Own Your Midlife Podcast: Hormones, Perimenopause & Reinvention for Women 40+

Episode

• Why Comparison Hits Differently in Midlife (And What to Do About It) 02.06.2026 8mnt

  If you're in midlife and comparison has been making you feel like you're behind, too late, or like everyone else has figured something out that you haven't, this episode is going to hit home. Comparison in midlife feels different than it did in your twenties. Back then it felt like fuel. Now it feels more like a deadline. And that shift is not an accident. It's something a lot of women feeling stuck in midlife are experienced but rarely talk about. In this episode we cover: Why comparison feels so much heavier in midlife than it ever did before How to stop letting someone else's timeline mean something about your own What to do the next time comparison shows up. Because it will Why holding on too tightly to a plan or a timeline could be costing you your clarity How to start trusting your own path again even when it looks nothing like everyone else's You are not behind. You are not too late. And you are not the only woman in this season of life wondering why everyone else seems to have figured it out. If comparison has been quietly convincing you that you missed your window, this episode is your reset. Come say hi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susiemclean.xo  
• Playing it Safe in Midlife? It's Time to Bet On You 26.05.2026 7mnt

  Betting on yourself in midlife can feel scary, especially when you've spent years putting everyone else first. In this episode, we're talking about what it actually looks like to stop waiting, trust yourself, and finally take a chance on the life you really want. If you've ever found yourself thinking, maybe next year, when life settles down, or when I feel more ready. This conversation is for you. In this solo episode of Own Your Midlife, I'm getting personal about my own journey of waiting for permission to start this podcast, and the moment I finally realized nobody was coming to hand me the green light. We're talking about what it really means to bet on yourself in midlife, why so many women slowly stop choosing themselves, and how easy it is to spend years betting on everyone else while quietly putting yourself on the back burner. We also get into why confidence doesn't always come first, how fear shows up when you're stepping into something new, and why sometimes the bravest bet isn't starting over, it's ending something that no longer fits. In this episode: • Why betting on yourself in midlife often means taking action before you feel ready • The quiet ways women stop choosing themselves over time • Why sometimes the bravest bet is ending something that no longer fits • How fear, self-doubt, and waiting for permission can keep us stuck • The one question I want you to ask yourself before this episode ends If you've been feeling pulled toward something new, questioning what's next, or wondering if it's too late to choose yourself again, I hope this episode reminds you of one thing: You are what you're bringing to the table. Connect with me on Instagram: @susiemclean.xo 
• Nervous System Overload? Small Midlife Resets That Actually Help 19.05.2026 6mnt

  If you've been feeling emotionally exhausted, overwhelmed, or like life just feels heavier than it used to, this episode is for you. Maybe you're juggling work, kids, aging parents, relationships, your health, and somehow still feeling like you're supposed to hold everything together. Maybe you're waking up already feeling behind, constantly overstimulated, and wondering why everything suddenly feels like so much. And sometimes we think something is wrong with us when really, our nervous system is just overloaded. In this short solo episode, I'm talking about small nervous system resets that actually help when life feels overwhelming. No perfection. No complicated routines. Just real life ways to calm your nervous system, lower stress, and feel more like yourself again. Here's what we're getting into: • Why you don't owe everyone immediate access to you • Nervous system resets that help you feel calmer in midlife • Drained from doing it all? Perfectionism may be exhausting you more than your to-do list • Giving yourself permission to choose the easy version If life feels heavy right now, I hope this episode feels like a deep breath and a reminder that you don't have to do it all. Small shifts really do add up. And if someone came to mind while listening, send this episode their way. Maybe they need a little encouragement too Connect with Susie: Social media: Instagram Email: ownyourmidlifepodcast@gmail.com 
• Midlife Reinvention: How to Become Who You're Meant to Be (with Wendy Valentine) 12.05.2026 30mnt

  If you're in your 40s or 50s and things feel like they're starting to unravel, this episode is going to remind you that breakdown and breakthrough can often happen at the same time. Today I'm sitting down with Wendy Valentine, internationally published author of Women Waking Up, founder of Midlifology, and host of the Midlife Makeover Show, a podcast ranked in the top 1% globally. After going through divorce, job loss, debt, menopause, chronic illness, and devastating loss all at once, Wendy transformed her life completely and now empowers women to do the same. This conversation is about midlife reinvention, shifting your mindset, quieting your inner critic, and giving yourself permission to become the woman you've always wanted to be. Because so many women in midlife feel stuck, lost, or like it's too late to start over. It is not too late. In this episode we talk about how to change your thinking when everything feels like it's falling apart, why staying stuck can feel safe and how to move through it anyway, the ACE method for managing emotions and getting out of a rut, and why midlife is a catalyst for reinvention rather than a crisis to survive. If you've been feeling lost in midlife, questioning your identity, or wondering if your best years are behind you, this conversation will shift the way you see this season of your life. In this episode we cover: How your thoughts are either working for you or against you and how to change that Why identity is the missing piece most women skip when trying to change their lives How to stop negative thought spirals before they take over Wendy's Believe, Behave, Become method for real, lasting transformation How to start showing up as the woman you want to become before you fully feel like her Why feeling stuck is often just familiarity dressed up as comfort Simple ways to start rewiring your brain and shifting your mindset in midlife Connect with Wendy: Website: The Midlife Makeover Show  Book: Women Waking Up: The Midlife Manifesto for Passion, Purpose, and Play Follow on: Instagram Substack: Midlifology  Connect with Susie: Instagram If this episode resonated, share it with a friend who's in this season too and follow Own Your Midlife so you don't miss what's coming next.
• Brain Fog & Low Energy in Midlife: What Actually Worked for Me 05.05.2026 10mnt

  If you're in your 40s or 50s and dealing with low energy, fatigue, brain fog, or walking into a room and forgetting why you're there, you are not alone. These are some of the most common symptoms women experience in midlife, and for a long time I thought something was seriously wrong with me. Note: I am not a doctor and nothing here is medical advice. Please talk to your doctor before trying anything new. In this episode, I'm sharing five things that have personally helped my energy and mental clarity in this season. Things I've been using consistently for at least six months, not just quick fixes. One of the first shifts was sleep. My friend Kristen shared a simple nighttime routine with me that changed everything. Kristen's Wind-Down Combination: Chamomile tea L-theanine Reishi mushroom tincture Unflavored collagen This simple routine made a noticeable difference in my sleep and my energy during perimenopause. I also cover how bioidentical HRT helped clear my brain fog in perimenopause, the supplements that supported my mental clarity including Vitamin D, NAC, and creatine, why blood sugar stability matters more than most women realize, and how walking and strength training support energy in midlife in different but equally important ways. If this resonated, share it with a friend who needs to hear it. And make sure you're following Own Your Midlife so you don't miss future episodes. Free Resource: The Midlife Reset Checklist Email ownyourmidlifepodcast@gmail.com with "PDF" in the subject line and I'll send it to you! Connect with me on: Instagram Topics covered: brain fog in midlife, low energy in your 40s, fatigue in midlife, perimenopause symptoms, HRT, sleep supplements, L-theanine, creatine for women, midlife wellness.
• Midlife Identity Shift: The Story That's Been Holding You Back 28.04.2026 7mnt

  If you're in your 40s or 50s and suddenly feeling like you don't recognize yourself anymore you're not alone. So many women experience a midlife identity shift and don't have the words for what's happening.  Women in midlife often arrive carrying limiting beliefs about themselves that they never stopped to question. Beliefs about what they're capable of, what they deserve, and who they're allowed to be. And most of the time those beliefs didn't even start with them. In this episode I'm getting personal about a story I carried for years one that kept me small and turned out to not even be true. And I'm walking you through how to identify your own limiting beliefs, where they actually came from, and whether they still belong to you. If you've been feeling lost in midlife, questioning your identity, or wondering when you stopped feeling like yourself this episode is your starting point. In this episode you'll hear: Why so many limiting beliefs women carry in midlife didn't actually start with them How to trace a belief back to where it began Three questions that can start shifting everything Until the story changes, nothing else really does. And this episode is where that starts. If this resonated share it with a friend who needs to hear it. Follow Own Your Midlife so you never miss an episode. Connect with Susie: Instagram
• The 3 Things Every Strong Friendship Needs After 40 (with J'Leen Manning Saeger) 21.04.2026 33mnt

  Friendships can feel different in midlife. Some grow deeper. Others start to feel confusing or distant. And a lot of us quietly wonder why connection doesn't always feel as easy as it once did. In this episode, I'm sitting down with J'Leen Manning Saeger to talk about how friendships change in this season of life and what actually helps them stay strong. After recognizing how her own insecurities were shaping her closest relationships, J'Leen began applying the three parts of the Frientimacy Triangle. A framework developed by friendship expert Shasta Nelson that explains what strong friendships are actually built on and why so many of us feel like something is missing. What J'Leen discovered completely changed how she understood her friendships and how she showed up in them. We talk about the fear of rejection, what negative self-talk does to your ability to connect, and how J'Leen went from feeling excluded to someone who actively builds deep, meaningful friendships. We also cover: • the 3 things every strong friendship needs after 40 • why friendships can feel harder in midlife • how insecurity and old stories shape the way we connect • why it's actually normal to hurt each other in close friendships • what makes some friendships grow stronger over time • how we can become better friends once we understand what might be missing This conversation gives language to something so many women feel but don't always know how to explain.  If you've been feeling a little lonely in this season, or your friendships aren't what they used to be, this episode will give you something real to work with. Share it with a friend who needs to hear it. And make sure you're following Own Your Midlife so you don't miss future episodes! Shasta Nelson's Work  Her website: http://www.shastanelson.com/ The Frientimacy quiz we talked about:  https://frientimacy.com/take-frientimacy-test Her podcast: https://www.shastanelson.com/show-notes Connect with Susie  Instagram 
• Why Burnout Hits Different in Midlife (And It Starts With Your Minerals) with Dori Martin 14.04.2026 42mnt

  If you're dealing with midlife burnout, low energy, or that feeling of doing everything right and still running on empty, this episode is for you. Today I'm joined by Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner and Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis practitioner Dori Martin. Dori specializes in helping women in midlife understand what's driving their fatigue, hormone shifts, weight resistance, and brain fog at a foundational level. We talk about why midlife burnout hits differently, how mineral deficiency in midlife affects your energy, metabolism, mood, and hormones, and why so many women in perimenopause feel depleted even when they're eating well, exercising, and taking supplements. Dori explains how Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) works, what it reveals about your body's stress load and mineral balance that a regular blood test often doesn't show, and why nervous system regulation is the foundation everything else depends on. We also get into the common mistakes women make when trying to fix midlife fatigue, what burnout actually looks like on a cellular level, and the small foundational shifts like morning sunlight, breathwork, hydration, and supporting mineral balance that can start changing things before anything else does. If you've been wondering why your body feels different in midlife, this conversation will help you understand what's actually going on and what to do about it. Connect with Dori Follow on Instagram Check out Website  Connect with Susie Follow on Instagram 
• Stuck Waiting for Someone Else to Choose You? 3 Ways to Take Your Power Back (with Anthony McLean) 07.04.2026 19mnt

  In this episode, my husband Anthony joins me to talk about what changed when he stopped waiting for opportunity to come to him and started creating his own direction instead. For years, his career as an actor meant waiting for someone else to say yes to the next role. Eventually he realized he didn't want his future depending on someone else's decision anymore. That shift changed everything. And honestly, this is something I see so many women navigating in midlife. Sometimes it looks like staying in a job where you're building someone else's dream. Sometimes it looks like waiting for confidence before moving forward. Sometimes it looks like putting a gift on hold because the timing doesn't feel right yet. In this conversation, Anthony shares three simple but powerful questions that helped him take his power back: • Where have I handed my power away? • What gift am I neglecting? • What action can I take this week to move forward? If you've been feeling stuck in midlife or waiting for the right moment to make a change, this episode will help you start seeing what's already possible from where you are right now. Because choosing yourself doesn't start with a perfect plan. It starts with one decision. If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who might need this reminder today. And make sure you're following Own Your Midlife so you don't miss what's coming up next. Connect with me here: Instagram I always appreciate hearing from listeners. If you're enjoying the show, feel free to send me a message at ownyourmidlifepodcast@gmail.com and let me know what's been resonating with you.
• Why You Feel Stuck in Midlife (And What's Actually Keeping You There) 31.03.2026 11mnt

  Have you ever felt stuck but couldn't quite explain why? In midlife, that feeling often shows up right when you're thinking about making a change. Starting something new. Letting go of something old. Or finally moving toward something you've been putting off for a long time. In this episode, I'm talking about three quiet reasons many women begin to feel stuck during this season of life. Not because they lack motivation or direction, but because something deeper is happening underneath the surface. Sometimes simply naming what's really going on is what makes movement possible again. In this episode you'll hear: • How perfectionism can show up as hesitation instead of progress • Why grief about the life you expected can quietly affect your ability to move forward • How the fear of choosing the wrong path can keep you in thinking mode instead of action If you've been waiting for clarity before taking your next step, this conversation is a reminder that clarity often comes after movement, not before it. So many women in midlife are standing at a turning point right now. Sometimes the most powerful shift begins with understanding what's actually underneath the feeling of being stuck. If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who might need this reminder today. And make sure you're following Own Your Midlife so you don't miss what's coming up next. Connect with me here: Instagram
• The Hidden Mistake That's Killing Your Goals (And 5 Ways to Protect Your Momentum) 24.03.2026 11mnt

  What if sharing your goals too early is actually slowing you down? In this episode we're talking about something many women experience during midlife transitions. The need to share their plans before they're fully formed. Especially during seasons when your sense of identity is evolving, and how that can quietly affect motivation, clarity, and confidence. Whether you're starting something new, making a life change, rebuilding after a difficult season, or simply trying to figure out what's next, learning when to share your goals and when to protect them can make a powerful difference. In this episode, I walk through five reasons keeping your goals private in the early stages can help you stay focused and move forward with more confidence. In this episode: Why sharing too early can deflate your motivation before you even begin How to protect your energy when an idea is still forming The psychology behind why announcing goals can create a false sense of accomplishment How staying rooted in your why fuels follow-through So many women in midlife are rediscovering their voice and stepping into something new. This episode is a reminder that you don't need permission to begin and you don't need an audience while something is still taking shape. Sometimes the most important progress happens quietly. Connect with me on: Instagram   
• Always Putting Everyone Else First? One Woman's Midlife Wake-Up Call with Angela Burk 17.03.2026 25mnt

  Many women reach midlife feeling physically and mentally exhausted not just from being busy, but from years of living by expectations they never consciously chose. In this episode of Own Your Midlife, Angela Burk, author of Real Girls Guide to Midlife, joins me to talk about navigating midlife transitions and the "invisible rule book" of expectations that so many women are quietly living by. Angela shares her story of navigating motherhood, menopause, divorce, and the moment she finally started questioning everything she had accepted as normal. We talk about people pleasing, the pressure to keep everyone else happy, why change can feel like failure, and how midlife can become the moment women start questioning the patterns they've been living by. If you've ever struggled to say no, felt burned out from holding everything together, or wondered why it's so hard to put yourself first, this conversation will resonate. In this episode we talk about: The invisible expectations many women carry Feeling exhausted in midlife Struggling to say no and learning to own your voice Keeping the peace at your own expense Unlearning expectations and reclaiming identity   Angela's Website & Substack: Real Girls Guide to Midlife  Connect with Angela on: Instagram Connect with Angela on: Facebook   
• People Pleasing Is Costing You Your Voice (3 Ways to Take It Back) 10.03.2026 11mnt

  Have you ever said yes when you really wanted to say no? I know I have. People pleasing can seem harmless on the surface. You keep the peace, avoid conflict, and make sure everyone else is comfortable. But over time, constantly putting other people first can start to shape the way you make decisions, how you show up in relationships, and even how you see yourself. Many women reach midlife and realize something surprising. Somewhere along the way, their own voice got quieter. In this episode, I'm talking about how people pleasing can slowly disconnect us from what we truly think, feel, and want in our lives. When we are always scanning the room for everyone else's approval, we stop checking in with ourselves. I'm also sharing three simple ways you can begin reconnecting with your voice again. In this episode you will hear: • Where people pleasing often begins and how it slowly disconnects you from your voice • Two phrases that make it easier to speak up in conversations • How paying attention to your instincts can guide you back to yourself Reclaiming your voice does not happen all at once. It happens in small moments when you pause, listen to yourself, and choose not to abandon what you really feel. Little by little, those moments begin to change the way you show up in your life. This episode explores people pleasing, finding your voice again, and learning how to set healthier boundaries in midlife. If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who might need this reminder today. And make sure you are following Own Your Midlife so you do not miss future episodes:) Connect with Susie: Instagram 
• Struggling to Connect With Your Teen? 5 Ways That Actually Work 03.03.2026 14mnt

  Raising teenagers in midlife is a whole new level of parenting and it can feel both beautiful and incredibly hard. In this episode, my husband Anthony joins me as we share five things that are genuinely helping us stay connected to our teens. Because this stage of parenting looks very different than we expected and we're not coming to you as experts, just as two parents in the middle of it, learning in real time what actually builds trust, communication, and connection. We talk about the small shifts that have changed the way we show up at home, how we keep the door open for honest conversations, and why being a safe place for your teenager matters more than having the perfect response. If you've ever wondered how to stay connected to your teen, how to keep communication open as they get older, or why parenting teenagers can feel so emotional in this season of midlife,  you are not alone. This episode is honest, practical, and straight from our real life with a 17 year old and a 19 year old in university. These are the things that are working for us right now, and our hope is that you walk away feeling encouraged, equipped, and ready to show up for your teen in a whole new way.  If this episode speaks to you, share it with another parent who's in the teenage years too because we were never meant to do this alone.   Connect with Anthony: Instagram  Website: anthonymclean.org Connect with Susie: Instagram   
• Insulin Resistance in Midlife: Belly Fat, Hot Flashes, Energy Crashes & What to Do About It | with Robin Nielsen 24.02.2026 33mnt

  Have you ever felt like you're doing all the right things? Eating well, trying to take care of yourself and yet your body just isn't responding the way it used to? The stubborn belly fat, the energy crashes, the hot flashes, the hair changes and you're left wondering what is actually going on? That's exactly what we're diving into today. I'm sitting down with Robin Nielsen. She's a board-certified integrative nutritionist who specializes in women's hormone health and she is on a mission to help women become the CEO of their own health so they can feel vibrant, confident, and sexy at any age. She's the founder and CEO of Natural Hormone Solution. And, through her programs, retreats, and events, has helped thousands of women around the world, with more than 16,500 women going through her signature Hormone Reset Program since 2020. She's interviewed over 200 leading healthcare experts and has been featured on CBS. Robin is also a proud mom and grandmother, a competitive tennis player, surfer, musician, a passionate cook, and has been married to the love of her life for over 42 years. In this conversation, we connect the dots between insulin resistance, cortisol, and why so many midlife women feel like their body is working against them. We also find out why insulin resistance can often mimic perimenopause symptoms. We talk about: • What tests you should actually be asking for at your next appointment • Why some of the habits you think are healthy (like skipping breakfast or intermittent fasting) could actually be making things so much worse • The one simple thing you can start doing after every single meal that can dramatically improve your insulin sensitivity. This was a BIG surprise for me! You will leave this conversation with so much insight and action steps. This episode does not disappoint. Grab those earbuds and enjoy! 🎁 Guest Freebie Grab Robin's Free Complete Hormone Assessment  Get Your Results Here! Connect with Robin   Follow her on Instagram Other Resources Mentioned in This Episode 📱 Yuka App Scan food and beauty product barcodes to see ingredient safety ratings (Search "Yuka" in the App Store or Google Play) 🌿 Environmental Working Group Skin Deep® Database Check your personal care and beauty products for harmful ingredients ewg.org/skindeep 📚 The Toxin Solution — Dr. Joseph Pizzorno A guide to how everyday toxins impact your hormones and endocrine system   Tests to Ask Your Doctor For These are the labs Robin recommends requesting for deeper metabolic clarity: Fasting Insulin Hemoglobin A1C Habits to Start Simple, realistic shifts you can begin right away: Eat a high-protein breakfast within an hour of waking Aim to finish dinner by 7pm to support insulin sensitivity Go for a 10–15 minute walk after meals Focus on balanced meals instead of skipping food earlier in the day Prioritize metabolic healing before longer fasting windows Connect with Susie on instagram
• Keeping Your Dreams Alive in Midlife (No Matter What Season You're In) 17.02.2026 9mnt

  In this episode, we're talking about what it actually looks like to move toward your dream in midlife. Whether you're in a season with the capacity to take a big leap, or a season where you're just trying to stay connected to the thing on your heart. Because you are not behind. And your dream is not too late. This is your reminder that the step forward doesn't have to look the same for everyone and that small, intentional moves still count. If you've been wondering: Is it too late for me? Where does my dream fit in this season of life? What can I do right now with the time and energy I actually have? This episode is for you! Your season is valid. Your dream still matters. And there is a way to move forward from right where you are. Come listen for the encouragement and leave with the next step that actually fits your life right now.   Connect with Susie here: Instagram
• Fibroids & Surgery: Modern Treatment Options Explained with Dr. Kelly Wright (Part 3) 10.02.2026 37mnt

  Fibroids affect up to 80% of women yet too many are told their symptoms are "normal" or are offered outdated treatment options without understanding what else is available. In Part 3 of this fibroid series, I sit down with Dr. Kelly Wright, Director of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery and Vice Chair of Gynecology at Cedars-Sinai, one of the most respected medical institutions in the world. Dr. Wright runs the Endometriosis Center at Cedars-Sinai and specializes in treating complex cases of uterine fibroids and endometriosis. She's also the doctor who performed my own fibroid surgery. In this conversation, we cover: Treatment options from non-surgical interventions (like embolization and ablation) to minimally invasive surgery The difference between hysterectomy, partial hysterectomy, and myomectomy and how to choose Why 98% of surgical fibroid cases can be treated with minimally invasive approaches (and what to ask if your doctor suggests a large incision) This episode is for you if: You've been diagnosed with fibroids, suspect you might have them, or have been dismissed by a doctor who said your symptoms are "just part of being a woman." My hope is that this conversation helps you feel informed, empowered, and clear about your options so you can make the decision that's right for your body and your life. Coonect with Susie: Instagram 
• Fibroids & Relief: 7 Natural Ways to Ease Your Symptoms (Part 2) 03.02.2026 12mnt

  For many women, fibroids stay quiet for years until perimenopause brings symptoms like bloating, heavy bleeding, fatigue, and inflammation to the surface. In Part 2 of my fibroid series, I'm sharing the seven natural remedies that helped ease my fibroid symptoms during the two years I was navigating bloating, pressure, inflammation, and hormonal chaos before surgery ever entered the picture. This is not medical advice and I'm not a doctor. I'm simply sharing what supported my body and brought real relief while I was figuring out my next steps. In this episode, we talk about: The seven natural remedies that brought real relief to my fibroid symptoms Why fibroid symptoms can suddenly escalate in your 40s and 50s The one supplement backed by human research that genuinely surprised me The herbal teas that helped ease inflammation and discomfort If you've recently been diagnosed with fibroids or you're experiencing symptoms that point toward fibroids my hope is that this episode gives you clarity and a place to start when it comes to managing symptoms. Not as a cure. Not as a one-size-fits-all solution. But as options and conversations to have with your provider. ✨ Next week in Part 3, I'm sitting down with my surgeon to talk through the different medical options and procedures available to women who are considering fibroid treatment. If this episode helps you, please share it with a friend who might need it. And don't forget to follow the show so you don't miss what's coming next! Links to Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Castor oil pack wrap  Castor oil (cold-pressed, hexane-free)  EGCG (green tea extract)  Burdock root tincture (Herb Pharm)  Tea Pigs    Connect with Susie: Instagram 
• Fibroids, Fear & Finding Relief: My Story (Part 1) 27.01.2026 11mnt

  This isn't the easiest episode for me to put out there, but it's one I know someone needs.   Today I'm opening up about my fibroid journey. The fear, the confusion, the late-night Googling (that did not help 🤦🏽‍♀️), and the choice I made to get my life back.   I'm sharing this because I remember how isolating it felt. And if my story helps even one woman feel seen, understood, or a little less overwhelmed… it's worth it.   In Part 1, I'm walking you through the symptoms that slowly took over my everyday life, how hormone shifts in our 40s can make fibroids grow, and why advocating for yourself matters so much when you're trying to find answers.   Whether you're newly diagnosed, managing symptoms, or still trying to understand what your body is telling you, you're not alone. This is Part 1 of 3.   If this episode resonates with you or someone you know, please share it. Sometimes just knowing you're not alone makes all the difference. This podcast shares personal experiences and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider regarding any health concerns.   Connect with Susie: @susiemclean.xo  
• Why Friendships Feel Harder After 40 (and What Actually Works) with Anna Goldfarb 20.01.2026 59mnt

  Did you know that we lose half of our close friends every 7 years? That falling in love costs you an average of 2 friendships? And that midlife is one of the hardest times to make and maintain friends? You're not crazy if you feel like friendship is harder now. It IS harder. And there are actual sociological reasons why. In this episode of Own Your Midlife, I sat down with friendship expert and journalist Anna Goldfarb, author of the critically acclaimed book "Modern Friendship" (named a Forbes Top 10 Must-Read). Anna's work has been featured in The New York Times, The Atlantic, and TIME and she breaks down exactly why modern friendship feels so challenging and what actually works to build lasting connections. In this conversation you'll hear: • Why social media gives us the illusion of closeness without real connection • The 3 part framework for wholehearted friendship  • The 5 reasons friendships form and fade • How to craft invitations your friends can actually say yes to  • The friendship tiers and why they're constantly shifting • The one thing you can tell your friends today that will transform your relationship. If you've ever felt lonely even though you have friends, or wondered why maintaining friendships takes so much effort now, this episode is going to give you so many lightbulb moments. I walked away from this conversation with an entirely new strategy for my friendships and I can't wait for you to hear it! Connect with Anna Goldfarb: Follow Anna on instagram: @annagoldfarb Visit Anna's website: annagoldfarb.com Mentioned in this episode:Shasta Nelson - friendship expert and authorWebsite: shastanelson.com Connect with Susie McLean: Instagram: @susiemclean.xo