92. How to Experience More Joy & Pleasure (Even In Tough Times)

It's hard to say goodbye, so I won't. I'll just tell you what this podcast has meant to me over the past 100-plus episodes, and my hopes for you as you navigate the rest of midlife and beyond. Full show notes available at Morebeautifulproject.com.

Are you ready to take stock of your health and feel terrific? Whether you’re coming off a lazy holiday, or you just haven’t been feeling like yourself and want to reclaim your mojo, this episode is for you. Naturopathic doctor Lisa Brent is in the house, and we’re talking about how right now is the perfect time for a wellness check. An expert in helping women navigate their menopausal years, Lisa understands that your body is changing during midlife, and what worked before in terms of nutrition, exercise and sleep may no longer be working for you—especially if you’re in the throes of hormonal upheaval. She also gets that you may be concerned about new physical issues that have cropped up. During our conversation, Lisa offers great tips on how to optimize your wellbeing during this life stage. She tells you what diagnostics to consider, what lifestyle tweaks to make, what supplements are worth your time, and how you can address those nagging health concerns without worrying yourself sick. If you want to feel better, have more energy and get your groove back this season, you’re gonna love Lisa’s words of advice and encouragement. Among the topics Lisa and I address: How any lasting health and fitness change starts with one important mental shift The different types of lab work you should consider getting, how to interpret the results, and how to stay calm in the face of unexpected or confusing health news When to consider genetic testing as a powerful preventative tool, and when to pass on it Ways you can set yourself up for healthy aging—as well as slowing and/or preventing chronic disease How hormone therapy can tackle many symptoms of menopause—and possibly serve as disease prevention, even for women experiencing a “silent” menopause (with no tangible symptoms) How to decide if hormone therapy is right for you, whether or not there are side effects, and if it’s ever too late to start on HT Lifestyle tweaks to help you feel great: nutrition shifts to help with hormones and weight gain, the best types of exercise to stay fit and curb muscle loss, and advice for getting better sleep (and who doesn’t need more of that during midlife?) Plus, Lisa tells you why she believes an integrated and individualized approach to medicine is vital, gives tips on how to navigate an increasingly complex healthcare system, and reveals the one way you should never consume sugar! Full show notes available at Morebeautifulproject.com.

Fashion is an emotion-driven pleasure that you should be able to enjoy at any age. It can be easier said than done, though, with culture trying to dictate what you should (and should not) be wearing, and your body changing in a way that can make shopping a tad more challenging. According to my guest on this episode, stylist and pro-age influencer Rasmit (Roz) Kaur, a woman is never too old to cultivate and flaunt her own style. Roz, who is the epitome of ageless style and class, says you reserve the right to express yourself through your wardrobe at absolutely any age—and have a great time in the process. During our fun conversation, Roz and I swap shopping strategies that will inspire you to make the most of your wardrobe, chat about fashion staples every woman should have in her closet for easy dressing, and share priceless tips and tricks to help you feel like a million bucks at any age. Whether you’re a true fashionista or you just want to kick your fashion game up a notch, this episode is for you. Among the topics Roz and I address: Whether or not there should be any fashion “rules” for women over a certain age Why dressing well requires more than just selecting the “right” clothes How to break out of a fashion rut and have fun shopping again Stylish and classic essentials you should consider having in your closet Roz’s philosophy on fast fashion, the pre-owned clothing movement, and the prevalence of casual dressing How influencers have changed the fashion game by representing unique voices (including women over 40!) How fashion has evolved through the decades and the way we consume it has drastically changed Why it’s so hard to figure out what jeans are in style these days! Plus, Roz describes her “perfect outfit” for several different occasions—from date night to brunch with the girls—and tells us why she disagrees with Coco Chanel’s famous fashion advice. Full show notes available at Morebeautifulproject.com.

Have you been dreaming of traveling the world or, at the very least, finally embarking on that once-in-a-lifetime vacation? It's no wonder many midlifers have travel on the brain, with empty nests and more freedom on the horizon, or just plain old wanderlust kicking in. My guest on this episode decided to leave her life and her job as a consultant behind for an entire year to travel solo. Natasha Augustine says anyone can do what she's doing, with a little planning and saving, and the experience can be life changing. So, whatever kind of travel you're yearning for, this episode is for you. We're dishing out travel tips, we're chatting about dream destinations and, most important, we're talking about how you can start checking those items off your travel bucket list sooner than you think. Among the topics Natasha and I discuss: How Natasha decided to take an entire year to travel—and what she did to prep for her journey How midlife women are leading the travel movement The benefits of solo vs. group travel and how both can feed your soul How to open yourself up to new experiences by venturing off the beaten path Packing tips to make your excursions more enjoyable Hot travel spots everyone's talking about, and the trip that Natasha found the most transformative Plus, Natasha tells us why she loves getting lost looking for bathrooms during her travels, and reveals the one thing she always brings with her on the plane. Full show notes available at  Morebeautifulproject.com.

Have you ever been in a dark place? That’s not too unusual, especially in midlife. But I’ll bet your first instinct is to try to snap out of it, as quickly as possible, so you can be there for the people in your life. Or present a rosy picture to the world. Well, on this episode I’m gonna make a case for allowing yourself to feel crappy, at least once in a while. I’m gonna tell you why you’re not alone in feeling crappy. And then, yes, I’m going to share some of my best tips for getting through those tough times. The first step is giving yourself permission to experience the pain and heartache. After that, there's so much you can do to feel better—and be on your way to living the midlife you deserve. "The best way out is always through." —Robert Frost Among the topics I address: Why burying negative feelings may only make you feel worse How to listen to your body to figure out what you truly need Proven ways to generate more self-compassion and joy during difficult periods Tips for getting yourself out of a funk, bit by bit Midlife can be fantastic, but it can also be hard. It can be two things at once. If you're going through a rough patch right now, you're not alone. But if you're ready to work through it and come out stronger on the other side, this episode is for you. Full show notes available at Morebeautifulproject.com.

If you've got a kid over 18—whether they're heading to college, living on their own, or still under your roof—your relationship with them is evolving. Some of the changes might be great, and some might be confusing or difficult to navigate. It can be hard knowing your child doesn't need you as much as they once did, or perhaps needs you too much. It can be challenging to communicate or offer guidance without pushing them away. Or maybe you're wondering how to stay close and support them as their life goes in a new direction. Whatever your current relationship with your young-adult child, and whatever what you want it to be, this episode has got you covered. I'm chatting with author and family coach Cynthia Wand about the inevitable changes that come with parenting at this stage. You'll learn how to navigate conflict and communicate better, balance your role as a mother with your child's need for agency and, most important, establish a bond with your child that's different but stronger than ever before. Among the topics Cynthia and I discuss: The most common ways the parent/child relationship changes as your child gains independence Issues and conflicts that can crop up after your child leaves home—and how to handle them Why you might want to negotiate how often to talk or text with your child who's left home—and what to do if they need more space than you do How to shift your parenting style as your child gets older, both to manage your own expectations and to connect with your kid How to strike that delicate balance between guiding your child and allowing them to take ownership of their lives The new and surprising ways your kid may need you as they venture into adulthood The questions to ask your child before they leave for college or embark on the next stage of their life How to support child who is having trouble launching Why and how to establish new rituals with your young-adult child Plus, we reveal the one question you should ask yourself before offering your child financial support, and Cynthia helps you reframe this parenting phase as a time of renewed freedom, personal fulfillment, and a beautiful new relationship with your child. Full show notes available at  Morebeautifulproject.com.

We all want to retire happily, with good health and enough money in the bank to carry us through our golden years. We have no qualms openly discussing the health and happiness part, but when it comes to the money bit, we often keep things to ourselves. But according to my guest on this episode, a financial advisor who helps women navigate their finances so they can retire on their own terms, we need to start talking about money now. Iris Krause and I do just that, diving into the topic of personal finance and helping you prepare for the future. You'll learn how to make the most of your money, even if you're late to the savings game, and empower yourself so one day you'll be able to enjoy the retirement you deserve. Among the topics Iris and I discuss: How your upbringing has informed your relationship with money and why money is still a taboo topic for many women The difference between a scarcity mindset and an abundance mindset—and why having one over the other can boost your overall happiness Why you need to know where you stand with your personal finances—even if you've got a money-savvy partner Why it's never too late to start saving for your retirement, and how to catch up if you got a late start (including tips for budgeting, saving and investing) How much money you really need for retirement How much you should have on hand for an emergency, and where to park that money Strategies for coping with any money-related anxiety you may have How to get on the same page with a partner who may not share your views on money How to know whether or not to offer your young-adult children financial help Plus, Iris addresses the spiritual side of money, and reveals the one thing you must do first if you need to get out of debt. Full show notes available at Morebeautifulproject.com.

Sex in midlife. It can get complicated, and many questions and concerns can arise. Well, if you want answers, these two episodes—a special roundup of some of the best conversations I’d had with experts working in the fields of sexual intimacy and health—have got you covered. These pros, who have appeared on some of the 90-plus past episodes of the More Beautiful Podcast, are making it their mission to help you strengthen your midlife relationships, get more joy and passion in your life, and tap into your sensuality well into old age. If that sounds good to you (and I know it does), you are going to love this special two-part compilation. Among the topics we address: How to rekindle a long-term relationship or, if you’re single, get back in the dating pool if you desire How to inject more joy and pleasure into your life (both in and out of bed, and both with and without a partner) How to overcome menopause-related pain during sex How to feel sexy even when your body is changing during perimenopause and menopause How to live a passionate, sensual life well into old age Part 1 includes conversations with: Intimacy coach Dr. Sonia Wright, who addresses the difference between a spontaneous and responsive libido and explains why more midlife women have the latter, outlines the various reasons you might experience pain during perimenopause and menopause, and redefines the concepts of desire and pleasure to help you live a passionate life Long-term relationship expert Dianna Bryant, who gives you tips on how to keep the passion alive in a more mature union, and takes you through some of the different ways you can stoke that fire again Dating consultant Giovanna Capozza, who talks about the insecurities that can come into play for women who are dating in midlife and helps you go after the romance you really need Part 2, which includes conversations with more amazing experts in the fields of sexual health and intimacy, is also streaming now, so be sure to listen to it next! Full show notes, including guest bios, available at Morebeautifulproject.com.

Sex in midlife. It can get complicated, and many questions and concerns can arise. Well, if you want answers, these two episodes—a special roundup of some of the best conversations I’d had with experts working in the fields of sexual intimacy and health—have got you covered. These pros, who have appeared on some of the 90-plus past episodes of the More Beautiful Podcast, are making it their mission to help you strengthen your midlife relationships, get more joy and passion in your life, and tap into your sensuality well into old age. If that sounds good to you (and I know it does), you are going to love this special two-part compilation. Among the topics we address: How to rekindle a long-term relationship or, if you’re single, get back in the dating pool if you desire How to inject more joy and pleasure into your life (both in and out of bed, and both with and without a partner) How to overcome menopause-related pain during sex How to feel sexy even when your body is changing during perimenopause and menopause How to live a passionate, sensual life well into old age Part 2 includes conversations with: Tantra coach Dominique D’Vita, who addresses all the factors, from hormones to stress, that can affect desire, and offers strategies to help you experience more pleasure in your life, both with and without a partner, at any age Midlife empowerment and sensuality coach Gabriella Espinosa, who helps you get out of your head and into your body, overcome midlife-related obstacles to pleasure, and establish a self-pleasure practice Author Laura Friedman Williams, who reflects on her journey of sex and self-discovery, including learning how to embrace her changing body, after her unexpected divorce If you haven't already listened to Part 1 of this series, which includes conversations with more amazing experts in the fields of sexual health and intimacy, be sure to go back and stream it now! Full show notes, including guest bios, available at Morebeautifulproject.com.

We all want to be happy. To experience unbridled joy and live in the moment. To laugh and play and get out of our heads and into our bodies more often. But it’s easier said than done when you’re a grownup, right? Add the curveballs that midlife can throw your way, and it’s downright challenging. In this solo episode, I’m talking about how you can get some of that good stuff back into your life. How you can open yourself up to experiencing more pleasure, no matter how busy you are and what hardships you may be facing. And how you can start feeling more joyful and playful, right now, wherever you are. Because you deserve it. Founded by journalist Maryann LoRusso, the More Beautiful Project is a podcast, online magazine and community for women navigating midlife. Join Maryann and her guests on the More Beautiful Podcast as they strive for a life that’s more joyful, more fulfilling and more beautiful than ever before. Because this is not your mama’s midlife. Full show notes available at Morebeautifulproject.com.