Um… like… you know… why do we do that?

This week on The Whole Woman Podcast, Kim and Rachel are talking filler words: the ums, likes, you knows, repeats and random phrases that sneak into everyday conversation.

What starts as a funny look at the words that drive us crazy turns into a conversation about confidence, public speaking, active listening, emotion and why silence can feel so uncomfortable. Rachel shares what Toastmasters taught her about becoming a better speaker, while Kim admits what podcast editing has taught her about the words she apparently says ALL. THE. TIME.

Your turn: What’s your filler word? And which one makes you absolutely crazy?

Then head over to Substack, where we’re taking the conversation a little deeper and asking what might happen if we stopped trying to fill every quiet space. Subscribe there for more from The Whole Woman and the stories and reflections that continue after the microphones turn off.

Kim and Rachel are skipping the serious questions this week and putting each other through a lightning round instead. Ridiculous arguments with their husbands, ’80s fashion, hot flashes, crying over commercials, strange purse contents, moose versus meese, and a wedding music disaster all make an appearance.

And because fall is coming, the conversation somehow ends with pumpkin snickerdoodles and a debate over whether cream of tartar is essential. Come laugh with us, then head to The Whole Woman Podcast on Substack for Kim’s favorite pumpkin snickerdoodle recipe.

Rachel is finally taking one of her bucket-list trips: Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons! This week, Kim gets all the details, from hotels and Jeeps to layers, bear spray, bison warnings, and Rachel’s decades-long dream of seeing a moose.

Along the way, they talk about something every great adventure needs: enough planning to feel prepared and enough freedom to let the experience surprise you. Join them for a fun conversation about anticipation, travel, awe, and the memories waiting beyond the itinerary.

Listen to this week’s episode of The Whole Woman Podcast, then jump over to our Substack for some great bucket-list ideas. You might just find the inspiration for your next adventure.

Does your home still reflect the person you are today?

Interior designer Paige Dowling of Elizabeth Paige Designs joins us for a conversation about creating spaces that feel personal, peaceful, and right for the season of life you are living.

From empty nesting and downsizing to decluttering decades of memories, Paige shares practical ways to discover your style, decide what deserves to stay, and create a beautiful home on almost any budget.

We also explore the emotional energy of our homes, the difference between a designer and a decorator, and why sometimes the best place to begin is simply asking, “What do I want my home to feel like now?”

After you listen, jump over to our Substack page for contact information and Kim's takeaway from the show, The Whole Woman Podcast on Substack.

Kim had strong opinions about GLP-1 medications, and taking one herself was never part of the plan. Then increasing joint pain and inflammation led her doctor to suggest Zepbound.

This week, Rachel and Kim talk candidly about why Kim initially refused the prescription, what finally changed her mind, and what she has experienced during her first few weeks on Zepbound. They discuss inflammation, psoriasis, appetite suppression, nutrition, hydration, movement, side effects, cost, and the complicated feelings that can come with accepting medication when you have always believed you should be able to “do it on your own.”

Most importantly, they ask a bigger question: Can a GLP-1 be one tool for better health without replacing the habits that help us care for our bodies?

This is Kim's personal experience, not medical advice, and the beginning of a conversation they plan to revisit after her three-month experiment.

Check out our Substack after listening for show notes and other thoughts. https://thewholewomanpodcast.substack.com/

Rachel has the pumpkin creamer. Kim is dreaming about cool mornings. And both of us are ready for the “ber” months.

This week, we’re talking about everything we love about the transition into fall: changing leaves, farmers markets, football, seasonal food, cozy blankets, baking, soups, and those first crisp mornings that make the whole world feel different.

But we’re also reminding ourselves not to rush through one season just because we’re excited about the next. As Rachel says, “Without summer, I don’t get fall.”

Join us for a lighthearted conversation about anticipation, slowing down, and enjoying the season you’re in.

Then pop over to our Substack for just a little more, plus a few great "get you in the mood" recipes! You can read it here!

Food-safety headlines can leave you wondering what is actually safe to eat and whether everything in your refrigerator needs to go.

This week, Rachel and Kim talk about current concerns surrounding fresh produce and foodborne illness, along with practical ways to prepare the food you already have. From roasted berries and blanched broccoli to grilled fruit and better kitchen habits, we’re looking at ways to stay informed, get creative, and reduce unnecessary food waste.

Always follow current FDA, CDC, and local health guidance for specific recalls, outbreaks, and food-safety recommendations. We have them linked on our Substack along with delicious recipes from this episode.

As our parents grow older, many of us find ourselves stepping into a new role. We become advocates, researchers, and sometimes the voice asking hard questions when something doesn't seem right.In this episode of The Whole Woman Podcast, Kim and Rachel continue an honest conversation about scams targeting older adults, online fraud, reverse mortgages, and the growing responsibility of helping aging parents navigate a world that has changed faster than they have.They share personal experiences, practical tips for recognizing red flags, trusted resources for checking suspicious websites, and encouragement for anyone walking through the challenges of caring for aging parents while still honoring their independence.Whether you're helping your own parents, approaching retirement yourself, or simply wondering how to protect the people you love, this conversation offers practical wisdom and a reminder that awareness is one of the greatest gifts we can give each other.In this episode, we discuss:Why seniors are often targeted by scamsOnline fraud and text message scamsReverse mortgages and questions every family should askHelpful tools for checking whether a website is legitimateHow adult children can advocate for aging parents with patience and graceWhy slowing down before making financial decisions mattersIf this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who is helping care for an aging parent.The Whole Woman Podcast is where honest conversations meet practical wisdom for women navigating health, relationships, faith, family, and everyday life.#TheWholeWomanPodcast #AgingParents #ScamAwareness

Rachel shares the painful story of how an online romance scam changed her family forever. What began as hidden online conversations eventually led to the loss of more than $60,000, the end of a forty-year marriage, and a difficult season of healing for everyone involved.

Together, Kim and Rachel discuss how romance scams work, why they are becoming more common, the warning signs families often overlook, and how we can better protect the people we love. This conversation is honest, compassionate, and filled with practical insight for anyone caring for aging parents or concerned about online scams.

Be sure to visit our Whole Woman Podcast Substack after listening. We've gathered additional resources, organizations that support victims and families, warning signs to watch for, and practical information to help you protect the people you love.

What happens when two podcast hosts who have recorded together for more than a year finally meet face to face?

In this episode, Kim Mosiman and Rachel Lavin share what it was like to discover that the friendship they'd built through weekly conversations felt just as natural in person. Their conversation explores long-distance friendships, the way relationships change as we get older, why our circles often become smaller, and how honesty and consistency create trust that lasts.

If you've ever wondered how to build deeper friendships in a busy, connected world, this episode is for you.

#wholewomanpodcast #middleagedfriendship #girltime