In this episode I reflect on the past year of  The Marvelous Middle Age Podcast.  As I look back on this year - and two incredible years of podcasting - I'm filled with gratitude. Midlife is not a crisis - it's a calling. We're wiser, stronger, and more grounded than ever. Thank you for walking this journey with me and for making The Marvelous Middle Age Podcast part of your world. 

Thank you for being here, for listening, and for believing in this community. Subscribe to The Marvelous Middle Age Podcast wherever you listen.  Share the show with a friend who needs encouragement.  

Midlife isn't something to survive -it's something to celebrate. You're not too late. You're not too old. You're not behind. You're becoming -and it's absolutely marvelous. Here's to living fully, loving deeply, and embracing the beauty of this middle. See you in 2026-the best is yet to come!

Season Six: Beginning the New Year With Intention

Connect with Meredith Van Ness on Instagram @meredith.vanness

• Visit Meredith’s website https://meredithvanness.com/

Access Meredith’s  Self Care Guide

Sign up to receive Meredith’s 10 Tips for Self-Care

Submit the contact form on Meredith’s website to obtain more information about her programs

Sarah Watson

The Restoration Project

• Website www.the-restorationproject.com

• Instagram

• YouTube

• Facebook 

• LinkedIn 

Season Seven:  Type Me Up Before You Go-Go The Ennegaram

Free Enneagram Assessment

Books:

Your Enneagram Coach Books

The Road Back to You - by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile

Season Eight:  Let’s Talk Menopause

Connect with Dr. Teggatz:

• www.theteggatzclinic.com

• The Teggatz Clinic on Instagram 

• The Teggatz Clinic on Instagram

Resources:

Menopause.Org Patient Education

The New Menopause Book

How to Menopause Book

Menopause Method  - Dr. David Rosensweet

Dr. Jen Simmons

Menopause.Org Patient Education

The New Menopause Book

How to Menopause Book

Some of my favorite menopause related follows on Instagram:

Dr. Mary Claire Haver

Dr. Vonda Wright

Dr. Kelly Casperson

Tamsen Fadal

Carin Luna-Ostaseski

• Hot or Just Me 

• Eight Signs You’re in Perimenopause - NYT Article

• Carin Luna-Ostaseski of Hot Or Just Me On 5 Things You Need To Thrive Through Perimenopause

• The Menopause Brain

• The New Menopause - Dr. Mary Claire Haver

• Alloy

• Midi Health

Anna Sneed

Connect with The Agenda.  on social!

• Instagram

• Facebook

• www.theagendaperiod.com

• You Conference 

• Oprah Winfrey Menopause Special

Season Nine:  Be The Mountain: Living and Leading with Radical Courage

• Listener Guide

• Upcoming Event and Experiences with The Restoration Project - Register Today!

• Subscribe to The Restoration Project Newsletter!

Season Ten:  Powerful Perspectives

Ann Roushar:  Not Your Average Neighbor Podcast

Dr. Madelyn Pilcher:  Innovative Aesthetics

Innovative Aesthetics Facebook Page

Erica Bergfeld-Reed:  www.linkedin.com/in/erica-bergfeld-reed

Breast Cancer Self Exam

Mammogram Guidelines

Teresa Jensen:  Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust

Lisa Lopez:  Connect with Lisa on Instagram @livehappycoaching

Live Happy Coaching

Self Love Retreats

Dawn Sparling:  @Dawn_Lightingtheway

Watch Dawn’s Bold and Visible Monologue “First Class Seat” here (start at 55:08 for Dawn’s monologue):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRCZOseSMos

Sheri Zevenbergen:  https://www.thedashmindset.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheri-zevenbergen/

The Dash Mindset Podcast

Kim Damon:  Connect with Kim: https://www.midlifediscoveries.com/

Midlife Discoveries Worthy Moms Podcast

Megan Knatz:  https://www.instagram.com/meganknatz

This season is all about Powerful Perspectives—real stories and fresh insights from incredible women who are thriving, growing, and redefining what it means to live fully in midlife.

This week I’m joined by Megan Knatz.

Megan is a busy mom, wife, business owner and animal lover, and she also happens to be my sister.

In this episode we talk about the holiday season with young adult and older children.

The holidays can look a little different once your kids are grown. The house might be quieter, schedules harder to coordinate, and traditions may not fit quite the same way they used to. 

In this episode, we’re talking about how to prepare for and celebrate the holidays with your young adult or older children in ways that still feel meaningful, connected, and fun. We’ll explore how to start new traditions, hold onto the heart of family, and embrace this new season with joy and flexibility.

Connect with Megan

This season is all about Powerful Perspectives—real stories and fresh insights from incredible women who are thriving, growing, and redefining what it means to live fully in midlife.

This week I’m joined by Kim Damon.

Kim is the Founder of Worthy Moms, Midlife Discoveries and a certified Life and Enneagram Coach who helps empty-nest moms build stronger, more connected relationships with their adult children while thriving in midlife. Supporting women through this season is truly her passion.

In this episode, Kim and I talk about her program, Worthy Moms, and what inspired her to create it for mothers who may be experiencing estrangement or low contact with their kids. We also dive into why this topic isn’t talked about nearly enough—even though it’s something so many women are walking through. Kim offers thoughtful insights on how to begin healing and rebuilding those relationships while still finding moments of joy along the way.

Connect with Kim: https://www.midlifediscoveries.com/

Midlife Discoveries Worthy Moms Podcast

Amy Wicks: Simply Wholehearted and the Wholehearted Enneagram Podcast

The Enneagram

This season is all about Powerful Perspectives—real stories and fresh insights from incredible women who are thriving, growing, and redefining what it means to live fully in midlife.

This week I’m joined by Sheri Zevenbergen.

Sheri is a coach and consultant who, after more than 20 years as a corporate leader, founded The DASH Mindset to help people shift from autopilot to alignment through small, intentional changes—so they can experience success that finally feels as good as it looks.

In this episode, Sheri and I talk about her transition from corporate life to launching her coaching practice. She shares how she helps clients uncover where they’re feeling stuck or ready for change, and how simple shifts can lead to big transformations. We also chat about her podcast, The DASH Mindset, and what she loves most about hosting meaningful conversations that inspire growth.

Connect with Sheri:

https://www.thedashmindset.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheri-zevenbergen/

The Dash Mindset Podcast

The Enneagram

This season is all about Powerful Perspectives—real stories and fresh insights from incredible women who are thriving, growing, and redefining what it means to live fully in midlife.

This week I’m joined by Dawn Sparling.

Dawn is Living in Full Color in the middle of life! After taking an adult gap year from her Human Resources career to reflect and live more intentionally, she’s now helping women embrace their bodies and their stories. She recently launched her new program, LoVe the Skin You’re In – Body Shame to Body Celebration, guiding women toward greater self-acceptance and confidence.

In this episode, Dawn and I talk about her inspiring new program, which I had the joy of participating in this year. I share my own experience in the program and how the tools I learned will stick with me for years to come. Dawn opens up about what inspired her to create this work and how you can begin today to recognize the role you play in how you see and speak to yourself.

Connect with Dawn on Instagram, through her blog and on LinkedIn:

Instagram: @Dawn_Lightingtheway

Blog:  https://www.finding-me-lighting-the-way.com/

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-sparling-6149969/

The Marvelous Middle Age Podcast Season Five, Episode Eight

Bold and Visible

Watch Dawn’s Bold and Visible Monologue “First Class Seat” here (start at 55:08 for Dawn’s monologue):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRCZOseSMos

Your Body Is Not An Apology

This season is all about Powerful Perspectives—real stories and fresh insights from incredible women who are thriving, growing, and redefining what it means to live fully in midlife.

This week I’m joined by Lisa Lopez.

Lisa is a Certified Happiness Coach and owner of Live Happy Coaching. She helps women over 30 who’ve checked all the boxes on what they thought would make them happy—but still feel stuck or unfulfilled—discover true happiness that leaves them inspired, energized, and excited about what lights them up each day.

In this episode, Lisa and I talk about the power of friendship—how we can reframe the way we think and talk about making friends, and how Lisa’s “friendship agreements” help foster deeper, more meaningful connections. We also explore why strong friendships with other women are essential to a joyful, fulfilling life.

Connect with Lisa on Instagram @livehappycoaching

Live Happy Coaching

Self Love Retreats

This season is all about Powerful Perspectives—real stories and fresh insights from incredible women who are thriving, growing, and redefining what it means to live fully in midlife.

This week I’m joined by Teresa Jensen.

Teresa is a proud mom of two adult children and grandmother to two little ones—roles she considers the most meaningful part of her life. With over 32 years in banking and a recent certification as a yoga instructor, she beautifully blends professionalism with mindfulness. 

In this episode Teresa and I talk about her journey in the financial industry and why she loves supporting women in their dreams and businesses.  Teresa shares how yoga has played an integral part of her wellness and when she decided to become certified to teach. We also discuss how through her career in finance and teaching yoga she has been able to serve others in ways that fill her spirit. 

Enneagram Three

Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust

This season is all about Powerful Perspectives—real stories and fresh insights from incredible women who are thriving, growing, and redefining what it means to live fully in midlife.

This week I’m joined by Erica Bergfeld-Reed.

Erica is married to her husband Brad and is a mama to her beloved fur baby Theo. When not volunteering or traveling, you'll likely find her rocking a great pair of earrings and setting her next goal in life! 

In this episode, Erica opens up about navigating life’s toughest challenges—including a breast cancer diagnosis at just 38. She shares how releasing control and learning to accept help transformed her perspective. 

Erica believes that life’s curveballs can become disco balls—shining light in unexpected ways—and she reminds us that purpose and positivity can coexist, even in hardship. You’ll hear how her incredible community rallied around her during her cancer journey, and she offers thoughtful advice on how to truly support someone walking a similar path.

Connect with Erica: www.linkedin.com/in/erica-bergfeld-reed

Breast Cancer Self Exam

Mammogram Guidelines

This season is all about Powerful Perspectives—real stories and fresh insights from incredible women who are thriving, growing, and redefining what it means to live fully in midlife.

This week I’m joined by Dr. Madelyn Pilcher.

Dr. Pilcher serves as the Clinical Director of Innovative Aesthetics Medical Spa, blending her academic achievements—two Bachelor of Science degrees, one in biology, one in nursing, and a Doctorate in Nursing Practice—with a passion for facilitating natural beauty. Dr. Pilcher is dedicated to the art and science of aesthetic treatments.

In this episode, we talk about how our skin changes in midlife, what we can do to protect our skin, including living a healthy lifestyle, as well as a variety of treatments that can enhance your natural beauty.  Dr. Pilcher’s approach is to meet the client where they are and help them to feel better about the process of aging.  

Connect with Madelyn:  @iamedicalspa, @mad_appeal_aesthetics

Innovative Aesthetics

Innovative Aesthetics Facebook Page

Xeomin

Neuromodulators

Laser Treatments

This season is all about Powerful Perspectives—real stories and fresh insights from incredible women who are thriving, growing, and redefining what it means to live fully in midlife.

This week I'm joined by Ann Roushar.

Ann is a vibrant and dedicated REALTOR® with deep roots in Cedar Rapids. A true community connector, Ann is passionate about helping others find their perfect home.  She recently launched a podcast, Not Your Average Neighbor, where she shines a light on good people doing good things in our community and across the country. 

In this episode, we talk about her podcast, the challenges of podcasting and what she wished she would have known before starting her podcast. We also talk about our dream podcast guests and our love for The Real Housewives franchise.

Connect with Ann

Not Your Average Neighbor Podcast

Together We Achieve

Nurse Kim

Sara Booz

Dr. Vonda Wright

Dr. Kelly Casperson

Dr. Mary Claire Haver

Melani Sanders-We Do Not Care Club

Celeste Barber

The Real Housewives