short span. Despite these challenges, Gabby finds solace in her writing, support from her sisters, and the drive to show her son resilience. She also discusses the perspective shifts that these experiences brought into her life, emphasizing the importance of focusing on joy over adhering to societal 'shoulds.'

Gabby Gilliam is a writer, a teacher, and a mom. She lives in the DC metro area with her husband and son. She is a founding member of the Old Scratch Short Form Collective. Her first chapbook, No Ocean Spit Me Out, was released in June 2024 from Old Scratch Press. Her novella duology, Drumming for the Dead: Trouble in Tomsk and Drumming for the Dead: Chasing a Cure were released from Black Hare Press. Her poetry and fiction has appeared online and in multiple anthologies.

Gabby Gilliam talks about how she navigated a whirlwind of grief, including the loss of her father and several other loved ones in a short time, and rediscovering her identity through writing and teaching. Gabby’s story reminds us of the strength we can find amidst profound challenges. She opens up about her 40s arriving with unexpected hardships but also with clarity and purpose, reshaping how she approaches life, work, and joy.

Episode Highlights:

• Gabby's early 30s were shaped by frequent moves, career shifts, and adjusting to motherhood.
• The profound impact of losing her father and how it marked her 40th birthday.
• Coping with compounded losses in a short time, including family members and close friends.
• Writing as a lifeline: Gabby’s use of poetry and storytelling to process grief and find healing.
• How loss shifted Gabby’s perspective on rules, priorities, and the “shoulds” in life.
• Her commitment to focusing on joy and meaningful experiences over perfection.

In this candid conversation, Gabby reflects on the transformative period of her 30s and early 40s, shaped by loss, creativity, and resilience. Her story is a testament to the power of finding clarity through adversity, redefining personal priorities, and embracing joy amidst life's unpredictability. Gabby's journey is sure to inspire anyone navigating their own transitions and challenges.

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, and review the podcast to support more inspiring conversations like this one!

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In this episode of the Forty Drinks Podcast, Stephanie interviews Meredith and Craig Bennett, her first dual interview guests, about their shared midlife transition. The couple discusses their background, how perfectionism and societal expectations shaped their early lives, and how a pivotal moment led them to make significant life changes during the pandemic. They delve into their journey of personal growth, self-discovery, and the deep work they've done to redefine their identities and values, both as individuals and as a couple. Their story highlights the power of intuition, vulnerability, and the importance of working on oneself as well as one's relationship. Now, as marriage coaches, they help others navigate similar transitions, focusing on relationships and personal fulfillment.

We are Meredith & Craig. We left the 9-to-5 corporate grind right around our 40th birthdays, to become full time entrepreneurs...and had no idea what we were doing. We knew we were unhappy and unfulfilled in our corporate careers and that life is just too short for that. So we made a massive change, left our corporate careers without a plan. And promptly fell on our faces. We picked ourselves up, found our purpose and along the way created a rock solid marriage... that we believe is the cheat code for leveling up all areas of life. We love helping others get that part of their lives exactly where they’ve always wanted it, so they can go out and crush the rest of their lives too.

Meredith and Craig Bennett’s journey is one of transformation, courage, and deep connection. Facing a midlife turning point together, they left behind stable corporate careers, ventured into personal growth, and emerged as partners in life and business. Their story is about finding themselves, rebuilding their identities, and embracing vulnerability—all while strengthening their marriage.

Episode Highlights:

• Breaking free from the “default life”: Meredith and Craig shared how they challenged societal expectations, left secure corporate jobs, and explored paths more aligned with their values and dreams.
• Facing fears head-on: Both admitted to grappling with perfectionism, fear of failure, and external validation, but they worked to unlearn limiting beliefs.
• Reinvention through personal growth: A six-month journey of self-discovery led to insights about their identities, strengths, and life aspirations, helping them transition into marriage coaching.
• Navigating transitions as a team: They highlighted the power of shared growth, common language, and accountability in creating a strong, resilient partnership.
• Lessons in vulnerability and connection: From journaling practices to unlearning negative self-talk, they shared tools and insights that strengthened both their individual selves and their relationship.
• Becoming coaches: Inspired by their transformative journey and feedback from peers, they now help others build stronger relationships and navigate personal growth.
• Embracing their next big chapter: Writing a book and continuing their growth journey is their focus, showcasing the importance of lifelong learning and entrepreneurship.

Meredith and Craig Bennett share how midlife transitions reshaped their lives and marriage. Their journey reveals the power of self-discovery, the importance of shared growth, and the courage it takes to rewrite your story. From breaking free of societal norms to navigating challenges together, they model what’s possible when you trust your intuition and prioritize what truly matters. Meredith and Craig’s honesty and insights offer listeners valuable lessons for their own transformations.

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, and review the podcast. Your support helps us share more stories of midlife transformations!

Craig & Meredith’s website, Road of Life Coaching

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Today, Laurie-Ann Murabito shares her midlife transition journey, beginning in her early 30s working in healthcare; meeting and losing her husband Bob to cancer after being married less than a year; and the profound personal growth that followed. She tells us about her experience as a leadership speaker, the challenges she faced, and how a crucial text message redirected her professional path towards helping others craft impactful speeches. Laurie Ann acknowledges the importance of optimism, resilience, and the pivotal moments that led to finding love again with her current husband, Mike.

Laurie-Ann Murabito, Speaking & Visibility Coach is a reformed painfully shy gal who works with motivated business owners to leverage speaking opportunities to get credibility, sell out their high-end programs and monetize their authority. She combines her years as an award winning professional speaker, executive leadership coach and having started three successful businesses from the ground up. Besides helping her clients get positioned as the expert in their industry and building a profitable business that aligns with their purpose; she’s the best selling author of Rethink Leadership and Rethink Your Leadership. A few of her clients are Johnson & Johnson, American Cancer Society, Baystate Wealth and Bali Mastermind by Sabrina Philipp. To learn more, visit her website at SpeakAndStandOut.com.

Laurie-Ann Murabito shares her journey of love, loss, and reinvention in this episode. Once a healthcare professional, Laurie-Ann faced one of life’s greatest challenges when she became a widow at just 36. Her story doesn’t stop there—as she transformed her life into one filled with purpose and empowerment. From navigating grief to finding love again, and ultimately discovering her true calling as a speaking coach, Laurie-Ann reminds us that life’s toughest chapters can lead to its most fulfilling rewards.

Episode Highlights

• Laurie-Ann’s early career in healthcare and her realization that she wasn’t meant for a traditional corporate structure.
• The whirlwind romance with her first husband, Bob, and the profound lessons she learned during his illness and passing.
• How Laurie-Ann channeled optimism and resilience to guide herself and others through one of the hardest periods of her life.
• Her journey into the world of public speaking and the challenges of navigating this new career path.
• The moment a serendipitous text message changed her life, leading her to her true passion as a speaking coach for small business owners.
• Finding love again with her husband, Mike, and the lessons she learned about partnership and self-sufficiency.
• The metaphor of “going through the mud” and embracing life’s messiness as a path to greater self-discovery and fulfillment.

In this heartfelt conversation, Laurie-Ann Murabito opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped her midlife transformation. From navigating loss to discovering her voice and purpose, she shares wisdom on resilience, following life’s breadcrumbs, and learning to embrace the messy middle. Laurie-Ann’s story is a testament to the beauty of reinvention and finding fulfillment on the other side of life’s challenges.

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, and review the podcast—it helps others find the show and share in these transformative conversations!

Free Resource for Forty Drinks Listeners: The Directory of Places to Speak

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Dr. Mort Orman discusses his personal journey with anger management. Despite being a successful physician, Mort struggled with deep-seated anger issues that began in his college years. Through personal development and significant breakthroughs, Mort discovered the internal filters driving his anger and devised methods to control it. He emphasizes the importance of understanding our unconscious habits and philosophies to achieve better emotional health. Mort's insights provide actionable steps for anyone grappling with anger.

Guest Bio

Dr. Mort Orman, M.D. is an internal medicine physician and a 40-year anger elimination and stress elimination expert. He has written 23 books on how to eliminate anger and stress without using drugs, relaxation exercises or other traditional management techniques. He is creator of the 10-session Angry No More anger elimination program, the Anger Internal Causes Framework, and The Ultimate Anger Elimination System. Dr. Orman has led more than 100 anger and stress elimination workshops for doctors, nurses, lawyers, business owners, entrepreneurs, other professionals, the clergy, and even the F.B.I. He has also been the official sponsor of National Stress Awareness Month in the U.S. every April since 1992. His newest book is “Dr. Orman’s Life-Changing Anger Cure: Eliminate Unwanted Anger, Without Anger Management, So You Can Be Happier, Healthier, and Don’t End Up Alone.”

In this episode, Dr. Mort Orman, a physician with over 50 years of experience, dives into the nuances of anger—how it forms, why it persists, and how we can finally let go of it. Dr. Mort shares his journey from being a hot-headed young adult who had difficulty in relationships to discovering how deeply ingrained habits and unchallenged beliefs fueled his anger. Through his midlife transformation, he unveils the three "filters" that distort our perceptions and lead us into anger, showing how uncovering and questioning these can profoundly change our lives.

Episode Highlights:

• Dr. Mort’s early struggles with anger and how it developed into a habitual response in his relationships and professional life.
• The transformative conversation with a college professor that shifted his career path and opened his mind to new possibilities.
• How anger negatively impacts health, relationships, and overall well-being.
• The three filters that create anger: (1) judging someone’s actions as “bad or wrong,” (2) feeling personally harmed, and (3) blaming the other party as solely responsible.
• The importance of recognizing that anger comes from within and is often based on distorted perceptions rather than external events.
• Dr. Mort’s unique “experiment” with marathon running to explore personal development principles and his eventual breakthroughs in overcoming anger and other limiting beliefs.
• Practical advice on how to cultivate patience and awareness to rewire our responses to anger triggers.

Dr. Mort Orman reveals his personal and professional journey in understanding and ultimately conquering anger. Through exploring internal triggers and debunking the common belief that external events are the sole cause of anger, he offers a clear path to lasting change. His practical and thought-provoking insights are a must-listen for anyone seeking to create healthier relationships and improve their mental well-being. Don’t forget to rate, follow, and review if you enjoyed the episode!

Dr. Orman's Life-Changing Anger Cure on Amazon

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The Best Anger Elimination Method You Can Find

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In this episode of the Forty Drinks Podcast, Fran Caudron opens up about her upbringing in a strict Catholic family, her early marriage to an addict, and the subsequent emotional turmoil. She discusses how her deep dive into different spiritual paths, including evangelical Christianity and a transformative retreat, helped her rediscover hope and strength. Fran also highlights the importance of community, the powerful impact of somatic experiences, and the lifelong process of self-improvement through programs like the 12-step initiative. Fran’s story illustrates the ongoing journey towards inner peace and happiness.

Fran Caudron spent a 34 year career as a highly skilled, creative, and motivated master elementary educator in Northern Alberta, Canada; from which she recently retired and continues to work as an adult educator and healer through hypnotherapy.

She is humbled and fortunate to have had a wealth of collaborative opportunities working alongside Indigenous elders and community leaders. Open minded and responsive to the impact and influence of culture, experiences and family on student learners, she has a proven success rate at supporting and teaching diverse learners and Indigenous students. Her leadership is based on collegiality, creativity and awareness. 

With a strong background in teaching Indigenous students and diverse students from high risk environments, her pedagogy aligns with the holism of mind-body-spirit, and how students, parents and the community can teach educators, and together, heal the education system.

Fran experienced intense internal spiritual growth through surrendering to the 12 step program of recovery, and furthered her growth with a masters in Religious Education. She is a trained hypnotherapist and in her weekly vlog called “Hopenning” she interviews authors and healers who promote hope and inner spirit healing.

Today, Fran thrives by creating an attitude and environment of gratitude, resilience, and forgiveness. She teaches pre-service teachers from Indigenous and other backgrounds through the University of Alberta on-line and next September, in-person and she continues to promote recovery through her work with the 12 steps and by healing the inner child.

Fran Caudron joins Stephanie to share her story of resilience and transformation after leaving a controlling marriage marred by addiction and betrayal. Raised in a traditional Catholic family and influenced by evangelical beliefs, Fran initially felt trapped in a life that didn’t align with her true self. Her story unfolds as she learns to break free from deeply ingrained beliefs, rebuild her identity, and find healing through a weeklong retreat, spiritual exploration, and the strength of community. This episode dives deep into themes of accountability, self-love, and the power of somatic experiences in processing buried emotions.

Episode Highlights:

• Roots of Restriction: Fran’s upbringing in a strict Catholic family and subsequent involvement in evangelical Christianity added layers of control and suppression, especially around the roles of women and the stigma of divorce.
• Marriage as a “Fix”: In her early twenties, Fran believed marriage and children could “fix” existing relationship issues, a notion that only led to deeper despair.
• The Breaking Point: At 38, Fran’s discovery of her husband’s infidelity was the final push she needed to seek a new life for herself and her daughters.
• Healing Through Retreat: A transformative retreat on Vancouver Island introduced Fran to somatic healing, where she learned to process and release her pent-up anger and pain, finding solidarity with others who shared similar emotional struggles.
• Building a New Life: With the support of a 12-step program, Fran redefined her values and set boundaries that allowed her to grow spiritually and emotionally, despite her husband’s attempts to regain control.
• Integrating Spirituality: Fran found solace in her Catholic roots while exploring a broader, more personal spirituality that didn’t rely solely on religious dogma, adopting a "take what resonates, leave the rest" approach to her faith.
• Puzzle Pieces of Self: Fran shares how life’s lessons and experiences are pieces of a puzzle, each adding depth to the picture of our best selves, a theme that resonates with the mission of the Forty Drinks Podcast.

Today's episode with Fran is a powerful exploration of how personal crises can lead to profound growth and transformation. Fran’s journey went from a life of restrictive beliefs and a toxic marriage to self-liberation and spiritual growth. Through somatic experiences, supportive communities, and a redefined relationship with her faith, Fran reclaims her life. Her continued commitment to her faith, while also embracing new methods of healing, offers a unique perspective on navigating life's toughest challenges. 

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate, follow, and review "The Forty Drinks Podcast"!

Fran’s Hypnotherapy Website 

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Name/Title: Fran Caudron - Inspired Healing Hypnotherapy

URL: https://inhealtherapy.com/

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In this episode of the Forty Drinks Podcast, Stephanie welcomes Anjel Hartwell to explore her profound spiritual awakening and transformation that began at the age of 38. The conversation explores Anjel's tumultuous upbringing in New Hampshire, her successful career in real estate, and the series of life-altering events that led to her awakening. Anjel shares vivid accounts of supernatural experiences, her journey into creative and healing arts, and the courage it took to leave behind her conditioned life. The episode also delves into the importance of listening to one's inner voice, manifesting positivity, and embracing one's gifts. Anjel's inspiring story demonstrates the power of following your intuition, even when it demands radical life changes.

Anjel B Hartwell is an internationally known author, artist & evolutionary alchemist. Honored as a Be The Change “Movement To Watch” Award Winner and one of America’s Premier Experts, she’s appeared multiple times in major media. Creator, Executive Producer & Host of 13X Award Winning & Apple #1 Internationally ranked Wickedly Smart Women Podcast and Top 50 Internationally ranked Leading Visionaries Podcast, author of Be Heard By Millions & Live Your Destiny a #1 New Release in 3 Categories, she's hired to consult with high achieving visionary leaders who are called to be the Vanguard of the Creative Age.

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Forty Drinks Podcast, where Stephanie sits down with Anjel B. Hartwell, who shares her incredible journey through a midlife transformation that began with a spiritual awakening and led her to leave a successful real estate career to cultivate her intuitive gifts. Diving deep into the challenges and revelations that reshaped Anjel’s midlife, you will hear the profound effect of embracing change and following your inner voice, no matter how outlandish it may seem.

 Episode Highlights:

• Anjel discusses her tumultuous childhood and early career in real estate, setting the stage for her dramatic life changes.
• The pivotal moments that led to her spiritual awakening, including personal crises and a transformative yoga practice.
• Anjel's experiences with seeing visions and her decision to embrace these new spiritual insights rather than fear them.
• The impact of her awakening on her personal and professional life, including leaving her real estate career and marriages ("wasbands").
• Insights into how Anjel navigated fears and societal expectations to pursue a life aligned with her newfound gifts.
• The creation of her art gallery and healing center, and how these ventures served as stepping stones in her journey.
• Anjel's venture into podcasting with "Wickedly Smart Women" and "Leading Visionaries," and her innovative approach to integrating her life's work with her spiritual mission.

 In this episode, Anjel B. Hartwell teaches us what it means to listen deeply to our inner voice and the courage it takes to follow it, even when it leads away from conventional success towards uncharted territories of personal fulfillment and service. 

If Anjel's journey resonates with you, don't forget to rate, follow, and review the Forty Drinks Podcast. Your feedback helps us bring more inspiring stories like this one to you!

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Marina Theron-Monnery opens up about her journey from growing up during apartheid in South Africa, through challenging romantic relationships that reflected the toxicity of her childhood home, to the eventual embrace of self-love after an aha moment in the bath. Marina details her escape from an abusive family, the struggles of adjusting to a new country with young children after divorce, and her battles with poverty and depression. A pivotal moment in her early forties led her to introspection, culminating in a deep understanding and acceptance of herself. This journey included journaling, meditation, and adopting new self-expectations, which ultimately guided her to a fulfilling marriage and a strong blended family.

Marina Theron-Monnery, is a RTT practitioner, Clinical Hypnotherapist and Coach guiding people to overcome the pains of childhood trauma, abuse, poverty, weight issues, cancer and many more. Her professional expertise through years and many clients is complemented and enhanced by her personal experience with many forms of the same pain, abuse and disease, and overcoming them.

Using Rapid Transformational Therapy and coaching, Marina has a tremendously positive energy and an approach with all her clients of “if I could do it, so can you”. She feels called to do this work and thrives on helping people live their full potential every day. With the gift of intuition, Marina helps people see who they want to be, and then she guides them to rehearse that role, until it feels natural.

After a life that felt to her as if she was living in a bubble of perpetual failure and not being worthy and good enough, Marina battled with depression and the burning desire to find out why she is here, living this life. Slowly life unraveled and when she hit rock bottom after a cancer diagnosis, the right teachers showed up in her life. Through training from Natalie Ledwell to Mary Morrissey and finally Marisa Peer, Marina found her purpose. Today Marina truly knows success. In love, business, singing, parenting and life. She is in love with life and it radiates to her clients.

As an author, speaker and podcast host, Marina’s mess became her message. She lives in gratitude today, as everything she had to overcome, also makes her relatable to a variety of clients. She is a living example of the success of the work she does.

Marina believes that every person has the potential to live the life of their dreams. She knows first hand that our mind dictates to our body, and if we can harness our thoughts, we can change our reality. The best part is that she does not just say that, she lives it.

In this episode of the Forty Drinks podcast, Stephanie is joined by Marina Theron-Monnery, a woman with a powerful story of resilience and transformation. Growing up in apartheid-era South Africa, Marina faced challenges early on, including a difficult family dynamic. She moved to Canada, started over as a single mother, and navigated the heartbreak of difficult relationships in addition to poverty and depression. But it wasn’t until she reached her 40s, after a particularly abusive relationship, that she had a life-changing “aha” moment—realizing that she had never learned to love herself. This realization set her on a path of self-discovery, which eventually led her to finding the kind of love she had always wanted.

Episode Highlights:

• Marina’s early life in South Africa: Growing up in a strict religious household during apartheid shaped her sense of justice and personal struggles.
• Moving to Canada: At 32, Marina left her home country, bringing her two young children to a new life, but soon faced divorce, poverty, and depression.
• Career transformation: From being an opera singer in South Africa to starting over with no work experience in Canada, Marina rebuilt her career and found strength as a single mother.
• Love and loss: Her tumultuous romantic life included the sudden death of a partner and later escaping an abusive relationship in her early 40s.
• The turning point: A profound moment of clarity came when Marina realized she hadn’t been standing up for herself like she did for her children, leading to her journey of self-love.
• Two years of self-discovery: Marina isolated herself from dating and focused on understanding and appreciating who she really was, which led her to the loving relationship she enjoys today.
• Finding true love: Marina ultimately found her “movie-like” marriage after doing the inner work necessary to love herself first.

In this episode, Marina’s story highlights the importance of self-love, resilience, and the journey to finding peace and fulfillment in midlife. Her transformation from a life of hardship to one of love and contentment is an inspiring reminder that it’s never too late to rewrite your story. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate, follow, and review the Forty Drinks podcast!

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In the first episode of season six of the Forty Drinks Podcast, Stephanie McLaughlin delves into the concept of the 'Ick,' a common feeling of discomfort experienced around the age of 40. Unlike the stereotypical midlife crisis, the Ick is characterized by a low-grade unease and a desire for change. Stephanie shares insights from her guests, highlighting seven recurring themes: self-discovery and authenticity, purpose and meaning, personal growth, relationships, health and well-being, career changes, and intuition. This episode explores how these themes mark the transformative journeys individuals undergo during midlife, encouraging listeners to recognize this phase as an opportunity for growth, self-reinvention, and a more fulfilling life.

In the season six opener, Stephanie dives deep into the midlife transition, or the "Ick" as she affectionately calls it. She shares insights from her own journey and the collective wisdom of over a hundred interviews, aiming to help listeners navigate this transformative period with grace and understanding. She illuminates how to know whether what you’re feeling is an isolated issue or part of the larger midlife transition. She leaves listeners with three takeaways about this period of transition. Whether you're approaching 40, just past it, or curious about this significant life phase, this episode offers valuable perspectives on embracing change and finding fulfillment.

Episode Highlights:

• Understanding the Ick: Stephanie defines the "Ick" as a subtle, often vague feeling of discomfort that signals a misalignment in one’s life, typically occurring around midlife.
• Themes from Interviews: The episode outlines seven major themes from past guest interviews, including self-discovery, purpose, personal growth, relationships, health, career changes, and intuition.
• How to diagnose whether what you’re feeling is an isolated issue or part of the larger transition at midlife.  
• Three takeaways for listeners facing their own Ick: This midlife transition is a normal and natural phase of life. These transitions can be triggered by significant life events or realizations. Midlife is an opportunity for growth, reinvention, and creating a more authentic and fulfilling life. 

Stephanie unpacks the complexities of the midlife transition, offering a beacon of understanding and support for anyone experiencing the "Ick." Through engaging stories she provides a roadmap for personal growth and fulfillment during this pivotal life stage. 

Remember, if you found value in this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone navigating their own midlife journey. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue producing impactful content.

01:07 Understanding the Midlife Ick

01:29 Defining the Ick

04:40 Common Themes of the Midlife Ick

04:56 Self Discovery and Authenticity

06:08 Purpose and Meaning

07:03 Personal Growth and Self Discovery

08:45 Impact on Relationships

09:50 Health and Well-being

10:18 Lifestyle Changes for Wellbeing

10:49 Career Changes in Midlife

11:40 Trusting Your Intuition

13:14 Identifying Midlife Transition Signs

16:47 Navigating Midlife Transitions

18:16 Embracing Midlife Opportunities

18:47 Conclusion and Next Steps

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The Forty Drinks Podcast is produced and presented by Savoir Faire Marketing/Communications

In this compelling episode of the Forty Drinks Podcast, Stephanie sits down with Karen McMahon to delve into the challenges she faced in her marriage and how they transformed her into a stronger, more self-aware individual. Karen discusses her turbulent childhood in an emotionally volatile household, her string of unfulfilling relationships, and the tumultuous marriage that mirrored her parents' dysfunctions. Despite her incredible external successes, Karen's personal relationships were fraught with difficulties, culminating in a rocky marriage characterized by rage and financial instability. She candidly shares her journey through therapy, the decision to divorce, and the harrowing three-and-a-half-year process living with her abusive ex-husband.

Karen McMahon is a High Conflict Divorce Strategist, Certified Divorce Coach and Founder of Journey Beyond Divorce. She began divorce coaching in 2010 after recognizing that the pain of her divorce led her on a transformational journey into a powerful and unexpected new life. Karen leads a national team of divorce coaches in supporting men and women around the world to become calm, clear and confident as they navigate divorce. Karen is the host of the acclaimed Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast, and co-author of ‘Stepping out of Chaos: Turning Pain to Possibility” and creator of JBD’s exclusive Divorce 101: Strategic Blueprint for High Conflict Divorce Program.

In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Karen McMahon, a divorce coach who transformed her high-conflict divorce experience into a beacon of hope for others navigating similar challenges. Karen shares her journey from a high achieving professional with a troubled personal life to finding her true calling helping others through their darkest times. Her story is not just about overcoming, but about using her past to fuel a future filled with purpose and service.

 Key Highlights:

• Early Struggles and Realizations: Karen discusses her early success in her professional life contrasted with repeated failures in intimate relationships, stemming from the challenging dynamics in her family of origin.
• Marriage and Its Challenges: She opens up about her marriage, which seemed promising at first but was riddled with financial troubles and emotional disconnect thanks to a spouse on the narcissism spectrum, leading to her realization of needing change.
• Therapy and Self Discovery: Karen's turning point came through therapy, where she began to understand the source and depth of her issues and started the hard work of healing and self improvement.
• Divorce and Its Aftermath: The process of her divorce was long and fraught with conflict, but it was also a period of intense personal growth and transformation.
• Building a New Life: Post-divorce, Karen found her calling as a divorce coach, helping others navigate their paths through and beyond divorce.

Karen’s journey through personal turmoil and professional success is a wonderful example of making lemonade with lemons. Her story is not just one of survival, but of thriving by turning her deepest pain into a profound purpose. This episode is a must listen for anyone facing personal challenges or interested in how personal adversity can lead to a fulfilling and impactful career.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating, following, and reviewing the podcast. Your feedback helps us bring more inspiring stories like Karen’s to you!

Karen’s gracious offer for Forty Drinks Listeners

Reclaim Your Mind: Evict Your Spouse from Your Mental Space

Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast

5 Day Boundary Bootcamp 

Divorce 101

Connect with Karen on Facebook 

Connect with Karen on TikTok

Free Consultation with a Divorce Coach

Download Stephanie’s guide to the Ick to diagnose whether you or someone you love is suffering from this insidious midlife malaise. www.fortydrinks.com/ick  

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The Forty Drinks Podcast is produced and presented by Savoir Faire Marketing/Communications