Message in the Middle: Midlife Women, Reinvention & Personal Growth

Welcome to "Message in the Middle" with Marianne, a podcast where we dive deep into empowering stories and insightful conversations to inspire personal growth and wellness. In this episode, Marianne sits down with Rachel Lavin, a remarkable fitness professional and author of "The Doughnut Diaries." Rachel's journey is a testament to the power of resilience and self-discovery.

Rachel began her fitness career in 2000 as an ACE certified group fitness instructor teaching a variety of classes like Aqua Aerobics, Bootcamp, and Jazzercise.  In 2007, she became certified as an ACE Personal Trainer working at big box gyms in NYC,  and then an independent ACE trainer in 2012 and an ACE certified Health Coach in 2018.

On paper one would never guess that Rachel struggled with her weight and restrictive dieting for over thirty years, but that all changes when Rachel turned forty.  She had had enough and made a decision to take her power back and heal from decades of negative thinking and self-sabotage and she began to work on mind, body and soul.
In 2020 she wrote her first book "The Doughnut Diaries" as a way of sharing the message to all women that they are not alone and to share her three pillars of fitness.

Join Marianne and Rachel as they discuss Rachel's personal struggle and the pivotal moments that led her to writing her book and the message she wants to share with all women.  The conversation explores: Rachel's suggestion for three pillars of wellness, breaking free from the shackles of diet culture, body acceptance, and self-love.  Rachel shares her insights on why women find it challenging to embrace sustainable practices that support their mind, body, and soul wellness. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, self-acceptance, shifting the focus from external appearance to inner well-being, and Rachel offers valuable tips on how to embrace your "enoughness."

Tune in to this inspiring episode of "Message in the Middle" as Marianne and Rachel unveil the transformative power of embracing wholeness, breaking free from diet culture, and nurturing mind, body, and soul wellness. Get ready to be motivated and uplifted on your own journey of personal growth and empowerment.

Connect with Rachel:
Home - Rachel Lavin Wellness
[email protected]
The Doughnut Diaries: A Personal Trainer's Tale of Being Every Size From 12 Through 0: Lavin, Rachel: 9781945446948: Amazon.com: Books

Connect with Marianne:

• Website:  Message In The Middle with Marianne
• Message In the Middle Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/
• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966
• Email:  Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne

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Join Marianne in a solo episode of Message in the Middle as she does a mid-year check in to revisits goal/intention setting and the continuous cycle of review, assessment and refinement.      

 Marianne will talk about why it’s important to:  

• Set goals 
• Check-in and assess progress 
• Celebrate the wins
• practice a continuous cycle of assessment and refinement 

In the first section of the podcast, Marianne will talk about Setting Goals and Intentions.  She will touch on:

• Why it’s important to not only set goals and intentions at the beginning of the year, but to actually record them
• Using goals to stay focused on the right thing to ensure you are spending time on things that move you toward your desired direction, not away from it  

Segment two will look at Assessing Goals & Intentions

•  Why it is important to assess your progress regularly, not just at the end of the year  
• Characteristics needed to perform a objective goal assessment
• How you can use family, friends or an online community to help with goal assessment
• Why it's important to be open to idea of refining your goals and focus areas 
• Assessing progress through multiple lenses 

Segment 3 will discuss the importance of Celebrating Achievements

• The importance of acknowledging the wins big and small

Segment 4 will explore the topic of Refinement and Adaptation

• Determining if your goal still fits
• Determining if your goal needs to be modified

Check out the related Blog Post Here:
Mid-Year Check-In: Assessing Goals, Celebrating Wins, and Refining Focus (messageinthemiddle.com)

Connect with Marianne:

• Website:  Message In The Middle with Marianne
• Message In the Middle Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/
• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966
• Email:  Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne

Subscribe to Message In the Middle:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube

Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content.

Keep the conversation going - Join us for more insightful conversations in the Message in the Middle Private Facebook Community & subscribe to Message in the Middle podcas...

In this episode, Marianne sits down with Kristin Morrison, a successful entrepreneur and business coach who shares her journey of transitioning from being a high performer to finding balance and prioritizing non-work activities. Discover the importance of setting intentions, implementing consistent practices, and reaching your goals while keeping fun at the forefront. Join us as we delve into the importance of relaxation, setting intentions, and implementing consistent practices for a more joyful life.

Key Discussion Points:

• Setting Intentions for Joy and Fun
• Importance of incorporating joy and fun into daily life
• Identifying activities that light you up and bring joy
• Prioritizing non-work-related interests and hobbies
• Building Processes for Fun and Consistency
• Strategies for implementing a consistent practice of relaxation
• Creating systems and routines to support fun activities
• Finding a balance between work and leisure
• Tactical Tips for Goal Building and Implementation
• The transformative power of prioritizing joy and fun

Kristin Morrison started a pet sitting and dog walking business when she was 25 and grew it to be one of the largest of its kind in California. She hired over 250 people while running her pet care business and sold her business after nearly 2 decades. Kristin has been featured on Yahoo Finance, New York Post, ABC, NBC, and CBS. 

 Kristin is an author, speaker and online educator and provides monthly webinars and workshops to business owners. She is the founder of Six-Figure Pet Business Academy where she continues to help pet business owners and she also provides business coaching for all types of business owners, entrepreneurs, innovators and creatives.

Kristin is the host of the Business Pathfinder podcast where business owners can apply to be coached on the podcast. The Business Pathfinder podcast can be found on all the podcast apps and on her website. 

Kristin can be reached through her websites: www.SixFigurePetBusinessAcademy.com
www.KristinMorrison.com

Social Media: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BizLifeCoachKristinMorrison

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

 Business Pathfinder Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/businesspathfinderpodcast

 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkristinmorrison/

Connect with Marianne:

• Website:  Message In The Middle with Marianne
• Message In the Middle Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/
• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966
• Email:  Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne

Subscribe to Message In the Middle:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube

Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content.

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In today's episode of "Message in the Middle", I am joined by Jean Sheridan, a Certified Professional Life and Wellbeing Coach with a wealth of experience in the field. Jean's passion for coaching and consulting on the topic of Wellbeing stems from her early days in the 80s when she embarked on this path before it became a mainstream profession. With a MS degree in Health Promotion from Syracuse University and a BS in Interdisciplinary Holistic Health from the State University of NY.  Jean's college education along with a large array of certifications and experience has led her to create programs and present workshops for prestigious institutions like Universities, Health Departments, and corporations like JP Morgan Chase.

In this episode, we dive deep into Jean's personal journey of self-discovery and how it led her to rediscover the power of play. She shares her experiences of feeling overworked, uptight, and anxious before finding her creative outlet. As a result of that personal experience and those that she has witnessed through her coaching and training, Jean emphasizes the importance of finding a creative outlet and offers advice to those who are still searching for theirs. She addresses the common resistance people face when it comes to trying something new and provides tips on overcoming the fear of looking foolish or being inadequate.

Jean also talks with me about how curiosity plays a vital role in embracing fun and play in our lives. Jean highlights the significance of curiosity and how it can help us open ourselves to new experiences. She also sheds light on stress management in the digital age and the impact of being constantly connected. Jean explores the challenges we face when it comes to letting our guard down and offers insights into finding balance in the fast-paced digital world.

Throughout the conversation, Jean's passion and dedication to her work shine through. She shares the surprises she encountered while working in the field and leaves the audience with invaluable advice and insights. Be sure to check out the link to Jean below.

You can reach Jean here:  HOME | Coaching with Jean

Connect with Marianne:

• Website:  Message In The Middle with Marianne
• Message In the Middle Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/
• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966
• Email:  Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne

Subscribe to Message In the Middle:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube

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Welcome to "Message in the Middle" with Marianne! In today's episode, we have an amazing guest, Sadie Tichelaar. Sadie is a self-connection coach and shadow worker who is dedicated to helping individuals embrace a more fulfilling life by swapping overwhelm and boredom for self-connection and fulfillment. She believes in the power of rest and play to counteract the pressures of life and encourages her community to challenge the status quo with mischievous curiosity. 

During our conversation, we cover a range of topics, including Sadie's background and how she found her calling in this work.  As a self-connection coach, Sadie provides valuable advice on cultivating more rest and play and she also introduces the concept of shadow work and its influence on our ability to find rest and engage in play. Exploring our shadow side, she explains, can lead to powerful transformations and remove unwanted resistance.

We also touch upon Sadie's passion for supporting women to break free from limitations and live more expansively. She discusses the common barriers that hold women back from realizing their full potential.

Throughout our conversation, Sadie shares her insights, experiences, best practices and offers valuable perspectives on rest and play and how to cultivate it in our lives with curiosity and mischief, but without judgement. 

To access more of Sadie's work and connect with her, be sure to check out the links provided below.


Web - https://www.thiscuriouslifecoaching.com/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/thiscuriouslifecoaching/

Overwhelm Antidote freebie - https://view.flodesk.com/pages/61782e18cf481b867c355158

The inner child meditation that Sadie mentioned can be found here: https://on.soundcloud.com/Z9Hev

Connect with Marianne:

• Website:  Message In The Middle with Marianne
• Message In the Middle Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/
• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966
• Email:  Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne

Subscribe to Message In the Middle:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube

Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content.

Keep the conversation going - Join us for more insightful conversations in the Message in the Middle Private Facebook Community & subscribe to Message in the Middle podcas...

In this episode titled "Embracing The Habit Of Fun" we have the pleasure of hosting a special guest, Dr. Mike Rucker.  Dr. Rucker is a renowned expert in positive psychology and a leading authority on the importance of incorporating fun and joy into our daily lives.

During our conversation, Dr. Rucker shares his insights and practical tips on how to cultivate the habit of fun and embrace a more joyful way of living. We dive deep into understanding the benefits of incorporating fun into our routines and the positive impact it can have on our overall well-being.

Key topics discussed in this episode include:

• The four quadrants of fun.
• The science behind the habit of fun: Dr. Rucker sheds light on the psychological and physiological effects of fun and its significance in our lives.
• Overcoming barriers to fun: We explore common obstacles that prevent people from embracing fun and Dr. Rucker provides strategies to overcome them.
• Incorporating fun into everyday life: Dr. Rucker shares practical advice and actionable steps to infuse more joy and playfulness into our daily routines.
• Why it's so important to prioritize fun, rather than happiness.  
• The ripple effect of fun: We discuss how cultivating the habit of fun can positively influence our relationships, work productivity, and overall satisfaction with life.
• Sustainable joy: Dr. Rucker highlights the importance of finding sustainable sources of fun and shares tips on discovering activities that bring long-term happiness.

Dr. Mike Rucker is an organizational psychologist, behavioral scientist, and charter member of the International Positive Psychology Association. He has been academically published in publications like the International Journal of Workplace Health Management. His ideas about fun and health have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Fast Company, Psychology Today, Forbes, Vox, Thrive Global, and many more. He currently serves as a senior leader at Active Wellness and is the author of the best-selling book The Fun Habit.

Join us as we delve into this enlightening conversation with Dr. Mike Rucker, and learn how to embrace the habit of fun to enhance your well-being and create a more fulfilling life. Get ready to be inspired and motivated to infuse more joy into your everyday experiences!

Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast to receive updates on future episodes packed with insightful conversations and expert advice on living a happier and more meaningful life. 

Connect with Marianne:

• Website:  Message In The Middle with Marianne
• Message In the Middle Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/
• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966
• Email:  Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne

Subscribe to Message In the Middle:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube

Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content.

Keep the conversation going - Join us for more insightful conversations in the Message in the Middle Private Facebook Community & subscribe to Message in the Middle podcas...

In this episode "Exploring the Life-Changing Lessons of the 5AM club by Robin Sharma", Marianne does a deep dive into the personal development and success strategies suggested in this bestselling book.

Key Highlights:

1. Discover why waking up early can be a game-changer in your life. Explore how starting your day before "life" sets in can provide the foundation for increased productivity, focus, and success.
2. The 20/20/20 Formula: Learn about the core elements of the 20/20/20 Formula and how implementing a practice of 20 minutes each of exercise, reflection, and learning, can impact your mindset and overall well-being.
3. Creating Habits for Success: Uncover the Habit Installation Protocol (HIP) shared by Robin Sharma and gain practical insights on how to develop the habit of waking up early consistently. Discover actionable tips to overcome challenges and stay committed to your morning routine.
4. The importance of working hard, but also incorporating rest and play into your life. 
5. Manage your focus not your time.  Gain valuable insights on how to optimize your time, prioritize tasks, and fill your calendar around focus areas.
6. Consistency rules.  Small incremental changes are where true transformation really happens.  

Conclusion:
As we conclude this episode, we hope you're inspired to join the 5 AM Club and embrace its life-changing principles. Start your journey toward personal growth, increased productivity, and success by implementing the key takeaways shared in Robin Sharma's "The 5 AM Club." Remember, your mornings hold the power to transform your life.

Don't forget to tune in to our next episode, where we delve into more valuable insights and strategies to help you thrive in all areas of your life. Stay motivated and keep rising and shining.

Previous episode on managing your focus not your time.  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1938384/12091027

Connect with Marianne:

• Website:  Message In The Middle with Marianne
• Message In the Middle Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/
• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966
• Email:  Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne

Subscribe to Message In the Middle:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube

Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content.

Keep the conversation going - Join us for more insightful conversations in the Message in the Middle Private Facebook Community & subscribe to Message in the Middle podcas...

In "Exploring Paradise Unseen," our guest, and fan favorite, Ashley McCombs Mizel returns to Message in the Middle Podcast to talk about her incredible journey of breaking barriers, creating cherished memories, and prioritizing self-care amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Hawaii. 

Join us as we delve into the adventures Ashley and her family took part in, the challenges Ashley encountered, and the strategies they employed to overcome them. With her supportive family by her side, she navigated the unfamiliar terrain using tactile cues and guidance from others, proving that limitations are merely opportunities waiting to be conquered.

Through this podcast episode, you'll witness the power of perseverance and adaptability as Ashley unveils the beauty that lies beyond visual perception. From the mesmerizing sounds of crashing waves to the tantalizing aromas of exotic flowers, Hawaii was seen through her senses, allowing her to experience the wonders of nature in a way most of us could never imagine.

But this journey was not just about exploring Hawaii and pushing past perceived limitations, it also provided Ashly with a profound understanding of the importance of prioritizing self-care that she wants to share with others.  She now fully understands self-care is not selfish, it is essential, and nurturing her own well-being is actually a gift to her family. 

"Exploring Paradise Unseen" is a podcast that celebrates the triumph of the human spirit, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, there is boundless beauty to be discovered. Join us as we listen to the heartwarming anecdotes, unexpected triumphs, and valuable lessons from Ashley's remarkable journey.  Whether you're seeking inspiration, longing to break your own barriers, or yearning to prioritize self-care, this podcast episode will leave you with a renewed sense of possibility and appreciation.

Ashely's Contact info:  https://msha.ke/blind_momofboys

Connect with Marianne:

• Website:  Message In The Middle with Marianne
• Message In the Middle Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/
• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966
• Email:  Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne

Subscribe to Message In the Middle:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube

Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content.

Keep the conversation going - Join us for more insightful conversations in the Message in the Middle Private Facebook Community & subscribe to Message in the Middle podcas...

As we reach midlife, many of us find ourselves at a crossroads, questioning the direction of our lives and wondering what the next chapter will hold. The midlife journey can be a time of great introspection, self-discovery, and unlearning as we grapple with the changes that come with age and experience. It's also a time when we need to prioritize our physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing more than ever before. In this episode Dr. Lisa Petty and I explore the midlife journey to self-discovery and wellbeing by looking at the challenges and opportunities that arise and providing practical tips for navigating this transformative time with grace and resilience.

We will cover:

• Why are you here?
• What are you brining into the world?
• What prevents us from following our intuition to the life we really want?        
• Why so many of us feel 'meh' during midlife?
• What does it really mean to find “your purpose”?
• Overcoming the pressure to be perfect.
• The primary premise behind Dr. Petty's book Forget About Having It All: The Midlife Woman's Guide to Creating the Life You Want

Dr. Lisa Petty started her career as a holistic nutritionist and health researcher, and quickly became recognized as a speaker, journalist, award-winning author and media health expert. After several years coaching women who struggled to follow through on their health goals, Lisa earned a PhD for her research on how midlife women experience self-care in the face of the social pressures on them to be perfect in every facet of their lives. Her new book “Forget About Having It All: The Midlife Woman’s Guide to Creating the Life you Want” is a combination of research findings and Lisa’s own story of midlife self-discovery.

You can connect with Dr. Petty and her resources at:
Midlife Magic Membership:  https://members.lisapetty.com/midlife-magic-membership-info/
www.lisapetty.com
https://www.instagram.com/drlisapetty/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/midlifealchemy

This is the episode Marianne referenced in the conversation with Dr. Lisa Petty
Do Something Amazing, The Ripple Effect - with Dr. Brittany Clayborne | Message In The Middle with Marianne

Connect with Marianne:

• Website:  Message In The Middle with Marianne
• Message In the Middle Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/
• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966
• Email:  Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne

Subscribe to Message In the Middle:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube

Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content.

Keep the conversation going - Join us for more insightful conversations in the Message in the Middle Private Facebook Community & subscribe to Message in the Middle podcas...

In this podcast, we talk to Becca Kyle, a certified Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner and Board-Certified Holistic Health Practitioner to explore the principles & primary testing of functional medicine. You will learn more about:

• The concept of functional medicine and how it differs from traditional Western medicine. 
• What the major Functional Medicine Test types are, their cost range, what they tell us and how they are administered.
• What you should know about pre and probiotics if you're looking to improve your gut health
• Why two of the most important "vitamins" for health and wellness are rest and play.

Becca utilizes functional labs to help women overcome health obstacles so they can make a difference for their families, their communities and the world.  Becca is no stranger to health issues and hopes her own health transformation inspires others to not feel alone and helps them to understand that there are always things that can be done to improve health.  As a mom of three boys and an entrepreneur, she understands the importance of prioritizing health to be able to live a vibrant, connected and fulfilling life. 

You can connect with Becca at:
https://holisticobsession.com/

https://www.facebook.com/holisticobsession

https://www.facebook.com/groups/preventingburnoutwithholistichealthstrategies

https://www.instagram.com/myholisticobsession/ 

Connect with Marianne:

• Website:  Message In The Middle with Marianne
• Message In the Middle Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/
• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966
• Email:  Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne

Subscribe to Message In the Middle:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube

Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content.

Keep the conversation going - Join us for more insightful conversations in the Message in the Middle Private Facebook Community & subscribe to Message in the Middle podcas...