Welcome to the Love Middle Life - The Podcast

In this episode of the Love Middle Life podcast, I’m joined by my friend Riddhi for an open and heartfelt conversation about grief. We discuss the deep, often complex emotions that come with losing loved ones, from family to friends who feel like family. For me, this season has brought a series of losses, including the recent passing of my friend Flea, as well as the anniversaries of losing my son and my brother. Riddhi and I explore how we each cope with grief, find healing, and continue to honor those we’ve lost.As we navigate this journey, we’re sharing some resources that may help others. One powerful resource is Anderson Cooper’s podcast, All There Is, where he delves into his own experiences with grief. He’s joined by Francis Weller, a grief expert, who offers insight into understanding and coping with loss. We hope this episode reminds you that you’re not alone in your grief—and that there’s support, healing, and even a renewed sense of life on the other side of sorrow.If you’re looking for a community that understands, tune in, take care, and remember to honor your loved ones in your own way.lovemiddlelife.com

Join me and my green-thumb and amazing friend, Trina, as we talk about starting your winter plants from seed, so they are ready for spring planting!Here are all the great links and resources we discussed on the podcast!Happy Seed Planting!lovemiddlelife.com

Holidays arrive adorned with the promise of joy, yet for many, they carry the weight of both celebration and sorrow. When journeying through these festive times amidst evolving family dynamics, the loss of a beloved family member, and the pressures of societal expectations, the balance between joy and sorrow becomes a delicate dance. https://lovemiddlelife.com/redefining-holiday-traditions-embracing-flexibility-meaning-and-compassion/lovemiddlelife.com

In this deeply moving and inspiring episode of the "Love Middle Life" podcast, we invite you to join us as we sit down with a very special guest—my big brother, Jeff. In a heartfelt conversation, Jeff bravely shares his personal journey through a recent cancer diagnosis, offering insights, vulnerability, and hope that will resonate with anyone facing adversity. Together, we explore the power of family support, the importance of maintaining a positive outlook, and the ways in which love and resilience shine even in the darkest of times.Don't miss this candid and heartfelt conversation that reminds us all of the strength found within, even when life takes unexpected turns.Show Notes:To dive deeper into Jeff's incredible journey and gain additional insights, visit our blog post on LoveMiddleLife.com where you'll find a wealth of resources, personal reflections, and further details about Jeff's experience.For valuable cancer support and resources, we recommend exploring the following organizations:American Cancer Society: Providing comprehensive resources, information, and support for cancer patients and their families.CancerCare: Offering free professional support services, including counseling, support groups, and financial assistance for cancer patients and their loved ones.The December 5th Fund: A remarkable organization based in Illinois, dedicated to providing support and resources to individuals and families facing cancer diagnoses. Please consider donating or volunteering to help make a difference in the lives of those in need.Find inspiration and solace in the Psalms that have provided comfort to many during challenging times:Psalm 20: A prayer for strength, protection, and blessings in times of adversity.Psalm 40: A psalm of thanksgiving and trust, reflecting on God's faithfulness during times of distress.Please support the "Love Middle Life" podcast by subscribing on your favorite platform, whether it's Spotify, Amazon Music, or any other podcast app. Your subscriptions and reviews help us continue to bring you meaningful content.If you found this episode touching and relatable, we encourage you to share it with your friends and family. Jeff's story is a testament to the power of love and resilience, and it may offer hope and inspiration to someone you know who's facing their own challenges.Thank you for joining us on this emotional and uplifting journey through life's unexpected twists. Your support means the world to us, and together, we can find strength and hope in the midst of adversity.lovemiddlelife.com

Love Middle Life's Blog has great information and a list of important resources HERE.Facing the Unthinkable: Two Mothers’ Journeys Through Our Sons’ Addiction and Loss - Love Middle LifeHonoring Loved Ones: Special Ways to Remember and Heal - Love Middle LifeRising Strong: How My Daughters Overcame Tragedy with Resilience - Love Middle Life15 Texts You Can Send to Someone Who Is Grieving - Love Middle LifeThe Loss of a Child - Love Middle LifeMuch love to all those who are traveling or who have traveled through the very difficult road of addiction and loss.Resources for Addicts and Those Who Love and Support Them:Remember, you are not alone in this battle, and there is help available. Together, we can work towards a future where addiction is met with compassion and understanding, not stigma and judgment. In the midst of this tumultuous journey, find strength in the love you have for your child and remember that you, too, deserve healing and support.Shatterproof (www.shatterproof.com)Shatterproof is a leading organization dedicated to ending the stigma of addiction and improving access to effective treatment. They offer a wide range of resources for both addicts and their loved ones, including educational materials and support networks.National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) (www.drugabuse.gov)NIDA provides a wealth of information on drug addiction, treatment options, and research findings. Their website offers valuable resources for addicts and their families seeking to understand and address addiction.Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) (www.aa.org)AA is a well-known fellowship of individuals who have struggled with alcohol addiction. They offer support and recovery resources through meetings, literature, and a 12-step program.Narcotics Anonymous (NA) (www.na.org)NA is a global community of individuals recovering from drug addiction. They provide support and a structured program for those seeking to overcome drug dependence.SMART Recovery (www.smartrecovery.org)SMART Recovery is a science-based program that offers tools and support for individuals struggling with addiction. Their approach emphasizes self-empowerment and self-management.Families Anonymous (www.familiesanonymous.org)Families Anonymous is a fellowship of family and friends who have been affected by a loved one’s addiction. They offer support and a 12-step program to help families cope and heal.SAMHSA’s National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP)The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides a confidential helpline that offers assistance in finding local treatment options and resources for addiction.NAMI – National Alliance on Mental Illness (www.nami.org)NAMI offers support and education for individuals and families dealovemiddlelife.com

Show Notes:Welcome back to the Love Middle Life Podcast, where we celebrate the fabulousness of life's middle years! I'm your host, Gina, and today, we're diving headfirst into the exciting world of Blogging and Podcasting 101. If you're new to this journey, don't fret – we've got you covered!In today's episode, we'll be talking about the essentials of blogging and podcasting. Whether you're an aspiring content creator or just curious about these mediums, we've got valuable insights and resources to share.Blogging 101:Choosing Your Niche: We've got a detailed guide on our blog that helps you pick the perfect niche for your blog. Check it out here.Crafting Captivating Content: Learn how to create content that keeps your readers engaged and coming back for more. Dive into our tips here.Building Your Audience: Building an audience is key. Discover strategies to grow your blog's readership here.  I love JennaKutcher.comMonetizing Your Blog: Wondering how to turn your blog into a revenue-generating machine? Find out more here.  I love bysophialee.com  Podcasting 101:Choosing Equipment: Interested in podcasting gear? We've got a list of recommendations and product reviews here.Editing Like a Pro: Discover how to edit your podcast episodes seamlessly with a step-by-step guide on our blog here.Selecting a Hosting Platform: Looking for a reliable hosting platform? Check out our thoughts on Buzzsprout here.Promoting Your Podcast: Learn the art of podcast promotion using tools like Mailchimp and Canva here.Podcasting Styles and Formats: Explore different podcasting styles and formats that suit your unique voice and content here.And there you have it, our Blogging and Podcasting 101 crash course! We've barely scratched the surface, so be sure to visit our blog at www.lovemiddlelife.com for in-depth articles, resources, and guides on both blogging and podcasting.Remember, we're all in this together, and you can absolutely thrive in the world of digital content creation. Stay tuned for more episodes where we'll delve deeper into the fascinating realms of middle life. Until next time, stay fabulous!lovemiddlelife.com

In this episode join me and my special guest, Casey Cook, an expert stylist (and MY Curly Hair Stylist!) as we discuss a topic that many of us can relate to—going grey. We'll dive into the journey of embracing our natural hair color, sharing tips, stories, and insights to help you navigate this beautiful transition. So, grab your favorite beverage, get comfortable, and let's embark on this enlightening conversation with Casey Cook.Some of the info we refereced in the podcast is here:Lorraine Massey, the Original Curly Girl, write about Silver Hair and Saying Goodbye to Dye, Letting Your Natural Light Shine! (Amazon, $10)Casey Cook, stylist extraordinaire, can be found at stlouiscurls.com and will be taking new clients Summer, 2024Although not about going grey, Viola Davis #1 New York Times Bestselling book and an Oprah Book Club Pick, Finding Me, is about discovering who you are before the world put a label on you! (Amazon, $12)True Enlightenment Scalp Scrub (Amazon, $42)And you can find the accompanying blog at www.lovemiddlelife.comlovemiddlelife.com

Hey, lovely souls out there, welcome to another insightful episode of Love Middle Life!Today I have a friend and fellow podcaster, Donnie, join me to talk about life and death (just a light subject).  Donnie has a podcast called The Trevor Donald Experience that you can find on Spotify and Amazon Music.  Join us as we talk about this journey called life. In this podcast, we're diving deep into a topic that resonates with everyone, no matter where you are on life's journey – the pursuit of purpose and the art of embracing our own mortality.It's something we all ponder, especially as we embrace middle life. Together, on our respective podcasts, we've explored these themes from different angles. But today, we're coming together to dive even deeper.We share personal stories, engage in some thought-provoking discussions, and invite you, our amazing listeners, to join us on this introspective journey.So, whether you're finding your purpose, redefining it, or simply curious about how facing mortality can enhance the quality of your life, you're in the right place.Grab your favorite beverage, get cozy, and let's explore life's profound questions together on this special crossover episode of Love Middle Life and The Trevor Donald Experience.You can also find my blog on the same topic at lovemiddlelife.comlovemiddlelife.com

My friend, Heather Young, joins me to talk about European travel 101!  Heather and her husband, Chris, have been living in Germany for nine months.  His job took them there, and before that Heather had not been to Europe (Chris had way back in his twenties).  In true Heather form (she doesn't ever do anything halfway), she jumped in with both feet.  She and Chris have been traveling like crazy!  She's learning a lot about traveling Europe, and she shares some amazing tips on this podcast.So hit play, grab your coffee or wine and listen in about all-things-Europe!Find Love Middle Life - The Podcast - on SpotifyFind Love Middle Life - The Podcast - on Amazon MusicClick Here for Show Notes for This Episodelovemiddlelife.com

Join me as I talk with Heather Young about walking away from a thriving career because of burnout and leap of faith involved with her bold move.  And hear about her journey with the sabbatical life that took an unexpected, but amazing, turn!lovemiddlelife.com

Join me as I talk with Lori Saitz!Lori Saitz is the founder and CEO of Zen Rabbit (zenrabbit.com) and host of the podcast, "Fine is a 4-Letter Word." An award-winning writer, speaker, and broadcaster, Lori is on a mission to teach the world to be calm and grounded no matter what is going on. So many women I talk to who are in mid-life take a long hard look at life and are asking themselves, "How can I make my life happier, more meaningful, more creative, more productive, more satisfying." It is not a new phenomenon...we've been asking ourselves this for millennia. Seeking. Searching. Wanting to live our best lives...but what is that really?Lori explores the beliefs that have been programmed and engrained in us since birth and stories we have told ourselves over and over. You can find Lori at...zenrabbit.comFine is a 4-Letter Word PodcastGet your own Mandala coloring book HERECheck out my companion blog on this topic HERElovemiddlelife.com

Join me as I talk with Casey Corbin and Dr. Debra Tann about dementia, brain health and Alzheimer's.  This episode is full of great information if you are finding someone you love with a diagnosis involving dementia.   My mom is in her late 70s and is experiencing dementia, as is my Aunt Elaine, her older sister who just turned 80. I love both of these women with all of my heart, and it is difficult to watch them lose cognitive abilities. They are not alone. As Americans continue to live longer, dementia is poised to become the biggest health challenge of the next few decades. The CDC expects the number living with Alzheimer's to more than double from 5 million to 14 million by 2050.I had the opportunity to speak with my cousin, Casey (my Aunt Elaine's son) and his friend and one of the individuals helping provide support to him and his mom, Dr. Debra Tann. Dr. Tann specializes in brain health in Valdosta, Georgia, where my cousin and Aunt live. Dr. Tann has an impressive background. For the past seven years, she has committed her life’s work to the advocacy of Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Her calling is to educate, empower, and encourage those in our community and at-large.Reminiscent (debraondementia.com) is the name of her business located in Georgia that is focused upon enhancing and advancing the knowledge and dialogue concerning dementia. Reminiscent strives to dismantle myths, illuminate the truths about the disease, and destigmatize those who are living with dementia, and usher uncompromised support for caregivers.  She is an advocate, educator, stigma-buster and has a long list of accomplishments. She has written a book called, The Race of Dementia(Amazon, $15). And Casey helps so many people through his counseling services and year of experience.Show Notes & Resources:Check out Dr. Debra Tann's business and website full of great information, REMINISCENTGet Dr. Tann's Book, The Race of Dementia (Amazon, $15)Find Counselor Casey Cole Corbin at caseycolecorbin.comTreatments/Medications for Memory LossThe Alzheimer's Association is one of the most trusted resources for information, education, referral and support:Call the Alzheimer's Association's 24/7 Helpline: 800.272.3900See their caregiving information for Alzheimer’s and dementia caregiversLocate a support group in your communityMemory Loss & 10 Early Signs of Alzheimer’s | alz.orgDementia Society of America'ssite is full of great informationdementiadownthehall.com is a site that provides support for care partners who are helping someone who has dementia.Everyday Dementia Guide PodcastListen to NPR's report on Leqembi,the drug that has been approved that slows Alzheimer'slovemiddlelife.com

Let’s talk PUPPIES. Oh, they are cute. But they can be curious and energetic tornadoes that get into trouble and are without house manners in the beginning! It’s helpful to channel your patience for the wonderful-world-of-puppy-ness.Check out my blog at lovemiddlelife.com for more info.And here are some of our favorite puppy essentials:Nylabone Chew Toys are some of our favorites. Get your Nylabone Puppy Chew Toy Pack HERE!iCrate Dog Crates are Great. Click here to get yours.Ceramic Food and Water bowls are functional and look nice. FOOD BOWL – CLICK HERE. WATER BOWL – CLICK HERE.HERE is a great dog bed (and it’s washable).Martingale collars and leashes are preferred by experts.Puppy Pads are a MUST!Foldable Puppy Pen is such a help when you need to keep puppy out of trouble, but get things done.Training bites are great to keep around for training your pup.You are going to need POOP BAGS.If you have a puppy chow hound, like me, this SLOW FEEDER helps slow the pace.A Stain and Odor Remover will come in handy with a new pup.Snuffle Mats keep puppies busy and satisfies their natural curiosity.Enjoy your new furry friend!  Woof!lovemiddlelife.com

July is a busy and fun month for gardeners.There’s so much to do in the garden, from weeding and watering to harvesting and making the most of your bounty! If you’re like me you look at your herbs and veggies with pride but then think, “what in the world do I do with all of this yummy-ness?”My friend and Tribe Member, Trina, has put together some great tips covering gardening this month.  And she joined me on the Love Middle Life Podcast…take a listen!Check out these great Gardening and Farm to Table Resources that Trina and I LOVE:RosevineCottageGirls.com have a great Claussen pickles at home recipe HERE.Bowood by Niche is an urban garden center in St. Louis’ Central West End offering breakfast, lunch and dinner.Here’s Trina’s salsa inspo from mission-food.com.Here are those Dilly Beans that Trina and her family love.Bowood Farms in St. Louis has lots of fun planting & plant care classes on the schedule for Summer 2023.The Lost Kitchen started as a show on TV but is now a destination in Freedom, Maine!Field to Table Institute is the program that Trina’s husband, Brian, manages which offers community classes in addition to culinary degrees!Such and Such Farm and Farm Spirit is a family farm in DeSoto, Missouri doing great things!STL Barkeep is a St. Louis-based team that works with professional bartenders and brand partners to create handcrafted cocktails and one-of-a-kind experiences.St. Louis Area Farmer’s MarketsWho better to share her Best Flowers to Plant in Your Cutting Garden than the one and only Martha Stewart!Northeast Nursery has a great list of cool season and warm season crops.Enjoy your gardening adventures. And remember it is a learning experience full of trial and error! Happy Gardening!!lovemiddlelife.com

Join me and my friend, Mary Kane, as we explore another topic central to narcissism:  Codependency.  We talk about the definition, the signs, and the way out of the toxic trait of codependency.  Here are some of the resources and links mentioned in the podcast:www.coda.org   (Codependents Anonymous)Am I Codependent: Codependency Explained - LoveMiddleLife.com Mary Kane's Website, www.loseyournarc.com Mary Kane on Tick Tock @MaryFrickingKane‘Codependents No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Care for Yourself‘', by Melody Beattie‘Facing and Overcoming Codependency: Practical Guidance to Fix Your Codependency, Stop Being a People Pleaser, and Start Loving Yourself‘, by Andrei NedelcuThe Better Boundaries Workbook: A CBT-Based Program to Help You Set Limits, Express Your Needs, and Create Healthy Relationships, by Sharon Martin MSWlovemiddlelife.com

Listen to my friend, Lisa's, journey to finding TWELVE biological half brothers and sisters as an adult, plus her birth mom and she thinks her birth dad.  WOW.The process of finding your birth family can be long and emotionally complex.  Many adoptees aren't sure where to start.  But here are some steps you might take if you find yourself in search of your biological family:Discuss your birth family search with your parents (if living) to collect any information they have about your adoption.Check to see if your state has an adoption reunion registry.Request your adoption records.Contact the person who arranged your adoption, if possible.Use whatever information you have to guide you in how to find your birth parents (this was Lisa's ultimate method when she hit roadblocks).A DIY search for how to find your birth mother.Free adoption search for birth parent servicesOnline "adoption search angels" and "find my birth mother" services have helped thousands of adoptees.Paid adoption search resources.birthparentfinder.com is one option.lovemiddlelife.com

The Law of Attraction can be understood by ‘like attracts like'. What this means is that whether we realize it or not, we are responsible for bringing both positive and negative influences into our lives. A key part of the Law of Attraction is understanding what you focus on, manifests – which can have an intense impact on what happens to you. If you spend your days wallowing in regrets about the past or fears of the future, you’ll likely see more negativity appearing and limiting beliefs taking over, but if you look for the silver lining in every experience then you’ll soon start to see positivity surrounding you every day. Therefore, the Law of Attraction encourages you to see that you have the freedom to take control of how your future develops, shaping it in the ways you choose.It doesn't matter at what stage you are at on your manifesting journey, there is always more to learn about the Law of Attraction. Manifesting doesn't go on vacation, which is why when you start using the Law of Attraction and consistently keep using it to its full potential, this is when you begin to understand that manifestations occur in very subtle ways every minute of the day. Becoming more mindful of your own thoughts helps you to discover what you should keep or remove from your own mind and the reality of your experience. You will become more attentive to underlying negativity and can start to combat it with new beliefs and feelings that better reflect your positive vision of the coming days. This ongoing focus on self-reflection also enables you to start seeing what you really want from your future, and you can then progress to formulating clearer goals with actionable steps at every stage.Here are some helpful resources as you explore manifesting in your life:www.thelawofattraction.comManifestation Journal for Beginnerslovemiddlelife.com

Join me as I explore our culture and its emphasis on being busy with the other side of the coin:  stillness.  Staying consistently busy, making our lives busier than they must be, and thriving on busyness is not good for us, just like overindulging in other activities. Taking a pause to be mindful, still and in the moment can help with balance and perspective.   Join me as I talk about busyness, stillness and 'monkey mind'.  Here are the show notes and links to some of the things I talk about in this podcast:Writing Down the Bones:  Freeing the Writer Within by Natalie GoldbergPeace Is Every Step by Thich Nhat Hanh8 Science Based Tips for Quieting the Monkey Mind by Alice G. Walten/ForbesAdult Coloring Books - Flowers - Buy Here on AmazonPortable Hammock - Buy Here on Amazonlovemiddlelife.com

Many of us have struggled with narcissism.  Maybe it is a family member.  Maybe a friend.  Maybe a romantic partner.  It's hard.  It's confusing.  And it takes digging deep and self love to overcome narcissistic abuse.You can grow.  You can expand.  You can overcome.Join Mary and I as we talk about narcissism and we begin to educate and untangle this web of confusion.  YOU can become the higher version of yourself once you understand.  Come with us on this journey of self discovery!From today's show we referenced the following:www.coda.org This is a group for co-dependents, a group that goes hand-in-hand with narcissistic abuse.  The key is understanding ourselves and loving from within.  Follow podcast guest, Mary, at www.loseyournarc.com.And follow guru, Prof. Sam Vaknin on Instagram @narcissismwithvakninKeep watching this space and www.lovemiddlelife.com for more on this topic.lovemiddlelife.com

Whew.  This is a tough one.  Join me as I talk with my childhood friends, Beth and Jenni about the loss of our sons.  We each lost our sons within the span of two months in 2020.  All loss is hard, but the loss of child is said to be one of the ultimate losses one can experience.  Take a listen and maybe take away a better understanding of how to be a support to someone who is going through grief and loss, something we all encounter on this journey called life.Thank you, Jenni and Beth, for your vulnerability.  xoxolovemiddlelife.com