Now What

HOOPS & GLOSS! Do you have teens? Are you around teens? Do you have younger kids who will become teens at some point in their lives? Then you DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS EPISODE!

Melis has the most fascinating conversation with Communication Strategist Maria Iams. Maria gives simple communication tools on how to connect with your teenager…and they're easier than you think!

Here's what's coming at ya:

• "Parents…you need to be better listeners!" …Maria explains why this is crucial!

• Learn how to communicate with your teens from a language of "compliance (don't touch the stove, you will burn yourself), to a language of "connection" and "collaboration"

• FInd out the #1 tip of what NOT to do when you first see your teenager (and learn how Melis already broke that rule first thing that morning ;)

This episode is a GAME CHANGER and will help you become closer to your teenagers!

Check it out, Glossers! xoxo

melis

🎧 Listen Now:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/now-what/id1828005485 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MbAB2rFGYnUijWehLtN4C

💬 Let's Stay Connected:

📲 CONTACT Email: [email protected] Instagram: @motivatewithmelis YouTube: @MelissaMurphyNowWhatPodcast Website: https://motivatewithmelis.com

✨ And Remember…

Midlife isn't a crisis — it's a plot twist.

xoxo

melis

"Maybe the problem isn't that you want more… maybe you've outgrown what you built."

Midlife isn't where you slow down — it's where you expand.

This week, Melis is calling it out: 👉 This is the season of disruption.

You can have a life that looks good on paper… and still feel restless.

That doesn't make you ungrateful — it means you're evolving.

🔥 In This Episode:

• Why "I should be happy" is keeping you stuck
• The guilt around wanting more (and why it's not the problem)
• The truth about feeling restless or "off"
• The reframe: you've outgrown what you built
• Why midlife is your expansion era — not your ending

💥 Mic-Drop Moments:

• "Wanting more does not make you ungrateful."
• "You can love your life and still outgrow it."
• "Two things can be true at the same time."
• "We are not done."

🚀 Your Challenge:

Do one thing today.

• Send the email
• Sign up for the class
• Start the thing you've been putting off

Because clarity doesn't come from thinking — it comes from moving.

🎧 Listen Now:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/now-what/id1828005485 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MbAB2rFGYnUijWehLtN4C

💬 Let's Stay Connected:

🌐 https://motivatewithmelis.com 📩 [email protected] 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/motivatewithmelis

✨ And Remember…

Midlife isn't a crisis — it's a plot twist.

xoxo

melis

SQUAD!

In Part 2 of this conversation, digital creator and athlete Elle Cassellman shares what happens when you decide to dream bigger than the plan you originally had for your life.

From getting into UCLA after being told she never would… to building confidence through faith, consistency, and bold action… this episode is about showing up even when nothing feels guaranteed.

In this episode, they talk about:

• chasing purpose • creating impact through content • taking risks — like walking into a Baywatch audition without registration • trusting that imperfect progress can still lead somewhere powerful

Because reinvention doesn't have an age requirement.

and remember, midlife isn't a crisis, it's a plot twist.

xoxo melis

🏃‍♀️ Elle's LA Marathon Training Partner

Elle is training with Endorphins Running. Use code ELLE for training plans and support.

📲 CONNECT WITH ELLE

Instagram: @elleevancasselman

💌 CONNECT WITH MELIS

Instagram: @motivatewithmelis YouTube: Melissa Murphy Now What Podcast Email: [email protected] Website: https://motivatewithmelis.com

Nobody talks about reinvention starting this early.

In Part 1 of this powerful conversation, Melis sits down with digital creator and lifelong athlete Elle Cassellman — someone she has known since Elle was a teenager, and who is now boldly carving her own path at just 21.

From navigating COVID during high school to rediscovering purpose through running, transferring colleges against the norm, and training alone before sunrise, Elle shares what it really looks like to bet on yourself before the world expects you to.

This episode is about discipline. It's about courage. It's about choosing growth over comfort — even when it feels lonely.

And just when Elle begins creating a life she loves… an unexpected opportunity changes everything.

Part 2 drops next week.

Because reinvention isn't reserved for midlife. Sometimes the plot twist begins at 21.

📲 Connect with Elle

Instagram: @elleevancasselman

💌 Connect with Melis

Instagram: @motivatewithmelis YouTube: Melissa Murphy Now What Podcast Email: [email protected] Website: https://motivatewithmelis.com

SQUAD!

What happens when a political science major pivots to acting, travels the world, builds a career in tech… and then decides to run for mayor? This week on Now What?!, I sit down with my friend, former Microsoft coworker, proud UCLA Bruin, and current Walnut Creek Mayor Kevin Wilk to talk about reinvention, leadership, and why it's never too late to change direction.

We get real about local politics, community challenges, standing up against hate, and yes… we still make time to talk Original Joe's, retro dance nights, and Bruins basketball.

In this episode we talk about:

• Kevin's full-circle journey from corporate tech to public service • Why purpose and happiness matter more than titles or income • The biggest issues facing Walnut Creek today • How local leaders are working together — and what gives him hope

Enjoy and remember...midlife isn't a crisis - it's a plot twist!

xoxo

melis

🎙️ Guest Info

Instagram: @kevin_wilk Facebook: Kevin Wilk

💌 Connect with Melissa / Now What?!

📩 Email: [email protected] 🌐 Website: https://motivatewithmelis.com 📱 Instagram: @motivatewithmelis ▶️ YouTube: @MelissaMurphyNowWhatPodcast

SQUAD… this one is a deep exhale and a full-body "oh my God… same."

In this episode, I'm joined by Lori Montry — somatic healing practitioner, author of You're Not the Problem, and creator of the Freedom Formula (a nervous system–based roadmap for sustainable behavior change).

Lori's message is simple… and life-changing: you are not the problem. Your patterns aren't proof you're broken — they're proof you adapted. And the best part? You can adapt again… this time to return to you.

What we get into

• Why trauma isn't logical — it lives in the nervous system

• Dissociation as a brilliant survival strategy (and why it can follow you into adulthood)

• The moment survival stops protecting you… and starts suffocating you

• The 3 foundational ingredients for real change: safety, capacity, and energy

• Lori's big promise: there is a pathway out — and it's clear

If you've been feeling…

Overwhelmed. Stuck. Like you "should" be able to get it together by now… This episode is your permission slip to stop blaming yourself and start getting curious about what your nervous system has been carrying.

And remember, midlife isn't a crisis...it's a plot twist.

xoxo

melis

Connect with Lori Montry

• Instagram: @lorimontry

• Website: lorimontry.com (book + resources)

Book: You're Not the Problem (available in print, ebook/Kindle, and audiobook) — Lori shares that it's releasing April 25.

Connect with me (Melis)

• Website: motivatewithmelis.com

• Instagram: @motivatewithmelis

• Email: [email protected]

Gloss Squad… today's guest is proof that sometimes the algorithm understood the assignment.

I discovered La-Toya (aka Toy Toy 💁🏽‍♀️) on Instagram after reposting a mindset clip about Olympic skier Eileen Gu — and two days later? She's on the pod. That's how we move.

La-Toya is the founder of Girl Talks Sports, a growing global media platform and community created by women who love sports — and who are done waiting for permission to take up space.

We talk about: • Growing up between Jamaica 🇯🇲 and Canada 🇨🇦 and falling in love with hockey • Why women have always been sports fans — the media just hasn't reflected it • Periods at the Olympics (yes, we went there 👏) • Why Serena Williams is the GOAT. Pregnant Australian Open win. End of debate.

And the mic-drop moment?

"We're not trying to play catch up. We're trying to surpass."

Chills.

La-Toya created Girl Talks Sports because she didn't see a welcoming, judgment-free space for women who love the game. So she built one. Global. Inclusive. Engaged. And growing.

Now What for her?

Sponsors. Expansion. More women's voices in sports. Bigger rooms. Louder conversations.

Gloss Squad — if you love sports, mindset, confidence, or powerful women building tables instead of waiting for invites… this episode is your vibe.

Because midlife isn't a crisis — it's just a plot twist. 💄✨

🔗 Connect with La-Toya

📸 IG: @girl_talks_sports

🎙️ Now What?! Podcast by Motivate with Melis 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple 📸 IG: @motivatewithmelis 📺 YouTube: @MelissaMurphyNowWhatPodcast 🌐 https://motivatewithmelis.com 📩 [email protected]

If your sex life feels more like a chore than a connection, this episode is for you. I'm joined by Elana Auerbach, author of The Sure Thing, to talk about how a simple weekly pleasure practice can rebuild intimacy — on purpose. This isn't about pressure or performance… it's about presence. ✨ In This Episode:

• The difference between spontaneous desire vs. responsive desire (game changer)

• Why scheduling intimacy can actually make it hotter

• The 3 essentials for a lasting practice: commitment, effort & devotion

• How pleasure fuels connection, confidence, and courageous kindness

Grab Elana's book + learn more: 👉 SureThingExperiment.com 📖 Available on Amazon & Barnes & Noble (online only)

—

See you next time on Now What?!, and remember…

Midlife isn't a crisis — it's just a plot twist. 💄✨

xoxo melis

🎙️ Now What?! Podcast by Motivate with Melis 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple 📸 IG: @motivatewithmelis 📺 YouTube: @MelissaMurphyNowWhatPodcast 🌐 motivatewithmelis.com 📩 [email protected]

💖 Valentine's Week Special Show Notes

Gloss Squad… it's your girl Melis — but after this episode, you can just call me Cupid. 🏹✨

This Valentine's Day special is not just cute. It's not just romantic. It's not just "awww."

It's actual, real-life, midlife magic that started… right here on Now What?!

In this Valentine's Week Special, you'll hear:

✨ How a podcast episode sparked a real-life relationship ✨ Why friends setting you up might be the move ✨ The surprising truth about "butterflies" vs. feeling safe ✨ And why Christmas wrapping paper in April might actually be a green flag

If you've ever wondered: 💭 "Should I let my friend set me up?" 💭 "Why doesn't this feel dramatic… is that bad?" 💭 "What does healthy love actually feel like in midlife?"

This episode is your Valentine.

Because sometimes love doesn't come from an app. Sometimes it comes from hitting play.

Happy Valentine's Day, Gloss Squad. 💕

And remember…

midlife isn't a crisis — it's just a plot twist. 💄✨

xoxo melis

✨ Episode Highlights

In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, Christina and I unpack why so many smart, capable women still struggle with self-sabotage, procrastination, and feeling "off" — especially in midlife.

In this episode, we talk about:

• 🧠 Self-sabotage & procrastination — why they're not character flaws, but subconscious protection patterns

• 🔁 The internal dialogue & stories we tell ourselves ("I'm always tired," "I should know better") — and how repetition becomes belief

• 🧘‍♀️ Why calm can feel unsafe when stress and pressure have become familiar

• 🌱 Midlife awakenings — feeling grateful for your life, yet knowing something is missing (and why that doesn't make you ungrateful)

• 🔓 How hypnotherapy helps rewire old beliefs and create new neural pathways for lasting change

If you've ever thought "Why do I keep doing this when I KNOW better?" — this episode is for you.

Because midlife isn't a crisis — it's a plot twist. 💄✨

xoxo, melis

If it's a 5-star vibe, please click below and leave a review 💄✨ 👉 https://ratethispodcast.com/nowwhatwithmelis

🔗 Connect with Melissa

• 🎙️ Podcast: Now What?! Podcast (available on Apple & Spotify)

• 🌐 Website: motivatewithmelis.com

• 📸 Instagram: @motivatewithmelis

• 📩 Email: [email protected]

🔗 Connect with Christina

• 🌐 Website: ChristinaLWoods.com

• ✨ Free Clarity Call: A space to gain clarity and explore next steps for support 👉 https://BookChristinaRTT.as.me/30ClarityCall

• 🌀 The Reset Room: A free hypnosis and healing space to reset and reconnect 👉 https://christinalwoods.mykajabi.com/theresetroom

💫 About the Guest

Christina L. Woods is an internationally recognized Clinical Hypnotherapist, Subconscious Expert, Energy Healer, and Author. She's the founder of Wise Woods Hypnotherapy and creator of the Wise Woods Method™, helping women reconnect with their intuition and create deeply fulfilling lives.

💄 About Your Host

Melissa Murphy is an ACE Certified Group Fitness Coach, Nutrition Coach, and FMG Competitor. She's the creator and host of the Now What?! Podcast, a space for honest conversations about midlife reinvention, mindset, health, confidence, and asking the question so many women quietly carry: Now What?!