Just Call Me Viv

Rest was never meant to be something we “earn.” Somewhere along the way, many of us learned to tie our worth to movement, to productivity, to being everything for everyone. In this episode, I’m sharing a personal story about guilt, rest, and the uncomfortable stillness so many women feel when we finally slow down.

This episode dives into the roots of trust issues , where they begin, how they shape our relationships, and what it takes to rebuild trust in ourselves and others.

In this reflective episode, Viv explores what it means to being unmarried in midlife and why more women than ever are redefining what love and fulfillment look like. Through data, compassion, and personal reflection, this episode challenges outdated narratives about marriage and celebrates the quiet beauty of women choosing themselves. Mentioned Data Sources: Pew Research Center – Record share of 40-year-olds never married (2023) BGSU National Center for Family & Marriage Research – Geographic variation in midlife never-married adults (2021) Pew Research – Rise in unmarried adults ages 25–54 (2021) PMC Marriage Trends Study (2022) Reflection Prompts: What has being unmarried taught you about yourself? How do you define partnership, now that you’ve lived a little? What would it look like to design your life without waiting for “someday”?

Be honest , do you have a “type”? Most of us do. Maybe it’s the charming guy, the creative dreamer, or the one who looks great on paper but never shows up when it counts. The problem? Sometimes our “type” isn’t really our match it’s our pattern. In this episode of Just Call Me Viv, I’m wrapping up my dating series with a candid conversation about breaking free from those patterns and tearing up the checklist. Because what if the best relationship for you isn’t the man you’ve always gone for… but the one who shows up differently? I talk about why it’s okay , even necessary , to date outside your “type,” why letting go of familiar cycles opens the door to something better, and the kind of partner I’m looking for at this stage in life: the one who makes me feel safe, cared for, and yes… just a little obsessed with me. If you’ve ever caught yourself saying, “Why do I keep dating the same kind of guy?” , this episode is for you.

We’ve all been there, the text that pops up out of nowhere: “I miss you.” Three little words that can flip your heart upside down. But what does it really mean when someone reaches out like that? Do they want another chance—or are they just looking for comfort? In this episode of Just Call Me Viv, I break down why “I miss you” isn’t always about love, commitment, or readiness. I’ll share the truth I’ve learned about mixed signals, what those words often mean, and how to protect your peace when someone pulls you back in but can’t show up for you. You’ll walk away with: The difference between missing you and choosing you Why actions matter more than words A mantra to carry when you’re tempted to respond to that text Remember: Missing me is not the same as choosing me. I deserve more than memories, I deserve presence.

Dating should feel exciting, not draining. In this episode of Second Act Romance, we’re talking about the foundation of it all: your safety, your sanity, and your boundaries. From handling ghosting and rejection, to practical safety tips, to knowing when to take a break, I’ll guide you through dating with strength and self-respect. You’ll also learn how to create your own “post-date debrief” so you can check in with yourself, stay grounded, and date without losing your sense of self. Get Your Second Act Romance Dating

Starting a conversation after matching can feel awkward—what do you say beyond “Hey”? In this episode of Second Act Romance, I’ll share how to turn matches into meaningful connections with curiosity, intention, and confidence. We’ll talk about what actually works (and what doesn’t), how to spot green flags, and the best time to take things from chat to a real-life meetup. Whether you’re diving back into dating in midlife or just looking for a fresh approach, this is your guide to sparking conversations that don’t fizzle out.

Your profile isn’t about impressing everyone , it’s about opening the door just enough for the right person to see your light. In this episode, Viv shares how to choose photos that feel like you, write bios that spark curiosity, and set boundaries that protect your safety. Plus, she introduces her Dating App GPT, a tool to help you brainstorm and polish your profile with ease. https://stan.store/JustCallMeViv/p/the-dating-guide-gpt

Welcome to Just Call Me Viv, the podcast where we get real about life, love, work, and everything in between. I'm Viv, mom, storyteller, lawyer, therapist, and sometimes blogger, and always a work in progress. This is a space for reflection, reinvention, and those honest conversations we don't always get to have.

Dating apps can feel overwhelming, but they’re just doors, and you get to choose which ones to open. In this episode, Viv walks you through Match, Hinge, and more, sharing insights on how each platform works and which might fit your goals. With her signature warmth, she reminds you: the apps don’t define you, they’re simply tools you carry your compass into.

https://stan.store/JustCallMeViv/p/your-internal-compass-worksheet