Well & Worthy Life | A Podcast for Midlife Women

Hey friends! I'm going to be totally honest with you - it is cold outside, and my motivation has been at an all-time low. Whether it's hitting the gym, planning healthy meals, or even sitting down to record this podcast, I've been feeling that mid-winter slump hard. If you're currently huddled under a blanket with a space heater at your feet (just like I am right now!), this episode is for you.

Today, we're getting real about the "February Funk." We're past the "New Year, New You" excitement, the weather is zapping our energy, and suddenly, the simplest tasks feel like a mountain. But I've learned something over the years: motivation isn't a feeling; it's an action.

In this episode, I'm sharing my personal struggles with staying on track and the exact steps I'm taking to pull myself out of the rut. We also dive into some of your most-asked questions from Instagram about midlife nutrition and what to do when you have zero brainpower left for meal prepping.

• The Motivation Myth: Why waiting to "feel like it" is holding you back and how to shift into action mode.

• Actionable Strategies: My favorite tricks for staying consistent with exercise (even when I'd rather stay on the couch).

• Eating Well When You're "Over It": Simple, high-protein meal ideas for when you're tired of cooking and prepping.

• The Power of Small Wins: How to break down big goals into manageable steps so you don't feel overwhelmed.

• Looking Ahead: Why what we do now in these cold winter months determines how we'll feel when spring finally arrives.

I'm right there in the trenches with you, friends. Let's stop waiting for the sun to come out to start feeling our best and start taking those small, messy actions today.

One year ago, I did something I never thought I would do.

I had a deep plane facelift, an endoscopic brow lift, laser work around my eyes and mouth, and more - and I shared the entire journey with you on Instagram in real time.

But what I didn't fully share there… was how hard it actually was.

We see so many facelift journeys, plastic surgery recoveries, and "after" photos online that make it all look simple, quick, and almost effortless. And for some people, maybe it is. For me? It was not. It was emotional, humbling, uncomfortable, and at times, I questioned every decision I had made.

And that's exactly why I'm sharing this now.

If you're considering a facelift, wondering about facelift recovery, curious about deep plane facelift results, or trying to decide between injectables vs surgery as you age — this episode is for you.

I'm sharing what I had done, why I chose surgery at 59, what I wish I had known before, what recovery really looked like (mentally and physically), and the things I would absolutely do differently if I had to do it again.

This is not a glamorized version of plastic surgery. This is the honest version.

I talk about:

• Why I chose a deep plane facelift over fillers and Botox

• The emotional side of recovery no one talks about

• What surprised me the most after surgery

• The mental toll of healing when you can't move, exercise, or be outside

• The importance of having real help during facelift recovery

• The skincare, lymphatic massage, and healing process that made a difference

• And how I truly feel now, one year later

If you're researching facelift recovery tips, post-surgery skincare, how to prepare for a facelift, or simply want to hear a real woman's honest experience at almost 60, I hope this helps you feel less alone and more informed.

Because this is a very personal decision.

And it should be made for you, with eyes wide open.

A list of the products I use post facelift

If you've looked down one day in midlife and thought, Where did this belly come from? — this episode is for you.

Because I've been there.

I was doing all the same workouts. Eating the same way I always had. Living the same lifestyle I did in my forties… and suddenly my body started changing in ways I did not understand. The belly fat showed up and no matter what I tried, it would not budge.

And what I didn't know then - but know now - is that this is incredibly common in perimenopause and menopause. And it is not about willpower. It's not about discipline. And it is definitely not about you "letting yourself go."

It's biology. Hormones. Stress. Muscle loss. Insulin changes. And the fact that what worked in our twenties, thirties, and even forties simply does not work the same way in midlife.

In this episode, I'm sharing why menopause belly fat and perimenopause weight gain happen, and the surprising things that actually make a difference - without eating less, overexercising, or punishing your body.

This is not a conversation about getting a flat stomach.

It's a conversation about supporting your midlife body, understanding what's happening inside of you, and learning how to work with your hormones instead of fighting against them.

Because this season of life isn't about punishing ourselves into being smaller.

It's about feeling strong, steady, and supported in the body we're living in now.

If you've been frustrated with menopause belly fat, confused about perimenopause weight gain, or wondering why nothing you used to do works anymore, I think this episode will feel like a deep exhale for you.

Turning 60 has honestly been one of the biggest surprises of my life… because I feel better now than I ever did at 50.

In this episode, I'm sitting by the fire, coffee in hand, sharing what this season of life looks like for me like how my routines have shifted, how I protect my energy now, and the small, intentional choices that help me feel grounded, strong, and clear-headed in midlife.

We talk about the power of a simple morning routine, why movement should never feel like punishment, and how learning to say no has completely changed the way I show up for myself and the people I love.

I also open up about some of the things I've added (and removed) from my life that have made a big difference in how I feel. Everything from supplements and sleep to my relationship with alcohol and the way I approach aging.

This isn't about doing everything "right." It's about learning to listen to your body, support yourself with what you actually need, and create a life that feels good from the inside out.

If you're navigating midlife and craving more energy, peace, and confidence in your own skin, this episode is for you.

Supplements referenced in the episode:

• Bioactive Peptides from Make Wellness
• Creatine Gummies from Create
• Magnesium
• AX3

See my facelift journey on Instagram here.

If you're anything like me, you've probably felt that familiar pressure in midlife to do more, fix everything, or completely reinvent yourself—especially at the start of a new year. In this episode of Well and Worthy Life, I'm inviting you to take a gentler, more sustainable approach. I'm sharing what truly changed everything for me (and for the thousands of women I've coached): not big overhauls, but small, repeatable shifts that quietly add up to powerful transformation.

We talk about why the all-or-nothing mindset keeps us stuck, how micro habits build real momentum in midlife, and why adding in support—rather than cutting everything out—can completely change how you feel in your body and your life. I also walk you through a few foundational areas that matter more than we often realize, especially as our hormones, energy, and priorities shift.

This episode isn't about perfection or quick fixes. It's about meeting yourself where you are and choosing one small thing you can actually stick with. If you've been feeling overwhelmed, tired of starting over, or quietly wondering if lasting change is still possible for you in this season of life, this conversation is for you. I hope it feels like a deep breath, a reset, and a reminder that you're not behind—you're right on time.

After a two-year break, I'm back behind the mic — and Well & Worthy Life is entering a brand-new season.

In this relaunch episode, I share why I felt called to bring the podcast back, what's changing this time around, and how my perspective on health, wellness, and aging has evolved as I've stepped into my 60s.

This season of the podcast will be shorter, more intentional, and rooted in real life. Rather than adding to the already noisy conversation around menopause and hormones, I'm shifting the focus to what it truly looks like to live well in this next chapter — physically, emotionally, and relationally.

In this episode, I touch on:

• Why this stage of life doesn't fit neatly into a label

• How priorities around health and well-being shift after 60

• Navigating changing family dynamics, adult children, and new traditions

• Letting go of "one-size-fits-all" advice and learning to trust your own body

• Finding freedom, clarity, and possibility in this season of life

Most of all, this episode sets the tone for what's ahead: honest conversations, practical insights, and encouragement for women who want to feel their best and live fully, not just get through aging.

If you're navigating menopause or post-menopause, empty nesting, becoming a grandmother, or simply wondering "What's next for me?" you're in the right place.

• Short, impactful episodes (15–30 minutes)

• Mostly solo conversations and reflections

• Simple, realistic shifts that support long-term health

• A space for growth, connection, and encouragement

I also invite you to be part of the conversation and let me know what matters most to you in this season of life.

Let's Stay Connected

Email me at [email protected] Find me on Instagram at @wellandworthylife

Today we're getting real about the need for a digital detox as we gear up for the new year. We'll break down why taking a step back from our screens is crucial, share some practical tips for a successful detox, and discuss the impact it can have on our overall well-being. So, if you've been feeling overwhelmed by the constant digital noise and want a reset for the upcoming year, you're in the right place. Let's dive in and talk about why a digital detox might be exactly what you need.

• What is a digital detox and why are they important to implement?
• What are the benefits of stepping away from technology for a period of time?
• What are some of the reflection questions listed in the Digital Detox PDF?
• Activities or experiences to replace time on technology to create room for what matters most.

• Be part of the digital detox and download the PDF for reflection questions to bring intention to this time.

• Check out the books referenced in the episode: Forever Strong: A New Science-Based Strategy for Aging Well and The 4:8 Principle: The Secret to a Joy-Filled Life

• Join the Revive Now Membership - Enrollment is open anytime!
• Get access to my FREE podcast series, Reset to Energize

[2:37] There's so many different reasons why we turn to food for comfort.

[4:13] It's (digital detox) an opportunity to step back, recalibrate, and create space for real-life experiences. The benefits include improved focus, reduced stress, better sleep, and a chance to reconnect with your passions.

[13:37] What can I do that is small, manageable, and consistent that will lead me to improve an area of my health?

[14:51] We all have different goals and different things that we want but think, are these goals realistic and achievable in your current lifestyle or do you have to change things up?

[22:43] Let's have some great ideas of how we're going to make 2024 great. We're going to set our goals using the MASS method. Remember, it's manageable, attainable, sustainable, that equals success.

This week, I'm bringing you into a Revive Now members call on what we can do to avoid holiday weight gain. We're discussing why we gain weight during the holidays, identifying triggers, uncovering our motivation, and the power of planning ahead. It may be helpful to have your pen and paper and write down your goals as if you're on the live call. Let's dive in!

• Tips on how to avoid holiday weight gain this season.
• How to develop a plan to combat the triggers we face during the holidays.
• What is the value of pre-planning and pre-deciding around the holidays?
• How we can stay motivated when life gets stressful and challenging this time of year?
• What are ways to use pre-planning and pre-deciding to avoid holiday weight gain?

• Create a list of possible triggers that may come up around the holidays.
• Commit to one small change you can make to your diet or exercise routine during the holidays.
• Decide one action to take today to start pre-planning and pre-deciding for a healthier holiday season.
• Join the Revive Now Membership - Enrollment is open anytime!
• Get access to my FREE podcast series, Reset to Energize

3:27] There are so many tempting foods and drinks everywhere and you don't want to feel deprived. Then there are the social pressures that throw us off our game.

[6:52] A key component is to be mindful about stress eating and emotional eating. We have to pay attention to our hunger cues and follow them.

[8:36] Prioritizing your protein is a must because your protein will keep you full longer and it will keep you satisfied.

[14:50] How are we going to deal with our setbacks and stay motivated? Number one, we're not going to beat ourselves up if we overeat or over-drink.

[16:12] This is the biggest thing right here, motivation comes from action. We have to take small steps each day to move closer to our goals.

Welcome back to another solo episode of Well & Worthy Life podcast! Today we're discovering the liberation found in the art of saying no. Over the years, I have learned the power and freedom of no so I could say yes to everything else that was important to me.

In a world often characterized by constant demands and obligations, our ability to confidently say no becomes a key catalyst to a life harmonized with our deepest values. Join me as we explore practical insights, share stories, and provide actionable strategies to help you navigate the delicate balance between saying no and aligning with your authentic self.

• What can be found in the freedom of no and how does it impact the way we live?
• What to do when our mental health is suffering because of the choices we are making?
• Instead of cutting out sugar altogether, learn what Deanna does to get her sweet fix over the holidays without overindulging.

• Keep your eyes open for a digital detox I'm putting together for anyone who wants to join
• Look at your calendar over the next few weeks and look for places where you can say no.
• Join the Revive Now Membership - Enrollment is open anytime!
• Get access to my FREE podcast series, Reset to Energize

[1:16] Sometimes we have to say no to something so we can say yes to our mental health.

[1:59] It was becoming too much pressure on me and I am trying to protect my lifestyle.

[7:49] I want you to look at your calendar in the next couple of weeks and look at the things that maybe you could say no to.

[9:59] I think our mental health starts with our mindset. And then that follows through to our physical health.

[16:24] When we are done with our digital detox, we'll get back on another Zoom and talk about how it felt. What we were able to do. How it cleared our mind, and how it set us up for success in the new year.

Are there rules to fashion as we age and what are they? In this episode, I'm answering those questions and offering 5 tips for midlife fashion.

• Where did Deanna's love of fashion start and how was her mom a big part of that?
• Should we change our style as we get older?
• What are Deanna's 5 tips for midlife fashion?
• What is the one item everyone needs in their closet?
• Is it worth buying into trends or not?

• Check out some of Deanna's favorites on her Like to Know It Page and Amazon Page.
• Subscribe to Deanna's weekly newsletter to see her upcoming Christmas Gift Guide and other exciting things going on with Well & Worthy Life. Scroll to the bottom of the homepage to subscribe.
• Join the Revive Now Membership - Enrollment is open anytime!
• Get access to my FREE podcast series, Reset to Energize

[1:53] To be honest, what I wear is not necessarily a part of my health journey, but I definitely am more confident when I'm more put together.

[7:40] We tend to dress for others so much and we really need to dress for ourselves and how we feel the most confident because it will come across in the way we talk to people. It will come across in the way we carry ourselves. It will come across in our actions.

[10:37] Make sure if you've gained or lost weight you have a few things that fit you that you feel very confident in.

[26:42] I don't think there should be rules about clothes. I think it's whatever makes you feel your best at this stage of your life.