301 🦠 Brain Fog, Fatigue & Lyme: What Doctors Miss with Nicole Bell

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/  

Feeling stressed, sleepless, or out of balance in midlife? 🌿 In this episode of The Midlife Makeover Show, Wendy sits down with master herbalist and classical homeopath Sara Chana Silverstein, author of MOODTOPIA. With over 30 years of experience helping women and families, Sara Chana shares simple, practical ways to use herbs—like skullcap, rosemary, sage, and lemon balm—to calm anxiety, improve sleep, ease hot flashes, and boost brain clarity. From tinctures and teas to easy remedies you can keep in your kitchen, this conversation will empower you to take charge of your health and hormones—naturally.   What You’ll Learn 🌿 How herbs like skullcap, motherwort, and lemon balm ease stress and anxiety 🌙 The best herbal remedies for better sleep and calmer moods 🔥 Why sage and soy can help with hot flashes and night sweats 🧠 How rosemary boosts circulation and clears midlife brain fog 🍵 Tinctures vs. teas: which one works best for your lifestyle 💡 Safe ways to combine herbs with conventional medicine   🎧 Tune in now at https://TheMidlifeMakeoverShow.com or wherever you listen to podcasts!   👉 Connect with Sara! https://sarachana.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 heartfelt episode of The Midlife Makeover Show, Wendy Valentine sits down with author and connection expert Shari Leid to talk about her inspiring journey of sharing 51 meals across America. Shari reveals how breaking bread with strangers transformed her understanding of belonging, courage, and what it truly means to feel at home. Together, Wendy and Shari explore how small acts—like inviting someone new to lunch—can heal loneliness, deepen friendships, and help us create meaningful connections at midlife and beyond.   What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why connection is the antidote to loneliness in midlife Shari’s powerful lessons from sharing meals in all 50 states How to flip the box on limiting labels and create belonging Simple ways to spark new friendships and deepen old ones How courage, curiosity, and community lead to a more fulfilling life   ✨Read the blog:  296 ❤️ Feel Less Alone: Simple Ways to Reconnect at Midlife with Shari Leid at https://wendyvalentine.com/feel-less-alone/    🎧 Tune in now at https://TheMidlifeMakeoverShow.com or wherever you listen to podcasts!   👉 Connect with Shari https://animperfectlyperfectlife.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 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/