Ep.186 Vitality After 50: How to Build Emotional Resilience, Physical Strength, and Joy in Midlife

Today’s episode feels like catching up with a friend—but one who challenges you to stop playing small. I’m joined again by Susan Guidi, who first appeared back in Episode 45. A lot has changed since then—and this chapter might be her most powerful yet. Susan started over as a single mom, built a business from scratch, discovered stand-up comedy, lost 45 pounds at 63, and stepped on a bodybuilding stage at 65. Most recently, she navigated a hip replacement and came out stronger—with a complete...

If midlife wellness feels overwhelming, you’re not imagining it. Everyone has an opinion. Every scroll brings a new protocol. Eat this. Don’t eat that. Lift heavier. Do less. Fix your hormones. Try this supplement. And most women? They’re trying to do all of it—and still not feeling better. In this episode of Asking for a Friend, Michele sits down with Raquel Cartagena and Kristin Brucker, hosts of the Functional Moms Podcast, to cut through the noise and have an honest conversation about wha...

This is Episode 200—and one of the most meaningful conversations I’ve ever had with you. After four years, nearly 200 episodes, and a podcast that grew into the top 1.5% globally, I’m pressing pause on Asking for a Friend. This wasn’t a quick or easy decision. This podcast has been more than a platform—it’s been part of my identity. It’s been a space where we’ve had honest conversations about midlife, health, hormones, relationships, and the things women often keep to themselves. In this solo...

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is this all there is?”—this episode is for you. In this powerful conversation, Michele sits down with Angela Burk, author of The Real Girl’s Guide to Midlife, to unpack what’s really happening during midlife—and why it’s not a crisis, but a turning point. From hormonal shifts and identity loss to reclaiming your voice, your body, and your desires, Angela shares a refreshingly honest take on what it means to evolve in your 40s, 50s, and beyond. This episode dive...

Before you assume this episode isn’t for you—stick with me. Because narcissistic relationships don’t always look toxic on the surface. They often start off feeling too good to be true… and that’s exactly the problem. In this episode, I sit down with Melissa Rymer of the Victim to Warrior Method to break down what these relationships actually look like in real life—beyond the buzzwords. We talk about: Why narcissistic relationships often start like a fairy tale—and why that’s a red flagThe sub...