Shows
Hello Menopause!The Truth About Midlife: Julie Flakstad on Aging, Identity & Starting OverJulie Flakstad, host of The Midlife Truth Project, joins Stacy for an honest, expansive conversation about midlife's emotional, physical, and cultural realities. Julie opens up about the wave of personal and professional changes that led her to create the Midlife Truth Project—a series of candid interviews with over 100 women exploring the unspoken truths of midlife. From grief and friendship to sex, shame, and reinvention, this conversation unpacks what it means to be a woman coming into her own—again.
Julie’s latest essay will be featured in the highly anticipated anthology Midlife Private Parts, set to releas...2025-06-1855 min
The Jen Marples Show for Midlife WomenMidlife Private Parts: A Conversation That Will Change the Way You Feel About Age with Dina Aronson & Dina AlvarezWhat if everything you've been told about aging is wrong? I'm sitting down with authors Dina Aronson and Dina Alvarez for a conversation that will completely shift how you think about midlife. These two powerhouse women met in their 50s through social media, instantly connected, and decided to create something extraordinary together - an anthology called "Midlife Private Parts" that captures the raw, unfiltered truth of what it really means to be a woman navigating this transformative time. This book is about the beautiful mess, the unexpected freedom, and the incredible possibilities that come when you stop apologizing for...2025-05-2949 min
hol+ by Dr. TazEp. 10 - "Stronger Together" with Michelle Jacobs + Sally MuellerThis special BONUS EPISODE, entitled Stronger Together, is the epilogue to our special nine-part series. It’s a closing conversation where our hosts Julie Flakstad & Dr. Taz Bhatia welcomed Womaness co-founders, Sally Mueller and Michelle Jacobs, to explore the importance of community and connection in midlife, their thoughts + reflections on the series overall and why they were so passionate about supporting it.The conversation touches on how Womaness, a brand built for women by women, fosters community and trust, including a private Facebook Group called The After Party where over 9,000 women connect + share their insights and experiences abou...2024-11-2241 minhol+ by Dr. TazEp. 10 - "Stronger Together" with Michelle Jacobs + Sally MuellerThis special BONUS EPISODE, entitled Stronger Together, is the epilogue to our special nine-part series. It’s a closing conversation where our hosts Julie Flakstad & Dr. Taz Bhatia welcomed Womaness co-founders, Sally Mueller and Michelle Jacobs, to explore the importance of community and connection in midlife, their thoughts + reflections on the series overall and why they were so passionate about supporting it.The conversation touches on how Womaness, a brand built for women by women, fosters community and trust, including a private Facebook Group called The After Party where over 9,000 women connect + share their insights and experiences abou...2024-11-2241 min
The Midlife Truth ProjectEp. 10 - "Stronger Together" with Michelle Jacobs + Sally MuellerThis special BONUS EPISODE, entitled Stronger Together, is the epilogue to our special nine-part series. It’s a closing conversation where our hosts Julie Flakstad & Dr. Taz Bhatia welcomed Womaness co-founders, Sally Mueller and Michelle Jacobs, to explore the importance of community and connection in midlife, their thoughts + reflections on the series overall and why they were so passionate about supporting it.The conversation touches on how Womaness, a brand built for women by women, fosters community and trust, including a private Facebook Group called The After Party where over 9,000 women connect + share their in...2024-11-2041 min
hol+ by Dr. TazEp 9 “Connect The Dots” with Sara BlakelyThis is episode (9) of our special nine-part series entitled Connect The Dots. Our hosts Julie Flakstad & Dr. Taz Bhatia welcome serial entrepreneur, visionary and dedicated philanthropist Sara Blakely. As the founder of Spanx, a now billion-dollar global brand that revolutionized women’s apparel and, more recently, Sneex, the world’s first high-heel sneaker, Sara shares her midlife journey as a time of transformation and growth. She highlights the importance of mindset, intuition, and carving out moments for self-connection, all of which have guided her major decisions in life, including selling Spanx. She also gives valuable advice + insight on how to embr...2024-11-141h 01hol+ by Dr. TazEp 9 “Connect The Dots” with Sara BlakelyThis is episode (9) of our special nine-part series entitled Connect The Dots. Our hosts Julie Flakstad & Dr. Taz Bhatia welcome serial entrepreneur, visionary and dedicated philanthropist Sara Blakely. As the founder of Spanx, a now billion-dollar global brand that revolutionized women’s apparel and, more recently, Sneex, the world’s first high-heel sneaker, Sara shares her midlife journey as a time of transformation and growth. She highlights the importance of mindset, intuition, and carving out moments for self-connection, all of which have guided her major decisions in life, including selling Spanx. She also gives valuable advice + insight on how to embr...2024-11-141h 01
The Midlife Truth ProjectEp 9 “Connect The Dots” with Sara BlakelyThis is episode (9) of our special nine-part series entitled Connect The Dots. Our hosts Julie Flakstad & Dr. Taz Bhatia welcome serial entrepreneur, visionary and dedicated philanthropist Sara Blakely. As the founder of Spanx, a now billion-dollar global brand that revolutionized women’s apparel and, more recently, Sneex, the world’s first high-heel sneaker, Sara shares her midlife journey as a time of transformation and growth. She highlights the importance of mindset, intuition, and carving out moments for self-connection, all of which have guided her major decisions in life, including selling Spanx. She also gives valuable advice + insight on how to e...2024-11-131h 01
hol+ by Dr. TazEp. 8 - "It's Not Too Late" with Gabby ReeceThis is episode (8) of our special nine-part series entitled It’s Not Too Late. Our hosts Julie Flakstad & Dr. Taz Bhatia, welcome Gabby Reece - volleyball legend, inspirational health and fitness leader, podcast host, corporate speaker, New York Times bestselling author, wife, and mother. In this conversation, Gabby shares her own personal experience navigating midlife and her perspective and advice on fostering a positive mindset, prioritizing self-care + the power of taking personal inventory. Together we discuss why it’s "never too late" for anything; new pursuits, fitness, relationships and instead how to lean into curiosity and play with flexibility and g...2024-11-0752 minhol+ by Dr. TazEp. 8 - "It's Not Too Late" with Gabby ReeceThis is episode (8) of our special nine-part series entitled It’s Not Too Late. Our hosts Julie Flakstad & Dr. Taz Bhatia, welcome Gabby Reece - volleyball legend, inspirational health and fitness leader, podcast host, corporate speaker, New York Times bestselling author, wife, and mother. In this conversation, Gabby shares her own personal experience navigating midlife and her perspective and advice on fostering a positive mindset, prioritizing self-care + the power of taking personal inventory. Together we discuss why it’s "never too late" for anything; new pursuits, fitness, relationships and instead how to lean into curiosity and play with flexibility and g...2024-11-0752 min
The Midlife Truth ProjectEp. 8 - "It's Not Too Late" with Gabby ReeceThis is episode (8) of our special nine-part series entitled It’s Not Too Late. Our hosts Julie Flakstad & Dr. Taz Bhatia, welcome Gabby Reece - volleyball legend, inspirational health and fitness leader, podcast host, corporate speaker, New York Times bestselling author, wife, and mother. In this conversation, Gabby shares her own personal experience navigating midlife and her perspective and advice on fostering a positive mindset, prioritizing self-care + the power of taking personal inventory. Together we discuss why it’s "never too late" for anything; new pursuits, fitness, relationships and instead how to lean into curiosity and play with flexibility and...2024-11-0652 min
hol+ by Dr. TazEp. 7 - "Plan Ahead" with Jean ChatzkyThis is episode (7) of our special nine-part series entitled Plan Ahead. Our hosts Julie Flakstad & Dr. Taz Bhatia, welcome Jean Chatzky - CEO and Founder of HerMoney, journalist, author, and former financial editor of NBC’s Today Show. The conversation addresses both the practical and emotional aspects of financial planning, especially for women in their 40s and 50s. Chatzky shares insights into why financial planning is inherently challenging, particularly due to human behavioral tendencies, and emphasizes the importance of understanding personal "money types" to overcome financial roadblocks.Here are some of the themes we discuss …What ‘planning a...2024-11-0455 minhol+ by Dr. TazEp. 7 - "Plan Ahead" with Jean ChatzkyThis is episode (7) of our special nine-part series entitled Plan Ahead. Our hosts Julie Flakstad & Dr. Taz Bhatia, welcome Jean Chatzky - CEO and Founder of HerMoney, journalist, author, and former financial editor of NBC’s Today Show. The conversation addresses both the practical and emotional aspects of financial planning, especially for women in their 40s and 50s. Chatzky shares insights into why financial planning is inherently challenging, particularly due to human behavioral tendencies, and emphasizes the importance of understanding personal "money types" to overcome financial roadblocks.Here are some of the themes we discuss …What ‘planning a...2024-11-0455 min
The Midlife Truth ProjectEp. 7 - "Plan Ahead" with Jean ChatzkyThis is episode (7) of our special nine-part series entitled Plan Ahead. Our hosts Julie Flakstad & Dr. Taz Bhatia, welcome Jean Chatzky - CEO and Founder of HerMoney, journalist, author, and former financial editor of NBC’s Today Show. The conversation addresses both the practical and emotional aspects of financial planning, especially for women in their 40s and 50s. Chatzky shares insights into why financial planning is inherently challenging, particularly due to human behavioral tendencies, and emphasizes the importance of understanding personal "money types" to overcome financial roadblocks.Here are some of the themes we discuss …2024-10-3055 min
hol+ by Dr. TazEp. 6 - "Friendship Matters" with Paige NolanThis is episode (6) of our special nine-part series entitled Friendship Matters. Our hosts Julie Flakstad & Dr. Taz Bhatia, welcome Paige Nolan - life coach, writer and podcast host of I’ll Meet You There. This episode explores the importance of meaningful connection as we age, as well as the sometimes painful reality of needing to take inventory of our friendships and the mutual work that’s required. We’ll also delve into what happens when things get bumpy in a friendship, how to have uncomfortable conversations, and the idea of opening yourself up to new friendships in this new season o...2024-10-291h 08hol+ by Dr. TazEp. 6 - "Friendship Matters" with Paige NolanThis is episode (6) of our special nine-part series entitled Friendship Matters. Our hosts Julie Flakstad & Dr. Taz Bhatia, welcome Paige Nolan - life coach, writer and podcast host of I’ll Meet You There. This episode explores the importance of meaningful connection as we age, as well as the sometimes painful reality of needing to take inventory of our friendships and the mutual work that’s required. We’ll also delve into what happens when things get bumpy in a friendship, how to have uncomfortable conversations, and the idea of opening yourself up to new friendships in this new season o...2024-10-291h 08
The Midlife Truth ProjectEp. 6 - "Friendship Matters" with Paige NolanThis is episode (6) of our special nine-part series entitled Friendship Matters. Our hosts Julie Flakstad & Dr. Taz Bhatia, welcome Paige Nolan - life coach, writer and podcast host of I’ll Meet You There. This episode explores the importance of meaningful connection as we age, as well as the sometimes painful reality of needing to take inventory of our friendships and the mutual work that’s required. We’ll also delve into what happens when things get bumpy in a friendship, how to have uncomfortable conversations, and the idea of opening yourself up to new friendships in this new season...2024-10-231h 08
LUXURIES FOR THE SOULMidlife Truths with Julie Flakstad of The Midlife Truth PodcastToday, Julie Flakstad of The Midlife Truth Project joins us for a seasonal conversation about more midlife truths.
If you haven't "met" Julie through our original episode, her links are below. In today's conversation, we cover the ache of letting go, holding onto expectations in parenting and relationships, the changing role of families, and so much more.
The Midlife Truth Project was originally a series of interviews, a time capsule of thoughts and feelings about women's experiences at the intersection of their 40s and 50s. Now, these vulnerable shared t...2024-10-211h 13
hol+ by Dr. TazEp. 5 - "Sex is Complicated" with Kelly Casperson MD | The Midlife Truth ProjectThis is episode (5) of our special nine-part series entitled Sex is Complicated. Our hosts Julie Flakstad & Dr. Taz Bhatia, welcome celebrated urologist, author, and podcast host, Dr. Kelly Casperon to unravel why sex + intimacy becomes more nuanced as we age. Kelly’s direct and approachable style provides valuable perspective and much needed advice on all things adult sex-ed. In this episode, Kelly breaks down:Why sex + intimacy is nuanced + layered as we transition into midlifeWhat's happening physically + emotionally and how to navigate it both in and out of the bedroomAdvice + perspective on how to take charge of your sex...2024-10-1758 minhol+ by Dr. TazEp. 5 - "Sex is Complicated" with Kelly Casperson MD | The Midlife Truth ProjectThis is episode (5) of our special nine-part series entitled Sex is Complicated. Our hosts Julie Flakstad & Dr. Taz Bhatia, welcome celebrated urologist, author, and podcast host, Dr. Kelly Casperon to unravel why sex + intimacy becomes more nuanced as we age. Kelly’s direct and approachable style provides valuable perspective and much needed advice on all things adult sex-ed. In this episode, Kelly breaks down:Why sex + intimacy is nuanced + layered as we transition into midlifeWhat's happening physically + emotionally and how to navigate it both in and out of the bedroomAdvice + perspective on how to take charge of your sex...2024-10-1758 min
The Midlife Truth ProjectEp. 5 - "Sex is Complicated" with Kelly Casperson MDThis is episode (5) of our special nine-part series entitled Sex is Complicated. Our hosts Julie Flakstad & Dr. Taz Bhatia, welcome celebrated urologist, author, and podcast host, Dr. Kelly Casperon to unravel why sex + intimacy becomes more nuanced as we age. Kelly’s direct and approachable style provides valuable perspective and much needed advice on all things adult sex-ed. In this episode, Kelly breaks down:Why sex + intimacy is nuanced + layered as we transition into midlifeWhat's happening physically + emotionally and how to navigate it both in and out of the bedroomAdvice + perspective on how to take charge of your se...2024-10-1658 min
hol+ by Dr. TazEp 4 Families Change with Kelly CorriganThis is episode (4) of our special nine-part series entitled Families Change where Julie Flakstad, sits down in-person with Kelly Corrigan to discuss the voluminous topic of changing family dynamics as we enter midlife. In this episode, Kelly shares her valuable perspective + insights on how motherhood evolves as our children age, the ache of learning to let go, as well as her brave thought that while we can never get enough of our children, we shouldn’t need a thing. It’s a candid, heartfelt conversation where she also touches on the idea that we’re forever modeling for our childr...2024-10-1055 minhol+ by Dr. TazEp 4 Families Change with Kelly CorriganThis is episode (4) of our special nine-part series entitled Families Change where Julie Flakstad, sits down in-person with Kelly Corrigan to discuss the voluminous topic of changing family dynamics as we enter midlife. In this episode, Kelly shares her valuable perspective + insights on how motherhood evolves as our children age, the ache of learning to let go, as well as her brave thought that while we can never get enough of our children, we shouldn’t need a thing. It’s a candid, heartfelt conversation where she also touches on the idea that we’re forever modeling for our childr...2024-10-1055 min
The Midlife Truth ProjectEp. 4 - "Families Change" with Kelly CorriganThis is episode (4) of our special nine-part series entitled Families Change where Julie Flakstad, sits down in-person with Kelly Corrigan to discuss the voluminous topic of changing family dynamics as we enter midlife. In this episode, Kelly shares her valuable perspective + insights on how motherhood evolves as our children age, the ache of learning to let go, as well as her brave thought that while we can never get enough of our children, we shouldn’t need a thing. It’s a candid, heartfelt conversation where she also touches on the idea that we’re forever modeling for our childr...2024-10-0955 min
hol+ by Dr. TazEp 3 'You’re Not Crazy, It’s Hormones' with Dr. Sharon MaloneIn this episode of The Midlife Truth Project podcast, hosts Julie Flakstad and Dr. Taz Bhatia sit down with Dr. Sharon Malone to discuss perimenopause and menopause, including why generations of women were left to suffer in silence, the now infamous Women's Health Initiative (WHI) Study and the resulting controversy regarding the use of hormonal therapy (HRT) and breast cancer. In this episode, we also discuss what’s happening to our bodies during the menopause transition, why women may feel like they’re ‘going crazy,’ common myths about HRT relative to symptom relief as well as the many long term healt...2024-10-081h 06hol+ by Dr. TazEp 3 'You’re Not Crazy, It’s Hormones' with Dr. Sharon MaloneIn this episode of The Midlife Truth Project podcast, hosts Julie Flakstad and Dr. Taz Bhatia sit down with Dr. Sharon Malone to discuss perimenopause and menopause, including why generations of women were left to suffer in silence, the now infamous Women's Health Initiative (WHI) Study and the resulting controversy regarding the use of hormonal therapy (HRT) and breast cancer. In this episode, we also discuss what’s happening to our bodies during the menopause transition, why women may feel like they’re ‘going crazy,’ common myths about HRT relative to symptom relief as well as the many long term healt...2024-10-081h 06
hol+ by Dr. TazEp 2 “Windows Open” Redefining Midlife with Chip ConleyIn this enlightening episode of The Midlife Truth Project, our guest Chip Conley shares his inspiring journey and insights into the often misunderstood phase of midlife. Discussing the importance of creating a roadmap for midlife, he delves into the concept of 'middle essence' and the transitions we face during this period. Chip recalls his personal experiences, including serious struggles and transformative moments, and how they led him to establish The Modern Elder Academy, the world’s first midlife wisdom school. This conversation explores the cultural biases around aging, the importance of a growth mindset, and the practical steps for op...2024-10-081h 00hol+ by Dr. TazEp 2 “Windows Open” Redefining Midlife with Chip ConleyIn this enlightening episode of The Midlife Truth Project, our guest Chip Conley shares his inspiring journey and insights into the often misunderstood phase of midlife. Discussing the importance of creating a roadmap for midlife, he delves into the concept of 'middle essence' and the transitions we face during this period. Chip recalls his personal experiences, including serious struggles and transformative moments, and how they led him to establish The Modern Elder Academy, the world’s first midlife wisdom school. This conversation explores the cultural biases around aging, the importance of a growth mindset, and the practical steps for op...2024-10-081h 00
hol+ by Dr. TazEp 1 'Go Deep' About Midlife, The Most Explosive Chapter In A Woman’s LifeIntroducing, a new podcast co-hosted by Dr. Taz!Meet your hosts - Julie Flakstad and Dr. Taz Bhatia as they embark on the inaugural episode of The Midlife Truth Project, a unique podcast series aimed at helping women unravel the biggest, most explosive chapter in their lives. In this introductory episode, Julie and Dr. Taz share their own personal midlife stories, discuss the myriad of transitions that women face, and give us a sneak peek of the upcoming episodes featuring incredible guests like Chip Conley, Dr. Sharon Malone, Kelly Corrigan and Sara Blakely. Listen in and reflect...2024-10-0845 minhol+ by Dr. TazEp 1 'Go Deep' About Midlife, The Most Explosive Chapter In A Woman’s LifeIntroducing, a new podcast co-hosted by Dr. Taz!Meet your hosts - Julie Flakstad and Dr. Taz Bhatia as they embark on the inaugural episode of The Midlife Truth Project, a unique podcast series aimed at helping women unravel the biggest, most explosive chapter in their lives. In this introductory episode, Julie and Dr. Taz share their own personal midlife stories, discuss the myriad of transitions that women face, and give us a sneak peek of the upcoming episodes featuring incredible guests like Chip Conley, Dr. Sharon Malone, Kelly Corrigan and Sara Blakely. Listen in and reflect...2024-10-0845 min
The Midlife Truth ProjectEp. 3 - "You’re Not Crazy, It’s Hormones" with Dr. Sharon MaloneIn this episode of The Midlife Truth Project podcast, hosts Julie Flakstad and Dr. Taz Bhatia sit down with Dr. Sharon Malone to discuss perimenopause and menopause, including why generations of women were left to suffer in silence, the now infamous Women's Health Initiative (WHI) Study and the resulting controversy regarding the use of hormonal therapy (HRT) and breast cancer. In this episode, we also discuss what’s happening to our bodies during the menopause transition, why women may feel like they’re ‘going crazy,’ common myths about HRT relative to symptom relief as well as the many long term hea...2024-10-021h 06
The Midlife Truth ProjectEp. 2 - “Windows Open” Redefining Midlife with Chip ConleyIn this enlightening episode of The Midlife Truth Project, our guest Chip Conley shares his inspiring journey and insights into the often misunderstood phase of midlife. Discussing the importance of creating a roadmap for midlife, he delves into the concept of 'middle essence' and the transitions we face during this period. Chip recalls his personal experiences, including serious struggles and transformative moments, and how they led him to establish The Modern Elder Academy, the world’s first midlife wisdom school. This conversation explores the cultural biases around aging, the importance of a growth mindset, and the practical steps for op...2024-09-251h 00
The Midlife Truth ProjectEp. 1 - "Go Deep" About Midlife, The Most Explosive Chapter In A Woman’s LifeMeet your hosts - Julie Flakstad and Dr. Taz Bhatia as they embark on the inaugural episode of The Midlife Truth Project, a unique podcast series aimed at helping women unravel the biggest, most explosive chapter in their lives. In this introductory episode, Julie and Dr. Taz share their own personal midlife stories, discuss the myriad of transitions that women face, and give us a sneak peek of the upcoming episodes featuring incredible guests like Chip Conley, Dr. Sharon Malone, Kelly Corrigan and Sara Blakely. Listen in and reflect on how midlife can be a time of both tremendous...2024-09-2545 min
The Midlife Truth ProjectIntroducing...The Midlife Truth Project PodcastIntroducing, the Midlife Truth Project, a limited series podcast, co-hosted by Julie Flakstad and the brilliant Dr. Taz.Why? Because midlife is one of the biggest, most explosive periods in a woman’s life – yet we don’t talk about it – why is that?Imagine midlife as a series of waves all crashing onto shore; everything from what’s happening to our bodies in conjunction with perimenopause and menopause, evolving friendships, changing family dynamics, aging parents, financial security, to the often bigger question of what’s next?Designed as an intimate audio journey, each episode...2024-06-2201 min
The Jen Marples Show for Midlife WomenThe Midlife Truth Project with Julie FlakstadIn today’s episode, my guest is fellow midlife warrior Julie Flakstad and we delve into the profound experience of midlife, a stage that can feel both liberating yet isolating despite our highly interconnected world. We’re all yearning for deep, authentic relationships where we can openly share the deepest truth about our lives. It's a time when we might mistakenly believe that everyone else has it all figured out except us. News flash - nobody has it all figured out! That's why we need each other!Julie Flakstad is a speaker, writer, and founder ofThe...2023-10-2648 minLUXURIES FOR THE SOULExploring Midlife with Julie Flakstad of The Midlife Truth ProjectAlexis and Lauren have a conversation with Julie Flakstad, speaker, writer, and founder of The Midlife Truth Project, an initiative aimed at better understanding the myriad of transitions that women face, often simultaneously, as they settle into their 40s + 50s. Having helped create and produce over 350 events, workshops, and programs over the past ten years, Julie is working on a documentary about menopause + midlife. An advocate of cross-generational learning, she is passionate about bringing women of all ages together around complex and vulnerable topics.
If evolving friendships, changing family dynamics, financial security, ever-changing body...2023-10-111h 08
Your Next Stop with Juliet HahnEpisode 204: Unleash Your Resilience - Julie Flakstad on Navigating Midlife Challenges with AuthenticityJulie Flakstad is a speaker, writer and founder of The Midlife Truth Project, an initiative aimed at better understanding the myriad of transitions that women face, often simultaneously, as they settle into their 40s + 50s. Having helped create and produce over 350 events, workshops and programs over the past 10 years, Julie is currently working on a documentary about menopause + midlife. An advocate of cross generational learning, she is passionate about bringing women of all ages together around complex and vulnerable topics and her work was most recently featured in Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper. Julie also serves as a...2023-10-1041 min