In this episode of Menopausal Maniacs, Thea de Sousa and Patrish Barich get candid about a question that becomes surprisingly complicated as we get older: What actually makes us happy now?
After marriage, kids, careers, menopause, family responsibilities, and all the life that happens in between, the things that once felt essential can start to look very different. Thea and Patrish talk about what brings them joy today, what they have outgrown, and why this stage of life can be an opportunity to figure out what you genuinely want.
The conversation covers marriage, independence, relationships, sex, menopause, hormone replacement therapy, family, caregiving, travel, health, fitness, therapy, books, television, and the everyday things that make life feel good.
The discussion takes a very honest turn when sex, hormones, and menopause enter the conversation. Thea and Patrish share their experiences with hormone replacement therapy and testosterone, talk about changing libido, and laugh about how differently sex can fit into your priorities in your 50s and 60s. For one of them, it remains high on the list. For the other, it has moved down several spots behind family, food, television, books, and simply feeling content.
They also talk about marriage and the importance of having your own life. From golf trips and time apart to enjoying vacations with friends, they discuss why it can be healthy for long-term couples to spend time apart and actually have the chance to miss each other.
Family life brings another layer to the conversation. The hosts talk about aging parents, elder care, children, marriage, and the complicated emotions that come with watching your parents become less self-sufficient. They also discuss the challenges of balancing caregiving with work, family, relationships, and finding time for yourself.
Travel is another major topic, with stories involving Scotland, Portugal, Los Angeles, Florida, St. John, and even taking an overnight train to avoid flying. Their very different travel styles lead to a bigger conversation about knowing what works for you instead of feeling like you have to live the way everyone else does.
Health and wellness also make their way into the conversation. Thea and Patrish talk about weight loss, exercise, tennis, golf, running, weight training, and the difference between doing something because you love it and doing it because you love how you feel afterward.
In this episode, you will hear about:
• Menopause, hormone replacement therapy, testosterone, and changing libido
• Marriage, independence, sex, and relationships after 50
• Aging parents, caregiving, family responsibilities, and finding balance
• Exercise, weight loss, wellness, travel, books, television, and happiness
• Therapy, communication, personal growth, and changing priorities
• Social media, celebrity culture, and parasocial relationships
The hosts also talk about therapy and how it can help you navigate difficult moments, relationships, family issues, and your own reactions. They discuss learning when to take a breath, when to talk things through, and when it is better not to send that angry text.
Throughout the episode, one theme keeps coming back: you do not have to be the same person forever. Your priorities can change. The things that once made you happy may no longer matter as much, while completely different things can become meaningful. Midlife can be a chance to step back and ask a simple question: What do I want now?
By the end of the conversation, Thea and Patrish are reminded that happiness does not have to look the way it did when you were younger. It can mean family, friendships, travel, health, books, television, a good meal, time alone, time with your partner, or simply feeling comfortable with the life you have built.
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