In this candid and deeply personal solo episode, Amanda reflects on five years of sobriety and the transformative lessons she has learned along the way. She shares how getting sober wasn’t just about giving up alcohol—it was about coming home to herself, rebuilding trust, and learning to live with integrity.

Amanda opens up about the complexities of early sobriety, the emotional work of healing without numbing, and the clarity that comes with facing life fully awake. With warmth and candor, she offers insight into what sobriety has taught her about connection, presence, and becoming the person she was always meant to be.

Together, we explore:

• Why sobriety is more than abstinence—it’s about self-reclamation

• The unexpected grief and beauty that come with living un-numbed

• How relationships shift and evolve in sobriety

• The role of daily rituals and emotional honesty in long-term healing

• What it means to choose integrity and self-trust, over and over again

  
  

A few key takeaways:

• You don’t have to hit rock bottom to choose a better life

• Healing requires both gentleness and radical honesty

• Sobriety can be a doorway into deeper purpose, connection, and joy

• The journey is ongoing, and worth it

  
  

The Five Lessons That Changed Amanda’s Life:

• Lesson 1: Never Question the Decision (NQTD)—a guiding mantra through doubt

• Lesson 2: You Don’t Live There Anymore—on identity shifts and owning personal growth

• Lesson 3: Keep Your Side of the Street Clean—emotional sobriety and boundaries

• Lesson 4: Don’t Quit Before the Miracle Happens—learning to see the beauty in the small things

• Lesson 5: It’s an Inside Job—the truth that real change starts from within

  
  

If you’ve ever questioned your relationship with alcohol, felt the pull toward something more honest, or just needed a reminder that change is possible, this episode is for you. Tune in and let Amanda’s reflections offer hope, clarity, and encouragement for wherever you are on your path.

Want to be a guest on the Midlife Catalyst Podcast?

We’d love to hear your story. Whether you’re figuring things out, navigating a big shift, or have something on your heart you want to share, reach out!

Visit midlifecatalyst.net or email [email protected].

And don’t forget to subscribe to Amanda’s Substack at amandayounts.substack.com. That’s where all the good stuff lives—episode extras, playlists, journal prompts, and deeper dives into everything we talk about here.

In this powerful episode of Midlife Catalyst, Amanda Younts sits down with hormonal health expert, herbalist, and founder of Ladywell, Ashley Rocha. Ashley shares her deeply personal journey with hormonal imbalance: from debilitating PMS and undiagnosed PMDD to her fertility struggles and eventual empowerment through herbal healing. She explains how those challenges inspired the birth of Ladywell, a mission-driven supplement brand helping women navigate the complex phases of hormonal health—PMDD, postpartum, perimenopause, and beyond.

Ashley offers a grounded, transparent look into the gaps in mainstream medicine, the stigma surrounding menopause, and why understanding and tracking your cycle is one of the most powerful things a woman can do. Whether you're preparing for pregnancy, in the thick of postpartum, or entering perimenopause, this episode is packed with insights to help you feel more informed, less alone, and fully supported.

Together, we explore:

• The crucial connection between hormones and fertility, and how imbalances can affect overall well-being

• Why understanding your cycle is key to hormonal health and fertility

• The significance of adaptogens and herbs in supporting hormonal balance and stress resilience

• The journey from fertility struggles to postpartum recovery—and how to heal holistically

• Why women should not have to suffer through hormonal imbalances and how we can change the narrative around menopause and perimenopause

A few key takeaways:

• Hormonal imbalances affect far more than just our periods: they impact our moods, relationships, and productivity.

• The journey through perimenopause and menopause is complex but manageable with the right knowledge and resources.

• Herbal medicine and adaptogens are powerful tools for restoring balance and alleviating symptoms naturally.

• The conversation around women’s health, especially fertility and menopause, needs to be normalized and destigmatized.

If you're ready to understand your body, take control of your hormonal health, and explore how informed choices can empower you at every stage of life, this episode is for you. Tune in and discover how small shifts can lead to lasting transformation.

Want to be a guest on the Midlife Catalyst Podcast? We’d love to hear your story. Whether you’re figuring things out, navigating a big shift, or have something on your heart you want to share, reach out! Visit midlifecatalyst.net or email [email protected].

And don’t forget to subscribe to Amanda’s Substack at amandayounts.substack.com. That’s where all the good stuff lives—episode extras, playlists, journal prompts, and deeper dives into everything we discuss here.

In this deeply reflective and thought-provoking episode, Eric Ayers shares his journey of navigating personal healing while driving cultural transformation. Eric opens up about how his purpose-led work has guided him through significant life transitions and how he’s used his experiences to fuel positive change within communities.

Eric discusses the power of storytelling as a vehicle for healing and how individuals and cultures can shift by simply reevaluating their narrative. He reflects on the importance of aligning with your core values and how doing so has impacted his wellness journey. From redefining success to confronting the barriers that hold us back, this conversation explores the intersection of personal growth and cultural evolution.

Together, we explore:

• Why your purpose is the foundation for personal and collective transformation
• How healing isn’t just an individual process, but a collective one
• The power of shifting your narrative to unlock new opportunities for growth
• What cultural shifts can look like when we start within ourselves
• Practical tips for using storytelling to create meaningful change
  

A few key takeaways:

• Healing is a lifelong journey, and it starts with understanding who you are at your core

• Shifting your mindset and embracing your purpose can change your life—and the world around you

• Small, conscious acts of cultural change can lead to larger societal transformations

• Authentic connection and storytelling can be powerful tools for healing and growth

If you're ready to shift your perspective, embrace healing, and explore how purpose-driven action can change your world, this episode is for you. Tune in and get inspired to transform from within.

Eric Ayers is the Founder of emc², LLC — an Alignment Practitioner and Transformation Guide who helps individuals and organizations move from surviving to thriving. Through offerings like Align by Design, Sim | Rx™, and his podcast PEP Talks, Eric creates spaces where insight inspires action and sparks of transformation ignite lasting change.To find out more about Eric, visit his website https://lifebydesign.net or email him at [email protected]

Want to be a guest on the Midlife Catalyst Podcast? We’d love to hear your story. Whether you’re figuring things out, navigating a significant shift, or have something on your heart you want to share, reach out! Visit midlifecatalyst.net or email [email protected].

And don’t forget to subscribe to Amanda’s Substack at amandayounts.substack.com. That’s where all the good stuff lives—episode extras, playlists, journal prompts, and deeper dives into everything we talk about here.

In this cozy and insightful episode, Amanda Younts and Meg Tietz discuss something we all struggle with—getting good sleep, especially in midlife.

Amanda shares how focusing on the Six Pillars of Wellness (think: moving your body, ditching alcohol, and being more intentional with your energy) has completely changed how she sleeps and shows up in the world. Meg talks about how perimenopause flipped her sleep upside down, and that led her to create Snuggle Up and Drift—a collection of calming sleep audios designed to help your brain slow down when your body’s exhausted, but your mind won’t quit.

Together, they laugh, get real about the chaos of midlife, and swap the tools, rituals, and little habits that actually make a difference—like yoga Nidra, cozy headbands for nighttime audio, or even clearing off your nightstand (seriously, it helps).

In this episode, you’ll discover: 

• Why your sleep might be a little wonky right now—and no, you're not the only one
  

• What’s really behind things like “revenge bedtime procrastination” (scrolling instead of sleeping, anyone?)
  

• Simple, non-preachy ways to improve your sleep that don’t require a full lifestyle overhaul
  

• How sound, story and guided visuals can become a bedtime anchor
  

• Why your environment, such as scents, sounds, and light, matters more than you think
  

• The power of routines (but not the rigid kind) to help you feel like you again.

  
  

  A few key takeaways:

• You’re not alone if your sleep feels out of sync—especially during midlife
  

• The way we sleep deeply affects how we think, feel, and connect with others
  

• Sometimes, the smallest shifts (like a calming voice in your ears or removing the clutter from your nightstand) can be surprisingly powerful
  

• Giving yourself permission to rest might just be the most rebellious form of self-care
  

If you’re tired of being tired—and ready for more peace, calm, and connection in your evenings—this episode is for you.

Grab your favorite blanket, and come hang out with us!

To find out more about Meg's Snuggle Up and Drift sleep meditations, visit her Substack at https://megtietz.substack.com/

Want to be a guest on the Midlife Catalyst Podcast?

We’d love to hear your story. Whether you’re figuring things out, navigating a big shift, or just have something on your heart you want to share—reach out!

Visit midlifecatalyst.net or email [email protected].

Don’t forget to subscribe to Amanda’s Substack at amandayounts.substack.com. That’s where all the good stuff lives—episode extras, playlists, journal prompts, and deeper dives into everything we talk about here.

Losing a parent is a life-altering experience, especially when it happens unexpectedly in your twenties. In this poignant episode, I sit down with Larissa Holquin of Sooner Girl Sports Pod to explore the profound impact of losing her father to pancreatic cancer at just 24 years old.

We delve into the emotional journey of navigating grief while trying to build a career and find your place in the world. Larissa shares how her father's passion for OU athletics became a touchstone for her own identity and a way to keep his memory alive.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How losing a parent at a young age shapes your perspective on life and career choices
• The challenges of being the first in your friend group to experience parental loss
• Strategies for preserving memories and maintaining connections to loved ones who've passed
• The importance of advocating for your health and trusting your instincts
• Reflections on the potential environmental factors contributing to cancer rates in small towns

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace opportunities to honor your loved one's passions as a way of keeping their memory alive
• Consider recording messages or creating keepsakes for future generations
• Find balance between preserving sentimental items and letting go
• Be proactive about your health while also enjoying life's experiences
• Recognize how grief can influence your life trajectory and personal growth

Join us for an honest, heartfelt conversation about loss, legacy, and finding purpose in the wake of tragedy. Whether you've experienced the loss of a parent or are supporting someone who has, this episode offers valuable insights on navigating grief and embracing life's uncertainties.

Chapters

00:01:29
Introducing Larissa Hulquin: Discussing Parental Loss and Cancer

00:11:15
Coping with Parental Loss and Lifestyle Changes

00:20:23
Career Transitions and Finding Purpose After Loss

00:33:34
Preserving Memories and Dealing with Grief

Have you ever felt held back by the stories you tell yourself? In this eye-opening continuation of my conversation with Tami Shaw, we explore the power of limiting beliefs and how they shape our identities. As a learning and talent development expert, Tami offers invaluable insights into breaking free from these self-imposed constraints.

Key Insights:

• The impact of community in personal and professional growth
• How to identify and challenge limiting beliefs
• The importance of authentic self-expression in leadership

Tami's Wisdom Nuggets:

• Why radically simple strategies often yield the best results
• The power of intentional language in shaping our identities
• How to create inclusive training environments for diverse learners

We also dive into the delicate balance between striving for excellence and embracing imperfection. Tami shares her journey of writing her upcoming book, "Radically Simple Training," offering valuable insights for those caught in the perpetual cycle of overthinking and overcomplicating.

Personal Growth Takeaways:

• Embracing vulnerability in professional settings
• The importance of community in challenging our self-perceptions
• How to craft powerful self-mantras for personal development

This conversation is a reminder that our beliefs about ourselves often limit our perspective and potential. Whether you're a leader looking to improve team dynamics, an individual seeking personal growth, or simply someone curious about reframing your thoughts, this episode offers practical tools and inspiring insights.

Join us as we explore the art of authentic self-expression and learn how to create lasting change, one radically simple step at a time.

Gather more resources by becoming a free subscriber to my newsletter at https://amandayounts.substack.com/

Find more radically simple ideas by visiting Tami Shaw at https://positivestrategery.com

Have you ever caught yourself making assumptions that didn't pan out? As someone who's been self-crowned, the queen of misguided assumptions, I know firsthand how this habit can lead us astray. In this eye-opening episode of Midlife Catalyst, I sit down with Tami Shaw, a learning and talent development expert, to explore how we can flip the script on the stories we tell ourselves.

We also dive into the delicate balance between striving for excellence and embracing imperfection. Tami shares her journey of learning to rest and recharge, offering valuable insights for those of us caught in the perpetual cycle of "go, go, go."

Key Insights:

• The power of curiosity in leadership and personal growth

• How to cultivate empathy through intentional storytelling

• The importance of celebrating small victories in goal-setting

• Strategies for effective collaboration and creating inclusive spaces

  
  

Tami's Wisdom Nuggets:

• The "AB Stories" technique for shifting negative assumptions

• Why radical simplicity is key to making lasting changes

• How to use the Working Genius model to understand team dynamics

  
  

Personal Growth Takeaways:

• Embracing vulnerability in creative pursuits

• The importance of sharing work-in-progress to foster growth

• How to navigate the tension between perfectionism and progress

This conversation reminds us that our assumptions often limit our perspective and potential. Whether you're a leader looking to improve team dynamics, an individual seeking personal growth, or simply someone curious about reframing your thoughts, this episode offers practical tools and inspiring insights.

Join us as we explore the art of storytelling - not just the stories we tell others but the ones we tell ourselves. It's time to challenge those assumptions and open ourselves to new possibilities.

Find Tami Shaw https://sites.google.com/view/positivestrategery/

Join the Midlife Catalyst Community

https://midlifecatalyst.net/

Sign up for my free newsletter at https://amandayounts.substack.com

Ever feel like you're stuck in a perpetual Groundhog Day, making the same resolutions year after year without seeing lasting change? You're not alone. In this candid episode, I open up about my own 20-year cycle of setting and failing to meet the same goals and how I finally broke free from this pattern.

I share my journey from superficial resolutions to meaningful, sustainable change by addressing the root causes of my behaviors. Drawing from my experience and training as a lifestyle and wellness coach, I explore Harvard Medical School's six pillars of lifestyle medicine and how the foundational lifestyle pyramid can be utilized to create lasting transformation.

Key Insights:

• Why traditional New Year's resolutions often fail
• The importance of identifying the "problem behind the problem"
• How small, incremental changes can lead to significant life improvements
• The power of intention-setting over rigid goal-making

Breaking The Cycle: My Personal Strategies

I dive into specific examples from my own life, including:

• Replacing Netflix binges with intentional reading
• Modifying my coffee consumption to reduce anxiety
• Using "exercise snacks" to combat social media addiction

Takeaways for Your Own Journey

These personal anecdotes illustrate how small shifts in daily habits can profoundly impact well-being.

• How to identify what's truly making you feel "bad" in your life
• The importance of understanding your "why" behind behavior changes
• Why one-size-fits-all wellness programs often fall short
• How to develop intrinsic motivation for lasting change

This episode challenges the quick-fix mentality prevalent in the wellness industry and encourages a more personalized, reflective approach to self-improvement. Whether you're looking to break old patterns, set more meaningful goals, or simply live more authentically, this conversation offers practical insights and inspiration for your journey.

Join me as we explore the art of sustainable personal growth and learn how to create lasting change, one small step at a time.

In this conversation, VerCora Herbert Johnson of Ardmore, OK, shares her profound journey through grief, motherhood, and faith. She reflects on the early loss of her mother and brother, the transformative experience of becoming a mother at a young age, and how her faith has shaped her understanding of love and loss. VerCora discusses the importance of vulnerability, the impact of grief on relationships, and the healing power of writing and mindfulness. She emphasizes the necessity of authentic conversations about grief and the importance of breathing through pain as a means of navigating life's challenges.

Key Takeaways

• Motherhood can be a transformative experience that reshapes one's perspective on love and life.

• Grief is a complex journey that requires time, patience, and understanding.

• Faith can provide strength and guidance during the darkest times.

• Writing and journaling can be powerful tools for processing emotions and experiences.

• It's essential to redefine what strength and vulnerability mean in the context of grief.

• Authentic conversations about loss can foster connection and healing.

• Breathwork and mindfulness practices can help navigate emotional pain.

• Loss can lead to a deeper understanding of love and relationships.

• It's important to allow oneself to feel and express emotions openly.

• Finding purpose in pain can lead to personal growth and resilience.

• Navigating Grief: VerCora's Journey of Healing

• The Transformative Power of Motherhood

Sound Bites

• "I found love all over again."

• "This is my new normal."

• "I trust you to fix it."

In this engaging conversation, Amanda Younts, of Midlife Catalyst, and Jim Trudeau, founding member of March Madness in Las Vegas, explore how passion and purpose can align to leave a legacy that brings joy and fulfillment to others. This episode explores the vibrant world of March Madness in Las Vegas, discussing the evolution of parties and community events surrounding the week of basketball, the experience of enjoying the city sober, and the dynamics of sports betting. They share personal anecdotes, insights into building a welcoming atmosphere for fans, and the joy of connecting with like-minded individuals during this exciting time of year.

Takeaways

Chapters 00:00The Joy of March Madness

03:46The Changing Landscape of Sports Betting

24:42The Evolution of March Madness Experience

27:21The Joy of Connecting with Fans

30:25Pet Peeves and Game Day Rituals

32:43The Pool Party Dilemma

35:16Music and March Madness

39:08Finding Your Perfect March Madness Experience

43:14Introduction to Legacy and Impact

45:06Writing Your Own Obituary: A Reflection on Life

45:38Arizona Moon