Choosing Sobriety in Midlife Ep#177

Have you ever poured another glass of wine while quietly wondering, “Is my drinking becoming a problem?” Maybe you don’t want to quit drinking forever. Maybe you don’t identify with the word “alcoholic.” You just know you’re drinking more than you want to — and you’re curious about what life might feel like without it.In this honest, judgment-free conversation, Jodi Silverman sits down with sobriety coach Casey Davidson to talk about getting sober curious, taking a break from alcohol, and questioning your relationship with drinking without shame or scary labels. Casey shares her own journey from drinking a bottle of wine a night to 10 years alcohol-free — and why simply getting curious can be a powerful first step.In This Episode, You'll DiscoverHow drinking can look completely “normal” from the outside while privately becoming something you worry aboutWhat it means to be sober curious — even if you have no intention of quitting alcohol foreverWhy Casey doesn't use the label “alcoholic,” and how labels can sometimes keep women from questioning their drinkingWhy a 30-day alcohol break can give you space to notice how you actually feel without drinkingHow social pressure around alcohol can make changing your habits surprisingly difficult — even in midlifeThe unexpected confidence, contentment, and peace Casey discovered after becoming alcohol-freeAbout Casey DavidsonCasey Davidson is a certified professional life and sobriety coach and the creator of The Hello Someday Podcast and The Sobriety Starter Kit. After years of privately worrying about her drinking while maintaining a successful career, marriage, family, and social life, Casey became alcohol-free and recently celebrated 10 years without alcohol. Today, she helps women explore their relationship with alcohol through a practical, habit-change approach built around curiosity rather than judgment.Resources & Links MentionedCasey's Free 30-Day Guide HERECasey shares her 10 best tips for approaching your first 30 days without alcohol.The Sobriety Starter Kit HERECasey's full coaching program for women includes practical habit-change tools, video lessons, a private podcast, downloads, coaching, and community support.The Dare On Circle- The Dare On Circle is for the woman who’s tired of feeling like she’s the only one struggling to figure out this next chapter. More about the Circle HERE If you're craving connection, honest conversations, and a community of women who understand the messy middle of midlife, the Dare On Circle was created for you. Because whatever you're navigating right now, you don't have to figure it all out alone.Connect with JodiWebsite: jodisilverman.comFacebook: facebook.com/jodibsilvermanSubstack: dareonwithjodi.substack.comSend me a quick note/message- what stood out in this episode! Have a thought? Suggestion? Leave Jodi a Voice Message HERE.  She returns every one!

Have you caught yourself wondering, What’s my purpose now? Maybe your kids have left home. Maybe you retired, divorced, or simply reached a point where the life that once gave you a clear identity has changed.I know how tempting it is to believe you need to find some big new thing to make your life meaningful again. But what if you’re making “purpose” way too big? What if, for right now, you are your purpose?In This Episode, You’ll DiscoverWhy losing a familiar role can leave you asking, “Who am I now?”Why you don’t need to replace being needed with another job, project, or responsibilityWhat I really mean when I say you are your purposeWhy curiosity can be more useful than clarity when you don’t know what’s nextHow taking action can create the energy, confidence, and direction you’ve been waiting to feelWhy trying something—even discovering you hate it!—still moves you closer to knowing yourselfResources & Links MentionedDare On Circle: A place to figure out what’s next alongside women asking some of the same questions you are. You don’t need all the answers before you belong.30 Tiny Dares for Your Next Chapter: dareontowhatsnext.com/30tinydaresConnect with JodiWebsite: jodisilverman.comSubstack: dareonwithjodi.substack.comSend me a quick note/message- what stood out in this episode! Have a thought? Suggestion? Leave Jodi a Voice Message HERE.  She returns every one!

If the word "finances" makes you want to close this tab and come back later — this episode is exactly for you. Financial Wellness Coach Lisa Burns of Her Path joins Jodi to talk about why midlife women feel so overwhelmed about money, what it really means to get financial clarity, and the three estate planning documents every woman needs right now. This isn't about being a numbers person. It's about taking your power back.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL DISCOVER:Why "overwhelmed" is the #1 word Lisa hears from midlife women about money — and what to do about itThe crucial difference between a financial wellness coach and a financial planner (and why you might need one before the other)How Lisa went from emotionally and financially broken after a toxic divorce to building Her Path and coaching women back to confidenceThe 3 essential estate planning documents every woman needs: your last will and testament, power of attorney, and healthcare directiveWhat the "money minute habit" is and how to start it todayHow financial clarity gives you freedom to plan for your future — including that business you've been dreaming aboutLisa's dare to every woman listening: one simple first step you can take TODAYABOUT LISA BURNS:Lisa Burns is a Financial Wellness Coach and the founder of Her Path, a coaching practice dedicated to helping midlife women rethink money, reset their goals, and take confident steps toward their financial future. Drawing on her own experience navigating a difficult divorce and financial hardship, Lisa serves as the bridge between the overwhelm and the financial planner's office — helping women get through the "muck" so they can show up ready to build the life they deserve.RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED:Lisa's website: herpathbegins.comLisa on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn: @lisawhiteburnsJodi's free Wheel of Life Workbook HERECONNECT WITH JODI:Website: https://jodisilverman.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodi_silverman/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jodibsilverman/Send me a quick note/message- what stood out in this episode! Have a thought? Suggestion? Leave Jodi a Voice Message HERE.  She returns every one!

You might be following the conversation just fine — and still have a hearing loss you don't know about. In this eye-opening episode, Jodi sits down with her own audiologist of nine years, Dr. Brian Harrington of AudioNova, to talk about the real risks of untreated hearing loss: the link to dementia, isolation, cognitive decline, and the seven-and-a-half-year gap between when most people notice a problem and when they actually do something about it. If you've been putting this off — or if someone you love has — this is the episode that changes that.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL DISCOVER:Why hearing loss is the third most common health condition in the United States — and why most people don't treat itThe jaw-dropping link between untreated hearing loss and dementia: mild loss = 2x the risk, moderate = 3x, severe = 5xHow treating hearing loss with hearing aids can slow cognitive decline by more than 50%Why your brain's ability to compensate might be masking your hearing loss right nowThe fatigue factor: why people with hearing loss are working harder — and feeling more tired — than they realizeHow hearing loss quietly isolates you from the people and experiences you loveWhat age to get a baseline hearing test — and why family history mattersJodi's personal story: getting hearing aids at 51 and what changedThe dare: one simple step you can take this week to protect your brain healthABOUT DR. BRIAN HARRINGTON:Dr. Brian Harrington is a Doctor of Audiology with a master's degree from Bloomsburg University and a doctorate from A.T. Still University. With 24 years of practice — including experience in pediatric audiology at Children's Hospital — Dr. Harrington has spent his career at Main Line Audiology, now AudioNova, a nationwide network of audiology clinics. His mission: to make a difference in the quality of life of every patient he meets.RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED:AudioNova (nationwide audiology clinics): HEREJodi's free Wheel of Life Workbook HERECONNECT WITH JODI:Website: HEREdareonwithjodi.substack.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jodibsilverman/Send me a quick note/message- what stood out in this episode! Have a thought? Suggestion? Leave Jodi a Voice Message HERE.  She returns every one!

You don’t have an effort problem — you have an order of operations problem. This week, Lisa Woodruff, founder of Organize 365 and author of Escaping Quicksand: 10 Steps to Overcome the Overwhelm of Modern Home Life, joins Jodi to unpack why household overwhelm isn’t a personal failing, why self-care means so much more than a pedicure, and the one mindset shift that will free you faster than any organizing system ever could.In This Episode, You’ll DiscoverWhy household overwhelm is the “predictable result” of invisible work — not a personal failureThe layers of work hiding beneath your visible mess, and why women get judged for the wrong oneWhat it really means to become the “CEO” of your household — and why your health is the health of the whole homeLisa’s redefinition of adult self-care — and why a $500 gym membership and an $18 book club are not the luxury you think they areThe “order of operations” problem that changes everything faster than any organizing method (hint: start with your bedroom, bathroom, and closet — not the playroom)Why becoming a “woman of excellence” instead of a perfectionist might be the biggest mindset shift of your next chapterThe Sunday Basket® — Lisa’s simple system for getting your whole household’s to-dos out of your head and into one placeAbout Lisa WoodruffLisa Woodruff, PhD, is the founder and CEO of Organize 365®, and holds a doctorate in applied psychology dedicated to researching the invisible work of running a household. Named Cincinnati Female Entrepreneur of the Year in 2024, Lisa has spent 15+ years teaching women how to build the systems their homes were never given — including her signature Sunday Basket® method. Her new book, Escaping Quicksand: 10 Steps to Overcome the Overwhelm of Modern Home Life, is available now.Resources & Links MentionedEscaping Quicksand: 10 Steps to Overcome the Overwhelm of Modern Home Life by Lisa Woodruff, PhDThe Organize 365 PodcastThe Sunday Basket® systemLisa’s new Substack (more coming soon on this!)Join the Dare On Circle membership: dareonwithjodi.substack.comConnect with JodiWebsite: https://jodisilverman.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodi_silverman/Substack:  dareonwithjodi.substack.comSend me a quick note/message- what stood out in this episode! Have a thought? Suggestion? Leave Jodi a Voice Message HERE.  She returns every one!

Why Do I Feel Like I’m Walking on Eggshells With My Adult Child?Have you ever rewritten a text to your adult child three times because you were afraid of saying the wrong thing?Or held back what you really wanted to say because somewhere underneath it all was the fear: What if they get upset? What if they pull away?In this episode of Dare On with Jodi, I’m joined by psychologist Dr. Amy Todey for an honest conversation about walking on eggshells with adult children—and the difference between being thoughtful about your child’s feelings and becoming responsible for managing them.We talk about the fear of estrangement, the grief that comes with letting our children go, boundaries, difficult conversations, apologies, and how to build a relationship with your adult children that leaves room for both of you.In This Episode, You’ll DiscoverHow to recognize the difference between being thoughtful and walking on eggshells with your adult childWhy fear of losing the relationship can change the way you communicateHow parenting becomes “a thousand tiny goodbyes” as your children grow and become independentWhy you are responsible for your behavior—but not your adult child’s emotional reactionHow asking permission before giving advice can change a conversationWhat healthy repair and a meaningful apology can look likeHow to stay open to connection without abandoning yourselfOne place to begin when you realize fear may be driving the relationshipAbout Dr. Amy TodeyDr. Amy Todey is a Harvard-trained licensed psychologist with 15 years of experience helping individuals and families navigate relationships, parenting, conflict, and major life transitions.Through her clinical work, speaking, and growing social media platform, Amy makes complex psychological ideas practical, compassionate, and relatable—helping families build stronger connections rooted in empathy, accountability, and belonging.Resources & LinksConnect with Dr. Amy TodeyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dramytodeyWebsite: https://www.todeypsychology.com/Join the Dare On Circle HEREThe Dare On Circle is a space for women navigating the changes, relationships, questions, and possibilities of midlife—with monthly conversations, support, and women who understand what this season can feel like.Connect with JodiWebsite: jodisilverman.comFacebook: facebook.com/jodibsilvermanSubstack: dareonwithjodi.substack.comSend me a quick note/message- what stood out in this episode! Have a thought? Suggestion? Leave Jodi a Voice Message HERE.  She returns every one!

You Can Hold the Hard and the JoyHave you ever felt guilty for experiencing joy when someone you love is hurting—or when your own life feels incredibly hard?I know that feeling. And in this deeply personal episode, I’m sharing what my sister-in-law Debbie taught me about grief, joy, fear, hope, and continuing to live even when life gives you something you never would have chosen.Debbie lived for 25 years with metastatic breast cancer. She never taught me to pretend the hard wasn’t hard. She taught me that the hard doesn’t have to take everything else with it.In This Episode, You’ll DiscoverWhy experiencing joy during a hard season doesn’t mean you’re ignoring your painHow Debbie taught me that grief and gratitude, fear and hope, sadness and joy can exist at the same timeThe difference between telling yourself a fake story and a hopeful oneWhy acceptance is not the same as giving upWhat I mean when I talk about choosing to “live forward”One simple question to ask when the hard thing has become the only thing you can seeResources & Links MentionedCome Home to the Dare On Circle HERETwo amazing organizations supporting those with Breast Cancer and those who Support and Care for them.Living Beyond Breast Cancer(LBBC): Click HEREUnite for HER: Click HEREConnect with Jodi:☎️ Have something you want to tell me? I want to hear your voice!Did something in this episode hit home? Have a question you want me to answer? A story you want to share? Or maybe you want to tell me about a dare you’re taking in your own life.Leave me a voice message! Your question or story might even inspire a future episode—or, with your permission, be shared on the podcast.👉 Click here to leave Jodi a voice messageWebsite: jodisilverman.comFacebook: facebook.com/jodibsilvermanSubstack: dareonwithjodi.substack.comSend me a quick note/message- what stood out in this episode! Have a thought? Suggestion? Leave Jodi a Voice Message HERE.  She returns every one!

If the thought of the holidays sends your stress levels through the roof before you’ve even bought a single gift — this episode is for you. Professional home organizer Amy Cobb joins Jodi Silverman to share her “simple, not stressful” approach to decluttering and organizing your home before the holiday chaos begins. This isn’t about perfection — it’s about building systems that actually stick.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:Why most organizing systems fail (and the one principle that makes them last)How to create a “holiday landing zone” so gifts, wrapping supplies, and decorations don’t take over your homeThe Notes app trick that eliminates “I forgot what I bought” foreverHow to do a pre-holiday declutter — and where to start if you’ve been putting it offHow to set gift boundaries with loved ones without hurting feelings (and what to suggest instead)Why ditching holiday “perfection” is the best gift you can give yourself this seasonAbout Amy Cobb:Amy Cobb is a professional home organizer whose philosophy, “simple, not stressful,” has helped families create calm, functional spaces that actually work for their real lives. She believes every organizing system should be tailored to how you — and your family — naturally move through your day. You can follow her on Instagram at @minimal_means for before-and-after transformations and practical daily tips.Resources & Links Mentioned:Follow Amy on Instagram: @minimal_meansNotes app tip: You can create spreadsheet-style columns inside the iPhone Notes app to track gifts by recipient — great for year-round gift planningFacebook “Buy Nothing” groups: Search for a local group to donate holiday decor, ornaments, and unused items to neighbors in needAmy’s dare: Pick one small area of your home today — a drawer, a cabinet, your desk — reset it, and notice how you feelConnect with Jodi:Website: https://jodisilverman.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodi_silverman/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jodibsilverman/Podcast: https://dareonwithjodi.buzzsprout.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DareOnwithJodiSend me a quick note/message- what stood out in this episode! Have a thought? Suggestion? Leave Jodi a Voice Message HERE.  She returns every one!

You’re getting everything done. You’re showing up for everyone. You’re carrying the kids, work, relationships, aging parents, friendships, the house, the expectations…and somehow, you’re still wondering why you feel exhausted, overwhelmed, or disconnected from yourself.Here’s the question: What is all that “holding it together” costing you?In this episode of Dare On with Jodi, Jodi sits down with burnout prevention coach and speaker Mihika to talk about the quiet cost of living in a constant state of doing—and how to reclaim what Mihika calls your mightiness.Mihika defines mightiness as your mental and emotional muscle: your resilience, your grit, your ability to stay connected to your convictions, and your capacity to keep moving forward even when life gets hard.And reclaiming it doesn’t require blowing up your life.It can start with one tiny—but mighty—step.In this episode, you’ll discover:Why high-performing women are especially vulnerable to burnout and overwhelmWhat Mihika calls the “mental backpack” and why yours may feel so damn heavyThe hidden cost of constantly thinking about what you should be doingWhy burnout can rob you of your mental peace, presence, memories, and joyHow to stop letting the long-term vision overwhelm you and focus on one small step insteadMihika’s ARC Method for protecting your mental peace:A — Affirm: Build yourself up with affirmations you can actually believeR — Release & Reflect: Safely unload what you’re carrying and look back with perspectiveC — Commit: Practice these habits for 90 days so they have a chance to stickA surprisingly powerful way to use your phone’s voice memo or video feature to change your self-talkWhy affirmations don’t have to be things you wish were true—they can remind you of what you already know is true about yourselfHow Mihika’s Mighty Reflections Journal helps you track gratitude, identify your support system, and notice patterns in your moodsWhat life can begin to feel like when you prioritize yourself without apologizingYour Dare for the week: do something that takes you outside your comfort zoneYour DareThis week, choose one thing that stretches you outside your comfort zone.Call the friend you haven’t spoken to in forever. Go to the networking event where you don’t know anyone. Or pick up your phone, turn on the camera, look yourself in the eye, and say something you genuinely like about yourself.You don’t need a giant leap.Tiny steps practiced consistently can lead to mighty change.Resources Mentioned7-Day Self-Talk Mini Reset HERE: https://www.dareonwithjodi.com/7dayselftalkreset. If your inner critic has been running the show lately, grab Jodi’s free 7-Day Self-Talk Mini Reset. Start noticing—and changing—the way you speak to yourself.Connect with Mihika:Connect with Mihika HERE: www.1mightymama.comGrab her Mighty Reflections Journal HERE: www.mightyreflections.comAnd if this conversation made you think, OMGosh, this is me, send it to a woman who’s carrying a little too much in her own mental backpack.Because holding everything together shouldn’t cost you your peace.Dare more. Doubt less. Live fully.Follow, Subscribe and Connect with Jodi on Substack HERE: dareonwithjodi.substack.com/subscribeSend me a quick note/message- what stood out in this episode! Have a thought? Suggestion? Leave Jodi a Voice Message HERE.  She returns every one!

Thinking about a midlife career change can feel especially scary when your current career isn’t failing—it just doesn’t feel like you anymore. Jodi Silverman talks with Susan Guthrie about recognizing career misalignment, redefining success in midlife, and using curiosity instead of a complete life overhaul to begin figuring out what’s next.If you’ve been wondering whether you’re burned out, stuck, or simply ready for a new chapter, this conversation offers a different way to think about midlife reinvention.In This Episode, You’ll DiscoverWhy walking away from something successful can be harder than leaving something that failedHow Susan recognized that her successful litigation career was draining rather than energizing herWhy a midlife career change doesn’t have to begin with a giant leapHow curiosity can help you discover what energizes you nowWhy Susan views living your best life as creating alignment between your work, values, and energyHow small experiments can unexpectedly lead to an entirely new chapterAbout Susan GuthrieSusan Guthrie spent decades building a successful family law litigation practice before recognizing that the constant conflict of that work no longer aligned with the life she wanted.She moved into mediation and eventually expanded her work into teaching, podcasting, writing, consulting, and helping professionals build successful practices—creating a career that better reflects who she is today.Resources & Links MentionedSusan Guthrie’s Free Guide: Your Next Chapter Starts Here: A Midlife Reinvention Clarity Guide HEREThe guide includes an Energy and Impact Audit, prompts to identify transferable strengths, and a framework for taking a first step toward meaningful change.LAST CALL: Dare On Empowerment Retreat with Jodi Silverman & CJ Stasik September 18–20, 2026 at Himalayan Institute, Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania. Get more details here by clicking this link:  dareontowhatsnext.com/dare-on-retreat-2026Connect with JodiWebsite: jodisilverman.comFacebook: facebook.com/jodibsilvermanSubstack: dareonwithjodi.substack.comSend me a quick note/message- what stood out in this episode! Have a thought? Suggestion? Leave Jodi a Voice Message HERE.  She returns every one!