To 50 and Beyond podcast

Episode 307

As a lifelong people pleaser who frequently works with many women—many of whom also tend to please others and drink as a way to cope with their feelings—I reached out to Karen after discovering her insightful book, When Making Others Happy Is Making You Miserable: How to Break the Pattern of People Pleasing and Confidently Live Your Life.

Karen Ehman is a New York Times bestselling author, a Proverbs 31 Ministries speaker, a contributing writer for Encouragement for Today online devotions, and a teacher in the First 5 Bible study app which has over 2 million daily users. She has written 19 books and Bible studies, including Keep It Shut: What to Say, How to Say It, and When to Say Nothing at All, and the 2020 ECPA devotional book of the year, Settle My Soul: 100 Quiet Moments to Meet with Jesus.

Karen shares what she realized about certain friendships after she made the decision to spend her “necessary and no” summer and the freedom she felt in having more time for herself. Her reflections highlight a crucial truth: every need is not necessarily your call, and it’s not our responsibility to make others happy. As she aptly states, “You don’t need anyone’s permission to do God’s will.”

Karen encourages us to be patient with ourselves as we learn to set boundaries and overcome people-pleasing tendencies.

To read this episode's full show notes, click here. 

Thank you for listening! 

Looking for resources to go alcohol-free?

📩Join my email community to stay connected to the podcast and tips, insights, and inspiration to help you stay alcohol-free.

🧰Download The Daily Sobriety Toolkit a trusted companion that helps you stay focused on being alcohol-free today. Not forever.

🩷Enrollment opening 1/6/25: Go and stay alcohol-free with lifetime access to practical solutions, resources just for midlife gals, and LIVE weekly coaching in my “only for midlife women” coaching community Team Alcohol-Free 

🤝Team up with me 1:1 to get the attention and support you deserve through my Plan A 12-Week Private Coaching package

 

Episode 306

Hello there. I'm happy you're here. 

I'm cheering for you always. 

In this episode, I help you navigate the often dreaded question: Why aren't you drinking?

Here are some key points to help you handle this situation with confidence:

1. Recognize and validate your fear or discomfort about being asked this question.

2. Stay focused on your reasons for not drinking. Your why-power is stronger than any awkwardness you might feel.

3. Before attending an event, consider if it aligns with your values and if you truly want to go.

4. Practice your response: Prepare a simple, honest answer that feels comfortable for you.

5. One option as a response is: "I'm taking a break."

6. Set boundaries: If someone pushes the issue, it's okay to change the subject or walk away.

7. Communicate with close friends/family: Let supportive people know about your choice beforehand.

8. Stay true to yourself: Remember, your choice not to drink matters most. You don't owe anyone an explanation.

Wherever you are on this road to alcohol freedom, I'm with you. 

To read the show notes for this episode with the resources mentioned, click here. 

To enroll in Team Alcohol-Free, click here. 

 

Episode 305 

Hello friend! 

I'm so happy you're here. Thank you for listening to To 50 and Beyond. 

Do you remember the Calgon commercial from the 1970s? In it, the gal was stressed at the end of her day and said, "Calgon, take me away!" 

This episode is about our desire to escape from daily life stressors. It's a natural human experience. If we don't practice escaping, we let our stressors fester, which can lead to drinking alcohol. 

In this episode, I share my thoughts on "creating a life you don't need to escape" and why it's essential to have an "escape plan" that helps you lose yourself in self-care—not in alcohol. 

You can read the full show notes with links to resources mentioned here. 

 

Don't miss out on enrollment for The 2024 Team! 

Go and stay alcohol-free with lifetime access to practical solutions, resources just for midlife gals, and LIVE weekly coaching in my “only for midlife women” coaching community Team Alcohol-Free

📩Join my email community to stay connected to the podcast and tips, insights, and inspiration to help you stay alcohol-free.

🧰Download The Daily Sobriety Toolkit a trusted companion that helps you stay focused on being alcohol-free today. Not forever.

🤝Team up with me 1:1 to get the attention and support you deserve through my Plan A 12-Week Private Coaching package

 

Episode 304

Hello! I'm glad you're here. 

Today, we're diving into a topic that's been on my mind for a while - the realizations women have after they stop drinking. This isn't just about the good stuff, though. We're going to talk about the hard parts too.

I want to give you a peek inside what it's really like to go alcohol-free later in life. It's not always easy, and it's not always fun. But it's real, and it's important. Whether you're struggling to stay alcohol-free or finding life without alcohol to be a mix of rewarding and awkward, you're not alone. 

The realizations...

• It's tougher or easier than expected: Some find it harder, others more manageable than anticipated.
• Time is crucial: Many realize they need more time to work through the hard parts, especially in the first few months.
• Cravings pass: With time, women learn they can work through urges without giving in.
• Emotional rollercoaster: Feelings of sadness, moodiness, and grief for their drinking self are common, especially in the first 90 days.
• It doesn't fix everything: Quitting alcohol makes life more manageable but isn't a cure-all for life's problems.
• Not everyone drinks the same: Many realize their drinking habits are different from others.
• Others don't care as much: Most people aren't as concerned about your drinking status as you might think.
• Relationships change: Some relationships take time to adjust, while others might not survive the transition.
• Improved connections: Many experience better relationships with family and friends.
• Identity shift: Realizing their identity was wrapped up in alcohol (e.g., being the party girl).
• Less anxiety: While still present, anxiety levels often decrease without alcohol.
• Boredom and fulfillment: Some feel bored or unfulfilled initially, but this often passes with time.
• Better choices: Many make improved decisions about food, exercise, and productivity.
• Unexpected support: Some are surprised to find others who don't drink or are curious about quitting.

You can find the full show notes here. 

Thank you for listening! 

Mentioned in this episode:

Outgrowing Yourself in Midlife episode #301

Enroll in my coaching community:

Learn how to go and stay alcohol-free with lifetime access to practical solutions, resources just for midlife gals, and LIVE weekly coaching in my “only for midlife women” coaching community Team Alcohol-Free

 

Let me help you make living alcohol-free in midlife a better experience!

📩Join my email community to stay connected to the podcast and tips, insights, and inspiration to help you stay alcohol-free.

🧰Download The Daily Sobriety Toolkit a trusted companion that helps you stay focused on being alcohol-free today. Not forever.

🤝Team up with me 1:1 to get the attention and support you deserve through my Plan A 12-Week Private Coaching package

 

Do you enjoy the podcast? Help me spread the word! There is another option besides drinking in midlife.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to take a few minutes to support the podcast, I want to encourage you to leave a positive rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

So many women out there don’t know there is an “alcohol-free” option and are struggling with their drinking.

Your support will help these women find the podcast this week and learn about an alcohol-free lifestyle later in life.

➡️Click here, scroll to the bottom of the page, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.”

I read my reviews and will hug you when I see yours.

Make sure to “follow” To 50 and Beyond to get all of the wonderful episodes coming your way. If you don’t click “follow," you will miss hearing what’s coming up.

Thank you!

Episode 303

Hello there! 

Are you halfway through a 30-day break from alcohol and feeling like you need a reset? You're not alone! 

In this episode, I'll share encouragement and practical tips to help you refocus and make the most of the remaining 15 days.

We'll explore the importance of self-compassion, reconnecting with your 'why', and strategies to overcome common challenges.

Plus, I'll guide you through a heart-storming exercise to reignite your motivation and clarify your goals.

Whether you're participating in Sober October or taking a personal break, this episode is designed to support and inspire you on your alcohol-free journey.

I’m PROUD of you for getting to a point where you are on a break. That’s a big deal!

In this episode, you will hear:

• The signs that you deserve to hit the reset button mid-month are.

• The challenges of losing steam from day one to day 15 and how to overcome them. 

• How to make the most of the 15 days left in the month by resetting using a “heart-storming” session with eight prompts to help you reflect on where you are and where you want to be.

This RESET is about aligning with your heart and soul. It's an opportunity to reconnect with your reasons for taking this break and to focus on what truly matters to you.

To view the prompts and full show notes, please click here. 

Thank you for listening. 

I'm rooting for you!

xo 

Lori

 

Let me help you make living alcohol-free in midlife a better experience!

📩Join my email community to stay connected to the podcast and tips, insights, and inspiration to help you stay alcohol-free.

🧰Download The Daily Sobriety Toolkit a trusted companion that helps you stay focused on being alcohol-free today. Not forever.

🩷Go and stay alcohol-free with lifetime access to practical solutions, resources just for midlife gals, and LIVE weekly coaching in my “only for midlife women” coaching community Team Alcohol-Free

🤝Team up with me 1:1 to get the attention and support you deserve through my Plan A 12-Week Private Coaching package

 

Do you enjoy the podcast? Help me spread the word! There is another option besides drinking in midlife.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to take a few minutes to support the podcast, I want to encourage you to leave a positive rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

So many women out there don’t know there is an “alcohol-free” option and are struggling with their drinking.

Your support will help these women find the podcast this week and learn about an alcohol-free lifestyle later in life.

➡️Click here, scroll to the bottom of the page, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.”

I read my reviews and will hug you when I see yours.

Make sure to “follow” To 50 and Beyond to get all of the wonderful episodes coming your way. If you don’t click “follow," you will miss hearing what’s coming up.

Thank you!

https://www.lorimassicot.com/to-50-and-beyond-podcast/302Episode 302 

The purpose of this short and sweet episode is to remind you to be patient and celebrate your progress in your journey towards alcohol freedom.

Your “process” is unique, and it's not just about consecutive alcohol-free days. It's about what you learn and discover along the way.

I’ll give you ideas to help you celebrate your growth beyond just counting days without drinking. It's time to acknowledge your efforts and build yourself up as you work towards freedom from alcohol.

Remember, the road to alcohol freedom takes time and patience. You are worth the effort you're putting in, and I encourage you to remind yourself of that often.

Thank you for listening! 

I'm with you! 

Let me help you make living alcohol-free in midlife a better experience!

📩Join my email community to stay connected to the podcast and tips, insights, and inspiration to help you stay alcohol-free.

🧰Download The Daily Sobriety Toolkit a trusted companion that helps you stay focused on being alcohol-free today. Not forever.

🩷Go and stay alcohol-free with lifetime access to practical solutions, resources just for midlife gals, and LIVE weekly coaching in my “only for midlife women” coaching community Team Alcohol-Free

🤝Team up with me 1:1 to get the attention and support you deserve through my Plan A 12-Week Private Coaching package

Do you enjoy the podcast? Help me spread the word! There is another option besides drinking in midlife.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to take a few minutes to support the podcast, I want to encourage you to leave a positive rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

So many women out there don’t know there is an “alcohol-free” option and are struggling with their drinking.

Your support will help these women find the podcast this week and learn about an alcohol-free lifestyle later in life.

➡️Click here, scroll to the bottom of the page, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.”

I read my reviews and will hug you when I see yours.

Make sure to “follow” To 50 and Beyond to get all of the wonderful episodes coming your way. If you don’t click “follow," you will miss hearing what’s coming up.

Thank you!

Episode 301 

If you're feeling like something is off and you're not sure what it is, it could be that you're outgrowing a past version of yourself. A version that may not be aligned to who you want to be today and tomorrow, and is not giving you positive vibes. 😅

This episode was inspired by the idea of outgrowing alcohol, and a quote that hit me right in the ol' thinking cap. 

We shrink ourselves to fit into places we’ve outgrown. Then we find ways to anesthetize the pain and discomfort. Stop spiritually and emotionally starving yourself. Let go. Move on. Grow. Steve Maraboli

During this episode, I talk about the signs of outgrowing yourself and the benefits of personal growth, and I give you some prompts to reflect on while I share what I'm working on shedding at 56. 

I also talk about the signs of outgrowing alcohol and the identity women create around alcohol. I'm specifically talking about the "hostess with the mostess" identity, and why drinking to fit this identity may make going alcohol-free difficult. 

You can read the full show notes for this episode here. 

Thank you for listening! I appreciate you! 

 

Let me help you make living alcohol-free in midlife a better experience!

📩Join my email community to stay connected to the podcast and tips, insights, and inspiration to help you stay alcohol-free.

🧰Download The Daily Sobriety Toolkit a trusted companion that helps you stay focused on being alcohol-free today. Not forever.

🩷Go and stay alcohol-free with lifetime access to practical solutions, resources just for midlife gals, and LIVE weekly coaching in my “only for midlife women” coaching community Team Alcohol-Free

🤝Team up with me 1:1 to get the attention and support you deserve through my Plan A 12-Week Private Coaching package

 

Do you enjoy the podcast? Help me spread the word! There is another option besides drinking in midlife.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to take a few minutes to support the podcast, I want to encourage you to leave a positive rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

So many women out there don’t know there is an “alcohol-free” option and are struggling with their drinking.

Your support will help these women find the podcast this week and learn about an alcohol-free lifestyle later in life.

➡️Click here, scroll to the bottom of the page, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.”

I read my reviews and will hug you when I see yours.

Make sure to “follow” To 50 and Beyond to get all of the wonderful episodes coming your way. If you don’t click “follow," you will miss hearing what’s coming up.

Thank you!

 

 

 

 

Episode #300

Hello! I'm glad you're here.

If you're a midlife woman who is tired of turning to alcohol as a source of comfort and want to turn to yourself instead, this episode is for you!

Alcohol is often perceived as a source of comfort, especially for women in midlife facing next-level challenges and stressors.

Chardonnay was my friend and it wrapped me in comfort like a warm cozy blanket for years. However, this comfort was deceiving and over time, I realized that it was very temporary.

In this episode, I talk about the concept of self-comfort and how to reclaim it without relying on alcohol. I'll discuss how alcohol can seem like an easy escape but often leads to more discomfort in the long run.

I'll also share my personal experience of quitting drinking at 45 and how it's possible to find true comfort and relaxation without alcohol.

The key topics inside:

• Understanding why midlife women often turn to alcohol for comfort
• Signs that you may be using alcohol as a coping mechanism
• The illusion of comfort that alcohol provides and why the “alcohol comfort zone” can lead to more dependency, shame, regret, and an unrealistic self-perception
• Steps to reclaim self-comfort without drinking and create a new “genuine comfort zone”
• The benefits of reclaiming self-comfort as the leading lady in your life

You are not alone if you are drinking for comfort. I'm with you. 

I will never stop reminding you that you all you need to create a fulfilling life where you comfort yourself without drinking alcohol.

You can read the full show notes for this episode here. 

Here are some additional episodes to listen to next:

The Hardest Part of Getting Sober

The Bright Side of Going Alcohol-Free in Midlife

Transitioning to an Alcohol-Free Lifestyle: What it Does and Doesn't Take

 

Let me help you make living alcohol-free in midlife a better experience!

📩Join my email community to stay connected to the podcast and tips, insights, and inspiration to help you stay alcohol-free.

🧰Download The Daily Sobriety Toolkit a trusted companion that helps you stay focused on being alcohol-free today. Not forever.

🩷Go and stay alcohol-free with lifetime access to practical solutions, resources just for midlife gals, and LIVE weekly coaching in my “only for midlife women” coaching community Team Alcohol-Free

🤝Team up with me 1:1 to get the attention and support you deserve through my Plan A 12-Week Private Coaching package

Do you enjoy the podcast? Help me spread the word! There is another option besides drinking in midlife.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to take a few minutes to support the podcast, I want to encourage you to leave a positive rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

So many women out there don’t know there is an “alcohol-free” option and are struggling with their drinking.

Your support will help these women find the podcast this week and learn about an alcohol-free lifestyle later in life.

➡️Click here, scroll to the bottom of the page, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.”

I read my reviews and will hug you when I see yours.

Make sure to “follow” To 50 and Beyond to get all of the wonderful episodes coming your way. If you don’t click “follow," you will miss hearing what’s coming up.

Thank you!

Hello there! I'm glad you're here! 

My guest in episode 299 is Jen Hirst, Sober Coach, and founder of Lighthouse Sobriety, who is here to help you create more structure in your day by adding habits that will help you maintain sobriety.

One of the things I appreciate about Jen is her practical approach to getting and staying sober. And, her support that she shares on Instagram! I reached out to Jen to ask her to share her story and talk about how habits you can start today will help you stay alcohol-free.

Our conversation centered around essential daily habits that can help maintain a long-lasting, alcohol-free lifestyle. Jen's insights are grounded in her journey and the experiences of those she's helped through her coaching.

Jen decided to quit drinking after waking up in detox for the second time. Her life was in chaos, and she was tired of feeling terrible and losing control. She had no car, and no money, and her health was at risk. Jen realized that as long as she didn't drink, things couldn't get any worse. She chose to stop and focused on doing the next right thing, gradually rebuilding her life. Her main reason for quitting was to create a better future for herself and her family.

The habits we discuss will help you abstain from alcohol and add more personal development and self-care to your alcohol-free lifestyle. 

Thank you for listening! 

To read this episode's full show notes, click here. 

 

You can connect with Jen here:

Lighthouse Sobriety

Jen Hirst's Instagram

Jen’s Coaching Group

Resources Mentioned

• This Naked Mind by Annie Grace

• Beyond Booze by Sarah Rusbatch

• Atomic Habits by James Clear

• Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg

 

Let me help you make living alcohol-free in midlife a better experience!

Tools and support only for midlife gals!

📩Join my email community to stay connected to the podcast and tips, insights, and inspiration to help you stay alcohol-free.

🧰Download The Daily Sobriety Toolkit a trusted companion that helps you stay focused on being alcohol-free today. Not forever.

🩷Go and stay alcohol-free with lifetime access to practical solutions, resources just for midlife gals, and LIVE weekly coaching in my “only for midlife women” coaching community Team Alcohol-Free

🤝Team up with me 1:1 to get the attention and support you deserve through my Plan A 12-Week Private Coaching package

 

Do you enjoy the podcast? Help me spread the word!  There is another option besides drinking in midlife.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to take a few minutes to support the podcast, I want to encourage you to leave a positive rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

So many women out there don’t know there is an “alcohol-free” option and are struggling with their drinking.

Your support will help these women find the podcast this week and learn about an alcohol-free lifestyle later in life.

➡️Click here, scroll to the bottom of the page, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.”

I read my reviews and will hug you when I see yours.

Make sure to “follow” To 50 and Beyond to get all of the wonderful episodes coming your way. If you don’t click “follow," you will miss hearing what’s coming up.

Thank you!

Want more sober support? Check out these popular episodes:

Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder with Sarah Rusbatch

5 Essential Ways to Manage Cravings and Urges Without Drinking

5 Practical Tips to Help You Stop Drinking in Midlife and Beyond

Hey there! I'm happy to be back with you after a summer hiatus. 

I started To 50 and Beyond when I was 50 way back in 2018, so it would be a great time for a reintroduction. Things have changed since then and I have figured some things out that I want to share with you. 

The episode starts with a flashback from my very first introduction in February of 2018. 

I talk about the evolution of the podcast, and why I still believe midlife is the best time to remove anything from your life that you don't enjoy or find value in, including alcohol.

I share where I am after celebrating 11 years of sobriety on 8/11/13, and why I'm passionate about helping other midlife women find freedom from alcohol.

I also discuss the importance of embracing change, even when you don't have everything figured out. Whether you're considering sobriety or any other life change, I encourage you to take that first step and trust that you'll figure things out as you go.

Looking ahead, I reveal my plans for the podcast, including a shift towards more solo episodes and a desire to go deeper in our conversations.

I reaffirm my commitment to being authentic, supportive, and compassionate as we navigate the challenges and opportunities of midlife and sobriety together. 

Thank you so much for listening! I appreciate you! 

If you're new to sobriety, download The Daily Sobriety Toolkit to help you plan your day with purpose and self-care. 

Links mentioned in the episode:

• Join my email community 
• Email me directly and say hello! 
• Jen Hirst on Instagram

 

Could you help me spread the word? 

There is another option besides drinking in midlife.

If you liked this episode and want to take a few minutes to support the podcast, I would appreciate it!

So many women out there don’t know there is an “alcohol-free” option and are struggling with their drinking.

Your support will help these women find the podcast this week and learn about an alcohol-free lifestyle later in life.

➡️Click here, scroll to the bottom of the page, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.”

I read my reviews and will hug you when I see yours.

Make sure to “follow” To 50 and Beyond to get all the wonderful episodes coming your way. If you don’t click “follow," you will miss hearing what’s coming up.

Thank you!