What if midlife isn’t a slow fade into invisibility, but the most confident, ridiculous, and joyful chapter yet?

All month long in January, we’re revisiting the best of our most downloaded, most shared, and most talked-about conversations from 2025—and this episode is a true greatest hit.

In this laugh-out-loud conversation, I’m talking with the wildly relatable Peaches of Peaches and Diesel 104, the Instagram phenom who’s turned Gen X midlife into must-watch comedy. From menopause mishaps and rogue eyebrow hairs to empty nesting, friendship, marriage, and saying “yes” to absolutely absurd ideas (Dateline murder binders, wedding dress try-ons, goat yoga—yes, really), nothing is off-limits.

Peaches shares how her platform unexpectedly blew up during the pandemic, why women in midlife are more powerful (and less apologetic) than ever, and how humor and friendship can carry us through big transitions—menopause included. 

Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It. 

🎧 Bonus tip: This episode includes plenty of visual “show and tell,” so be sure to watch it on YouTube for the full experience!

Listen in to learn more: 

(3:15) Midlife Isn’t Decline — It’s Confidence, Freedom, and Trying New Things

(8:40) Laughter and Levity Are Essential Tools for This Season of Life

(24:30) Empty Nesting Requires Investing in Your Marriage, Not Just Your Kids

(37:50) Menopause & Perimenopause: Normalize the Symptoms and Stop the Shame

(52:10) Friendship in Midlife Matters More Than Ever — Seek Connection and Say Yes

In this episode, we are digging into the power of saying yes and trying new things, stepping out of your comfort zone, embracing what makes you unique, finding humor and joy in midlife, what it’s like to be an empty nester, encouragement for navigating menopause, staying healthy and having fun as we age, and the importance of friendship in midlife.

In this episode, we are digging into finding humor and joy in midlife, what it’s like to be an empty nester, saying yes to things that bring you joy, being willing to try something new, navigating menopause, and the importance of friendship in midlife. 

My Favorite Weighted Vest

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As we head into the season of gathering, giving… and gritting our teeth at the dinner table, we’re revisiting one of my most popular conversations — with Harvard happiness expert, Professor Arthur Brooks. The research is clear: the happiest people in the world have one thing in common — strong family connections.

But what if your family drives you nuts? What if the group chat is a minefield and you’re already bracing yourself for Aunt Marge’s political monologue?

If you struggle with family dynamics, you’re not alone. It’s normal.

In this episode, we unpack why we need our families even when we don’t always like them, the neurobiological wiring that keeps us connected, and why conflict doesn’t mean failure. If you’re heading into this season with mixed emotions, this one will help you navigate the tension. 

Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It. 

Listen in to learn more

(0:30) — Family dynamics

(1:40) — Happiness / “science of happiness”

(10:30) — Neurobiological connection / sense of self

(14:50) — “Love without liking”

(25:30) — Conflict vs. schism (estrangement)

SUMMARY

In this episode, we are diving into estrangement in families, expectations in parenting and family relationships, the differences between family connections and friendships (and why we need both!), the science of how family connects us to a sense of self, how much effort you should put into family relationships, common challenges that make family life complicated, the difference between conflict and schism in relationships, a call back to intergenerational living, and advice for managing conflict in family relationships. 

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Connect with Professor Arthur Brooks 

 ​​https://arthurbrooks.com/meet-arthur 

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In part two of our annual Ask Us Anything series, John and I tackle your questions about the messy world of parenting, surviving the holidays, and what life really looks like after stepping away from TV.

We get into all of it — how we handled (and mishandled) the sex talk with our kids, why the teenage years nearly broke us (and what ultimately helped), and the backwards parenting advice we wish we could give our 30-year-old selves. We also talk holiday traditions and how unprepared we actually are every December.

It’s very us — flannels, real talk, and all. 

Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It. 

Listen in to learn more :

(04:30)  How to Handle “The Sex Talk” With Kids

(12:00) Holiday Stress, Traditions & the Reality of Being Unprepared

(20:30) Parenting Advice for Your 30s: Let Them Fail Forward

(30:30) Surviving the Teen Years & Planned Emancipation

(44:30)College Search, Leaving New York & Life Reset Reflections

In this episode, we are digging into holiday prep and holiday traditions, parenting advice for parents in the little years, tough parenting seasons and coming out on the other side, parenting as partners, helping our teens make college decisions, and taking the risk to start over in a new place.

Sponsor: Cozy Earth – Luxury Bedding and Loungewear 

Cozy Earth offers luxury bedding and loungewear known for its incredible softness and temperature regulation. Browse today. Never worry about sleeping hot again!

Head to ⁠cozyearth.com⁠ and use my code PAULA for up to  40% off!

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Sign up to receive Paula’s email, where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms. 

Connect with John

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It’s that time of year again—our annual Ask Us Anything episodes, where John and I answer your questions with zero prep (on his part), lots of honesty, and the usual amount of chaos. In Part 1, we tackle everything from marriage in midlife to Michigan football, GLP-1 meds, the best trip we took this year, and the places we still dream of traveling.

You’ll hear why I refuse to watch Michigan–Ohio State with other humans, the memoir John believes he’s writing, my experience with GLP-1s, and how we’re navigating big changes together.

It’s unfiltered, unscripted, and very us: a little marriage therapy, a little sports talk, a little midlife crisis, and a lot of laughter.

Part 2 drops next week!

Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It. 

Listen in to learn more: (06:20) College Choices and Family Dynamics 

(13:54) Considering Weight Loss and Inflammation 

(19:24) The Importance of Perseverance 

(24:25) Navigating Marriage Challenges and Intimacy 

(29:08) “Quality Time “

In this episode, we are digging into the best way to watch the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry game, our favorite travel experiences and places we dream of going, the pros and cons of GLP-1s, why commitment is key to a strong marriage, the power of forgiveness, how to keep your relationship strong after many years together, and what women wish men knew about intimacy. 

Sponsor: Cozy Earth – Luxury Bedding and Loungewear 

Cozy Earth offers luxury bedding and loungewear known for its incredible softness and temperature regulation. Browse today. Never worry about sleeping hot again!

Head to ⁠cozyearth.com⁠ and use my code PAULA for up to  40% off!

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In the final episode of our midlife series, John, Liz, and I dig into what it looks like to not just add years to our life, but to add more LIFE to our YEARS.

Liz introduces this fascinating idea of social health—and trust me, it’s not what you think. According to the research, your relationships may matter more to your longevity than your workout routine, your diet, or even your genetics!!

We explore stretching your mind, body, and yes…your comfort zone. And of course, we settle the burning question: who’s going to outlive whom: Me or John? (Spoiler: the debate gets heated.)

If midlife has you rethinking how you want to show up, this episode will give you a hopeful, practical place to start.

Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It. 

Listen in to learn more: 

(01:41) Midlife Revelation 

(05:40) Memory, Experience, and Communication Skills 

(14:35) Numbing Pain With Consumption and Technology 

(20:06) Preparing for Quality Last Decade 

(25:37) Improving Cognitive and Social Health 

In this episode, we are diving into abilities that improve with age, one surprising factor that influences the length and quality of lives, why our social health and relationships are as important as our physical and mental health for longevity, why independence is not always a good thing, and how to continue to build resilience as we age. 

Sponsor : Cozy Earth – Luxury Bedding and Loungewear 

Cozy Earth offers luxury bedding and loungewear known for its incredible softness and temperature regulation. Browse today. Never worry about sleeping hot again!

Head to ⁠cozyearth.com⁠ and use my code PAULA for up to  40% off!

Want to advertise on my show? Link HERE

Sign up to receive Paula’s email where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms. 

Connect with Liz Bohannon

Connect with John

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Some people call it a midlife crisis. I’m calling mine a midlife evaluation. 

Continuing our month-long series on MIDLIFE, we’re sharing the unexpected (and slightly hilarious) ways our “evaluations” have shown up: from tattoos, to a concealed weapons permit that’s never been used, and a Jeep lifted high enough to require a stretch routine.

Liz, John, and I unpack why this season hits so hard—especially for women—and why the language we use to describe it actually shapes how we experience it. Instead of imagining midlife as the beginning of the end, we talk about reframing it as the beginning of the good stuff: the part of the rollercoaster where the ride gets fast, wild, and surprisingly fun.

Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It. 

Listen in to learn more :

(00:00) Midlife Surprises and Laughter 

(10:01) Avoiding Midlife Crisis Through Reflection 

(12:42) Nervous Anticipation of Kids Leaving 

(23:48) Numbing Midlife Unraveling

In this episode, we are digging into defining a midlife crisis, things that can trigger a midlife crisis, the importance of reflection and taking time to reevaluate our lives, cultural changes in how we think about aging, why the stories we tell ourselves matter, reevaluating what success looks like, and why a midlife crisis is not always a bad thing. 

Sponsor: Cozy Earth – Luxury Bedding and Loungewear 

Cozy Earth offers luxury bedding and loungewear known for its incredible softness and temperature regulation. Browse today. Never worry about sleeping hot again!

Head to ⁠cozyearth.com ⁠ and use my code PAULA for up to  40% off!

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Sign up to receive Paula’s email, where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms. 

Connect with Liz Bohannon

Connect with John

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Midlife hits, and suddenly you’re doing things you swore you’d never do. I’m talking about tending a plant army like it’s a full-time job, nurturing a sourdough starter like it’s a child, obsessing over pickleball like it’s the Olympics, and thinking a “quiet night in” is a vacation.

In this second episode of our month-long series on MIDLIFE, John, Liz, and I confess the weird, hilarious, and sometimes borderline embarrassing habits that come with hitting the middle lane of life. We talk about rituals, obsessions, and tiny victories (like finally finding the perfect reading glasses or the right high-protein snack combo) that make midlife…well, weirdly satisfying.

If you’ve ever caught yourself Googling “is this normal in midlife?” or just stared at your growing collection of random hobbies and thought, yep, this is me now, this episode is for you.

Let’s Talk About It. 

In this episode, we are diving into new habits formed in midlife, physical changes we experience in midlife, how aging and beauty standards have changed over time, how far is too far when it comes to anti-aging procedures, the importance of friendship and connection, and ways to invest in your health in midlife that you may not have considered before.

Sponsor : Cozy Earth – Luxury Bedding and Loungewear 

Cozy Earth offers luxury bedding and loungewear known for its incredible softness and temperature regulation. Browse today. Never worry about sleeping hot again!

Head to ⁠cozyearth.com⁠ and use my code PAULA for up to  40% off!

Want to advertise on my show? Link HERE

Sign up to receive Paula’s email where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms. 

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Welcome to MIDLIFE: The Big Awakening — where the weighted vests are real, the fountain drinks are flowing, and the existential questions hit differently.

I’m kicking off this new month-long series with my husband, John, and my friend Liz Bohannon — author, speaker, and mom of three — to tackle the big question: When does midlife actually begin?

For me, it’s when you’re touching up your grays every two weeks, comfortable shoes suddenly feel sexy, 10 p.m. qualifies as a “late night out,” and you start getting weirdly nostalgic about, well… everything.

We’re laughing our way through the weird, wonderful in-between — where your body changes, your confidence deepens, and your priorities finally start to make I 

sense.

Whether you’re 35 or 55, I think you’ll feel seen, laugh hard, and maybe even realize: midlife isn’t the beginning of the end — it’s the start of waking up.

Let’s Talk About It. 

In this episode, we are digging into when midlife begins, investing in relationships with other adults in your kid’s life, midlife body changes, changes in mental health and self-awareness, making decisions with the future in mind, and the freedom that comes from embracing midlife.

Sponsor: Cozy Earth – Luxury Bedding and Loungewear 

Cozy Earth offers luxury bedding and loungewear known for its incredible softness and temperature regulation. Browse today. Never worry about sleeping hot again!

Head to ⁠cozyearth.com⁠ and use my code PAULA for up to  40% off!

Want to advertise on my show? Link HERE

Sign up to receive Paula’s email, where she keeps it honest about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms.

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After loss, dreaming again can feel almost wrong—as if moving forward dishonors what we’ve lost. In this final episode of Good Grief, Dr. Henry Cloud, Annie F. Downs, Jessica N. Turner, and I talk about reclaiming hope, embracing vulnerability, and finding the courage to dream once more. We explore how grief can actually give us permission to imagine a life beyond loss, and how doing the work of healing can open the door to something unexpectedly beautiful.

Listen in to learn more:

(04:42) Power of Therapy in Life Transformation 

(14:14) Benefits of Cozy Earth Sheets 

(21:25) Rediscovering Possibilities Through Personal Growth 

(24:30) Healing From Loss in Relationships 

(35:50) Healing and Reclaiming Access to Heart 

In this episode, we are digging into how to find a therapist, the risks of being vulnerable, finding strength in vulnerability, the benefits of going to a grief group, giving yourself permission to dream again after loss, balancing contentment with dreams, staying present in the midst of grief, and the beauty that is waiting on the other side of hard seasons.

Sponsor : Cozy Earth – Luxury Bedding and Loungewear 

Cozy Earth offers luxury bedding and loungewear known for its incredible softness and temperature regulation. Browse today. Never worry about sleeping hot again!

Head to ⁠cozyearth.com⁠ and use my code PAULA for 40% off!

Want to advertise on my show? Link HERE

Sign up to receive Paula’s email where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms. 

Meet Dr Henry Cloud

Meet Annie F Downs

Meet Jessica N Turner 

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Grief changes you—but does it define you? In this third episode of our month-long series on grief and loss, I’m sitting down with Dr. Henry Cloud, Jessica Honegger, and Annie F. Downs to talk about what happens after loss.

Everyone expects you to “get over it” in a year, to go back to who you were before. But what if you can’t? What if you’re not supposed to?

Dr. Cloud shares why grief isn’t about “filling the hole,” but about changing your relationship to what you’ve lost. Jessica opens up about the scars—both physical and emotional—that still ache long after the loss of her marriage. Annie shares the pain of grieving dreams that haven’t yet come true—the longing to be a wife and a mom—and how that kind of grief can feel invisible. And I talk about losing both of my parents and feeling that loss so viscerally, it still takes my breath away.

This conversation isn’t about moving on. It’s about learning to live forward—different, maybe, but still whole.

Let’s Talk About It.

Listen in to learn more:

In this episode, we are diving into whether or not grief ever ends, the importance of getting emotionally healthy, grieving a person or situation that was complicated, the scars we are left with as we heal, and how grief changes over time.

Sponsor: Cozy Earth – Luxury Bedding and Loungewear 

Cozy Earth offers luxury bedding and loungewear known for its incredible softness and temperature regulation. Browse today. Never worry about sleeping hot again!

Head to ⁠cozyearth.com⁠ and use my code PAULA for 40% off!

Want to advertise on my show? Link HERE

Sign up to receive Paula’s email where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms. 

Meet Dr Henry Cloud

Meet Annie F Downs

Meet Jessica N Turner 

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