Midlife Plot Twists

Approaching 40 brings major plot twists

A Podcast with Lucy Baber

In this show, we'll be chatting about all of the weird and unexpected ways that our lives seem to be changing as we inch closer to turning the big 4-0. As my friends and I start approaching 40, we all seem to have one thing in common—MAJOR PLOT TWISTS are happening all around us.

We're seeing midlife career changes and body changes, responsibilities shifting, and so much more. Whether you're starting over in something major in your life or have accomplished the goals you set for yourself, we're tackling the big questions we all have... like what now or what's next?

Join us on this journey to discussing the topic of women's issues as we approach midlife (or maybe you're already there). Hit subscribe and tune in!

Subscribe

Episodes

Season 2 Episode 15: Moving On in Midlife with Elaina Wright

In every season of life, we’re face with letting go and moving on from certain things. In today’s final episode of Midlife Plot Twists, we’re talking about exactly that. My dear friend Elaina Wright joins me to discuss the major midlife plot twists that have happened over the last few years, how they’ve impacted our lives and what it has looked like to move on from them.

I’ve enjoyed the beautiful and magical conversations that have come from this podcast over the last three years and have been honored that you’ve tuned in. Thank you for all of your support of this podcast as I’ve explored midlife!

Today’s episode is brought to you by my mentorship opportunities, where I help photographers better serve people. If you’re ready to invest in yourself and your business this year, check out my mentorships and trainings here.

If you’re enjoying this podcast or took something away from this episode, you can support the creation of this podcast by buying me a coffee!

Review the Show Notes:

Special Announcement (3:42)

Meeting Eliana (4:46)

Switching the Role (9:15)

Why a Podcast? (9:47)

Trying New Things (19:01)

Important Learnings & Experiences from the Podcast (23:13)

Being Open-Minded to Learning (30:25)

Our Midlife Plot Twists (35:25)

Knowing Your Options & Doing What Works for You (54:40)

No Caring What Others Think (1:07:10)

Advice to Younger Self (1:08:30)

Mentioned in this Episode:

Episode 9 with Julie Cristol

Connect with Eliana

https://www.instagram.com/hijadivina/

Season 2 Episode 14: Feeling Complete in Midlife with Raquita Henderson

By the time we reach midlife, many of us are aware of what we want for ourselves and those around us. Fellow photographer, Raquita Henderson lives a life that allows her to feel complete. Through this process, she’s gone through her own personal growth journey that has allowed her to be a woman she (and the people around her) can be proud of.

Today’s episode is brought to you by my mentorship opportunities, where I help photographers better serve people. If you’re ready to invest in yourself and your business this year, check out my mentorships and trainings here.

If you’re enjoying this podcast or took something away from this episode, you can support the creation of this podcast by buying me a coffee!

Review the Show Notes:

Get to Know Raquita (1:00)

Coming to terms with Middle Age (2:03)

Feeling the Human Experience (13:49)

White Supremacy and Religion (15:54)

Dismantling Prejudice (18:30)

Environment & Life (21:47)

Post-Pandemic Photography Business (27:41)

Accepting Your Children Growing Up (30:55)

Pandemic, Leadership, and Politics (40:13)

Anxiety (43:45)

Working through Burnout (46:21)

AI in Business (51:46)

Our World in Midlife – Generational Growth (54:45)

The Shift in the Photography Industry (58:39)

Advice to Younger Self (1:06:05)

Connect with Raquita:

https://pinxitphoto.com/

https://www.instagram.com/pinxitphoto/

https://www.facebook.com/PinxitPhoto/

Season 2 Episode 13: Midlife Plot Twists in the Movies, Pt. 2 with Scott Zielinski

Did you love our conversation last year about midlife plot twists in the movies? We’re back with part 2, where we’re diving into the final 5 movies that feature a midlife plot twist! Scott Zielinski joins me again to share his knowledge on all things horror and discuss some of his favorite plot twists with me!

Spoiler alert… we do share a few spoilers throughout this episode!

Listen to part 1 of this conversation here.

Today’s episode is brought to you by my mentorship opportunities, where I help photographers better serve people. If you’re ready to invest in yourself and your business this year, check out my mentorships and trainings here.

If you’re enjoying this podcast or took something away from this episode, you can support the creation of this podcast by buying me a coffee!

Review the Show Notes:

Get to Know Scott (1:26)

Recap of Part 1 (2:11)

The Fly – 1986 (5:28)

Suspiria – Remake 2018 (14:39)

The Hunger (30:57)

Crimes of the Future (42:14)

They Live (1:00:56)

Season 2 Episode 12: Midlife Caretaker with Arianna Neromiliotis

As we get older, so do our parents, which sometimes means that we become their caretakers. Arianna Neromiliotis knows the intricacies of being a caretaker in midlife very well, as she ultimately had the opportunity to be an advocate and caretaker for her mother for the last few years of her life. Arianna’s mother, Aurora, began showing signs of Dementia beginning in 2017, but in 2019, she ultimately needed full-time care. Listen in as Arianna shares how she approached her mother’s diagnosis, became her caretaker, and made the decisions that would give her mom the fullest life.

Today’s episode is brought to you by my mentorship opportunities, where I help photographers better serve people. If you’re ready to invest in yourself and your business this year, check out my mentorships and trainings here.

If you’re enjoying this podcast or took something away from this episode, you can support the creation of this podcast by buying me a coffee!

Review the Show Notes:

Get to Know Arianna (1:36)

Aurora Neromiliotis (Arianna’s Mom) (3:52)

The Process of Caretaking Elders (Rehab and Care Facilities) (17:41)

The Cost of Caring for Parents & Income-Based Placement (20:21)

How Medicaid Works (21:47)

Building Resources for Caretakers (23:19)

Noticing Signs of Dementia and Alzheimers (24:55)

Taking Care of Yourself When You’re a Caretaker (31:24)

Grief Counseling (37:55)

Cost of Grief Counseling (40:11)

Processing Grief and Death (40:54)

Identity in Grieving (43:46)

Advice to Younger Self (49:02)

Conversations & Communities (55:07)

Connect with Arianna

@justbeyondboundaries

Support the Show

Buy Me a Coffee

Season 2 Episode 11: Midlife Soul Work for Dating with Tracy Ready

Are you putting yourself out there in the dating realm? Whether it feels like you’re finding success or you’re struggling through bad dates, Tracy Ready believes the first step is through soul work. In today’s episode, Tracy joins us to share about her program, The Soul Detox, and how you build a healthy relationship with dating (or with a partner) through that soul work.

Today’s episode is brought to you by my mentorship opportunities, where I help photographers better serve people. If you’re ready to invest in yourself and your business this year, check out my mentorships and trainings here.

Review the Show Notes:

Get to Know Tracy (1:14)

Relationship with Self & Soul (4:27)

Tracy’s Program: The Soul Detox (10:58)

Who Tracy Works With (18:20)

Community (21:36)

Finding Success in the Program (28:09)

Deeper Relationships through Self and Soul (34:38)

What the Dating Experiment Looks Like (40:06)

Going Deep (45:36)

How to Lose Control of the Process (48:27)

Tracy’s Experience with the Dating Experiment (53:56)

Dating for Fun (58:12)

Advice to Younger Self (1:07:34)

Connect with Tracy

Website: tracyready.com

Soul Detox Program: tracyready.com/souldetox2

Self Study: tracyready.com/selfstudy

Personal Matchmaking; shehasitall.life

Youtube:youtube.com/@tracyreadytv

Instagram: instagram.com/tracyreadytv

Season 2 Episode 10: Midlife Fertility with Sharon Fisher

Have you waited to have children? Maybe you’re just curious about your hormones in midlife! Today’s guest, Sharon Fisher joins me to discuss midlife fertility, motherhood, and hormones in today’s episode! Listen in as we discuss how our bodies change, what to expect with menopause and perimenopause, and resources for treatment!

Today’s episode is brought to you by my mentorship opportunities, where I help photographers better serve people. If you’re ready to invest in yourself and your business this year, check out my mentorships and trainings here.

Review the Show Notes:

Meet Sharon (1:32)

Midlife Motherhood (2:50)

Lucy’s Conspiracy Theory (7:33)

Research on Midlife Fertility & Motherhood & Women’s Experiences (8:33)

Infertility & Insurance Pressure (11:14)

Research Based Numbers – 40 years old for women (13:08)

Insurance Codes & Absolute Risk vs. Relative Risk (14:15)

Self-Advocacy in Healthcare (16:22)

What You Should Know About Midlife Fertility (23:05)

Types, Phases, & Symptoms of Menopause – Including Perimenopause (23:46)

Tips for Managing Perimenopause (36:07)

Take Action (39:44)

Who to Go to for Hormone Replacement Therapy (43:50)

Suzanne Summers’ Impact on Our Knowledge (45:23)

Advice to Younger Self (50:23)

Connect with Sharon

https://nurtured-well.com/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100040111582043

Beyond the Egg Timer

@beyond_the_egg_timer

Season 2 Episode 8: Midlife According to the Cards with Jenna Matlin

Have you had tarot cards pulled for you before? In today’s episode, Jenna Matlin joins us to talk about her experience as an intuitive reader, along with the history of tarot. Listen in as she explains the dynamics between tarot and psychology, why people typically turn to tarot for the first time, and what impacts tarot can have on you in mid-life!

Today’s episode is brought to you by my mentorship opportunities, where I help photographers better serve people. If you’re ready to invest in yourself and your business this year, check out my mentorships and trainings here.

Review the Show Notes:

Get to Know Jenna (1:06)

Intuitive vs Psychic & the Stereotypes (2:15)

Lucy & Jenna’s Introduction (4:06)

Jenna’s Talent of Connection & Tarot as a Whole Brain Activity (8:54)

The Psychology of Tarot (13:51)

Themes in When & Why People Turn to Tarot (18:47)

Patriarchal Language (24:30)

The International Line of “Crochetiness” (25:20)

Failure to Launch (29:35)

Feminism & the Workplace (33:11)

Rejecting Traditions in Midlife (37:45)

Choices in Women’s Lives (42:17)

Course Changes (45:18)

Tarot Card Expectations from Pop Culture (49:25)

History of Tarot (50:14)

Patterns in Tarot (53:46)

Reading Tarot (55:00)

Kitchen Sink Readings (1:05:41)

Mentioned in this Episode:

Book: Will You Give Me a Reading?

Connect with Jenna

IG: @jennamatlin

TT: @jennamatlin

Youtube: youtube.com/@jennamatlin8188

jennamatlin.com

Season 2 Episode 7: Midlife Plot Twists in the Movies, Pt. 1 with Scott Zielinski

It’s not often that I share my own midlife plot twists here on the podcast, but today, I’m introducing you to two of them, my newfound love for horror movies and my partner, Scott Zielinski. In this episode, Scott and I begin our two-part series on 10 horror movies that feature a midlife plot twist! If you’re a fan of horror films and plot twists, this episode was made for you! Spoiler alert… we do share a few spoilers throughout this episode.

Today’s episode is brought to you by my mentorship opportunities, where I help photographers better serve people. If you’re ready to invest in yourself and your business this year, check out my mentorships and trainings here.

Review the Show Notes:

Get to Know Scott (:28)

Horror Movies & Mid Life Plot Twists (4:43)

1. Shaun of the Dead (6:43)

2. Serial Mom (15:51)

Ex Fest (23:18)

3. The Ladies Club (27:00)

4. Halloween H2O (34:50)

5. Hereditary (47:57)

Season 2 Episode 6: Growing from Midlife Pain with Kirsten Lewis Bethmann

As we get older, we hope things get easier, yet many of us face some of our worst fears during midlife. In today’s episode, Kirsten Lewis Bethmann joins us to talk about growing from midlife pain and experiences. Listen in as she shares how her life has shifted in the last two years, what experiences she’s had to overcome, and the growing process.

Today’s episode is brought to you by my mentorship opportunities, where I help photographers better serve people. If you’re ready to invest in yourself and your business this year, check out my mentorships and trainings here.

Review the Show Notes:

Get to Know Kirsten (:25)

Kirsten’s Safari Trip (6:53)

Kirsten’s Age (13:14)

Kirsten’s Outlook on Life (15:08)

Why Kirsten Does What She Does & Childhood Amnesia (17:38)

Pruning in the Brain (20:50)

Traumatic Experience (25:29)

Photography Industry Wreck (32:16)

Becoming a Caregiver & Taking Care of a Parent (35:42)

Daughter’s Diagnosis (45:28)

Finding Love Again (53:11)

Fear of Judgement (1:09:00)

Redefining Chosen Family (1:13:40)

Advice to Younger Self (1:26:15)

The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis

Connect with Kirsten:

kirstenlewisphotos.com

kirstenrebekahbethmann.com

@kirstenlphotog

Season 2 Episode 5: Midlife Financial Planning with Ashley Adams-Duncan

Have you financially prepared your loved ones for when you’re gone? It’s not something we like to think about or even consider until later in life. The truth is, it’s never to early to get life insurance! In today’s episode, Ashley Adams joins us to share about how her mother’s passing impacted her family, both emotionally and financially. The experience she had through her mother’s death led to a major career change in which she now advocates for life insurance as an agent. Listen in as Ashley shares why it’s important to obtain life insurance, the different types and policies that are available, and what she’d tell her younger self.

Today’s episode is brought to you by my mentorship opportunities, where I help photographers better serve people. If you’re ready to invest in yourself and your business this year, check out my mentorships and trainings here.

Review the Show Notes:

Get to Know Ashley (1:08)

Major Life Events that Happened to Ashley (2:24)

Joining the Insurance Business (13:01)

Losing a Parent (26:20)

Types of Life Insurance (29:05)

Income in Retirement (36:38)

Phases of Life (45:20)

Advice to Younger Self (51:15)

Connect with Ashley:

Ashley A Adams Agent with NY Life FB Page

Email: [email protected]

Season 2 Episode 4: Midlife Diagnosis with Emily Zilber

Getting diagnosed with ADHD brings a lot of clarification and answers to a long-time struggle, but that diagnosiss doesn’t come lightly. In today’s episode, Emily Zilber joins us to share what it looked like to get diagnosed with ADHD in her 30’s. Through finding a community to getting access to resources, listen in as she shares her story.

Today’s episode is brought to you by my mentorship opportunities, where I help photographers better serve people. If you’re ready to invest in yourself and your business this year, check out my mentorships and trainings here.

Review the Show Notes:

Get to Know Emily (1:33)

Multi-passionate with ADHD (5:38)

Individual Brain vs Societal Expectations (10:54)

“Optimally Functional” (13:33)

Living with ADHD (15:03)

Resources & Asking for Help (25:51)

Desire (32:47)

Resources (39:19)

Community (53:01)

Encouragement (55:11)

Mentioned in this Episode:

Nick Walker

A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD: Embrace Neurodiversity, Live Boldly, and Break Through Barriers

Emotional & Visual Processing Workshop

Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times

The Electricity of Every Living Thing: A Woman’s Walk in the Wild to Find Her Way Home

Mental Health Framing

How to Keep House While Drowning: A Gentle Approach to Cleaning and Organizing

Translating ADHD Podcast

Peer Coaching Community

Forever 35 ADHD Group

Connect with Emily:

https://www.avidgaze.com/

@avid_gaze

Season 2 Episode 3: Midlife Body Relationships with Latoya Dixon Smith

Our desires shift as our bodies change, which can cause problems with partners if we aren’t sure how to communicate with them. Latoya Dixon Smith of Greenville Boudoir joins us to share about her work not only as a boudoir photographer, but a sex doula. Listen in as Latoya explains what her role is as a sex doula and how she helps her clients, along with the approaches she takes and tools she uses in her practice!

Today’s episode is brought to you by my mentorship opportunities, where I help photographers better serve people. If you’re ready to invest in yourself and your business this year, check out my mentorships and trainings here.

Review the Show Notes:

Get to Know Latoya (2:29)

What is a Sex Doula (6:25)

How Clients Are Exposed to Sex Doulas & Work With Them (8:15)

Tools Used as a Sex Doula (28:21)

Card Deck as a Boudoir Photographer and Sex Doula (31:02)

How Her Family Received Her Work (36:04)

Advice to Younger Self (51:27)

Mentioned in this Episode:

Sonya Renee Taylor

Amina Peterson of Atlanta Institute of Tantra

Krystal Taylor

Essence Article

Connect with Latoya:

instagram.com/latoyadixonsmith

greenvilleboudoir.co

facebook.com/groups/greenvilleboudoir

instagram.com/greenvilleboudoir

Youtube

Season 2 Episode 2: Finding a Mentor

While most of our conversations happen with those who are either approaching midlife or currently living in it, today’s guest isn’t quite there yet. Korie Mitchell joins us for today’s conversation to share how finding a mentor in her late twenties has impacted her personally and professionally. Now 30, Korie is able to reflect back on the power of mentorships in her life, how to approach finding the right mentor, and what to look for!

Today’s episode is brought to you by my mentorship opportunities, where I help photographers better serve people. If you’re ready to invest in yourself and your business this year, check out my mentorships and trainings here.

Review the Show Notes:

Get to Know Korie (1:02)

Finding & Selecting Mentors (7:39)

Different Approaches from Mentors (14:30)

What She’s Learned in Her Mentorships (17:55)

Korie’s Business Goals (23:44)

Korie’s Personal Life Plans (25:40)

Finding a Mentor (29:22)

Investing in Business (39:20)

Money Mindsets (44:37)

Advice to Younger Self (56:20)

Mentioned in this Episode:

Tomayia Colvin

Momentum Mastermind

The Photo Cookout

Lucy’s Mentoring

Connect with Korie:

Ko rie Facebook

Storiedbykorie

Season 2 Episode 1: Midlife Mindset

Season two of Midlife Plot Twists is here! If you wondered where I’ve been, what’s been happening since our last episode aired, and what’s coming, this episode was made for you. This is my first episode since turning forty, so I’m getting a little personal about life, my business, and this podcast—along with the mindset shifts that have happened for me over the last few years!

About Me & My Career (:58)

The Next Phase of My Career (2:25)

Get Unstuck Mindset Coaching

The Professional Mental Health Community (7:00)

My Midlife Plot Twists (8:11)

  • Managing Business & Podcasting During a Pandemic
  • Marriage Separation
  • Loss of My Dad

Powering Through with Intention (9:30)

What is Mindset Coaching (10:05)

My Priorities (10:37)

Connection & Community

Mindset Coaching vs. Therapy (13:04)

Who’s the Right Fit? (19:39)

Photography (24:24)

The Podcast (25:11)

creativity

#013: Midlife Creativity – Rachel Mayer

Have you held yourself back from exploring your creativity to its fullest? Rachel Mayer, a Philadelphia based piano teacher, realized as she was approaching midlife that she’s never really taken chances or stepped outside of her comfort zone when she came to creativity—despite having an identity in creative arts.

Listen in as she shares how she decided to redirect the story she’d been telling herself her whole life. Rachel explains how she found a way to step out of her comfort zone, explore more creative avenues, and build confidence to write and produce her own music.

Get to Know Rachel (1:32)

Rachel’s Plot Twist (2:42)

About Rachel’s Music (19:38)

ASMR (30:55)

Isolated Vocals in Music (34:25)

Lucy’s Three Recommendations (37:00)
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Women & Other Monsters: Building a New Mythology
Cover Song of You’re Still the One by Okay Kaya

Building Confidence (40:15)

Advice to Younger Self: Stay Awkward. (54:40)

Links
YouTube Channel
instagram.com/rachelmayermusic
Spotify
instagram.com/casual.societee

#012: Sex & Faith in Midlife – Reverend Dr. Beverly Dale

It’s not often that you hear of faith-based sex positivity being discussed by a well respected Reverend. Today, our special guest is Reverend Dr. Beverly Dale, aka Dale, who is the founder of The Incarnation Institute of Sex & Faith, joins us to discuss sexual healing, sex positivity, and faith! In this liberating conversation, she peels away the barriers that many of us put up from a sex negative upbringing and shares scripture-based references highlighting how many churches could shift how they’re educating about sex.

Meet The Reverend Dr. Beverly Dale (1:54)

Her Personal Story as Sexually Repressed & Ignorant (5:18)

Where is Sex Negativity in the Gospels? Nowhere (10:17)

Radical Rules Around Love (15:47)
What is the most loving thing for me?
What is the most loving thing for my partner?

Getting Off vs. Get It On (16:25)

Controlling Pleasure & Women in the Church (20:10)

Referencing Jesus in the Text (25:06)

How Sex Negativity Impact Relationships with God (27:14)

Types of Churches (34:36)
Institutional Church
Bureaucratic Church
The Church that says they’re the church
The people inside an organization that knows god’s love

Showing Interest in Learning vs. Deconstructing the Church (38:40)

The Name Change (42:14)

Midlife Plot Twits (47:45)

Advice to Younger Self (50:58)

Links
https://www.incarnationinstitute.org/
Webinars
Sex is Good Series
Sex Positive Books
Sample Programs

#010: Midlife Reinvention – Paige Lewis

Over the course of our lives, we’ve been molded into the people we are today. What happens when the things that have defined us for so long leave our lives?

In today’s episode, Paige Lewis joins us to discuss what it means to reinvent yourself, a challenge she’s faced a few times in her life. From leaving a religious cult as a teen to changing professions in midlife due to health concerns, Paige’s resilience has given her the bravery she needs to make it through. Listen in as she describes this journey and shares how art has improved her mental health and created a new career for her.

Meet Paige (1:15)

Divorcing Your Partner/Business Partner (3:43)

Career Change Due to Health Reasons Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (6:41)

Diving into Art (17:00)

Certified Therapeutic Art Coach

Certification for Certified Therapeutic Art Coach (21:50)

Blog + Book Writing (29:11)

Raised in a Religious Cult (32:14)

Distancing Herself From the Mormon Church (34:56)

Reconnecting with Mormonism as a Young Adult (37:22)

PTSD (39:19)

BITE Cult Measurement (40:00)

Advice to Younger Self/Her Daughter (51:24)

Links

pinktinyangrymighty.com

https://www.instagram.com/pinktinyangrymighty/

facebook.com/PinkTinyAngryMighty/

women's health

#009: Women’s Health in Midlife – Julie Cristol

As women age, we begin to face new experiences in our health for which we have not had a chance to really prepare. Examples include menopause, and the less commonly discussed, perimenopause. Thankfully, Julie Cristol so graciously agreed to join me for this special episode where we discuss the questions that most women are nervous to ask about menopause, advocacy, healthcare, and even sex!

Meet Julie (00:51)

Perimenopause (3:26)

Lucy’s Journey with Perimenopause (5:39)

The average age of a women going through menopause is 52.

Managing Perimenopause (12:36)

Advocating for Yourself (15:46)

Hormone Therapy (17:35)

Advice for Women in Mid-Late Thirties Going Through Changes (23:44)

Resources of Advocacy (28:31)

Healthcare System vs. Deconstructing Diet Culture (34:21)

Weight is not a modifiable risk factor.

Julie’s Health Journey (38:04)

Advice to Younger Self (44:58)

Links
Health at Every Size
Lifecycle Woman Care

chill

Episode #008: Midlife Chill – Paury Flowers

Paury Flowers joins us to share how she’s found herself pivoting her career in midlife to combine her passion for health and wellness, cannabis, and emergent strategy. Listen in as she discusses the cannabis industry, the war on drugs, and legislation on cannabis.

Get to Know Paury (1:28)

Creative Consulting (18:09)

What Paury’s Excited By (22:55)

The War on Drugs (28:08)

Regulation and Legislation on Cannabis in New Jersey (31:19)

Advice to Younger Self (53:18)

Links
instagram.com/pauryflowers
instagram.com/vapejawn
Emergent Strategy by Adrienne Marie Brown
instagram.com/thenapministry

end of life

Episode #007: Preparing for End of Life in Midlife – Rachel Moore

We talk about major life changes and plot twists that happen in midlife on this podcast, but today we’re tackling the tough conversation of preparing for end of life.

At just 39-years-old (just 2 years ago), Rachel Moore was diagnosed with terminal colon cancer. Listen in as she joins us to discuss how this plot twist has impacted her everyday life, her husband, her three beautiful children, and even her parents.

Get to Know Rachel (1:16)

Rachel’s Overall Health Before Diagnosis (6:28)

The Diagnosis (7:15)

Telling the Kids (16:34)

Life After this Plot Twist (20:38)

Enjoying Simple Moments (23:55)

Fulfilling a Bucket List (29:25)

Protecting Others in Your Life (34:33)

Stupid Things People Say (39:53)

What’s Surprised Rachel the Most (45:16)

Leaving an Impact on Her Children (48:58)

Preparing Her Parents (54:00)

Finding Community (57:08)

Connecting During COVID (1:00:21)

Encouragement to Others (1:05:27)

Giving Back (1:09:26)

Advice for Younger Self (1:11:58)

Shits & Giggles in KChttps://shitsandgigglesinkc.com/

harriett's bookshop

Episode #006: Midlife Intuition – Jeannine Cook

Do you ever feel a desire to do something that’s so outside of your comfort zone, with no real understanding as to why? Jeannine Cook calls that intuition.

In episode 6 of Midlife Plot Twists, Jeannine shares about her journey to opening Harriett’s Bookshop a few weeks before COVID happened, along with the good, the bad, and the ugly that came with it. Listen in as she shares about some of her favorite reads, how this shop has impacted her life, and where her intuition is calling her to next.

Get to Know Jeannine (1:26)

Notoriety at Harriet’s Bookshop (4:40)

Opportunities During Dark Times (6:21)

Running the Bookstore During COVID (10:32)

PlotTwists with Puppies (16:54)

Bookshop – The Good (19:31)

Bookshop – The Bad (20:13)

The Sisterhood Sit-In (27:13)

Currently Reading: (41:07)
Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward
Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward

Looking Forward To: (41:53)
Ida B the Queen

Book on Her Heart: Another by Christian Robinson (47:58)

Advice to Her Younger Self: You can be loved for being you. You don’t have to hurt to get love. You don’t have to sacrifice for love. (49:36)

Links
Harriett’s Bookshop
instagram.com/harrietts_bookshop
My General Tubman
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson

black excellence

Episode #005: Black Excellence in Midlife – Dr. Tomayia Colvin

My dear friend, photographer, and educator, Dr. Tomayia Colvin, recently joined me for a candid conversation about life after 40. In this episode, we talk about the impactful community she’s built for black photographers, what dating looks like in her 40’s, and the advice she’d share with her younger self.

Tomayia, I’m so proud to call you friend.

About Tomayia (1:43)

The Photo Cookout (4:02)

Creating Bridges of Opportunity for Black Photographers (7:16)

Making Long-Term Impact on Diversity in the Photography Industry (11:25)

Anti-Racism Course for Photographers  (15:49)

Re-entering the Dating World Midlife (22:28)

Approaching Midlife (30:36)

Advice to Her Younger Self (31:53)

Links
thephotocookout.com
tomayiacolvineducation.com
instagram.com/tomayiacolvineducation
Facebook Community: facebook.com/groups/tomayiacolvineducation
Tomayia’s Anti-Racism Course

Episode #004: Midlife Authenticity – Charlie Baber

I recently had the chance to sit down with my dear brother-in-law, Charlie Baber to discuss what being his authentic self looked like as he approached 40. Authenticity is a word we toss around on social media, but what if we dug a little deeper into it’s true meaning.

In being his authentic self, after 38 years of life, Charlie realized that he was gay.

In today’s episode, Charlie describes what it felt like to come out to his wife, his kids, his church, and most importantly, himself. Listen in as he shares how he’s finally living his life authentically and true to being who God purposefully created him to be.

Get to Know Charlie (1:22)

Coming Out as Bi-Sexual to His Wife (13:42)

Charlie’s Coming Out Day (16:28)

Coming Out to Family & Friends (17:15)

Coming Out to the Church (20:48)

Being Gay at 40 (27:21)

Grief: The Loss of a Marriage (31:18)

The Impact of Living His Truth (34:19)

Charlie’s Growth in Faith (38:35)

Resources for Gay Christians (41:30)
Queertheology.com
Shameless by Nadia Bolts Webber
Beyond Shame by Mathias Roberts

What Charlie Would Tell His Younger Self (50:32)

What’s Next for Charlie (51:13)

The Future of The United Methodist Church (54:14)

Links
wesleybros.com
instagram.com/charliebaber

midlife recovery

Episode #003: Midlife Recovery – My Neighbor Anne

Recovery can be a tough road to go down, but I’m thankful it’s an option. Today my dear friend and neighbor, Anne, is joining me for a truly eye-opening conversation around her struggle with alcoholism. In this conversation, we’re tackling here long-time battle with alcohol, what detox and rehab looked like during COVID, and the importance of diving into therapy.

SHOW NOTES:

Introducing Anne (:50)

Anne’s Relationship with Alcohol (3:14)

Going to Rehab (5:29)

The Rehab Experience (9:08)

Rehab During COVID (12:48)

Rehab Staff (14:21)

How Alcohol Effected Anne’s Health (15:26)

Deciphering Depression vs Alcoholism (21:35)

Anne’s Day to Day (22:55)

What Life Looks Like at 42 (25:16)

Life After Rehab (26:44)

Support Networks (30:07)

Midlife Stories (31:22)

Anne’s Long Term Treatment (37:23)

What Anne Would Tell Her Younger Self (40:31)

What Anne Would Tell Herself Back in March (42:50)

The Importance of Timing (43:14)

Midlife Plot Twist podcast Mari-Carmen Farmer

Episode #002: Midlife Career Moves – Mari-Carmen Farmer

Changing careers can be daunting, but what about making career moves in your 30’s or 40’s? My dear friend, Mari-Carmen Farmer, joins me to share all about how her life experiences led her to making a midlife career move to become a midwife. Listen in as Mari shares about her experience with loss, the comfort she’s found in the symbolism of labyrinth, and how becoming an empty nester left her feeling motivated and accomplished.

Episode #001: Finding Yourself in Midlife – Renee Shea

As we approach midlife, many of us are finding ourselves again—particularly when we run into a midlife plot twist. I’ve watched my amazing friend, Renee Shea, conquer her own midlife plot twist with strength and grace. Listen in as we discuss how she managed unexpected plot twists in her business and personal life.

About Renee (1:06)

Renee’s Photography Transformation (5:25)

Accepting and Creating Her Brand (9:10)

Renee’s Midlife Plot Twists (13:35)

Takeaways & Learning from MidLife Plot Twists (18:52)

Femininity vs. Masculinity (18:51)

Advice to My Younger Self: You are enough. (27:11)

Age vs. Maturity vs. Life Experience (28:18)

Social Justice and your Business (31:36)

Mentioned in this Episode:

instagram.com/reneeshea_au

facebook.com/ReneeSheaBranding

Reneeeshae.com.au

Trailer: Midlife Plot Twists Coming on October 1st

Welcome to Midlife Plot Twists with Lucy Baber! In this show, we’ll be chatting about all of the weird and unexpected ways that our lives seem to be changing as we inch closer to turning the big 4-0. As my friends and I start approaching 40, we all seem to have one thing in common—MAJOR PLOT TWISTS are happening all around us.

We’re seeing midlife career changes and body changes, responsibilities shifting, and so much more. Whether you’re starting over in something major in your life or have accomplished the goals you set for yourself, we’re tackling the big questions we all have… like what now or what’s next?

Join us on this journey to discussing the topic of women’s issues as we approach midlife (or maybe you’re already there). Hit subscribe and tune in on October 1st!