Her Comeback: Transforming Your Life After 50

Podcast: Her Comeback – Transforming Your Life After 50 Episode https://hercomebackpodcast.com/Title: Strength Beyond “Strong” with Dr. Belinda PaulicinEpisode Summary: What does it really mean to be called “strong”—and is it always empowering?In this powerful and deeply human conversation, host Michelle Thompson sits down with Belinda Paulicin, DSW, LCSW-QS, OSW-C, a seasoned clinical social worker and oncology specialist, to explore resilience, trauma, and the hidden weight many women carry behind the label of “strength.”Belinda shares her journey from working with families, trauma survivors, and domestic violence victims to supporting cancer patients and caregivers. Through her lens as a trauma-informed professional, she reveals how our life experiences shape the way we respond to challenges—and how understanding that can unlock true healing and growth.They dive into the difference between empathy and emotional overwhelm, the importance of healthy boundaries, and how to serve others without losing yourself. Belinda also introduces the concept behind her upcoming book Hot Stone Woman: Strength Beyond Your Strong, redefining resilience as more than just “bouncing back,” but as building the capacity to rise, transform, and find meaning through life’s hardest moments.This episode is a must-listen for any woman who has been told she’s “so strong” but is ready to discover what lies beyond survival—and step into purpose, power, and possibility.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:The difference between empathy and over-identification (and why it matters)How trauma-informed thinking changes the way we see ourselves and othersWhy resilience is more than “bouncing back”How to navigate life’s hardest seasons without losing yourselfThe truth behind the label “you’re so strong”How to turn life’s challenges into purpose and growthKey Takeaway: You are more than what you’ve survived. True resilience isn’t just enduring—it’s transforming, expanding, and becoming.About the Guest: Belinda Paulicin is a Doctor of Social Work, licensed clinical social worker, and board-certified oncology social worker with decades of experience supporting individuals and families through trauma, healthcare challenges, and life transitions. Her work centers on resilience, healing, and empowering women to rise beyond their circumstances.Connect & Learn More: Stay tuned for the release of Belinda’s book Hot Stone Woman: Strength Beyond Your Strong.

Her Comeback | Episode Notes Guest: Randi Crawford, Life Coach & AuthorRandi Crawford is a San Diego-based certified life coach, former entrepreneur, and co-founder of a public healthcare company focused on women's health. After stepping away from her career to raise her two children, Randi found herself at 50 facing the classic empty-nest crossroads — and chose to reinvent herself rather than coast.Her comeback began unexpectedly when she walked into Anthropologie with zero retail experience and landed a job. What started as a way to "get back in the game" became a crash course in humility, resilience, and rediscovering her greatest superpower: connecting with women. She was quickly made a stylist — and realized that everyone brings something different to the table. You just have to give things a real chance before you quit.It was during the post-COVID era that Randi witnessed something that changed her path entirely. Instead of the joy she expected to see as women returned to the world, she saw anger, emotional exhaustion, and women who seemed to have lost themselves. That's when she pursued certification through the Jay Shetty Certification School and became a life coach.Randi also opens up about something deeply personal: being diagnosed with panic disorder at just 6 years old, long before it had a name. She spent years visiting specialists with no real answers — until she found information online in her 20s and finally understood what she'd been living with. Rather than letting it define her, she transformed it into her greatest professional asset. She now helps clients disrupt the mental "highways" that keep them stuck in fear and negative thought patterns.Today, Randi coaches both teen/college-age girls and their mothers simultaneously — because she believes the two are inseparable. With young women, the work centers on navigating social media comparison and building confidence in a performative world. With moms, it's about stepping back, releasing the need to control, and finally living their own lives.Randi also shares her take on the "not enough" epidemic driven by social media, the algorithm's role in feeding self-doubt, and why handing kids a phone without limits is a parenting conversation we can no longer avoid.She's currently working on her upcoming book, The Pickleball Parenting Playbook — a self-deprecating, warmhearted guide that uses lessons from the pickleball court (patience, communication, position over power) as a framework for healthier parenting.Connect with Randi: 🌐 randicrawfordcoaching.com 📱 @randicrawfordcoaching on TikTok & Instagram 📅 Book a free 30-minute Zoom call via her website

Guest: Beth Mazza | Entrepreneur Like a MotherBeth Mazza is a San Francisco-based entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience building businesses — including two consulting firms she built and sold for a combined value of more than $40 million, all while raising four children. Now at 57, she's launched her third venture: a mission-based business co-founded with her business partner Victoria, dedicated to helping 10,000 moms build 7-figure businesses. Together, they created the Entrepreneur Like a Mother system — a step-by-step playbook for women who want to grow a real business without losing themselves or their families in the process.What We Cover in This EpisodeStarting from a legacy of entrepreneurship Beth grew up surrounded by immigrant entrepreneurs — her father, grandfather, and brothers all ran their own businesses. Her dad never treated her differently from her brothers when it came to business ambition, a gift she credits as foundational to her confidence as a founder.Launching a mission-based business after 50 After selling her second company, Beth lasted "a day and a half" in retirement before the pull to build something new took over. What started as writing for a blog evolved into a book, a content platform, and now masterminds and one-on-one coaching — all aimed at showing women that scaling to 7 figures is within reach, and that they can likely work less than they did in corporate.Three mindset tools Beth uses every single dayWrite down a victory — big or small, recent or years ago — to remind yourself you've already done hard things.Focus on the one thing that moves the needle today, not the overwhelming big goal.Channel your inner "Sammy Lee" — her 25-year-old son who walked into Goldman Sachs with a B+ average and got the job. Walk into every room like you belong there.The two biggest blocks keeping women below 7 figuresUnderpricing their time and failing to think like a CEO about revenue — women who track a P&L and revenue projections are the ones who scale.Trying to do it all alone. The solopreneur model has a ceiling. Hiring is a 2–3 month trial, not a lifetime commitment.When to pivot vs. push through If you're stuck in the messy middle, you're in one of three situations: doing all the right things and just need to wait; doing mostly the right things and need a micro-pivot; or selling to the wrong market and need a bigger change. The key is diagnosing which one honestly.The "Kitchen Cabinet" strategy Beth's closing advice: build a personal advisory network made up of three types: Cheerleaders (emotional support), Compensators (experts in areas you're not), and Connectors (people who open doors). Spend just 30 minutes a week cultivating this network, and within a year you'll have a cabinet of people to call when challenges arise. Give everyone who asks 15 minutes — it comes back to you.About the BookEntrepreneur Like a Mother — coming out in September. Equal parts memoir and playbook, the book walks readers from idea to first sale, through the messy middle, and all the way to the 7-figure threshold. Includes real stories, end-of-chapter reflection questions, and full worksheets.📬 Free resource: Subscribe to the Founders File newsletter at their website for weekly how-to content.

Her Comeback Podcast — Episode Summaryhercomebackpodcast.com; https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleThompson-LifeCoachingGuest: Dr. Julie Merriman, PhD, LPC | Host: Coach Michelle Thompson | OverviewDr. Julie Merriman — counselor, speaker, and author with 30+ years of clinical experience — joins Michelle Thompson to reframe burnout as a physiological nervous system response, not a personal failure. Her message: Soul Joy is available to every woman. We just have to stop asking permission for it.What Burnout Really Looks LikeBurnout rarely announces itself with a dramatic crash. More often it arrives as flatness, numbness, and a quiet loss of desire. Dr. Merriman's own turning point came after receiving a standing ovation and feeling absolutely nothing — what she calls being "a floating head of competence," disconnected from her own body.Beneath the surface, burnout is identity erosion: women become so buried in roles — mom, professional, caregiver — that the real self disappears. It's not weakness. It's a dysregulated nervous system stuck in survival mode.The Nervous System FrameworkThe root of burnout is a polyvagal system that has been chronically activated. Running on adrenaline and cortisol, the body shuts down pleasure, digestion, and connection — anything that would "get in the way of running from a saber-toothed tiger." Bubble baths and vacations don't fix this. True healing requires regulating the nervous system first, before mindset work or behavior change can take hold.High-achieving women most often default to the fawn response — people-pleasing, over-functioning, anticipating everyone's needs — which keeps the system perpetually activated. Decades of this rewire neural pathways, and menopause around 50 removes the estrogen buffer that helped women brace through it all. Dr. Merriman reframes that moment not as loss, but as a powerful wake-up call. Practical Tools to Start This Week• Rectangle breathing: Inhale 4 → Hold 4 → Exhale 6 (longer exhale activates the vagus nerve)• Full body scan: Slowly scan head to toe, noticing sensations with curiosity and no judgment• Grounding: Shoes off, bare feet on grass, deep breath, sunlight — research supports it• Shaking: Literally shake the body to discharge tension, just as animals do naturally• Shoulder drop: Check whether you're bracing — most women are, without realizing it• Humming: Throat vibration stimulates the vagus nerve and signals safety• Co-regulation: Seek calm, present people — mirror neurons are always available to us Upcoming BookAre We Gonna Have Sex or What? (Spring 2026) — nervous system regulation for desire and intimacy after 50, including scripts for couples, hormone guidance, and tips to wake up a bored nervous system.Contact Dr. Julie Merriman: https://www.juliemerrimanphd.com/

Episode Title: From Woodstock to Wisdom: Discovering Your Purpose at Any Age with Vicki ThomasEpisode Summary In this inspiring episode of Her Comeback, Michelle sits down with Vicki Thomas, Chief Purpose Officer of My Future Purpose, to talk about reinvention, purpose, and creating meaningful work later in life. After a successful career in media and marketing—including leadership roles at ABC TV—Vicki found herself asking a powerful question: Who am I beyond my job title?That question launched a decades-long journey of self-discovery that ultimately led her to helping others uncover their unique purpose. Now in her 70s, Vicki continues to inspire people to live intentionally and create meaningful impact in the second half of life.Vicki also shares insights from her new book, From Woodstock to Wisdom, where she reflects on the lessons learned from the cultural revolution of the 1960s through the wisdom gained over decades of personal growth and purpose-driven work. Her story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to redefine your path and step into the life you were meant to live.About Our Guest Vicki Thomas is the Chief Purpose Officer at My Future Purpose, a membership organization dedicated to helping people discover and activate their life purpose through workshops, speakers, and community.She previously held executive leadership roles in media and marketing, including working at ABC TV and serving as Vice President of Marketing and Advertising for the Credit Union National Association.Vicki is also an award-winning social impact leader. She received a $100,000 Purpose Prize from Encore.org for her work raising awareness for Purple Heart Homes, a nonprofit that provides housing solutions for older veterans.Her creative career has also included producing PBS programming and nationally recognized projects such as the Dancing Grannies exercise videos and programs about retirement and the Senior Olympics.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy many high-achieving women eventually feel something is “missing” despite professional successThe powerful question that changed Vicki’s life: Who am I beyond my job description?Insights from her new book From Woodstock to Wisdom and the lessons that shaped her journeyWhy purpose does not retire—even if your career doesThe difference between a career identity and a purpose-driven lifeHow discovering your purpose can create a powerful second chapterKey Takeaways• You are more than your job title or career role. • Feelings of restlessness can be an invitation to deeper purpose. • Reinvention can begin at any age—even in your 60s or 70s. • Purpose-driven living brings meaning to both personal and professional life. • The second half of life can be the most impactful chapter.Connect with Vicki ThomasLearn more about purpose discovery and the My Future Purpose community: Website: https://myfuturepurpose.comListen & SubscribeIf this conversation inspired you, please subscribe, rate, and share Her Comeback. Your support helps more women discover that it’s never too late to reinvent their lives and create their own comeback.

Her Comeback — Bonus EpisodeRelationship with the DivineHost: Michelle Thompson | Type: Bonus Episode / Book ExcerptEpisode OverviewIn this special bonus episode, host Michelle Thompson shares an intimate excerpt from her upcoming book — a chapter she almost didn't write. The topic? Spirituality. Michelle opens up about her complicated, decades-long journey from fear-based religion to a deeply personal relationship with the divine, and why she believes this transformation has been the greatest of her life."It's not really about God — it's about the beliefs we carry for decades that were never really ours to begin with."What You'll Hear in This EpisodeMichelle takes us through the full arc of her spiritual evolution:Growing up as a preacher's kid in an Independent Baptist household — three church services a week, piano, ensembles, Sunday school, and the unspoken pressure to be perfectWhy she walked away from church after high school and why, for years, religion and God felt like the same fear-based thingHer entry into 12-step recovery and the first time someone distinguished religion from spirituality — a distinction that changed everythingThe pivotal quote from Vine Deloria Jr.: "Religion is for people who are afraid of going to hell. Spirituality is for those who've already been there."A transformative 10-day silent meditation retreat — and what happened on day eight in solitary meditationThe stories of Corrie ten Boom and Dr. Edith Eger, Holocaust survivors whose unshakeable faith in the darkest imaginable circumstances reframed Michelle's understanding of suffering and trustHow she stopped blaming God for the bad and started seeing her own "track record" — evidence that things worked out, often better than she imaginedKey ThemesOld beliefs vs. your own beliefs — Many of us carry spiritual frameworks that were handed to us, not chosen. This episode invites you to examine which ones still serve you.Control and surrender — Michelle is refreshingly honest about being a self-described "self-sufficient control freak" and the ongoing daily practice of letting go.Faith over fear — Moving from a punishing, fearful concept of God to a loving, guiding presence that strengthens rather than scares.Reflection Questions to Sit WithWhat long-held spiritual or religious belief has shaped your life — and might be worth reexamining?How do you define the difference between religion and spirituality?If you had full permission to define your own higher power, what qualities would it have?Where in your life right now might letting go open new doors?Can you look back at a difficult chapter and see how something good came from it?Connect & Resources🎙️ Subscribe on YouTube: Michelle Thompson Life Coaching🌐 Visit: hercombackpodcast.com for notes, resources & community📖 Michelle's book — coming soonYour setback isn't your final chapter. It's the setup for your greatest comeback.

Her Comeback | Episode NotesGuest: Mikki Williams — Global Speaker, Storyteller & Accidental Influencer at 82Mikki Williams is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), inductee of the prestigious CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame, and TEDx speaker recognized by Meetings & Conventions Magazine alongside Tony Robbins and Bill Gates. She's spoken in every U.S. state, every Canadian province, and every continent except Antarctica — always in stilettos. A former award-winning Vistage speaker and Chair Emeritus of two peer advisory boards, Mikki runs Speaker School, Keynote Camp, and her coaching practice from Naples, Florida. Oh, and she recently went viral on TikTok with 1.2 million views. The Defining Moment At 28, Mikki had achieved her dream — married to her college sweetheart, a two-year-old son, a home in the suburbs. Then at 2 a.m., a knock at the door changed everything. Her 29-year-old husband was killed in a car accident. No job, a mortgage, and very little life insurance. That night became the catalyst for a life she never could have planned.Finding Untapped Potential Forced to reinvent herself, Mikki dug into her natural talents — dance and cooking — and built a career from scratch. She taught dance, launched a catering business, grew a health club, and belly danced on the side. (Her son Jason, she jokes, stood behind her and jiggled the furniture.) Her dance school became one of the largest in the country, and her catering business launched at the same time as that of a student named Martha Stewart — Mikki is featured in Martha Inc.Staying One Step Ahead of Pain A turning point came when a no-nonsense mentor pulled Mikki out of her grief and pointed her back toward the stage. She credits the relentless drive to keep moving — for her son, for herself — as the thing that kept her one step ahead of the pain. She also shares that even today, a Beatles song can stop her in her tracks.Experience List vs. Bucket List Mikki doesn't believe in bucket lists — things to do before you die. She creates an experience list — things to do while fully alive. The key? Write each item as a mini-story, not a bullet point. The brain holds onto stories. She manifested driving two laps on the Indy 500 track in front of 300,000 fans, waltzing in Vienna, and attending the Kentucky Derby in Millionaire's Row in an outrageously large hat.The Setbacks That Kept Coming At 50, Mikki was embezzled out of every penny she had and rebuilt from zero — borrowing $5,000 to fly to Arizona for a consultant who changed everything. At 65, breast cancer. Her memoir-in-progress is titled We Interrupt This Life to Bring You — because that's how she sees adversity: interruptions, not endings.Going Viral at 82 A friend suggested TikTok. Mikki hired a 17-year-old to film a casual closet tour. She introduced herself as "an all-natural 82-year-old" — and woke up to 1.2 million views. Her first instinct? Google it to make sure that was a good thing.Key TakeawaysWhen the worst thing happens, you still have choices.Dig into what you can do, not what you've lost.Replace your bucket list with an experience list — write stories, not items.Staying busy isn't avoidance; sometimes it's survival, and survival becomes thriving.It's never too late to disrupt. Mikki became an influencer at 82.Connect with Mikki WilliamsWebsite: mikkiwilliams.comFacebook: Mikki WilliamsInstagram: @mikkiwilliamsunltdTikTok: @mikkigogo

Episode Resources: www.hercomebackpodcast.comGuest: Dr. Antoinette Cruz, Founder of Providence Family Life Center & Mind-Body Movement Living LaboratoryJourney to Body-Centered Trauma RecoveryTransitioned from traditional clinical work at University of Michigan and Columbia UniversityRecognized gap between treating symptoms vs. addressing root causes of traumaDeveloped integrated approach combining mental health, chronic illness, and wellnessHurricane Irma Awakening (2017)Personal experience with hurricane trauma revealed lack of mental health preparednessNo emotional support systems in place for disaster victimsBegan addressing both housing needs and emotional trauma recoveryMind-Body Movement Living LaboratoryTeaches trauma survivors how to understand their nervous systemUses somatic experiencing and yoga to help body release stored traumaFocus: "The body keeps the score" - trauma lives in the body, not just the mindProvides tools for nervous system regulation and stress managementHurricane Ian Response (2022)Worked with FEMA and Red Cross in disaster sheltersHelped 200+ people with housing, repairs, and relocationObserved complex trauma from multiple hurricane experiencesDeveloped disaster support groups and breathwork sessionsProvidence Family Life Center Origins (2008)Started after personal life transformation as single momBegan with 3 bags of clothes, coffee pot, and crock potGrew from 20 people on Thursday nights to 300+ every SaturdayFocus on homeless individuals with undiagnosed mental illnessSuccess Story: Hollywood General MotorsHomeless for 26 years with schizophrenia diagnosisThrough advocacy, became stabilized with housing and benefitsNow employed 6 years, authored book, reconnected with family after 40+ yearsExemplifies lives transformed through integrated care approachResearch & Impact30-day study shows immediate decrease in anxiety, stress, and insomniaParticipants gain motivation for self-care and healthcare engagementCommunity-based model emphasizes partnerships and collaborationPersonal Comeback JourneyCareer changer who returned to education at midlifeEarned degrees from University of Michigan as non-traditional studentNow grandmother pursuing doctorate and running innovative programsLiving example of transformation after 50Vision for FutureIntegration of traditional medicine with holistic/alternative approachesCommunity-based prevention modelsEducation to give people agency over their own healingCollaboration between MDs, alternative healers, and community workersContact InformationWebsite: www.mbmll.live Phone: (239) 676-3159 Social Media: @ProvidenceFamilyLifeCenter (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn)

Her Comeback with Denise Quinnhttps://www.youtube.com/@MichelleThompson-LifeCoachinghttps://hercomebackpodcast.com/Guest: Denise Quinn, PCC, MBA - Career Transition CoachAbout Denise: Career transition coach specializing in mid-career professionals navigating layoffs, career changes, business ventures, and retirement transitions. Works with both laid-off candidates and currently employed individuals seeking change.Key Topics Discussed:The Journey to Reinvention (6-7 years)Experienced two layoffs; first after 20 years with one company (2016-2017)Second layoff became catalyst for leaving corporate permanentlyGot coaching certification after first layoff, discovering passion for helping othersTransitioned through stages: nonprofit work, 4-year university coaching role, then independent practice (launched October 2024)Navigating Doubts & Challenges:Primary concern: finances (benefits, stability, new house purchase)Husband initially biggest skeptic due to financial impactHad supportive tribe of women friends and mentors who understood the journeyMade "baby steps" rather than immediate leap—moved to higher education coaching role firstThe "What Have I Done?" Moment:Stress around leaving full-time job and carrying family health benefitsHusband's supportive nature vs. practical concernsFinding courage through community support and faithBiggest Lessons:Career transitions don't have to be quick or linearProgress happens in ebbs and flows with multiple stagesBaby steps, even when feeling slow, move you forwardEach person's strategy and timeline is unique (3 months to years)Value of Coaching:Women are often their own worst critics, underestimating skills and valueCoaches challenge assumptions and roadblocks we createDenise offers both coaching (building confidence) and consulting (resume review, LinkedIn optimization, strategy)Even coaches need coaches—can't see our own blind spotsAdvice for Women Considering Transition: Start with thinking, then research, then strategic planning. Consider: classes needed, volunteer opportunities, networking groups. Small actions lead to significant progress.Contact: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisequinnpcc/ or [email protected] Offers free 15-20 minute consultations to ensure good fit

HER COMEBACK WITH LISA PANOS - EPISODE NOTES https://hercomebackpodcast.com – Hosted by Michelle ThompsonGUEST: Lisa Panos Author of "Big Girl Pants" | Relationship Advisor | Naples, FloridaABOUT LISA: Lisa Panos has been helping individuals and couples navigate meaningful change for over 12 years. Trained through the Martha Beck Institute (Oprah's life coach) and the Gottman Institute (world-renowned for research-based relationship approaches), Lisa's work is rooted in emotional awareness, personal responsibility, and the belief that change begins when we stop blaming others and start listening to our feelings. She specializes in working with people in midlife—often in second marriages, blended families, or long-term partnerships under pressure—who want lasting change, not quick fixes.KEY MOMENTS:· The Third Grade Turning Point: Lisa shares the pivotal moment when she was held back in third grade after switching to private school. This experience planted the seed of "I'm not smart enough"—a belief that shaped her relationships for years. By seventh grade, unable to process feelings of jealousy and insecurity, she became a "mean girl" and was suspended. This early chapter reveals how unprocessed emotions can drive destructive behavior.· From Mean Girl to Mentor: Today's Lisa is unrecognizable from that seventh grader. Through growth and self-awareness work, she learned to pause and identify her emotions—asking herself "What am I feeling right now?" This skill transformed how she navigates all her relationships, allowing her to respond rather than react.· The Power of Emotional Awareness: Lisa emphasizes that we weren't taught to deal with emotions growing up. Now, she helps clients sit with "big, scary feelings" like jealousy, insecurity, and suffocation. Understanding these emotions is the gateway to healthier relationships with ourselves and others.· Evolving Beyond Her Own Book: In a candid moment, Lisa reveals that re-reading "Big Girl Pants" (written 10 years ago) showed her how much she's grown. What felt like guru-level wisdom then now feels incomplete—much of it was about blaming her husband rather than the deeper self-awareness work she practices today. A new book may be on the horizon. · New Program Launch: Lisa is launching a 6-month intensive coaching program combining individual and couples work. Using research-backed tools from the Gottman Institute—tools she wishes she'd had in her first marriage—she'll help clients develop self-awareness while teaching practical relationship skills. The goal: To bring better versions of themselves to the relationship and practice new tools together.Why This Work MattersThe most fulfilling moments for Lisa come when couples enter a session angry and disconnected, then leave touching and reconnecting after using the tools. "Everyone needs help," she says, and watching transformation happen makes her feel complete, happy, and fulfilled, allowing her to be a better partner, friend, and mom.CONNECT WITH LISA:Website: www.lisapanos.com (under construction with new programs)Services: Zoom sessions available nationwide; in-person sessions in Naples, FloridaEPISODE THEME:Growth isn't linear—it's a continuous journey of becoming better versions of ourselves. Lisa's story proves that our greatest struggles can become our greatest gifts when we're willing to look inward and do the work.

Her Comeback: Transforming Your Life After 50 - hercomebackpodcast.comGuest: Suzanne Doyle-Ingram, Book Publisher & Author Coach From Self-Doubt to Confidence - Episode Overview:In this powerful and honest conversation, Michelle welcomes Suzanne Doyle-Ingram, an experienced book publisher who has helped over 1,000 people around the world bring their books to life. Suzanne shares her personal journey from self-doubt and fear to confidence, clarity, and purpose—proving that transformation doesn’t require perfection, just courage and action.What We Talk About:Suzanne’s early fear of failure and why she published her first book under a fake nameHow confidence is built through action, not before itTurning a financial crisis into a bestselling opportunityWhy your natural gifts often feel “easy” to you—but are life-changing for othersUsing evidence (thank-you notes, wins, reminders) to silence self-doubtNavigating divorce, independence, and the belief: “If it’s to be, it’s up to me”What it really takes to support yourself financially as a woman in midlifeWhy Suzanne doesn’t consider herself a “writer”—and why that shouldn’t stop youThe importance of simplicity, structure, and clear intention when writing a bookThe truth about AI: why it should NOT write or edit your book or replace your authentic voice; what it can be used forThe myth of the “easy button” and why meaningful success requires doing the workKey Takeaways:Confidence grows when you help others and collect proof of your impactYou don’t need to love writing to write a meaningful bookOver-complicating is often what keeps women stuck—simplicity creates momentumYour message already lives inside you; organization brings it outThere is no shortcut to purpose—but there is a clear path forwardThis episode is especially empowering for women in midlife who are questioning their confidence, redefining success, or feeling called to share their story in a bigger way.Why This Episode Matters:If you’re a woman in midlife who feels called to reinvent your life, write a book, or step into your purpose, this episode will remind you that everything you need is already within you. Suzanne’s story proves that transformation is possible at any stage of life—and your comeback can start today.Connect & Learn More: Suzanne Doyle-Ingram is a seasoned publisher and mentor who helps entrepreneurs and professionals write strategic books that support their mission and businesshttps://prominencepublishing.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannedoyleingram/Subscribe & ShareIf this episode resonated with you, subscribe to never miss a conversation and share it with someone who needs to hear Suzanne's story today.

Her Comeback: Transforming Your Life After 50 - hercomebackpodcast.comSeason 2, Episode 1Guest: Cheryl DillonFounder of Funderful Experiences & Connected Hearts CommunitySummaryIn this powerful season premiere, host Michelle Thompson welcomes Cheryl Dillon, who transformed her life in her 50s by deliberately designing her next chapter instead of waiting for change to happen. Cheryl shares honest, vulnerable insights about making the shift from "doing the right things" to "doing YOUR thing"—and why midlife is the perfect time to start.🔑 Key Takeaways The Wake-Up Call Cheryl's pivotal realization: "If I want my life to be different, now's the time to do it, because if not now, then when?" She stopped waiting for life to feel different and started designing it herself—using the self-awareness and emotional intelligence that come with age.Breaking Free from External Validation For decades, you've been the "good girl, good wife, good daughter." Cheryl asks: "Whose beliefs were those? Whose expectations were those?" You deserve to do things YOU love and be happy. This isn't selfish; it's essential.The Pattern-Breaking Principle "If you keep doing what you're doing, you're gonna keep getting what you're getting." Cheryl saw patterns in older relatives she didn't want to repeat and made bold moves to change course. What patterns are you unconsciously following?Connection Over Therapy Many midlife women crave deep conversations but don't need clinical help—they need authentic community. What's missing: emotional safety, vulnerability without judgment, and conversations beyond surface-level topics.The Resilience Secret Be your own best friend. During transitions, practice self-trust, self-love, and self-care. Treat yourself the way you expect others to treat you. When you do this, you'll attract people and situations that mirror that care back. Resilience comes from within.Identity Loss Is Real Whether you're an empty nester, divorcing, widowed, retiring, or looking in the mirror wondering "what happened?"—these transitions are like "little deaths" requiring grief. But after grief comes opportunity to design what's next.From Complacency to Action Post-pandemic, Cheryl lost motivation—preferring sweatpants at home. She pushed through by getting certified in event planning and launching her business. Sometimes you need new skills to build your new life. Connection and transformation require bold moves and conscious decisions.Overcoming Past Hurts Cheryl admits she was "scared of groups of women" due to competition, gossip, and exclusion. But she intentionally built the supportive community she always wanted. You can create something different now.Connect with CherylThe Uplift Newsletter: Weekly inspiration and practical tips Subscribe: funderfulexperiences.com/get-the-upliftConnected Hearts Community: Face-to-face membership for women 50s-60s Location: Coastal North County San Diego Learn more: funderfulexperiences.comAlso offering: Private coaching and mediation for divorce transitionsBottom Line:You have wisdom now you didn't have before. Use it. Your next chapter won't design itself—but you absolutely can design it.

Her Comeback: Transforming Your Life After 50Season 1 Finale - End of Year MessageHost: Michelle Thompson Bonus Episode - Season Wrap-UpGo to empoweringyoulifestrategies.com to sign-up for year-end special!Episode SummaryMichelle Thompson closes out Season 1 with gratitude and exciting news about Season 2. She reflects on the journey shared with listeners and extends a special invitation for one-on-one coaching as we head into 2026.Key HighlightsSeason 2 AnnouncementComing in 2026 with deeper dives into practices, mindsets, and strategiesFocus on creating YOUR authentic life aligned with your true selfMost transformative season yetFrom Listening to ActionReal transformation happens when you take actionTime to move from consuming content to creating changeOne-on-One Coaching InvitationReady to make 2026 YOUR year? Work with Michelle to:Cut through noise and overwhelmClarify your vision for the life you wantRemove obstacles holding you backDevelop personalized strategies that fit YOUEstablish accountability and follow-throughBuild sustainable practices for lasting changePhilosophy: Creating with intention isn't about perfection—it's about progress, self-awareness, and having someone in your corner who believes in your potential.Limited-Time OfferBlack Friday Special Extended Through DecemberCoaching 3-Pack - Perfect way to start 2026 with momentum and supportGet Started: Visit empoweringyoulifestrategies.com to submit payment and schedule your first session.Reflection QuestionsAre you ready to make 2026 YOUR year?Are you ready to live life on your terms?Has the pain of staying where you are become greater than the fear of change?ConnectWebsite: empoweringyoulifestrategies.comQuote: "Listening and learning are powerful first steps. But real transformation happens when you take action."Happy Holidays! See you in Season 2!

Episode 11: Women's Health & Wellness with Lorna Fedelem MDhttps://hercomebackpodcast.com/Guest Bio: Dr. Lorna Fedelem is a Naples, Florida native who practiced hospital medicine for 13 years before transitioning to private concierge medicine five years ago. She now focuses on preventative care and building long-term patient relationships through her membership medicine model.Key Topics DiscussedCommon Health Issues Women Normalize:Pelvic floor dysfunction and urinary incontinenceIntimacy challenges and relationship impactsBoth conditions are treatable - women don't have to "just live with it"Health Changes in Your 50s:Increased cardiovascular disease riskHigher breast cancer riskHormonal fluctuations affecting sleep and mental clarityChanges in cholesterol, thyroid function, weight distribution, and sugar processingHormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Update:Original 1990s research used wrong populations and dosingNew research shows women starting HRT within 10 years of menopause may have 60% lower breast cancer riskLow-dose estrogen and progesterone can dramatically improve quality of lifeIndividual risk assessment is essentialEssential Health Screenings:Pap tests every 3-5 yearsAnnual mammogramsDEXA scans (ages 60-65+)Colonoscopies starting at age 45-50Dr. Fedelem's PracticeServices: Concierge primary care with 2-hour initial consultations, plus wellness center featuring:ExoMind for mental clarityEMSELLA chair for pelvic floorEMSculpt for core strengthAdditional aesthetic treatmentsUpcoming Event: Winter Wellness Event - December 10th, 1-4 PMContact Information:Phone: 239-580-6390Email: [email protected]: lornafedelemmd.comKey TakeawayWomen deserve comprehensive, compassionate care that addresses all aspects of health - from hormones to intimacy to preventative screenings. Finding a provider who takes time to listen can be life-changing.