EP 139: Hey, midlife ladies, are you staring down at your weights like they’re judging you? Or maybe you’re still convinced that picking up a dumbbell will turn you into a pro bodybuilder overnight?

I get it—figuring out how to build strength in midlife can feel like one more chore we don’t have the energy for. But what if I told you that strength training might just be the key to unlocking your midlife energy, confidence, and longevity? As you know, I call it the “dumb and necessary weights”. It is one of my midlife hard and goods.  Spoiler alert: it is.

In this week's episode of Flexible Neurotic Podcast, I’m chatting with Annie Murray, a badass 54-year-old fitness trainer from the UK who didn’t even start her weightlifting journey until she turned 50. You heard me…

Annie is living proof that it’s never too late to pivot and go all-in on your health. We dive into all things food and weightlifting in midlife: why building muscle is basically your midlife insurance policy, how to stop overcomplicating nutrition, and why starting small and staying consistent is the secret sauce. 

Annie Murray is a certified personal trainer, fitness coach, and creator of a fitness app designed for women who want to build muscle, lose fat, and feel amazing in midlife. With a background as a software engineer turned fitness expert, Annie has inspired thousands on Instagram with her relatable, no-BS approach to health and strength. Her mission? To show women everywhere that it’s never too late to start—and that lifting weights isn’t scary, it’s empowering.

We Also Discuss:

(00:00) App Filming and Instagram Secrets (04:13) Midlife Fitness Pivot and Success (09:00) Embracing Change and Finding Strength (17:12) Menopause, HRT, Fitness, and Muscle Mass (22:38) Weight Training After 50 (36:40) Sugar-Free Nutrition and Fitness Transformation (52:50) Consistent Fitness Habits and Lifestyle (01:00:24) Starting a Midlife Business With Passion (01:09:34) Balancing Passion and Self-Doubt (01:17:25) Instagram Fitness Journey and Online Presence

WATCH THE EPISODE HERE: https://youtu.be/tZKbmdBi-VA

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC SHOW NOTES: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/episodes/139

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theflexibleneurotic/ 

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC WEBSITE: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/ 

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC EMAIL: [email protected] 

 

EP 138: Hey peeps, it’s me, Dr. Sarah Milken, The Flexible Neurotic. You know I’m all about the hard and good of midlife— the hormones, the identity shifts, the marriage stuff, and the WTF moments that come with it.

In this episode, I sit down with the hilarious and insightful Tara Ellison, writer for The Cut, The New York Times, Harper’s Bazaar, and The Washington Post, to talk about her midlife reboot… and yes, her unexpected love affair with sea lions. We dig into everything from testosterone creams and pellet disasters to the real truth about marriage, menopause, and midlife loneliness.

We also talk about how Tara went from a hormone rollercoaster and open-heart surgery to rediscovering herself through writing, volunteering, and community. It’s raw, it’s funny, it’s relatable, and it’s one of those episodes that reminds you: midlife reinvention doesn’t happen overnight… it happens one sweaty, hilarious, soul-searching day at a time.

What We Talk About

• The hormone circus: testosterone, patches, pellets, and patience

• Marriage, libido, and staying connected when midlife hits hard

• How health scares can wake us up to what really matters

• Finding yourself again through creativity and service

• The loneliness of midlife (even in a marriage)

• The beauty of doing something totally new — like sea lion rescue

WATCH THE EPISODE HERE: https://youtu.be/BJ6tB30SJDc 

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC SHOW NOTES: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/episodes/138

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theflexibleneurotic/ 

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC WEBSITE: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/ 

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC EMAIL: [email protected] 

EP 137: In this week’s episode of The Flexible Neurotic, I sit down with Erin Falconer—author of How to Break Up with Your Friends: Finding Meaning, Connection, and Boundaries in Modern Friendships. Yes, you read that right. We are actually talking about the hard, awkward, and sometimes necessary art of friend breakups in midlife.

Midlife is already a swirl of hormone chaos, empty-nesting, “who even am I anymore?” energy… and on top of that, many of us are re-evaluating friendships we’ve had for decades. Erin and I get into:    •   How to spot the difference between a friend who fills your cup vs. one who drains it.    •   The cultural shame around ending friendships (spoiler: there shouldn’t be).    •   Practical scripts and tips for having “the talk.”    •   Why pruning your friend tree makes room for deeper, more authentic connections.    •   The myth of “ride or die” friendships and why growth often means shifting circles.

This convo is funny, real, and slightly uncomfortable in the best way. Because let’s be honest—midlife is the perfect time to audit not just our hormones and skincare routines, but our relationships, too.

Listen if:    •   You’ve ever felt guilty for wanting out of a friendship.    •   You’re craving deeper, more meaningful connections in this next chapter.    •   You love a little humor sprinkled on top of your existential midlife crisis.

Resources & Links:    •   Erin’s book: How to Break Up with Your Friends    •   Erin Falconer on Instagram: @erinfalconer

WATCH THE EPISODE HERE: https://youtu.be/BJ6tB30SJDc 

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC SHOW NOTES: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/episodes/137

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theflexibleneurotic/ 

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC WEBSITE: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/ 

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC EMAIL: [email protected] 

 

EP 136: This episode is all about sustainable weight loss tips for your health! You know when you are in the market and you don’t know what to buy? But you want to be “healthy” and you are trying to remember all the opposing things you have seen on IG and Tik Tok. Me too! Do you wonder if there are some tricks and strategies to just get the darn daily protein? How do I cut the sugar? What packaged foods are healthier choices? Want simple tips to refresh your diet? Need a little boost for your midlife health journey? I've got your back!

In this episode, I am joined by the inspiring, fun and educational food & weight loss expert, Hunter Stoler. He is a certified health and nutrition coach and the mastermind behind Health With Hunter—a thriving social media platform and brand & a one-on-one (and group) coaching program designed to help you eat clean, get lean, and feel good. I mean what more can you ask for… Hunter’s IG and Tik Tok platforms are off the charts in growth and a healthy addiction.

Today, we are digging deep into Hunter’s health and weight loss philosophies that are built around simplicity and sustainability, two things I love to prioritize in midlife. The “weights, the steps, the protein”...Ugh! Hunter’s story is as motivating as it gets. He turned his own health journey of losing 50 pounds into a thriving coaching business, and now he’s here to share his insights with us. 

We are getting into everything from his self-transformation in health and entrepreneurship. We talk about how to grow a social media following.This conversation covers the importance of consistency, the role of personalized nutrition, weight loss and practical and sustainable tips for health and wellness in midlife. As Hunter says, “Health is your wealth”.

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC SHOW NOTES:https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/episodes/136

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theflexibleneurotic/ 

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC WEBSITE: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/ 

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC EMAIL: [email protected] 

 

EP 135: Ready to step into your main-character energy and say f*** to your inner b****? Into some “LUCKY GIRL SYNDROME? Feeling a little stuck and not sure how to chase those big dreams or even the little ones? No worries, I got you! Today’s guest is a total pro at helping you transform, get unstuck, and build the life you’ve been dreaming of…Get ready for some serious inspiration and some quantum leaping.

In this episode of the Flexible Neurotic Podcast, I sat down with licensed family and marriage therapist, life coach and entrepreneur Margot Miller. She’s the founder and CEO of "Her Unapologetic Success", a place for female entrepreneurs to break free from codependent survival roles and step into main character energy. I love it!

In this episode, we are getting into everything from self-transformation and empowerment, to mindset and personal growth. Margot emphasizes the significance of self-worth and the ability to embrace true self-authenticity and the importance of unapologetically going "for it" at any age. Get ready for action items around positive thinking and creating space for new opportunities. With some “delulu” on the side.

As always, this episode is available on Youtube!

Looking forward to connecting with you! Here are some ways to connect with me!

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC SHOW NOTES: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/episodes/135

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theflexibleneurotic/ 

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC WEBSITE: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/ 

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC EMAIL: [email protected]

EP 134: As a midlife woman, do you ever feel like maybe you don’t really know what your style is with clothes and how you express yourself? Sometimes you are boho chic, while other times you are preppy chic. Do you ever crave the ease of a “capsule” wardrobe? A magical closet fairy who can solve your outfit dramas? Me too! 

I got your back! In this episode, I am joined by wardrobe stylist and fellow midlifer who just did her own personal midlife pivot, Kim Preis. This was like a blind date because I really just met her for the first time, so we are all getting to know her together. 

Join me as we dig deep into Kim’s journey in the fashion industry and common challenges that women in midlife face in regards to style and confidence. Kim emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and finding joy in personal style. 

You won’t want to miss this episode, also available on youtube! 

Looking forward to connecting with you! Here are some ways to connect with me!

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC SHOW NOTES: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/episodes/134

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theflexibleneurotic/ 

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC WEBSITE: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/ 

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC EMAIL: [email protected] 

 

EP 133: Title: A Juicy Midlife… Parenthood, Creative outlets, And The Importance Of Female Friends 

This is like the midlife bestie chat where you feel like a “fly on the wall” with two women getting into it all. “I threw out my back picking up something in the shower. Is this really where I am at right now, in midlife?” LOL.

Today I am joined by midlife hottie, mom, social media superstar and top jewelry designer, Melinda Spiegel of Melinda Maria Jewelry. Today we are getting into everything midlife from parenting and following your passions to longevity and beauty routines. Let’s talk about our “angry b**** hormones”...Melinda’s thoughts on midlife friendships, hormones, husbands and parenting & of course the midlife “peeing all the time”...& is “manopause” real and happening? And, how I am making my whole family do the “stool poop” tests…My teenagers really love me. LOL.

In typical Flexible Neurotic style we are getting honest and open and giving you so many dripping golden nuggets you will appreciate in midlife. We talk about entrepreneurial spirit, the impact of hormones, and the significance of pursuing your pivots. The beauty of “just starting the thing”. And, if you want to hear about Melinda’s supplements, workouts, her thoughtful eating habits…

This is my second episode with Melinda. The first episode was during the pandemic and you can enjoy this episode too 

Passion, Style & Jewelry Business in the Second Half of Life

YOU CAN ALSO WATCH ON YOUTUBE! 

Looking forward to connecting with you! Here are some ways to connect with me!

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC SHOW NOTES: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/episodes/133

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theflexibleneurotic/ 

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC WEBSITE: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/ 

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC EMAIL: [email protected] 

EP 132: Are you a midlife woman who kinda just wants to be able to DM another midlife woman and say “I’m sweating, I’m bored, I am sad my kids left the house”…? Me too. That's why I answer all of my IG DM messages.

I just started a little minisode series called “in my DM’s”… I will do quick episodes reading and responding to some of my listener DM’s. You can complain, commiserate or ask me questions! 

We unpacked my midlife baggage… we unpacked my emotional baggage… and today we are unpacking my DMs. 

You guys know that I respond to every single one of your messages! I love the community that we have built and I want to share some messages because I know that other midlife women are either feeling the same or have the same question that you do. 

We are digging deep into my inbox to discuss our shared experience with hormones, doctors, fitness and all things midlife. You won’t want to miss this solo mini sode, also available on youtube! 

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC SHOW NOTES: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/episodes/132

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theflexibleneurotic/ 

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC WEBSITE: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/ 

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC EMAIL: [email protected] 

 

EP 131: Today we are unpacking my midlife bags, literally. You guys know I like to be prepared for anything that I (or my husband) might need. Everyone makes fun of me until they need one of the bandaids I packed at the airport. 

We are digging deep into my trusted midlife bags! I am back with another solo mini-sode where I am giving you an inside look at all my literal and metaphorical baggage… like all of it. So get ready for some much needed midlife TMI!

From no sweat inner thigh solutions to the perfume I hide from my daughter, I’m putting it all out there with links, Duh! Oh and this episode is on youtube so you can see all the products, everything so much sure to check it out. 

Looking forward to connecting with you! Here are some ways to connect with me!

SHOP MY MIDLIFE BAG: https://shopmy.us/collections/833075

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC SHOW NOTES: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/episodes/131

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theflexibleneurotic/ 

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC WEBSITE: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/ 

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC EMAIL: [email protected] 

 

EP 130: Permission for the “ugly cry” is granted. “midlife mom” mixed with “empty nest” or “half empty nest”, omg! Get ready for a new solo mini-sode where I get into everything empty nest (half empty nest) and “teen son” as I call him is now “college son”. He just left for his sophomore year of college. I’m heading into my second “year of lasts” (last prom, last SAT, last college apps) with “teen daughter”, finishing her last year of high school and I’m trying to stay present for all of it, “hard and good” as I say! 

I am digging deep with all of you into my personal journey through the “ugh’s and fabulosities” of parenting in midlife and the transition to an empty nest. I’m still a “half empty nester”. I know you’re feeling it too and I’m here to remind you that you are not alone. Parenting sh** mixed with new feelings of feeling irrelevant. Woosh!     When we enter an “empty nest” era, our mom duties change from “mangager to consultant” and the need for self-reflection, personal growth and humor is necessary. Getting real with you, per usual.  Today, I am giving you practical golden nuggets for navigating this experience! You won’t want to miss this episode, also available on Youtube!

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC SHOW NOTES: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/episodes/130

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theflexibleneurotic/ 

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC WEBSITE: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/ 

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC EMAIL: [email protected]