How Hard Can It Be? with Diana Maria Riva

Épisodes

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  Menopause 101: Symptoms, Hormones and the Mental Toll with Dr. Suzanne Gilberg 06.08.2026 48min

  Host Diana Maria Riva is joined by OB/GYN Dr. Suzanne Gilberg as they dive head first into a deep discussion on menopause and the vast information and science now available to women. From the more obvious symptoms such as brain fog, mood swings, and low sex drive, to the less obvious like heart disease, type 2 diabetes , and other silent effects of inflammation. Covering topics such as the shocking statistics of dementia and Alzheimer’s diagnosis in women, Diana and Dr. Gilberg discuss what perimenopause and menopause can actually look like, as well as the healthy and proactive ways to stay informed and empowered in self advocacy. Their in-depth dialogue also taps into the mental health component, and those “I need a RX for my UTI..” phone calls to your doctor at 5:01pm on a Friday. Find The Menopause Bootcamp here. Find Dr. Gilberg's resource sheet here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Family Lies: The Secrets, Surprises, and Survival of it all, with Carmen Rita Wong 30.07.2026 42min

  Author Carmen Rita Wong joins the show to unpack the family secret that rewrote her identity at 30. Carmen shares the wild story that led to her book “Why Didn’t You Tell Me” (including a Star Wars-style confession), what she thinks about forgiveness vs. understanding, and gives us a masterclass in refusing to carry someone else’s baggage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Justina Machado: Finding Joy, Dating Apps After 50, and Giving Less F**ks 23.07.2026 47min

  Actress Justina Machado joins host Diana Maria Riva to talk about their hilarious case of mistaken identity, the harsh reality of dating apps, the FUPA revelation and why society’s expiration date on women is total BS. Justina also shares why turning 50 hit hard and yet achieved one of her biggest dreams after the fact, all while mastering the art of giving less f**ks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Happy Hour with Tina: Surrendering Control, Solitude, and Why Don’t we Dance More? 21.07.2026 8min

  Diana and Tina recap the recent episode with Judy Reyes. They dig into the themes that resonated with them, including learning to be alone, the struggle to just be still and the lost art of dancing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Toxic Productivity, the Perfectionism Trap and the Power of Rest with Israa Nasir 16.07.2026 49min

  Host Diana Maria Riva is joined by therapist and author Israa Nasir to talk about toxic productivity, the dangers that come with it and how to recognize those warning signs. They will dive deep into exploring why being “busy” can mask itself as self-care and perfectionism, and how our self-worth can get tangled up in our desired achievements. Get Israa's book here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Judy Reyes on Finding Your Voice, Sitting in Your Power and Ignoring the Clock 09.07.2026 37min

  Actress Judy Reyes (Scrubs, High Potential, Claws) joins the show to talk about her midlife moment of choosing motherhood in her 40’s, bringing Nurse Carla's menopause storyline to the Scrubs revival and the power of finally trusting your own voice. Judy also opens up about forgiveness, facing the intimidation of big dreams, and ultimately, fulfilling them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Lynn Ferguson on Radical Acceptance, Teachable Moments and 50 Words a Day 02.07.2026 34min

  Host Diana Maria Riva sits down with Scottish actress, playwright and writer Lynn Ferguson for a conversation that swings from radical acceptance to the surprisingly powerful practice of writing just 50 words a day. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Happy Hour with Tina: Lisa Lisa, Caring for an Ailing Parent & Folding Laundry 30.06.2026 10min

  In this Happy Hour episode of How Hard Can it Be?, host Diana Maria Riva and her bestie Tina look back at the recent conversation with music icon Lisa Lisa. They reflect on Lisa's story of caring for her mother with Alzheimer’s, drawing parallels to Tina’s own experience caring for her mom. They also discuss motherhood, redefining retirement, and the surprising self-care ritual Tina shares with Lisa Lisa: folding laundry. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Lisa Lisa on Hot Flashes, Caring for Her Mom Through Alzheimer's & Big Dreams at 60 25.06.2026 44min

  Host Diana Maria Riva sits down with 80’s icon Lisa Lisa for a moving conversation spanning her secret battle with breast cancer, growing up the youngest of 10 in Hell’s Kitchen, and caring for her mother through Alzheimer’s disease. Lisa openly shares with Diana her big Broadway dream, the zen art of folding clothes, and compares “mom notes’ on the challenge of detaching from their children.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Kim Fields on Defying the Narrative, Purpose and Preventative Maintenance 18.06.2026 33min

  The iconic Kim Fields joins host Diana Maria Riva for a raw and joyful conversation about what it really means to be a Gen X woman still in motion. Kim shares how she's avoided becoming a statistic, and the moment she realized she was "Burr in a world full of Hamiltons." They talk body image, the trap of comparison, giving yourself permission to look back, and why she's tired of the BS — but never tired of the work.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Happy Hour with Tina: Diana’s Make-Out Era, Dating App Disasters & FaceTime Bar Nights 16.06.2026 8min

  Host Diana Maria Riva and her bestie Tina are back for a happy hour recap of the Constance Marie episode. They discuss why Tina has practically danced with Prince and David Bowie, where women land on the household totem pole and keeping the spark alive in long relationships. The conversation takes a hilarious turn as Diana shares her midlife dating adventures, including swiping through "Bob the Builder" lookalikes and turning down a 32-year-old suitor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Constance Marie on Midlife Dating, Single Motherhood and What’s a Sesentañera? 11.06.2026 45min

  Actress Constance Marie joins host Diana Maria Riva for a rollercoaster conversation from being last on the list, to single motherhood, and the wild world of dating apps (clean shirts and punctuality, is that too much to ask?!). And what better way to celebrate 60 than with a Sesentañera…A sesenta-WHAT? From disappearing eyebrows and why Gen X women refuse to stop pivoting, Diana and Constance compare notes and dive in deep.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  A Midlife Awakening, Not a Crisis, with Wendy Valentine 04.06.2026 38min

  Diana Maria Riva sits down with author and podcast host Wendy Valentine for a conversation about how the scariest moment of your life can actually be the beginning of your best chapter. Wendy shares how hitting rock bottom in her mid 40’s — divorce, debt, depression, and devastating loss — led to a wild vision of driving an RV across the country. Diana and Wendy also talk about the importance of becoming your own BFF, setting boundaries, and why Gen X women are just getting started.Wendy Valentine is the author of Women Waking Up: The Midlife Manifesto for Passion, Purpose, and Play and host of The Midlife Makeover Show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Happy Hour with Tina: Love, Loss and Laughing Through Midlife 02.06.2026 10min

  Grab that Prosecco, it’s time for a new Happy Hour episode of How Hard Can it Be? This week, host Diana Maria Riva and her bestie Tina reflect on the recent episode with actress Lisa Vidal. Diana and Tina talk about keeping the spark alive after 35 years of marriage, navigating the unimaginable loss of a child and the importance of showing up for friends in their darkest moments. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Lisa Vidal on Surviving Grief, Choosing Joy and Still Being Hot at 60 28.05.2026 44min

  Actress Lisa Vidal sits down with host Diana Maria Riva for a raw, heartfelt conversation about the realities of aging, the beauty of long marriages, and the devastating loss of her son. Lisa opens up about her 36-year marriage, battling breast cancer while being the family breadwinner, and how she chooses healing every single day. Lisa and Diana also laugh through midlife's greatest hits — bingo wings, chin hairs, disappearing eyebrows, and the foreplay of Pinterest. Please note this episode contains discussions of suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts, please reach out for immediate help. You can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Gina Torres On Becoming an Empty Nester: No Carpool, No Minivan, No Identity, NO PROBLEM! 21.05.2026 32min

  Host Diana Maria Riva welcomes actress Gina Torres to talk about the messy, hilarious, and surprisingly emotional journey of becoming an empty nester. From IKEA shelf disasters to red-eye drop-offs, Diana and Gina discuss the importance of rediscovering who you are on the other side of motherhood. All this and a rapid fire game of hot flashes, self-care, and spontaneous sex.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Happy Hour with Tina: Sleep Wars, Parenting & Not Stopping at No 19.05.2026 12min

  It’s time for another bonus Happy Hour episode of How Hard Can it Be? This week, host Diana Maria Riva and her bestie Tina discuss the conversation with Holly Robinson Peete, including their takes on the separate bedrooms trend, menopause sleep struggles, and Holly’s inspiring approach to her son’s autism diagnosis. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Holly Robinson Peete: Never Ever Say Never... A Candid Conversation About Separate Beds, Being Critical, Autism & Midlife Joy 14.05.2026 57min

  Holly Robinson Peete joins Diana Maria Riva for a refreshingly blunt discussion about the lessons, discoveries, and surprises of midlife.  From the joy of separate bedrooms (and a Great Dane named Atlas) to life with an adult child with autism, Holly opens up about defying the long list of “never’s” that came with her son RJ's diagnosis. Diana and Holly engage in a comical conversation full of laughs and moving honesty as Holly shares her journey of “letting go”, the joys of Japan, Instagram shopping, and her 90-year-old mother’s fearless approach to aging. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Happy Hour with Tina: Pivoting, Saying No and Asking “Why Not?" 12.05.2026 9min

  In this special Happy Hour episode of How Hard Can it Be?, host Diana Maria Riva is joined by her best friend of over 40 years, Tina, for a glass of prosecco and a heartfelt chat. They reflect on the Eva Longoria episode and dive into Tina's inspiring pivot — from owning the biggest driving school in Cincinnati's tri-state area to selling the business and opening a spa in her house. They celebrate the power of asking "why not?", the freedom of saying no after 50, and how age can quiet self-doubt. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Eva Longoria on Midlife: GirlSquads, Sleep Secrets, and Saying "No" 07.05.2026 1h

  In the debut episode of How Hard Can it Be?, host Diana Maria Riva sits down with her close friend Eva Longoria - actress, producer, director, activist, and executive producer of this very show - for a no-holds-barred conversation about what it really means to be a Gen X woman navigating midlife. From being the regents of resourcefulness to the indignities of chin hair and gravity, they talk about it all: the company you keep, the power of saying no, why society's "expiration date" for women is total BS, and yes - the optimal timing for sex. Hilarious, honest, and unapologetically real. Take the sleep type test here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.