Shows
The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Reflections: What Burnout Is Really Trying to Tell YouBurnout is more than just being tired—it’s about finding out the limits of a life that no longer fits. In this solo bonus episode, Stephanie pulls together stories from past guests who pushed themselves to the edge by doing everything “right”—only to discover that success built on someone else’s terms can quietly unravel your sense of self. From panic attacks to identity crises, she explores the hidden patterns of burnout and the radical clarity that can emerge when you finally start listening to your own voice. If you've ever wondered, “Is this really it?”—this one’s for you....2025-05-2731 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Reflections: Creative awakenings at midlifeAmong the many strange and funny things that can happen as you reach midlife is this: just when everything feels like it’s falling apart, something creative starts to stir. In this bonus episode, Stephanie explores the idea of a midlife creative awakening—inspired by past guests who picked up paint brushes, pens, instruments, and more in the messy middle of their lives. Creativity often shows up when we need it most. Because sometimes, when you think you need less on your plate, what you really need is something that’s just *yours*. You’ll hear reflections, real talk, and a fe...2025-05-1224 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Rewiring the MindIn this episode, Stephanie talks to Marcy Langlois, who shares her extraordinary story of resilience and recovery. Born with a cleft lip and palate requiring multiple surgeries, Marcy grew up in a chaotic household and struggled with addiction following a life-altering car accident. Her story explores the impact of trauma on physical health, including her struggles with mast cell activation syndrome and chronic infections. Marcy explains how she transformed her life through neuroplasticity and nervous system work, ultimately achieving a state of health and vitality. Her journey highlights the intertwining of mental, emotional, and physical healing and the continuous...2025-02-1856 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Weathering the Storms of LossToday, Philip Blackett reflects on his upbringing in the South, growing up with a single mother, and the pivotal roles his grandparents played in shaping his values. As he navigates midlife, Philip reveals how his faith has become his core anchor following the deaths of his grandparents. He shares the challenges of running a business that closed during the pandemic and how this impacted his identity. The conversation explores the complexities of being a recovering people-pleaser, the lessons learned from his failures, and the quest for deeper connections. Philip emphasizes the role of faith, perseverance, and perspective in overcoming...2025-01-2352 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Announcement: Forty Drinks is now The Big Four OhAfter 115 episodes, Forty Drinks is relaunching as The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40. The podcast maintains the same mission and focus, but will move forward under a new name with the goal of reaching a wider audience with the message of transition at midlife. This podcast is about transitions, and specifically the ones that we go through sometime around age 40, those internal shifts that we make, where we start to see and interact with the world differently. I will continue to bring you stories of transition, of transformation, of stepping into power and wi...2025-01-1619 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Realizing I Am the Boss of MeIn this episode, Stephanie talks to Marc Scheff about the midlife transitions experienced around the age of 40. They discuss Mark’s journey, including incidents that led him to take up jiu jitsu, his shifting dreams, and his struggles with toxic work environments. The conversation highlights the importance of introspection, updating old dreams, listening to inner voices, and having the courage to start anew. They also explore the challenges of people-pleasing, resistance to change, and the process of finding joy and fulfillment in midlife.Guest Bio Marc Scheff is a visionary coach dedicated to guiding mid-life pr...2024-12-191h 00The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Awakening to Hidden GiftsIn this episode of the Forty Drinks Podcast, Stephanie welcomes Anjel Hartwell to explore her profound spiritual awakening and transformation that began at the age of 38. The conversation explores Anjel's tumultuous upbringing in New Hampshire, her successful career in real estate, and the series of life-altering events that led to her awakening. Anjel shares vivid accounts of supernatural experiences, her journey into creative and healing arts, and the courage it took to leave behind her conditioned life. The episode also delves into the importance of listening to one's inner voice, manifesting positivity, and embracing one's gifts. Anjel's inspiring story...2024-11-0148 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40The Difference Between a Midlife Crisis and The IckIn the first episode of season six of the Forty Drinks Podcast, Stephanie McLaughlin delves into the concept of the 'Ick,' a common feeling of discomfort experienced around the age of 40. Unlike the stereotypical midlife crisis, the Ick is characterized by a low-grade unease and a desire for change. Stephanie shares insights from her guests, highlighting seven recurring themes: self-discovery and authenticity, purpose and meaning, personal growth, relationships, health and well-being, career changes, and intuition. This episode explores how these themes mark the transformative journeys individuals undergo during midlife, encouraging listeners to recognize this phase as an opportunity...2024-10-1520 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Surviving a High-Conflict DivorceIn this compelling episode of the Forty Drinks Podcast, Stephanie sits down with Karen McMahon to delve into the challenges she faced in her marriage and how they transformed her into a stronger, more self-aware individual. Karen discusses her turbulent childhood in an emotionally volatile household, her string of unfulfilling relationships, and the tumultuous marriage that mirrored her parents' dysfunctions. Despite her incredible external successes, Karen's personal relationships were fraught with difficulties, culminating in a rocky marriage characterized by rage and financial instability. She candidly shares her journey through therapy, the decision to divorce, and the harrowing three-and-a-half-year process...2024-09-1855 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Overcoming Cultural ExpectationsIn this episode, Dhruv Sethi shares his experiences of immigrating from India to Sweden at age six and then moving to London in his 20s. He talks about the cultural and familial expectations of the life path he was supposed to follow, which led to his tumultuous first marriage, the subsequent challenging divorce, and its profound effect on his trust of women and in relationships. As a result, Dhruv embarked on a journey of introspection in his late 30s, eventually turning to meditation, yoga, and self-healing to open his heart and embrace a new chapter in his life. 2024-09-0955 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning Forty and Rediscovering JOY Through PlayToday, Stephanie chats with Yvonne Marchese, host of the Late Bloomer Living podcast, about her journey of self-discovery and transition at midlife. Yvonne shares her story, from pursuing her early dreams of a theater career in New York until she realized at 35 that it just didn’t feel as fun as it used to. She talks about her struggles, including an identity crisis, career shifts, and bouts of depression. By adopting small habits, like waking up an hour earlier, Yvonne managed to transform her life, leading to her successful career in photography and the creation of her podcast. The co...2024-08-2258 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Burning It All to the GroundToday, Lauren Schenck shares her brave journey from being trapped in a toxic, narcissistic marriage to rebuilding her life and discovering self-love in her 40s. Lauren recounts the challenges she faced as a solo parent, navigating through divorce while 3,000 miles away from family and friends. Her story takes us through the hurdles of identifying narcissistic abuse, reclaiming passions like yoga and nutrition, and finding herself again after enduring years of emotional turmoil. This episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-care, inner strength, and the transformative power of making conscious, healing choices.Guest Bio 2024-08-1653 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Getting Healthy after Being Raised in a CultToday, Stephanie sits down with Shana Francesca, who shares her harrowing journey through a traumatic childhood raised inside an evangelical Christian cult. Shana's talks about growing up in an environment where curiosity was punished, intuition was stifled, and survival required constant self-protection. She discusses her path to breaking free at 26, learning to trust herself, and discovering what a healthy relationship looks like. The conversation also explores Shana's transition into adulthood, her professional evolution, and the poignant realization that she needed to give language to her personal values and align them with her business aspirations. As Stephanie and Shana uncover...2024-08-071h 06The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Healing From Parental Kidnapping as a BabyIn this moving episode of the Forty Drinks Podcast, host Stephanie McLaughlin talks with Rita Bliven about her tumultuous early life, marked by a messy parental divorce, being kidnapped by her father, and reunion with her mother. This early instability led to deep attachment issues that shaped Rita's relationships and personal growth. Rita shares how therapeutic counseling in her teens, reconnecting with her Mexican family in her twenties, and her spiritual experiences contributed to her ongoing healing journey. Through perseverance and self-awareness, Rita found love and built a family, emphasizing the importance of connection and attachment in parenting her...2024-08-011h 01The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40From Fenway to Forever: Celebrating 30 Years of FriendshipIn the 100th episode of the Forty Drinks Podcast, Stephanie welcomes her longtime friend Adrian Walker for a heartfelt and reflective conversation. They reminisce about their first meeting at Fenway Park in 1991, tracing the evolution of their enduring friendship and the significant life transitions they've experienced. Adrian shares insights into his career as a journalist, including impactful projects and his journey into sobriety, which reshaped his personal and professional life. They also delve into Adrian's recent venture into podcasting with the successful "Murder in Boston" series. Throughout the episode, they explore themes of aging, transformation, and the sustaining power...2024-07-2441 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Changing the Things that Muck with Your Mental HealthIn this week’s episode of Forty Drinks, Stephanie talks with Erik DeRosa about his profound midlife transition and struggle with mental health. Erik grew up with severe anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder, masking it under a facade for 25 years while pursuing a high-pressure career on Wall Street. At age 33, a dissociative episode forced him to confront his mental health issues and seek therapy. His life took a transformative turn when he discovered skiing, a passion that ultimately led him to leave his finance career and become a ski instructor in Colorado. Eric's story emphasizes the importance of recognizing and ad...2024-06-181h 07The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Embracing the Bare MinimumIn today’s episode, Jeff Glauser shares his transformative journey from feeling stuck and unfulfilled in his mid-thirties to finding purpose and stability in his forties. Coming from a background in sports journalism, Jeff struggled with imposter syndrome and missed opportunities. Faced with financial hardships and personal setbacks, including a bankruptcy and his marriage ending, Jeff sought a path to reinvention. Through establishing ten daily habits centered on self-improvement and simplicity—such as exercise, meditation, and financial organization—Jeff slowly rebuilt his life. His story unfolds into a tale of self-discovery, resilience, and the power of incremental change, ultimately culmin...2024-06-121h 09The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40, Conquering Cancer and Planting RootsIn this episode of the Forty Drinks Podcast, Gregory Halpen discusses his transformative journey from a tumultuous youth to finding stability and purpose in midlife. Gregory shares his struggles with substance misuse, the allure and challenges of life in New York City, and a life-altering battle with cancer at age 46, which led him to reevaluate his life, ultimately grounding himself and pursuing his passion for the arts more seriously. Gregory's story is a vivid example of resilience and the power of personal rebirth, offering hope and inspiration to those navigating their own midlife transitions. Join Stephanie and Gregory as...2024-06-0755 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Kicking the Soul Sucking Job to the CurbAs a former "fat kid," Lauren Herskovic had deep seated insecurities that led her to choose professional roles that didn’t give her what she needed because she didn’t think she deserved it. She spent seven years as the COO of a startup where the founders made her feel like she was good at her job and dangled the carrot of the “big payoff,” but it came with severely compromised boundaries. Ultimately, she found her way from soul-sucking burnout to success and authenticity in the real estate industry. Lauren’s story is a powerful testament to personal and profession...2024-05-211h 00The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Peeling Back the Layers of the OnionSara Letorneau is a writer, editor, poet and writing coach who will turn 40 later this year. She grew up in a “normal” happy family in a working class suburb in Massachusetts where she was taught that the traditional life milestones would make her “happy:” go to college, get a job, find a boyfriend, get married and have kids. But we all know that it’s not that easy. Sara has made her way through some elements of the midlife Ick, in her job, her friendships and in her romantic relationships. And, while there are some aspects of the Ick she’s stil...2024-05-021h 09The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Going from the Streets to Safety to Shock and AweAllison Doss has a multi-faceted midlife transition that took her through several harrowing phases. She moved to the “big city” after high school and was quickly recruited to become a stripper. She went from stripper to high-priced escort to homeless and drug addicted, prostituting to pay for her fix. At 40 she got into recovery but quickly replaced her pursuit of drugs with the pursuit of a man, who she ultimately married. That should be enough lessons for one person, but her husband came out to her as trans, which sent Allison into a relapse before she recommitted to recovery and...2024-04-171h 07The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Embracing Intimacy Over SexKarl Beckstrand was exposed to gay sex at age 8 by a male peer. Because of that experience at such a tender age, Karl developed a dysfunctional relationship with sex. He became hypersexual from that first encounter at age 8 until he was about 40, at which point he went to the other extreme and became a recluse for a decade. Here, he tells the story of how he learned to get his emotional needs met in a healthy way. Guest Bio College media instructor Karl W. Beckstrand is the best-selling author/illustrator of twenty-seven multicultural/multilingual books (60 e...2024-04-0942 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Saying Yes for a YearJoe Scales approached 40 wondering why he wasn’t happier. He had a job that paid well, two incredible kids and he had been married for 20 years. He wondered why he didn’t have “it” all figured out yet (when it seemed like everyone else did), which led him to questioning many of his decisions along the way. He realized that the problem was himself and his focus on questions that began with “why.” There were plenty of other questions that he could ask that might help him shake loose of his malaise, like: Who do I want to be? How do I get...2024-04-0250 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Transitioning From Warrior to CivilianJohn Lawyer spent more than a decade as a warrior in the Middle East and, upon his return to civilian life in the United States, struggled with his identity and how to engage with the world. He went from someone who was “important” in the desert - someone who directed where troops and airplanes went - to being just another person living in what he thought was a muted world that moved in slow motion. And then one night he woke up to a profound moment of clarity, some call it an awakening, that helped him see what he was...2024-03-2647 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Transition vs. Change: Navigating the Midlife TransitionWelcome to Season 5 of the Forty Drinks Podcast. I’m kicking off the season with an exploration of transition versus change, which are entirely different things according to William Bridges, PhD in his best-selling book, Transitions: Making Sense of Life’s Changes. Transition vs. Change: Navigating the Midlife TransitionStephanie McLaughlin kicks off season five of the Forty Drinks Podcast by exploring the concept of transition versus change, inspired by the best-selling book by William Bridges, PhD, Transitions: Making Sense of Life’s Changes. The way William Bridges presents the two concepts, they are not t...2024-03-1930 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Rewriting My StoryStephanie Rose checked off a huge number of major life events in her early 30s, in a bit of a whirlwind fashion. She met and married her husband, bought her first home, gave birth two her two kids, and experienced the death of her mom. Then, at 39, she started a business and realized she didn’t really have a frame of reference for who she was any more and felt like she needed to get to know herself better. So she used exercises from Julia Cameron’s The Artists’ Way and then developed some of her own. Using these tools...2024-02-281h 08The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Healing First Generation WoundsSusie Castellanos Hansley is a first-generation Mexican American who was raised by her grandmother from the age of two after her mother died, along with her siblings and cousins. Susie found school was a refuge and something she was good at. She followed the school path straight through a Ph.D. and postdoctoral studies only to find that teaching didn’t suit her, which led to years of trying to find the right professional fit. She equated her value as a person with her ability to earn an income, so these years of wandering left her in a deep de...2024-02-131h 17The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Stop Making the Same MistakeBirgitta Visser kept making the same mistake over and over again in her romantic relationships. She had an acute case of what she called “doormat syndrome,” which meant she didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings but that meant she would compromise well beyond what was reasonable in her relationships. That left her “walking in her own shadow,” neglecting her own feelings and needs until she was the one who got hurt. The roots of this behavior lay in childhood experiences of abuse and loss and a lifelong lack of confidence in herself. It wasn’t until hitting rock bottom fo...2024-02-0951 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Facing your Stuff so you Don't have to Stuff Your FaceAs mother-daughter relationships go, Renee says hers with her mom was pretty good, but she never felt like she had permission to be herself. When she was a girl and her mom would make a dress, she’d make a smaller one in the same style and pattern for Renee. Her mom liked bright colors and patterns and Renee would have preferred more unobtrusive clothes. Renee wanted to fit in but her mom wanted her to stand out. Renee says she often thought the first line of a book on her life would be : "When I turned 40, I lost my...2024-02-0144 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Marrying an InmateJo Ann Fawcett was heavily influenced as a child by the image of the happy family from the TV show Leave it to Beaver, which left her with some - perhaps unreasonable - ideas of what a marriage should look like, but her upbringing left her without the tools to build a successful one. Jo Ann was married seven times and experienced abuse, divorce, and death of her spouse. Her last marriage, to an inmate, lasted 20 years. Now, she’s sharing her hard-earned lessons with the next generation, the most important being: you are enough. Guest Bio ...2024-01-2549 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Taking Responsibility for My ActionsThough he knows he came to the understanding late in life, Paul Zolman realized at age 35 that he was responsible for his own actions. He had residual anger from being abused as a child and he blamed his father even though the man had been dead for 7 years already. His initial approach to solving his problems came from a negative perspective, “I don’t want to be angry” instead of focusing on what he did want. He says double negatives only work in math, not in relationships. He found that focusing on the negative only amplified the problem and his ang...2024-01-0947 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Emerging from the CocoonWhen she was 35, Diane Woodford was living a pretty picture. She was married with two kids and a dog, living in her dream house, and driving a minivan to her dream job. She had no idea that everything was about to blow up. She says the next decade was when she transitioned from a caterpillar to a butterfly. But first, she had to make some decisions that not everyone would agree with but ultimately led to both her - and her family - thriving. Guest Bio Diane is a retired critical care nurse, instructor, author...2024-01-041h 08The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Shedding Old IdentitiesIn the year leading up to her 50th birthday, Jennifer found herself divorced, an empty nester, let go from her career, and bed-ridden with a stress-related illness. In the space of a year, all of her identities were stripped away from her and, most days, she couldn’t even get out of bed. That led to wondering what was wrong with her and why her life had crumbled when everyone else looked like they had it all together. She wondered, ‘if I'm not a wife, if I'm not a mother, if I'm not a corporate executive, then who am I?’ ...2023-12-2052 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Learning How to Love Yourself Before Turning 40When Justin Schenck was in high school, he would have been a contender for the “least likely to succeed” superlative. He had a 1.7 GPA; his mom was in the middle of her 20-year battle with opioids and his dad was in jail. So how did he become a successful entrepreneur and podcaster and a coveted speaker? Between ages 19 and 30, when Justin was chasing all the things society told him he “should,” what he was really chasing was happiness. Then he realized that the version of happiness that he was chasing wasn’t real. The real lesson was that everything we’re sear...2023-11-2843 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and getting a crash course in adulthood 2.0Thanks to a long-distance relationship that turned toxic after she got pregnant and moved to be near her partner, Aveline Clarke had to navigate a messy five years in her late 30s. During this time she was trapped personally and geographically with two of her three children, before she could get back onto the path of her life. She introduced - and vigorously refuted - the concept of “spiritual gaslighting,” as in, "you attracted him for a reason." She talks about how she found the strength and resilience to survive this difficult chapter of her life. Guest Bio ...2023-11-0757 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and realizing it’s not my faultIn her late 30s, Amy Tsai was frustrated she couldn’t achieve what she wanted in her business, which led her to meditation and introspection. Then she learned that her mom had made a conscious decision when she was an infant NOT to pick her up when she was crying. This information helped her unravel the feelings of frustration that had been showing up in her relationships her entire life. After working through these issues, she feels much less stressed - and characterizes stress as a belief system that can be changed. Guest Bio Amy Tsa...2023-10-3152 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Forgiving an Emotionally Absent FatherIn this episode, Stephanie interviews Rachel Isabela, a first-generation American, about her journey of healing and personal growth. Rachel shares her experiences growing up with an emotionally absent father and the impact it had on her self-worth. She discusses her tumultuous marriage and the moment she made the decision to leave for the sake of her son. Rachel emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and forgiveness in her healing process. She also explores the effects of 80s parenting and the lack of emphasis on children's emotional well-being. Rachel shares her approach to parenting and the changes she has made to...2023-10-2447 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Becoming VulnerableDeidre Harter’s second marriage was a harrowing journey of lies, fraud, and her husband’s imprisonment, all while she was raising their young son. It took seven years for her to realize she wasn’t satisfied and that she had a choice: either examine what’s going on and make some changes, or bury her head in the sand and keep going. She found the courage to ask the difficult questions: What is really true? What do you want? Where are we going? Deidre emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and embracing one's self-worth in order to make positive changes...2023-10-1754 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Making Peace with Your PathIn this episode of the Forty Drinks Podcast Karel Chan discusses her journey to find peace and happiness. Karel shares her search for love and longing to become a mother, and how these desires shaped her relationships and decision-making. She discusses her formative adult years, the challenges she faced in relationships, and the inner child healing work she undertook to find self-acceptance and self-love. Karel also reflects on her decision to prioritize her own happiness and let go of the idea of having a traditional family, and how this ultimately led her to find a balanced and fulfilling relationship...2023-10-1053 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Navigating the 'Ick': Stories of Transformation and GrowthStephanie McLaughlin kicks off season four of the Forty Drinks Podcast by exploring the concept of the "Ick" - that feeling of something not quite fitting in our lives as we approach or pass our 40th birthday. She shares her own experience and the mission of the podcast, which is to make it common knowledge that there is a transition most of us face around age 40 and to showcase different versions of that transition so that no one feels alone. Stephanie also previews the upcoming season and discusses the trends she has noticed in her conversations with guests.2023-10-0319 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Finding Purpose Through Ego DeathEpisode Introduction AdaPia d'Errico experienced three major awakenings between her early thirties and early forties. The first was “who am I?” The second was “what the hell am I doing?” And the third was an awakening in her physical body. She discusses the concept of identity in addition to her struggles with cultural differences, societal pressures, burnout, and health issues. AdaPia emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, trusting the universe, and focusing on how she wants to feel. This episode offers valuable insights into personal growth, finding purpose, and embracing vulnerability.Guest BioAdaPia d'Errico...2023-09-0652 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Abandoning the Toxic Concept of ‘Having It All’Dr. Lisa Petty calls herself a “midlife alchemist,” who helps women navigate the big questions of midlife after arriving there with a sense of panic and uncertainty about her own identity and purpose. This led her to pursue a master's degree and eventually a doctorate focused on the wellbeing of women at midlife. She says the concept of “having it all,” introduced into the culture in the early 1980s by Helen Gurley Brown, the former editor of Cosmopolitan Magazine, quickly turned toxic. It went from an aspiration to a command. Having it all now meant doing it all. Lisa emphasiz...2023-08-2945 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Honoring the Magic of Traditional Rites of PassagePaula Conroy is an ex-banker turned entrepreneur who uses the ancient Indigenous wisdom of traditional Rites of Passage to help people make their way through the transitions we face at different points in our lives. After experiencing a dark night of her own soul, and working her way through the healing journey, Paula realized that she placed her power outside herself - in the job, the title, the achievement - to feel self worth. She realized she was even looking at turning 40 as another place to find self worth. She thought this was the age where she’d finally fe...2023-08-2351 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Becoming ConsciousFor Sascha Siegmund, the month before his 40th birthday was a whirlwind of rapid change, from leaving a safe, stable job in finance with no plan to next steps, to a 10-day Buddhist silent retreat. After the turmoil of his job and leaving it unceremoniously after almost eight years, and the fear of what he’d do next, the silent retreat helped him find calm. Sascha said “in order to be healthy as an individual you have to become conscious.” Through our lives, beginning when we are children, we adopt behaviors and strategies to deal with the world. He said m...2023-08-1532 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Leaning into the Concept of FailurePaul Padmore was made redundant from his position at a startup in London in his early 40s, which led to feelings of embarrassment, shame and failure that he harbored for a long time. Ultimately, he realized that the important part was “to be in the arena” and able to learn and grow. He said, “ If we don't try and if we don't experience these moments, then growth is negligible.” Paul pondered failure for more than a year before he ginned up the confidence to launch the My Perfect Failure podcast where he has conversations with people about failure, what it means...2023-08-0954 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Using Astrology and Enneagram to Understand Your Personality ✨Indra Rinzler is a healer and a teacher who has studied spiritual modalities for more than 50 years. He mainly works with astrology and Enneagram of Personality, which he explains in this episode. Indra shares his unique journey of self-discovery that started at the age of 24, which he believes helped him avoid a major life transition around the age of 40. As an astrologer, Indra can identify the cosmic ingredients that led him to not buy into any of the “shoulds” or other conditioning passed on from his family and society. That allowed him to live what he calls his “true life” a...2023-08-0148 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Reflections: A Recurrence of the IckIn a solo episode, Stephanie reflects on a recurrence of the Ick in her own life and what she’s doing to try to work her way through it. Reflections: A Recurrence of the IckSometimes you can do the work, you can make it to the other side and build a life that suits you perfectly - and you can STILL have weeks or seasons that just don’t feel good. I’m in one now and I'll tell you about it in this episode.SponsorThe Forty Drinks Podcast is pro...2023-07-2216 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Realizing the Crushing Power of the Wrong PathIn this enlightening episode, Stephanie sits down with Tara McFarland, a professional engineer who experienced a profound spiritual awakening and transformation in her forties. Tara shares her journey from feeling fragmented and unfulfilled in her career to rediscovering her true self and integrating her newfound spiritual insights into her professional life. This episode is a deep dive into the challenges and revelations that come with midlife transformations and the pursuit of personal authenticity.Turning 40 and Realizing the Crushing Power of the Wrong PathEpisode Highlights: Tara's early career as a civil engineer and...2023-07-0448 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Learning the Importance of PlaceIn this enlightening episode, Stephanie sits down with Sandy Demarest, who navigated a significant midlife transition from feeling lost and disconnected in Burlington, Vermont, to finding her community and purpose in Southern New Hampshire. Sandy shares her compelling story of overcoming the challenges of relocation, redefining her career, and ultimately discovering a deeper sense of self and happiness. Join us as we explore the twists and turns of Sandy's journey and the lessons she learned along the way.Key Highlights: Sandy's initial move to Burlington, Vermont, and the struggles with fitting in and feeling at...2023-06-2048 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Breaking Generational CursesIn this enlightening episode, Stephanie sits down with Annette Copeland, a naturopathic doctor whose journey through personal and health challenges led to profound life transformations. Annette shares her compelling story, from a tumultuous childhood and early motherhood to discovering her path in natural medicine and emotional healing in her midlife. Her insights into overcoming generational trauma and embracing a holistic approach to health are both inspiring and educational. Turning 40 and Breaking Generational CursesEpisode Highlights: Annette discusses her challenging childhood and early responsibilities, which set the stage for her later struggles and triumphs.2023-06-131h 00The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Setting Your Soul on Fire 🔥In this heartfelt episode, Stephanie sits down with April Provencher, a vibrant soul who navigated through a maze of life challenges to emerge triumphantly at the age of 40. April shares her journey of "living life backwards," having experienced motherhood, marriage, and a career all by her early twenties. This conversation dives deep into her transformative years, exploring the dark times in her late twenties and the subsequent awakening and healing that reshaped her life. Join us as April reflects on her path to self-discovery, the power of embracing one's weirdness, and her aspirations for a joy-filled fourth decade.2023-06-0646 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Reflections: The Tools of Personal GrowthIn a solo episode, Stephanie reflects the tools of personal growth. When people talk about “the tools” they use in their personal growth journeys, there isn't a standard set of tools that nobody told you about, and you can’t get them at any store. With personal growth and breaking habits and cycles, “tools” can feel a little esoteric. Let’s make it more concrete. Reflections: The Tools of Personal GrowthI was editing an upcoming episode recently and there was a lot of talk in it about “tools.” When people talk about personal growth, they often talk...2023-06-0519 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Learning How to Tune Into - and Trust - Your Inner VoiceIn this captivating episode, Stephanie sits down with Sarah Gale, a former fashion industry insider and reality TV personality from Project Runway Australia. Sarah shares her profound journey through the fashion world and beyond, exploring her early life experiences, her spiritual awakenings, and how these shaped her unique approach to personal style and self-expression. From a near-death experience to redefining success in her forties, Sarah's story is a testament to the power of inner transformation and finding one's true essence.Episode Highlights: Sarah's early spiritual experiences and how they influenced her perspective on life and...2023-05-311h 12The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Learning to Respect YourselfIn this deeply moving episode, Stephanie sits down with Anthony Gonzalez, a man whose life story encapsulates a profound journey of transformation and self-discovery. From navigating the turbulent waters of a challenging childhood and adolescence marked by family drug use and personal involvement in the streets, to a dramatic arrest and subsequent time in prison, Anthony's story is one of evolution and redemption. Through his narrative, we explore the pivotal moments that led to his profound personal growth and his commitment to living a life of respect, responsibility, and community building. Turning 40 and Learning to Respect Yourself2023-05-231h 05The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Brainwashing Yourself into Positive ThinkingIn this transformative episode, Stephanie sits down with Jem Fuller, a former corporate leader who shares his profound journey through a midlife awakening. From a tumultuous breakdown of his marriage and career to rediscovering his path and purpose, Jem's story is a powerful testament to the potential for personal growth and transformation in the face of life's challenges.Turning 40 and Brainwashing Yourself into Positive ThinkingEpisode Highlights: Jem's early life experiences, including the impactful loss of close friends and family, which shaped his outlook and decisions.The breakdown of Jem's marriage...2023-05-161h 01The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Stepping into the Unknown with Grace and FortitudeIn this deeply moving episode, Stephanie sits down with Anthony, a vibrant individual whose life took an unexpected turn after a diagnosis of four inoperable brain tumors. Originally from New Hampshire and now residing in Washington D.C., Anthony shares his journey from a carefree life filled with travel and drag performances to facing a life-altering medical condition. His story is not just about the challenges of dealing with a serious illness but also about finding new meaning and embracing life with a renewed perspective.Episode Highlights: Anthony recounts the sudden onset of his condition during a...2023-05-0948 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Finding Connection Through 50 Fun Things™In this inspiring episode, Stephanie sits down with Teresa Thomas, a vibrant soul who transformed her midlife crisis into a life of joy and adventure. Teresa shares her journey from being a people-pleaser trapped in unsatisfying relationships to rediscovering her voice and creating the "50 Fun Things" project, which not only changed her life but has also inspired countless others to find joy in their everyday lives. Turning 40 and Finding Connection Through 50 Fun Things™Episode Highlights: Teresa recounts the origins of her "fake band," Höxli Vöxli, and how it led to a mock...2023-05-0244 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Reflections: my 30s and the IckIn a solo episode, Stephanie reflects on her 30s and how the Ick, that feeling of things not being right, presented in her life. Reflections: my 30s and the IckI’ve been talking a lot about the Ick that people feel in their 30s or 40s and recently started reflecting on my 30s and how the Ick presented to me. I took a page out of my previous guest Melissa’s book and mapped out the decade’s highlights so I could see a clearer picture. Listen to Melissa Llarena’s episode here.My own...2023-04-2921 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 with Reckless Abandon and Building a Life Outside the MainstreamIn this episode, Stephanie sits down with Terre Short, a leadership coach and author who has carved a unique and adventurous path through life. From a high-flying career in hospitality to homeschooling her children in the wilds of Idaho, Terre's journey is a testament to the power of embracing change and pursuing dreams at any age. Join us as Terre shares her insights on building confidence, the importance of travel in shaping one’s worldview, and how she and her husband crafted an unconventional life that defied societal norms. Turning 40 with Reckless Abandon and Building a Life Out...2023-04-2543 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Introducing “The Ick” and Looking Forward to Season 3Introducing “The Ick” and Looking Forward to Season 3Stephanie kicks off Season 3 by introducing “The Ick,” her characterization of that malaise, unease or discomfort we feel around age 40 and then previewing some of the guests you’ll meet this season.Guest BioStephanie McLaughlin was born and raised in Manchester, NH. She fled the little city for a bigger one 50 miles south and spent 12 years living, schooling, working, and socializing in Boston. Stephanie was trained as a journalist but found that her career path led her to public relations and, ultimately, marketing. The schooling w...2023-04-1818 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Overcoming Being a People PleaserIn this deeply inspiring episode, Stephanie sits down with Martin Salama, who navigated through immense personal and professional challenges to redefine his life's purpose. From the tragic loss of his younger brother in childhood to facing a devastating financial crisis and a painful divorce, Martin's journey is a testament to the power of resilience and transformation. Join us as Martin shares how he went from being a worrier to becoming a warrior, embracing his true calling as a life coach and helping others live their best lives. Turning 40 and Overcoming Being a People PleaserEpisode...2023-03-1445 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Realizing Mental and Physical Health Are InseparableIn this deeply personal and inspiring episode, Stephanie sits down with Marc Paisant, a former college athlete who shares his transformative journey through the challenges of adulthood, weight gain, and mental health struggles. Marc opens up about his path to rediscovering his health, both mental and physical, and how he learned to prioritize self-care and redefine what “normal” means for him. Turning 40 and Realizing Mental and Physical Health Are InseparableEpisode Highlights: Life After College: Marc discusses the initial struggles of adapting to adult responsibilities and how his life seemed to follow the Amer...2023-03-0753 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 & Caregiving for Ailing ParentsIn this heartfelt episode, Stephanie sits down with Amy Lokken, a woman who navigated through a decade of profound personal transformations and challenges as she transitioned into her forties. From the joy of embracing her thirties to the heavy responsibilities that came with becoming a full-time caregiver for her ailing parents, Amy shares her journey of rediscovery and self-acceptance that followed in the wake of loss and change. Turning 40 & Caregiving for Ailing ParentsKey Highlights: Turning 30 and Embracing Change: Amy discusses her relief and excitement at leaving her twenties behind and stepping into her thi...2023-02-2841 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Making a Career Change: Shannon Russell's Journey into the UnknownIn this inspiring episode, Stephanie sits down with Shannon Russell, a former TV producer turned entrepreneur and career coach. Shannon shares her riveting journey from the bustling sets of MTV to opening a successful Snapology franchise and eventually creating a platform to guide others through their career transitions with her initiative, Second Act Success. Dive into Shannon's story as she navigates the challenges of balancing a high-profile media career with family life, and how a pivotal moment led her to reshape her professional landscape and help others do the same. Turning 40 and Making a Career Change: Shannon...2023-02-2148 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Mastering the Chaos: A Conversation with Corinne Morahan of Grid + GlamToday, Stephanie sits down with Corinne Morahan, the founder of Grid and Glam. Corinne shares her transformative journey through midlife, detailing how she shifted from a high-paced finance career in New York to finding true fulfillment through decluttering and organizing. Corinne's story is not just about changing careers; it's about rediscovering joy, making tough decisions about personal relationships, and learning to live intentionally. Highlights of the Episode: Corinne's Career Transition: From Wall Street to a career in organizing, Corinne discusses how she made the leap and why.The Power of Decluttering: How decluttering her home led to a...2023-02-1451 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Finding Her Voice: How Chronic Stress Stripped Tina Bakehouse of the Very Thing She Defined Herself ByIn this inspiring episode, Stephanie sits down with Tina B., a vibrant and creative communication expert whose journey through midlife transformation is nothing short of extraordinary. From a challenging episode in her mid-thirties where she lost her voice due to severe stress as a high school teacher, to finding her true calling and launching her own business at 45, Tina's story is a testament to the power of resilience and self-discovery.Episode Highlights: Tina B. shares her early passion for the performing arts and how it shaped her career path, leading her to roles in education, HR, a...2023-02-0752 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40, Finding Love and Unlocking Self-AcceptanceIn this enlightening episode, Stephanie sits down with Katherine Baldwin, the author of "How to Fall in Love." Katherine shares her journey of self-discovery that began in her mid-thirties, leading to profound changes in her personal and professional life. From grappling with an eating disorder and the pressures of a high-flying journalism career to embracing a path of healing and self-acceptance, Katherine's story is a testament to the power of transformation at any age.Episode Highlights: Katherine's Early Adventures and Challenges: Learn about her globe-trotting years filled with excitement and the hidden struggles that accompanied them.Tu...2023-01-3154 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Grief Recovery: An Exploration of Resilience and HappinessIn this inspiring episode, Stephanie sits down with Emma Johnson, a British writer, podcaster, and founder of The Wild Circle. Emma shares her profound journey through motherhood, personal loss, and self-discovery as she navigated the complexities of turning 40. From battling postnatal depression to experiencing the sudden loss of her sister, Emma's story is a testament to finding strength and resilience in life's most challenging moments. Episode Highlights: Emma discusses her early passion for writing and how it has shaped her career, leading her to journalism, social media content creation, and eventually to founding women's circles.The tr...2023-01-2456 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Learning “You’re Allowed to Change Your Mind” Before Turning 40In this wonderful episode, Stephanie sits down with Emily Aborn, a mid-thirties entrepreneur who is already pondering the significance of turning 40. Emily shares her journey of self-discovery, the ups and downs of her career, and her aspirations for the future. From burning bridges in her twenties to finding her true passion in writing and marketing, Emily's story is a testament to the power of transformation and the quest for personal fulfillment as she approaches the "mysterious other side" of 40.Episode Highlights: Young Perspective: Emily brings a fresh perspective as a younger guest who is actively thinking ab...2023-01-1753 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and realizing “fine” is a four-letter wordIn this inspiring episode, Stephanie sits down with Serban Mare, a Romanian immigrant who has redefined his life's trajectory through a remarkable journey of self-discovery and physical challenge. Celebrating his 40th birthday, Serban didn't just throw a party; he climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. His story is not just about reaching the summit but about overcoming personal and professional stagnation to embrace a life of purpose and adventure.Episode Highlights: From Romania to the USA: Serban shares his initial move to America at 23, seeking better opportunities and how the economic differences shaped his early experiences.Career Shifts: Transitioning fro...2023-01-1144 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Extracting Yourself from an Abusive and Controlling RelationshipIn this inspiring episode, Stephanie sits down with Toby Myles, a woman who navigated through significant personal and professional transformations after turning 40. Toby shares her profound journey from enduring an abusive relationship to rediscovering her self-worth and eventually thriving in a new career and a loving marriage. Her story is a powerful testament to the resilience and renewal that can come in midlife, even after periods of intense difficulty.Episode Highlights: Toby discusses her early marriage and how it inadvertently led her to lose sight of her personal growth and ambitions.Toby's experience...2023-01-0346 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Finding Your VoiceIn this deeply moving episode, Stephanie sits down with Wize Otero, a man whose journey through immense personal tragedy and unexpected reunions has led him to discover his true purpose. From losing his beloved wife in his early thirties to reconnecting with his estranged father and siblings only to lose his dad soon after, Wize's story is a testament to the power of resilience and self-discovery through life's most challenging moments.Highlights of the Episode: Wize shares the heart-wrenching loss of his wife, Denise, and how it set him on a path of self-development.2022-12-0743 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and the Practical Applications of DiscomfortIn this episode, Stephanie sits down with James Wisdom, a former art instructor turned tattoo artist, just days before his 41st birthday. James shares his compelling journey of self-discovery and change as he transitioned from academia to reigniting his passion for tattooing. His story is a profound exploration of personal values, the courage to embrace change, and the art of living intentionally. Episode Highlights: Career Shift: James discusses his decision to leave a secure teaching position to return to his roots as a tattoo artist, embracing the uncertainties and opportunities this change brought.Personal Life Changes: Jame...2022-11-2936 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and the Powerful Magic of Personal DevelopmentToday, Stephanie sits down with Angie Simmons, a woman who transformed her life from feeling stuck and hopeless to thriving and empowering others. Angie shares her journey through personal loss, being stuck, financial struggles, and ultimately, self-discovery that led her to a fulfilling career and a happier, healthier life. Her story is a testament to the power of personal development and the courage to make significant changes during midlife.Episode Highlights: Angie recounts the tragic loss of her brother and how it spiraled her into depression and self-blame, which she masked with alcohol and a demanding j...2022-11-2345 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Realizing Sometimes Failures are Successes in DisguiseIn this episode, Stephanie sits down with Melissa DaSilva, an artist and entrepreneur who shares her transformative journey through midlife. From a school social worker to a thriving business owner living in sunny Puerto Rico, Melissa's story is a testament to the power of embracing change and following one's passions. Her candid discussion about navigating mental health challenges, ending a long-term marriage, and reinventing her career offers valuable insights for anyone facing their own pivotal life moments.Episode Highlights: Melissa's early life and education, including her struggles with mental health and learning disabilities.The evolution of h...2022-11-1540 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Embracing an Unconventional True Self ✨In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Kari Ginsburg, a vibrant and dynamic executive coach and consultant who has navigated significant life changes and challenges to find her true calling. From battling a brain tumor to reshaping her career path multiple times, Kari's journey is a testament to the power of resilience and self-discovery. Join us as Kari shares her transformative experiences and insights on how to live authentically and create meaningful impact in your forties and beyond.Key Highlights: Career Transitions: Kari discusses her diverse career journey, from teaching and federal service to becoming a co...2022-11-0848 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Kickboxing Her Way Out of Depression on the way to Becoming an IronmanIn this invigorating episode, Stephanie sits down with Elle Nagy, who shares her transformative journey from a high-achieving, yet unfulfilled life to discovering profound freedom and self-love through facing her fears. Elle's story is not just about overcoming, but about embracing challenges and redefining what it means to live a fulfilled life after 40. Join us as Elle recounts her adventures from feeling lost and suicidal to becoming an Ironman and a beacon of inspiration for those looking to break free from societal expectations.Highlights of the Episode: Elle's upbringing in a traditional South African household and h...2022-11-0157 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Overcoming Disordered Eating and Exercise to Find Joyful Movement and Food FreedomIn this inspiring episode, Stephanie sits down with Kim, a former nurse turned fitness enthusiast and personal trainer, who shares her transformative journey through the tumultuous decade of her 30s into her 40s. Kim opens up about her struggles with body image, identity, and finding a new path in life after leaving her nursing career to become a stay-at-home mom. Her story is a powerful testament to the challenges and revelations that come with significant life changes during midlife.Episode Highlights: Kim’s transition from a nursing career to embracing motherhood and eventually finding her passion in...2022-10-2545 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Designing a Life You Don’t Need a Break FromIn this episode, Stephanie sits down with Mike Montague, the playful mind behind Playful Humans. Mike shares his journey through the pivotal age of 40, discussing the profound realizations and shifts that steered him away from the conventional grind towards a life centered around play and authenticity. From battling health issues to redefining success in his career and personal life, Mike's story is a testament to the power of reimagining midlife as a playground rather than a crisis zone.Episode Highlights: Turning 40: Mike discusses the personal and physical challenges he faced around turning 40, including his decision to em...2022-10-1852 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Season 1 Recap - Season 2 PreviewSeason 1 Recap – Season 2 PreviewStephanie looks back and distills the lessons from the conversations she had with guests in Season 1 and then looks forward to what’s coming up in Season 2.SponsorThe Forty Drinks Podcast is produced and presented by Savoir Faire Marketing/CommunicationsTell me a fantastic “forty story.” Listen, Rate & SubscribeApple Podcasts Spotify2022-10-1124 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Healing from Chronic Illness - Is it Lyme Disease or is it Nanoparticles?Today, Stephanie sits down with Fiona Thorson, a resilient woman who has navigated a complex health journey through her thirties and into her forties. Fiona shares her transition from relying on traditional medical treatments to exploring alternative health solutions that ultimately transformed her life. Her story is not just about battling chronic illness, but about the profound personal growth and understanding that emerged from her struggles. Episode Highlights: Early Health Challenges: Fiona discusses her initial symptoms and the discovery of her hypothyroidism, which marked the beginning of her health challenges.Journey Through Misdiagnosis: She details the year...2022-09-0851 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning Forty after Divorcing an Alcoholic, and How Joyful it is on the Other SideToday, Stephanie sits down with Joanne Morton, a vibrant artist and traveler who shares her transformative journey through her forties. Joanne's story is a testament to embracing change and following one's intuition. From celebrating her 40th birthday in New York City to redefining her identity as an artist and embarking on a soul-searching road trip across the United States, Joanne's narrative is filled with moments of self-discovery and profound insights on aging, creativity, and life.Episode Highlights: Joanne's memorable 40th birthday in New York City and her decision to celebrate by buying a 40 gig iPod with t...2022-09-0138 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Becoming an ArtistIn this inspiring episode, Stephanie sits down with Jenny Quartano, a physical therapist and wellness coach who shares her transformative journey through personal hardships to a life of health and fulfillment. Jenny opens up about her challenging divorce, her past relationship with an alcoholic, and how these experiences propelled her towards a healthier lifestyle and a new career path in functional medicine and wellness coaching. This episode is a deep dive into how personal struggles can lead to profound life changes and a renewed focus on what truly matters.Episode Highlights: Jenny's challenging divorce and the r...2022-08-2643 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Considering Clutter: Is It Preventing You From Creating the Life You Desire?In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Julie Coraccio, an organizational guru and decluttering expert who found her true calling at the age of 40. Julie shares her journey from working various jobs to embracing her passion for helping others shine by clearing out the clutter in their lives, both physically and emotionally. Her story is a testament to the power of following one's intuition and the transformative impact of decluttering on personal growth and fulfillment.Episode Highlights: Midlife Transformation: Julie discusses her career shift at 40, moving from a nanny to starting her own decluttering business.The Po...2022-08-1836 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 After Losing DadIn this heartfelt episode, Stephanie sits down with Ann Plucinak, who shares her journey through grief, career changes, and personal growth as she navigated the challenging waters of midlife. Ann's story begins with the sudden loss of her father, a pivotal moment that set her on a path of self-discovery and healing. Through her narrative, listeners will find a story of resilience, the power of therapy, and the importance of embracing life's absurdities.Episode Highlights: Ann recounts the sudden career move that took her and her husband from New Hampshire to Cleveland, setting the stage for a...2022-08-0349 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Exploring Life’s Lessons (Including Prince Charming and the 🐉)Niki Harris shares her profound journey of self-discovery and healing, triggered by turning 40 and a lifetime of overcoming challenges, including living with sickle cell disease. Niki delves into how her personal struggles fueled her purpose as a life and healing coach, and discusses the societal expectations placed on women. She highlights the importance of self-awareness, accountability, and acceptance (her ‘AAA’ battery), and shares her methods for personal growth, such as therapy, journaling, and learning from the world. Throughout, Niki emphasizes the shift from seeking external validation to embodying self-authenticity and empowerment.In this engaging episode of the Fort...2022-07-2645 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning Forty and Rediscovering Your MagicIn this episode, Stephanie sits down with Mindy Ruddock, a vibrant and inspirational figure who shares her journey of self-discovery and transformation as she navigated through burnout and found her true self at the age of 40. Mindy's story is a powerful testament to the magic of reconnecting with one's inner self through movement, mindfulness, and embracing one's unique path to wellness. Join us as Mindy opens up about her evolution from a professional dancer to a wellness coach, and how she rekindled her passion for life by embracing her witchy side and helping others find their own magic.2022-07-1949 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and Having a Baby on Your OwnIn this captivating episode, Stephanie sits down with Tara Marsh, a self-proclaimed mermaid who is navigating the transformative waters of turning 40. Tara shares her unique journey from a fascination with mermaids to profound life decisions about motherhood and personal fulfillment as she steps into her forties. Her story is not just about embracing a mythical persona but also about confronting and embracing the real-life challenges and decisions that come with significant life milestones.Episode Highlights:Mermaid Life: Tara discusses her lifelong love for mermaids, which began in her childhood, and how it has influenced her personal a...2022-07-1344 min
The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning Forty and Becoming a Horror IconWelcome to another thrilling episode! Today, Stephanie sits down with the enigmatic Lou Avilleira, also known as Father Evil, a character born from Lou's deep dive into his creative and darker side during his midlife transformation. From a union electrician to a horror icon, Lou shares his journey of embracing his true self, overcoming personal demons, and how he turned a passion into a thriving entrepreneurial venture. This episode is a deep dive into how personal liberation and embracing one’s uniqueness can lead to unexpected and fulfilling paths.Episode Highlights: The Birth of Father Evil: Lou...2022-07-0746 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning Forty with Postpartum Depression, Postpartum Anxiety AND a Midlife CrisisIn this deeply personal and enlightening episode, Stephanie sits down with Brooke Schrader, who shares her journey through postpartum depression, anxiety, and a midlife crisis all around her 40th birthday. Brooke's story is not just about the struggles but also about overcoming them, making significant life changes, and finding strength in the most challenging times. Her candid recount of the emotional rollercoaster after the birth of her daughter and the subsequent move to a new state offers listeners a raw look at the complexities of motherhood and mental health in midlife. Episode Highlights: Brooke's Background: Learn abo...2022-06-2844 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning Forty as a Recovering Sex and Love AddictIn this enlightening episode, Stephanie sits down with Brianne Davis, a Hollywood actress, director, and author, who shares her transformative journey through addiction and recovery. Brianne opens up about her struggles with sex and love addiction, her path to recovery, and how these experiences have reshaped her life, especially as she navigates her forties. With raw honesty and vulnerability, Brianne discusses the impact of her addiction on her personal and professional life, and how becoming a mother and reaching her forties has influenced her perspective and approach to life.Episode Highlights: Brianne shares her experience as a...2022-06-2147 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning Forty and Blazing Your Own Path, Mom EditionIn this episode, Stephanie sits down with Melissa Llarena, a career coach, entrepreneur, and podcast host who has navigated the complexities of turning 40 with remarkable courage and introspection. From climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge to celebrate her 40th birthday to redefining her career path and embracing motherhood in profound ways, Melissa shares her journey of self-discovery and the pivotal transitions that have shaped her life in her late thirties and early forties.Episode Highlights: Melissa's adventurous celebration of her 40th birthday by climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, facing her fear of heights to mark a new d...2022-06-1455 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning Forty, Experiencing a Stress Breakdown, Rebuilding, and Reinventing YourselfIn this episode, Stephanie sits down with the vibrant Gigi Johnson, who shares her transformative journey through midlife. At 60, Gigi reflects on her pivotal moment at 40 when she redesigned her life and career, moving away from the stability of a university job after burning out to embrace the uncertainties and freedoms of entrepreneurship. Gigi's story is a profound exploration of identity, asking for what you need, and the power of redefining success on your own terms. Episode Highlights: Gigi discusses her major life shift at 43, triggered by a stress breakdown, leading her to leave her structured ca...2022-06-0739 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning Forty and Outgrowing Your PassionIn this episode, Stephanie sits down with Selena Coppock, a former comedian and writer based in New York City, who shares her journey of outgrowing the bustling world of stand-up comedy and moving towards embracing a quieter, more fulfilling life. Selena discusses the pivotal moments that led to her stepping away from the comedy stage, her newfound passions, and how turning 40 played a crucial role in reshaping her identity and lifestyle.Episode Highlights: Selena's extensive career in comedy, including her experiences performing in New York and recording her own comedy album.The realization that stand-up comedy w...2022-05-3136 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning Forty and the Power of Changing One ThingToday, Stephanie sits down with Eric Dyment to discuss his unexpected journey of self-discovery and transformation as he approached his 40s. Eric, who once believed his life's path was set, found himself making one small change that spiraled into a series of life-altering decisions. From reassessing his career to moving across the country and finally, embracing family life, Eric's story is a testament to the power of embracing change at any stage of life.Episode Highlights: Turning 40: Learn about Eric's initial perception of turning 40 and how his views on life milestones evolved over time.The Move to...2022-05-2448 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning Forty and Evolving Your StyleToday on the Forty Drinks Podcast, Stephanie sits down with Susan Osborne, a seasoned image consultant and entrepreneur. Susan shares her intriguing journey of self-discovery that began unexpectedly with a pair of Birkenstock sandals. This conversation delves into how embracing her true self led Susan to make significant life and style changes, including moving to the rural White Mountains and transitioning to naturally gray hair. Join us as Susan discusses the evolution of her personal and professional life, providing profound insights into the power of self-acceptance and authenticity.Episode Highlights: Susan's unexpected attraction to Birkenstock sandals s...2022-05-1747 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning Forty and Dealing with GriefWelcome to the 40 Drinks Podcast! Today, Stephanie sits down with the remarkable Kim Smith. As Kim approached her 40th birthday, she embarked on a transformative Instagram project, sharing her journey through grief and personal growth after losing the three most important people in her life during her 30s. This episode delves into how Kim channeled her pain into creativity, leading up to a revitalizing birthday celebration that marked a new chapter in her life.Episode Highlights: Kim’s Transformational Journey: Kim discusses how turning 40 was not just a milestone birthday but a pivotal moment in her life...2022-05-1050 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and the Curse of ‘Should’In this episode, Stephanie McLaughlin sits down with Jaime Lang to explore her transformative journey through her 30s and into her 40s. Jaime shares candidly about the highs of her late 20s, the challenges of her midlife years, and the unexpected move that led her to Florida. This episode is a deep dive into personal evolution, finding happiness in unexpected places, and learning to live life without the burden of "should."Turning 40 and the Curse of ‘Should’Episode Highlights: Jaime discusses her vibrant life in her late 20s and early 30s, filled with friends and a...2022-05-0340 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Turning 40 and the Year of No FearToday, Stephanie sits down with her first guest, Janna Hartley, to explore a transformative journey through midlife challenges, personal growth, and self-discovery. Janna shares her story of overcoming grief and anxiety, embracing change, and finding joy in a “Year of No Fear.” From roller derby to radical self-acceptance, this episode is a deep dive into how pivotal moments can shape our paths and lead us to live more authentically.Turning 40 and the Year of No FearEpisode Highlights: Roller Derby Beginnings: Janna discusses how joining a roller derby team in 2007 helped her cope with the lo...2022-04-2623 minThe Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40Introducing the Forty Drinks PodcastIntroducing the Forty Drinks PodcastIn episode 1 of the Forty Drinks Podcast, host Stephanie McLaughlin introduces herself and sets the stage for upcoming episodes. Stephanie describes the Forty Drinks Project, which is how she celebrated turning forty, and also serves as the jumping off point for the podcast. Instead of having a party to celebrate the milestone birthday, Stephanie had forty drinks with forty people in forty different places and each drink had a thematic connection to her friend or the relationship. What started off as a wacky way to celebrate her birthday, and to extend it...2022-04-1926 min