289 💪 Fearless Living: Mandy Gonzalez's Journey Through Cancer and Creativity

In this episode of The Midlife Makeover Show, Wendy chats with certified functional diagnostic nutrition practitioner Lori Balue, who helps women over 50 reclaim their health, energy, and confidence. Lori shares her inspiring story of losing 100 pounds, reversing disease risk, and thriving through menopause—not by dieting, but by fueling her body with the right nutrition, minerals, and mindset. From low-carb living to adrenal and thyroid support, Lori reveals how midlife women can calm the chaos of menopause, drop stubborn weight, and reignite their second act with food freedom and vitality.   What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How low-carb eating can be freeing—not restrictive Why focusing on minerals, hydration, and digestion is key to weight loss The connection between menopause, adrenal health, and thyroid balance How to reduce inflammation and increase energy at midlife Lori’s story of losing 100 pounds and keeping it off Why food sensitivities may be at the root of your fatigue and cravings   🎧 Tune in now at themidlifemakeovershow.com or wherever you listen to podcasts!   ✨Read the blog: 295 ✨ Midlife Weight Loss & Menopause Relief with Lori Balue at https://wendyvalentine.com/midlife-weight-loss/   👉 Connect with Lori https://loribalue.com Lori’s Recipe Book for Aging Beautifully and Adventurously https://contact.loribalue.com/recipebook   🌟 Explore All Things Midlife & More https://wendyvalentine.com   📖 Grab Your Copy of Women Waking Up https://womenwakingup.com   📸 Follow My Midlife Adventures on IG! https://www.instagram.com/wendy_valentine_/  

Welcome to a very special solo episode of The Midlife Makeover Show—it’s book launch day, baby! 🎉Wendy is coming to you from New York City to celebrate the official release of her long-awaited book, Women Waking Up: The Midlife Manifesto for Passion, Purpose and Play.   In this heartfelt, behind-the-scenes reflection, Wendy shares the powerful “dots” that led her to this moment—from pastry school in Paris to heartbreak and healing, from her RV adventures to starting the podcast, and finally, to becoming a published author. If you’ve ever felt like your mess was too messy or your dreams too far gone, this episode will show you how every dot matters. 💖 ✨ What You’ll Learn: How one spontaneous blog post changed Wendy’s entire life The deeply personal story behind Women Waking Up Why grief, breakdowns, and rock bottoms are often turning points How to recognize the “dots” on your own midlife path The importance of trusting the process—even when the dots don’t make sense Behind-the-scenes of Wendy’s book deal, podcast origin, and branding journey 📚 Grab your copy of Women Waking Up + free bonuses at: WomenWakingUp.com 💛 Leave a review on Amazon to support Wendy’s mission 📸 Tag Wendy on IG @wendy_valentine_ with #WomenWakingUp to celebrate your own “dot” in the story!

In this heartwarming episode of The Midlife Makeover Show, Wendy sits down with keynote speaker and award-winning author Amy Weinland Daughters to explore the lost art of handwritten letters and how something as simple as pen and paper can transform relationships, heal grief, and create soul-deep connection. Amy shares her extraordinary journey of writing 580 letters—an act that not only touched countless lives but also changed her own. From finding hope after tragedy to rediscovering the joy of real human connection, this conversation will inspire you to pick up a pen and rediscover the beauty of slowing down and truly connecting.   ✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How handwritten letters can foster authentic connection in a digital world Why vulnerability and detachment from outcomes are key to meaningful communication The surprising emotional and spiritual impact of writing letters Simple ways to start your own letter-writing practice How acts of kindness—big or small—can ripple into life-changing transformation   🎧 Tune in now at https://TheMidlifeMakeoverShow.com or wherever you listen to podcasts! ✨Read the blog: 293 📬 Reconnecting in a Digital World with Amy Weinland Daughters at https://wendyvalentine.com/letters-change-lives/   👉 Connect with Amy Weinland Daughters www.amydaughters.com https://www.facebook.com/amyweinlanddaughtersauthor https://www.instagram.com/smokinhotamys/   🌟 Explore All Things Midlife & More https://wendyvalentine.com   📖 Order Your Copy of Women Waking Up https://womenwakingup.com   📸 Follow My Midlife Adventures on IG! https://www.instagram.com/wendy_valentine_/   📝 Get Weekly Midlife Inspiration on Substack https://wendyvalentine.substack.com/  

Hormone therapy can feel like one of the most confusing and controversial topics in midlife, but Dr. Maria Sophocles is here to set the record straight. With nearly 30 years of experience in women’s health, Dr. Sophocles breaks down the myths, explains the real science, and shares how hormone therapy can not only ease hot flashes, brain fog, and sleep struggles, but also protect your bones, heart, and brain for the decades ahead. We also talk about why menopause has been ignored for so long, the future of treatments like testosterone, and how women can finally reclaim their vitality, confidence, and joy in midlife and beyond.   What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The truth about hormone therapy and why it’s safer than you think Common myths that keep women from getting the care they need How estrogen and progesterone impact long-term health The role of testosterone in women’s wellbeing Why better conversations about menopause matter for every woman   🎧 Tune in now at https://TheMidlifeMakeoverShow.com or wherever you listen to podcasts!   ✨Read the blog: 292 🌼 Your Essential Guide to Menopause Management with Dr. Maria Sophocles at https://wendyvalentine.com/hormone-therapy-truths/    👉 Connect with Dr. Maria https://mariasophoclesmd.com/ https://www.instagram.com/mariasophoclesmd/   🌟 Explore All Things Midlife & More https://wendyvalentine.com   📖 Order Your Copy of Women Waking Up https://womenwakingup.com   📸 Follow My Midlife Adventures on IG! https://www.instagram.com/wendy_valentine_/   📝 Get Weekly Midlife Inspiration on Substack https://wendyvalentine.substack.com/

Today on The Midlife Makeover Show is a true icon of intuition and transformation—Laura Day! 🌟Laura is a New York Times bestselling author, world-renowned intuitive healer, and teacher who has spent four decades helping people and companies harness intuition to create real change. You may have seen her on Oprah, Good Morning America, or The View—and now she’s here with us to share wisdom from her brand-new book, The Prism.   In this inspiring conversation, Laura opens up about her extraordinary story of resilience and how The Prism can help you break patterns, reclaim your power, and shift your energy in simple but powerful ways. If you’ve ever felt stuck or ready for a fresh start, this episode is for you.   What You’ll Learn How to break free from repeating patterns Why vulnerability is a superpower The role of ego and spirit in creating change Practical ways to shift your energy when you feel stuck Why your biggest challenge may also be your greatest gift 🎧 Tune in now at https://TheMidlifeMakeoverShow.com or wherever you listen to podcasts!   ✨Read the blog: 291 💎 The Prism of Transformation with Laura Day at https://wendyvalentine.com/prism-of-transformation/   👉 Connect with Laura https://lauraday.com https://www.instagram.com/lauradayintuit   🌟 Explore All Things Midlife & More https://wendyvalentine.com   📖 Order Your Copy of Women Waking Up https://womenwakingup.com   📸 Follow My Midlife Adventures on IG! https://www.instagram.com/wendy_valentine_/   📝 Get Weekly Midlife Inspiration on Substack https://wendyvalentine.substack.com/  

Ever feel like your body is trying to tell you something, but you can’t quite figure out what it’s saying? In this soul-centered, eye-opening episode of The Midlife Makeover Show, Wendy Valentine sits down with Christine Lang—a former attorney turned medical intuitive and wellness expert—to explore how you can tap into your inner wisdom and let your spirit guide the way. Christine’s new book, Ask Your Spirit: Receiving Life-Changing Wisdom from Your Elevated Intelligence, is a practical roadmap for tuning in to your intuition so you can navigate life with more clarity, peace, and confidence.   Wendy and Christine dive into everything from how to tell the difference between your ego and your spirit, to using meditation and stillness to connect more deeply with yourself, to the ways our relationships can drain—or energize—our souls. You’ll also hear personal stories, “aha” moments, and even some live spirit insights for Wendy. Whether you’re facing a health challenge, feeling stuck in a relationship, or simply ready to live more authentically, this conversation will inspire you to listen inward and trust the guidance you already carry within.   WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: How to distinguish between your spirit’s voice and your ego’s chatter Why silence and stillness are essential for tapping into your intuition The surprising ways your body communicates when something is out of alignment How to identify and release draining relationships without guilt The connection between self-abandonment, childhood conditioning, and midlife awakening Simple daily practices to strengthen your partnership with your spirit Why embracing your light is the key to living your destiny   🎧 Tune in now at https://TheMidlifeMakeoverShow.com or wherever you listen to podcasts!   ✨Read the blog:  290 🌟 Discover Your Inner Wisdom: Healing Through Intuition with Christine Lang at https://wendyvalentine.com/healing-through-intuition/   👉 Connect with Christine https://www.christinelang.org/   🌟 Explore All Things Midlife & More https://wendyvalentine.com   📖 Order Your Copy of Women Waking Up https://womenwakingup.com   📸 Follow My Midlife Adventures on IG! https://www.instagram.com/wendy_valentine_/   📝 Get Weekly Midlife Inspiration on Substack https://wendyvalentine.substack.com/

In this soul-stirring episode of The Midlife Makeover Show, Broadway star and bestselling author Mandy Gonzalez joins Wendy Valentine for an inspiring conversation that’s as heartfelt as it is empowering. You may know Mandy from her powerful performances in Hamilton, Wicked, and In The Heights, but behind the curtain, she’s also a cancer survivor, a mother, a fierce advocate, and the creator of the Fearless Squad movement. From overcoming anxiety and perfectionism to writing her beloved book series and performing during chemotherapy, Mandy shares how she lives with grace, gratitude, and unshakable grit.   Together, Wendy and Mandy dive into topics like pushing through fear, finding your personal Everest, embracing aging with wisdom, and giving yourself permission to evolve. They talk Broadway superstitions, journaling rituals, family roots, and why showing up for your community matters more than ever. Plus, don’t miss Mandy’s exciting announcement about her solo concert at Carnegie Hall!   What You’ll Learn: ✨ How to live fearlessly—by fearing less ✨ The power of doing it scared and why courage isn’t the absence of fear ✨ How Mandy performed eight shows a week while undergoing breast cancer treatment ✨ What inspired her to create the Fearless Squad and how you can join ✨ The role of community, ancestry, and creativity in building resilience ✨ How journaling, connection, and self-compassion can fuel your healing   🎧 Tune in now at https://TheMidlifeMakeoverShow.com or wherever you listen to podcasts!   ✨Read the blog:  289 💪 Fearless Living: Mandy Gonzalez's Journey Through Cancer and Creativity at https://wendyvalentine.com/fearless-living/   👉 Connect with Mandy https://mandygonzalez.com/   🌟 Explore All Things Midlife & More https://wendyvalentine.com   📖 Order Your Copy of Women Waking Up https://womenwakingup.com   📸 Follow My Midlife Adventures on IG! https://www.instagram.com/wendy_valentine_/   📝 Get Weekly Midlife Inspiration on Substack https://wendyvalentine.substack.com/  

Ever feel like you’re checking all the boxes—career, relationships, success—yet still feel restless, anxious, or unfulfilled? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Midlife Makeover Show, Wendy Valentine sits down with internationally renowned executive coach Keren Eldad (aka Coach Keren) to uncover why so many high achievers get stuck in the cycle of perfectionism, burnout, and “the gilded cage”—and how to finally break free.   With clients ranging from Olympians to CEOs to Hollywood stars, Keren has seen firsthand how even the most accomplished people can feel trapped by unrealistic expectations, cultural pressures, and their own inner critics. Together, Wendy and Keren dive into what causes this relentless pursuit of “more,” why breakdowns often lead to breakthroughs, and how embracing imperfection can lead to greater peace, freedom, and fulfillment.   Whether you’re a recovering perfectionist, a chronic overachiever, or simply craving a life that feels good from the inside out, this conversation will help you release what’s holding you back and start designing a life on your own terms. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How to spot the hidden signs of perfectionism and burnout (even when life looks “perfect” on the outside) Why breakdowns are often the gateway to breakthroughs The difference between healthy high standards and toxic perfectionism Why cultural expectations—like success, status, and timelines—keep us stuck Practical steps to rewire your mindset, embrace imperfection, and build a life that feels aligned How to stop letting fear, uncertainty, and other people’s opinions run your life   🎧 Tune in now at https://TheMidlifeMakeoverShow.com or wherever you listen to podcasts!   ✨Read the blog: 288 🌻 Break Free from Perfectionism & Burnout with Keren Eldad at https://wendyvalentine.com/break-free-from-perfectionism/ 👉 Connect with https://www.instagram.com/coachkeren/?hl=en https://kereneldad.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Gilded-Breaking-Ambition-Perfectionism-Relentless/dp/1684817579   🌟 Explore All Things Midlife & More https://wendyvalentine.com   📖 Preorder Your Copy of Women Waking Up https://womenwakingup.com   📸 Follow My Midlife Adventures on IG! https://www.instagram.com/wendy_valentine_/   📝 Get Weekly Midlife Inspiration on Substack https://wendyvalentine.substack.com/  

Are you ready to reconnect with your intuition, release old emotional baggage, and finally feel empowered in your body and your life? In this episode of The Midlife Makeover Show, Wendy Valentine sits down with Katie Beecher, a licensed professional counselor, medical and emotional intuitive, and author of Heal from Within: An Intuitive Guide to Wellness.   With over 35 years of experience, Katie combines Jungian psychology, spiritual guidance, and intuitive insights to help people heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually—often uncovering the root causes of illness and imbalance that traditional approaches overlook. Katie shares how her own journey through an eating disorder and chronic illness became the catalyst for her work, and how you can access your own intuition, heal from the inside out, and live a more connected, courageous life.   Whether you’re navigating midlife health issues, emotional struggles, or simply want to deepen your self-love and boundaries, this episode is packed with wisdom, tools, and “aha” moments to help you transform your well-being.   What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to tap into your intuition and trust it, even if you’ve ignored it for years. Why self-love and self-acceptance are essential for physical and emotional healing. How unprocessed emotions like anxiety and anger can impact your health—and how to work with them. Practical steps for setting healthy boundaries to protect your energy and well-being. Why symptoms and challenges can actually be messages from your body and soul—and how to decode them.   If you’re ready to step into your light, protect your energy, and finally feel connected to your true self, you won’t want to miss this conversation with Katie Beecher!   🎧 Tune in now at https://TheMidlifeMakeoverShow.com or wherever you listen to podcasts!   ✨Read the blog: 287 🌟 Unlock Your Inner Healer and Embrace Your Intuition with Katie Beecher at https://wendyvalentine.com/unlock-your-inner-healer/   👉 Connect with Katie https://katiebeecher.com https://www.instagram.com/katiebeecher_medical_intuitive/    🌟 Explore All Things Midlife & More https://wendyvalentine.com   📖 Order Your Copy of Women Waking Up https://womenwakingup.com   📸 Follow My Midlife Adventures on IG! https://www.instagram.com/wendy_valentine_/   📝 Get Weekly Midlife Inspiration on Substack https://wendyvalentine.substack.com/

Is it possible you’ve had ADHD your entire life and just didn’t know it? You’re not alone. In this eye-opening episode of The Midlife Makeover Show, Wendy chats with Kate Moryoussef, host of the award-winning ADHD Women’s Wellbeing Podcast, EFT practitioner, and author of The ADHD Women’s Wellbeing Toolkit. After being diagnosed with ADHD at 40, Kate embarked on a journey of healing, self-discovery, and advocacy for women navigating late-in-life diagnoses.   Kate breaks down how hormonal changes in midlife can unmask previously undetected ADHD symptoms, why so many women are being misdiagnosed (or completely overlooked), and how holistic tools like EFT tapping, nervous system regulation, nutrition, and spirituality can make a world of difference. With raw honesty and heartfelt passion, Kate empowers listeners to see ADHD not as a flaw—but as a difference that deserves understanding, support, and even celebration.   🧠 Whether you’re curious, confused, or already diagnosed, this episode offers powerful insights and practical steps to reclaim your energy, confidence, and clarity.   👉 Kate’s book, The ADHD Women’s Wellbeing Toolkit, is available now! Grab your copy and get her bonus pre-order PDF with extra tools and resources.   WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: Why ADHD often goes undiagnosed in women until midlife The role of estrogen and hormones in regulating ADHD symptoms What “neurodivergent” really means—and why it’s not a disorder How EFT tapping can help calm your nervous system and support emotional regulation Holistic and lifestyle practices that empower women to manage ADHD without shame or burnout   🎧 Tune in now at https://TheMidlifeMakeoverShow.com or wherever you listen to podcasts!   ✨Read the blog: 286 🌈 How to Thrive with ADHD in Midlife with Kate Moryoussef at https://wendyvalentine.com/midlife-adhd-diagnosis/   👉 Connect with Kate https://www.instagram.com/kate_moryoussef www.adhdwomenswellbeing.co.uk   🌟 Explore All Things Midlife & More https://wendyvalentine.com   📖 Order Your Copy of Women Waking Up https://womenwakingup.com   📸 Follow My Midlife Adventures on IG! https://www.instagram.com/wendy_valentine_/   📝 Get Weekly Midlife Inspiration on Substack https://wendyvalentine.substack.com/   🎤 Know Someone Inspiring? Nominate a Guest! https://midlifemakeoverguest.com   ⭐️ Love the Show? Leave a 5-Star Review! https://reviewtheshow.com