Shows
Insights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.71: Reclaiming Identity After Divorce with Heather SweeneyIn this deeply moving episode, we sit down with the brilliant author and military spouse-turned-memoirist, Heather Sweeney. Her new book Camouflage: How I Emerged from the Shadows of a Military Marriage takes us inside the complex emotional terrain of identity loss, divorce, resilience, and ultimately, self-discovery. Heather's story is not just one of heartbreak, but of reclaiming voice, power, and purpose—especially for women navigating life after a long-term partnership.We talk about everything from the layered reality of military marriage to the quiet courage it takes to start over. Heather shares what it's like to lose yo...
2025-10-2941 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.70: The New Rules of Parenting and Grandparenting Toddlers with Devon KuntzmanEver feel like your toddler is trying to break you? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re joined by the incredible Devon Kuntzman—toddler parenting expert and author of the brand new book Transforming Toddlerhood: How to Handle Tantrums and Power Struggles and Raise Resilient Kids Without Losing Your Mind. We dive into the real talk about toddler behavior, emotional regulation, and how we as parents can stay sane and connected in the chaos.Whether you’re in the thick of toddlerhood yourself, preparing for grandparenting, or just love understanding the "why" behind those tiny tornadoe...
2025-10-2241 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.69: Mothers Gone Wrong: The Psychology of Unknown Number and the Most Notorious True Crime CasesIn this intense and emotionally charged episode, we dive deep into some of the most chilling and perplexing true crime cases involving mothers who committed unimaginable acts against their own children. From psychological abuse to cold-blooded murder, we’re peeling back the layers on what happens when motherhood takes a dark, dangerous turn.We explore the twisted motivations and complex psychopathology behind cases like Unknown Number, Casey Anthony, Lindsay Clancy, Ruby Franke, and her notorious partner Jodi Hildebrandt. We’re not just recapping the crimes—you’ll hear our raw reactions as therapists and mothers, and we’ll take yo...
2025-10-1547 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.68: Disappointing Affirmations: The Sarcastic Self-Help You Didn't Know You Needed with Dave Tarnowski We’re thrilled to bring you this heartfelt and hilarious conversation with Dave Tarnowski—author, creative force behind the Instagram phenomenon Disappointing Affirmations, and the man redefining self-help with a dose of sharp wit and raw honesty. With over 2.5 million followers, Dave’s take on mental health, neurodivergence, grief, and healing resonates deeply—and this episode is no exception.Together, we explore Dave’s late-in-life diagnoses of bipolar disorder and ADHD, his journey through therapy, sobriety, and grief, and how humor became his lifeline. We dive into the making of his newest book, Sorry in Advance for Making Thin...
2025-10-0849 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.67: Healing From Trauma Bonds with Dr. NaeIn this deeply moving and eye-opening episode, we sit down with Dr. Nadine Macaluso—therapist, author, and trauma bond expert—to explore the insidious dynamics of trauma bonded relationships. Nadine bravely shares her own experience as the ex-wife of “The Wolf of Wall Street,” shedding light on the coercion, manipulation, and psychological warfare that define these toxic partnerships. But more than just surviving, Nadine walks us through what it truly takes to heal, reclaim your identity, and find peace on the other side. We unpack what trauma bonding really means (and what it doesn’t), the behavioral patterns that make these...
2025-10-0138 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.66: Discovering Your Sexual Self: Sensuality, Pleasure, and Desire at MidlifeHey there, friends! In this episode, we sit down with our fabulous returning guest, Dr. Juliana Hauser, to talk about her powerful new book, A New Position on Sex. Trust us when we say, this conversation is one you do not want to miss. Whether you're feeling disconnected from your sexual self, stuck in old beliefs, or just plain exhausted, Dr. Juliana offers an entirely new—and deeply empowering—way to approach sexuality in midlife.We dig into everything from sensuality and sexual agency to what it means to feel vibrant, connected, and alive again—on your own te...
2025-09-2449 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.65: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome at MidlifeIn this episode of Insights from the Couch, we're diving into one of the most talked-about but least understood challenges many women face at midlife: imposter syndrome. We're Colette and Laura, two therapists and best friends, and we're getting real about the self-doubt that shows up right when we're trying to level up in life, work, and relationships.We unpack why imposter syndrome hits so hard in midlife, how it keeps you stuck in comparison and perfectionism, and why it's time to ditch the stilettos and stop shrinking. We also share our personal stories of growth, setbacks...
2025-09-1736 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.64: Everything You Need to Know About GLP-1 Medications at Midlife with Amy Wrenn, NPIf you’ve been hearing all the buzz about GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Zepbound, and you’re wondering if they could be the right fit for you at midlife, this is the episode to press play on. We brought on nurse practitioner and health optimization expert Amy Wrenn to demystify what GLP-1s actually are, how they work, who they’re for, and what you really need to know about taking them during perimenopause and menopause. Amy is passionate, informed, and totally relatable—she cuts through the hype to bring clarity to a topic that’s been wrapped in...
2025-09-1044 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.63: Women Waking Up: How to Create a Midlife Transformation With Passion, Purpose, and PlayIn this episode, we sit down with the vibrant and inspiring Wendy Valentine, host of The Midlife Makeover Show and author of Women Waking Up: The Midlife Manifesto for Passion, Purpose, and Play. Join us as we talk about how midlife doesn't have to mean crisis—it can mean awakening. Wendy shares her deeply personal story of rebuilding her life from the ground up, and the radical self-love and resilience that fueled her transformation. We dive into the emotional truths of midlife, from grief and divorce to rediscovering joy and authenticity. Wendy doesn't just inspire, she equips you with ta...
2025-09-0345 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.62: Perimenopause and Menopause: What You Need to Know with Dr. Kelly CaspersonWe're thrilled to bring you this powerful and myth-busting conversation with Dr. Kelly Casperson, a board-certified urologist, author of You Are Not Broken, and host of the top-rated podcast of the same name. If you’ve ever felt confused, dismissed, or flat-out frustrated by the information (or lack thereof) around perimenopause and menopause, this episode is for you. Dr. Casperson breaks down the science with clarity and humor, helping us all better understand what’s really going on with our hormones—and why we don’t have to just "tough it out." We cover everything from early symptoms like brain fo...
2025-08-2752 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.61: 7 Skills You Need to Master MidlifeIn this episode, we’re discussing the real, raw, and essential skills that every woman needs to navigate midlife with grace, grit, and a whole lot of self-compassion. We’ve been through the highs, the lows, the chutes and ladders of this season, and today we’re pulling back the curtain to share the seven foundational skills we believe every woman should know to not just survive, but thrive. These are the skills we teach in our Midlife Master Class, and the ones that have held us up through the toughest times. From boundary-setting and assertive communication to frustration tolera...
2025-08-2050 min
What The Frock?Roast Beef in Her Pockets: Laura Loomer, Bill Maher, and the Arby’s Deposition That's Go the Meats!Politics has always been messy, but sometimes it crosses the line into fast food absurdity. In this week’s episode of What the Frock?, Rabbi Dave and Friar Rod dig into one of the strangest courtroom stories of recent memory. It began with a Bill Maher joke about Donald Trump’s personal life, turned into a $150 million defamation lawsuit from Laura Loomer, and somehow ended with a claim that Marjorie Taylor Greene carries Arby’s sandwiches in her pockets.The transcript of Loomer’s deposition reads like parody, yet it is very real. From Lindsey Graham to Kamala H...
2025-08-171h 06Insights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.60: Undoing the “Not Enough” Story: Hypnosis and the Subconscious Mind with Christina WoodsHey friends! In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome the incredible Christina Woods—a Clinical Hypnotherapist, Rapid Transformational Therapist, Empowerment Coach, and Reiki Master. Christina brings a wealth of knowledge and a deeply personal story of transformation after decades in corporate leadership. Together, we explore how childhood beliefs, people-pleasing patterns, and midlife awakenings can shape—and reshape—our lives.Christina gets real about her journey from high-achieving executive to empowered healer, sharing how modalities like hypnotherapy, EMDR, and energy work helped her (and now help others) move from burnout to balance. We dig into subconscious beliefs, emotional healin...
2025-08-1343 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.59: Zero Fucks: 10 Things to Stop Caring About at MidlifeReady to reclaim your energy, sanity, and self-worth? In this episode, we’re diving into the unapologetic, liberating mindset of giving zero fucks—specifically, the 10 things we’ve learned to stop caring about at midlife. From good girl conditioning to comparison culture, we unpack the beliefs and behaviors that no longer serve us and explore what it means to live more freely, authentically, and powerfully in this season of life. Episode Highlights:[0:03] – Reclaiming your time and energy with a zero-fucks midlife mindset [0:40] – Why being nice instead of honest keeps us stuck ...
2025-08-0646 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.58: Rethinking Menopause Naturally with Maryon StewartThis episode we’re joined by the incredible Maryon Stewart, a global pioneer in natural hormone rebalancing and women's health advocate. Maryon drops serious wisdom about how women can navigate perimenopause, menopause, and beyond—without relying on HRT. We talk all about phytoestrogens, nutritional deficiencies, and how small, science-backed changes in diet and lifestyle can lead to huge shifts in how we feel.Whether you're just starting to notice changes or deep in the menopause journey, Maryon’s natural hormone rebalancing protocol (NHRP) offers a roadmap to feeling vibrant again. We go deep into what’s actually happenin...
2025-07-3048 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.57: Stepping Out of Victim: How to Get Out of the Drama Triangle with Friends, Family, and Co-WorkersHey friends! In today’s episode of Insights from the Couch, we’re exploring one of our favorite (and most handed-out!) psychological models—the Drama Triangle. If you've ever felt stuck in dysfunctional relationship dynamics, unsure why you're constantly the “rescuer,” “victim,” or “persecutor,” this one's for you. We break down how these roles silently fuel relational chaos and emotional suppression—and most importantly, how to get out.We also introduce the Empowerment Triangle, the powerful antidote that helps you reclaim your agency and transform your relationships. We’re not here for surface-level chatter—we’re all about taking personal resp...
2025-07-2345 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.56: Midlife Weight Loss Hacks: What Actually WorksMidlife weight gain feels like it sneaks up on us—and suddenly what used to work, doesn’t. In this episode, we sit down with our brilliant friend and fitness expert, Dena Pistor, for a no-BS conversation about what it actually takes to manage weight and feel better in perimenopause and beyond. Whether you're frustrated by belly fat that seems to appear overnight, curious about the truth behind diet shots, or just feeling stuck with your health goals, this is the conversation you need.We talk openly (and laugh a lot) about shifting hormones, genetic set points, unre...
2025-07-1646 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.55: The Midlife Mirror: How Toxic Vanity can Derail Happiness and how to Find Peace and Acceptance With AgingWhat happens when the reflection staring back at you no longer matches the youthful image in your mind? In this episode, we peel back the layers of the “midlife mirror” to explore how aging intersects with body image, vanity, and the deep-seated need for validation. We get raw and real about the emotional shifts that come when our appearance begins to change—and how those shifts impact everything from self-esteem to social dynamics.Join us as we unpack the roots of toxic vanity, explain what dysmorphia really looks like (clinically and subclinically), and reflect on our own person...
2025-07-0932 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.54: Fired Up: Confronting and Healing from Sexual Abuse with Alreen HaeggquistThis week on Insights From the Couch, we sit down with the powerhouse attorney, author, and survivor, Alreen Haeggquist. From her deeply personal story of growing up in an abusive household to becoming a leading legal advocate for survivors of sexual harassment and assault, Alreen’s journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit—and the power of owning your story.We explore the long path from trauma to triumph, what it really takes to heal, and how acknowledging the past is the first step toward freedom. Alreen shares how inner child work, therapy, and...
2025-07-0244 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.53: Self-Care is an Inside Job: How to Find Your Recipe for ReplenishmentHey everyone—We’re diving into a topic that gets tossed around a lot but rarely unpacked in a way that actually matters: self-care. If you’ve ever felt confused or overwhelmed by what self-care really is (and isn’t), this is for you. In this episode, we unpack the myths, call out the cultural noise, and get real about what it truly means to care for yourself, especially during midlife.We talk about the difference between real self-care and the performative kind, and how embodying your values, setting boundaries, and nurturing self-compassion can actually refill your tank. We...
2025-06-2533 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.52: Happiness Hacks: What Arthur C. Brooks Can Teach Us About What Really WorksIn this episode, we're taking a closer look at the science (and soul) of happiness—not that shiny, fake, “good vibes only” stuff, but the real-deal, research-backed version. After attending a powerful talk by Harvard professor and happiness expert Arthur C. Brooks, we came back buzzing with insights, and we couldn’t wait to break it all down for you.We’re exploring what happiness actually means—spoiler: it’s not just about smiling all the time—and how much of it is actually within our control. From the surprising role of genetics to the transformational power of habits, trans...
2025-06-1838 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.51: The Power of Secure Attachment: Co-Regulation, Connection, and Creating Lasting Connections with Tara BoothbyHow do we create deep, secure, and lasting relationships—not just in romance, but in parenting, friendships, and even with ourselves? In this episode, we sit down with Tara Boothby, psychologist, author of Love and Love’s Energy, and expert in attachment science. She takes us on a journey into the heart of connection, breaking down the complexities of attachment styles, emotional safety, and the power of co-regulation.We explore the difference between being loved and lovable, how attachment wounds impact our relationships, and why true security is something we earn over time. Plus, Tara shares her own...
2025-06-1157 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.50: One Year Anniversary! Just Start: How to Bring Big Ideas to Life (Without Having it All Figured Out)Hey friends! We cannot believe we’re saying this—but it's officially been ONE YEAR since we launched Insights from the Couch! Not only are we celebrating our podcast anniversary, but this is also our 50th episode, and we're taking a moment to reflect on the wild, messy, beautiful journey that brought us here. Spoiler alert: we had no idea what we were doing when we started, but we’re proof that big things can happen when you leap before you feel "ready."In this episode, we open up about the highs, the facepalms, and everything in betwee...
2025-06-0439 min
Bills and Business by USLege#31 – Ben Brewer: Engineering the Future & How AI Is Making Us More HumanWelcome to Episode #31 of Bills & Business. In this episode, Laura Carr sits down with Ben Brewer, CTO of USLege, to explore how AI and engineering are transforming the legislative space—and why that might actually make us more human, not less.Ben shares the origin story of USLege, including how a chance match through Y Combinator led to a powerful collaboration between tech and policy. He breaks down what engineering really means in the context of building a platform for legislative work and highlights how smart systems, when used right, can enhance—not replace—human decision-making.From...
2025-05-291h 04Insights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.49: Glow Up at Midlife: What Works, What Doesn’t, and What’s Worth It With Dermatologist Dr. Mary Alice MinaWhat actually works for healthy, vibrant skin—and what’s just hype? In this episode, we sit down with the brilliant and refreshingly honest Dr. Mary Alice Mina, Harvard-trained dermatologist and host of The Skin Real podcast. We dive deep into what midlife skin really needs, what treatments are worth the money, and how hormonal changes can shake up everything we thought we knew about our skincare routines.Together, we unpack skin minimalism, sunscreen truths (spoiler: it really matters), and the difference between aging gracefully and chasing the next trending procedure. We also get personal—sharing our own fr...
2025-05-2844 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.48: Beyond Survival Mode: How to Stop Playing Small and Start Living Big with Debbie WeissWhat happens when you spend your whole life taking care of others, and suddenly realize you’ve lost yourself in the process? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Debbie R. Weiss, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and inspirational speaker, who shares how she spent decades as a family caregiver—first to her father, then to her son with autism, and later to her husband battling mental illness and cancer. At 50, she had an epiphany: if she didn’t start prioritizing herself, she’d keep putting her own life on hold.Debbie opens up about her journey of shifting...
2025-05-2145 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.47: Losing a Loved One: How to Cope, Heal, and Move Forward with Helen Keeling Neal, LMHCIn this heartfelt episode, we’re joined by our dear friend and fellow therapist, Helen Keeling-Neal, as she bravely shares her journey through grief after the sudden loss of her husband. Helen opens up about the profound and unexpected challenges that come with navigating life as a young widow and single mom, all while finding ways to heal, grow, and embrace a new path forward. Whether you’ve experienced a similar loss or simply want to support a loved one going through grief, Helen’s story is full of insights, compassion, and real-life wisdom.We explore the comple...
2025-05-1433 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.46: The People-Pleasing Trap: Why It’s Holding You Back and How to StopDo you find yourself saying “yes” when you really want to say “no”? Do you feel responsible for keeping the peace, even at your own expense? If any of that sounds familiar, this episode is for you. From childhood conditioning and gender expectations to how this behavior shows up in our adult relationships—romantic, professional, and personal—we’re talking about it all.In this episode, we get real about our own struggles and growth around people pleasing. We explore the line between kindness and self-abandonment, how saying “no” can actually strengthen relationships, and the subtle (and not-so-subtle) way...
2025-05-0737 min