What really happens when women enter their 50s and no one tells them what to expect?

Today, I am joined by my longtime friend and business owner Trish Littlejohn for an honest, relatable conversation about the physical, emotional, and relational shifts women experience in their 50s.

This episode goes beyond hot flashes to explore the realities many women quietly navigate- body changes, weight gain, brain fog, sleep disruption, shifting friendships, and the mental load of aging while still leading, building, and showing up for others.

• Why hot flashes are only a small part of the menopause conversation
  
   
• How cortisol, muscle loss, and nutrition impact weight and energy in your 50s
  
   
• Why brain fog, sleep disruption, and body pain catch so many women off guard
  
   
• The truth about cardio, strength training, and protein at midlife
  
   
• How friendships evolve and why depth matters more than ever
  
   
• Why you’re not “falling apart”… you’re adapting to a new season
  
   

We also talk about aging gracefully without obsession, navigating identity shifts, and the importance of intentional, energy-giving relationships during midlife transitions.

This episode is for women who want honest conversations, practical perspective, and reassurance that they are not alone.

• The Energy Bus by John Gordon
  
   
• Strength training, nutrition awareness, and menopause education (personal experiences shared)
  
   

Disclaimer: This episode reflects personal experiences only and is not medical advice.

Subscribe to Thinking That Matters, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend navigating her 50s. Your support helps continue conversations that truly matter.

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💡 Join the Women Growth Group for live, in-person training that empowers your potential and connects you with a vibrant community of growth-minded women! https://linktr.ee/gowithelizabeth

Stay connected with Elizabeth on social media:

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Website: https://elizabethmahusay.com/

Don’t let another day slip by on autopilot. Pick Your Path gives you the roadmap to create lasting change. Get your copy now and put your plan into motion! 

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What if your biggest financial obstacle isn’t money but what you believe about it?

In this episode of Thinking That Matters, I down with Shahmeen Kahn, Wealth Management Advisor of Meridian Wealth Management, to unpack the real barriers that keep people stuck when it comes to money, investing, and long-term wealth building.

Shahmeen shares her journey from Albany, New York to Texas, how family and faith shaped her path, and why so many capable people feel intimidated by financial conversations. Together, we explore how education, not perfection, is the key to building confidence with money.

This episode is for anyone who wants to grow their wealth intentionally but feels unsure where to start, afraid to ask questions, or quietly wonders if they truly belong in financial spaces.

• Why financial literacy starts with awareness, not income
  
   
• The most common limiting beliefs about money and investing and how to challenge them
  
   
• Why you don’t need a large sum of money to begin investing
  
   
• How starting early and understanding compound interest can change everything
  
   
• Practical ways parents can introduce money, saving, and investing conversations with their children
  
   
• How community involvement and service create long-term impact
  
   
• What it looks like to navigate a male-dominated industry while staying rooted in faith and identity

• Meridian Wealth Management- https://meridianwealthllc.com/
• City of Allen Libraries Board
• Community Development Corporation (CDC)

Get to know Shahmeen:

Shahmeen Khan is an Investment Advisor at Meridian Wealth Management with 20+ years helping families grow and protect their wealth. Passionate about financial education and empowering women, she serves as Vice President of the Allen Community Development Corporation and supports the Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation. Shahmeen lives in Allen, Texas with her husband, Sheelpi, and two children, Arman and Ilan.

Connect with Shahmeen:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shahmeenrezakhan
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahmeen-khan-56a44653
• Meridian Wealth: https://meridianwealthllc.com/shahmeen-khan-fpqp/

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💡 Join the Women Growth Group for live, in-person training that empowers your potential and connects you with a vibrant community of growth-minded women! https://linktr.ee/gowithelizabeth

Stay connected with Elizabeth on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethbmahusay

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebmahusay/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ElizabethMahusay

Website: https://elizabethmahusay.com/

Don’t let another day slip by on autopilot. Pick Your Path gives you the roadmap to create lasting change. Get your copy now and put your plan into motion! 

https://www.amazon.com/Pick-Your-Path-Mental-Autopilot-ebook/dp/B0D6NGKLJP

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How do you make a real difference without burning out or feeling overwhelmed?
 

In this episode of Thinking That Matters, Elizabeth Mahussai welcomes back Brian Driscoll, entrepreneur, speaker, and author of The Goodness Game, for a practical conversation on kindness, purpose, and sustainable impact.

Many people want to help others but get stuck thinking it has to be big, expensive, or time-consuming. Brian challenges that mindset and introduces a simple, actionable framework for doing good in ways that align with who you already are.

• Why most people overcomplicate kindness and how to simplify it
• How small, intentional actions can create powerful ripple effects
• The importance of identifying your personal helping style to avoid burnout
• Why “staying in your lane” actually increases your impact
• How to give generously without keeping score or seeking recognition
• Practical ways individuals, families, classrooms, businesses, and nonprofits can play The Goodness Game
  
   

Brian also introduces the Goodness Game Handbook — a short, easy-to-use guide designed to help anyone start immediately. No long reading. No pressure. Just clear steps that make kindness doable and repeatable.

You’ll also hear how Brian is living this out through his work with Harvest Street Mission, using his professional skills to support the homeless in a way that fits his strengths and brings lasting value.

This episode reframes kindness as something you can build into your everyday life, not something that drains you, but something that energizes you.

As Elizabeth reflects, The Goodness Game is a game you cannot lose.

Download the FREE Goodness Game Handbook: https://goodnessgame.com

• The Goodness Game book: https://www.amazon.com/goodness-game-World-Better-Awesome/dp/0984189009/
• Harvest Street Mission: https://www.harveststreetmission.org/

Start small. Choose one intentional act of kindness today.
Play The Goodness Game  and invite someone else to play with you.

Share your experience using #GoodnessGame and help create a ripple effect of kindness that extends far beyond this episode.

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💡 Join the Women Growth Group for live, in-person training that empowers your potential and connects you with a vibrant community of growth-minded women! https://linktr.ee/gowithelizabeth

Stay connected with Elizabeth on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethbmahusay

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebmahusay/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ElizabethMahusay

Website: https://elizabethmahusay.com/

Don’t let another day slip by on autopilot. Pick Your Path gives you the roadmap to create lasting change. Get your copy now and put your plan into motion! 

https://www.amazon.com/Pick-Your-Path-Mental-Autopilot-ebook/dp/B0D6NGKLJP

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What happens when the path you worked so hard to build suddenly disappears?

And how do you move forward when life forces a hard reset?

In this episode of Thinking That Matters, I sit down with musician, educator, veteran, and entrepreneur Ron Jones to explore the mindset required to navigate disruption without losing purpose.

Ron shares his journey from lifelong musician to U.S. Army helicopter pilot, surviving a life-altering crash, and ultimately building a thriving music education business. His story is a powerful reminder that setbacks don’t have to define you, they can redirect you.

This conversation goes beyond music. It’s about resilience, discipline, and cultivating thinking that matters when life doesn’t go according to plan.

• How to navigate major setbacks without losing purpose
• Why mindset plays a critical role in recovery and reinvention
• The cognitive and academic benefits of music education
• How music can open doors to college scholarships without requiring a music major
• Why faith and intentional thinking help move you forward when fear shows up

If you’re facing uncertainty, rebuilding after a difficult season, or thinking about how to invest in your child’s future, this episode will challenge and encourage you.

•  Website: https://www.memromusic.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-jones-254b867/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MemroMusic/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/memphis_ron/

Subscribe to Thinking That Matters and leave a review to help more listeners cultivate thinking that leads to a life and career that truly matter.

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💡 Join the Women Growth Group for live, in-person training that empowers your potential and connects you with a vibrant community of growth-minded women! https://linktr.ee/gowithelizabeth

Stay connected with Elizabeth on social media:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethbmahusay
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebmahusay/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ElizabethMahusay
• Website:  https://elizabethmahusay.com/

Don’t let another day slip by on autopilot. Pick Your Path gives you the roadmap to create lasting change. Get your copy now and put your plan into motion! 

https://www.amazon.com/Pick-Your-Path-Mental-Autopilot-ebook/dp/B0D6NGKLJP

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What happens when you stop asking “Why did this happen to me?” and start asking “Where am I standing right now?”

In this episode, I sit down with technology leader, entrepreneur, and first-time author Paul Carlson for an honest conversation about self-talk, personal responsibility, faith, and the courage it takes to move forward before you feel ready.

Paul shares the deeply personal journey behind his upcoming book, Where Are My Feet? Searching for Solid Ground, a project that began as private writing during a season of pain and reflection and slowly evolved into a message meant to serve others. Together, we explore how the words we speak to ourselves shape our leadership, our decisions, and ultimately, the direction of our lives.

This episode is especially for anyone who feels stuck, hesitant, or held back by doubt and knows it’s time to think differently.

About the Book (Coming Soon)

Where Are My Feet? Searching for Solid Ground is Paul Carlson’s debut book and is currently in the final stages of publication. The book centers on personal responsibility, faith, and learning to stand firm in the present moment especially when life feels uncertain.

For book updates, reflections, and what’s next in the journey, you can follow along here: www.carlsontx.com

Official launch details will be shared soon.

More about Paul: 

Paul Carlson is a sales leader, consultant, baker, and first-time author with 20+ years guiding and coaching individuals and organizations across manufacturing, sales, technology, and software. His debut book, Where Are My Feet? (coming soon), explores personal growth, faith, recovery, and finding stability in uncertain times. He is also developing Leadership Without Walls, a project helping leaders build stronger, more unified teams.

Connect with Paul on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/digitalconstructionsolutions/

Subscribe to Thinking That Matters and leave a review to help more listeners cultivate thinking that leads to a life and career that truly matter.

__________

💡 Join the Women Growth Group for live, in-person training that empowers your potential and connects you with a vibrant community of growth-minded women! https://linktr.ee/gowithelizabeth

Stay connected with Elizabeth on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethbmahusay

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebmahusay/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ElizabethMahusay

Website: https://elizabethmahusay.com/

Don’t let another day slip by on autopilot. Pick Your Path gives you the roadmap to create lasting change. Get your copy now and put your plan into motion! 

https://www.amazon.com/Pick-Your-Path-Mental-Autopilot-ebook/dp/B0D6NGKLJP

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Is it really too late or is that just a story you’ve been telling yourself?

In this powerful episode of Thinking That Matters, I sit down with Dr. Oni, a family and obesity medicine physician and founder of Zelos Direct Primary Care, to explore how mindset, faith, and thinking patterns shape both our lives and our health.

Dr. Oni shares her remarkable journey from Nigeria to Canada, the Caribbean, and the United States, and how she became a medical doctor after years of believing the dream had passed her by. This conversation dives deep into limiting beliefs, small thinking, and why vision matters more than circumstances.

• Why the belief “it’s too late” keeps so many people stuck
   
• How mindset directly affects health, healing, and outcomes
   
• The powerful connection between thinking, faith, and action
   
• Why there is no failure in obedience, even when the path feels risky
   
• How to choose vision over sight when life doesn’t make sense
   
• What nine years of practicing medicine has taught Dr. Oni about the mind–body connection
  
   

If you’re:

• Questioning a dream you once had
   
• Feeling stuck in a safe but unfulfilling season
   
• Navigating uncertainty, change, or a major decision
   
• Curious how mindset impacts both success and well-being
  
   

This episode will challenge how you think and help you see what’s possible when you stop shrinking your vision.

Direct Primary Care offers affordable, personalized care especially for those who are uninsured or underinsured. Visit the website or schedule a free meet-and-greet to learn more. www.zelosdpc.com

About Dr. Oni: 

Dr. Omomengbe Oni, MD, DABOM, is a family and obesity medicine physician and the founder of Zelos Direct Primary Care in McKinney, Texas. With a career spanning from process engineering to diagnostic imaging prior to pursuing medicine, After years of watching traditional healthcare rush patients, she built a practice grounded in time, compassion, and whole-person wellness. Dr. Oni is passionate about helping women and families understand their bodies, prevent chronic disease, and feel truly cared for. Her faith, her own journey through burnout, and her belief in patient-centered medicine guide her mission to restore joy and dignity to healthcare.

Follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. And please, leave a review to help more people discover the show. 

__________

💡 Join the Women Growth Group for live, in-person training that empowers your potential and connects you with a vibrant community of growth-minded women! https://linktr.ee/gowithelizabeth

Stay connected with Elizabeth on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethbmahusay

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebmahusay/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ElizabethMahusay

Website: https://elizabethmahusay.com/

Don’t let another day slip by on autopilot. Pick Your Path gives you the roadmap to create lasting change. Get your copy now and put your plan into motion! 

https://www.amazon.com/Pick-Your-Path-Mental-Autopilot-ebook/dp/B0D6NGKLJP

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Welcome to a special year-end episode of Thinking That Matters! In this episode, I’m reflecting on the Top 10 most-listened episodes of 2025.

This isn’t just a countdown. It’s a look back at the conversations that resonated most deeply, stories of faith, resilience, purpose, leadership, and what it really means to live a life that matters.

Below is a breakdown of each episode and when it appears in the conversation.

Episode Timeline

00:00 – Introduction

01:00 – #10 |A Teens Battle Against Long Covid and Chronic Illness with Karis Hill

03:00 – #9 | When Success Isn’t Enough, Finding Purpose Beyond Achievement with Scott

04:50 – #8 |Letting Go of Titles and Finding True Significance with Sarah Neale

06:50 – #7 | Connecting Passion to Purpose with Dr. Stephanie Robinson

08:40 – #6 | What Theater and Storytelling Teach Us About Life with DeAnna Stone

10:50 – #5 | Turning Pain into Purpose, Finding Hope After Loss with Erica Vedane

12:50 – #4 | How Creativity Fuels Growth with Andrea Holmes

15:40 – #3 | Taking Jesus to School, How Educators Can Live Their Faith Without Compromise with Dr. Jackie Minor

18:30 – #2 | Overcoming Grief and Finding Hope Through Faith with Deanna Dotson

20:50 – #1 | Feeling Stuck? How to Break Through and Build Success with Katherine Gold

23:40 – Closing Thoughts & Call to Action

I’d love for you to share your favorite episodes, leave a review to help extend the reach of the podcast, and stay connected as Thinking That Matters heads into an exciting new season in 2026.

Because when you cultivate thinking that matters, you truly live a life that matters.

Don’t let another day slip by on autopilot. Pick Your Path gives you the roadmap to create lasting change. Get your copy now and put your plan into motion! 

https://www.amazon.com/Pick-Your-Path-Mental-Autopilot-ebook/dp/B0D6NGKLJP

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by rising health insurance costs or wondering if there’s a better option for you?

In this episode of Thinking That Matters, I sit down with longtime friend and insurance expert Steve Stump to break down what’s really happening in the world of health coverage and what you can do about it.

Steve shares his journey from a corporate career to entrepreneurship, including the shocking costs he faced when going out on his own. That experience sparked his passion for helping business owners and self-employed professionals navigate health insurance without overpaying or settling for options that don’t fit their needs.

Together, we explore:

• Why ACA subsidies are changing and how it affects your premiums
  
   
• Options beyond the ACA marketplace, including underwritten plans for healthy individuals
  
   
• How direct primary care can work alongside non-ACA plans to save money
  
   
• Common misconceptions and limiting beliefs that keep people from exploring alternatives
  
   
• The importance of mindset and being proactive in making decisions about your health coverage

Schedule your free, no-obligation insurance review today! Visit https://insuremesteve.us/

 

If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure about your health insurance, this episode will give you clarity, actionable strategies, and the confidence to make informed choices.

🎧 Tune in and discover how to take control of your health insurance options and protect your business without breaking the bank.

Get to know Steve: 

Steve is a proud father to his adult daughter and a dedicated insurance agent, helping people protect what matters most whether it’s home, auto, health, or life insurance. His career gives him the freedom to work from anywhere and on his own terms, allowing him to balance professional success with personal priorities.

💡 Join the Women Growth Group for live, in-person training that empowers your potential and connects you with a vibrant community of growth-minded women! https://linktr.ee/gowithelizabeth

Stay connected with Elizabeth on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethbmahusay

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebmahusay/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ElizabethMahusay

Website: https://elizabethmahusay.com/

Don’t let another day slip by on autopilot. Pick Your Path gives you the roadmap to create lasting change. Get your copy now and put your plan into motion! 

https://www.amazon.com/Pick-Your-Path-Mental-Autopilot-ebook/dp/B0D6NGKLJP

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if the voice that keeps telling you “you’re not enough” has been wrong all along?

In this episode of Thinking That Matters, Elizabeth sits down with Terri Martinez, a wife, mom, ya-ya, connector, entrepreneur, and community outreach leader. Terri shares her journey of rebuilding confidence, overcoming limiting beliefs, trusting God through dark seasons, and discovering her purpose through connection and service.

If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, imposter syndrome, or the fear of stepping into something new, Terri’s story will strengthen you.

• How to recognize and overcome limiting beliefs that keep you stuck
   
• Practical ways to build confidence in an unfamiliar industry or new season of life
   
• Why your support system matters and how to surround yourself with the right voices
   
• How faith played a role in Terri’s escape from domestic violence and her path to restoration
   
• The mindset shift that helps you silence the negative voice in your head
   
• The power of positive affirmations and the ones Terri uses daily
   
• Why becoming a “connector” can transform your personal and professional life

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned

• Terri’s Mary Kay Business- marykay.com/terri.martinez
• Diana Health – Women’s Healthcare Practice- HeyDianaHealth.com

Books Referenced:

• Who Not How — Benjamin Hardy & Dan Sullivan
   
• Battlefield of the Mind — Joyce Meyer
   
• Transform My Thinking, God — Elizabeth Mahussai

If this episode inspired you, follow the podcast, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review.

Get to know Terri:

Terri Martinez is a proud wife, mom of two, and devoted “ya-ya” to her seven-year-old granddaughter. She balances a full-time career, runs her own part-time business, and still finds time to support friends on the weekends. Terri thrives on connection—helping others discover who they are, who they can become, and how to grow into their purpose. Her life is full, busy, and rooted in service, resilience, and heart.

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💡 Join the Women Growth Group for live, in-person training that empowers your potential and connects you with a vibrant community of growth-minded women! https://linktr.ee/gowithelizabeth

Stay connected with Elizabeth on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethbmahusay

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebmahusay/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ElizabethMahusay

Website: https://elizabethmahusay.com/

Don’t let another day slip by on autopilot. Pick Your Path gives you the roadmap to create lasting change. Get your copy now and put your plan into motion! 

https://www.amazon.com/Pick-Your-Path-Mental-Autopilot-ebook/dp/B0D6NGKLJP

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if the limitations you’ve believed about your age, body, or health were never true?

In this episode of Thinking That Matters, Elizabeth sits down with Monica Steiner, fresh off her incredible performance at the 28th Miss Natural Olympia in Las Vegas, where she earned two gold medals and a silver. Monica shares her inspiring journey in natural bodybuilding and reflects on her decades-long involvement with the INBA/PNBA, including her 2019 Hall of Fame induction.

Monica gives an inside look at the world of natural bodybuilding—why competing drug-free matters, how the sport promotes longevity, and the mindset needed to achieve peak performance. She also shares her global “fit family,” her decision to keep evolving in the sport, and the passion that drives her success.

Key Takeaways:

• Returning to the stage at 60 and winning two gold medals
  
   
• Transformational story of a teen athlete with cerebral palsy becoming a competitive bodybuilder
  
   
• The difference between “cheat meals” and “treat meals”
  
   
• How natural bodybuilding supports long-term health
  
   
• The dangers of weight-loss shots and quick fixes
  
   
• Why mindset shapes physical outcomes
  
   
• The philosophy of finding your “fit for purpose”
  
   

Whether you’ve struggled with yo-yo dieting, feel too busy to prioritize your health, or think “it’s too late,” Monica’s story will inspire you to rethink your body, your habits, and what’s truly possible.

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned

• INBA/PNBA Natural Bodybuilding Association: https://inbapnba.com
• Mr. & Ms. USA Natural Bodybuilding Show (Allen, TX)
• Book Mentioned: Draw the Circle by Mark Batterson

Get to know Monica:

Monica Steiner is a Ms. Natural Olympia, 3X INBA/PNBA World Champion, and Hall of Fame inductee with over 30 years of experience in wellness, fitness, and communications. A black belt martial artist, executive fire-walking instructor, and bodybuilding judge, Monica is known for pushing boundaries and inspiring others to overcome theirs.

Formerly a Spanish-language news reporter and News Director for Univision Dallas, she now trains Fortune 200 leaders in corporate communications. Through her Business Health LAB and Lifestyle Solutions Program, Monica helps people boost energy, productivity, and long-term health by aligning fitness, nutrition, and mindset.

Monica’s mission is simple: empower others to be fit, feel strong, and live fully on purpose.

Connect with Monica:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MonicaJSteiner/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitforpurposemonica/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicasteiner1

Website: https://www.monicaslifestylesolutions.com/

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💡 Join the Women Growth Group for live, in-person training that empowers your potential and connects you with a vibrant community of growth-minded women! https://linktr.ee/gowithelizabeth

Stay connected with Elizabeth on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethbmahusay

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebmahusay/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ElizabethMahusay

Website: https://elizabethmahusay.com/

Don’t let another day slip by on autopilot. Pick Your Path gives you the roadmap to create lasting change. Get your copy now and put your plan into motion! 

https://www.amazon.com/Pick-Your-Path-Mental-Autopilot-ebook/dp/B0D6NGKLJP

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.