Shows
Insights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp. 85: The Cost of Quiet LIVE from the Stage: A VIP Book Launch ExperienceColette Fehr takes the stage during the live launch of her book, The Cost of Quiet, stepping into the role of author in front of a room filled with people who know her work and her story. The setting carries real weight, a public moment tied to years of private reflection, clinical insight, and lived experience around silence, conflict, and connection. This conversation matters because it captures what happens when ideas meant for the page are spoken out loud, in community, with real emotional stakes.Episode Highlights[00:00] Colette opens the evening, sharing why this...
2026-02-0442 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.82: The New College Admission Reality and How Not to Lose Your MindCollege admissions have changed dramatically since we were applying—and if you’re parenting a teen right now, you probably feel that in your bones. In this episode, we talk honestly about the new reality of college admissions, why even “perfect on paper” kids aren’t guaranteed a spot anymore, and how this process has become a major source of anxiety for both parents and teens. We share personal stories from our own families and what we’re seeing every day in our therapy offices.More importantly, we dig into how not to let college admissions take over your id...
2026-01-1433 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEP 78: The “Superwoman” Trap That Leads to Midlife Burnout with Nora NeitermanIn this deeply honest episode, we sit down with Nora Neiterman, creative director, brand strategist, and founder of Unsweetened New York, to talk about what happens when success comes at the cost of yourself. Nora shares how building a powerful, authentic brand while juggling motherhood, caregiving, and perfectionism eventually pushed her into full-blown burnout, and why ignoring the warning signs is so common for women in midlife.Together, we explore the hidden toll of living in constant overdrive and why healing doesn’t start by doing more, but by slowing down. Nora opens up about perimenopause, grief, ne...
2025-12-1743 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.77: Why Holiday Burnout Hits Women Hardest and How to Fix ItThe holidays are here, and if you’re already feeling that mix of excitement, pressure, and low-key dread, you’re in good company. In this episode, we dig into why holiday burnout hits women so disproportionately hard, how old expectations keep sneaking in, and what we can actually do to reclaim joy, presence, and a sense of sanity this season. From perfectionism and invisible labor to new traditions and deliciously low-effort holiday moments, we’re getting honest about what has to shift.Together, we explore the inner work, the practical strategies, and the gentle permission slips that help u...
2025-12-1030 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.76: Mr. Unavailable: Breaking Free From Loving Emotionally Unavailable Men with Dr. Marni FeuermanIn this heartfelt and revealing episode, we dive deep into the patterns, red flags, and emotional toll of loving someone who just can’t meet you emotionally. We’re joined by our brilliant friend Dr. Marni Feuerman—psychotherapist, author of Ghosted and Breadcrumbed, and relationship expert regularly featured in outlets like Psychology Today and SELF. Together, we unpack the signs of emotional unavailability, why so many women get stuck in these painful dynamics, and how to reclaim your power and self-worth in love.If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in a loop of confusing relationships, holding out hope...
2025-12-0352 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.75: Thanksgiving Episode: How to Deal with Difficult Family DynamicsIn this Thanksgiving episode, we’re settling in together—just like we would the night before a big holiday—to talk about the messy, heartfelt, complicated world of family dynamics. Even though both of us are having quieter Thanksgivings this year, we’re deep in our own real-life family seasons, and this conversation comes straight from the thick of it. We explore why the holidays stir up so much, why cut-offs have become so common, and how we can show up for ourselves without losing connection to the people we care about.We also dive into emotional toleranc...
2025-11-2636 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.74: The Defining Decade: Parenting Kids in Their 20's With Dr. Meg Jay, PhDIn this episode, we're joined by one of our absolute favorite authors and experts, Dr. Meg Jay, PhD. She's a clinical psychologist and bestselling author of The Defining Decade and The 20-Something Treatment, and she dives deep with us into why our 20s are such a defining time—and how many of the same principles can also empower us in midlife.We explore identity capital, weak ties, economic uncertainty, and how to better support our 20-something children as they navigate early adulthood. If you're in your 40s or 50s and parenting adult children, or just looking to re...
2025-11-1947 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.73: Understanding OCD with Dr. Brady Bradshaw MD and Dr. Robyn Cohen, PhDIn this episode of Insights From the Couch, we’re diving deep into what Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) really is—and what it’s not. Forget the casual "I'm so OCD" comment—this conversation is all about the real, often misunderstood experiences of those living with this challenging and complex disorder. We're joined by two of our favorite experts: Dr. Brady Bradshaw, a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist, and Dr. Robyn Cohen, a developmental neuropsychologist. Together, we explore the many faces of OCD, from harm OCD to contamination fears, and mental compulsions that happen entirely inside someone’s mind.We’re al...
2025-11-1249 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.72: The Power of Being Difficult: How to Reclaim Your Boundaries and Your Voice with Tonya LesterWe are beyond excited to welcome the brilliant Tonya Lester to the couch this week! As a psychotherapist, writer, and author of the new book Push Back: Live, Love, and Work with Others Without Losing Yourself, Tonya joins us for a raw and resonant conversation about how women lose their voices in relationships, how to reclaim them, and why it’s never too late to start showing up fully for yourself.We dig into some of the most pressing issues we see with women in midlife—emotional labor, resentment, perfectionism, and the dreaded “burned out pursuer” dynamic. Tonya sh...
2025-11-0545 minInsights 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...
2025-10-2942 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...
2025-10-2242 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...
2025-10-1548 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...
2025-10-0850 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...
2025-09-0346 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...
2025-08-2753 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 ...
2025-08-0647 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...
2025-07-2346 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...
2025-07-1647 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...
2025-07-0245 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...
2025-06-2534 min