<![CDATA[Nowhere Near Done]]>Nowhere Near Done is a space for women navigating midlife to share honest stories about motherhood, hormones, identity, relationships, and everything in between. Because this chapter of life isn’t a disappearing act.

It’s often the moment we begin to understand ourselves more fully.

In our 40s and beyond, so many of us find ourselves in a quiet in-between—where our bodies are changing, our roles are shifting, and the version of ourselves we’ve always known doesn’t feel quite the same. Perimenopause, career transitions, evolving relationships, parenting, and the question of what now? can all collide at once, and yet so much of it goes unspoken.

This podcast was created to change that.

Hosted by a former journalist turned writer and PR professional, Nowhere Near Done is rooted in the belief that there is no one “right” way to move through this phase of life. What works for one woman may not work for another—and that’s okay. Here, we take the pressure off having to get it right.

Each episode features honest, nuanced conversations with experts in perimenopause, relationships, and wellness, alongside powerful, real-life stories from everyday women navigating their own turning points. Inspired by the idea that every woman’s story is worth telling, this podcast brings forward voices that are often overlooked—but deeply relatable.

Because when women share their stories, something shifts.

We feel seen.
We feel less alone.
We begin to understand ourselves—and each other—with more compassion.

This is a space where you don’t have to explain your choices, defend how you’re handling your body, or pretend to have it all figured out. Whether you’re exploring HRT, navigating body changes, questioning your next chapter, or simply trying to feel like yourself again—you belong here.

This isn’t about fixing yourself.
It’s about being honest about where you are.

And remembering that you’re not the only one in it.

Because we’re not finished.
We’re not behind.
We’re not done becoming.

We’re Nowhere Near Done.

]]>https://substack.com/@nowhereneardoneRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Thu, 28 May 2026 20:12:13 GMTWed, 25 Mar 2026 02:07:03 GMT60Sara Bush - Nowhere Near Done<p><b>Nowhere Near Done</b> is a space for women navigating midlife to share honest stories about motherhood, hormones, identity, relationships, and everything in between. Because this chapter of life isn’t a disappearing act.</p><p>It’s often the moment we begin to understand ourselves more fully.</p><p>In our 40s and beyond, so many of us find ourselves in a quiet in-between—where our bodies are changing, our roles are shifting, and the version of ourselves we’ve always known doesn’t feel quite the same. Perimenopause, career transitions, evolving relationships, parenting, and the question of <i>what now?</i> can all collide at once, and yet so much of it goes unspoken.</p><p>This podcast was created to change that.</p><p>Hosted by a former journalist turned writer and PR professional, <i>Nowhere Near Done</i> is rooted in the belief that there is no one “right” way to move through this phase of life. What works for one woman may not work for another—and that’s okay. Here, we take the pressure off having to get it right.</p><p>Each episode features honest, nuanced conversations with experts in perimenopause, relationships, and wellness, alongside powerful, real-life stories from everyday women navigating their own turning points. Inspired by the idea that every woman’s story is worth telling, this podcast brings forward voices that are often overlooked—but deeply relatable.</p><p>Because when women share their stories, something shifts.</p><p>We feel seen.<br />We feel less alone.<br />We begin to understand ourselves—and each other—with more compassion.</p><p>This is a space where you don’t have to explain your choices, defend how you’re handling your body, or pretend to have it all figured out. Whether you’re exploring HRT, navigating body changes, questioning your next chapter, or simply trying to feel like yourself again—you belong here.</p><p>This isn’t about fixing yourself.<br />It’s about being honest about where you are.</p><p>And remembering that you’re not the only one in it.</p><p>Because we’re not finished.<br />We’re not behind.<br />We’re not done becoming.</p><p>We’re <b>Nowhere Near Done</b>.</p>episodicSara Bush - Nowhere Near Donesbwritingstudio805@gmail.comno<![CDATA[Episode 6: Joyce Dudley: Reinvention, Resilience & Taking the Leap]]>What happens when women stop waiting until they feel “ready” and start trusting themselves enough to take the leap anyway?

In this episode, Sara sits down with former Santa Barbara County District Attorney Joyce Dudley for a conversation about reinvention, resilience, leadership, motherhood, and the courage it takes to continue growing through every season of life.

Joyce reflects on the lessons she’s learned throughout her career and personal life, the importance of surrounding yourself with people who encourage you to dream bigger, and why women so often underestimate what they’re capable of.

Together, they talk about identity shifts, confidence, fear, ambition, and the pressure many women feel to stay small or play it safe—even when there’s a part of them craving something more.

But this conversation is also about setting an example for the next generation: showing our daughters what it looks like to trust themselves, take risks, and go after the life they truly want.

Topics include:

  • Reinvention and personal growth
  • Leadership and resilience
  • Midlife identity shifts
  • Confidence and self-trust
  • Motherhood and role modeling
  • Taking risks and chasing dreams
  • Female ambition and empowerment
  • Building a supportive community

If you’ve been feeling the pull toward something bigger—but fear or self-doubt has been holding you back—this episode might be the reminder you needed.

]]>3c243ab9-8c76-4e45-bb87-31488526ee88Tue, 26 May 2026 20:02:46 GMT<p>What happens when women stop waiting until they feel “ready” and start trusting themselves enough to take the leap anyway?</p><p></p><p>In this episode, Sara sits down with former Santa Barbara County District Attorney Joyce Dudley for a conversation about reinvention, resilience, leadership, motherhood, and the courage it takes to continue growing through every season of life.</p><p></p><p>Joyce reflects on the lessons she’s learned throughout her career and personal life, the importance of surrounding yourself with people who encourage you to dream bigger, and why women so often underestimate what they’re capable of.</p><p></p><p>Together, they talk about identity shifts, confidence, fear, ambition, and the pressure many women feel to stay small or play it safe—even when there’s a part of them craving something more.</p><p></p><p>But this conversation is also about setting an example for the next generation: showing our daughters what it looks like to trust themselves, take risks, and go after the life they truly want.</p><p></p><p>Topics include:</p><ul><li>Reinvention and personal growth</li><li>Leadership and resilience</li><li>Midlife identity shifts</li><li>Confidence and self-trust</li><li>Motherhood and role modeling</li><li>Taking risks and chasing dreams</li><li>Female ambition and empowerment</li><li>Building a supportive community<p></p></li></ul><p>If you’ve been feeling the pull toward something bigger—but fear or self-doubt has been holding you back—this episode might be the reminder you needed.</p>no00:44:2516Episode 6: Joyce Dudley: Reinvention, Resilience & Taking the Leapfull<![CDATA[Episode 5: Arielle Curry: Female Friendships, Midlife & What We’d Tell Our Younger Selves ]]>What happens when women stop pretending they have it all together and start having honest conversations about friendship, motherhood, burnout, and midlife?

In this episode, Sara sits down with Arielle Curry—elementary school principal, mother, and close friend—for a conversation that feels more like coffee with a friend than a formal interview.

Together, they talk about the importance of female friendships in your 40s, the invisible emotional load so many women are carrying, and how differently we begin showing up for ourselves in this phase of life. They also reflect on motherhood, people-pleasing, boundaries, burnout, and what they wish they could tell their younger selves now.

With kids running around in the background and plenty of real-life interruptions along the way, this episode perfectly captures the beauty and chaos of this season of life—and the importance of having women beside you through it.

Topics include:

  • Female friendship in midlife
  • Motherhood and emotional overwhelm
  • Boundaries and people-pleasing
  • Burnout and identity shifts
  • Parenting and partnership
  • What we wish we knew sooner
  • Finding support and community in your 40s

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, lonely, or like you’re carrying too much on your own… this conversation will probably feel like a deep exhale.

]]>1f20a119-1386-4c8e-ae6c-9e2b7989194fSun, 17 May 2026 20:42:39 GMT<p>What happens when women stop pretending they have it all together and start having honest conversations about friendship, motherhood, burnout, and midlife?</p><p>In this episode, Sara sits down with Arielle Curry—elementary school principal, mother, and close friend—for a conversation that feels more like coffee with a friend than a formal interview.</p><p></p><p>Together, they talk about the importance of female friendships in your 40s, the invisible emotional load so many women are carrying, and how differently we begin showing up for ourselves in this phase of life. They also reflect on motherhood, people-pleasing, boundaries, burnout, and what they wish they could tell their younger selves now.</p><p>With kids running around in the background and plenty of real-life interruptions along the way, this episode perfectly captures the beauty and chaos of this season of life—and the importance of having women beside you through it.</p><p></p><p>Topics include:</p><ul><li>Female friendship in midlife</li><li>Motherhood and emotional overwhelm</li><li>Boundaries and people-pleasing</li><li>Burnout and identity shifts</li><li>Parenting and partnership</li><li>What we wish we knew sooner</li><li>Finding support and community in your 40s<p></p></li></ul><p>If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, lonely, or like you’re carrying too much on your own… this conversation will probably feel like a deep exhale.</p>no00:04:0015Episode 5: Arielle Curry: Female Friendships, Midlife & What We’d Tell Our Younger Selves full<![CDATA[Episode 4: Jenny Schatzle Part 2: Perimenopause, HRT & Changing the Conversation]]>What happens when two women in the middle of perimenopause start having the conversations they wish someone had with them sooner?

In part two of this conversation, Sara and Jenny Schatzle get deeply personal about hormones, HRT, relationships, and what it actually feels like when your body—and identity—start changing in midlife.

They open up about their own perimenopause journeys, navigating symptoms that left them feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, disconnected from themselves, and searching for answers. They also talk honestly about the role HRT has played in their lives, the emotional complexity surrounding body image and aging, and the pressure women feel to keep holding everything together while silently struggling.

But this episode also dives into something so many women quietly experience: how perimenopause can impact our relationships, communication, and ability to ask for help. Sara and Jenny talk about partnership, emotional support, resentment, overwhelm, and learning how to stop carrying everything alone.

This episode feels like sitting down with women who are finally saying the quiet parts out loud.

Topics include:

  • Perimenopause and hormonal changes
  • HRT and women’s health
  • Relationships and communication in midlife
  • Emotional labor and asking for help
  • Body image and aging
  • Partnership and support
  • Friendship, honesty, and feeling less alone
  • Learning to redefine health and self-worth

If you’ve ever looked around at your life and thought, “Why does this suddenly feel so much harder?”—this conversation will probably feel very familiar.

]]>b48b5d23-4210-4d0f-920b-f911a48b6896Sun, 10 May 2026 01:48:57 GMT<p>What happens when two women in the middle of perimenopause start having the conversations they wish someone had with them sooner?</p><p></p><p>In part two of this conversation, Sara and Jenny Schatzle get deeply personal about hormones, HRT, relationships, and what it actually feels like when your body—and identity—start changing in midlife.</p><p></p><p>They open up about their own perimenopause journeys, navigating symptoms that left them feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, disconnected from themselves, and searching for answers. They also talk honestly about the role HRT has played in their lives, the emotional complexity surrounding body image and aging, and the pressure women feel to keep holding everything together while silently struggling.</p><p></p><p>But this episode also dives into something so many women quietly experience: how perimenopause can impact our relationships, communication, and ability to ask for help. Sara and Jenny talk about partnership, emotional support, resentment, overwhelm, and learning how to stop carrying everything alone.</p><p></p><p>This episode feels like sitting down with women who are finally saying the quiet parts out loud.</p><p></p><p>Topics include:</p><ul><li>Perimenopause and hormonal changes</li><li>HRT and women’s health</li><li>Relationships and communication in midlife</li><li>Emotional labor and asking for help</li><li>Body image and aging</li><li>Partnership and support</li><li>Friendship, honesty, and feeling less alone</li><li>Learning to redefine health and self-worth<p></p></li></ul><p>If you’ve ever looked around at your life and thought, “Why does this suddenly feel so much harder?”—this conversation will probably feel very familiar.</p>yes01:23:3714Episode 4: Jenny Schatzle Part 2: Perimenopause, HRT & Changing the Conversationfull<![CDATA[Episode 2: Andrea Strand: You’re Not Crazy—It’s Hormones]]>What if you’re not “just stressed”… and your hormones are actually trying to tell you something? In this episode, Sara sits down with women’s health nurse practitioner Andrea Strand for an honest conversation about perimenopause, hormones, and why so many women feel dismissed when they know something in their body feels off.

They talk about the symptoms no one prepares women for—brain fog, anxiety, sleep issues, mood changes, weight gain, exhaustion—and why so many women are told everything is “normal” when they don’t feel normal at all. Andrea breaks down what’s actually happening hormonally during perimenopause, the role of HRT, and why prevention and education matter so much for women’s long-term health.

Together, they also unpack the shame, confusion, and frustration many women experience while trying to navigate this phase of life.

This episode is informative, validating, and the kind of conversation every woman wishes she had sooner.

Topics include:

  • Perimenopause symptoms
  • Hormones and HRT
  • Anxiety, sleep, and brain fog
  • Weight changes in midlife
  • Women’s health advocacy
  • Feeling dismissed by doctors
  • Prevention and longevity

If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t feel like myself lately,” this episode is for you.

]]>f881226b-a409-4f31-99b9-04883f9bb7caSat, 09 May 2026 21:29:51 GMT<p>What if you’re not “just stressed”… and your hormones are actually trying to tell you something? In this episode, Sara sits down with women’s health nurse practitioner Andrea Strand for an honest conversation about perimenopause, hormones, and why so many women feel dismissed when they know something in their body feels off.</p><p></p><p>They talk about the symptoms no one prepares women for—brain fog, anxiety, sleep issues, mood changes, weight gain, exhaustion—and why so many women are told everything is “normal” when they don’t feel normal at all. Andrea breaks down what’s actually happening hormonally during perimenopause, the role of HRT, and why prevention and education matter so much for women’s long-term health.</p><p>Together, they also unpack the shame, confusion, and frustration many women experience while trying to navigate this phase of life.</p><p></p><p>This episode is informative, validating, and the kind of conversation every woman wishes she had sooner.</p><p></p><p>Topics include:</p><ul><li>Perimenopause symptoms</li><li>Hormones and HRT</li><li>Anxiety, sleep, and brain fog</li><li>Weight changes in midlife</li><li>Women’s health advocacy</li><li>Feeling dismissed by doctors</li><li>Prevention and longevity</li></ul><p></p><p>If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t feel like myself lately,” this episode is for you.</p>yes00:51:0814Episode 2: Andrea Strand: You’re Not Crazy—It’s Hormonesfull<![CDATA[Episode 3: Jenny Schatzle Part 1: From Diet Culture to Self-Worth]]>What happens when the woman who built a fitness empire starts questioning everything she was taught about weight, bodies, and self-worth?

In part one of this conversation, Sara sits down with Jenny Schatzle to talk about the evolution from diet culture to body confidence—and why so many women in midlife are rethinking the way they’ve spent decades talking to themselves.They get real about body image, aging, perimenopause, and the complicated emotions surrounding GLP-1 medications. Sara shares her personal experience using GLP-1s to lose 30 pounds, while Jenny opens up about why she chose not to use them—and together they unpack the pressure women feel to stay small, look young, and “fix” themselves.

This episode is honest, nuanced, vulnerable, and deeply relatable for any woman who’s ever looked in the mirror and wondered why her body suddenly feels unfamiliar.

Topics include:

  • Diet culture and body image
  • GLP-1 medications and weight loss
  • Confidence and self-worth
  • Breaking generational patterns around body image

This is part one of a two-part conversation with Jenny Schatzle.

]]>f597f544-4ee5-447f-ac65-bcb522081185Sat, 09 May 2026 21:17:25 GMT<p>What happens when the woman who built a fitness empire starts questioning everything she was taught about weight, bodies, and self-worth?</p><p></p><p>In part one of this conversation, Sara sits down with Jenny Schatzle to talk about the evolution from diet culture to body confidence—and why so many women in midlife are rethinking the way they’ve spent decades talking to themselves.They get real about body image, aging, perimenopause, and the complicated emotions surrounding GLP-1 medications. Sara shares her personal experience using GLP-1s to lose 30 pounds, while Jenny opens up about why she chose not to use them—and together they unpack the pressure women feel to stay small, look young, and “fix” themselves.</p><p></p><p>This episode is honest, nuanced, vulnerable, and deeply relatable for any woman who’s ever looked in the mirror and wondered why her body suddenly feels unfamiliar.</p><p></p><p>Topics include:</p><ul><li>Diet culture and body image</li><li>GLP-1 medications and weight loss</li><li>Confidence and self-worth</li><li>Breaking generational patterns around body image<p></p></li></ul><p>This is part one of a two-part conversation with Jenny Schatzle.</p>yes01:23:3713Episode 3: Jenny Schatzle Part 1: From Diet Culture to Self-Worthfull<![CDATA[Episode 1: Why am I doing this?]]>

Nowhere Near Done is a podcast for women who refuse to believe their story is winding down—just because life looks different than it used to. This is for the ones in the messy middle, navigating big shifts, unexpected changes, and the question of what now?

I’m Sara Bush, and I’m right there in it with you—moving through career pivots, perimenopause, and the uncomfortable (and often necessary) process of rediscovering purpose.

This isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about telling the truth. It’s about owning where you are, even when it’s uncertain. And it’s about creating a space where women can show up as they are, speak honestly, and feel supported while they figure out what’s next.

Takeaways

  • Say the real thing—even when it’s uncomfortable
  • Navigate change on your own terms
]]>0edcc467-d934-4753-bbb3-08f35a81f9cdWed, 25 Mar 2026 18:14:16 GMT<p></p><p><i>Nowhere Near Done</i> is a podcast for women who refuse to believe their story is winding down—just because life looks different than it used to. This is for the ones in the messy middle, navigating big shifts, unexpected changes, and the question of <i>what now?</i></p><p>I’m Sara Bush, and I’m right there in it with you—moving through career pivots, perimenopause, and the uncomfortable (and often necessary) process of rediscovering purpose.</p><p>This isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about telling the truth. It’s about owning where you are, even when it’s uncertain. And it’s about creating a space where women can show up as they are, speak honestly, and feel supported while they figure out what’s next.</p><p><b>Takeaways</b></p><ul><li>Say the real thing—even when it’s uncomfortable</li><li>Navigate change on your own terms</li></ul>no00:17:3620261Episode 1: Why am I doing this?full