Shows
The Pause Culture PodcastS2, E9-The Pivot Inside The PauseSometimes we choose to pause. And sometimes the pause chooses us. In this episode, I share what I learned during an unexpected pause in my own life — the discomfort of stillness, the tension between body and mind, and how it taught me to rest, reflect, and pivot. A reflection on rest, resilience, and redefining what matters, this episode invites you to notice where a pivot might be quietly forming in your own midlife journey.
2026-01-1109 min
The Pause Culture PodcastS2, E8- The Tethered Self: Shadow Work In MidlifeAs the days shorten and the nights grow longer, hidden parts of ourselves often rise to the surface. This week, inspired by Jordan Peele’s Us, we explore the idea of being tethered to our shadow selves — those emotions, dreams, and truths we’ve buried or ignored.
In this episode, I share a deeply personal story of reclaiming my voice, confronting long-held frustrations, and meeting my “tethered doppelgänger.” We’ll talk about why midlife can feel like a funhouse of reflection, how menopause stirs up the unseen parts of ourselves, and how the Pause & Harvest approach can help you integrate, tr...
2025-11-0310 min
The Pause Culture PodcastS2, E7- Creative Courage: Embracing Midlife Through Art (Part 2)In this final part of our “Creative Courage” conversation, artist and creativity coach Susie Stonefield returns to explore how creativity can reconnect us to joy, play, and emotional freedom—especially in midlife.
We talk about what creative courage truly means, how to give yourself permission to have fun, and the importance of releasing control—on the canvas and in life.
Susie also shares how embracing creativity supports emotional, mental, and physical well-being, and offers simple art practices for women navigating change and transformation. Together, we explore “no rules” art and how to discover the kind of creative outlet that feels right for yo...
2025-10-2641 min
The Pause Culture PodcastS2, E6- Creative Courage: Embracing Midlife Through Art (Part 1)In this episode, I sit down with Susie Stonefield — transformational creativity coach, grief midwife, and expressive artist — to explore grief, loss, and the courage it takes to create in midlife. Together, we discover how art can hold our stories, illuminate our shadows, and become a path to transformation and self-discovery.
2025-10-2037 min
The Pause Culture PodcastS2, E5- Self-Care vs. Self-Destruction: The Power of Choice In MidlifeMidlife is full of crossroads—and the choices we make can shape the life we actually want to live.
In this episode, I explore the delicate balance between self-care and self-destruction, sharing personal stories, practical strategies, and the surprising connection between protecting your well-being and unlocking creativity.
From recognizing patterns of self-sabotage to embracing micro-choices that preserve energy, restore clarity, and awaken courage, this episode is a guide to choosing yourself—every single day.
Discover how midlife isn’t just about surviving—it’s about creating, evolving, and stepping into the next chapter with intention.
Whether you’re navigating career changes, emp...
2025-10-1312 min
The Pause Culture PodcastS2, E4- Harvesting Friendships In MidlifeMidlife is a season of harvesting what truly nourishes us—and that includes our friendships.
In this episode, we explore how your inner circle reflects your inner life, and why curating relationships in this season isn’t about loss, but about depth and alignment. Some friendships are ripe and ready to enjoy now, some are winding down and offering their lessons, and others are like seeds waiting to sprout again in the future.
Join me as we talk about preparing for the stillness of winter, the renewal of spring, and how friendships can become one of the richest parts of your...
2025-10-0512 min
The Pause Culture PodcastS2, E3- Releasing What No Longer Serves: Mindset & Habits In MidlifeIn midlife, release isn’t about loss — it’s about creating space for what’s next. In this episode, we explore the mindsets and habits that no longer serve us and how letting go can open the door to growth, freedom, and new possibilities. Whether it’s old narratives, limiting beliefs, or patterns you’ve outgrown, this conversation will help you pause, reflect, and realign with what matters most.
2025-09-2911 min
The Pause Culture PodcastS2, E2- The Autumn Pause: Grace In Midlife ChangeFall is here, and with it comes a natural invitation to slow down, reflect, and embrace change with grace.
In this episode of The Pause Culture Podcast, we explore the “Autumn Pause”—how midlife, like the season, brings shifts in our bodies, minds, and priorities.
Join me as we dive into:
Noticing what’s ready to be harvested—lessons, growth, and joys. Letting go of habits, expectations, and patterns that no longer serve us. Using mindfulness, CBT, and ACT-inspired practices to navigate transitions with intention. Small, practical ways to pause, reflect, and embrace change gracefully in your life today.
Step into this...
2025-09-2210 min
The Pause Culture PodcastS2, E1- Welcome Back: Pause, Reflect & HarvestSeason 2 of The Pause Culture Podcast is here!
In this opener, I reflect on a summer of connection, balancing work and family, and noticing what truly brings joy — and what’s ready to be released.
This episode sets the tone for a season of pausing, reflecting, and harvesting midlife wisdom. Learn how small moments can hold the biggest insights and how to slow down intentionally in your life.
Plus, discover my Half-Day Pause & Harvest Retreat, an intimate space to pause, reflect, harvest what’s ready, and connect with women of like mind. Learn more at dialoguewithdiseph.com.
Step into this season...
2025-09-1518 min
The Pause Culture PodcastS1, E10- Dear Midlife: 10 Lessons and What's NextIn this season finale of The Pause Culture Podcast, I reflect on the journey through midlife — the mess, the magic, and everything in between. Join me for a heartfelt look back at the ten key lessons learned across the season, and discover the one powerful thread tying it all together: permission. Permission to rest, grieve, set boundaries, dream, and rewrite your story.
Plus, get a sneak peek at what’s coming in Season 2, including new topics, surprises, and how to stay connected during the break.
Whether you’re deep in midlife or just beginning to explore this transformative season, this episod...
2025-08-1112 min
The Pause Culture PodcastS1, E9- Resting In Midlife: Why It's A Necessity, Not A LuxuryStress in midlife can feel relentless — from juggling family responsibilities and work to navigating the changes in our own bodies and minds. In this episode, I open up about my own recent struggles with mental and emotional exhaustion and I explore why rest isn’t a luxury we earn, but a necessity we need. I share practical ways to pause — from quick micro‑breaks to deeper practices that restore body, mind, and soul. If you’ve ever felt guilty about slowing down, this conversation will help you see rest in a whole new light.
Get your Guided Progressive Muscle Relaxation practice h...
2025-08-0415 min
The Pause Culture PodcastS1, E8- When Therapy Isn't Enough: Meds In MidlifeThis week, I’m joined by Dr. Jasmine McClendon, board-certified psychiatrist and founder of Minding Up Psychiatry to talk openly about the role of psychiatric medication in midlife mental health.
We explore how to recognize when therapy alone may not be enough, common mental health challenges in midlife, misconceptions about medication, and how stigma and identity often intersect for women navigating this season of life. Dr. McClendon also shares what to consider before starting medication, what to look for in a provider, and how to advocate for yourself—bringing clinical expertise and grounded wisdom to a conversation many of us are...
2025-07-2849 min
The Pause Culture PodcastS1, E7: Grief Isn’t Just for Death: The Invisible Weight of Midlife LossNot all grief wears black.
Some of it looks like burnout, restlessness, or quietly mourning the life you thought you’d have by now.
In this episode, we name the invisible losses of midlife — the ones we rarely talk about but deeply feel.
Because grief isn’t just for death. It’s for the dreams deferred, the roles that no longer fit, and the parts of you fading quietly in the background.
2025-07-2014 min
The Pause Culture PodcastS1, E6-Wired, Tired and Trying: The Midlife Nervous System ResetFeeling overwhelmed, overstimulated, or like you’re always on edge? You’re not alone — and you’re not losing it. In this episode, we explore how midlife changes impact the nervous system, what “fawn” really looks like, and five simple rescue tools (aka nervous system snacks) to help you reset. This is your permission to slow down, soften, and find your way back home — to your body.
2025-07-1416 min
The Pause Culture PodcastS1, E5- Unmasking In Midlife: A Case Of the Done-Being-NicesMidlife can be a breaking point — or a breakthrough.
In this episode, I talk about what I call a Case of the Done-Being-Nices: that moment when you stop shrinking, stop pleasing, and start honoring what’s real. It's not about apathy — it's about clarity.
I share my own experience of unmasking at midlife, and what it means to step into freedom, alignment, and peace. Whether you're new to this shift or deep in it, this episode is your permission slip to let go of what no longer fits.
Let it be messy. Let it be yours.
And let that be enough
2025-07-0611 min
The Pause Culture PodcastS1, E4- The Many Roads to Menopause-No Two Journeys Are the SameMenopause isn’t a one-way street—and for many women, the road is anything but straightforward. In this episode, we explore the many ways women enter menopause: naturally, medically, surgically, prematurely, and everything in between. Whether your experience came gradually, suddenly, or left you feeling unprepared, your story matters.
You’ll hear about natural vs. early vs. premature menopause, the impact of surgical menopause and chronic illness, the emotional, relational, and physical weight of transition, why cultural silence does more harm than good, and how to ask for what you need—and why you absolutely deserve to.
This is a compassi...
2025-06-2920 min
The Pause Culture PodcastS1, E3- The Midlife Mental Maze: The Invisible LoadFrom hormone shifts and hidden caregiving labor to identity whiplash and allostatic load, we explore the emotional and neurological weight midlife brings — and why it’s not all in your head. Learn how health psychology connects the dots between mood, memory, and meaning. Listen in and grab your free Midlife Mental Health Check-In at dialoguewithdiseph.com/checkin.
2025-06-2218 min
The Pause Culture PodcastS1, E2- You Owe You: The Midlife PayoffIn this episode of The Pause Culture Podcast, we explore what it means to accept — and claim — the midlife payoff. After decades of proving, pleasing, and pushing through, midlife offers us the chance to shift from survival to self-honoring. But why do so many of us delay that shift? And what changes when we stop waiting for permission?
I unpack the emotional and cultural reasons we hesitate to accept and claim the payoff, share my personal story, and offer journal prompts to help you reflect on what you truly owe yourself in this season.
2025-06-1613 min
The Pause Culture PodcastS1, E1- Life In the Mid: A Midlife Origin StoryWelcome to The Pause Culture Podcast, where midlife is more than just menopause.
In this first episode, I share my personal and professional journey that led me to this space — one shaped by aging, navigating perimenopausal symptoms, confronting gaps in mental health knowledge, and advocating for myself along the way.
I talk about what Pause Culture really means, why I created this platform, and how taking control of my midlife narrative has become an active, ongoing process. This episode is an invitation to reflect, connect, and engage in honest conversation about what it means to live fully and intentionally in th...
2025-06-0913 min
The Pause Culture PodcastThe Pause Culture Podcast TrailerHonest dialogue about the emotional, psychological, and cultural shifts of midlife—from mental health and menopause to rediscovering yourself.
2025-06-0201 min