Half Time with Milan Bittenbender

When midlife comes knocking, we’re often afraid to open the door. So, we ignore the gentle knock which often, over time, becomes an urgent pounding. When we finally realize this unwanted visitor isn’t going to leave, many people feel too ashamed or overwhelmed to do anything about it. Over time it all evolves into a big crisis. In this episode, I talk with Rich Watson – a professional counselor who has walked with hundreds of people though some of the pitfalls of midlife. We talk about what exactly this stage of life is, what causes the risk of crisis, and how to respond in helpful and productive ways. 

If you are ready to explore the possibility of finding a counselor to help you navigate the challenges of midlife, you can find Rich and his associates at Corewell Health, Southwest Medical. You can reach them by calling: 269-429-7727

I also offer life coaching. Drawing from over 30 years of experience in Christian pastoral leadership, a certification in Enneagram coaching and a system for Life Planning, I help people who want to set and pursue goals that pertain to all areas of life. If you want to talk to me about my services, please email me at [email protected].  

Life has not been easy for Troy – nor any of us. But rather than running further away, Troy found strength in the faith of his youth, developing a deeper understanding of how to live into his gifts and calling through using his musical talent and passion. Along the way he uncovered wisdom he now shares with the rest of his world. 

Troy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/troy.stansberry

Troys website: https://sandromedamusicservices.com/

Lake Arvesta: https://www.lakearvestafarms.com/

Finances are a huge concern at any age. What are the unique financial challenges people face at midlife? What plans should we be making and what issues we should be considering in this stage of life? What is your philosophy of money and how will that affect the way you spend, save and prepare financially? In this episode, financial planner Paul Damon shares his own story and how a complete change of perspective on finances at midlife have shaped his life and practice. 

Links:

You can learn more about Paul and/or contact him at: https://www.stewardshipplanningpartners.com/

Paul’s book:

The Freedom Challenge for Men

(https://a.co/d/0Vv7Wzm)

Join our Half Time Facebook Group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1368241107209196

At 50 yrs old, I distinctly remember feeling overweight, achy, out of shape and lethargic, thinking, “Well, I’m getting old…this is just how it is.” So, was this a formidable truth or just a lie that kept me in a state of physical bondage and decline? It is in midlife that most people first come face to face with their own mortality. The physical body that has served us as a powerful asset for so many years suddenly begins to feel more like a liability. It is no longer as resilient, dependable and vibrant and may, in fact, be dragging us down. We begin to realize that when this body fails, and someday it will, our ride on this planet is over. 

So, do we have choices, or do we simply have to slowly succumb to limitations, disease and physical decline? Do we just throw in the towel, or can we take back our health, determined to be intentional about how we will exist and show up in this life? There is way more life to live and I hope you will be determined, with me, to do it with passion and vitality.

In this episode I talk with fellow health coaches, Dan and Teri Garard. They have been there. But they have also achieved great victories in their own health and are now passionately serving others who will dare to dream and take back their health too.

Links:

Please reach out and Message any of us if you would like to know more about how a health coach and a solid plan may help you begin your own journey to better health.

https://www.facebook.com/dangarard

https://www.facebook.com/teri.garard

https://www.facebook.com/milan.bittenbender

Half Time Podcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1368241107209196

Who’s there for us our entire lives? Who provides for and protects us from the time we can first remember? Who are the people we look to for strength, wisdom, direction…and HELP? For most of us that’s an easy answer: Our parents! Well, what happens when our go-to people suddenly (or gradually) need us to go to them? It’s hard to watch our parents aging before our eyes. Part of our own coming to terms with mortality is watching our parents decline in health and/or mental process. Maybe you are like me and, Praise God, my parents are in great health. But maybe you are seeing signs of decline in your parents and are realizing that they need someone to help them and you are likely that someone. We can’t wait til the inevitable happens. It will help us to begin preparing now. Today, John and Robin Gissal help me open that conversation so we can begin thinking about these super important issues.

Click here to join us for more content in our Half Time Facebook Group

Here are a few videos I found super helpful as I was researching in preparation for this episode. You may find some great pointers here as well:
TEDx - How to relieve the stress of caring for an aging parent
TEDx - How to keep your elderly parents safe and in their home longer
Does your parent need help? How to talk to aging parents.

Dan was at the top of his game – literally the top of the ladder of success in his field when the deep and haunting questions of midlife hit him out of nowhere, causing him to go into a season of disorientation and disillusionment. As a leadership and life coach, Dan has now worked through his own midlife questions as well as partnering with many others to navigate this confusing and bumpy stretch of life. In this episode he shares some of his discoveries and the principles he uses to help others (like me) through their own struggle. 

It is such a struggle to maintain mental and spiritual fortitude when your strength is almost spent. It’s also terrifying and frustrating when we lose control over our physical wellbeing.   In this episode I talk with Mike Dubbink about dealing with a debilitating physical challenge in his prime, keeping hope alive when prayers aren’t working and ultimately seeing God do what only He can. 

Mike on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikedubbinkrealtor

In Jesus Name (Youtube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihrUIPfvTh8 

Half Time Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1368241107209196/

In this episode I pick up the conversation left off with Robin in episode 3. We discuss the power of being real and asking for help, overcoming cynicism and resentment and dealing with all kinds of other joy killers. We also explore ways to cultivate joy in the midst of the mess that midlife can often bring. 

Don't forget to join us on Facebook for the rest of the conversation. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1368241107209196

Links:

Website: https://www.joytotheworldcoaching.com/

Messy Joy book: https://www.amazon.com/Messy-Joy-Begi...

Robin’s TEDx Talk:    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RL5ztEuFU_E&t=12s

You may request to join her Joy Bucket group here:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/699059610847385


Reference in the episode:

John Krazinski – Some Good News https://www.youtube.com/@SomeGoodNews 

You ever heard of a Joy Coach? Neither had I. Robin was determined to find joy in some of the messiest times of life and now she helps others to do the same. In this episode we talk about trauma, painful trials and the process of working through midlife to find life-giving joy. 

Links:

Website: https://www.joytotheworldcoaching.com/

Messy Joy book: https://www.amazon.com/Messy-Joy-Begin-Before-Difficulties/dp/1959099035

Robin’s TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RL5ztEuFU_E

You may request to join her Joy Bucket group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/699059610847385

Reference in the episode: 

John Krazinski – Some Good News (https://www.youtube.com/@SomeGoodNews)

Sometimes we look at all we have invested our life to build and wonder if maybe it doesn’t need to be rebuilt. Midlife is a season of reassessment, change and transition. Sometimes we tear stuff down and sometimes life tears it down for us. In this episode, Charlie and I discuss his new book, [re]build and what it takes get beyond fear and resistance to rebuild the important parts of our lives in the middle years. 

[re]build book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/46rZrmu

Charlie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCharlieBarclay

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecharliebarclay

                  Website: https://www.charliebarclay.com

Charlie is so thankful for Corinne Mast at The Cardinal Creative (they did his editing, formatting, cover design, website, etc for his book) 

IG  @thecardinalcreativeagencyllc

FB  The Cardinal Creative

Email: [email protected]

And website http://thecardinalcreative.com