Friends. Period.

We're blaming daylight savings for our collective confusion, exhaustion, and general inability to function this week. Seriously, who decided moving the clock was a good idea?

But thankfully, we had something fun to distract us!

One of our listeners sent us a conversation-starter game, and we decided to give it a try. The questions range from thought-provoking to kinda outrageous, and let's just say that even after decades of friendship, there's still stuff we don't know about each other!

Some questions sparked laughs, others led to unexpected revelations, and a few made us look at each other a little differently. Because sometimes all it takes is one good question to uncover a story you've never heard before.

And here's a little bonus: our thoughtful listener also shared a special code so YOU can try the full version of the game for free! Check out the details below and play along with your own friends.

A big thank-you to our listener for introducing us to the game and giving us another reason to laugh together!

Pull up a chair. You never know what you might learn!

PLAY THE GAME!
Our listener has generously shared a code for Friends Period listeners to try the full game for free.

Game: Unpopular Opinions
Website: https://unpopularopinionsgame.com/
Use code "friendsperiod" at checkout to unlock full version.

Keep in touch! Follow us on Instagram @friendsperiod5

Email us at ⁠[email protected]⁠

The "Friends. Period." podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are strictly their own and are based on their individual life stages and personal experiences.

We are not medical professionals, nutritionists, or licensed advisors. The content shared during our conversations should not be taken as medical, health, or professional advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before making any significant changes to your diet, exercise routine, or lifestyle.

Before trying any new supplements, health products, or wellness practices mentioned on this show, you should consult with a healthcare professional to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your specific needs.

Unless explicitly stated otherwise, we are not sponsored by, or affiliated with, any products, brands, or services mentioned in our episodes. Any mention of a product is based on our personal use and does not constitute an official endorsement.

We encourage our listeners to use their own judgment and discernment. What works for us may not work for you, and we recommend doing your own research before trying something new.

Are we turning into grumpy oldsters, or has everyone forgotten how to behave in public?

On this episode of Friends Period Podcast, we're catching up on listener comments, sharing a yam cream update, and hearing what Erin witnessed at the theater (and no, we're NOT talking about the show!).

Then we get into the big question: Where have awareness, etiquette, and common courtesy gone???

From everyday social interactions to those moments that make you wonder if you're living on a different planet, we're talking about the behaviors that leave us shaking our heads.

But we're not done yet. One particularly infuriating commercial sends our midlife rage into overdrive, leaving us ready to unleash our inner dragon and shout “DRACARYS!” 🔥

Are we just getting older, or are people really forgetting the basics? Pull up a chair, join the conversation, and tell us what has YOU wondering whether it's someone's first day on Earth.

In this episode:

• Viewer comments and some unexpected yam cream facts

• Erin's theater experience — the real-life happenings, not the performance!

• Everyday etiquette, social awareness, and the disappearance of common courtesy

• Midlife frustration, righteous rage, and the commercial that pushed us over the edge

• Massachusetts Conference for Women and Lucky Seat

  
  

Connect with Friends Period Podcast:
Join the conversation and share your own midlife observations. Because getting older doesn't mean we have to stop having opinions!

Follow us on Instagram @friendsperiod5

Email us at [email protected]

#FriendsPeriodPodcast #Midlife #CommonCourtesy #MidlifeRage

The "Friends. Period." podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are strictly their own and are based on their individual life stages and personal experiences.

We are not medical professionals, nutritionists, or licensed advisors. The content shared during our conversations should not be taken as medical, health, or professional advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before making any significant changes to your diet, exercise routine, or lifestyle.

Before trying any new supplements, health products, or wellness practices mentioned on this show, you should consult with a healthcare professional to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your specific needs.

Unless explicitly stated otherwise, we are not sponsored by, or affiliated with, any products, brands, or services mentioned in our episodes. Any mention of a product is based on our personal use and does not constitute an official endorsement.

We encourage our listeners to use their own judgment and discernment. What works for us may not work for you, and we recommend doing your own research before trying something new.

It's been a few weeks, and boy, do we have some catching up to do! From a truly unexpected encounter with a "clown" car that hit one of our houses this past weekend, to reminiscing about our Driver's Ed days, the Friends Period crew has plenty to talk about.

We share what's been happening in our lives, take a nostalgic trip back to learning to drive, and swap some laughs along the way. Then we turn to a timely conversation about the recent Congressional hearing on menopause and why increased attention to women's health, research, and care matters.

It's the usual mix of friendship, funny stories, midlife experiences, and conversations that deserve to be heard.

From our first periods to now, there's always been something to talk about. Pull up a chair and join us!

Here is the link to the Congressional Hearing video we reference.

Keep in touch- Follow us on Instagram @friendsperiod5

Email us at ⁠[email protected]⁠

#FriendsPeriodPodcast #Menopause #MidlifeWomen #Perimenopause #WomensHealth #WomenOver40 #MidlifeHumor #FunnyStories

The "Friends. Period." podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are strictly their own and are based on their individual life stages and personal experiences.

We are not medical professionals, nutritionists, or licensed advisors. The content shared during our conversations should not be taken as medical, health, or professional advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before making any significant changes to your diet, exercise routine, or lifestyle.

Before trying any new supplements, health products, or wellness practices mentioned on this show, you should consult with a healthcare professional to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your specific needs.

Unless explicitly stated otherwise, we are not sponsored by, or affiliated with, any products, brands, or services mentioned in our episodes. Any mention of a product is based on our personal use and does not constitute an official endorsement.

We encourage our listeners to use their own judgment and discernment. What works for us may not work for you, and we recommend doing your own research before trying something new.

In this episode, we're talking TECH- and wondering when exactly we became the people who need help figuring out how to use something.

Technology has changed dramatically since we were kids, teens, and even young adults. We went from rotary phones and answering machines to cell phones that do just about everything, from finding our way somewhere to telling us what the weather will be before we even look outside. We remember life before GPS, before Google, before social media... and somehow, we survived!

So why do some of us struggle to keep up now?

Are we becoming the cliché “old people” who can't figure out the latest technology? Or have we simply reached a point in life where we don't feel the need to have the newest phone, learn every new app, or keep up with whatever the latest tech trend happens to be?

Maybe we're perfectly capable of learning it... we just don't always care enough to.

Join us as we look back at how much technology has changed, laugh about the things that confuse us now, and ask whether getting older means falling behind... or simply becoming more selective about what's actually worth our time.

Pull up a chair and join the conversation!

Keep in touch- Follow us on Instagram @friendsperiod5

Email us at ⁠[email protected]⁠

The "Friends. Period." podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are strictly their own and are based on their individual life stages and personal experiences.

We are not medical professionals, nutritionists, or licensed advisors. The content shared during our conversations should not be taken as medical, health, or professional advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before making any significant changes to your diet, exercise routine, or lifestyle.

Before trying any new supplements, health products, or wellness practices mentioned on this show, you should consult with a healthcare professional to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your specific needs.

Unless explicitly stated otherwise, we are not sponsored by, or affiliated with, any products, brands, or services mentioned in our episodes. Any mention of a product is based on our personal use and does not constitute an official endorsement.

We encourage our listeners to use their own judgment and discernment. What works for us may not work for you, and we recommend doing your own research before trying something new.

September is Perimenopause Awareness Month, so naturally, the Friends have plenty to say about it!

This week, Lisa gives us an update on her recent visit with a new HRT specialist and shares what she’s learning as she continues to navigate the sometimes confusing world of hormone replacement therapy.

Meghan brings us a product recommendation from one of our listeners... because some of the best midlife discoveries come from women comparing notes with other women.

And then we get personal.

Each Friend reveals the thing she finds most frustrating or challenging about midlife…and the thing that has been the most surprising in a good way.

From the changes we never saw coming to the unexpected freedoms, perspectives, and joys that can come with getting older, this conversation is a reminder that midlife isn't just about what we're losing. Sometimes, it's about what we're finally gaining.

Come laugh with us, commiserate with us, and tell us:

What's been the hardest part of midlife for you—and what's been the biggest surprise?

Because we're pretty sure we're not the only ones figuring this out as we go.

Thanks for listening to Friends Period: the podcast where four lifelong friends talk honestly (and usually hilariously) about navigating midlife together.

We hope you join our circle of friends… Welcome to the group chat!

Keep in touch- Follow us on Instagram @friendsperiod5

Email us at ⁠[email protected]⁠

#FriendsPeriod #Perimenopause #Menopause #Midlife #HRT #MidlifeWomen #MenopauseAwareness #WomensHealth

The "Friends. Period." podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are strictly their own and are based on their individual life stages and personal experiences.

We are not medical professionals, nutritionists, or licensed advisors. The content shared during our conversations should not be taken as medical, health, or professional advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before making any significant changes to your diet, exercise routine, or lifestyle.

Before trying any new supplements, health products, or wellness practices mentioned on this show, you should consult with a healthcare professional to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your specific needs.

Unless explicitly stated otherwise, we are not sponsored by, or affiliated with, any products, brands, or services mentioned in our episodes. Any mention of a product is based on our personal use and does not constitute an official endorsement.

We encourage our listeners to use their own judgment and discernment. What works for us may not work for you, and we recommend doing your own research before trying something new.

Is it menopause? Is it aging? Is it something nobody has bothered to study yet? Or do we just need a new doctor?!

In this episode of Friends Period, we’re talking about one of the most frustrating parts of midlife: trying to navigate healthcare when your body seems to be doing something new every five minutes.

We kick things off by sharing what YOU had to say about midlife... both the things that are driving you absolutely crazy and the unexpected joys that have come with getting older. Because, as it turns out, midlife isn't all hot flashes and existential crises. There are some pretty great surprises in here, too.

Then we get into the midlife medical maze: suddenly needing to find a new doctor, trying to coordinate care between providers who apparently don't communicate with one another, discovering that no one seems to have read your chart, and having to become the project manager of your own healthcare.

And then there are the symptoms and conditions that leave us asking: Is this menopause?

There’s still so much we don't know about women's health in midlife, and it can be incredibly frustrating when you're experiencing something that doesn't seem to have a clear explanation- or when you're left wondering whether it's actually related to menopause at all.

And because we're still us, we couldn't possibly have an entire conversation about getting older without bringing some childhood nostalgia into it. We pull out a cootie catcher, ask it some very important midlife questions, and discover that apparently the universe has a fortune waiting for us.

Spoiler: we approve.

Midlife may come with a lot of questions, but luckily, we're asking them together.

What has frustrated you most about navigating healthcare in midlife? And what unexpected thing are you loving about this stage of life?

We hope you join our circle of friends… Welcome to the group chat!

Keep in touch- Follow us on Instagram @friendsperiod5

Email us at [email protected]

The "Friends. Period." podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are strictly their own and are based on their individual life stages and personal experiences.

We are not medical professionals, nutritionists, or licensed advisors. The content shared during our conversations should not be taken as medical, health, or professional advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before making any significant changes to your diet, exercise routine, or lifestyle.

Before trying any new supplements, health products, or wellness practices mentioned on this show, you should consult with a healthcare professional to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your specific needs.

Unless explicitly stated otherwise, we are not sponsored by, or affiliated with, any products, brands, or services mentioned in our episodes. Any mention of a product is based on our personal use and does not constitute an official endorsement.

We encourage our listeners to use their own judgment and discernment. What works for us may not work for you, and we recommend doing your own research before trying something new.

This week on Friends. Period., we're talking about two things that apparently decided to become major characters in midlife: our eyes and our hair.

Why does our eyesight seem to have its own agenda? And what exactly is happening to our hair as we get older?

We compare notes on the joys, frustrations, and unexpected changes that come with getting older... And, as always, realize that we're probably not the only ones experiencing them.

But before we get too deep into our current midlife realities, we take a little trip back in time and get nostalgic about the things we did as kids.

Remember folding notes and trying to pass them without getting caught?

And what about those little folded paper contraptions we used to make that supposedly predicted our futures?

Apparently we used to believe a folded piece of paper could tell us who we'd marry, how many kids we'd have, and what our future would look like.... And now we're just trying to figure out why we can't see the menu.

It's another very Friends. Period. conversation about getting older, remembering who we were, and laughing at who we're becoming.

Pull up a chair and join the conversation!

And tell us: Did you make cootie catchers when you were a kid? What did yours predict?

Keep in touch- Follow us on Instagram @friendsperiod5

We’d love to hear from you, email us at [email protected]

#FriendsPeriod #MidlifeWomen #WomenOver40 #WomenOver50 #Aging #Eyesight #HairOver40 #Menopause #Nostalgia #Friendship

The "Friends. Period." podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are strictly their own and are based on their individual life stages and personal experiences.

We are not medical professionals, nutritionists, or licensed advisors. The content shared during our conversations should not be taken as medical, health, or professional advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before making any significant changes to your diet, exercise routine, or lifestyle.

Before trying any new supplements, health products, or wellness practices mentioned on this show, you should consult with a healthcare professional to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your specific needs.

Unless explicitly stated otherwise, we are not sponsored by, or affiliated with, any products, brands, or services mentioned in our episodes. Any mention of a product is based on our personal use and does not constitute an official endorsement.

We encourage our listeners to use their own judgment and discernment. What works for us may not work for you, and we recommend doing your own research before trying something new.

Welcome to the group chat!

Follow the Friends Period Podcast on Facebook and Instagram or email us at [email protected]

Why is it so much easier to show compassion to everyone else than it is to ourselves?

This week, the Friends dive into one of the biggest challenges many women face in midlife: self-confidence and self-love. We unpack why so many of us struggle with feeling "good enough," how society shapes the way women see themselves, and why midlife can leave us feeling both invisible and more aware than ever of who we really are.

We talk about the pressure to look a certain way, act a certain way, and put everyone else's needs ahead of our own...and what it might look like to finally let some of that go. From learning to practice self-care without guilt to redefining confidence on our own terms, this conversation is an honest reminder that self-worth isn't something we have to earn.

Of course, because this is Friends Period, we also wander into frozen shoulders, the mystery of "menopause finger," the unexpected joy of body pillows, and plenty of laughter along the way.

If you've ever struggled with confidence, questioned your worth, or wondered how to show up more authentically in this season of life, pull up a chair. You're in good company!

The "Friends. Period." podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are strictly their own and are based on their individual life stages and personal experiences.

We are not medical professionals, nutritionists, or licensed advisors. The content shared during our conversations should not be taken as medical, health, or professional advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before making any significant changes to your diet, exercise routine, or lifestyle.

Before trying any new supplements, health products, or wellness practices mentioned on this show, you should consult with a healthcare professional to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your specific needs.

Unless explicitly stated otherwise, we are not sponsored by, or affiliated with, any products, brands, or services mentioned in our episodes. Any mention of a product is based on our personal use and does not constitute an official endorsement.

We encourage our listeners to use their own judgment and discernment. What works for us may not work for you, and we recommend doing your own research before trying something new.

Sometimes the best conversations don't have an agenda.

In this episode of Friends. Period., we're simply catching up on what's been on our minds this week. From our little acts of self-care to the latest products we've been trying, we let the conversation go wherever it wanted to go... just like it used to back in our days of big hair and Hypercolor shirts.

We talk about the challenge of truly unplugging in a world that's always connected, share our favorite beach reads, compare notes on skincare (retinol or retinal? Lotion or body oil?), and laugh over the ongoing adventure that is finding clothes we can wear in these "in-between" years.

It's one of those episodes that's less about solving life's problems and more about sharing ideas, swapping recommendations, and enjoying the kind of easy conversation that only comes with decades of friendship.

If you've ever left a lunch date with friends feeling lighter, inspired, and armed with a few new recommendations, this episode is for you. Pull up a chair and join the conversation!

Some of the "Beach Reads" mentioned in this episode:

Blue Bistro by Elin Hilderbrand, One Golden Summer by Carly Fortune, Things We Save in a Fire by Katherine Center, The Wedding People by Alison Espach, Ten Beach Road by Wendy Wax, The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett, Becoming by Michelle Obama.

We hope you join our circle of friends… Welcome to the group chat!

Keep in touch- Follow us on Instagram @friendsperiod5

We’d love to hear from you, email us at [email protected]

The "Friends. Period." podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are strictly their own and are based on their individual life stages and personal experiences.

We are not medical professionals, nutritionists, or licensed advisors. The content shared during our conversations should not be taken as medical, health, or professional advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before making any significant changes to your diet, exercise routine, or lifestyle.

Before trying any new supplements, health products, or wellness practices mentioned on this show, you should consult with a healthcare professional to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your specific needs.

Unless explicitly stated otherwise, we are not sponsored by, or affiliated with, any products, brands, or services mentioned in our episodes. Any mention of a product is based on our personal use and does not constitute an official endorsement.

We encourage our listeners to use their own judgment and discernment. What works for us may not work for you, and we recommend doing your own research before trying something new.

What happens when the goals you've been chasing no longer feel like your goals?

In this episode of Friends Period, we dive into the evolving relationship we have with goal setting, success, and personal growth as we move through midlife. From career ambitions and family expectations to the constant influence of social media and hustle culture, we explore how many of our goals are inherited rather than intentionally chosen.

Together, we ask:

• How do our goals change as we grow older and wiser?
• How can we tell the difference between what we truly want and what we've been taught we should want?
• Is achieving the goal really the point... or is it who we become along the way?
• When is it time to pivot, let go, or simply give ourselves grace?

We also talk about the freedom that comes with becoming less tolerant of what no longer aligns with our values, why so many women are stepping away from the pressure to constantly produce and achieve, and how redefining success can lead to a more meaningful and authentic life.

If you've ever questioned your career path, felt burned out by the pressure to always be doing more, or wondered whether your definition of success has changed, this conversation is for you.

Join five lifelong friends as we unpack the messy, funny, and surprisingly liberating process of letting go of old expectations and embracing goals that actually fit the life you're living now.

If this episode resonates with you, follow Friends Period, leave a review, and share it with someone who's redefining success on their own terms.

We hope you join our circle of friends… Welcome to the group chat!

Keep in touch! Follow us on Instagram @friendsperiod5

We’d love to hear from you, email us at [email protected]

The "Friends. Period." podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are strictly their own and are based on their individual life stages and personal experiences.

We are not medical professionals, nutritionists, or licensed advisors. The content shared during our conversations should not be taken as medical, health, or professional advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before making any significant changes to your diet, exercise routine, or lifestyle.

Before trying any new supplements, health products, or wellness practices mentioned on this show, you should consult with a healthcare professional to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your specific needs.

Unless explicitly stated otherwise, we are not sponsored by, or affiliated with, any products, brands, or services mentioned in our episodes. Any mention of a product is based on our personal use and does not constitute an official endorsement.

We encourage our listeners to use their own judgment and discernment. What works for us may not work for you, and we recommend doing your own research before trying something new.