Episode Description

Selfishness can actually make you stronger. In this Saddle Up episode of Doing Life Different, Lesa Koski unpacks key takeaways from her conversation with Val Jones, author of The Selfish Year and host of The Selfish Woman Podcast. Discover why being “selfish” is not only healthy but necessary for women over 40 navigating midlife, faith, and personal reinvention.

Lesa shares insights about people-pleasing, authenticity, and how small micro-steps of courage help women thrive after divorce, in midlife, and beyond. If you’ve ever felt guilty about putting yourself first, this episode will inspire you to see selfishness as a gift that leads to impact, joy, and freedom.

Keywords: selfishness as a superpower, women over 40, midlife reinvention, people-pleasing, The Selfish Year

Timestamps

(00:00) Introduction to the Saddle Up segment

(01:15) Why selfishness isn’t bad—it’s powerful for women

(03:05) Key insight from Val Jones: helping more by putting yourself first

(05:12) How faith and authenticity connect to serving others

(07:00) The people-pleasing trap: superpower or downfall

(09:08) Using micro steps of courage to rewire old patterns

(11:22) Lesa’s real-life story of speaking truth with her daughters

(13:00) Call to action: take Val’s free quiz and reclaim your power

Key Takeaways

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• Prioritizing yourself can actually expand your impact on others.
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• Faith and authenticity are essential for living with purpose.
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• People-pleasing can be both a strength and a barrier—awareness is key.
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• Micro steps of courage rewire old patterns and build confidence.
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• Selfishness, reframed, is a path to freedom, joy, and deeper service.
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Guest Bio

Val Jones is a women’s empowerment coach, podcast host, and author of The Selfish Year. She helps women move past guilt, people-pleasing, and perfectionism to embrace their authentic selves. Val hosts The Selfish Woman Podcast and offers resources and retreats designed to empower women in midlife and beyond.

Resource Links

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• Valerie Jones Website & Coaching: https://valeriejones.ca/
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• The Selfish Year (Book): https://valeriejones.ca/theselfishyear
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• The Selfish Woman Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-selfish-woman/id1598491354
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• Free “Queen of Your Life” Assessment: [insert link]
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• Connect with Lesa Koski → https://lesakoski.com
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Tags/Keywords

selfishness as a superpower, the selfish year Val Jones, selfish woman podcast, midlife reinvention, people pleasing women, women over 40 podcast, self-care for women, faith and authenticity, women empowerment coaching, doing life different podcast, Lesa Koski