Insights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at Midlife

Ever feel like your toddler is trying to break you? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re joined by the incredible Devon Kuntzman—toddler parenting expert and author of the brand new book Transforming Toddlerhood: How to Handle Tantrums and Power Struggles and Raise Resilient Kids Without Losing Your Mind. We dive into the real talk about toddler behavior, emotional regulation, and how we as parents can stay sane and connected in the chaos.

Whether you’re in the thick of toddlerhood yourself, preparing for grandparenting, or just love understanding the "why" behind those tiny tornadoes, this conversation is packed with empathy, science-backed strategies, and hope. Devon gives us a totally refreshing reframe on discipline, tantrums, and screen time—and we also explore how much has changed (and how much hasn’t) in parenting over the decades.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] Meet Devon and her just-launched book on toddlerhood
 [3:06] Redefining what “toddler” really means
 [4:33] What’s changed in the way we understand toddler behavior
 [7:48] Why toddler meltdowns aren’t bad behavior—they’re communication
 [9:47] Parenting styles: from controlling commander to confident guide
 [12:49] Real-world scenario: what to do when your toddler hits you
 [15:24] Teaching kids to cope with emotions instead of just punishing behavior
 [17:19] The importance of reparenting yourself while raising your child
 [18:24] How to avoid permissiveness while still setting healthy limits
 [21:08] It’s okay to be overwhelmed—and why repair is more powerful than perfection
 [25:00] Devon’s 4-step process for repairing relationships after a parenting slip
 [27:27] Generational gaps: parenting now vs. then
 [29:53] Navigating boundaries with your child and your parents
[32:04] Real talk: toddlers and restaurants are not always a match
[33:53] What’s the deal with screens? Devon breaks down screen time and brain health
[35:32] Parenting isn’t passive—it’s the hardest job you’ll ever love
[37:56] Self-compassion, strong-willed toddlers, and hilarious parenting fails
[39:44] Final takeaways: discipline that connects, teaches, and sets limits

Links and Resources: 

🍼 Transforming Toddlerhood by Devon Kuntzman: https://www.transformingtoddlerhood.com/book/

📲 Follow Devon on Instagram: @transformingtoddlerhood

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more! 

Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

🎙️ Love the podcast? Come talk about episodes with us inside The Midlife Chat. It’s a free, private community just for women at midlife who want to keep these conversations going. We’ve created this space for real talk, fresh resources, and honest connection—where you can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and get support from women navigating the same season.  Come join us—we’d love to have you!

👉 Join The Midlife Chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795863256460970/

Order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launched February 3rd. Order your copy today: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

Recognized by FeedSpot:
Top 60 Couples Therapy Podcasts | Top 100 U.S. Mental Health Podcasts | Top 100 Relaxation Podcasts

In this intense and emotionally charged episode, we dive deep into some of the most chilling and perplexing true crime cases involving mothers who committed unimaginable acts against their own children. From psychological abuse to cold-blooded murder, we’re peeling back the layers on what happens when motherhood takes a dark, dangerous turn.

We explore the twisted motivations and complex psychopathology behind cases like Unknown Number, Casey Anthony, Lindsay Clancy, Ruby Franke, and her notorious partner Jodi Hildebrandt. We’re not just recapping the crimes—you’ll hear our raw reactions as therapists and mothers, and we’ll take you into the murky territory of trauma, sociopathy, narcissism, and the haunting dynamics of parent-child bonds gone horribly wrong.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - Kicking off with our Midlife Masterclass and a true crime deep dive
[1:24] - “Mothers Gone Wrong” intro and a therapist’s disbelief at these cases
[3:00] - Breaking down the “Unknown Number” Netflix documentary
[5:54] - The big reveal: a mother as the digital abuser of her own daughter
[10:22] - Exploring Munchausen by proxy, sociopathy, and attention-seeking behavior
[13:32] - Control, puppet-mastery, and compulsive lying
[19:31] - Is pathological lying an addiction?
[22:41] - Shifting to Ruby Franke and the cult-like influence of Jodi Hildebrandt
[26:14] - Exploitation, rigidity, and mental manipulation in parenting
[30:16] - The horrifying rescue of Ruby Franke’s emaciated son
[32:47] - Discussing Lindsay Clancy and the reality of postpartum psychosis
[36:52] - The tragic consequences of untreated mental health struggles
[38:45] - Revisiting Casey Anthony from a therapist’s lens
[42:12] - Sociopathy hiding behind maternal faces
[45:01] - Wrapping up with empathy for victims and a plea for prevention
[46:50] - Community callout and how to stay connected

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

🎙️ Love the podcast? Come talk about episodes with us inside The Midlife Chat. It’s a free, private community just for women at midlife who want to keep these conversations going. We’ve created this space for real talk, fresh resources, and honest connection—where you can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and get support from women navigating the same season.  Come join us—we’d love to have you!

👉 Join The Midlife Chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795863256460970/

Order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launched February 3rd. Order your copy today: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

Recognized by FeedSpot:
Top 60 Couples Therapy Podcasts | Top 100 U.S. Mental Health Podcasts | Top 100 Relaxation Podcasts

 We’re thrilled to bring you this heartfelt and hilarious conversation with Dave Tarnowski—author, creative force behind the Instagram phenomenon Disappointing Affirmations, and the man redefining self-help with a dose of sharp wit and raw honesty. With over 2.5 million followers, Dave’s take on mental health, neurodivergence, grief, and healing resonates deeply—and this episode is no exception.

Together, we explore Dave’s late-in-life diagnoses of bipolar disorder and ADHD, his journey through therapy, sobriety, and grief, and how humor became his lifeline. We dive into the making of his newest book, Sorry in Advance for Making Things Weird, and talk about what it means to “do the work”—even when it sucks. If you’ve ever felt like you’re falling apart while still managing to laugh, this episode will make you feel seen, heard, and a little more okay with not being okay.

Episode Highlights:

[1:19] – Dave shares the origin story of Disappointing Affirmations and how his mental health journey shaped his work.
[3:04] – Getting diagnosed with bipolar disorder and ADHD later in life.
[5:03] – The neurodivergent mind: creativity, sensitivity, and deep knowing.
[7:43] – Using humor to bring healing to heavy emotions.
[9:52] – Why negative thoughts deserve affirmation too.
[13:04] – Medication trials, missteps, and finally finding a fit.
[15:31] – From unfinished novels to viral memes: how the Instagram page was born.
[21:26] – The power of dark humor, cynicism, and embracing absurdity.
[23:00] – Creating a safe space for all—why Dave stays out of divisive commentary.
[26:17] – Generational therapy gaps and shifting the mental health narrative.
[29:19] – What it means to actually do the work in therapy.
[33:38] – Sibling trauma, family hierarchy, and navigating long-standing dynamics.
[38:35] – Grief, loss, and finally facing what we try to avoid.
[42:22] – What's inside the new book—and why it goes deeper than the first.
[46:13] – Where to find Dave’s books, cards, and more.
[48:13] – The importance of men accessing therapy and emotional healing.

Links and Resources: 

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

Dave Tarnowski’s book Disappointing Affirmations 

Dave Tarnowski’s book Sorry in advance for making things weird

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

🎙️ Love the podcast? Come talk about episodes with us inside The Midlife Chat. It’s a free, private community just for women at midlife who want to keep these conversations going. We’ve created this space for real talk, fresh resources, and honest connection—where you can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and get support from women navigating the same season.  Come join us—we’d love to have you!

👉 Join The Midlife Chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795863256460970/

Order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launched February 3rd. Order your copy today: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

Recognized by FeedSpot:
Top 60 Couples Therapy Podcasts | Top 100 U.S. Mental Health Podcasts | Top 100 Relaxation Podcasts

In this deeply moving and eye-opening episode, we sit down with Dr. Nadine Macaluso—therapist, author, and trauma bond expert—to explore the insidious dynamics of trauma bonded relationships. Nadine bravely shares her own experience as the ex-wife of “The Wolf of Wall Street,” shedding light on the coercion, manipulation, and psychological warfare that define these toxic partnerships. But more than just surviving, Nadine walks us through what it truly takes to heal, reclaim your identity, and find peace on the other side. We unpack what trauma bonding really means (and what it doesn’t), the behavioral patterns that make these relationships so hard to leave, and why traditional labels like “codependency” often miss the mark. 

Episode Highlights:

[0:26] - Welcoming Dr. Nadine Macaluso and the powerful topic of trauma bonding
 [2:46] - Defining trauma bonds: the toxic dance of power imbalance and intermittent reinforcement
 [4:32] - The difference between conflict in healthy relationships and trauma bonds
 [6:18] - Why “narcissistic abuse” doesn’t cover the full picture
 [8:48] - How trauma bonds begin with charm, love bombing, and hidden pathology
 [9:37] - The damaging effects of victim-blaming language in therapy and society
 [11:54] - Living with public exposure and reclaiming her story after The Wolf of Wall Street
[14:08] - The viral TikTok that launched Nadine’s healing advocacy online
[17:32] - Coercion disguised as love: fast-tracked marriage, children, and control
[18:37] - Why trauma bonds are so hard to break: fear, shame, confusion, and dependency
[21:33] - Nadine’s healing roadmap: education, stabilization, and rediscovery of self
[27:36] - What life feels like after leaving a trauma bond: freedom, peace, and autonomy
[29:42] - Learning to trust your intuition again and spotting red flags early
[30:24] - Can women be the pathological partner? The gendered nature of coercive control
[32:50] - Process addictions and their devastating impact on self-worth
[33:09] - Cognitive dissonance: the mental glue of trauma bonded relationships
[34:45] - Realizing there was only ever one person in the relationship—the manipulator
[36:24] - How to access Nadine’s book, community, and incredible healing resources

Links & Resources

Download the First Chapter of Dr. Nadine Macalso’s book Run Like Hell for Free: https://heal.drnae.com/podcast-book-giveaway 

Join Dr. Nadine Macaluso’s trauma bond recovery course: https://course.drnae.com/trauma-bond-recovery-course-c 

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

🎙️ Love the podcast? Come talk about episodes with us inside The Midlife Chat. It’s a free, private community just for women at midlife who want to keep these conversations going. We’ve created this space for real talk, fresh resources, and honest connection—where you can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and get support from women navigating the same season.  Come join us—we’d love to have you!

👉 Join The Midlife Chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795863256460970/

Order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launched February 3rd. Order your copy today: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

Recognized by FeedSpot:
Top 60 Couples Therapy Podcasts | Top 100 U.S. Mental Health Podcasts | Top 100 Relaxation Podcasts

Hey there, friends! In this episode, we sit down with our fabulous returning guest, Dr. Juliana Hauser, to talk about her powerful new book, A New Position on Sex. Trust us when we say, this conversation is one you do not want to miss. Whether you're feeling disconnected from your sexual self, stuck in old beliefs, or just plain exhausted, Dr. Juliana offers an entirely new—and deeply empowering—way to approach sexuality in midlife.

We dig into everything from sensuality and sexual agency to what it means to feel vibrant, connected, and alive again—on your own terms. You’ll hear real talk (and plenty of laughs) about shame, societal expectations, pleasure beyond the bedroom, and why embracing your sexuality is not about performing for others. If you've ever felt like sex was just one more to-do item or wondered what it means to be a sexual being when you're just plain tired, this episode is a beautiful, validating starting point.

Episode Highlights:

[0:41] - Welcoming back Dr. Juliana and diving into her new book on sexual agency
 [2:23] - Why sexuality looks different for every woman—and changes with life
 [6:12] - The “quiet part out loud”: What women really feel about sex at midlife
[7:04] - How shame and comparison hold us back from sexual freedom
[10:52] - Pajamas, books, and sensuality: reframing what it means to be sexual
[12:27] - The crushing mental load that zaps our energy—and our libido
[15:07] - What’s the real point of sex? Dr. Juliana challenges us to find our “why”
[17:09] - Sexual energy as power, fuel, and a path to aliveness
[21:13] - From invisible to vibrant: reclaiming visibility through sexual self-connection
[27:38] - Dismantling the performance myth: what you want matters
[33:09] - What is pegging? (Yes, we went there—and learned a thing or two)
[36:19] - Exploring new sexual pathways with creativity and curiosity
[40:22] - The power of safety, self-trust, and saying no with confidence
[44:24] - Time is now: why midlife is the moment to claim your sexual agency
[46:59] - Where to find Dr. Juliana, her book, and how to start your journey

Links and Resources:

Dr. Juliana’s Website: https://dr-juliana.com/ 

The Revealed Lift: https://therevealedlife.com/ 

Dr. Juliana’s book: A New Position on Sex https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OoHcmzMbKAImZG501v6l1cNM_DCOKv19/view?usp=drive_link 

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

🎙️ Love the podcast? Come talk about episodes with us inside The Midlife Chat. It’s a free, private community just for women at midlife who want to keep these conversations going. We’ve created this space for real talk, fresh resources, and honest connection—where you can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and get support from women navigating the same season.  Come join us—we’d love to have you!

👉 Join The Midlife Chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795863256460970/

Order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launched February 3rd. Order your copy today: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

Recognized by FeedSpot:
Top 60 Couples Therapy Podcasts | Top 100 U.S. Mental Health Podcasts | Top 100 Relaxation Podcasts

In this episode of Insights from the Couch, we're diving into one of the most talked-about but least understood challenges many women face at midlife: imposter syndrome. We're Colette and Laura, two therapists and best friends, and we're getting real about the self-doubt that shows up right when we're trying to level up in life, work, and relationships.

We unpack why imposter syndrome hits so hard in midlife, how it keeps you stuck in comparison and perfectionism, and why it's time to ditch the stilettos and stop shrinking. We also share our personal stories of growth, setbacks, vulnerability, and what it actually looks like to push through imposter feelings and get back in the arena. This one is heartfelt, funny, and packed with real tools you can use to build confidence, reframe your inner dialogue, and reclaim your space—because your worth is not up for debate.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - Kicking off with why imposter syndrome is so real for women in midlife
 [1:10] - Defining imposter syndrome and the mental trap it creates
 [2:34] - The impact of shifting identity and risk-taking at midlife
 [7:06] - Laura's story: inherited privilege and narrative excuses
 [15:08] - Perfectionism, performance pressure, and playing small
 [16:45] - The shift to embracing grit and a growth mindset
 [19:57] - Naming the struggle and the power of vulnerability
 [23:24] - Building a stack of evidence: celebrating micro wins
 [24:41] - Taking messy action and staying in the arena
 [26:35] - Rewriting the inner dialogue with self-compassion
 [27:12] - Recommended reads to help rewire imposter thinking
 [28:35] - Feeling fear means you're growing: normalizing discomfort
 [30:36] - Growing into big roles and owning your worth
 [32:01] - Ego strength vs. anxiety and visibility fears
 [33:43] - From cringe to confident: the social media journey
 [34:30] - Reflecting on each other's strengths and sharing the love

Links and Resources: 

• Own Your Greatness: Overcome Impostor Syndrome, Beat Self-Doubt, and Succeed in Life https://www.amazon.com/Own-Your-Greatness-Overcome-Self-Doubt-ebook/dp/B07ZZHY1Z8/ref=sr_1_1?crid= 
• The Imposter Cure: Beat insecurities and gain self-belief: https://www.amazon.com/Imposter-Cure-Beat-insecurities-self-belief/dp/1783256273/ref=monarch_sidesheet_title 
• Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well https://www.amazon.com/Thanks-Feedback-Science-Receiving-Well/dp/0670014664 
• Mindset: The New Psychology of Success: https://a.co/d/5P8Mri5 

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

🎙️ Love the podcast? Come talk about episodes with us inside The Midlife Chat. It’s a free, private community just for women at midlife who want to keep these conversations going. We’ve created this space for real talk, fresh resources, and honest connection—where you can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and get support from women navigating the same season.  Come join us—we’d love to have you!

👉 Join The Midlife Chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795863256460970/

Order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launched February 3rd. Order your copy today: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

Recognized by FeedSpot:
Top 60 Couples Therapy Podcasts | Top 100 U.S. Mental Health Podcasts | Top 100 Relaxation Podcasts

If you’ve been hearing all the buzz about GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Zepbound, and you’re wondering if they could be the right fit for you at midlife, this is the episode to press play on. We brought on nurse practitioner and health optimization expert Amy Wrenn to demystify what GLP-1s actually are, how they work, who they’re for, and what you really need to know about taking them during perimenopause and menopause. Amy is passionate, informed, and totally relatable—she cuts through the hype to bring clarity to a topic that’s been wrapped in confusion and judgment.

In this conversation, we get real about our own experiences, bust some myths, talk side effects (yep, we go there), and explore the broader context of hormone therapy, weight gain, metabolic dysfunction, and the importance of doing what works for your individual body and life. Whether you’re curious, cautious, or already on a GLP-1, this is a must-listen packed with valuable insights.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - Welcoming Amy Wrenn and kicking off our deep dive into GLP-1s
 [3:10] - What exactly are GLP-1s, and how do they work in your body?
 [5:00] - Understanding insulin resistance, perimenopause, and why midlife changes everything
 [6:57] - Real-life examples of "metabolic mayhem" that hits out of nowhere
 [8:03] - Challenging the lazy stereotype: GLP-1s are not a quick fix
 [10:08] - The far-reaching benefits: inflammation, PCOS, cognitive health, and more
 [12:10] - Social media hype vs. safe medical prescribing—know the difference
 [13:46] - Compounded medications vs. name-brand prescriptions: what to watch for
 [17:33] - Who qualifies for GLP-1s, and what do providers look for?
 [20:43] - It's not about skinny—it's about healthy: the real goal of treatment
 [22:34] - Common side effects: what to expect and how to manage them
 [25:25] - Nutrition matters: prioritizing protein, avoiding high-fat traps
 [26:38] - Surprising benefits: reduced alcohol cravings, better food boundaries
 [28:12] - Coming off GLP-1s: what it looks like, and when it’s okay to stay on
 [31:48] - Does your body adapt over time? Amy explains habituation and dosing
 [33:32] - The power trio: GLP-1s, HRT, and resistance training
 [36:08] - Hormone therapy explained: symptom relief vs. long-term prevention
 [40:51] - Why we’re not getting this info from our doctors—and how to change that
 [42:24] - Where to follow Amy and keep learning more

 Links & Resources

Follow Amy Wrenn, NP on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/np_wrenn 

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

🎙️ Love the podcast? Come talk about episodes with us inside The Midlife Chat. It’s a free, private community just for women at midlife who want to keep these conversations going. We’ve created this space for real talk, fresh resources, and honest connection—where you can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and get support from women navigating the same season.  Come join us—we’d love to have you!

👉 Join The Midlife Chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795863256460970/

Order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launched February 3rd. Order your copy today: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

Recognized by FeedSpot:
Top 60 Couples Therapy Podcasts | Top 100 U.S. Mental Health Podcasts | Top 100 Relaxation Podcasts

In this episode, we sit down with the vibrant and inspiring Wendy Valentine, host of The Midlife Makeover Show and author of Women Waking Up: The Midlife Manifesto for Passion, Purpose, and Play. Join us as we talk about how midlife doesn't have to mean crisis—it can mean awakening. Wendy shares her deeply personal story of rebuilding her life from the ground up, and the radical self-love and resilience that fueled her transformation. We dive into the emotional truths of midlife, from grief and divorce to rediscovering joy and authenticity. Wendy doesn't just inspire, she equips you with tangible tools, mindset shifts, and her powerful FREEDOM framework to help you move from stuck to empowered.  

Episode Highlights:

[0:03] - Welcoming Wendy Valentine and introducing her book, Women Waking Up 

[2:32] - Wendy shares her rock-bottom moment and the events that triggered her transformation 

[6:24] - Reframing "crashing out" as a path to growth and renewal 

[8:25] - The lotus metaphor: finding beauty and strength in the mud of midlife 

[13:09] - You don’t need a crisis to change: How midlife malaise can be a call to action [14:51] - The most common limiting beliefs Wendy hears from women in midlife 

[17:37] - Stepping into the light: responsibility, courage, and becoming your own best friend [22:27] - Introducing the FREEDOM framework: 7 steps to rebuild and reclaim your life [27:27] - From "acting" like your future self to becoming her 

[29:44] - Small changes with big ripple effects 

[32:49] - Leaping into the unknown: Wendy’s journey into RV life and podcasting 

[36:22] - Meditation, journaling, and daily habits that shift your brain and your life 

[40:16] - Rewiring your beliefs through neuroplasticity and self-awareness 

[43:25] - Trusting yourself and embracing midlife as your time

Links and Resources:

• Pre-order Wendy’s book Women Waking Up: https://www.wendyvalentine.com 
• Wendy Valentine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendy_valentine_/ 
• Wendy's Substack: https://wendyvalentine.substack.com 

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

🎙️ Love the podcast? Come talk about episodes with us inside The Midlife Chat. It’s a free, private community just for women at midlife who want to keep these conversations going. We’ve created this space for real talk, fresh resources, and honest connection—where you can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and get support from women navigating the same season.  Come join us—we’d love to have you!

👉 Join The Midlife Chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795863256460970/

Order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launched February 3rd. Order your copy today: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

Recognized by FeedSpot:
Top 60 Couples Therapy Podcasts | Top 100 U.S. Mental Health Podcasts | Top 100 Relaxation Podcasts

We're thrilled to bring you this powerful and myth-busting conversation with Dr. Kelly Casperson, a board-certified urologist, author of You Are Not Broken, and host of the top-rated podcast of the same name. If you’ve ever felt confused, dismissed, or flat-out frustrated by the information (or lack thereof) around perimenopause and menopause, this episode is for you. Dr. Casperson breaks down the science with clarity and humor, helping us all better understand what’s really going on with our hormones—and why we don’t have to just "tough it out." We cover everything from early symptoms like brain fog and poor sleep to the misunderstood role of hormones like estrogen and testosterone. We also talk about how we as women can become better advocates for our health in a system that often leaves us behind. 

Episode Highlights: 

 [4:38] - Debunking the myth that menopause only happens in your 50s—and how "average" doesn't mean "too young."
 [7:16] - Brain fog, sleep issues, and the importance of estrogen and testosterone for your mental clarity.
 [16:50] - The real story behind testosterone—what it does, why it's not “just for libido,” and how women actually produce more of it than estrogen.
 [21:33] - Pros, cons, and controversies of pellets vs. transdermal testosterone and how to advocate for safe, effective treatment.
 [29:00] - Why age-based hormone treatment guidelines are outdated and how to start thinking preventively about your health.
 [34:30] - Breast cancer survivors and hormones: navigating a complex and often misinformed landscape.
 [38:59] - Common myths around risk and how to challenge medical gatekeeping with knowledge and confidence.
 [42:44] - The fallout from the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative study and how misinformation persists decades later.
 [44:08] - Where to actually find a menopause-savvy provider who knows the full menu of treatment options.

Links & Resources:

• Dr. Kelly Casperson's Website: https://kellycaspersonmd.com/ 
• Book: You Are Not Broken: https://kellycaspersonmd.com/you-are-not-broken-book/ 
• Upcoming Book: Menopause Moment (September 2025): Pre-Order Now: preorder Kelly's new book about Perimenopause: https://kellycaspersonmd.com/the-menopause-moment-book/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellycaspersonmd 
• Podcast: You Are Not Broken: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-are-not-broken/id1495710329 
• Menopause Society Directory: https://menopause.org/ 

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

🎙️ Love the podcast? Come talk about episodes with us inside The Midlife Chat. It’s a free, private community just for women at midlife who want to keep these conversations going. We’ve created this space for real talk, fresh resources, and honest connection—where you can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and get support from women navigating the same season.  Come join us—we’d love to have you!

👉 Join The Midlife Chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795863256460970/

Order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launched February 3rd. Order your copy today: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

Recognized by FeedSpot:
Top 60 Couples Therapy Podcasts | Top 100 U.S. Mental Health Podcasts | Top 100 Relaxation Podcasts

In this episode, we’re discussing the real, raw, and essential skills that every woman needs to navigate midlife with grace, grit, and a whole lot of self-compassion. We’ve been through the highs, the lows, the chutes and ladders of this season, and today we’re pulling back the curtain to share the seven foundational skills we believe every woman should know to not just survive, but thrive. These are the skills we teach in our Midlife Master Class, and the ones that have held us up through the toughest times. From boundary-setting and assertive communication to frustration tolerance, inner parts work, and energy protection—this conversation is packed with insights we’ve lived, taught, and continue to practice ourselves. 

Episode Highlights:

[0:02] - Why midlife is so hard—and why these 7 skills matter
 [2:46] - The highlight reel isn’t the whole story (and why we cry behind the scenes)
 [6:12] - Boundaries: not just with others, but with yourself
 [9:03] - When your kid is in a toxic relationship (and you want to break up with them yourself)
 [13:44] - Self-care as a boundary: what it really looks like
 [14:00] - Assertive communication: the misunderstood superpower
 [21:10] - Frustration tolerance: why it belongs in your skillset
 [22:10] - What self-connected communication actually looks like
 [29:43] - Understanding and befriending your inner critic
 [31:10] - Why self-compassion isn’t fluffy—it’s essential
 [33:08] - Protecting your energy: from giving tree to grounded goddess
 [39:39] - The dance between being needed and being free
 [41:31] - Redefining resilience as a learned, practiced skill
 [46:02] - How changing your self-talk becomes your superpower
 [47:39] - Why doing this work in a group is so powerful (and how you can join us)

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

🎙️ Love the podcast? Come talk about episodes with us inside The Midlife Chat. It’s a free, private community just for women at midlife who want to keep these conversations going. We’ve created this space for real talk, fresh resources, and honest connection—where you can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and get support from women navigating the same season.  Come join us—we’d love to have you!

👉 Join The Midlife Chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795863256460970/

Order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launched February 3rd. Order your copy today: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

Recognized by FeedSpot:
Top 60 Couples Therapy Podcasts | Top 100 U.S. Mental Health Podcasts | Top 100 Relaxation Podcasts