Hotter Than Ever

“I am impressed with the midlife crisis.” We’re thrilled to welcome Lauren Zander, CEO and founder of the Handel Group, back to Hotter Than Ever. As a life coach, whose coaching technique, the Handel Method, has been taught at MIT, Stanford Business School, and to the likes of CEOs and celebrities, Lauren is no stranger to helping her clients navigate through midlife crises. Yet when Lauren experienced a midlife crisis of her own, it rocked her to her core ways that she could have never anticipated.

Join us for a candid and introspective conversation as Erin and Lauren share their personal midlife crisis journeys, what they learned in the aftermath, and how they rebuilt their lives and relationships into something more authentic and profound. We discuss:

1. Breaking stereotypes and why midlife crises are sexy and liberating for women—not just men
2. How the ending of their respective marriages ignited Lauren and Erin’s midlife transformations
3. Reconstructing your identity after a long marriage
4. Discerning true friendships and gaining clarity on what you need out of relationships
5. Coming out on the other side of a midlife crisis—embracing self-honesty, listening to your body, and focusing on what’s most important
6. Discovering the beauty in rebuilding a life, relationships, and aspirations with deeper significance and alignment

OUR GUEST: Lauren Zander is the Founder and CEO of Handel Group®, a renowned life coaching company. She's the creator of The Handel Method®, taught in over 35 world-class institutions like MIT, NYU, and Stanford Graduate School of Business. Lauren is the creator of Inner.U: Learn to Human Better®, the online coaching course that teaches the entirety of The Handel Method. With two decades of coaching experience, Lauren has empowered countless clients, including top executives from companies like Vogue and AOL. She's also authored "Maybe It’s You," a practical guide to achieving your life goals. Lauren's expertise has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, and more.

Want more Lauren Zander? Find her coaching company online at https://www.handelgroup.com/ and follow her on:

1. Instagram:
2. @laurenzander_coach
3. @inneru.coach
4. Facebook: @laurenzander

Want more Hotter Than Ever? Find us and episode transcripts online at www.hotterthaneverpod.com and sign up for our mailing list! Follow us on:

1. Instagram: @hotterthaneverpod
2. TikTok: @hotterthaneverpod
3. Youtube: @hotterthaneverpod
4. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090728330453

Follow Hotter Than Ever wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode!

We’d love to hear what you think about the show - tell us what stories are resonating with you by writing us a review on Apple Podcasts. DM us on Instagram @hotterthaneverpod or call in to the Hotter Than Ever Hotline at (323) 844-2303.

Mentioned in this episode:

Broad Collective

Learn more about Broad Collective and our membership network for midlife women entrepreneurs at broadcollective.com.

When Laura Stratte was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 35, she didn't just fight it—it transformed her life’s path. Following nursing school, Laura became a superhero of sorts—a nurse navigator—guiding cancer warriors through the tangled mess of the healthcare system, from diagnosis to survivorship. Now in the world of health tech, she’s helping women own their menopause and master their health.

In this episode, Erin sits down with Laura to discuss navigating health challenges that so many women find themselves in. This includes the complexities of cancer care, the need for improved support beyond medical treatment, and the impact of toxicities—financial and time-related—on patients and caregivers. Beyond healthcare, Laura sheds light on how she pivoted her career, and how you can too, no matter what life throws at you. Join us, as we discuss:

1. How Laura's breast cancer diagnosis at 35 shaped her nursing career trajectory
2. Why you should always ask for a nurse navigator if you’re diagnosed with cancer
3. The importance of integrated care for cancer patients and beyond
4. The financial and time toxicities of treating and managing cancer— it’s a full time job and requires better support systems
5. How Laura blazed a career transition into health tech at 47
6. How Laura embraced her shaved head and found empowerment and freedom during her cancer journey

OUR GUEST: Laura Stratte is a mother, wife, nurse, and 2x cancer survivor. Three years ago at the ripe old age of 47, Laura Stratte decided to leave the security of traditional healthcare as an oncology RN and enter the unpredictable and unknown-to-her world of startups and digital health at Elektra Health. Switching her speciality from breast cancer care to the overlapping field of menopause care, she continues to help women navigate major life changes.

Want more Laura? Find her on:

1. Instagram/Threads: @lstratte
2. Elektra Health: @Elektrahealth
3. FB: @LauraHoffmannStratte
4. Twitter: @lstratte

Want more Hotter Than Ever? Find us and episode transcripts online at www.hotterthaneverpod.com and sign up for our mailing list! Follow us on:

1. Instagram: @hotterthaneverpod
2. TikTok: @hotterthaneverpod
3. Youtube: @hotterthaneverpod
4. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090728330453

Follow Hotter Than Ever wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode!

We’d love to hear what you think about the show - tell us what stories are resonating with you. DM us on Instagram and write us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Mentioned in this episode:

Broad Collective

Learn more about Broad Collective and our membership network for midlife women entrepreneurs at broadcollective.com.

“Can you assume that nothing is wrong with you?” Self-defined perfectionist, psychotherapist, writer, and former on-site therapist at Google, Katherine Morgan Schafler wants you to know that it’s ok to be a perfectionist. In her book "The Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control, A Path to Peace and Power,” Katherine challenges the stigma surrounding perfectionism in our culture by defining both its healthy and unhealthy manifestations, exposes its harmful gender biases towards women, and advocates for redefining the call for “balance.”

In conversation with host (and fellow perfectionist!) Erin, Katherine offers insights into perfectionism’s impact on relationships, work, and personal growth. Unveiling insights into navigating ambition, embracing fluidity, and prioritizing values aligned with current life seasons, they explore:

1. Defining perfectionism and why it's not a flaw, but a facet of your unique brilliance
2. The dynamic relationship between perfectionism and mental health
3. How perfectionism became a gendered term for women and a hindrance to embracing ambition and power
4. Redefining ‘balance’ —it's about internal well-being, not checking off tasks
5. How to prioritize values that align most with the current season of your life
6. Managing your energy vs. managing your time (read the Harvard Business Review article Katherine mentions HERE)
7. Distinguishing between meaningful pursuits and the allure of immediate gratification

OUR GUEST: Katherine Morgan Schafler, LMHC, is a psychotherapist, writer and speaker based in New York City. Formerly an on-site therapist at Google, she earned her degrees and training at UC Berkeley and Columbia University, with post-graduate certification from the Association for Spirituality and Psychotherapy.

Want more Katherine? Find her online at https://www.katherinemorganschafler.com/ and follow her on Instagram @katherinemorganschafler

Want more Hotter Than Ever? Find us and episode transcripts online at www.hotterthaneverpod.com and sign up for our mailing list! Follow us on:

1. Instagram: @hotterthaneverpod
2. TikTok: @hotterthaneverpod
3. Youtube: @hotterthaneverpod
4. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090728330453

Follow Hotter Than Ever wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode!

We’d love to hear what you think about the show - tell us what stories are resonating with you. DM us on Instagram and write us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Mentioned in this episode:

Broad Collective

Learn more about Broad Collective and our membership network for midlife women entrepreneurs at broadcollective.com.

“This too shall pass.” Being human means understanding that challenging times, as tough as they may be, won’t last forever. It’s the highs and lows, the ebbs and flows that make up our everyday existence. But how do we work through those lows–or as Erin likes to call them, the ‘dips’? In this episode, we navigate the intricate terrain of managing the ‘dips’ – those moments when darkness creeps in and threatens our optimism and resilience.

Whether it’s seasonal affective disorder, single parenthood, career demands, or the struggle with self-care and transitions, this episode is your reminder that life isn't always sunshine and roses–and that’s ok. Tune in for tips, tools, and wisdom from Erin’s personal experiences on how to maneuver these curves, including:

1. Acknowledging that life isn't a constant upward trajectory; it's about embracing the blend of light and shadow that shapes our journey
2. Understanding that challenging times will pass, support is there for you if you reach out, and that setting boundaries is self-care
3. Find solace in gratitude by recognizing the blessings, small joys, and connections that anchor us in turbulent times
4. Embracing vulnerability and recognizing that it's okay not to have everything figured out

Want more Hotter Than Ever? Find us and episode transcripts online at www.hotterthaneverpod.com and sign up for our mailing list! Follow us on:

1. Instagram: @hotterthaneverpod
2. TikTok: @hotterthaneverpod
3. Youtube: @hotterthaneverpod
4. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090728330453

Follow Hotter Than Ever wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode!

We’d love to hear what you think about the show - tell us what stories are resonating with you. DM us on Instagram and write us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Mentioned in this episode:

Broad Collective

Learn more about Broad Collective and our membership network for midlife women entrepreneurs at broadcollective.com.

There’s nothing hotter than using your finances as the ultimate tool to build the life of your dreams. But how do we get there? On this week’s episode of Hotter Than Ever, we’re joined by Veronica Grant, a financial expert and host of the Run Your Money podcast. Veronica is not your typical financial guru; she's a certified financial wellness consultant who intertwines personal finance wisdom with coaching and a keen awareness of the social and economic systems affecting women's wealth.

Join Erin and Veronica as they delve into Veronica’s personal money journey, the impact our relationships have on our finances, and practical tips for managing and growing your income, including:

1. How starting to build wealth at a young age helped Veronica develop a money-savvy mindset she carried into adulthood
2. How money trauma in childhood impacts adult financial behavior and what you can do to re-write these narratives
3. Why comparing your cash flow to others’ can skew your financial reality
4. Unpacking the intersection of politics and personal finance and how political decisions directly influence our financial well-being
5. Why it’s important to start money conversations early on in relationships and how to continue to the conversation throughout a partnership or marriage
6. Practical ways to increase income and financial strategies for being self-employed
7. Finding the harmony between chasing financial success and being present in other aspects of your life

OUR GUEST: Veronica Grant, a financial powerhouse with a unique story that defies the typical "money makeover" narrative, has always had a knack for financial savvy. She started her financial journey at 11 as a sought-after baby sitter and opened a 401k on day one of her first job. However, launching her own business in 2015 brought unexpected challenges, teaching her that managing money goes beyond budgets. Armed with degrees in International Studies and Social and Economic Justice, plus certification as a Financial Wellness Consultant, Veronica empowers women to overcome systemic barriers and claim the wealth they deserve.

Want more Veronica? Find her online at https://www.veronicagrant.com/ and follow her on:

1. Instagram: @veronicaegrant
2. TikTok: @veronicaegrant
3. Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/run-your-money-show/id1077479098

Want more Hotter Than Ever? Find us and episode transcripts online at www.hotterthaneverpod.com and sign up for our mailing list! Follow us on:

1. Instagram: @hotterthaneverpod
2. TikTok: @hotterthaneverpod
3. Youtube: @hotterthaneverpod
4. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090728330453

Follow Hotter Than Ever wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode!

We’d love to hear what you think about the show - tell us what stories are resonating with you. DM us on Instagram and write us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Mentioned in this episode:

Broad Collective

Learn more about Broad Collective and our membership network for midlife women entrepreneurs at broadcollective.com.

Imagine discovering that the man you believed was your dad was not your biological father. What would that do to your sense of self and identity? Carmen Rita Wong lived that reality, and it sparked an electrifying journey of self-discovery that shares in her memoir, "Why Didn't You Tell Me?" Get ready for a rollercoaster of revelations as she uncovers her heritage and answers the age-old question: Who the hell am I?

But Carmen's life isn't just about secrets and ancestry. It's a relentless journey of reinvention in both her personal and professional spheres. From multiple successful career pivots to navigating the complexities of family and parenting, Carmen's story is an inspiring tale of resilience and the audacity to be unapologetically herself.

Join Erin and Carmen for a conversation that dives deep into self-discovery, family mysteries, smashing stereotypes, and a rebellious spirit in a world that insists on fitting into its tiny, boring boxes. Here's what’s on the table:

1. Discovering the difference between who you are, who the world says you are, and who your parents tell you to be
2. Carmen’s journey that followed learning about her father’s true identity
3. The challenges Carmen faced as a Latina and Chinese woman in predominantly white environments
4. Why 50 is a transformative and liberating age for women and helps us see what’s most important in life
5. Carmen's magnetic career transitions, from magazine editor to advice columnist, to writer and more!
6. Exploring parent-child relationships and the importance of letting your kids be their own unique selves
7. Embracing change and redefining what family and relationships mean - it's a pathway to epic connections

OUR GUEST: Carmen Rita Wong is a writer, producer, and non-profit board leader, including the boards of The Moth and the Planned Parenthood Federation of America. She is the former co-creator and television host of On the Money on CNBC and was a national advice columnist for Glamour, Latina, Essence, Men’s Health, and Good Housekeeping. Carmen is the author of a series of novels and two bestselling advice books, including her latest memoir "Why Didn't You Tell Me?". She is the founder and CEO of Malecon Productions, LLC, where she develops female-focused media and entertainment.

Want more Carmen? Find her and her books online at https://www.carmenritawong.com/ and follow her on:

1. Instagram: @carmenritawong
2. Twitter: @CarmenSense

Want more Hotter Than Ever? Find us online at www.hotterthaneverpod.com and sign up for our mailing list! Follow us on:

1. Instagram: @hotterthaneverpod
2. TikTok: @hotterthaneverpod
3. Youtube: @hotterthaneverpod
4. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090728330453

Follow Hotter Than Ever wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode!

We’d love to hear what you think about the show - tell us what stories are resonating with you. DM us on Instagram and write us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Mentioned in this episode:

Broad Collective

Learn more about Broad Collective and our membership network for midlife women entrepreneurs at broadcollective.com.

“I don’t believe in rules.”

Rebecca Woolf is a rule-breaker: she doesn't believe in following society's cookie-cutter definitions of motherhood. In this unapologetic episode, she takes us on a journey through her life as a mother who fully embraces her sexuality and autonomy. Just like we say at the beginning of each episode, Rebecca has not only broken the rules in her own life, but also found her path to being freer, happier, sexier, and more self-expressed.

Rebecca's path to this point is unconventional, and she's here to share every raw, honest, and sexy detail. With an award-winning personal blog, "Girl's Gone Child," her Substack “The Braid,” the column "Sex and the Single Mom" on Romper.com, and her memoir "All of This," Rebecca has shattered the rules and redefined what it means to be a single mom.

In this episode, Erin and Rebecca dive headfirst into the intricate world of motherhood, sexuality, and self-expression. Together, they unpack:

1. Why it feels scandalous to be a mom writing about sex in our culture and what we can do to challenge those beliefs
2. What it means when someone tells you you're "more than just a mom" and how it robs us of thinking of moms as multifaceted humans.
3. Navigating parenting as a single mom: being both mom and dad, and the complexities of bringing new partners into one’s life
4. Why blended families shouldn't always be the goal - there are other options beyond falling back into conventional relationships
5. The liberating power of creating a shame-free home

OUR GUEST: Rebecca Woolf, a personal essayist since her teens, is renowned for her award-winning blog, "Girl’s Gone Child," and essays featured in Refinery29, LitHub, Entertainment Weekly, Huffington Post, and more. She writes the column "Sex & the Single Mom" on Romper.com and “ The Braid" newsletter on Substack. Her published works include "Rockabye: From Wild to Child" and the best-selling memoir "ALL OF THIS: a memoir of death and desire." Based in Los Angeles, she shares her life with her son and three daughters.

Want more Rebecca? Find her and her writing online at https://rebeccawoolf.com/ and follow her on:

1. Instagram: @rebeccawooolf
2. Twitter: @GirlsGoneChild

Want more Hotter Than Ever? Find us online at www.hotterthaneverpod.com and sign up for our mailing list! Follow us on:

1. Instagram: @hotterthaneverpod
2. TikTok: @hotterthaneverpod
3. Youtube: @hotterthaneverpod
4. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090728330453

Follow Hotter Than Ever wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode!

We’d love to hear what you think about the show - tell us what stories are resonating with you. DM us on Instagram and write us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Mentioned in this episode:

Broad Collective

Learn more about Broad Collective and our membership network for midlife women entrepreneurs at broadcollective.com.

What would you do if you weren’t afraid of failing? Dr. Sonora Jha., essayist, novelist, and professor of journalism at Seattle University, is the embodiment of this very question. From forsaking math and sciences growing up in Mumbai, to entering the male-dominiated field of journalism, to writing the memoir “How to Raise a Feminist Son'' and the novel “The Laughter” (which is told from a white male perspective), today’s guest has consistently defied societal expectations. True to her life story, Dr. Jha doesn't mince words. She fearlessly dives into charged topics like 'patriarchy,' 'white supremacy,' and 'the male gaze,' revealing how these forces influence both societal norms and our personal choices.

Prepare for a fascinating, honest and insightful conversation that touches on love, feminism, identity, how we tell our own stories, and so much more, including:

1. How discovering the freedom to fail allowed Dr. Jha to explore her passion for storytelling
2. The challenges of working in a male-dominated field
3. The harsh truths about the 'having it all' mythExploring the crossroads of white supremacy and colonization and their impact on education, culture, and our personal choices
4. Dr. Jha’s journey writing from the white male perspective in "The Laughter" and how it became a vehicle for truth and self-expression as a brown woman
5. The revelation that we're all unreliable narrators in our life stories and the complexities of human perception and storytelling
6. The challenges of being a woman of color in a relationship with a conservative white man, exploring the intricate dance of love and politics
7. Rediscovering the beauty in the institution of marriage and choosing love over fear in our daily lives and relationships

OUR GUEST: Sonora Jha, PhD, is a renowned essayist, novelist, and journalism professor at Seattle University. She's the author of 'How to Raise a Feminist Son,' 'Foreign,' and 'The Laughter.' Sonora's op-eds and essays have graced publications like the New York Times and The Establishment. With an extensive background in journalism, she's taught writing at prestigious institutions like Hugo House and Hedgebrook Writers’ Retreat and serves on the boards of Hedgebrook Writers’ Retreat, Artist Trust, and Hugo House.

Want more Dr. Jha? Find her and her books online at https://www.sonorajha.com/ and follow her on:

1. Instagram: @sonorajha1
2. Facebook: @sonorajha
3. Twitter: @ProfSonoraJha

Want more Hotter Than Ever? Find us online at www.hotterthaneverpod.com and sign up for our mailing list! Follow us on:

1. Instagram: @hotterthaneverpod
2. TikTok: @hotterthaneverpod
3. Youtube: @hotterthaneverpod
4. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090728330453

Follow Hotter Than Ever wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode!

We’d love to hear what you think about the show - tell us what stories are resonating with you. DM us on Instagram and write us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Mentioned in this episode:

Broad Collective

Learn more about Broad Collective and our membership network for midlife women entrepreneurs at broadcollective.com.

“What do you think will happen first, world peace or the end of lying?”

Lauren Zander, CEO and founder of The Handel Group, was a life coach long before being a life coach was a “thing”. Forget the clichés; Lauren's trademarked coaching technique, the Handel Method, isn't about hand-holding—it's about getting sh*t done. She's taught it at prestigious institutions like MIT and Stanford Business School and counts celebrities, CEOs, and entrepreneurs among her clients.

In this episode, Lauren takes the wheel as your personal life coach to expose the truths we're afraid to confront. First stop: our culture, which, let's be real, thrives on lying. But Lauren's on a mission to change that. She'll lay out why we're all so prone to being “pleasey” (especially women!), the role behavioral epigenetics plays in our life choices, and how self-sacrifice leaves us high and dry. We also discuss:

1. Lauren’s journey from being an environmental studies graduate to becoming a life-coaching guru
2. Behavioral epigenetics and why knowing your family history is like holding the treasure map to your future
3. Why we're trained to lie, and how it holds us back, making us feel like we're imposters
4. Unmasking the origin of people-pleasing, the invisible puppeteer that hijacks our desires
5. The concept of parallel relationships—you don't have to agree and overlap on everything
6. Lauren dissects the three main voices in our heads: the chicken (fear), the brat (self-sabotage), and the weather reporter (judgment and commentary). Learn how to master these voices, drop the excuses, and step into authenticity
7. Why doing what we know will get results feels like trying to move mountains and why big achievements aren't microwaveable
8. The power of transparency and authenticity in coaching. Lauren believes in laying it all out, and she's got the results to prove it

OUR GUEST: Lauren Zander is the Founder and CEO of Handel Group®, a renowned life coaching company. She's the creator of The Handel Method®, taught in over 35 world-class institutions like MIT, NYU, and Stanford Graduate School of Business. Lauren is the creator of Inner.U: Learn to Human Better®, the online coaching course that teaches the entirety of The Handel Method. With two decades of coaching experience, Lauren has empowered countless clients, including top executives from companies like Vogue and AOL. She's also authored "Maybe It’s You," a practical guide to achieving your life goals. Lauren's expertise has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, and more.

Want more Lauren Zander? Find her coaching company online at https://www.handelgroup.com/ and follow her on:

1. Instagram:
2. https://www.instagram.com/laurenzander_coach/
3. https://www.instagram.com/inneru.coach/
4. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurenzander

Want more Hotter Than Ever? Find us online at www.hotterthaneverpod.com and sign up for our mailing list! Follow us on:

1. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotterthaneverpod/
2. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hotterthaneverpod
3. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChwbEXbAVqoNYd_g5ok7VPg
4. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090728330453

Follow Hotter Than Ever wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode!

We’d love to hear what you think about the show - tell us what stories are resonating with you. DM us on Instagram and write us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Mentioned in this episode:

Broad Collective

Learn more about Broad Collective and our membership network for midlife women entrepreneurs at broadcollective.com.

What if you dared to let go of the old to make room for the new?

In today’s episode, Erin gets raw and vulnerable when reflecting on the seismic shifts in her life. From getting a divorce after 17 years of marriage, navigating the maze co-parenting, and the plot twist of finding an unexpected new love. If you've ever found yourself in the midst of a divorce, a crumbling relationship, or a job that sucks the soul out of you, Erin’s got a message: It’s ok to let it go.

Erin’s story is a reminder that each time we let something go, we are given the gift to begin again and take control of our own destiny. Here’s your sign to embrace the beauty in life’s unpredictability and savor the freedom in new beginnings.

Buckle-up as we discuss:

1. Divorce Isn't a Dirty Word: It's okay to admit when a relationship has run its course. Divorce can be mutual, liberating, and the right decision for both parties
2. Sharing Your Truth: Why Erin talks openly about her personal life on the podcast and a reminder that your story is yours to tell
3. Co-Parenting After Divorce: How setting boundaries and maintaining respect can lead to a peaceful and functional arrangement for everyone involved
4. Making Room for the Unexpected: Erin’s journey to falling in love again and why we shouldn’t be afraid to embrace the unexpected and let relationships evolve naturally

Want more Hotter Than Ever? Find us online at www.hotterthaneverpod.com and sign up for our mailing list! Follow us on:

1. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotterthaneverpod/
2. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hotterthaneverpod
3. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChwbEXbAVqoNYd_g5ok7VPg
4. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090728330453

Follow Hotter Than Ever wherever you listen to podcasts - we’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! That way you’ll never miss an episode.

We’d love to hear what you think about the show, too - it helps us know what stories are resonating with you. DM us on Instagram and write us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Mentioned in this episode:

Broad Collective

Learn more about Broad Collective and our membership network for midlife women entrepreneurs at broadcollective.com.