Life Coach BFF Show: Thrive in Midlife for Women Over 50 | Mindset & Wellness

It’s a beautiful April, and that means it's time for some spring refreshing with your favorite Life Coach BFFs! Join host Heather Pettey, CPC, and the fabulous Dr. Carol Lynn as they celebrate the vibrant start of spring and discuss tangible ways to reorganize, re-energize, and step into your power.

This week, the "dynamic duo" dives into the allergy struggles common this time of year—and correct etiquette for dealing with them in public!—before tackling the main event: the "Micro-Rest Revolution." Heather and Carol explain why finding just 60 to 90 seconds of intentional peace (what they call a "micro-rest") can be more effective for lowering cortisol and resetting your nervous system than a long nap.

You'll get practical advice on somatic grounding, breathing exercises like box breathing, and even the simple restorative power of laughter. And you don’t want to miss an impromptu "Show and Tell" where Heather shares her latest uplifting finds (on a budget!).

In this episode, we chat about:

April Refresh: Feeling the seasonal itch to reorganize, clear out the clutter, and step into your personal power.

Allergy SOS: Experiencing one of the worst allergy seasons in years, and why dabbing is always better than blowing at the table.

The Micro-Rest Revolution: How specific 60 to 90-second nervous system resets can lower cortisol more effectively than long breaks.

Breathwork & Grounding: Dr. Carol Lynn’s tips for box breathing and restoring your vagus nerve with humming, gargling, and somatic exercises.

Sensory Therapy: Why scents and fragrances promotes memories and resets your environment (and how they helped Heather with COVID recovery!).

Show & Tell! Heather’s restful trip to Walmart (at 8:30 AM!) and the fabulous items she found to unstick her:

The adorable beaded strawberry wristlet handbag (perfect for your essentials!). Grab here!

The comfortable, stylish mint green slide shoes (and a peek into future Masters Party plans!).

Her first waterless, cordless diffuser—and the Amazon fragrance that makes her home smell like the Ritz Carlton.

Check-Out Chaos: A hilarious debate on the stress of shopping high peak times at big-box stores, self-checkout woes, and the "Great Walmart Pricing Mystery."

Memory Lane: A fun trip back to the Humboldt, Tennessee Strawberry Festival, complete with floats, "Little Miss" royalty, snaps, and invisible dogs!

Connect with Your Life Coach BFFs:

Join the Midlife Moxie Newsletter: Don't miss out on fun items, exclusive updates, and the best life ever! The link is right in the show notes. Sign Up and Get the latest MOXIE news!

Follow on Social Media: All our community connection is on our Our Midlife Moxie Facebook Page! (Yes, the podcast is Life Coach BFF Show, but our social is under Our Midlife Moxie – we hope to see you there!). @ourmidlifemoxie

The Journal: Grab your My Midlife Moxie Journal on Amazon and register it on page two. Digital Version My Midlife Moxie Journal

Book Recommendation: Boundaries by Henry Cloud.

Beauty Hack: Doo Nails (Press-on nails).

Connect with us: Keep up with the Moxie community and don't forget to put your lip gloss on and smile! We are cheering for you every step of the way.

Connect with Host Heather Pettey:

Email: [email protected]

Private Coaching with Heather:https://www.ourmidlifemoxie.com/heatherpetteycoaching

Speaker Request Here

Linkedin: @HeatherPettey

Book: "Keep It Simple, Sarah" (Amazon bestseller)

Connect with Host Dr. Carol Lynn:

Linkedin

Website: https://www.drcarollynn.com

Facebook Group: @ourmidlifemoxie

Don't forget to subscribe to the Life Coach BFF Show for more inspiring content and practical life advice!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. Heather Pettey is a certified coach, Dr. Carol Lynn is a licensed physician, and our guests share their own expertise. Nothing you hear here should be taken as medical advice. Always talk with your own doctor about your personal health or medical needs.

In this episode of the Life Coach BFF Show, Heather Pettey and Dr. Carol Lynn dive into the beauty—and occasional messiness—of growth and change. From hilarious stories of lost rings to profound insights on evolving into new versions of ourselves, this conversation is a reminder that outgrowing your past isn't a betrayal; it’s progress.

In this episode, we discuss:

The "No-Musical" Rule: Why Heather is officially burned out on musical theater and the hilarious reason she can’t take singing suitors seriously.

The Case of the Swallowed Ring: A wild story involving a standard poodle, a metal detector, and two weeks of digging through "evidence" to find a missing sparkler.

Misinterpreting Emotions: How we often misread the people we love (like mistaking a desire for a heated blanket for sadness!) and why communication is key.

Outgrowing Yourself: A deep dive into a powerful quote by Henry Cloud. We talk about shedding old versions of ourselves to make room for new habits, deeper character, and our 2026 word of the year: FREE.

Professional Evolutions: Dr. Carol Lynn shares how her medical practice is shifting from delivering babies to supporting women through the emotional and hormonal transitions of midlife.

Self-Care Life Hacks: Dr. Carol Lynn shares her new 10-minute manicure secret (Doo Nails) for the busy woman who wants to look polished without the time commitment of a salon.

"Outgrowing old versions of yourself isn’t betrayal. It’s progress. Every 'yes' to growth may feel like a 'no' to comfort, but it is a resounding 'yes' to freedom."

Moxie Journal Club: Join us Thursday, March 12th at 7:00 PM!

The Journal: Grab your My Midlife Moxie Journal on Amazon and register it on page two. Digital Version My Midlife Moxie Journal

Book Recommendation: Boundaries by Henry Cloud.

Beauty Hack: Doo Nails (Press-on nails).

Connect with us: Keep up with the Moxie community and don't forget to put your lip gloss on and smile! We are cheering for you every step of the way.

Connect with Host Heather Pettey:

Email: [email protected]

Private Coaching with Heather:https://www.ourmidlifemoxie.com/heatherpetteycoaching

Speaker Request Here

Linkedin: @HeatherPettey

Book: "Keep It Simple, Sarah" (Amazon bestseller)

Connect with Host Dr. Carol Lynn:

Linkedin

Website: https://www.drcarollynn.com

Facebook Group: @ourmidlifemoxie

Don't forget to subscribe to the Life Coach BFF Show for more inspiring content and practical life advice!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. Please consult with your own physician for any medical advice or personal health needs.

Have you ever looked at your to-do list and just felt... stuck? Like you’re starring in a reboot of Groundhog Day? Even as life coaches, we hit that wall. In this episode, Heather Pettey and Dr. Carol Lynn get raw about the "autopilot trap" and share the exact tools they use to reset their nervous systems and get their joy back.

We’re breaking down the core sections of the My Midlife Moxie 90-Day Mindset Journal—from the "Mind Dump" (taking out the mental trash) to "Vision Casting" and staying organized with the "Health Record" section. Whether you’ve never journaled before or couldn't make it stick, this 5-to-10-minute practice is designed to help you eat the elephant one bite at a time.

The Hard Reset: Realizing when you’re coaching everyone else but ignoring your own soul.

The Mind Dump: Why clearing the "swirling thoughts" is a game-changer for anxiety and sleep.

Vision Casting vs. Control: A biblical perspective on Habakkuk 2 and why "praying big" honors God.

The Practical Side of Moxie: How tracking your health records (mammograms, dental, etc.) creates emotional freedom and impresses your doctor!

Small Wins, Big Momentum: Shifting your mindset from "overwhelmed" to "achieving."

Don't do midlife alone. You are officially invited to the Midlife Moxie Journal Club.

When: 2nd Thursday of every month

Time: 7:00 PM CST (30 minutes of high-vibe connection!)

Where: Live on Zoom

Connect with Host Heather Pettey:

Email: [email protected]

Private Coaching with Heather:https://www.ourmidlifemoxie.com/heatherpetteycoaching

Speaker Request Here

Linkedin: @HeatherPettey

Book: "Keep It Simple, Sarah" (Amazon bestseller)

Connect with Host Dr. Carol Lynn:

Linkedin

Website: https://www.drcarollynn.com

Facebook Group: @ourmidlifemoxie

Don't forget to subscribe to the Life Coach BFF Show for more inspiring content and practical life advice!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. Always consult your own physician for personal medical advice.

Are you still hauling around a wedding dress from 1995? Or perhaps you're wondering if that cute hip tattoo is eventually going to look more like Ursula the Sea Witch than the Little Mermaid? You are not alone!

In this episode of the Life Coach BFF Show, host Heather Pettey, CPC, and the fabulous Dr. Carol Lynn dive into the hilarious (and sometimes stressful) realities of midlife. From the "million-dollar wedding" industrial complex to the literal shifts in our skin, we’re talking about how to simplify, repurpose, and bring back some classic Southern vocabulary.

The Midlife Revival: Why tap dancing, the triangle, and the tambourine are the creative outlets you didn't know you needed.

The Wedding Dress Dilemma: Creative ways to reuse your gown (hello, rehearsal dinner restyling!) and an incredible charity called the Angel Gown Foundation that turns gowns into bereavement suits for NICU families.

Weddings: Then vs. Now: A nostalgic look at cake-and-punch receptions versus today’s "drive a Tesla off a cliff" price tags.

The Public Service Announcement on Tattoos: What happens to that hummingbird tattoo when gravity takes over, and the medical "ink-sights" Dr. Carol Lynn has seen in the OR.

Word of the Week: Why we are officially bringing back the word "Reckon" and how to use it in your daily life (even if you’re listening from Singapore!).

[02:15] Forming the "Life Coach BFF Band" (Tambourine, Triangle, and Tap Shoes).

[08:42] The 1990s wedding experience vs. the modern "Milan for a dress" production.

[12:30] What our Facebook community is actually doing with their old wedding dresses.

[16:15] The "Angel Gown" project: A beautiful way to donate your gown for a higher purpose.

[21:00] Why midlife balance makes wearing high heels a contact sport.

[25:10] The "Hummingbird" Warning: A cautionary tale about aging skin and ink.

We want to see your "big hair" wedding photos!

Instagram: @OurMidlifeMoxie

Facebook: Join our private Midlife Moxie group to join the conversation and tell us: Do you still have your dress?

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. Heather Pettey is a certified coach; Dr. Carol Lynn is a licensed physician. Please consult your own doctor for personal medical advice.

Heather Pettey is feeling a little "lighter" today—literally! After months of Dr. Carol Lynn’s gentle (and not-so-gentle) medical nudging, Heather finally tackled her colonoscopy screening this morning. Fresh off the procedure and still feeling the peace of mind, she’s joined by Dr. Carol Lynn to pull back the curtain on an appointment most women in midlife love to cancel.

In this episode, your BFFs get up close and personal about why this screening is a total game-changer for your health. With the recent news of actors like James Van Der Beek facing colorectal cancer at a young age, the conversation has never been more urgent. We’re stripping away the awkwardness to discuss the "why," the "how," and the "holy grail" of tips to make your prep night as painless—and glamorous—as possible.

The "Why" Behind the Screening: Dr. Lynn shares heartbreaking stories of friends diagnosed at 45 and 51, and why the screening age has officially been lowered.

Denial vs. Detection: Why we justify changes in our bodies and how to overcome the fear of "finding something."

The BFF Survival Guide: Heather and Dr. Lynn’s personal hacks for the prep process (yes, including the "Straw Trick").

Bathroom Spa Essentials: From the "barrier method" to the specific toilet paper that will save your skin.

The Liquid Diet Masterclass: The savory savior of Chick-fil-A broth and the mystery of the elusive banana popsicle.

The Straw Trick: Use a wide straw, place it at the back of your tongue, and bypass those salty/medicinal taste buds entirely.

The "Savory" Savior: Don’t just stick to sweet popsicles. Strain the broth from Chick-fil-A chicken noodle soup for a flavorful, salty alternative to plain store-bought broth.

The Wardrobe Choice: Skip the long nightgown (it’s a hazard!) and opt for soft, oversized pajamas with an easy waistband.

The "Barrier Method": Apply Vaseline or diaper rash cream before the prep starts to prevent irritation.

The "Grown-Up" Treat: If your doctor allows, a cup of black coffee on the morning of the procedure (before the cutoff) can be the energy boost you need to get through the finish line.

"Your health is your greatest wealth. If you’ve been staring at that referral on your fridge for six months—this is your sign to call." — Dr. Carol Lynn

Early Detection Saves Lives: Most insurance covers 100% of screening colonoscopies because they are preventive.

Don’t Go It Alone: Ensure you have someone with you to prevent falls or fainting due to dehydration or volume loss.

Be Your Own Advocate: If your bathroom habits change, don't ignore it. Talk to your doctor immediately.

The "Throne" Station: Medicated wipes (Tucks), flushable wipes (use with caution!), and the "barrier" cream of your choice.

Clear Liquid Favorites: Lemon and Banana popsicles (if you can find them!), clear bone broth, and black coffee.

Connect with your BFFs! If you have a "prep hack" of your own or just need a little encouragement before your appointment, find us on social media @OurMidlifeMoxie

Don't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with a sister, mother, or friend who needs to hear this important message!

Connect with Host Heather Pettey:

Email: [email protected]

Private Coaching with Heather:https://www.ourmidlifemoxie.com/heatherpetteycoaching

Speaker Request Here

Linkedin: @HeatherPettey

Book: "Keep It Simple, Sarah" (Amazon bestseller)

Connect with Host Dr. Carol Lynn:

Linkedin

Website: https://www.drcarollynn.com

Facebook Group: @ourmidlifemoxie

Don't forget to subscribe to the Life Coach BFF Show for more inspiring content and practical life advice!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. Always consult your own physician for personal medical advice.

265 | Phantom Smells, Thinning Hair, and Palm Beach Rules: The Midlife Truths You Need to Know

Have you ever smelled cigarette smoke when no one is lighting up? Or wondered why your favorite 70-year-old socialite looks exactly like a 40-year-old? In this "Post-Ice Edition" of the Life Coach BFF Show, Heather Pettey and Dr. Carol Lynn are back to catch you up on everything you missed while hunkered down in the winter storms.

From the strange "phantom smells" of menopause to the strict fashion rules of Palm Beach high society, this episode is a whirlwind of laughter, medical insights, and midlife realizations. Whether you're navigating a "choke and poke" (the medical term will surprise you!), setting boundaries, or realizing that menopause actually happens to everyone, this episode is the ultimate catch-up with your best friends.

In this episode, we discuss:

The "Name Game": The professional and personal hurdles of changing names after marriage and remarriage.

Strange Menopause Symptoms: Why phantom smells (like cigarette smoke or worse) happen during hormonal shifts and post-COVID.

Palm Beach Etiquette: What the show Palm Royale (and real-life society) teaches us about boobs, knees, and "Old Palm Beach."

Life-Changing Shifts: Real feedback from our community on how divorce, pellets, retirement, and saying "no" improved their lives.

Expectation Management: The freedom that comes with releasing expectations of others.

Join the Community: Our Midlife Moxie Private Facebook Group

TV Shows: Members Only: Palm Beach (Netflix discussion), Schitt’s Creek, and Mad Men.

Health: Discussion on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and Pellets.

Connect with Host Heather Pettey:

Email: [email protected]

Private Coaching with Heather:https://www.ourmidlifemoxie.com/heatherpetteycoaching

Speaker Request Here

Linkedin: @HeatherPettey

Book: "Keep It Simple, Sarah" (Amazon bestseller)

Connect with Host Dr. Carol Lynn:

Linkedin

Website: https://www.drcarollynn.com

Facebook Group: @ourmidlifemoxie

Don't forget to subscribe to the Life Coach BFF Show for more inspiring content and practical life advice!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. Always consult your own physician for personal medical advice.

Are you tired of the "long-arm game?" In this episode, Heather Pettey pulls back the curtain on a life-changing procedure that most women in midlife don't even know exists. If you’ve been told you aren’t a candidate for LASIK, or if you’re tired of your contacts drying out and your readers disappearing when you need them most, this conversation is for you.

Heather is joined by Ramon Gomez from the Eye Specialty Group in Memphis to discuss Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)—the "best-kept secret" that gave Heather 20/20 vision and the freedom to finally donate her glasses to Costco.

The LASIK Reality Check: Why LASIK isn't always the answer for those of us over 50.

The "iPhone" Analogy: How your natural lens loses its "auto-zoom" (accommodation) as we age.

Refractive Lens Exchange vs. Cataract Surgery: Why waiting for cataracts might be costing you years of visual freedom.

The Procedure & Recovery: Does it hurt? (Spoiler: No!) And how fast can you get back to your active lifestyle?

Investment in Self: Shifting the mindset from investing in our children to finally investing in our own quality of life.

[08:12] Why Ramon had to "hurt Heather's feelings" regarding her LASIK candidacy.

[14:45] Understanding the PanOptix Pro lens and how the "Rings of Power" technology works.

[22:30] The 20-minute procedure: What to expect from "Twilight Anesthesia."

[31:10] Why you will never need cataract surgery after this procedure.

Guest: Ramon Gomez, Eye Specialty Group

Location: Memphis & Collierville, TN

Website: Eye Specialty Group

Schedule a Consultation: Mention the Life Coach BFF Show when you call to inquire about your free consultation!

Heather’s Word of the Year: FREE

Brand: Our Midlife Moxie

Community: Join @OurMidlifeMoxie

Follow on Instagram @OurMidlifeMoxie

Subscribe: Never miss an episode! Hit that follow button on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

The Journal: Grab your copy of My Midlife Moxie on Amazon!

Join the Club: Order your journal, turn to Page 2, and register to receive your invitation to our Thursday night Zoom Journaling Sessions (7:00–7:30 PM CST).

Connect with Host Heather Pettey:

Email: [email protected]

Private Coaching with Heather:https://www.ourmidlifemoxie.com/heatherpetteycoaching

Speaker Request Here

Linkedin: @HeatherPettey

Book: "Keep It Simple, Sarah" (Amazon bestseller)

Connect with Dr. Carol Lynn:

Linkedin

Website: https://www.drcarollynn.com

Facebook Group: @ourmidlifemoxie

Don't forget to subscribe to the Life Coach BFF Show for more inspiring content and practical life advice!

*This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. Heather Pettey is a certified coach. Dr. Carol Lynn is a licensed physician, and our guests share their own expertise. Nothing you hear here should be taken as medical advice. Always talk with your own doctor about your personal health or medical needs.

We are not responsible for any decisions you make based on what you hear today.

In this episode, Heather and Dr. Carol Lynn dive deep into the power of "cleaning out the temple." We explore how carrying emotional baggage from decades ago—even as far back as middle school—drains the energy we need for our lives today. From hilarious stories about homeschooling "mommy voices" to the profound act of giving our hurts to God, this session is a guided journey toward midlife freedom.

Whether you're struggling with self-forgiveness or still reeling from a comment made to you in the sixth grade, it’s time to join the "We Do Not Care Club" and start healing.

The Power of the "Brain Dump": Why writing it down on four lines of paper is better than letting it consume your entire brain at 3:00 AM.

The Hormone Connection: How dropping progesterone in midlife can lead to increased rumination and "looping" thoughts.

Naming the Weight: Identifying the "unpaid emotional bills" we’ve been carrying and learning how to finally settle the debt.

Box Breathing for Stress: A simple, Navy SEAL-approved technique to reset your nervous system (and why you shouldn't do it if you're pregnant!).

The "We Do Not Care Club": Embracing the freedom of your 50s and refusing to let other people’s opinions define God’s creation.

Stewardship of the Soul: How letting go of the past allows us to be fully present for what God has for us in this season.

Name the Weight: Identify one specific hurt you’ve been carrying.

Expose the Lie: What is that old wound telling you? (e.g., "I'm not enough," "I'm forgotten").

Reclaim the Energy: Consciously decide where that energy is going instead—to your family, your joy, or your future.

Circle Your Word: Choose one powerful word (like Joy or Free) to focus on this week.

Bible Verse: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” — Isaiah 43:18

The Journal: Grab your copy of My Midlife Moxie on Amazon!

Join the Club: Order your journal, turn to Page 2, and register to receive your invitation to our Thursday night Zoom Journaling Sessions (7:00–7:30 PM CST).

Connect with Host Heather Pettey:

Email: [email protected]

Private Coaching with Heather:https://www.ourmidlifemoxie.com/heatherpetteycoaching

Speaker Request Here

Linkedin: @HeatherPettey

Book: "Keep It Simple, Sarah" (Amazon bestseller)

Connect with Dr. Carol Lynn:

Linkedin

Website: https://www.drcarollynn.com

Facebook Group: @ourmidlifemoxie

Don't forget to subscribe to the Life Coach BFF Show for more inspiring content and practical life advice!

*Quick Disclaimer- Heather Pettey is a certified coach and not a therapist. Always seek the support of a therapist for clinical mental health issues.

*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Please note that this does not affect the price you pay for any item. The cost to you remains exactly the same, but using these links helps support our community and the resources we provide.

Connect with Host Heather Pettey:

Email: [email protected]

Private Coaching with Heather:https://www.ourmidlifemoxie.com/heatherpetteycoaching

Speaker Request Here

Linkedin: @HeatherPettey

Book: "Keep It Simple, Sarah" (Amazon bestseller)

Connect with Dr. Carol Lynn:

Linkedin

Website: https://www.drcarollynn.com

Facebook Group: @ourmidlifemoxie

Don't forget to subscribe to the Life Coach BFF Show for more inspiring content and practical life advice!

*Quick Disclaimer- Heather Pettey is a certified coach and not a therapist. Always seek the support of a therapist for clinical mental health issues.

*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Please note that this does not affect the price you pay for any item. The cost to you remains exactly the same, but using these links helps support our community and the resources we provide.

Connect with Host Heather Pettey:

Email: [email protected]

Private Coaching with Heather:https://www.ourmidlifemoxie.com/heatherpetteycoaching

Speaker Request Here

Linkedin: @HeatherPettey

Book: "Keep It Simple, Sarah" (Amazon bestseller)

Connect with Dr. Carol Lynn:

Linkedin

Website: https://www.drcarollynn.com

Facebook Group: @ourmidlifemoxie

Don't forget to subscribe to the Life Coach BFF Show for more inspiring content and practical life advice!

*Quick Disclaimer- Heather Pettey is a certified coach and not a therapist. Always seek the support of a therapist for clinical mental health issues.

*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Please note that this does not affect the price you pay for any item. The cost to you remains exactly the same, but using these links helps support our community and the resources we provide.