302 🌟 Progress Over Perfection: A Journey of Self-Discovery with Monica Packer

In this inspiring episode, fitness and mindset coach Melissa JJ Vogel joins Wendy to break down what it really takes to transform your body, your confidence, and your life in midlife. Melissa shares her journey from rock-bottom exhaustion to becoming a strong, empowered woman—and how simple shifts like walking, strength training, and mindset rewiring can help any woman break out of the “meh” life and step into her strongest self.   What You’ll Learn Why most women change only when pain—not motivation—pushes them forward The connection between building muscle, boosting confidence, and emotional resilience How walking can jumpstart energy, clarity, and healthier habits Why strength training is essential in midlife for metabolism, hormones, and long-term health How to overcome gym intimidation and start seeing yourself as a strong, capable woman   🎧 Tune in now at https://TheMidlifeMakeoverShow.com or wherever you listen to podcasts!   👉 Connect with Melissa https://www.itsmelissavogelfitness.com/ https://www.instagram.com/itsmelissavogel/   🌟 Explore All Things Midlife 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 magical, mind-opening episode of The Midlife Makeover Show, Wendy sits down with modern astrologer and podcast host Tara Redfield to explore how astrology can be a powerful tool for navigating midlife reinvention.   Tara breaks down what a natal chart really is, why those midlife “crisis” years are actually written in the stars, and how planetary transits and moon cycles can help you make more aligned decisions.   She even does a live sample reading of Wendy’s chart—hello, storyteller destiny and RV road-trip prophecy! — showing how our cosmic blueprint can validate who we are and where we’re going next.   💫 What You’ll Learn What your natal chart actually is and how it reveals your soul’s journey, gifts, and challenges The three major midlife transits (Pluto, Neptune, Uranus) and why your 40s can feel like a cosmic shake-up—not a failure How to use planetary transits to plan big moves like career changes, travel, creative projects, or relationships A simple new moon and full moon practice to set intentions, release what’s no longer serving you, and work with the natural rhythm of the sky How a personalized reading (like Wendy’s live on the show!) can bring clarity, confidence, and validation to your next chapter of reinvention   🎧 Tune in now at https://TheMidlifeMakeoverShow.com or wherever you listen to podcasts!   ✨Read the blog:  306 ✨ Your Cosmic Blueprint: How Astrology Reveals Purpose, Timing & Reinvention with Tara Redfield at https://wendyvalentine.com/your-cosmic-blueprint/   👉 Connect with Tara website: www.anotherdaygreener.com Free PDF: Self Care for your Moon Sign Take 10% off any reading with code: MIDLIFE All Bookings: www.anotherdaygreener.com/readings   🌟 Explore All Things Midlife & More https://wendyvalentine.com   📖 Order Women Waking Up https://womenwakingup.com   📸 Follow My Midlife Adventures on IG! https://www.instagram.com/wendy_valentine_/

In this fascinating conversation, Wendy sits down with Dr. Catharine Arnston — algae nutrition expert and founder of ENERGYbits — to explore the tiny superfood that’s transforming modern health.   From boosting energy and protecting mitochondria to easing menopause symptoms and supporting longevity, algae may be the most powerful (and overlooked) tool in your midlife wellness toolkit.   Dr. Catharine breaks down the science in a fun, approachable way, revealing why spirulina and chlorella are the nutrient-dense, deeply restorative foods your body has been waiting for.   What You’ll Learn Why spirulina and chlorella are considered the most nutrient-dense superfoods on the planet How algae supports healthy aging, energy levels, and mitochondrial function The role algae can play in easing menopause and perimenopause symptoms The difference between “Energy Bits” and “Recovery Bits,” and when to take each How algae can replace multiple supplements and support detox, immunity, and overall vitality   🎧 Tune in now at https://TheMidlifeMakeoverShow.com or wherever you listen to podcasts!   ✨Read the blog:  305 🌱 The Superfood to Reverse Aging & Manage Menopause with Dr. Catharine Arnston of ENERGYbits at  https://wendyvalentine.com/reverse-aging-manage-menopause/   👉 Connect with Catharine & Energy Bits https://energybits.com Get 20% off with code “midlifemakeover”   💖 Thanks to our sponsor, stāBODY — and for finally making a bodysuit that truly suits us! Enjoy 15% off + free domestic shipping at stabody.com with code LOVEWENDY.   🌟 Explore All Things Midlife! https://wendyvalentine.com   📖 Order Your Copy of Women Waking Up https://womenwakingup.com

In this inspiring episode of The Midlife Makeover Show, Wendy talks with Christian business and podcast coach Stefanie Gass about purpose, calling, and why midlife is the perfect time to begin again. Stefanie shares her journey from corporate success to surrender, healing, and ultimately building a thriving God-led business—and how simple obedience and messy action can transform your entire life.   What You’ll Learn Why your breakdowns often reveal your true calling The power of surrender and trusting God with the next step Why midlife is the ideal time to start a podcast or purpose-driven business How podcasting creates impact, freedom, and long-term legacy Why your life experiences are your most valuable credentials   🎧 Tune in now at https://TheMidlifeMakeoverShow.com or wherever you listen to podcasts!   ✨Read the blog: 304 🎙️ Grow a Successful Purpose-Driven Online Business with Stefanie Gass at https://wendyvalentine.com/grow-a-successful-online-business/    👉 Connect with Stefanie! https://stefaniegass.com Get Stef's 5-day Profitable Podcast Bootcamp for FREE! https://stefaniegass.com/bootcamp Use code WENDY   🌟 Explore All Things Midlife 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 candid conversation, family lawyer and author Gabriella Pomare shares how to move from conflict to collaboration after divorce. We dig into co-parenting with grace (even with a difficult or narcissistic ex), her four Pillars of Communication—listen, pause, reflect, respond—plus boundaries, parallel parenting, and putting kids at the center (not in the middle). If you’re navigating separation, blended family life, or simply want healthier communication, this episode brings practical tools and real hope.   What You’ll Learn How to co-parent peacefully using Gabriella’s Pillars of Communication (listen, pause, reflect, respond) Smart boundaries for high-conflict or narcissistic exes (and when to parallel parent) Ways to keep kids at the center, build new traditions, and reduce guilt and stress How age matters: routines for young kids vs. guardrails for teens Mindset shifts for healing: choosing dignity, de-escalation, and long-term harmony over “winning”   🎧 Tune in now at https://TheMidlifeMakeoverShow.com or wherever you listen to podcasts!   👉 Connect with Gabriella! https://thecollaborativeco-parent.com.au   🌟 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 powerful conversation, Wendy Valentine sits down with habits and identity coach—and recovering perfectionist—Monica Packer to unpack why perfectionism keeps midlife women stuck on the sidelines and how to choose progress over perfection. Monica shares her 2015 “aha” moment, explains the perfectionism pendulum (overachieving ↔ underachieving), and shows how self-compassion—not shame—creates sustainable change. You’ll hear practical ways to quiet the inner critic, navigate the messy middle, set healthier boundaries, and take brave, bite-sized action with Monica’s simple Do Something List. If you’re tired, busy, or overwhelmed but still want to grow, this episode gives you freeing, relatable tools to move forward—imperfectly and authentically.   What You’ll Learn The “perfectionism pendulum” and why both all-or-nothing and doing nothing are the same trap How self-compassion outperforms self-criticism for lasting habit change A 3C toolkit: Compassion, Courage, Curiosity to navigate the messy middle How to spot and reframe your inner critic in real time Why validation ≠ apathy—and how acceptance jumpstarts momentum Practical steps to start small: create a Do Something List and celebrate micro-wins How perfectionism strains relationships—and the role of boundaries and invitations to change Identity shifts: moving from outcome-based worth to values-aligned action in midlife 🎧 Tune in now at https://TheMidlifeMakeoverShow.com or wherever you listen to podcasts!   👉 Connect with Monica! www.aboutprogress.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/

In this powerful episode, Wendy Valentine sits down with Nicole Bell, author of What Lurks in the Woods and CEO of Galaxy Diagnostics, to uncover the truth about Lyme disease and tick-borne infections that are too often misdiagnosed or misunderstood.   Nicole shares her deeply personal story of her husband’s tragic battle with a misdiagnosed tick-borne illness that was mistaken for early-onset Alzheimer’s, and how that journey fueled her mission to transform Lyme testing and awareness. Together, Wendy and Nicole discuss why so many people struggle to get answers, the importance of early detection, the connection between Lyme, chronic illness, and hormone shifts, and how to become your own best health advocate.   What You’ll Learn: Why Lyme disease is often misdiagnosed and misunderstood The difference between Lyme and other tick-borne infections like Babesia and Bartonella How traditional Lyme testing fails—and what new diagnostic methods work better Common symptoms that can mimic menopause, anxiety, or chronic fatigue How tick-borne illness can trigger neurodegenerative and mental health conditions Practical steps to protect yourself, detect infection early, and find real healing 🎧 Tune in now at https://TheMidlifeMakeoverShow.com or wherever you listen to podcasts!   👉 Connect with Nicole and Galaxy! Galaxy Diagnostics: https://www.galaxydx.com/ https://www.instagram.com/galaxydiagnostics/ https://www.facebook.com/galaxydx Nicole: https://www.nicoledaniellebell.com/ https://www.instagram.com/nicoledaniellebell/   🌟 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 enlightening episode of The Midlife Makeover Show, Wendy Valentine sits down with neuroscientist and Muse co-founder Ariel Garten to explore the fascinating connection between meditation, brain health, and midlife transformation. Ariel explains how neuroplasticity allows us to rewire old thought patterns, strengthen emotional resilience, and even slow brain aging. You’ll learn how Muse’s brain-sensing headband offers real-time feedback to make meditation easier, more effective, and even life-changing—helping you sleep better, stress less, and take back control of your mind. This episode is packed with science, stories, and soulful wisdom that will leave you inspired to train your brain for a brighter, calmer future.   What You’ll Learn How meditation changes your brain and boosts neuroplasticity The simple science behind Muse and real-time neurofeedback Why just 5–10 minutes a day can improve focus, calm, and sleep How meditation supports midlife emotional balance and resilience Ways to heal trauma and rewrite your inner story for lasting peace 🎧 Tune in now at https://TheMidlifeMakeoverShow.com or wherever you listen to podcasts!   👉 Connect with Ariel! Website: https://choosemuse.com MUSE Instagram: instagram.com/choosemuse Ariel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariels_musings/ Facebook: facebook.com/choosemuse Save 15% on the Muse Headband with code: VALENTINE   🌟 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/  

Wendy Valentine welcomes wellness expert, author, and coach Erin Clifford for a practical, no-hype conversation about creating work-life harmony in midlife. Erin shares why “balance” is a myth, how tiny, realistic habits outpace big overhaul plans, and why values, boundaries, and flexible routines are the true foundations of health. From stress and sleep to movement, nutrition, and corporate wellness, Erin reframes thriving as a personalized, sustainable path—one you can start today with small wins that add up. We also dig into her new book, Wellness Reimagined, a part-book, part-workbook guide to building a wellness plan that actually fits your life.   What You’ll Learn The difference between work-life balance and work-life harmony—and why harmony wins How to identify your top values and use them to set healthy, self-honoring boundaries Simple starter habits for nutrition (think whole foods, fiber, protein) without rigid rules Easy ways to move more (walks, bands, yoga, pickleball) even if you “don’t like exercise” Why sleep, stress management, and routines are the glue that hold wellness together The power of choosing one small habit at a time to build momentum and confidence How to create a personalized wellness plan using Erin’s “choose-your-own-adventure” approach Reframing midlife as a fun, freeing chapter for reinvention—not perfection   🎧 Tune in now at https://TheMidlifeMakeoverShow.com or wherever you listen to podcasts!   ✨Read the blog: 299 ☯️ Sleep, Stress & Simple Habits for Thriving in Midlife with Erin Clifford at https://wendyvalentine.com/sleep-stress-simple-habits/    👉 Connect with Erin Clifford https://erincliffordwellness.com/ https://wellnessreimaginedbook.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinwellness/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erincliffordwellness/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@erincliffordwellness   🌟 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/

If you’ve ever laid awake wondering whether to fight for your marriage or finally let go, this episode will feel like a lifeline. Relationship expert and master life coach Sharon Pope joins Wendy to unpack the midlife “stay or go” dilemma: why so many women feel emotionally alone in marriage, how disconnection happens (and how to repair it), and what it really takes to find peace with your decision.   You’ll hear compassionate, practical guidance on renegotiating your relationship as you evolve, using separation strategically (not as limbo), clearing mental clutter to access your inner wisdom, and why “fine” isn’t the life you’re here to live. We also explore the fear of the unknown, the impact on kids at every age, and Sharon’s path from confusion to clarity—plus next steps if you’re ready for Marriage 2.0 or to “Divorce Differently.”   What You’ll Learn Why midlife marriages often drift into disconnection—and how to rebuild connection How to tell if it’s you, your partner, or the circumstances causing the distance The power of renegotiating your marriage as you evolve How to clear mental clutter and access clarity about staying or going Why separation can be a healthy reset, not a failure How to find peace—whether you choose Marriage 2.0 or Divorce Differently   🎧 Tune in now at https://TheMidlifeMakeoverShow.com or wherever you listen to podcasts! ✨Read the blog: 298 💔 Should You Stay or Go? Finding Clarity in Your Marriage with Sharon Pope at https://wendyvalentine.com/should-you-stay-or-go/    👉 Connect with Sharon! https://www.sharonpope.com https://www.facebook.com/SharonPopeCoach https://www.instagram.com/sharonpopecoach/ Want to get unstuck and make a decision about your marriage? I'll teach you how in my FREE Video Course: http://sharonpopefreetraining.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/