This week I'm sitting down with Ellen Baker, novelist and founder of Next Chapter Studio, and this conversation is one I know you're going to want to come back to. Ellen's own life is a masterclass in reinvention: she landed a two-book deal with Random House at 30, blew up her life anyway, moved across the country, and ultimately found her way back to herself — and to publishing in a major way with her novel The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson.

Now she's channeling everything she's learned from writing complex, layered fictional characters into coaching women through their own reinvention — and the framework she's built is genuinely unlike anything I've heard before.

In this episode we talk about:

• Why so many women in midlife feel like their only options are "burn it all down" or stay stuck — and what's actually possible in between
• The "building" analogy that completely reframed how I think about change
• How Ellen uses the tools of fiction writing (yes, really) to help women identify and rewrite the hidden beliefs that are quietly running their lives
• The most common stories women carry — "I must be quiet," "I must follow the rules" — and how to start unwiring them
• Why midlife might actually be the moment women finally stop outsourcing their own authority
• Ellen's new novel Summerland Cove (out June 2nd!) and what draws her to writing women's stories across generations
• What she's stopped apologizing for — and why it goes all the way back to kindergarten

Books mentioned:

• The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson by Ellen Baker - get it here
• Summerland Cove by Ellen Baker - pre-order here

Connect with Ellen:

• Website & novels: EllenBakerNovels.com
• Next Chapter Studio: EllenBakerNovels.com/studio
• Summerland Cove Spotify playlist

Connect with The Midlife Edit:

• Instagram: @thejenweinstein
• TikTok: @thejenweinstein
• Newsletter: The Backstage Pass - join here!
• Website: themidlifeeditco.com

You're not crazy. You're not lazy. And you're definitely not the only woman who has sat in a parking lot after a doctor's appointment wondering why you somehow left feeling worse.

Women are being dismissed in exam rooms, overwhelmed by conflicting information online, and told to "just manage stress" while their bodies are clearly changing. So today we're getting into the how — how to actually advocate for yourself in perimenopause, what questions to ask, what red flags to watch for, who to trust (and who to scroll past), and how to stop feeling alone in the middle of all of it.

This isn't me pretending to be a doctor. This is me, a real woman navigating all of this alongside you, handing you the guide I wish someone had handed me.

Resources + Links Mentioned

🎁 Free Download

She's Not Crazy. She's Perimenopause. — The free guide that goes with this episode. Symptom tracker, appointment prep, questions to ask your doctor, red flags, trusted resources, and a little "before you spiral on TikTok" gut check. Grab it → here

💊 Jen's Provider

Blair Wellness and Weight Loss — Jen's functional medicine nurse practitioner practice. Joanna and Jenny specialize in perimenopause, HRT, and whole-picture women's health. Currently accepting patients. → Check them out here

🩺 Pelvic Floor Health

Dr. Taylor Edmiston, PT, DPT — Jen's sister and pelvic floor physical therapist. If you're leaking when you sneeze, dealing with pelvic pain, or just feel like no one has ever actually explained what's going on down there, follow her. → @edmistonphysicaltherapy

📚 Voices Worth Following

• Dr. Mary Claire Haver — Author of The New Menopause and The New Perimenopause
• Dr. Stacy Sims — Strength, fitness, and female physiology
• Dr. Jen Gunter — OB-GYN and myth-buster
• Dr. Kelly Casperson — Women's sexual health and hormones

• Beth Crosby, @thegarbagemom — Perimenopause, midlife, and the kind of honesty your group chat needs
• Melani Sanders, @justbeingmelani We Do Not Care Club — Less perfection, less performing, less apologizing for aging

If This Episode Hit Home

Send it to a woman in your life who needs it. You know who she is.

And if you want the free guide — She's Not Crazy. She's Perimenopause. — grab it below. No email list selling, no upsell, no gimmick. Just the resource I think every woman navigating this chapter deserves to have in her hands.

→ Get Your Guide Here

The Midlife Edit drops every Tuesday. Follow, share, and leave a review if this episode meant something to you — it's the single best way to help more women find this show.

themidlifeeditco.com | @thejenweinstein

Jen takes you inside a once-in-a-lifetime weekend in Brooklyn that started with one thing: an email she almost didn’t send. What followed was a surreal and deeply emotional experience recording with Tracy Bonham at Grand Street Recording for the 30th anniversary re-recording of Mother Mother — alongside a room full of women who felt like lifelong friends within minutes.

But this episode isn’t just about music or nostalgia. It’s about:

• Imposter syndrome in midlife
• Making yourself smaller to fit into other people’s expectations
• Female friendship and authentic connection
• Learning to take up space unapologetically
• Saying yes before you feel ready
• Remembering who you are underneath all the performance

Jen reflects on the power of witnessing women fully in their element, the reality that even wildly successful people still struggle with self-doubt, and why midlife can become the chapter where we finally stop asking for permission.

If you’ve been sitting on an email, a dream, a boundary, a creative idea, or a version of yourself you’ve been afraid to fully step into — this episode is your sign.

In This Episode

• Recording in Brooklyn with Tracy Bonham
• The emotional legacy of Mother Mother
• Why women in midlife crave real connection
• The truth about imposter syndrome
• Learning to stop performing for everyone else
• The freedom that comes with aging
• What happens when you finally send the email anyway

Mentioned in This Episode

• Mother Mother
• Jem
• The Midlife Edit Co.

Free Resource

Jen also shares her free guide:
“Nobody Warned Me” — The Honest Midlife Hormone Guide
A real, no-BS resource for women navigating hormones, perimenopause, exhaustion, and everything nobody prepared us for.

You can download it at:
The Midlife Edit Co.

Favorite Quote From This Episode

“You don’t have to feel ready. You just have to go.”

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a woman who needs the reminder not to take herself out of her own life.

From burnt breakfast-in-bed stories to awkward brunch reservations and the emotional complexity of being a stepmom in midlife, this episode dives into the messy middle so many women are living through but rarely talk about out loud.

Jen opens up about raising a son who’s about to turn 21 while simultaneously helping raise younger stepkids, all while building The Midlife Edit and learning how to choose herself without drowning in guilt.

This episode is about:

• Midlife motherhood and identity shifts
• The complicated reality of stepmom life
• Reinvention and learning to take up space
• Mom guilt, ambition, and choosing yourself
• Why women are allowed to want more for themselves
• Celebrating Mother’s Day in ways that actually feel meaningful

And then… Jen reveals her very nontraditional Mother’s Day plans: heading to Brooklyn to join Tracy Bonham for her Scream Like a Mother experience — including recording vocals for a special 30th anniversary version of Mother Mother and participating in an intimate Mother’s Day brunch with Tracy herself.

This episode is raw, funny, vulnerable, nostalgic, and deeply validating for any woman trying to figure out who she is while still showing up for everyone else.

In This Episode

• Why Mother’s Day can feel exhausting instead of celebratory
• The invisible emotional labor moms carry
• The truth about breakfast in bed and overpriced brunches
• What stepmoms rarely say out loud
• Watching your kids grow while reinventing yourself
• Why pursuing your dreams doesn’t make you selfish
• Midlife identity shifts and imposter syndrome
• Tracy Bonham’s Scream Like a Mother project
• Jen’s upcoming Brooklyn adventure

Mentioned in This Episode

• Tracy Bonham
• Mother Mother
• Scream Like a Mother
• Williamsburg, Brooklyn
• Grand Street Recording

Connect with Jen

• Instagram: @thejenweinstein
• Newsletter: Backstage Pass
• Podcast: The Midlife Edit

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a mom, stepmom, bonus mom, or woman in reinvention mode who needs the reminder that she’s allowed to become something new too.

In this episode, Jen dives into the rise, disappearance, and long-overdue resurgence of the women in music who shaped the ‘90s and early 2000s. From Meredith Brooks to Tori Amos to Missy Elliott, this is a conversation about truth-telling, industry bias, cultural memory, and why so many iconic women were labeled, dismissed, or erased—while their music lived on.

But this isn’t just about the past. It’s about what’s changing now—and why midlife women are leading the charge in reclaiming these artists and giving them the recognition they’ve always deserved.

This one is part nostalgia, part cultural critique, and fully fired up.

🎶 What You’ll Hear in This Episode

• The moment “Bitch” by Meredith Brooks hit differently—and why it still does
• The pattern: how women in music were celebrated, then quietly pushed aside
• Why artists like Tori Amos still aren’t getting the recognition they deserve
• The double standard between male and female artists (and why it still exists)
• Missy Elliott’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction—and what took so long
• How streaming and TikTok are rewriting the rules of music longevity
• Why midlife women are reclaiming the narrative (and refusing to stay quiet)
• The question we should be asking: who are we overlooking right now?

💥 Key Takeaways

• The music never disappeared—the industry just moved on from the women who made it
• Women in music have historically been judged differently, labeled faster, and supported less
• Cultural recognition doesn’t always come when it should—but it can come later
• We’re in the middle of a shift—and women (especially in midlife) are driving it
• Two things can be true: progress is happening, and there’s still a long way to go

🖤 A Note From Jen

This episode started with a song on the radio… and turned into something much bigger.

Because it’s not just about music—it’s about voice.
It’s about being complicated. Loud. Emotional. Honest.
And refusing to shrink just because someone decided your moment was over.

Spoiler: it’s not.

📣 Call to Action

This week, go back and listen to a deep cut—not just the hit.

Then ask yourself:
👉 Who are we doing this to right now?

Come tell me:
Who deserves more flowers than they’ve gotten?

📲 Instagram & TikTok: @TheJenWeinstein
💌 Subscribe to the Backstage Pass newsletter for a deeper dive

🎤 Share the Episode

If this one hit for you, send it to:

• Your music-obsessed friend
• Your sister
• Your teenage daughter
• Anyone who needs a reminder that women’s voices don’t expire

⭐️ Don’t Forget

Follow, rate, and review The Midlife Edit—it helps more women find these conversations (and keeps them going).

In the first-ever Hot, Hormonal & Highly Opinionated episode, I’m skipping the neat little box and giving you the real, unfiltered version of what’s been on my mind lately. Think of it like we’re sitting across from each other with coffee… and I’m telling you everything.

We’re talking about what self-care actually looks like in midlife (hint: it’s not always spa days), getting very real about my perimenopause and HRT journey, and ending with a pop culture moment that celebrates women—because honestly, they deserve it.

If you’ve been feeling off, overwhelmed, unheard, or just not like yourself lately… this one is for you.

🔑 In This Episode:

✨ Real Self-Care (Not the Instagram Version)

• The difference between performative self-care and what actually helps
• Why self-care can feel selfish—and why it’s not
• Simple, real-life ways to take care of yourself without spending money or hours of time
• Why going to the doctor is one of the most important forms of self-care

🔥 My Hormone Journey (Unfiltered)

• What perimenopause has actually felt like for me
• Symptoms that were dismissed—and why I knew something wasn’t right
• Navigating doctors, testing, and finally finding someone who listened
• My current HRT protocol (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone)
• The gut health connection—and why I’m committing to AIP
• The reality: it’s expensive, overwhelming… and still worth it

🎶 Women Who Rock (Literally)

• Why 90s women in music are having a major moment again
• Artists still creating, evolving, and doing it on their terms
• What it means to step into your “second act” in midlife

🎬 Pop Culture Thoughts (Because Balance Matters)

• The Lamar Odom documentary and why Khloé Kardashian surprised me
• A real conversation about showing up for people—even when it’s complicated
• Why we’re allowed to care about pop culture and real-world issues

🏀 Women’s Sports Are Having a Moment

• The WNBA turning 30
• The rise of global women’s sports
• Why this isn’t a trend—it’s a movement
• Why it matters for the next generation of women

💭 The Bigger Message:

Women are doing the real work—on themselves, for others, in their careers, and in their lives… even when no one is watching or giving them credit.

That’s midlife.
And when you start paying attention—it’s powerful.

💌 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:

If this episode hit home for you, I want to hear about it.

• DM me on Instagram: @thejenweinstein
• Follow along on TikTok
• Email: jen@themidlifeeditco.com

🎧 More From The Midlife Edit:

• 🎶 Follow the playlist: The Midlife Edit Co on Spotify
• 💌 Join the Backstage Pass newsletter (weekly + no spam, ever)

⭐ If You Loved This Episode:

Share it with a friend, send it to someone who needs to hear it, or leave a review—it helps more women find this space.

Jaret opens up about his personal experience with depression, anxiety, divorce, and the pressure to always be “the funny guy”, and how sharing his story helped others find the courage to get help too. Together, Jen and Jaret talk about the stigma around men’s mental health, how partners can offer support, and why healing starts with talking about it.

From punk rock to personal growth, this conversation proves that vulnerability is strength — and that even rockstars are rewriting what it means to be okay.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• How Jaret Reddick learned to speak openly about mental health
• Why asking for help is an act of strength, not weakness
• What men wish women understood about emotional struggles
• How music can connect, comfort, and heal
• The importance of therapy, communication, and self-care in midlife
• The story behind Turbulence, There Is You, and Holdin’ On to That Hate

🧠 Favorite Quote

“Getting help isn’t showing weakness — it’s showing strength.” — Jaret Reddick

🌎 Resources & Mentions

• Punk Rock Saves Lives
  
  
• Amplified Minds (Formally Foundation 45)
  
  
• Tough Enough to Care (UK)
  
  
• BetterHelp
  
  
• Songs Mentioned:
  • Turbulence – Bowling for Soup
  • There Is You – Jaret Reddick
  • Holdin’ On to That Hate – Bowling for Soup

🎧 Listen & Subscribe

Find The Midlife Edit Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
Follow, rate, and review to help more listeners join the midlife comeback movement.

Sign up for The Midlife Edit Co Weekly Newsletter here!

If you’ve been feeling off — tired, unmotivated, disconnected, or just not like yourself — this episode is your reminder that you are not alone. Jen talks about how stress hits differently in midlife, why your hormones are not the enemy, and how small shifts in movement, nutrition, and music can help you find your rhythm again.

She also announces The Midlife Comeback Challenge: Holiday Edition — a 4-week reset to help women protect their peace and prioritize themselves before the chaos of the season hits.

Because before you take care of everyone else this year… it’s time to take care of the woman behind the magic.

🧠 In This Episode, Jen Talks About:

• That Target run moment when Christmas shows up way too soon 🎄
• How midlife women end up carrying the emotional and mental load of the holidays
• Losing strength, appetite, and energy — and why it’s not “just stress”
• How perimenopause messes with hormones, moods, and recovery
• Why stress feels heavier now (hint: it’s chemical, not character)
• How music can help you reconnect when you feel “off”
• The four-week Midlife Comeback Challenge: Holiday Edition and how to join

🪩 Challenge Breakdown:

Week 1: Nourish — Eat enough, fuel your energy, and support your hormones
Week 2: Move — Focus on strength and movement that feels good
Week 3: Breathe — Manage stress with intention (and a little grace)
Week 4: Reflect — Practice gratitude, compassion, and calm before the new year

Join Jen inside The Backstage Pass to get weekly playlists, nutrition tips, and challenge updates:
👉 Join the Challenge Here

🎶 Mentioned in This Episode:

• Grey Street – Dave Matthews Band
• You Oughta Know – Alanis Morissette
• Rage Against the Machine – for those “scream in the car” moments
• Bowling for Soup – for when you just need to dance it out

Follow Jen’s playlists on Spotify:
 🎧 The Midlife Edit Co. on Spotify

💌 Stay Connected

Subscribe to The Backstage Pass for exclusive updates, playlists, and behind-the-scenes content:
👉 Join Here

✨ Quote from the Episode

“Before you take care of everyone else this season, take care of the woman behind the magic. Because your family doesn’t need perfect — they need present.”

What does it really take to turn your life around when you’re feeling stuck? In this episode of The Midlife Edit, I sit down with the powerhouse that is Alivia Lesinski — a woman who has completely transformed her career, health, and finances through grit, intentionality, and a whole lot of delayed gratification. 

From being broke and stuck in a dead-end job to earning her master’s degree, leading operations for a mission-driven company, and investing in multiple real estate properties — all while working a modest W2 job — Alivia’s story is proof that you don’t have to wait for “perfect conditions” to go after what you want. 

We also dive into her incredible health journey, which included six surgeries in just three years, and how she managed to stay positive and keep moving forward through it all. And yes, we definitely talk about how she ended up dancing in the 2010 Olympics closing ceremonies! 

If you’ve ever felt like your circumstances were holding you back, this conversation will inspire you to take control of what you can change — and start building the life you want.  

What You’ll Hear in This Episode: 

• The moment Alivia decided to take control of her career and go back to school
• How she’s built a real estate portfolio on a modest income
• The mindset shifts that helped her navigate six surgeries in three years
• Why delayed gratification is her superpower
• The “No way!” story of dancing in the Olympics closing ceremonies
• Practical advice for taking personal agency over the areas of your life that aren’t serving you

 
Links & Resources Mentioned:
 

• Connect with Alivia Lesinski on Instgram: @liv_livingmybestlife
• Follow The Midlife Edit on Instagram: @thejenweinstein
• Visit the website: themidlifeeditco.com
• Join the Midlife Edit Insiders here

 
If you enjoyed this episode:
Please follow, rate, and review The Midlife Edit on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support helps more midlife women find these conversations and join our community.
 

 In this inspiring episode, Sairan joins Jen to talk about how to navigate transitions like returning to the workforce, shifting careers, or launching your own business in midlife. 

Together, they explore the emotional and practical aspects of change, the fears that hold people back, and how to tap into your “hidden gems”—those often-overlooked strengths that lead to passion, purpose, and powerful reinvention. 

Whether you’re feeling stuck in your current path or simply ready to evolve into your next chapter, this episode is packed with encouragement, wisdom, and actionable takeaways.  

🔍 What You’ll Learn: 

• How Sairan transitioned from engineering to entrepreneurship in midlife
• The biggest fears people face when starting over—and how to overcome them
• Why midlife is actually the perfect time to reinvent yourself
• How to uncover your hidden passions and align them with purpose
• Practical advice for women launching a business later in life
• The mindset shifts that make reinvention possible at any age

 
🧭 Connect with Sairan Aqrawi:
 
📸 Instagram: @sairanaqrawi


✉️ Have a topic you'd love to hear on the podcast?

Send your suggestions to Jen at jen@themidlifeeditco.com — your ideas might just shape a future episode!
 
 
🔔 Don’t Forget:
 
If this episode spoke to you, share it with a friend, leave a review, and subscribe so you never miss a moment of midlife magic.
 

In this week’s episode of The Midlife Edit, we’re diving into the powerful metaphor of the closet clean-out. But spoiler alert: this episode goes far beyond fashion. We're talking about all the things in midlife that may no longer “fit”—from outdated beliefs to draining relationships, worn-out habits, and roles we’ve outgrown.

I’ll walk you through:

• Why your physical closet reflects deeper layers of identity
• The four areas of life that deserve a fresh edit (mindsets, relationships, habits, roles)
• How to let go without guilt and make space for who you're becoming
• A mindset shift that reframes midlife not as a crisis, but as a beautifully intentional reset

This episode is your permission slip to say, “This no longer fits—and that’s okay.”

👉 I’d love to hear from you!
If you have a topic you’d like to hear on the podcast or a question you want answered, reach out to me anytime at jen@themidlifeeditco.com. I read every message, and your input helps shape future episodes.

Don't forget to visit themidlifeeditco.com for blog posts, merch and more! 

Join the Midlife Gains Club here!

Thanks for tuning in—and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review if this episode resonates with you.

Many of the rights women have today didn’t happen centuries ago.

They happened in our parents’ lifetime.

In this episode of The Midlife Edit, Jen talks about why so many women reach midlife and suddenly feel angry, frustrated, or ready to question everything they were taught growing up.

Because for decades, many women were raised with a cultural rulebook that said:

Be agreeable.
Trust authority.
Don’t rock the boat.
Don’t question doctors.
Don’t speak up too loudly.

But midlife has a way of changing that.

Jen reflects on several moments in women’s history that reveal how recent many fundamental rights actually are — from financial independence to healthcare research — and shares her own personal experience navigating years of medical gaslighting before finally being diagnosed with endometriosis and receiving a hysterectomy that changed her life.

Because sometimes midlife isn’t a crisis.

It’s the moment women start rewriting the rules.

In This Episode

• Why women couldn’t open credit cards or mortgages in their own name until 1974
 • Why women were excluded from medical research until the 1990s
 • The long history of healthcare gaslighting toward women
 • Jen’s personal experience with undiagnosed endometriosis and hysterectomy
 • The cultural “rulebook” many women were raised with
 • Why midlife often becomes the moment women find their voice

If This Episode Resonated

If you enjoyed this conversation:

⭐ Follow and subscribe to The Midlife Edit Podcast
⭐ Share this episode with a friend
⭐ Leave a review to help more women find the show

Connect With Jen

Website:
 https://themidlifeeditco.com

Instagram:
@thejenweinstein

TikTok:
@thejenweinstein

In this solo episode of The Midlife Edit, Jen dives into the very relatable experience of living out expectations, roles, and commitments that earlier versions of ourselves agreed to - and why midlife often becomes the moment we start questioning whether those plans still fit.

With humor, honesty, and a little rebellion, this episode explores why midlife isn’t about starting over… it’s about renegotiating the life you once said yes to.

In This Episode, Jen Talks About:

✨ Why the version of you who signs up for things is often VERY different from the version who has to show up
 ✨ How midlife triggers identity shifts - not just physical or hormonal changes
 ✨ The pressure to constantly “fix” ourselves and why that finish line keeps moving
 ✨ How curiosity can be more powerful than confidence
 ✨ A simple mindset shift to help you start editing your life instead of overhauling it

Coming Next Week…

Jen interviews author Elana Auerbach about pleasure, connection, and rediscovering parts of yourself that many women quietly lose somewhere between responsibility and routine.

(Fair warning… it’s a little spicy 🌶️)

Connect with Jen:

Website: The Midlife Edit Co.
Instagram: @thejenweinstein
Pinterest: The Midlife Edit Co.

If this episode resonated with you, don’t forget to follow, rate, and share The Midlife Edit with a friend who might need to hear it.

Together they unpack what it really means to carry emotional wounds from a complex mother-daughter relationship, how those patterns show up in adulthood, and what it takes to finally begin healing. 

Shelly shares her own story of growing up with a mother who struggled with mental illness, how she learned to re-parent herself, and why so many women in midlife begin to feel old pain rising to the surface. The two dive into guilt, grief, boundaries, ambiguous loss, and the difference between closure and completion. 

This episode isn’t about blaming your mother—it’s about reclaiming your wholeness and realizing it’s not your fault.  

💬 Key Takeaways 

• What the “mother wound” really is and how it can shape your relationships, self-worth, and even your career.
• Why midlife often becomes the time these buried wounds demand attention.
• The emotional difference between closure and completion—and why completion is more achievable.
• How to grieve the relationship you wish you’d had, even if your mother is still alive.
• The power of acknowledging unmet needs without shame or blame.
• The “apology ache” and learning to live without the words you may never hear.
• Shelly’s gentle mindset shift for daily awareness: “Am I making an excessive effort to be loved, seen, or appreciated?”
• Why healing starts close in—one doable, compassionate step at a time.

 
🧠 Midlife Edit Moment
 

“Strong women can break sometimes too. It’s okay not to be okay.”
 Healing isn’t about perfection—it’s about giving yourself permission to sit with what’s real and finally put down the weight that was never yours to carry.

 
🔗 Connect with Shelly Sharon
 

• Website & Blog: shellysharon.com
  
  
• Private Podcast: Birth Rite Series
   — three short episodes offering insight and practical guidance on healing the mother wound
• Substack: Women of Ash and Honey – Shelly’s reflections and essays
• Instagram: @unmothered_women
   

 
🪞 Mentioned in This Episode
 

• Mother Hunger by Kelly McDaniel — explores the “apology ache” and unmet maternal needs
• Start Close In by David Whyte — the poem Shelly quotes as inspiration for beginning where you are

 
💌 Join the Midlife Edit Community
 
If today’s conversation resonated, make sure you’re subscribed to The Midlife Edit on your favorite podcast platform—and share this episode with a friend who might need it.

✨ Let’s make midlife our comeback tour, not a crisis.
 

But here’s the thing-we don’t have to stay there. 

Just like pop culture is constantly remixing itself (90s and 2000s bands back on tour, documentaries retelling old stories, fashion comebacks), we get to hit edit too. Midlife is not a crisis-it’s the encore, the plot twist, the moment where we get to rewrite the script. 

In this episode, I share:
 ✨ Why culture’s constant edits are proof you can reinvent yourself anytime.
 ✨ My confession about being the queen of being easily influenced (and why I’m shocked I haven’t joined a cult yet).
✨ How to recognize the “cults of negativity” you may have unknowingly joined.
✨ Practical ways to protect your mental health, unsubscribe from the noise, and add in positive outlets that help you thrive.  

What You’ll Learn in This Episode 

• How to spot the subtle ways negativity shows up in your daily life.
• Why reframing brain fog, aging, and slower metabolism can protect your mindset.
• How nostalgia and pop culture can inspire us to embrace edits instead of fearing change.
• Simple mental health outlets—like journaling, movement, and connection—that help lighten the load.

 
Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Professional Support (U.S.)

• Psychology Today - →  Search for therapists by location, insurance, and specialty.
• TherapyDen
  → Inclusive therapist directory.
• Online Therapy: BetterHelp, Talkspace
  
  
  
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline → Call or text 988 for free, confidential support 24/7.
• Crisis Text Line → Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.
• NAMI Helpline → 1-800-950-6264 (Mon–Fri, 10am–10pm ET).

Other Outlets & Tools
 

• Journaling prompts: “What’s one thing I need to edit out of my life right now?” / “What’s one positive outlet I can add this week?”
• Apps: Calm, Headspace, Insight Timer for meditation; Daylio for mood tracking.
• Movement: walking, yoga, kettlebells, or just dancing to your favorite 90s playlist.
• Connection: weekly check-ins with a friend, support groups, or volunteering.

 
Call to Action

What cult of negativity are you ready to unsubscribe from this week? DM me on Instagram or share your edit-I’d love to hear it.
 
And if you loved today’s episode, it would mean the world if you left a review on Apple Podcasts or shared it with a friend who could use a little reminder that midlife is all about edits, not endings.
 

Episode Summary: 

In this episode, I’m joined by Shannon Johanson, owner of Lady Warrior, for a powerful conversation about navigating perimenopause and menopause with strength, knowledge, and grace. 

When I first launched this podcast, I planned to focus mainly on fitness and nutrition — but it’s become so much more. We’re now talking about reinvention, confidence, and embracing the Midlife Women Aesthetic — and today’s episode is the perfect example of that evolution. 

Shannon opens up about her personal journey, from feeling confused and frustrated by perimenopause symptoms to finding her power through holistic health, smart training, and mindset shifts. We talk about what it really means to work with your hormones (not against them), why so many women feel like they’re “broken” in midlife, and how we can flip that narrative to one of empowerment and thriving.  

What We Cover in This Episode: 

✨ Shannon’s personal perimenopause story — and what finally clicked
 ✨ Why toughing it out isn’t the answer
 ✨ The myths and misconceptions keeping women stuck
 ✨ What it means to train and fuel with your hormones
✨ How Shannon’s Menocore program is helping women reclaim their strength
✨ Why thriving in midlife is messy, sweaty, and absolutely worth it  

Connect with Shannon Johanson & Lady Warrior: 

🌟 TikTok: @ladywarriorshannon
🌟 Instagram: @shannon_ladywarrior
🌟 Website: ladywarrior.com  

Don’t Miss This Episode If You… 

✅ Feel lost or frustrated in perimenopause or menopause
 ✅ Want real-talk (not fluff) on midlife health and fitness
 ✅ Are ready to take charge of your body and thrive — no matter what season you’re in  

✨ Same podcast, new look — and we’re just getting started. Tune in, share with a friend, and let’s keep rewriting the midlife script together. 💛 

In today’s episode, Jen dives into how the right foods — and hydration habits — can power both your body and your mind in midlife. From blood sugar crashes to the gut-brain connection, you’ll learn why real, simple food matters more than ever now.

Then Jen is joined by special guest Dr. Marilyn Ward, PhD in Health & Human Performance, to break down the science behind food, mood, and mental clarity — and offer practical tips you can actually use, even on your busiest days.

Midlife doesn’t have to mean brain fog, anxiety, and constant fatigue. It’s time to eat for how you want to feel. 💪🏼

In This Episode:

• Why blood sugar dips can leave you moody, exhausted, and craving more junk
• How the gut-brain connection impacts anxiety, energy, and emotional resilience
• What chronic inflammation from processed foods really does to your body
• The best foods to fuel your brain, boost your mood, and balance hormones
• Easy hydration hacks to clear brain fog and curb cravings
• Practical ways to start fueling your midlife body and mind — without overwhelm

Special Guest:
👩🏻‍⚕️ Dr. Marilyn Ward
PhD in Health & Human Performance
Dr. Ward brings over 20 years of expertise helping women optimize their health, performance, and mental clarity — and today, she shares her favorite simple strategies for thriving through midlife.

Key Takeaways:
✨ Blood sugar balance is your brain’s best friend.
✨ A happy gut = a happier, clearer mind.
✨ Inflammation isn’t just a buzzword — it’s slowing you down.
✨ Real food fuels better focus, energy, and emotional strength.
✨ Hydration is a simple but powerful way to upgrade your midlife health.

Resources & Links:

• Follow Dr. Marilyn Ward on instagram @noexcusesmarilynward or her website
• The Midlife Gains Club!  Click To Join! 
• Get Your Merch! Shop Here

Connect with Jen:

• Instagram: @thejenweinstein
• Website: TheMidlifeEditCo.com

takeaways

• Midlife is not a crisis, but a chance to edit our lives.
• Society's narrative around midlife needs to change.
• Personal health journeys can lead to empowerment.
• Therapy is a valuable tool for self-discovery.
• Friendships in midlife require effort and intention.
• Mindset shifts are crucial for embracing change.
• It's okay to fail and learn from experiences.
• Social media can be both a blessing and a curse.
• Real conversations about health and wellness are needed.
• Community support is essential in navigating midlife.

website:  www.thejenweinstein.com 

socials: @jenuwein_

What if I’m just tired of working on myself?

In this solo episode, I’m talking about the constant pressure to fix, optimize, and improve every part of our lives—and how exhausting that can become, especially in midlife.

From conflicting health advice to mindset overload, it feels like there’s always something we should be doing better. And at some point, it stops feeling helpful… and starts feeling overwhelming.

I’m also sharing a bit about my own reset right now—what I’m changing, why I’m doing it, and how this time feels different. Not from a place of “fixing,” but from a place of wanting to feel like me again.

If you’ve been feeling off, overwhelmed, or just tired of trying to do everything “right”… this one’s for you.

🎧 IN THIS EPISODE

•  Why self-improvement can start to feel like pressure instead of growth 
•  The overwhelming amount of conflicting advice in health, mindset, and life 
•  How we internalize the idea that we must be doing something wrong 
•  The reality of perimenopause symptoms and why so many women feel “off” 
•  My personal reset (AIP, hormones, and getting back to basics) 
•  Why not everything needs to be optimized—or even healed 
•  Learning to trust yourself again instead of every voice online 

💭 KEY TAKEAWAYS

•  You are not broken—you might just be overloaded 
•  Not everything needs fixing, optimizing, or healing 
•  It’s okay to question the constant pressure to improve 
•  Your experience is valid, even if no one has clear answers 
•  Sometimes the goal isn’t to become someone new—it’s to come back to yourself 

🎶 MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

•  “Grey Street” – Dave Matthews Band

🫶 CONNECT WITH ME

Instagram: @TheJenWeinstein
 TikTok: @TheJenWeinstein

🔁 SHARE THE EPISODE

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend who needs to hear it.
 And if you haven’t already—follow, rate, and review The Midlife Edit so we can keep growing this community together.

✨ FINAL NOTE

This is your midlife edit—
 so let’s make it a damn good chapter.

In the Season 2 opener of The Midlife Edit, Jen kicks off a brand-new chapter with a powerful question: how loud are you actually living your life right now?

This episode is the foundation for the entire season....a real, honest, and practical conversation about how women slowly turn the volume down on themselves… and how midlife is often the moment we finally notice it.

Jen breaks down what “living on low” actually looks like in real life: being the peacekeeper, the performer, or the one who disappears to keep everyone else comfortable, and why this isn’t weakness, but competence taken too far.

More importantly, this episode isn’t just about awareness. It’s about how to start changing it.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why midlife isn’t a crisis, it’s clarity
• How hormones, energy shifts, and changing roles reveal what’s been muted
• The Volume Map: a simple tool to identify where your life is running on low
• The three most common “muting patterns” women fall into
• How to choose one realistic Volume Up Move (without chaos or guilt)
• Why guilt shows up when you start choosing yourself — and how to handle it
• Why taking care of yourself is not selfish (even when others benefit from you staying small)

Jen also introduces the Season 2 soundtrack concept and explains why Dog Days Are Over is the anchor song for this episode...a reminder that when your body and brain finally agree, it’s time to stop living on low.

This season of The Midlife Edit is a how-to guide for midlife - not just inspiration, but real tools to help you advocate for yourself, focus on health instead of skinny, find happiness from within, and start asking for what you actually want.

🎧 Next episode: What Do You Actually Want? - and why this question changes everything.

If this episode resonated with you:

• Join the Backstage Pass (Jen’s email list) for behind-the-scenes notes, playlists, and extras
• Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast - it helps more women find the show
• Follow along on Instagram @thejenweinstein for continued conversation and visuals from this episode

Until next time - turn the volume up...and make it a damn good chapter. 

📄 Episode Summary: 

In this deeply personal solo episode, Jen shares her recent experience with the Everlywell Women’s Hormone Test—and the surprising results that confirmed what she’d been feeling: low estrogen and elevated FSH. She breaks down what these results actually mean (especially if you’ve had a partial hysterectomy with your ovaries intact), and what it looks like to navigate perimenopause with clarity and strength. 

Jen dives into the exact ways she’s supporting her body through this transition—from nutrition and strength training to the mindset shifts that are helping her stop the spiral and reclaim her energy. If you’ve been feeling off, tired, or just “not like yourself,” this episode will hit home.  

🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 

• Why low estrogen and high FSH levels matter in midlife
• How a partial hysterectomy can complicate hormone awareness
• Key nutrition strategies to support hormone health
• Why strength training is more important than ever in perimenopause
• How mindset, therapy, and self-compassion play a crucial role in this season
• Why you're not "falling apart"—you're shifting into a new version of you

 
🛠 Resources & Mentions:
 

• Everlywell Women's Hormone Test: Get Yours HERE
• Have a question or story to share? Email Jen at jen@themidlifeeditco.com

 
💬 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:
 
If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review, share it with a friend, or tag @thejenweinstein on Instagram. Your voice matters—and it might just help another woman feel less alone in her midlife journey.
 

💬 Episode Summary: 

In this raw and reflective episode, Jen opens up about the emotional weight of being haunted by the woman she used to be—the version of herself that spent years performing, people-pleasing, and conforming to be accepted. 

From doing things she didn’t want to do just for attention (good or bad), to losing sight of who she really was (or maybe never fully knowing), this is a vulnerable look at how many of us, especially in midlife, are finally waking up to the realization that we don’t want to go back—we want to come home to ourselves. 

If you’ve ever felt like you were building your identity on what everyone else needed from you… this episode will speak to your soul.  

🔑 In This Episode, Jen Talks About: 

• How and why we shapeshift to gain approval and love
• The exhaustion of constantly performing for acceptance
• What happens when you wake up and realize you don’t know who you are anymore
• Grieving your former self—with compassion
• The hard lesson that you can’t change people who don’t want to change
• Reclaiming your voice, boundaries, and identity in midlife
• Letting go of the old you, so you can finally meet the real you

🔗 Connect with Jen:
 

• Instagram: @thejenweinstein
• Website: www.themidlifeeditco.com
• Email: jen@themidlifeeditco.com

Have an idea for a future episode? Want to share your story? Send Jen a message—she’d love to hear from you!
 
 
⭐️ If You Enjoyed This Episode:
 
Please leave a rating or review! It helps more women in midlife find the show—and feel a little less alone in their journey.
 

But we’re back, fully re-recorded, and this time with actual words. 😂

In this solo episode, I’m diving into burnout in midlife—the deep kind that comes from being everything for everyone while your own needs sit at the bottom of the list. We’ll talk about:

• What midlife burnout really looks like (it’s more than just being tired)
• The unique layer of stepmom burnout nobody really talks about
• The heartbreak of showing up for family when they don’t show up for you
• The invisible “mental load” we carry (physical, mental, emotional)
• Signs you’re carrying too much and how to finally put some of that weight down

Burnout doesn’t mean you’re failing—it just means you’ve been carrying too much, for too long. This episode is a reminder that you’re not alone, and it’s okay to prioritize yourself without guilt.

✨ And don’t miss the teaser at the end—next week we’re flipping the script with The Midlife Comeback Tour. Less burnout, more breakthrough. You’re not going to want to miss it.

But Louisa didn’t start breaking records in her twenties — she did it all after turning 50. While juggling family life and grandmother duties, she rewrote what midlife can look like and proves that reinvention has no age limit. 

We talk about how she got into motorbiking, what it’s like to chase world records, and how birthdays, age, and adrenaline can fuel your boldest dreams. Louisa also shares how her newest book The Stoic Rider is inspiring people far beyond the biking community to live with intention and purpose.  

🧭 What We Talk About: 

• How Louisa got into land speed racing later in life
• Facing fear and pushing past limits at 200+ mph
• Why midlife is the perfect time for reinvention
• The mindset shift that changed everything
• The inspiration behind her new book The Stoic Rider
• Her upcoming U.S. tour and free journaling companion guide

 
📚 Resources & Links:
 
✨ Grab Louisa’s book, The Stoic Rider HERE

Check out here Instagram HERE

 💬 Favorite Quote from the Episode:
 

“The only thing in your way is you. The sky is literally the limit.”

 
📩 Got episode ideas or guest suggestions?
 
I’d love to hear from you. Email me at jen@themidlifeeditco.com
 

In this episode, we’ll get real about:

• Why midlife often shines a spotlight on old wounds and new stressors
• How to shift from “I should be stronger than this” to “I’m allowed to feel this”
• Why vulnerability is actually strength, not weakness
• A sneak peek at an exciting guest joining the podcast soon (trust me, you’ll want to tune in 👀)

And most importantly, I’ll share 5 tools for your Midlife Mental Fitness Toolkit that you can start using today:

1. Rest Without Guilt – Give yourself permission to pause, nap, or say no without shame.
2. Processing the Past – Use therapy, journaling, or honest conversations to release old pain.
3. Honest Self-Talk – Replace “I should be stronger than this” with “I’m allowed to feel this.”
4. Outlets & Expression – Lean into music, movement, writing, or creative practices as survival tools.
5. Asking for Help – Reaching out is not weakness; it’s proof you’re ready to grow.

🎧 Whether you’re in a season of burnout, facing old wounds, or just trying to keep your head above water, this episode is your reminder that you’re not alone—and that you’re always one step away from your own comeback.

✨ This isn’t a crisis. It’s a comeback.

Let’s be real: after years (or decades) of dieting, calorie-counting, and food guilt, it’s hard to just “listen to your body.” But in midlife, that’s exactly what so many of us need. 

In this empowering episode of The Midlife Edit Podcast, we’re breaking down what intuitive eating actually looks like — and how it can coexist with tools like GLP-1 medications for women looking to reclaim their relationship with food. 

Jen is joined by Ashley Durbin, CRNP, a certified nurse practitioner in obesity medicine and GLP-1 provider, for an honest, positive, and non-judgmental conversation about supporting your body, your goals, and your well-being.  

In This Episode, You’ll Learn: 

✨ What intuitive eating really means — and what it’s not
✨ Why midlife is the perfect time to break up with food guilt
✨ How GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro can help reduce food noise
✨ Why intuitive eating and GLP-1s don’t have to be “either/or”
✨ How to find a sustainable, judgment-free approach to nourishing your body
✨ Encouragement for women considering GLP-1s — minus the shame  

💬 Special Guest: 

Ashley Durbin, CRNP
Ashley is a certified nurse practitioner and board-certified in obesity medicine. She specializes in helping women improve their metabolic health and confidence through education, medical support, and compassion.  

💥 Rapid Fire Q&A: 

Stick around to the end of the episode where Ashley shares her favorite way to move, her go-to mood booster, and what she believes women in midlife should stop apologizing for. 👏  

💌 Want More Support? 

Join the Midlife Gains Club on Facebook — it’s totally free!
Inside the group you’ll get: 

• Free tools like the Weekly Meal Planner
• Journaling prompts
• Support from other amazing midlife women
   ➡️ Join here

Welcome back to The Midlife Edit!

In this solo episode, Jen gets real about a question so many women in their 40s and 50s are asking:

“Are my symptoms just burnout… or is this perimenopause?”

Fatigue, brain fog, mood swings, anxiety, poor sleep — sound familiar? You’re not alone. But here’s the tricky part: perimenopause symptoms and burnout from chronic stress often overlap — and sometimes they pile on top of each other.

In this honest, relatable episode, we dive into:
 ✅ How perimenopause and burnout mimic each other
 ✅ How to start untangling what’s really going on
 ✅ Why you don’t need a perfect diagnosis to start caring for yourself
✅ Practical ways to support your mind and body — no matter the cause

Jen also shares her personal story of chasing hormone solutions, only to realize that sometimes the biggest healing comes from slowing down and saying no.

💛 If you’ve been feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or “off,” this episode is your reminder that you are not broken — and you are definitely not alone.

📩 Contact & Connect:

Got a topic or story you want to share? Email me at jen@themidlifeedit.com — I love hearing from you!

Follow along for more midlife real talk:
 👉 Instagram: @thejenweinstein
 👉 TikTok: @thejenweinstein
 👉 Website: www.themidlifeeditco.com

✨ Show Notes: 

Welcome back to The Midlife Edit! 

In this solo episode, Jen dives into something we all wonder: 

Why do we only let ourselves rest, have fun, and enjoy life on vacation — and how can we bring that feeling home?

You know the drill: on vacation, you’re relaxed, present, joyful… and then you come home and snap right back into grind mode. Sound familiar?
 
In this playful yet meaningful episode, we explore:
 ✅ Why we separate “vacation us” from “real-life us”
 ✅ What vacation reveals about the things we’re craving
✅ How to bring micro-moments of rest, play, and presence into your everyday life
✅ Why you don’t need a plane ticket to enjoy your life right now

Jen shares personal stories, gentle reminders, and simple tips to help you break out of the “save it for later” mindset — and start living like your best self today.


💛 If you’ve been waiting for “someday” to rest, have fun, or shake things up, this episode is your permission slip.


📩 Contact & Connect:

Got a topic you want to hear next? Send me an email at jen@themidlifeeditco.com!
 
Follow along for more midlife mindset shifts:
👉 Instagram: @thejenweinstein
👉 TikTok: @thejenweinstein
👉 Website: www.themidlifeeditco.com
 

Midlife reinvention isn’t about blowing up your life or becoming a completely new person. It’s about learning how to keep becoming...without burnout, rigidity, or guilt.

In this Season 1 finale of The Midlife Edit, Jen dives into the practical side of reinvention and what it actually looks like week to week, inside real life with real responsibilities, shifting energy, and ever-changing seasons.

This episode moves beyond mindset and inspiration and into sustainable rhythms. She talks about how to build routines that support you, stay consistent without being all-or-nothing, and keep evolving without losing momentum.

Jen introduces the idea of rhythms over rules, explains why minimum effective routines work better in midlife, and shares a simple weekly framework to help you edit your life intentionally instead of forcing perfection.

You’ll also hear what’s coming in Season 2...including more conversations around music, strength, confidence, identity, libido, blended families, and all the in-between topics we don’t talk about enough...plus a heartfelt reflection on why starting this podcast was a vision board moment that finally came to life.

This episode is a reminder that midlife isn’t the era where you finally arrive.
 It’s the era where you stop freezing yourself in place.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT:

• Why reinvention doesn’t work when it’s rigid or extreme
• The difference between rules and rhythms in midlife
• What reinvention really looks like in ordinary weeks
• The “Weekly Edit” and how to use it without pressure
• Creating routines that don’t lead to burnout
• Why consistency is about returning, not perfection
• How to evolve your goals without losing momentum
• Why 2026 can be a continuation year instead of “new year, new me”
• A preview of what’s coming in Season 2 of The Midlife Edit
• Gratitude, reflection, and closing out Season 1 with intention

SEASON 1 CLOSING NOTE

Thank you for being part of Season 1 of The Midlife Edit. Whether you’ve been here since the beginning or just found the podcast, your presence matters more than you know. Season 2 is coming...and we’re just getting started.

Jen dives into how therapy and a strong support system have helped her navigate this heavy season, and why she finally decided to order a hormone test to better understand what’s happening in her body. This episode is a reminder that you’re not alone, you’re not lazy, and you’re certainly not broken — even if you feel like you’re barely holding it together. 

What You’ll Hear: 

• The reality of midlife fatigue that sleep can’t fix
• What high-functioning anxiety looks like (and why it’s often overlooked)
• The role hormones may be playing in your motivation and mood
• How therapy is helping Jen reframe rest and self-compassion
• The importance of support systems when you feel like you’re falling apart
• Why she ordered a hormone test and how she’s using curiosity over shame
• An empowering message if you’re feeling off, overwhelmed, or emotionally drained

 
Let’s Stay Connected:
Loved this episode? Share your thoughts with Jen on Instagram @thejenweinstein or inside the Midlife Gains Club Facebook group.

Subscribe & Review:
If this episode resonated with you, consider subscribing and leaving a review. Your feedback helps other midlife women find this podcast and feel seen.
 

In this episode of The Midlife Edit, we’re talking about movement - not the loud, dramatic, “burn it all down” kind, but the kind that’s intentional, sustainable, and honest. This conversation is rooted in fitness, perimenopause, and the very real fear of slipping backward after working hard to change your health.

If you’ve ever lost weight, rebuilt trust with your body, or become known as “the fitness person,” you might recognize the pressure that comes with it - the fear of old habits returning, the guilt around rest, and the panic that one missed workout could undo everything.

We talk about:

• Why perimenopause can change how fitness feels, not just how it looks
• The difference between discipline and panic
• Why gentleness does not mean laziness or giving up
• How fear can quietly start driving your fitness decisions
• What it actually takes to find joy in movement again
• Why adjusting your approach doesn’t erase your progress

This episode is about learning how to listen to your body without letting fear run the show - and how to stay committed to your health without burning yourself out in the process.

🎶 Song of the episode: Learning to Fly by Tom Petty
Because this season isn’t about stopping - it’s about learning how to move forward without crashing.

As we head into February, you’ll hear more guest conversations on the podcast alongside practical, how-to episodes focused on navigating midlife health, mindset, and change in a way that’s sustainable and real.

If fitness feels complicated right now, you’re not broken - and you’re not alone.
 You’re learning to fly.

In this episode, I sit down with Jen—911 dispatcher by day, CrossFitter and adventurer by choice—to talk about how shifting her fitness focus from endurance to strength training has transformed not only her body, but her mindset. We get into what it’s like starting CrossFit in your 40s, how fitness helps her handle high-stress situations, and why she’s making it a mission to find joy and freedom in every season of life. 

We also talk about: 

• Why Jen traded Orangetheory for CrossFit after 10 years
• The power of lifting heavy and feeling strong in midlife
• Her monthly travel challenge (and tips for making it happen)
• Finding joy in concerts, movement, and meaningful connection
• What midlife actually looks like—vs. what we were told it would

Whether you're curious about CrossFit, craving more adventure, or just need a reminder that midlife can be your best chapter yet—this one's for you.
 
💬 Want to connect or share your story? I’d love to hear from you!
Email me at: jen@themidlifeeditco.com

🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with a friend who lifts (or wants to)!
 

Find Renae here:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563933630021

https://www.instagram.com/thespacebetween_pod/

Sign up for my email list:

https://thejenweinstein.myflodesk.com/yr6fiyyi6l

To be a guest on the show, or if there are topics you'd like to hear about, email me at info@thejenweinstein.com

In this episode of The Midlife Edit, I’m sharing my simple but powerful 4R Method for making a comeback anytime life pulls you sideways: Reconnect, Reset, Reframe, Restart. 

I’ll walk you through: 

• How a weekend at the Four Chords Festival reminded me to Reconnect with joy and my high school self.
• Why gut health struggles pushed me to Reset one small thing instead of trying to overhaul everything.
• The mindset shift I used to Reframe stalling out—not as failure, but as fuel for my comeback.
• How recording this episode became my way to Restart with imperfect action.

✨ The Midlife Comeback Tour isn’t about perfection. It’s about persistence.


What You’ll Learn in This Episode
 

• The exact 4-step framework to use when you’re stuck or starting over.
• Quick, realistic takeaways you can put into action this week.
• How to stop seeing “falling off” as failure—and start seeing it as part of your comeback.

 
Free Resource

Grab your free guide: The 4R Midlife Comeback Guide
It’s a 2-page PDF with quick summaries, journal space, and a weekly check-in tracker—your pocket plan for when life goes off-script.
👉 Get Yours Here!


Let’s Connect
 

• Share your 4Rs on social media and tag me so I can cheer you on!
• Subscribe to The Midlife Edit wherever you listen to podcasts.
• Want more midlife edits, playlists, and resources? Visit www.themidlifeeditco.com
  .

They say midlife is a crisis…I say it’s a comeback. 👏 

In this solo episode, I’m diving into a topic that has defined my own journey and so many of yours: reinvention. Whether you’re feeling stuck, burnt out, or simply craving something new, this is your invitation to explore what your next chapter could look like. 

We’ll talk about why midlife is the perfect time to pivot, how to overcome the fears that hold us back, and simple steps to start designing a life that feels exciting again. Reinvention doesn’t have to be a total overhaul; it can start with small, intentional shifts. 

Ready to shake things up? Let’s do this together! 

In this episode, I share: 

• Why midlife is an ideal time to reinvent yourself
• How to explore new careers, hobbies, and relationships
• The emotional (and empowering!) side of starting over
• How to create your personal “Midlife Reinvention Toolkit”
• A gentle reminder that it’s never too late to become who you want to be

Resources mentioned:
👉 Download The Midlife Reinvention Workbook [Click Here to Get Yours] to help you map out your next chapter!


Connect with me:
 

• Visit www.themidlifeeditco.com
• Follow on Instagram @thejenweinstein
• Join The Midlife Gains Club community here 

 
If you loved this episode, it would mean so much if you subscribed, left a review, and shared it with a friend who’s ready for their next chapter too. 💛
 

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what I’m calling The Midlife Comeback Tour — and inviting you to create your own.

I’ll share:

• The behind-the-scenes burnout moment that literally left me uploading an episode with no sound.
• How my stomach health struggles are teaching me to roll with the punches and still keep going.
• Why Jem and the Holograms was more than just an 80s cartoon — and what she can teach us about midlife identity and filters.
• A simple framework for letting go of things you’re only doing out of obligation.
• How music — from Madonna and Lady Gaga to Taylor Swift and Dave Matthews Band — reminds us that reinvention is always possible. (And yes, I talk about Grey Street and what it means to me.)
• My personal Midlife Comeback Tour — from playlists to merch to reclaiming my spark.

✨ Because here’s the truth: burnout may have been the opening act, but it doesn’t get to headline your story.

This is your encore. This is your tour. And you’re invited.

🔗 Links & Resources:

• 🎶 Listen to the Midlife Comeback Tour Playlists → HERE!
• 🛍 Shop The Midlife Edit merch → themidlifeeditco.com
  
  
• ✨ Be the first to know about new episodes, merch and fun. Join the Midlife Edit Insiders Group HERE

💬 If this episode resonated, share it with your midlife bestie, subscribe wherever you listen, and leave a review — it helps more women step into their own spotlight.

Because midlife isn’t a crisis. It’s your encore.

• Strength training is essential for self-care, especially for women in midlife.
• Kettlebells provide a full-body workout in a short amount of time.
• Exercise releases endorphins, improving mood and mental clarity.
• Prioritizing your health allows you to better care for others.
• It's never too late to start strength training, regardless of age.
• Strength training builds resilience and confidence in daily activities.
• Discipline is more important than motivation in fitness.
• Kettlebells are a versatile tool for strength and conditioning.
• Overcoming mindset barriers is crucial for starting a fitness journey.
• Investing in your health now pays off in the future.

Links

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenuwein_/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jenuwein_
• Website: https://www.thejenweinstein.com/

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Gratitude

02:30
The Importance of Strength Training

05:48
Building Resilience Through Strength

08:16
Self-Care and Empowerment

10:36
Kettlebells: A Tool for Strength and Simplicity

14:00
Overcoming Common Fears of Strength Training

20:03
Discipline Over Motivation

22:14
Challenge and Conclusion

We’ll break down the Midlife Edit Meal Planning Method — Plan → Prep → Pair → Pivot — and show you how to build flexible structure into your week to fuel your energy, metabolism, and strength. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ Why meal planning looks different in midlife
✅ How to create a 60-minute weekly reset that works
✅ What foods to prep to hit your protein goals
✅ Real-life tips for meal planning when life is busy and unpredictable
✅ How to pair batch cooking with strength goals 

💥 Want the free Weekly Meal Planner PDF?
Join the Midlife Gains Club on Facebook — it’s free!
🎉 Inside, you’ll find weekly planning tools, bonus wellness content, and support from other strong midlife women.
Join Here ➡️https://www.facebook.com/groups/548879401564465

🎧 Listen now and let meal planning work for your real life — not against it. 

In this honest solo episode, Jen opens up about what it really feels like to be 42 and still not feel like an adult. She dives into the Millennial Ache, the pressure of social media “how-tos,” and the emotional weight of reinventing yourself in midlife.

Jen shares:

• Why millennials struggle with identity more than any generation
• How growing up without the internet — but adulting with it — changed us
• The loneliness of adult friendships
• Her honest confession about chasing trends, programs, and roles that weren’t truly hers
• Why she’s done creating from pressure and is ready to build The Midlife Edit Co. from the heart
• What “growing up again” really looks like at 42

If you’ve ever felt behind, overwhelmed, nostalgic, or unsure of who you are “supposed to be,” this episode is a breath of relief — and a reminder that you’re right on time.

In this episode, Jen gets honest about body dysmorphia, fake confidence, and why even positive body changes don’t always shift the way we see ourselves. She breaks down how body dysmorphia often shows up as a subtle mind game, why midlife hormones and identity shifts complicate body image, and how confidence can coexist with insecurity.

Jen also explores the difference between fake confidence and real confidence, why the way we talk about our bodies matters to the younger people listening, and how to practice self-kindness and grace without toxic positivity.

Plus, a preview of next week’s episode: Part one of a calm, realistic 2026 planning guide—without the pressure of New Year’s resolutions.

From rebranding her business (again!) to redefining what it means to nourish herself, Jen shares how embracing change has allowed her to live with more alignment, creativity, and joy. She opens up about her ADHD diagnosis, how perimenopause feels like a thousand browser tabs open at once, and why she now sees her “indecisiveness” as imagination in disguise.

Jen reminds listeners that midlife is one big, beautiful edit—a remix of everything we’ve learned, survived, and felt so far. You don’t owe the world the same version of you forever; you owe yourself the chance to evolve.

In This Episode

• Why indecision might actually be your hidden superpower
• How ADHD and perimenopause play into creative chaos
• The pressure women face to “pick a lane” and stay there
• How to nourish not just your body—but your evolution
• What Jen has learned through countless pivots, rebrands, and restarts
• The one thing she’s stayed consistent with (and why it changed everything)

Favorite Quotes

“Indecision isn’t weakness—it’s evolution.”
 “You don’t owe the world the same version of you forever.”
 “Every time I change my mind, it’s because I’m hungry for something deeper.”
 “Maybe we’re not indecisive after all. Maybe we’re just remixing.”

Mentioned in This Episode

• The Pre-Holiday Reset (week one: Nourish)
• The Backstage Pass: Sign Up Here
• YouTube version of this episode (watch and subscribe!)

Listen & Subscribe

🎧 Spotify | 🍎 Apple Podcasts | ▶️ YouTube
 ✨ Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to help more women discover their midlife power move.

The bold ones.
The loud ones.
The ones who take up space and break the rules.

But if you’re a Gen X or millennial woman…
you probably weren’t raised to be her.

You were raised to admire her.

To be likable.
To be easy.
To go with the flow.
To say, “I’m good with anything.”

In this episode, I’m talking about what that actually did to us—
how we learned to fit in instead of figure ourselves out,
and why so many of us are just now asking:

what do I actually want?

As Women's History Month comes to a close, this is a different kind of conversation—
about the gap between the women we celebrate…
and the way we were taught to be.

If you’ve ever felt like you’ve been shape-shifting your whole life just to belong—

this one’s for you.

💡 Love the podcast? Show your support with merch! Check out The Midlife Edit Podcast and Midlife Gains Club gear—because midlife is about strength, humor, and living boldly. Shop now at thejenweinstein.com/shop or on Etsy at themidlifeedit.etsy.com.

Do you ever feel like you're behind—like you missed some invisible deadline for happiness, success, or having it all figured out? In this solo episode, Jen dives into the pressure so many of us feel in midlife to measure up to a timeline that was never really ours to begin with.

From career changes and health goals to relationships and self-worth, this conversation explores what happens when you give yourself permission to ditch the timeline—and start defining life on your own terms.

If you’ve ever thought, “I should be further along by now,” this episode is your reminder: You’re not late. You’re right on time.

What You’ll Hear:

• Why so many women feel “behind” in midlife
• The invisible timeline we’ve been conditioned to chase
• Jen’s personal story of redefining what “on track” really means
• How to shift from deadlines to aligned milestones
• A powerful journal prompt to reset your mindset this week

Journal Prompt:

🖊️ What would you do differently if there were no deadline to meet?

Connect with Jen:

• Website: www.themidlifeeditco.com
• Instagram: @thejenweinstein
• Email: jen@themidlifeeditco.com

Love the show?

Please consider rating, reviewing, or sharing this episode with someone who needs the reminder that midlife isn’t a crisis—it’s a creative reset.

In Part 1 of this two-part series, Jen breaks down why reinvention isn’t failure, it’s responsiveness. This episode is about giving yourself permission to evolve loudly, change your mind often, and stop forcing yourself into rigid goals that were never built for real life.

Instead of New Year’s resolutions, Jen introduces a flexible, editable roadmap grounded in three powerful lenses: happiness, healthiness, and wealth...not as goals, but as filters to help you decide what stays and what goes as you move into 2026.

This episode dives into:

• Why midlife brings clarity, not crisis
• How women have been conditioned to stay small, quiet, and “grateful”
• Redefining happiness as alignment, not performance
• Reframing health as strength, energy, and capacity, not punishment
• Why money has long been a taboo topic for women...and why it’s time to change that
• How wealth really means options, freedom, and choice
• Why traditional resolutions fail midlife women
• A 4-step editable roadmap you can revisit and revise as often as needed

This is the mindset shift.
 The permission slip.
 The foundation for reinvention, on your terms.

In Part 2, Jen gets practical: how to turn this roadmap into real routines, how to stay consistent without becoming rigid, and how to keep evolving without losing momentum.

Midlife isn’t the winding down.
 It’s the expansion.

Let’s make it a damn good chapter.

Takeaways

Finding anchor habits can help in daily routines.
Celebrate small wins to build consistency.
Your body communicates its needs; listen to it.
Strength training is essential for maintaining muscle mass.
Focus on energy and strength rather than just weight.
Consistency is more important than perfection in health.
Food should be viewed as nourishment, not a restriction.
It's never too late to start a new health journey.
Midlife can be a powerful time for transformation.
Your past does not define your future choices.

 Get your weekly dose of The Midlife Edit straight to your inbox! 🚀 Each email is packed with highlights from the latest episode, actionable tips for midlife wellness, and a little inspiration to keep you thriving. No fluff—just real talk, real stories, and real strategies. Sign up now: https://fantastic-haze-92284.myflodesk.com/yr6fiyyi6l

In this solo episode, we’re flipping the script on guilt and embracing the unapologetic power of midlife. I’m sharing the raw, real truth about the things I used to feel bad for — and why I’m done saying “sorry” for who I am, what I want, and how I live.

From saying no without over-explaining to owning your need for rest, this episode is all about giving yourself permission to evolve out loud. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to shrink, please, or perform, this is your sign to stop apologizing and start owning your space.

What You’ll Hear:

• Why midlife is the perfect time to let go of people-pleasing
• My personal “no-more-apologies” list — and why each one matters
• How this mindset shift can change your health, confidence, and clarity
• A journal prompt to help you release guilt and rewrite your story
• An invitation to share your own list with me for a future episode!

💌 Journal Prompt:

What are you no longer apologizing for — and what freedom does that give you?
Send your thoughts to jen@themidlifeeditco.com — I’d love to hear what’s on your list.

💬 Love the show?

Share this episode with a friend who’s ready to ditch the guilt and filter their life on their own terms. And don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and connect with me on Instagram or TikTok @thejenweinstein!

In this episode of The Midlife Edit, I sit down with Tracy Bonham to talk about what it really meant to be labeled “the angry woman” in the 90s - and what it looks like to reclaim that voice in midlife.

This conversation goes far beyond nostalgia.

We talk about:

• Taking up space as a woman in the music industry
• Being misunderstood, minimized, or told to tone it down
• The evolution from 90s rage to midlife clarity
• Motherhood, divorce, and creative reinvention
• Her breast cancer journey and advocating for herself
• Using your platform in a time when artists are told to “stay in their lane”
• The 30th anniversary of The Burdens of Being Upright and her “Where It All Began” residency shows

Tracy reflects on who she was when she wrote Mother Mother, who she is now, and why using your voice — creatively and personally — still matters.

If you’ve ever been told you’re too much, too loud, or too angry… this one is for you.

Connect with Tracy Bonham

Website: https://www.tracybonham.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracybonham/

 🔗 Read the full blog recap here.

If you love this episode, share it with a friend and leave a review - it helps The Midlife Edit grow and reach more women who need these conversations.

In this episode, I sit down with pleasure coach and author Elana Auerbach to talk about intimacy, shame, ritual, and what it really means to reconnect with your body and your desires in this season of life.

Elana shares how spending more than a decade struggling with intimacy in her own relationship led her to create The Sure Thing - a weekly ritual designed to remove pressure, build emotional safety, and bring playfulness back into long-term relationships.

But this conversation goes far beyond intimacy.

We talk about:

• Why so many women feel disconnected from their bodies in midlife
 • How shame and conditioning impact our relationship with pleasure
 • Why desire changes in long-term relationships - and why that’s normal
 • The power of ritual in creating safety and anticipation
 • What it actually means to take responsibility for your own pleasure
 • How reconnecting with your body can rebuild confidence and identity

If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable in your changing body… unsure of what you want… or hesitant to prioritize yourself without guilt - this episode is your permission slip.

Midlife isn’t about losing yourself. It’s about rediscovering who you are now.

💛 Key Takeaways

✨ Intimacy fades without intention - and that’s normal
 ✨ Shame is one of the biggest barriers to pleasure and connection
 ✨ Ritual creates emotional safety in relationships
 ✨ Playfulness can revive desire more than pressure ever will
 ✨ You are allowed to prioritize connection, joy, and pleasure without apology

📚 Resources Mentioned

• The Sure Thing by Elana Auerbach Buy it here
• Learn more about Elana and her work: The Sure Thing Experiment 

Join host Jen Weinstein as she dives into all the things no one warned us about—hot flashes, brain fog, strength training, the many types of therapy, hormone balancing, and figuring out who the hell we are now. With a mix of expert insights, real talk, and a little humor (because if we’re not laughing, we’re crying, right?), The Midlife Edit is your go-to space for embracing this season with confidence, strength, and balance.

Whether you’re trying to lift heavier, sleep better, set stronger boundaries, or just remember why you walked into a room, this podcast is here to remind you: midlife is not the end—it’s just an edit. And you get to rewrite it your way.

Hit subscribe and let’s tackle midlife together—one episode at a time.

She also announces The Feed the People Tour — a special merch drop from The Midlife Edit Co., where 100% of the profits will be donated to Feeding America to help families affected by the current food insecurity crisis.

Because movement isn’t just physical — it’s compassion, courage, and action.

💿 In this episode you’ll learn:

• Why midlife isn’t a crisis — it’s your remix.
• How to move through seasons of change with intention and grace.
• What “movement” really means — from walking away from what no longer fits, to stepping into your power.
• How Jen pivoted her workouts and eating habits after facing stomach issues — and what it taught her about self-trust.
• Why she pressed pause on The Remix Era Collection to launch something bigger — The Feed the People Tour.

✨ Mentioned in this episode:

• Shop The Feed the People Tour Drop (100% to Feeding America)
  
  
• Listen to The Midlife Edit Podcast Archive
  
  
• Join the Pre-Holiday Reset Series (Free)
  
  

📝 Quote to Remember:

“Movement is the bridge between who you were and who you’re becoming.”

💬 Journal Prompt:

Where in your life do you need to move — physically, emotionally, or spiritually — to make space for your next chapter?

Not a text. Not a reaction on Instagram. An actual conversation where someone asked how you were really doing — and waited for the answer.

In this episode, Jen names something that so many women in midlife are feeling but rarely say out loud: the quiet, creeping loneliness that comes not from being unlikable or broken — but from living in a season of life that nobody warned us about.

We're calling it the Friendship Recession. And it's more common than you think.

In this episode:

• Why midlife women are experiencing a measurable decline in close friendships — and why it makes complete sense
• The three reasons friendship gets so much harder after 40 (hint: it's not you)
• Why the invisible load we carry leaves almost nothing for the relationships that matter most
• Why vulnerability gets scarier the older we get — and what that's actually costing us
• What genuinely helps — and it's not "join a club"
• Why grieving the friendships that ran their course might be the most important thing you do this year

This one is personal. This one is honest. And this one is for every woman who has ever felt lonely in a life that looks full from the outside.

DM Jen on Instagram @thejenweinstein or reply to this week's Backstage Pass newsletter and tell her: when's the last time you felt truly connected to a friend?

Follow The Midlife Edit: Instagram: @thejenweinstein TikTok: @thejenweinstein Website: www.themidlifeeditco.com Newsletter: Click Here to Join!

In this episode of The Midlife Edit, I sit down with Ashley Rocha, the powerhouse behind Ladywell, a hormone-support supplement company changing the game for women everywhere. We dive into Ashley’s personal journey with hormonal chaos (hi, relatable), the eye-opening truths about endocrine disruptors, and why so many of us are walking around with hormonal imbalances we don’t even realize we have. 

Ashley shares how Ladywell is taking a holistic, no-fluff approach to supplementing smartly—and how she’s on a mission to help women (especially us in midlife) feel more balanced, energized, and in tune with our bodies. 

Oh—and if you want to try Ladywell yourself, use code Midlife20 at checkout for 20% off.. just visit:

https://getladywell.com/

🔥 Key Takeaways:

• Ashley founded Ladywell out of her own struggles with hormonal health—because she couldn’t find what she needed.
• Hormonal imbalances are way more common than we think—about 80% of women will experience them at some point.
• Most of us are exposed to endocrine disruptors daily (think: skincare, plastics, cleaning products) and they wreak havoc on our hormones.
• Cycle tracking isn’t just for fertility—it's a powerful tool to understand how your hormones are actually doing.
• Ladywell’s formulas are holistic—blending high-quality ingredients that work together to support real women’s bodies.
• Perimenopause sleep struggles? You’re not alone. Hormones play a big role in disrupted sleep, especially in midlife.
• Ingredient sourcing and safety testing matter—and Ashley made that a non-negotiable with Ladywell.
• Supplements aren’t a magic pill, but they’re a powerful support tool, especially during hormonal shifts in our 30s, 40s, and 50s.

It turned into something completely different.

In this one-year anniversary episode, I’m reflecting on why I started The Midlife Edit, what midlife actually feels like, and how this space helped me find clarity, confidence, and my voice in my 40s.

We talk about the narratives women are given once we reach midlife — that we should shrink, stay quiet, or stop reinventing ourselves — and why I don’t believe any of that.

I share what changed this year, what didn’t, and how strength, style, career shifts, and honest conversations reshaped how I see aging.

And I also share a full-circle moment: interviewing one of my favorite artists growing up — Tracy Bonham — whose episode drops next week.

If you’ve ever felt the shift, questioned your identity, or realized you might actually be becoming more yourself — not less — this episode is for you.

Midlife isn’t the ending.
 It’s authorship.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Confidence comes after action — not before
• Midlife isn’t a crisis, it’s clarity
• Strength > thinness
• You don’t lose yourself in midlife — you stop performing
• Reinvention is allowed at any age
• Women don’t need fixing — they need permission
• Aging can be something to look forward to

💬 QUOTE FROM THE EPISODE

“Midlife isn’t a crisis — it’s the first time we know ourselves well enough to live on purpose.” 

📣If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend who’s feeling the shift too.

And if you’ve been listening for a while, leaving a review helps more women find this space.

🔜 NEXT WEEK

A conversation with Grammy-nominated artist Tracy Bonham — on creativity, identity, and evolving through every stage of life.

In this episode of The Midlife Edit, I’m calling out the trendification of perimenopause—and why we should all be angry about it.

Recently, I heard someone say perimenopause is the “next big thing” in wellness. And while yes, it’s great that more women are finally talking about this stage of life… calling it a trend? That’s not it.

Worse? Social media is now flooded with fear-based messaging designed to sell you supplements, hormone “hacks,” and overnight transformations—all while making you feel broken, lost, or too late.

This week, I’m breaking down:

• Why perimenopause is not a trend (and never will be)
• The harm of fear-based marketing in midlife wellness
• How to spot social media red flags and take your power back
• What midlife women actually need to thrive through this transition

If you're tired of being sold to instead of supported, this episode is for you.

🔗 Resources & Mentions:

• Follow me on Instagram: @thejenweinstein
• Join The Midlife Gains Club: here

🧭 Related Episodes:

• Midlife Nutrition Made Simple – Part 1: The Truth About Metabolism
• The Midlife Mindset Reset: How to Ditch the Crisis Narrative

💬 Connect with Me:

• Website: www.themidlifeeditco.com
• TikTok: @thejenweinstein
• Subscribe to the podcast and leave a review if this episode made you feel seen.

In this solo episode of The Midlife Edit, I’m diving into what it really means to rebrand your life in midlife. From the way we dress, to how we move, to who we give our energy to — and even the careers we pursue — midlife gives us the perfect chance to hit refresh and step into our main character energy. 

After an amazing lineup of recent guests — Alivia Lesinski on body acceptance, Louisa Swaden on redefining reinvention, and Tamar Hurwitz-Fleming on the power of celebrating life — I wanted to sit down with you for a heart-to-heart about change. Because seasons are shifting, and so are we. 

In this episode, you’ll hear: 

✨ Why midlife is the perfect time for a personal rebrand
✨ The difference between rebranding for others vs. rebranding for YOU
✨ Signs it’s time to refresh your identity (and laugh at some relatable ones)
✨ How fitness, friendships, and even careers can be part of your rebrand
✨ What it really means to live with main character energy in midlife 

This episode will leave you laughing, reflecting, and maybe even cleaning out your closet or rethinking that job you’ve outgrown. Most importantly, it will remind you that you are not a supporting character in someone else’s story — you’re the star of your own. 

👉 Stay tuned, because I’ve got something fun brewing behind the scenes — a little Midlife Rebrand Collection of goodies to help you wear your glow-up proudly. (Think tees, mugs, and more!) You’ll be the first to know when it drops. 

Because midlife isn’t a crisis. It’s an edit. 

In this episode of The Midlife Edit, Jen talks about the often-unspoken pause that comes after clarity - the fear, second-guessing, and “okay… now what?” spiral that so many women experience in midlife.

Drawing from personal realizations, a leadership summit in Nashville, and real-life conversations, this episode explores:

• why living in the past can quietly keep us stuck
• what actually happens when you get what you want — and when you don’t
• how to stop using outcomes as proof of your worth
• what it looks like to stay present and show up intentionally

This isn’t about having all the answers.
 It’s about learning how to move forward without letting the past drive.

🎶 Song of the episode: Rearviewmirror

🔗 Mentioned in This Episode

• Last week’s episode on clarity
• The clarity quiz - if you haven’t taken it yet, go take it now. Click here for yours.

⭐ Support the Podcast

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who might need it.

If you’ve ever felt like your metabolism slowed down overnight, you’re not alone. In midlife, hormonal changes can impact how your body uses energy — but that doesn’t mean your metabolism is broken. In today’s episode, we’re kicking off a 5-part series on Midlife Nutrition Made Simple by breaking down the basics of metabolism.

You’ll learn:

• What metabolism really is (hint: it’s not the villain it’s made out to be!)
• How your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) works and why it’s so important
• The biggest factors influencing metabolism in midlife — including muscle mass and hormones
• Why losing muscle can slow down your BMR and how to prevent it
• Simple, actionable tips to start supporting your metabolism today

Whether you’re feeling frustrated by stubborn weight gain or just want to understand your body better, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you feel empowered, not defeated.

Resources & Links:

• 📲 Follow me on Instagram for weekly Midlife Midweek Check-Ins with journaling prompts and kettlebell tips: @thejenweinstein
• 🌐 Visit my website for resources, programs, and more: www.thejenweinstein.com
• 💌 Sign up for my email list to stay updated on the full series and exclusive freebies:  https://thejenweinstein.myflodesk.com/yr6fiyyi6l

Take Action:

This week, I challenge you to tune into your body. Track your protein intake for three days, get intentional with hydration, and try a strength training session — even if it’s just 20 minutes. Every small step supports your metabolism!

Next Week’s Episode Teaser:

"Protein Power: How to Fuel Your Body for a Stronger Midlife"
Wondering how much protein you really need? In Part 2, we’ll dive into why protein is your metabolism’s best friend, easy ways to hit your protein goals, and simple meals that keep you satisfied. Get ready to build strength from the inside out!

Don’t miss it — hit that follow button so you’re the first to know when it drops.

👉 If you loved today’s episode, share it with a friend navigating midlife! Let’s break the myths around metabolism together.

Thanks for listening to The Midlife Edit — see you next week!

This week, Jen talks about what it really feels like to lose yourself in midlife — not in one big moment, but in a thousand tiny compromises. From the emotional and financial strain of stepmom life to walking on eggshells at home, she shares how women disappear quietly while trying to keep the peace.

This isn’t a pity party.
 This is a comeback episode.

You’ll hear about:

• the invisible load women carry
• the truth about stepmom life
• emotional surveillance and hypervigilance
• why repeated promises without action lead to resentment
• how to stop apologizing for existing
• and how to put yourself back on the list

Jen reminds us that self-care isn’t selfish — it’s necessary — and declares 2026 the year of ME.

Your life doesn’t need to be burned down to be rebuilt.
 You just have to walk back into it as yourself.

Your comeback begins when you put your name back on the list.

What if your birthday could be more than cake, candles, and crossed fingers that someone remembers to call? In this episode of The Midlife Edit, Jen sits down with Tamar Hurwitz-Fleming—author of How to Have a Happy Birthday and newly minted birthday coach—to explore how birthdays can become powerful rituals of joy, self-love, and renewal. 

Tamar shares why our birthdays are actually the most spiritually aligned day of the year, how we often sabotage them with unrealistic expectations (or by doing nothing at all), and what it looks like to design a birthday that truly reflects who we are. From morning rituals and creative traditions to navigating the birthday blues and holiday conflicts, this conversation is packed with wisdom, laughter, and permission to celebrate yourself—without apology. 

Whether you’ve dreaded birthdays in the past or you already love them, Tamar’s approach will inspire you to take charge of your special day and create moments that ripple through the rest of the year. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 

• Why birthdays are about so much more than age and cake
• How to break free from the “birthday blues” and start fresh
• Practical rituals to make your birthday feel meaningful
• What not to do if you want to enjoy your day
• How Tamar helps clients reimagine their birthday as a source of empowerment

Resources & Links:
 

• Connect with Tamar Hurwitz-Fleming at HowToHaveAHappyBirthday.com
• Grab her book: How to Have a Happy Birthday
• Connect with her on Instagram: @author.tamar
• Join the Midlife Edit Insiders here

Whether you’re just starting your wellness journey or have been strength training for years, this episode will give you simple, science-backed insights to help you feel stronger and more energized every day.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

✅ Why protein is essential for midlife muscle retention, bone health, and metabolism
 ✅ How much protein you actually need — and how to spread it throughout your day
 ✅ The best protein sources for women in midlife (plant and animal options)
 ✅ Easy, realistic meal and snack ideas to help you hit your protein goals
 ✅ How protein works with strength training to maximize your results
 ✅ What to do when you're tired of eating the same thing or struggling with digestion

💥 BONUS FREEBIE:

Download your free Midlife Protein Guide – with simple recipes, snack ideas, and a printable tracker to help you stay consistent and strong:
📥 Download the PDF here: https://thejenweinstein.myflodesk.com/wffy5cu4qx

🔗 Links & Resources:

• Follow Jen on Instagram for weekly journal prompts & kettlebell tips: https://www.instagram.com/thejenweinstein/
• Visit the website: https://www.themidlifeeditco.com/
• Listen to Part 1 of the series: Metabolism 101: Why Your Nutrition Needs a Makeover
• Join the FREE Midlife Gains Club - https://www.facebook.com/groups/548879401564465

👀 Coming Up Next:

In Part 3 of the series, we’re tackling meal planning and batch cooking for busy midlife women — so you can stay consistent without spending your whole weekend in the kitchen.
➡️ Don’t miss it — hit subscribe and share this episode with a friend!

In this episode, Jen sits down with Beth Crosby—aka The Garbage Mom—to talk about the messy, hilarious, and very real side of midlife. From viral TikToks to perimenopausal rage, body image healing, and the freedom of not giving a f*ck anymore… nothing is off limits.

Beth shares her journey from musical theater and Hollywood auditions to becoming a relatable voice for women navigating motherhood, identity shifts, and hormonal chaos. Together, Jen and Beth unpack what it actually feels like to be in perimenopause—and why more women need to start talking about it.

This conversation is honest, funny, validating, and the reminder every midlife woman needs: you are not crazy—and you are definitely not alone.

🔥 In This Episode, We Cover:

•  How Beth went from actor to viral creator during the pandemic 
•  Why “The Garbage Mom” resonates with so many women 
•  The reality of perimenopause (anxiety, rage, insomnia, and more) 
•  Growing up in 80s/90s diet culture—and healing body image 
•  Why midlife is the most freeing (and loudest) chapter yet 
•  Marriage, motherhood, and navigating hormones at the same time 
•  Talking to daughters about periods, bodies, and perimenopause 
•  Social media, vulnerability, and staying authentic online 
•  The story behind Perimenopausalpalooza (and why we need it IRL) 
•  Why women in midlife are DONE staying quiet 

💬 Favorite Quotes

“The more you tell the truth, the more people can relate to you.” “I think my favorite part about midlife is not giving a f*ck.” “If you’re getting hate comments, congratulations—you’re doing something.” 

🧠 Let’s Talk About It

If you’ve ever:

•  Woken up at 3am with your mind racing 
•  Looked in the mirror and didn’t recognize yourself 
•  Felt rage over something small (like… shaving in a clean sink 😅) 
•  Wondered if this is just you or something bigger 

This episode is your validation.

🎤 About Beth Crosby (The Garbage Mom)

Beth Crosby is an actress, writer, and viral content creator known as The Garbage Mom. With a background in musical theater and comedy (including The Groundlings), she creates raw, relatable content about motherhood, perimenopause, and midlife identity.

Her work has resonated with millions of women—and even caught the attention of icons like Alanis Morissette.

🔗 Connect with Beth

Instagram @thegarbagemom & TikTok: @garbagemom

💌 Connect with Jen & The Midlife Edit

Website: www.themidlifeeditco.com

Podcast: The Midlife Edit
Instagram: @thejenweinstein

⭐️ If You Loved This Episode

Share it with a friend who needs to hear:
 “You’re not losing it… it’s perimenopause.”

And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review—it helps more women find these conversations.

Midlife women aren’t fading.
We’re not slowing down.
We’re leading the culture.

This episode is a fiery, empowering, laugh-and-gasp-along-with-me deep dive into how women 35–60 are shaping the world around us — from wellness and fitness to music, fashion, TikTok, business, and everything in between. We’re not the Golden Girls (love them, but we’re not them), and we are definitely not the 1950s housewife prototype. We’re redefining midlife with energy, aliveness, creativity, and unapologetic power.

Jen explores:

✨ What midlife used to look like — and how we’ve shattered that image

From “cardigan-wrapped and domesticated” stereotypes to the first generation of women who refuse to disappear, this era is different. We’re louder, bolder, and more intentional than ever.

✨ Why women in midlife are driving today’s trends

Wellness, beauty, skincare, fitness, music, fashion, TikTok, home, lifestyle… we outspend, out-influence, and out-create every other demographic. And brands know it.

✨ The analog-to-digital bridge that gave us superpowers

We grew up without tech, adapted to tech, and now navigate both worlds effortlessly — giving us a unique blend of nostalgia and confidence that younger generations can’t replicate.

✨ The DMB, Swiftie, and music-fandom explosion led by midlife women

Concerts, merch, communities, playlists, travel — we’re keeping the live music industry alive and building whole worlds around the bands we love.

✨ How midlife women became cultural architects

We remix, refine, create, and choose with intention. We’re not trying to be cool — we are cool because we’re real.

✨ Setting trends vs. following them

From clothes to hobbies to fitness to how we show up online — this episode is your permission slip to step fully into your own aesthetic and stop waiting for approval.

✨ The one-trend challenge

Jen invites you to set one trend this week — something bold, fun, expressive, or simply yours. And she wants to celebrate you for it.

✨ A powerful reminder: midlife isn’t a crisis. It’s a renaissance.

A cultural rise. A reclamation. A full-body ignition. And we’re just getting started.

💬 Mentioned in this episode:

• Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
• The Dave Matthews Band community
• TikTok + millennial women influencers
• Strength training & the “better, not bigger” movement

⭐️ Your Challenge This Week

Set one trend.
Wear the thing.
Lift the thing.
Post the thing.
Say the thing.
Be the thing.

And tell Jen about it — she’s building a community for women who want to live boldly, create, reinvent, and take up space in midlife.

🔗 Connect with Jen & Join the Movement

• Instagram: @thejenweinstein
 • TikTok: @thejenweinstein
 • Website: themidlifeeditco.com
 • Message Jen with the trend you're setting this week!

We explore:

• What reflection actually means
• Why it’s not about shame, guilt, or tallying your failures
• How to check in with your energy and behavior
• What you need more of — and what to release
• How self-awareness prepares you for a calmer holiday season

Jen also shares her own reset takeaways: juggling work, volunteering, family roles, and her podcast — and learning to give herself actual credit for the way she shows up for others.

🎸 Interview with Neostem: Music, Mental Health & Community

We talk about:

• How Ryan, Matt, and Rob met
• How their unique blend of punk/grunge/metal came to life
• Their songwriting process and how their influences collide
• Music as self-expression, self-discovery, and emotional processing
• Why Punk Rock Saves Lives matters — especially for men’s mental health
• Their favorite Pittsburgh venues
• What’s next for the band in 2026

This conversation blends music, community, nostalgia, and real talk about mental health — a perfect companion to this week’s theme of reflection.

📝 Download the Midlife Edit Reflection Workbook, your personal “backstage pass” to deeper self-awareness, clarity, and midlife reinvention. 

🖤Visit Punk Rock Saves Lives

🎧 Listen to Neostem on all platforms and check out their socials:

Instagram: @neostemband

Facebook: Neostem

🛍️ The Feed the People Tour — Support Feeding America

We’re just under $150 raised and aiming for $300 by Thanksgiving!
Grab your tee or crewneck here! 100% of profits go directly to Feeding America, now and forever.

✨ Join the Pre-Holiday Reset

If you haven’t joined yet, it’s not too late.
This reset is evergreen — not just for the Christmas season — and will help you slow down, breathe deeper, and reconnect with yourself. Sign up now: Pre-Holiday Reset

Fresh off a trip to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Jen reflects on the moment everything clicked: music has always been the quiet throughline of her life and her reinvention journey. And now it’s time to let it take up the space it deserves inside The Midlife Edit.

From childhood concerts with her dad, to the nostalgia of Discman-era friendships, to the women artists who model unapologetic evolution, this episode dives into the emotional and creative heartbeat behind Jen’s next chapter.

This isn’t a rebrand. It’s a reveal.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

• The power of breathing space
How intentional breath slows the noise long enough for truth to surface—and why clarity is always the starting point for midlife reinvention.

• A pivotal moment at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
What Jen realized while standing among decades of music history, lyrics, and creative eras.

• Why music has always been the backbone of Jen’s story
From her dad introducing her to concerts at age 11, to the songs that shaped her teens, to the lyrics that helped her survive and evolve.

• The childhood dream that never quite died
Jen opens up about wanting to be Jem and the Holograms, realizing she couldn’t sing, and discovering that storytelling became her own musical language.

• Women, reinvention, and owning your next era
Why female reinvention is often questioned—and why women like Pink, Kate Hudson, and everyday midlife creators deserve to be celebrated.

• The future of The Midlife Edit
More music. More midlife stories. More creativity. More conversations with women rewriting their lives through sound, art, and courage.

• A call to listeners
Jen wants your help finding women in music—famous, indie, local, or quietly brilliant—who embody midlife creativity and reinvention.

Resources & Links

• Pre-Holiday Reset: Week 3 – Breathe
  Free email support + breathing exercises
  Click HERE To Sign Up
• Feed the People Tour Tee & Sweatshirt
  100% of profits donated to Feeding America
  Get yours HERE 
• Submit a Woman in Music Guest Suggestion
  Email Jen: jen@themidlifeeditco.com

Connect with Jen

Website: www.themidlifeeditco.com

 Instagram: @thejenweinstein
 TikTok: @thejenweinstein
 Pinterest: The Midlife Edit Co.

In this episode of The Midlife Edit, I sit down with musical theatre writer Nicolette Blount and author Sirena Grey to talk about Riot Grrrl, feminism, motherhood, and what it looks like to reclaim your creative voice in midlife.

Nicolette is a Chickasaw musical theatre writer, composer, lyricist, and producer whose work includes Savage: The Unconquerable Wanda Savage, a powerful musical inspired by the true story of her great-grandmother - a vaudeville sharpshooter and silent film actress who refused to conform to the expectations placed on women in the early 1900s.

Sirena Grey is a writer and editor who spent years raising three boys before returning to her creative work - a journey many women will recognize. Together, Nicolette and Sirena are currently writing Riot Grrrl: The Punk Anti-Musical, a new project inspired by the feminist punk movement that challenged the music industry and gave women a louder voice in the 1990s.

In this conversation, we talk about:

 • rediscovering creativity after motherhood
 • starting (or restarting) a creative career later in life
 • the Riot Grrrl movement and feminist punk culture
 • what it takes to build a musical from the ground up
 • why women’s stories still struggle to find space in the arts
 • how music, storytelling, and rebellion often go hand-in-hand

We also dive into the behind-the-scenes reality of creating a musical - from writing and development to the hustle of getting a show produced.

If you’ve ever felt like you lost a piece of yourself somewhere along the way, this episode is a reminder that it’s never too late to come back to who you are.

Links & Resources

Follow the Riot Grrrl Anti-Musical journey:
 https://riotgrrrlmusical.com

Sirena Grey’s writing:
 https://thewritingsirena.com

Follow Nicolette Blount:
 https://nicoletteblount.com

Learn more about Savage: The Unconquerable Wanda Savage
https://savagethemusical.com

Connect with The Midlife Edit

Follow the podcast and join the conversation:

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thejenweinstein

Website:
https://www.themidlifeeditco.com

In this episode of The Midlife Edit, Jen sits down with Karen Novy and Tara Alexandra, co-founders of Your Odyssey, for an honest, grounding conversation about reclaiming yourself - not through dramatic reinvention, but through small, intentional shifts in everyday life.

Together, they explore how women lose (and reclaim) their voice, why rest often comes with guilt, how nervous system regulation supports self-trust, and why midlife is less about becoming someone new and more about remembering who you’ve always been.

This episode is practical, reflective, funny, and deeply validating for women navigating midlife transitions.

✨ In This Episode, We Talk About:

• Why dreaming can feel risky after hard seasons
• How women slowly lose their voice — and how to reclaim it
• The power of inner self-talk and self-permission
• Why rest isn’t laziness — it’s regulation
• Simple nervous system tools you can use in minutes
• How five minutes of intentional care can shift your entire day
• The role music plays in healing, identity, and self-expression

🎶 Song of the Episode

F**ckin’ Perfect by Pink

🔗 Connect with Our Guests

• Instagram: @yourodyssey.life
• Podcast: Your Odyssey
• Explore their free Take Five to Thrive practice and other offerings via the links in their bio

What do you actually want?

Not what you should want.
Not what makes sense.
Not what keeps everyone else comfortable.

In this episode, Jen explores why this question shows up so powerfully in midlife, why women are often taught to adapt instead of ask, and how hustle culture trains us to stay silent about our needs.

You’ll hear:

• Why desire doesn’t cancel gratitude, it’s information
• The difference between what you want and what you’re done tolerating
• Why asking for what you want feels risky
• How to start asking without over-explaining or apologizing

Jen pairs this conversation with Fast Car, a song that captures the quiet moment when you realize something has to change, even if you don’t have the full plan yet

She also shares why she created a companion quiz for this episode, because sometimes the hardest part isn’t asking for what you want, it’s knowing what to ask for in the first place.

📝 Click Below To Take the Quiz:
👉 What Do You Actually Want Right Now?
 

Midlife isn’t about becoming someone new.
It’s about listening to who you are now.

Next week: We asked for what we want—now what? What happens when you go after it… or don’t get it?