The Right-Sized Life with Amy Schmidt

Fearlessly Facing FACING our FUTURE FACES!

What happens when a Broadway makeup artist discovers her true passion lies in making everyday women feel beautiful? Laura Geller's remarkable journey from theater makeup to beauty mogul reveals the power of authenticity and the magic that unfolds when passion meets purpose.

Laura shares the pivotal moment that changed everything - working one-on-one with real women at a makeup counter and watching them transform not just physically but emotionally. "I'd see them starting to come alive as I would make up their face...holding their head up higher," she explains. This spark ignited a business that would eventually take her to QVC, where she amazingly sold 750 units in just six minutes during her first appearance.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Laura discusses her decision to focus specifically on women over 40, a demographic often overlooked in the beauty industry. Drawing from her own experiences with aging skin, Laura developed products addressing the unique needs of mature women while keeping application simple. Her authenticity shines through as she admits she didn't always have the business acumen needed, setting prices too low initially, but learned and adapted along the way.

Most poignant is Laura's passion for women's stories and her mission to champion them at every age. When asked how her son views her, Laura's answer is immediate: "He would tell you that I'm a badass." Her parting wisdom resonates deeply: "Don't be in a rush. Good things take time...stay in your lane." In a world obsessed with youth and instant success, Laura Geller stands as living proof that embracing your authentic self and serving others with genuine care creates enduring impact.

Ready to discover makeup that truly understands your skin's needs? Follow Laura on Instagram and explore products designed specifically for celebrating beauty at every age.

Connect with Laura Geller here

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Ready to FEARLESSLY FACE all the F WORDS - be inspired and encouraged?

Get a copy of Amy's Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here

Fearlessly Facing Fifty and Beyond has over 200 episodes with inspiration and stories to age fearlessly and connect confidently to others thriving at midlife and beyond.

Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the Fearlessly Facing Fifty podcast share it with the world - a review means so much.

And don't forget to follow along on all the socials:

http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt

https://www.instagram.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty_fwords/

https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/

Get a copy of Amy’s Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here

Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the The Right Sized Life Podcast share it with the world – a review means so much.

And sign up for the Radiant Woman Reset here

And don’t forget to follow along on all the socials:

http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt

https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/

Fearlessly Facing FUNDRAISING! I love sharing incredible stories of amazing people - and at this stage of life we often find ourselves with a bit more bandwidth. And maybe this story and this incredible organization will ignite something in you. Meet Casey Baynes, Founder of The Casey Cares Foundation.

Casey Baynes founded Casey Cares Foundation at age 21 after hearing a child say "I wish I had cancer" while volunteering at a hospital, recognizing the need to support ALL critically ill children regardless of diagnosis.

• Founded over 25 years ago, Casey Cares has helped over half a million critically ill children
• Unlike traditional wish organizations, provides ongoing support throughout treatment journey rather than one-time experiences
• Focuses on entire family unit including parents and siblings who are often overlooked
• Creates normalcy through simple activities like movie and pizza nights, pajama deliveries, and group events
• Offers palliative care approach that improves treatment outcomes by up to 70%
• Continues supporting families after treatment ends, including bereavement services
• Every 12 minutes, Casey Cares helps a participant in their program
• Annual "Biggest Pajama Party" on April 16th raises awareness and collects pajamas for hospitalized children
• Operates primarily east of the Mississippi with headquarters in Baltimore
• Small contributions and volunteer efforts make meaningful differences - "It doesn't take a lot of zeros to give back"

Visit caseycares.org to learn how you can help critically ill children and their families through volunteering, donating, or connecting them with Casey Cares services.

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Ready to FEARLESSLY FACE all the F WORDS - be inspired and encouraged?

Get a copy of Amy's Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here

Fearlessly Facing Fifty and Beyond has over 200 episodes with inspiration and stories to age fearlessly and connect confidently to others thriving at midlife and beyond.

Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the Fearlessly Facing Fifty podcast share it with the world - a review means so much.

And don't forget to follow along on all the socials:

http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt

https://www.instagram.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty_fwords/

https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/

Get a copy of Amy’s Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here

Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the The Right Sized Life Podcast share it with the world – a review means so much.

And sign up for the Radiant Woman Reset here

And don’t forget to follow along on all the socials:

http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt

https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/

Jim Burns returns to discuss how couples can reinvent their marriage after children leave home, exploring the unexpected challenges and opportunities of the empty nest phase.

• Empty nest can be challenging as couples suddenly have more time together after years of child-focused living
• The "gray divorce" phenomenon is increasing among those over 50, often due to neglected marriages during child-raising years
• Communication needs reinvention in each marriage phase, particularly when entering the empty nest
• Four powerful questions to discuss: What's working? What's not working? What's confusing? What's missing?
• Creating a dream list together helps couples envision and plan their next chapter
• "Thank therapy" transforms relationships through intentionally practicing gratitude
• Emotional intimacy precedes physical intimacy, requiring intentional effort from both partners
• Three reflective questions: Do I like who I'm becoming? Is my heart for God growing? Am I giving my spouse only emotional scraps?
• Couples may spend more years together after children leave than they did raising children

For more information on empty nest marriage and Jim's resources, visit Homeward.com and check out his books and podcasts "Homeward with Jim Burns" and "Embracing Your Season."

Connect with Jim Here

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Ready to FEARLESSLY FACE all the F WORDS - be inspired and encouraged?

Get a copy of Amy's Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here

Fearlessly Facing Fifty and Beyond has over 200 episodes with inspiration and stories to age fearlessly and connect confidently to others thriving at midlife and beyond.

Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the Fearlessly Facing Fifty podcast share it with the world - a review means so much.

And don't forget to follow along on all the socials:

http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt

https://www.instagram.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty_fwords/

https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/

Get a copy of Amy’s Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here

Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the The Right Sized Life Podcast share it with the world – a review means so much.

And sign up for the Radiant Woman Reset here

And don’t forget to follow along on all the socials:

http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt

https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/

And the F WORD IS: FASHION

Fearlessly Facing Fashion as we age with Fashion designer, Karla Murguia, Founder of the Montsera Collective. Karla's story is a masterclass in following your soul's calling, no matter how daunting the journey might seem. From her comfortable position as a digital editor at Elle magazine in Mexico to the bold decision to start over in New York City, Karla demonstrates what happens when we choose courage over comfort.

The conversation unfolds like a vivid tapestry, revealing how Karla's fearless spirit led her from prestigious fashion houses in Manhattan to remote villages in Chiapas, Mexico. There, she formed profound connections with indigenous women artisans who create magnificent textiles using backstrap looms—a technique they've learned since childhood. These artisans don't simply create fabric; they weave their cultural identity, community markers, and ancestral symbolism into every piece.

What strikes you most about Karla's journey is her unwavering commitment to authentic collaboration. When taxi drivers refused to take her to villages protected by armed guards, she walked alone toward uncertainty. When communication barriers arose with artisans who speak Mayan dialects, she learned key phrases to honor their culture. Rather than imposing her designs, she invites the weavers' creative wisdom into every piece, establishing relationships built on mutual respect rather than exploitation.

The Montsera Collective represents something far more significant than beautiful clothing—it's a bridge between worlds, a preservation of heritage, and a model for ethical fashion. As Karla's father wisely advised her, "Burn your boats"—commit fully to your path without the safety net of retreat. Through periods of doubt and tears, she persevered, understanding that meaningful success is "a marathon, not a sprint."

Ready to be inspired by courage in action? Listen now, and perhaps you'll find yourself questioning: what circles in your life might open into horseshoes, creating space for unexpected magic to enter?

Connect with Karla Murguia and the Montsera Collection  here

----------------------------------------

Ready to FEARLESSLY FACE all the F WORDS - be inspired and encouraged?

Get a copy of Amy's Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here

Fearlessly Facing Fifty and Beyond has over 200 episodes with inspiration and stories to age fearlessly and connect confidently to others thriving at midlife and beyond.

Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the Fearlessly Facing Fifty podcast share it with the world - a review means so much.

And don't forget to follow along on all the socials:

http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt

https://www.instagram.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty_fwords/

https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/

Get a copy of Amy’s Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here

Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the The Right Sized Life Podcast share it with the world – a review means so much.

And sign up for the Radiant Woman Reset here

And don’t forget to follow along on all the socials:

http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt

https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/

And the F WORD is: Fearlessly Facing our FACES as we age. Today my guest is Joshua Hardinger, an incredible makeup artist specializing in mature skin who transforms women's confidence through his artistic approach to makeup. He shares his philosophy of enhancing natural beauty rather than changing it, helping women rediscover themselves.

• Joshua's background as an artist from Ringling College of Art and Design influences his approach to makeup
• His specialty in mature skin comes from seeing beauty where women sometimes lose confidence
• The power of seeing someone "perk up and sit taller" after a makeup application
• Practical tips for mature skin: avoid powder, apply concealer strategically at tear ducts
• Place blush high on cheekbones instead of apples for a lifted appearance
• Match foundation to the inside of your wrist to find your true shade
• Women often deflect compliments instead of simply accepting them
• Stop fighting aging and embrace who you are right now

"Let go of the little stuff and just keep killing it. Just keep moving forward. Don't overthink the little stuff or care about what anybody thinks, because it's your mind, it's your matrix."

Connect with Joshua here

Joshua Hardinger is a Makeup Artist and Fine Artist. He is currently a specialist for makeup on mature skin. Joshua paints, draws, and produces murals. He is currently a master makeup artist at Ana Molinari Salon Spa Boutique.

Ready to FEARLESSLY FACE all the F WORDS - be educated, inspired and encouraged?
______________

Fearlessly Facing Fifty and Beyond has over 200 episodes with Inspo and stories to age fearlessly and connect confidently to others thriving at midlife and beyond.

Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the Fearlessly Facing Fifty podcast share it with the world - a review means so much.

And don't forget to follow along on all the socials:

http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt

https://www.instagram.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty_fwords/

https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/

Get a copy of Amy’s Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here

Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the The Right Sized Life Podcast share it with the world – a review means so much.

And sign up for the Radiant Woman Reset here

And don’t forget to follow along on all the socials:

http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt

https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/

And the "F WORD" is: FRIENDSHIP. Fearlessly Facing our friendships as we age.

Friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson unpacks the science of women's platonic relationships and offers practical strategies for navigating friendship challenges after 50. Research shows that loneliness increases cognitive decline, dementia, and heart disease by 32% in women over 50, making our friendship connections crucial for health and wellbeing.

• Reframing being "new" as an advantage when entering social situations
• Using the "acceptance prophecy" to approach social situations with confidence 
• Understanding how online friendships should supplement not replace in-person connections
• Handling reciprocity issues by framing concerns as invitations rather than accusations
• Recognizing when a friendship has run its course and how to navigate ending relationships
• Honoring your authentic self in friendship while remaining open to growth
• Taking control of your friendship journey by stepping outside your comfort zone

Find Danielle's book "Fighting for Our Friendships: The Science and Art of Conflict and Connection in Women's Relationships" anywhere books are sold and check out her podcast "Friend Forward" for more insights on women's friendships.

Ready to FEARLESSLY FACE all the F WORDS - be educated, inspired and encouraged?
______________

Fearlessly Facing Fifty and Beyond has over 200 episodes with Inspo and stories to age fearlessly and connect confidently to others thriving at midlife and beyond.

Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the Fearlessly Facing Fifty podcast share it with the world - a review means so much.

And don't forget to follow along on all the socials:

http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt

https://www.instagram.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty_fwords/

https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/

Get a copy of Amy’s Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here

Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the The Right Sized Life Podcast share it with the world – a review means so much.

And sign up for the Radiant Woman Reset here

And don’t forget to follow along on all the socials:

http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt

https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/

F Word is - Fearlessly Facing 

FAITH

This episode is packed to the brim - actually overflowing with nuggets that will make you stop and think and leave you with a smile. My guest is a light in this world and Annie’s journey is one so many of us can relate to—the endless striving to prove our worth, only to discover that our value was never tied to what we achieve.

Annie shares her journey - and how she was addicted to achievement. Chasing accomplishments in sports, relationships, careers, and more to feel like she mattered. When life threw some ‘curveballs’ her way - regarding her health, her relationships and life, she came face-to-face with a raw truth: her worth had nothing to do with what she could do or earn. Instead, it was rooted in God’s unchanging love.

Annie’s message is rooted in faith and her commitment to share her love for the Lord with others. 

If you’ve wrestled with faith this episode is for you - at any age.

Share this episode with a friend who might need a reminder of their worth today. 

Follow here and tag a friend. And there are 200 episodes of the Fearlessly Facing Fifty and beyond podcast filled with inspo to encourage you to live your best, confident life at any age.

Listen to Annie's Podcast, Made To Shine here

Connect with Annie here

Get a copy of Amy’s Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here

Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the The Right Sized Life Podcast share it with the world – a review means so much.

And sign up for the Radiant Woman Reset here

And don’t forget to follow along on all the socials:

http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt

https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/

And the F WORD is Fearlessly Facing Our Futures and our future health. Dr. Jayne Morgan, a cardiologist, joins host, Amy Schmidt to explore the link between hormones and heart health in women at midlife and beyond. They discuss heart disease, the leading cause of death among women, and emphasize the need for greater awareness. Dr. Morgan shares her journey into menopause and women's health, discussing the most important thing that women can do today to advocate for their health. They also address three things that women can incorporate into their lives to put heart health as a priority as we age. 

Takeaways

• Dr. Jayne Morgan transitioned from cardiology to menopause education during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Heart disease is the number one killer of women, and the risk increases during perimenopause and menopause.
  
  
• The symptoms of heart disease in women can be different from those in men, and it is important to recognize and address them.
  
  
• Cholesterol, statins, and testosterone play a role in heart health, and further research is needed to understand their impact on women.
  
  
• If there is one thing we can do today is to ask our physicians for a baseline EKG.

0:00

Introduction to Heart Health for Women

3:00

Meet Dr. Janye Morgan, Cardiologist

5:30

Pregnancy Complications and Heart Risk

9:55

Perimenopause, Menopause and Heart Disease

14:48

Why Women's Heart Symptoms Are "Atypical"

21:20

Blood Pressure Management in Midlife

25:45

Exercise and Heart Health for Women

32:50

Three Ways to Advocate for Your Heart Health

39:15

Recognizing Warning Signs and Final Tips

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Follow Dr. Jayne Morgan here

Order my book now here

Link to my website here

Listen to the podcast here

#heartdisease #menopausetreatment #menopause #hearthealth #hormonetherapy

Get a copy of Amy’s Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here

Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the The Right Sized Life Podcast share it with the world – a review means so much.

And sign up for the Radiant Woman Reset here

And don’t forget to follow along on all the socials:

http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt

https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/

Number one New York Times bestselling author and children’s yoga and mindfulness expert Susan Verde knows the power of positive self-talk. For decades, Verde has struggled with her inner critic, a voice inside telling her that she was not enough. Yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practices became her way of challenging and quieting this voice. However, the moment she became a parent, the voice became louder than ever. How would she manage to parent three little ones when she could not speak to herself with compassion, kindness, and love? Motherhood would prove to be the ultimate test of her practice.

Woven throughout the book are mantras reminding readers to speak to themselves with compassion, with the ultimate goal of living, loving, and parenting from a place of freedom and authenticity. Verde’s message is that we must all be the authors of our own inner dictionaries, filling them with words of self-love. We must listen to the voice that is telling us that we are worthy. And we must let these words become our story.

Connect with Susan here
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When it comes to your dream, just go for it and CANNONBALL with CONFIDENCE!

Make sure to listen to the entire episode to receive inspo and tips!

Thank you for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me on Instagram. And don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

If you liked this episode and you’re feeling generous, don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes 

And be sure to Connect With Amy!

• Follow Fearlessly Facing Fifty on Instagram for updates and tips.
• Follow the podcast on your favorite player and tell your friends!
• Peruse the Fearlessly Facing Fifty Website, which has many product discounts discussed on the podcast, blog posts and more.

And SPECIAL SAVINGS ALERT  - go to BOSSABARS and use the
CODE: FEARLESS10 for special savings!

-------------------

Mind and Body Confidence - double your confidence in just 14 days! Here's the link to get started. Click here

May contain affiliate links

Get a copy of Amy’s Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here

Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the The Right Sized Life Podcast share it with the world – a review means so much.

And sign up for the Radiant Woman Reset here

And don’t forget to follow along on all the socials:

http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt

https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/

In this episode I talk to the inspiring Alex Sanfilippo.  Not only is Alex a successful podcast host and entrepreneur, but he values the importance of relationships and staying connected.  In this very special Mother's Day episode, we hear in his own words, what it's like to look back at his relationship with his mom through the years, and how important it is to stay connected.

Many of us feel sad or anxious when our adult children leave for the next phase of their journey, but as you'll hear, it can be filled with many emotions, but most of all it is filled with excitement for new adventures.

The porch light will always be on.......

Alex Sanfilippo started his first business at the age of twelve; selling used golf balls. From there, he went on to real estate investing and a technology start up which he sold years later. For the past decade, Alex has been an executive in the aerospace industry. During his time in corporate America, he stayed active with his side hustles; which mainly consisted of conference speaking and business coaching.


When it comes to your dream, just go for it and CANNONBALL with CONFIDENCE!

Make sure to listen to the entire episode to receive inspo and tips!

Thank you for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me on Instagram. And don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

If you liked this episode and you’re feeling generous, don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes 

And be sure to Connect With Amy!

• Follow Fearlessly Facing Fifty on Instagram for updates and tips.
• Follow the podcast on your favorite player and tell your friends!
• Peruse the Fearlessly Facing Fifty Website, which has many product discounts discussed on the podcast, blog posts and more.

And SPECIAL SAVINGS ALERT  - go to BOSSABARS and use the
CODE: FEARLESS10 for special savings!

-------------------

Mind and Body Confidence - double your confidence in just 14 days! Here's the link to get started. Click here

May contain affiliate links

Get a copy of Amy’s Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here

Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the The Right Sized Life Podcast share it with the world – a review means so much.

And sign up for the Radiant Woman Reset here

And don’t forget to follow along on all the socials:

http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt

https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/