More Beautiful Podcast

It's hard to say goodbye, so I won't. I'll just tell you what this podcast has meant to me over the past 100-plus episodes, and my hopes for you as you navigate the rest of midlife and beyond. Full show notes available at Morebeautifulproject.com.

Are you ready to take stock of your health and feel terrific? Whether you’re coming off a lazy holiday, or you just haven’t been feeling like yourself and want to reclaim your mojo, this episode is for you. Naturopathic doctor Lisa Brent is in the house, and we’re talking about how right now is the perfect time for a wellness check. An expert in helping women navigate their menopausal years, Lisa understands that your body is changing during midlife, and what worked before in terms of nutrition, exercise and sleep may no longer be working for you—es...

Fashion is an emotion-driven pleasure that you should be able to enjoy at any age. It can be easier said than done, though, with culture trying to dictate what you should (and should not) be wearing, and your body changing in a way that can make shopping a tad more challenging. According to my guest on this episode, stylist and pro-age influencer Rasmit (Roz) Kaur, a woman is never too old to cultivate and flaunt her own style. Roz, who is the epitome of ageless style and class, says you reserve the right to express yourself through your wardrobe...

Have you been dreaming of traveling the world or, at the very least, finally embarking on that once-in-a-lifetime vacation? It's no wonder many midlifers have travel on the brain, with empty nests and more freedom on the horizon, or just plain old wanderlust kicking in. My guest on this episode decided to leave her life and her job as a consultant behind for an entire year to travel solo. Natasha Augustine says anyone can do what she's doing, with a little planning and saving, and the experience can be life changing. So, whatever kind of travel you're yearning for...

Have you ever been in a dark place? That’s not too unusual, especially in midlife. But I’ll bet your first instinct is to try to snap out of it, as quickly as possible, so you can be there for the people in your life. Or present a rosy picture to the world. Well, on this episode I’m gonna make a case for allowing yourself to feel crappy, at least once in a while. I’m gonna tell you why you’re not alone in feeling crappy. And then, yes, I’m going to share some of my best tips...

If you've got a kid over 18—whether they're heading to college, living on their own, or still under your roof—your relationship with them is evolving. Some of the changes might be great, and some might be confusing or difficult to navigate. It can be hard knowing your child doesn't need you as much as they once did, or perhaps needs you too much. It can be challenging to communicate or offer guidance without pushing them away. Or maybe you're wondering how to stay close and support them as their life goes in a new direction. Whatever your current rela...

We all want to retire happily, with good health and enough money in the bank to carry us through our golden years. We have no qualms openly discussing the health and happiness part, but when it comes to the money bit, we often keep things to ourselves. But according to my guest on this episode, a financial advisor who helps women navigate their finances so they can retire on their own terms, we need to start talking about money now. Iris Krause and I do just that, diving into the topic of personal finance and helping you prepare for...

Sex in midlife. It can get complicated, and many questions and concerns can arise. Well, if you want answers, these two episodes—a special roundup of some of the best conversations I’d had with experts working in the fields of sexual intimacy and health—have got you covered. These pros, who have appeared on some of the 90-plus past episodes of the More Beautiful Podcast, are making it their mission to help you strengthen your midlife relationships, get more joy and passion in your life, and tap into your sensuality well into old age. If that sounds good to you...

Sex in midlife. It can get complicated, and many questions and concerns can arise. Well, if you want answers, these two episodes—a special roundup of some of the best conversations I’d had with experts working in the fields of sexual intimacy and health—have got you covered. These pros, who have appeared on some of the 90-plus past episodes of the More Beautiful Podcast, are making it their mission to help you strengthen your midlife relationships, get more joy and passion in your life, and tap into your sensuality well into old age. If that sounds good to you...

We all want to be happy. To experience unbridled joy and live in the moment. To laugh and play and get out of our heads and into our bodies more often. But it’s easier said than done when you’re a grownup, right? Add the curveballs that midlife can throw your way, and it’s downright challenging. In this solo episode, I’m talking about how you can get some of that good stuff back into your life. How you can open yourself up to experiencing more pleasure, no matter how busy you are and what hardships you may be f...

Drinking is a huge part of our culture and so engrained in the way we socialize, entertain and relax. So much so that it's hard to imagine a couple glasses of wine or a cocktail doing us any real harm. The fact is, a lot of midlifers—especially women around menopause—begin experiencing an intolerance to alcohol or no longer liking the way it makes them feel. And just when we thought some types of alcohol offer health benefits, some of that research is now being called into question. On this episode, functional nutritionist Teri Patterson, a sobriety and mind...

My guest on this episode is someone you would call a Super Ager. At 94, Elaine Jo is still enjoying a lush career as an executive master instructor of ikebana, the ancient Japanese art of floral arranging, which she has practiced for half a century. She travels all over the country doing demonstrations, writing about ikebana and teaching. She takes road trips with her husband for work and pleasure, and spends time visiting her three children and five grandchildren. Elaine, who also happens to be my mother-in-law, is a force of nature and a role model for aging beautifully. In...

Anxiety disorders affect almost 20 parent of the U.S. population. During midlife, new stressors can come into play and kick up your anxiety, whether or not you've ever suffered from it before. On this episode, I chat with Dr. Lori Davis, a clinical psychologist who specializes in anxiety disorders and trauma. We talk about the various types of anxiety that can strike you during midlife, how that anxiety plays out, and how you can get yourself back on track if you're suffering from it.

Among the topics Dr. Davis and I discuss:

Sooner or later, you're going to hit a turning point in midlife. There are so many physical changes happening due to perimenopause and menopause—and simply aging—that you may feel like you don't recognize yourself anymore. At times, it may even feel like your body is turning on you. Perhaps a medical issue has cropped up and you’re discouraged or scared. Perhaps, despite how hard you work at staying healthy, a genetic health condition is starting to catch up with you. Aging can be spiritually liberating, but physically challenging.

So what’s the key to acceptin...

Are you a writer, or thinking about writing something? Are you trying to figure out what your story is, so you can create your personal brand? Or do you just feel the need to get it all down, in order to process experiences you've had? Whatever your writing goals are, you're going to love this conversation with author and writing coach Robin Finn. Robin helps midlife women tap into their creativity, find their voice, make sense of their past, and discover what they want through writing. Robin and I chat about why you should start a writing practice (or...

Feeling out of balance in midlife? If so, you're not alone. Whether you're striving for balance of the body, mind or spirit, yoga can be a great place to start. It's a healing and transformative practice, offering both physical benefits and increased spiritual alignment. On this episode, holistic yoga teacher Susie Lee tells us how to achieve all kinds of balance, both on and off the yoga mat.

Among the topics Susie and I discuss:

Not too long ago, it was taboo to openly discuss menopause. So many women were reluctant to share their experiences and symptoms related to a life transition that affects half the world's population. Fortunately, major change is in the air, as more and more women are coming out of the shadows and exchanging important information related to menopause. My guest on this episode is Sheilisa McNeal, creator of a new product designed to alleviate one of the most prevalent symptoms of menopause, the ubiquitous hot flash. Sheilisa is also helping to spread awareness about menopause and encouraging women to...

Hey ladies, do you support other women? I mean, really support other women in everything you do, say and think? On the flip side, do you feel supported by other females? Have you ever felt judged, or caught yourself being judgmental toward another woman?

Today I’m going there, ladies, yes I am. Because women supporting women is sometimes more complex than we realize. Because there’s a lot of psychology going on beneath the surface. Because cultural norms and old habits die hard. And because last I checked, women are not yet running the world, so obvio...

I can't think of one midlife woman I know who hasn't hit a snafu when it comes to fitness. Thanks to hormone shifts and aging, you may feel your body changing, your weight redistributing, or your energy levels plummeting. Maybe you're frustrated because your tried-and-true workouts and meal plans are suddenly no longer yielding the same results. Or maybe you're facing emotional roadblocks that are sabotaging your efforts. Well, if you're looking for a way back to feeling great, you're gonna love this episode. My guest is Kelly Howard, a fitness consistency expert who has some fantastic tips and...

If you're in perimenopause or menopause, you probably have questions. But sometimes the answers are hard to come by. Truth is, few OB/GYNs receive significant training around menopause. There are so many symptoms that can be difficult to untangle. And because there's conflicting information out there about hormone therapy, it can be challenging to determine the right course of treatment.

Well, sit tight. Our guest today is Dr. Stephanie Culver, a Menopause Society-certified OB/GYN and part of a women-founded, women-led company that provides customized hormone treatment for menopause. On this episode, Dr. Culver is addressing...

Interior design for people over 40? You better believe it. On this episode, Maryann chats with designer Elizabeth Becken, who specializes in helping midlife clients align their intimate surroundings with their vision for a spectacular second act. Elizabeth believes that midlife is a time of tremendous change, growth and opportunity, so your home should reflect the sexy-cool person you're becoming. Whether you're downsizing after an empty nest or relationship change, moving into a new place, or simply looking to refresh your home to reflect where you are now in life, there is so much fun to be had in the...

What do house repairs, the Barbie movie, an ancient Japanese philosophy, and your beautiful aging body have to do with one another? More than you know.

On this solo episode of the More Beautiful Podcast, Maryann talks about how important and life-changing it is to let go of the quest for perfection. She discusses an ideology called wabi-sabi that is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. The word “wabi” means simplicity, humility and living in tune with nature. The word “sabi” refers to what happens with the passage of time; it's about accepting the the transience of beauty and embr...

Have you been finding yourself a little out of whack? Have you been struggling with the physical and emotional changes related to perimenopause or menopause? Are you dealing with a new health issue, or trying to avoid one? Are you trying to lose weight, gain more energy, or just feel like yourself again? On this episode of the More Beautiful Podcast, I chat with Skye Dale, a functional medicine health and wellness coach who once struggled with her own health challenges. We address all the stuff that may be bogging you down, and dishing out tips on how you...

Is there a prediabetes epidemic among midlife women? In this episode, we tackle an issue that concerns many of us. It feels like more and more women who are journeying through menopause are being told they're in the prediabetes range for insulin resistance—even those who have worked hard to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle habits. Currently, more than a third of Americans have prediabetes, which is a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Most of the people who have it don't know it. And for many women, especially those with a family history, prediabetes seems to crop up suddenly in...

Wendy Valentine says her mess is her message. Six years ago, at age 45, she had a midlife meltdown. She was in debt, unemployeed, going through a divorce, grieving the death of her brother, suffering from anxiety and chronic illness, and emotionally paralyzed. Today, Wendy is financially and emotionally liberated. She's enjoying her life traveling across the country in an RV, living part-time on the Portuguese island of Madeira, and spreading the message that you can survive the midlife madness and come out the other side better than ever. On today's epsisode, Wendy and I talk about the techniques she...

Life lessons from podcasting? You better believe it! At the start of this fourth season of the More Beautiful Podcast, Maryann reflects on the valuable lessons she's learned from her podcasting journey so far. These tips will pump you up and set you in motion for the rest of your day, your week or even your year. They will hopefully ignite a spark and nudge you in a direction you've been yearning to move toward. And they're loaded with fun tidbits, from the story of how Maryann's father-in-law got his first acting gig (alongside Ryan Reynolds and Jason Bateman...

When applied strategically, makeup is one of the best midlife pick-me-ups. It can brighten your complexion and your mood. It can lift your spirits as well as your facial features. A few well-placed beauty products can be as transformative as more invasive cosmetic procedures. And if you're a creative gal, makeup is yet another form of artistic self-expression.   On this episode, I'm delighted to be chatting with the talented Christina Choi, an internationally known makeup artist and the founder of Christina Choi cosmetics. Her work and her inclusive beauty line focus on making women of all ages, skin tones and s...

Midlife, menopause and music. Is this the new trifecta for women over 40?

Lovely people, you are in for a treat, because this is a special two-for-one episode just for you.

Here I was, thinking this was going to be a solo show filled with my musings about the loss of our common culture. And then guess what? A lovely woman named Monique Cupid, who just so happens to be doing work in the midlife space, won More Beautiful's "Name that '80s Song" contest and a walk-on interview on the podcast. Monique is founder of...

You were born an uninhibited, confident creature filled with self-love and curiosity. Then, through the years, you slowly evolved into the person you needed to become—in order to fit in, meet other people's expectations of you, and perhaps achieve society's definition of success. My guest on this episode—Elizabeth "Lizzie" Bermudez, an Emmy-winning journalist turned digital lifestyle host and social media influencer—says midlife is an opportunity to get back in touch with that badass, authentic version of yourself you may have left behind. Lizzie opens up about everything going down during this life stage, from aging and menopa...

If you're the parent or caregiver of a teenager, this episode is for you. It can be challenging to navigate the ups and downs of the adolescent years—whether your child is merely exhibiting age-appropriate but frustrating behaviors (door slamming and eye rolling, anyone?) or facing more complex challenges. In this compassionate conversation with family therapist Dr. Kelly Moore, you'll gain strategies and techniques to help improve communication and boost connection with your teen. You'll also learn how to handle conflict more effectively, and nurture yourself through this rollercoaster ride. Among the questions Dr. Moore addresses: How much freedom sh...

Honor Davis-Marks is on a mission. A champion of women over 40, she wants to help you release your inner critic, embrace your changing body, and ride all those midlife transitions with courage and conviction.

But Honor is no Pollyanna. She's as genuine as they come, and her platform, Honestly With Honor, takes a candid look at all the foibles and conflicted feelings that accompany this messy life stage. As a single mom, she knows what it's like to experience heartbreak and self-doubt. As a Brit living in the South of France, she understands the complexity of seeking...

If you're someone who has no intention of settling down anytime soon, or if you're itching to try on some new hats, you're going to find this conversation with actor Diane Britt-Smith so inspiring. Diane left a successful longtime stint as a video producer to dive into a multifaceted midlife career that includes acting, modeling, voiceover artistry and street photography. She's also inspiring people with her encouraging, age-positive social media that offers an important message: It's never too late to explore your talents, try something new, or launch an entirely new career for yourself. Even though she's navigating a...

Midlife can be a messy time marked by a lot of change. But my guest on this episode of the More Beautiful Podcast is on a mission to shine a light on the numerous advantages—rather than disadvantages—you have once you reach this pivotal life stage. According to Holly Boxenhorn, a psychotherapist and empowerment coach, midlife presents the perfect opportunity to leverage all your wisdom, experience and personal strengths and make the second half of your life even deeper and richer than the first. Holly says the key to tapping into your "midlife advantage" is to become aware of t...

What is your soul work? What were you put on this planet to do? Many people find themselves asking these questions in midlife, which can be a period of great transition. But change can be difficult, especially when you don't know exactly what you want. In this episode of the More Beautiful Podcast, occupational therapist Hillary Baggett and I chat about how to discover (or rediscover) your life's purpose and overcome the obstacles that may be holding you back from fulfilling it. Among the topics Hillary and I discuss:

We've all been around long enough to know that life can throw us curveballs. Having an estate plan—which typically includes a will, healthcare directive, financial power of attorney, and often a revocable trust—can ensure that your family is protected if something happens to you. If you've been putting off creating an estate plan, or you're not sure whether your family needs one, you'll love this conversation with estate and wealth planning attorney Jennifer Belmont Jennings.

Jennifer fills you in on everything you need to know, including:

Oh, to be seen.

The mention of an old children's television show prompted More Beautiful Podcast Host Maryann LoRusso to reflect on this age-old, universal desire. And all the conversations she's had on this show that touched on that desire—or, dare we say, need. And the feeling that many people have as they arrive at midlife that society no longer sees them as much as before—that they're becoming invisible even.

In this solo episode, Maryann argues that from the time we’re born until we die, we want to be seen and recognized for wh...

Who's ready for a makeover? No, not the kind we used to see on TV where a woman is transformed on the outside only. My guest today, Heidi Fossali, is an author and "reboot coach" who still believes in the power of makeovers—and guides her clients through new hair, makeup and wardrobe choices. But Heidi says any good makeover must start from the inside, especially during midlife. In this episode, we talk about the internal factors that may be holding you back from feeling your best, offering tips on how you can boost your confidence and create a fa...

You know that meditation is great for your mind, body and soul—but fitting it into your life can be easier said than done. If you find it hard to sit for 30 minutes with your legs crossed, trying to suppress your thoughts, you’re not alone. For me it’s nearly impossible. But my guest on this episode—award-winning author, broadcaster, speaker and meditation expert Lori Saitz—says it’s OK. There is more than one way to meditate, and you can find a method that works for you. No matter how much stress you’re dealing with or what the unive...

What do you do when your dreams are derailed by tragedy? As much as we like to talk about the beauty of getting older, there's no denying that this life stage sometimes comes with loss. There are all kinds of losses, and unfortunately, this week's guest, Cristina M. Ramirez—an entrepreneur, educator and author of Empowered By Discomfort—experienced one of the most tragic kinds. She recently became a widow in midlife when her husband of 19 years died of cancer. Cristina was left to mother their two boys on her own, traversing what she now refers to as "the wors...

Are you ready to get out there and start crushing midlife?

If you have any fears about getting older, or you think aging is no fun, you need to listen to this conversation. My guest is Mimi Ison, an athlete, influencer and founder of Hey Middle Age. At age 60, Mimi is pushing herself physically almost every day: boxing and dancing and lifting weights and flying on a trapeze and doing a myriad of other activities that will blow you away. Mimi wants you to realize it's never too late to discover new things about yourself and challenge...