Second Act Sessions

Episodios

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  The Cortisol Connection: What's Really Happening to Your Body in Midlife 18.08.2026 47m

  Have you ever wondered why your body feels so different in midlife? Maybe you're gaining weight even though nothing has really changed, you're feeling exhausted, your sleep isn't great, or you just don't feel like yourself anymore. So many women assume it's simply part of getting older, but what if there's more to the story? In this episode, I sit down with Christine Hartmann, better known as The Cortisol Coach, to talk about the role cortisol plays in our health and why it matters so much du...
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  When Faith Meets Fear: An Honest Conversation About Anxiety 04.08.2026 1h 5m

  What if the season you feared the most was actually preparing you for the life God had planned for you? In this episode, I sit down with one of my dear friends, Ashley Poisella, for an honest conversation about anxiety, fear, faith, and what it looks like to navigate those seasons as Christians. Ashley and I first met years ago through the wedding industry, and reconnecting in midlife has been such a gift. As our friendship has grown, we’ve discovered that we’ve both wrestled with anxiety and...
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  The Story Behind the Novel Forty Love: Midlife Reinvention and New Beginnings 21.07.2026 38m

  What if midlife wasn’t about slowing down… but opening up? In this episode of Second Act Sessions, I’m joined by internationally bestselling author Jane Costello to talk about her newest novel, Forty Love, and the deeper themes behind the story. Together, we explore reinvention, friendship, loneliness, empty nests, trying new things later in life, and what happens when we allow ourselves to become beginners again. Jane shares how picking up a tennis racket for the first time at 45 unexpectedl...
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  Navigating Midlife: What I'm Learning Along the Way 07.07.2026 18m

  Have you ever looked at your life in midlife and thought, This isn’t what I imagined? Maybe you thought you’d still be married. Maybe you pictured children, grandchildren, or a completely different chapter than the one you’re living today. In this deeply personal solo episode, I’m sharing an honest conversation about navigating midlife—the expectations we carry, the grief we don’t often talk about, and the freedom that comes from embracing the life we have instead of mourning the life we th...
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  Style in Your Second Act: Dressing for the Life You're Living Now 23.06.2026 44m

  What happens when your closet no longer fits your life? In this episode of Second Act Sessions, I’m joined by personal stylist and fashion expert Maria Casabianca for a conversation about confidence, identity, style, and navigating change in midlife. Because style in this season isn’t just about trends. Bodies change. Lifestyles change. Many of us work from home. And sometimes the clothes that used to work no longer feel like us. Together, we talk about navigating body changes in midlife, dre...
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  Healing After Divorce: What I Learned Along the Way 09.06.2026 40m

  This season on Second Act Sessions, we’re talking a lot about divorce, healing after divorce, relationships, emotional abuse, red flags, faith, and what it really means to begin again. And after having those conversations with guests, I felt like it was important to dedicate an episode to sharing a little more about my own experience. In this solo episode, I’m reflecting on my divorce journey and opening up about what that season of life really felt like for me. Not to revisit the past or poi...
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  Divorce in Midlife: What I Wish More Women Knew 26.05.2026 46m

  Divorce in midlife carries a different weight. By the time you reach your 40s or 50s, you’re not just untangling emotions — you’re untangling retirement accounts, shared investments, homes, businesses, and years — sometimes decades — of financial and personal history. The decisions made during this season can shape not only the present, but your long-term stability and future security. In this episode of Second Act Sessions, Stephanie sits down with nationally recognized family law attorney, ...
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  The Story Behind Second Act Sessions 12.05.2026 28m

  Season Two of Second Act Sessions begins with a personal solo episode from host Stephanie Carmody, sharing the story behind the podcast and the journey that led her here. In this heartfelt introduction, Stephanie opens up about the life experiences that shaped her second act — from navigating divorce, healing, and rebuilding confidence to rediscovering faith, purpose, and her voice. She shares the real moments behind the microphone and the inspiration behind creating Second Act Sessions. If y...
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  Second Act Sessions Trailer 10.05.2026

  Second Act Sessions is a biweekly podcast for women navigating midlife and stepping into a new chapter. Hosted by Stephanie Carmody, the show explores what it really looks like to begin again and build a life that feels aligned, meaningful, and true through conversations rooted in faith, healing, and lived experience. It’s for the woman quietly asking, “What’s next?” The one realizing life may not look the way she expected and learning how to move forward anyway. Because starting over sounds ...
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  Returning to Yourself: What Midlife Women Need Most but Rarely Say Out Loud 17.12.2025 47m

  In this episode of Second Act Sessions, I sit down with Transformation Coach and Christian Encourager Kristin Fitch for an honest conversation about what happens when your life no longer fits — and how to find the clarity to move into what is next. Kristin helps women who feel stuck or overwhelmed rediscover what they want, reconnect with how God created them to live, and protect the parts of their life that matter most. We talk about navigating midlife shifts with faith and confidence, how t...
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  Breaking the Cycle: Understanding Narcissistic Patterns & Reclaiming Your Voice 03.12.2025 54m

  In this episode, we’re continuing an important conversation around narcissistic abuse — but from a different lens. I’m sitting down with Mel John—author, truth seeker, and the voice behind the popular Instagram page @narcissisticpatterns. After a string of emotionally devastating relationships, Mel began to see a pattern—one that many others have experienced but often can’t name. In her powerful book You Ain’t Going Crazy, Darling, she shares the raw and honest truth about surviving narcissis...
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  Navigating the Grief Journey: Turning Pain Into Purpose After Unspeakable Loss 19.11.2025 46m

  In this heartfelt and hope-filled episode of Second Act Sessions, Stephanie welcomes Chris Mamone — an Acceptance Coach, grief advocate, and founder of The Empowered Grief Journey. After the devastating loss of his son, Chris turned his pain into purpose by helping others move through grief, trauma, and major life transitions with compassion and acceptance. Today, he coaches individuals who feel stuck in their healing, guiding them toward a renewed sense of peace and meaning. This conv...
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  Different by Design: A New Perspective on ADHD 05.11.2025 49m

  ADHD isn’t a flaw—it’s a different kind of brilliance. In this episode, I sit down with ADHD coach, best selling author of "Beyond ADHD" and host of the critically acclaimed podcast "The Fearless Now" Sam Led to reframe how we see and understand the ADHD mind. With over 18 years of experience helping clients harness their natural wiring, Sam shares powerful insights into why ADHD isn’t a disorder to fix, but a unique way of processing the world. We talk about what ADHD really is, why our th...
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  From Heartbreak to Hope: A Father’s Journey Through Grief 22.10.2025 58m

  In this episode of Second Act Sessions, I’m joined by David J. Roberts—a retired addiction professional, professor, podcast host, and author whose life changed forever when his daughter Jeannine passed away from cancer in 2003. Out of unimaginable loss, Dave has dedicated his life to helping others navigate grief, healing, and purpose—reminding us that even in our most painful chapters, a second act is always possible. Dave brings a unique perspective as both a professional and a parent who h...
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  From Confusion to Clarity: Making Sense of MTHFR and Methylation 08.10.2025 1h 1m

  In this episode of Second Act Sessions, I’m joined by Tom Nikkola, a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) who has spent more than two decades helping people build stronger, healthier bodies through fitness, functional nutrition, and personal transformation. While his early work focused on physical performance and metabolic health, he’s now widely respected for his ability to break down complex biochemical topics—like the MTHFR gene mutation and methylation—in a way that’s a...
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  From Beauty to Breakthroughs: Redefining Purpose Through Life Coaching 24.09.2025 56m

  In this episode, I’m joined by Dana Bartone—certified life coach, entrepreneur, and someone I first met years ago during our time in the Connecticut wedding industry. For over 30 years, Dana helped women look and feel beautiful through her work in hair and makeup. Now, in her second act, she’s rewriting the script—helping women feel empowered from the inside out. Dana’s mission is to support women through heart-led coaching and guidance. She helps her clients reconnect with their voice, recl...
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  Rising From Rock Bottom: The Unbreakable Spirit of Tony Lynch 10.09.2025 1h 18m

  In this powerful episode of Second Act Sessions, I sit down with Tony Lynch—grief coach, speaker, founder of the nonprofit Memories of Us, and host of the Grief, Let’s Talk About It podcast. Tony’s story is one of raw survival and astonishing resilience. From gang life and addiction to homelessness and the devastating loss of his son, Tony has endured some of life’s darkest chapters. And yet, what could have destroyed him became the foundation for a mission to serve others. Today, Tony leads ...
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  From Trauma to Truth: Reclaiming Your Voice After Narcissistic Abuse (Part 2) 27.08.2025 53m

  In part 2 of my conversation with Laura Richards, we continue our conversation on narcissists—how to spot them, how to survive them, and what healing actually looks like after the damage is done. And no, it’s not just about romantic relationships. Narcissistic abuse can show up in friendships, family dynamics, and even professional environments. If you’ve ever walked away from a conversation feeling crazy, guilty, or drained… this one’s for you. Laura Richards—international podcaster, #1 best...
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  From Trauma to Truth: Reclaiming Your Voice After Narcissistic Abuse (Part1) 13.08.2025 51m

  In this episode of Second Act Sessions, we’re talking all things narcissists—how to spot them, how to survive them, and what healing actually looks like after the damage is done. And no, it’s not just about romantic relationships. Narcissistic abuse can show up in friendships, family dynamics, and even professional environments. If you’ve ever walked away from a conversation feeling crazy, guilty, or drained… this one’s for you. Joining me is Laura Richards—international podcaster, #1 bestsel...
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  Live With Joy Now: A Mom’s Mission to Heal ADHD & Childhood Behavioral Struggles Through the Gut-Brain Connection (Part 2) 30.07.2025 47m

  In part 2 of my conversation with Carolyn Carrara, founder of Live With Joy Now, she continues discussing her mission to help children struggling with ADHD, anxiety, and ODD. Carolyn shares her personal story and what inspired her to create a coaching service dedicated to supporting moms navigating these emotional and behavioral challenges with their kids. We dive into how she uses real food, targeted supplements, and a whole lot of compassion to help reduce inflammation in the brain—the root...