Midlife Strategies for Badass Women

What if midlife wasn’t your slowing down season—but your permission slip to say YES, again and again?
In this episode of Midlife Strategies for Badass Women, Sue Willoughby sits down with extreme athlete, dragon boater, and Everest climber Dianette Wells—a woman who has turned challenge into momentum, grief into purpose, and joy into a daily practice.
From racing ultra-marathons and summiting 7 peaks (yes, including Everest—twice!) to navigating heartbreak, divorce, and the unimaginable loss of her son, Dianette shares how she’s learned to keep moving forward, one literal and metaphorical step at a time.
🎒 In this deeply honest, empowering episode, you’ll hear:
- Why you’re never too old to try something new (even if you suck at it)

- The surprising mindset that keeps Dianette going through brutal climbs and brutal life events

- How joy, curiosity, and community are her secret weapons

- Why your “mountain persona” can help you tackle everyday life

- What it means to reclaim your spark—without apology or perfection

Whether you’re feeling stuck, grieving, or just wondering “what’s next?”—this episode will remind you that every step counts, and you are capable of more than you think.
 Connect with Dianette Wells:
🔗 Website: https://dianettewells.com/ 
🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DianetteWellsEnduranceAthlete 
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianettewells/ 
📖Get her Book: Another Step Up the Mountain - https://a.co/d/cK9Ovl6 

FOLLOW and CONNECT
Website - https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/ 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/ 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/ 
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/ 

Thanks to my amazing Producer and Editor Jess Grace Garcia (they/them) of Springwood Productions. https://www.springwoodproductions.com/ 

If you want to start your own podcast feel free to reach out to us. Jess and I would love to help you on your journey to sharing your story and passion.

#LifeWorthBeing #Transformation #LifeCoach #Women #Empowerment #PersonalGrowth #InnerStrength #PurposefulLiving #MidlifeTransformation #Mindfulness #Mindset #SelfDiscovery #WomenEmpowerment #midlifestrategies 

🔥 Welcome to Midlife Strategies for Badass Women 🔥

I’m Sue Willoughby—Badass Midlife Strategist, life coach, and your partner in breaking rules, rewriting the script, and thriving unapologetically after 40.

This channel is for women who are DONE playing small. If you’re ready to ditch the “shoulds,” reclaim your power, and live a bold, joyful, purpose-driven life—you’re in the right place.

Each week, you’ll get real talk, raw stories, and badass strategies to help you:
✨ Smash through self-doubt and limitations
✨ Reclaim your confidence and clarity
✨ Build resilience and embrace reinvention
✨ Create a midlife that feels authentic, aligned, and f*cking powerful

This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement. A community of women who are tired of waiting and ready to step into their next-level life, unapologetically.

👉 Hit follow so you never miss an episode. Let’s rise, rebel, and reinvent midlife—together.

What if the only thing standing between you and next-level confidence… was your voice?

In this episode of Midlife Strategies for Badass Women, Sue Willoughby sits down with powerhouse speaker and coach Laurie-Ann Murabito—a once painfully shy woman who’s now a sought-after speaker, coach, and host of the Be in Demand podcast. Her message? Finding your voice isn’t just about public speaking—it’s about reclaiming your presence.

Whether you’re terrified of speaking up in meetings, dreaming of hitting the stage, or just tired of feeling invisible, this conversation will light a fire under your mic.

🎤 In this episode:

• Why public speaking isn’t just for “outgoing” women
  
  
• How being tall, shy, and invisible sparked Laurie-Ann’s transformation
  
  
• The role of voice tone, range, and pacing in owning your power
  
  
• How to get speaking gigs—even if you’ve never been paid before
  
  
• Real transformations from clients who were scared sh*tless to speak… until they weren’t
  
  

✨ Plus:

Get Laurie-Ann’s free Directory of Places to Speak at https://SpeakAndStandOut.com/gift

Learn about her live "Get Booked to Speak" training and her upcoming 8-week "In-Demand Signature Speech" program. https://SpeakAndStandOut.com

Follow Laurie-Ann on IG: https://www.instagram.com/laurieann.murabito

 

Chapters

[00:00:00] - Powerful intro and guest bio
[00:02:05] - Host welcome and setup
[00:03:11] - Laurianne’s origin story
[00:09:12] - Early challenges of saying yes
[00:16:04] - Brands and finding your voice
[00:22:29] - Voice craft and performance
[00:26:38] - Sponsor: Autumn Renewal retreat
[00:28:06] - Techniques: pausing, pacing, physiology
[00:38:04] - Don’t hate your voice—reframe it
[00:42:47] - Client transformations and impact
[00:48:24] - How to connect and closing

FOLLOW and CONNECT

Website - https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/

Thanks to my amazing Producer and Editor Jess Grace Garcia (they/them) of Springwood Productions. https://www.springwoodproductions.com/

If you want to start your own podcast feel free to reach out to us. Jess and I would love to help you on your journey to sharing your story and passion.

#LifeWorthBeing #Transformation #LifeCoach #Women #Empowerment #PersonalGrowth #InnerStrength #PurposefulLiving #MidlifeTransformation #Mindfulness #Mindset #SelfDiscovery #WomenEmpowerment #midlifestrategies

🔥 Welcome to Midlife Strategies for Badass Women 🔥

I’m Sue Willoughby—Badass Midlife Strategist, life coach, and your partner in breaking rules, rewriting the script, and thriving unapologetically after 40.

This channel is for women who are DONE playing small. If you’re ready to ditch the “shoulds,” reclaim your power, and live a bold, joyful, purpose-driven life—you’re in the right place.

Each week, you’ll get real talk, raw stories, and badass strategies to help you:
✨ Smash through self-doubt and limitations
✨ Reclaim your confidence and clarity
✨ Build resilience and embrace reinvention
✨ Create a midlife that feels authentic, aligned, and f*cking powerful

This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement. A community of women who are tired of waiting and ready to step into their next-level life, unapologetically.

👉Follow so you never miss an episode. Let’s rise, rebel, and reinvent midlife—together.

What if fun wasn’t just “extra”—but essential to your health, happiness, and midlife reinvention?
In this laughter-filled episode of Midlife Strategies for Badass Women, host Sue Willoughby sits down with Treena Innes, global gallivanter, author, and life fun expert, to challenge the myth that adulthood means the end of play.
Treena shares her inspiring story of how writing a book at 50 led to a movement to teach women how to live more vibrantly through fun, laughter, and joy—on their own damn terms.
🎉 In this high-energy convo, we cover:
Why most women lose their sense of fun around age 30—and how to get it back

The difference between a fun list and a bucket list (and why both matter)

How to build a micro-dose fun habit that actually sticks

The science-backed benefits of play (spoiler: it’s better than Botox)

How to ditch the guilt and reclaim your fun personality—at any age

This episode is your permission slip to stop being the martyr, drop the “good girl” mask, and rediscover what actually lights you up. (Bonus: laughing burns calories. You’re welcome.)

🎧 Tune in. Laugh loud. And start building your badass fun habit today.

 

🔗 Connect with Treena at https://www.minddoodles.ca

🎙️Podcast: Finding Fun Experiments https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-fun-experiment-cracking-the-code-to-health/id1813646794

📖Book Giveaway: https://minddoodles.ca/meet-mind-doodle-the-book/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/treena.innes/

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

 

Chapters

[00:00:00] - Laughter as a natural pain reliever
[00:00:31] - Podcast intro and mission
[00:01:15] - Setting the tone: humor saves
[00:02:01] - Guest welcome: Trina Inis
[00:02:55] - Why laughter is Trina’s focus
[00:05:52] - Why adults stop prioritizing fun
[00:10:09] - Embracing spontaneity vs planning
[00:10:55] - Bucket list basics and benefits
[00:12:14] - Fun list vs bucket list
[00:13:41] - Getting people to use the list
[00:16:53] - Building fun habits daily
[00:20:27] - Social media facades and authenticity
[00:23:29] - End-of-day “fire in the belly” check
[00:24:30] - Energy drains: doomscrolling and news
[00:26:02] - Fun builds resilience through grief
[00:27:57] - Finding one funny thing daily
[00:29:12] - Not-so-fun midlife stats (women)
[00:31:12] - Peak stress 35–55: 74% of women
[00:31:31] - Adults drop play in their 30s
[00:32:00] - Good news: rebuild fun with habits
[00:32:28] - What about men? Guilt and openness
[00:34:05] - Women’s seriousness and self-forgetting
[00:36:09] - Play personalities and lifelong play
[00:37:34] - Retest: play evolves over time
[00:38:24] - What fun does to your body
[00:41:04] - We talk about health about 10 times a day
[00:43:13] - How to connect with Trina
[00:45:23] - Spreading the fun ripple effect
[00:45:53] - Closing thanks and final message
FOLLOW and CONNECT

Website - https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/ 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/ 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/ 
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/ 

Thanks to my amazing Producer and Editor Jess Grace Garcia (they/them) of Springwood Productions. https://www.springwoodproductions.com/ 

If you want to start your own podcast feel free to reach out to us. Jess and I would love to help you on your journey to sharing your story and passion.

#LifeWorthBeing #Transformation #LifeCoach #Women #Empowerment #PersonalGrowth #InnerStrength #PurposefulLiving #MidlifeTransformation #Mindfulness #Mindset #SelfDiscovery #WomenEmpowerment #midlifestrategies 

Thank you for watching! If you're seeking more insights on living a truly meaningful and fulfilling life, be sure to subscribe to my channel. And don’t forget to hit the bell icon so you never miss an update!An extraordinary life starts within. Discover your inner strength and awaken a life worth being through experiential, equine-assisted life coaching. Welcome to My Universe!  I am Sue Willoughby, Badass Midlife Strategist & host of Midlife Strategies for Badass Women—a podcast that dives deep to help you uncover the true meaning of a fulfilling life. This channel is here to inspire and empower women over 40 to step into their fullest potential, break through limitations, and truly thrive. Each week, we bring you powerful video podcasts filled with real-life stories of transformation, resilience, and courage. Expect raw, heart-centered conversations and life-changing insights designed to help you break boundaries and start crafting a life brimming with purpose, joy, and passion. This is more than just a channel; it’s a community. Join me to explore, grow, & connect with like-minded women on the journey to creating a life worth being. Subscribe now and let’s awaken your limitless potential together!

Still waiting for “someday”? Spoiler: it’s not coming. But you still can.
In the final episode of the Midlife Reclamation: Summer Reset Series on Midlife Strategies for Badass Women, host Sue Willoughby brings the 🔥 as she guides you through the most important midlife skill of all: editing your life.
This episode is your invitation to stop hauling around the emotional, physical, and energetic clutter you’ve been tolerating for years—and finally create space for what actually lights you up.
🧹 In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why “someday” is a soul-sucking myth that keeps you stuck

How to identify and release the habits, relationships, and crap weighing you down

Why clarity and courage—not more hustle—are your midlife superpowers

The 4-part audit to help you clean up your calendar, mind, space, and relationships

A badass back burner challenge (and one thing to burn this week—literally)

It’s time to edit your life like your future depends on it—because it does.
📓 Grab your journal.
🔥 Light the match.
🎧 And let’s reclaim midlife, one release at a time.

[00:00:00] - Less hustle, more clarity
[00:01:14] - Series finale: the midlife edit
[00:03:45] - The back-burner problem
[00:09:03] - Invitation: newsletter and call
[00:10:07] - Start small, by area
[00:13:06] - Examples and release ritual
[00:16:42] - Audit, habit, and wrap-up

FOLLOW and CONNECT
Website - https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/ 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/ 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/ 
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/ 

Thanks to my amazing Producer and Editor Jess Grace Garcia (they/them) of Springwood Productions. https://www.springwoodproductions.com/ 

If you want to start your own podcast feel free to reach out to us. Jess and I would love to help you on your journey to sharing your story and passion.

#LifeWorthBeing #Transformation #LifeCoach #Women #Empowerment #PersonalGrowth #InnerStrength #PurposefulLiving #MidlifeTransformation #Mindfulness #Mindset #SelfDiscovery #WomenEmpowerment #midlifestrategies 

Thank you for watching! If you're seeking more insights on living a truly meaningful and fulfilling life, be sure to subscribe to my channel. And don’t forget to hit the bell icon so you never miss an update! An extraordinary life starts within. Discover your inner strength and awaken a life worth being through experiential, equine-assisted life coaching. Welcome to My Universe!  I am Sue Willoughby, Badass Midlife Strategist & host of Midlife Strategies for Badass Women—a podcast that dives deep to help you uncover the true meaning of a fulfilling life. This channel is here to inspire and empower women over 40 to step into their fullest potential, break through limitations, and truly thrive. Each week, we bring you powerful video podcasts filled with real-life stories of transformation, resilience, and courage. Expect raw, heart-centered conversations and life-changing insights designed to help you break boundaries and start crafting a life brimming with purpose, joy, and passion. This is more than just a channel; it’s a community. Join me to explore, grow, & connect with like-minded women on the journey to creating a life worth being. Subscribe now and let’s awaken your limitless potential together!

What if your midlife desire wasn’t a problem to fix—but a compass pointing you home to yourself?

In Episode 4 of the Midlife Reclamation: Summer Reset Series on Midlife Strategies for Badass Women, host Sue Willoughby unpacks one of the most loaded and misunderstood words for women over 40: desire.

From cultural shame and gender roles to people-pleasing and self-abandonment, this episode explores why so many women disconnect from what they want—and how to start reclaiming your desires without apology.

✨ In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why desire isn’t just about sex—it’s about aliveness
• The real reason we fear being "too much" or "selfish"
  
• How midlife invites us to burn the good girl rulebook and reclaim our voice
  
• A mini challenge to reconnect with your desire in a way that feels playful, safe, and true
  
  

This is about more than feeling turned on—it’s about turning yourself back on.

🎧 Press play if you’ve ever wondered:
“Is this it?”
Spoiler alert: It’s not. You’re just getting started.

[00:00:00] - Cold Open: Naming Desire
[00:03:13] - Desire as Sacred Intel
[00:05:07] - Reconnecting with Dormant Desire
[00:11:23] - Let Yourself Want Without Action
[00:16:58] - Weekly Micro-Challenge: Desire List
[00:21:59] - Desire Is Wisdom, Not Wrong

FOLLOW and CONNECT with SUE
Website - https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/ 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/ 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/ 
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/ 

Thanks to my amazing Producer and Editor Jess Grace Garcia (they/them) of Springwood Productions. https://www.springwoodproductions.com/ 

If you want to start your own podcast feel free to reach out to us. Jess and I would love to help you on your journey to sharing your story and passion.

#LifeWorthBeing #Transformation #LifeCoach #Women #Empowerment #PersonalGrowth #InnerStrength #PurposefulLiving #MidlifeTransformation #Mindfulness #Mindset #SelfDiscovery #WomenEmpowerment #midlifestrategies 

Thank you for watching! If you're seeking more insights on living a truly meaningful and fulfilling life, be sure to subscribe to my channel. And don’t forget to hit the bell icon so you never miss an update!An extraordinary life starts within. Discover your inner strength and awaken a life worth being through experiential, equine-assisted life coaching. Welcome to My Universe!  I am Sue Willoughby, Badass Midlife Strategist & host of Midlife Strategies for Badass Women—a podcast that dives deep to help you uncover the true meaning of a fulfilling life. This channel is here to inspire and empower women over 40 to step into their fullest potential, break through limitations, and truly thrive. Each week, we bring you powerful video podcasts filled with real-life stories of transformation, resilience, and courage. Expect raw, heart-centered conversations and life-changing insights designed to help you break boundaries and start crafting a life brimming with purpose, joy, and passion. This is more than just a channel; it’s a community. Join me to explore, grow, & connect with like-minded women on the journey to creating a life worth being. Subscribe now and let’s awaken your limitless potential together!

 In this soul-stirring episode of Midlife Strategies for Badass Women, Sue Willoughby sits down with author, musician, and feminist leader Ingrid Hu Dahl to unpack the radical power of identity, reinvention, and emotional healing. From navigating a queer, biracial identity in suburban America to finding clarity through horses, punk rock, and feminism, Ingrid shares stories from her memoir Sun Shining on Morning Snow that will have you nodding, laughing, and probably crying too.

This episode is a masterclass in letting go of the old scripts—performance, people-pleasing, perfectionism—and writing your own damn story, one bold, honest moment at a time.

If you're standing at the edge of reinvention, wondering how to live more fully and fiercely, this conversation is your sign. Tune in and take what you need.

Connect with Ingrid: https://www.ingridhudahl.com/
Buy Her Book: Sun Shining on Morning Snow https://www.sunshiningonmorningsnow.com/
Upcoming Events: https://www.sunshiningonmorningsnow.com/events

[00:01:30] - Podcast Welcome and Episode Setup
[00:04:48] - Early Midlife Crisis in Big Tech
[00:07:00] - Identity, Coming Out, Grief, Belonging
[00:14:22] - Queer Awakenings and Representation
[00:24:00] - Mid-Show Break: Newsletter and Event
[00:25:49] - Letting Go: Superiority to Curiosity
[00:36:03] - Horses, Healing, Advice, and Wrap-Up

FOLLOW and CONNECT
Website - https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/ 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/ 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/ 
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/ 

Thanks to my amazing Producer and Editor Jess Grace Garcia (they/them) of Springwood Productions. https://www.springwoodproductions.com/ 

If you want to start your own podcast feel free to reach out to us. Jess and I would love to help you on your journey to sharing your story and passion.

#LifeWorthBeing #Transformation #LifeCoach #Women #Empowerment #PersonalGrowth #InnerStrength #PurposefulLiving #MidlifeTransformation #Mindfulness #Mindset #SelfDiscovery #WomenEmpowerment #midlifestrategies 

Thank you for Listening! If you're seeking more insights on living a truly meaningful and fulfilling life, be sure to subscribe to my channel. And don’t forget to hit the bell icon so you never miss an update!An extraordinary life starts within. Discover your inner strength and awaken a life worth being through experiential, equine-assisted life coaching. Welcome to My Universe!  I am Sue Willoughby, Badass Midlife Strategist & host of Midlife Strategies for Badass Women—a podcast that dives deep to help you uncover the true meaning of a fulfilling life. This channel is here to inspire and empower women over 40 to step into their fullest potential, break through limitations, and truly thrive. Each week, we bring you powerful video podcasts filled with real-life stories of transformation, resilience, and courage. Expect raw, heart-centered conversations and life-changing insights designed to help you break boundaries and start crafting a life brimming with purpose, joy, and passion. This is more than just a channel; it’s a community. Join me to explore, grow, & connect with like-minded women on the journey to creating a life worth being. Subscribe now and let’s awaken your limitless potential together!
Ingrid Hu Dahl Event
https://charliesqueerbooks.com/events/2922920250815 

Song: Embrace
Composer: Sappheiros
Website: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5ZVHXQZAIn9WJXvy6qn9K0
License: Creative Commons (BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Music powered by BreakingCopyright: https://breakingcopyright.com

Still saying yes when you mean hell no? Apologizing for just existing? You’re not alone—and it’s time to flip the script.
In Episode 3 of the Midlife Reclamation: Summer Reset Series on Midlife Strategies for Badass Women, host and chief badass strategist Sue Willoughby takes a torch to the “good girl” programming so many women are still unconsciously following.
From people-pleasing to over-apologizing to tying your worth to perfection, this episode explores how the rules that were designed to keep you “safe” are actually keeping you stuck. And more importantly—how to start breaking them with intention, grace, and zero guilt.

🐴 With a little help from horse wisdom, Sue offers:

- A breakdown of common “good girl” behaviors keeping women exhausted and resentful

- Real talk on the myth of being “nice” and the power of being clear

- The link between your body’s signals and your boundaries

- A weekly challenge to flip one rule and reclaim your energy

- You didn’t come this far to stay small. Let’s set some things on fire (metaphorically) and reclaim your space, your voice, and your damn peace.

[00:00:00] - Special Movie Screening Announcement
[00:01:33] - Podcast Introduction and Summer Series Overview
[00:02:35] - Episode Theme Introduction
[00:05:08] - How Good Girl Rules Show Up
[00:09:31] - Flipping the Script on Rules
[00:17:48] - Horse Wisdom on Self-Care
[00:20:09] - Weekly Micro Challenge
[00:22:35] - Next Episode Preview: Desire
[00:22:56] - Special Guest Announcement
[00:24:08] - Newsletter Signup Reminder

FOLLOW and CONNECT
Website - https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/ 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/ 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/ 
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/ 

Thanks to my amazing Producer and Editor Jess Grace Garcia (they/them) of Springwood Productions. https://www.springwoodproductions.com/ 

If you want to start your own podcast feel free to reach out to us. Jess and I would love to help you on your journey to sharing your story and passion.

#LifeWorthBeing #Transformation #LifeCoach #Women #Empowerment #PersonalGrowth #InnerStrength #PurposefulLiving #MidlifeTransformation #Mindfulness #Mindset #SelfDiscovery #WomenEmpowerment #midlifestrategies 

Thank you for watching! If you're seeking more insights on living a truly meaningful and fulfilling life, be sure to subscribe to my channel. And don’t forget to hit the bell icon so you never miss an update!An extraordinary life starts within. Discover your inner strength and awaken a life worth being through experiential, equine-assisted life coaching. Welcome to My Universe!  I am Sue Willoughby, Badass Midlife Strategist & host of Midlife Strategies for Badass Women—a podcast that dives deep to help you uncover the true meaning of a fulfilling life. This channel is here to inspire and empower women over 40 to step into their fullest potential, break through limitations, and truly thrive. Each week, we bring you powerful video podcasts filled with real-life stories of transformation, resilience, and courage. Expect raw, heart-centered conversations and life-changing insights designed to help you break boundaries and start crafting a life brimming with purpose, joy, and passion. This is more than just a channel; it’s a community. Join me to explore, grow, & connect with like-minded women on the journey to creating a life worth being. Subscribe now and let’s awaken your limitless potential together!

Ingrid Hu Dahl Event
https://charliesqueerbooks.com/events/2922920250815 

Equus Coaching Event and Rescued Hearts Screening
https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/events 

Song: Embrace
Composer: Sappheiros
Website: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5ZVHXQZAIn9WJXvy6qn9K0
License: Creative Commons (BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Music powered by BreakingCopyright: https://breakingcopyright.com

Still chasing “balance” like it’s some magical finish line? What if balance is the thing burning you out?

In Episode 2 of the Midlife Reclamation: Summer Reset Series on Midlife Strategies for Badass Women, host and chief badass midlife strategist Sue Willoughby calls BS on the cultural myth of balance—and shares what you actually need instead: alignment.

From learning to honor your energy to embracing your true values (not just obligations), Sue gives it to you straight—with humor, horse wisdom, and a clear challenge to check your own calendar.

🔥 In this episode:

• Why “balance” is a myth that’s keeping badass women stuck and exhausted
  
  
• The difference between people-pleasing and aligned living
  
  
• How to do a midlife Alignment Audit to get clear on what’s draining you
  
  
• What horses can teach us about boundaries, energy, and self-trust
  
  
• Why saying “no” without guilt is one of your greatest midlife powers
  
  

This one is your permission slip to stop spinning plates, reclaim your energy, and show up on your terms. You’re not here to perform—you’re here to live fully.

🎧 Tune in now and tag your homework with #MidlifeReclaimed

📱 Follow Sue on Instagram: @sue_willoughby

 

[00:00:00] - Opening: What is balance?

[00:01:31] - balance vs. alignment

[00:04:14] - Expectativas externas y fracaso

[00:06:53] - External expectations and failure

[00:11:49] - Analogies for self-care

[00:14:03] - Alignment Audit

[00:18:29] - Closing and preview of episode 3

 

FOLLOW and CONNECT
Website - https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/ 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/ 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/ 
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/ 

Thanks to my amazing Producer and Editor Jess Grace Garcia (they/them) of Springwood Productions. https://www.springwoodproductions.com/ 

If you want to start your own podcast feel free to reach out to us. Jess and I would love to help you on your journey to sharing your story and passion.

#LifeWorthBeing #Transformation #LifeCoach #Women #Empowerment #PersonalGrowth #InnerStrength #PurposefulLiving #MidlifeTransformation #Mindfulness #Mindset #SelfDiscovery #WomenEmpowerment #midlifestrategies 

Thank you for watching! If you're seeking more insights on living a truly meaningful and fulfilling life, be sure to subscribe to my channel. And don’t forget to hit the bell icon so you never miss an update!An extraordinary life starts within. Discover your inner strength and awaken a life worth being through experiential, equine-assisted life coaching. Welcome to My Universe!  I am Sue Willoughby, Badass Midlife Strategist & host of Midlife Strategies for Badass Women—a podcast that dives deep to help you uncover the true meaning of a fulfilling life. This channel is here to inspire and empower women over 40 to step into their fullest potential, break through limitations, and truly thrive. Each week, we bring you powerful video podcasts filled with real-life stories of transformation, resilience, and courage. Expect raw, heart-centered conversations and life-changing insights designed to help you break boundaries and start crafting a life brimming with purpose, joy, and passion. This is more than just a channel; it’s a community. Join me to explore, grow, & connect with like-minded women on the journey to creating a life worth being. Subscribe now and let’s awaken your limitless potential together!

What if midlife wasn’t something to survive—but the perfect time to reset, reclaim, and remember who the hell you are?

Welcome to Episode 1 of the Midlife Reclamation: Summer Reset Series on Midlife Strategies for Badass Women! In this solo kickoff, head badass midlife strategist Sue Willoughby invites you to shake off the “shoulds,” bust a few myths, and start reconnecting with what actually lights you up.

Through childhood stories, horse wisdom, and a little tough love, Sue challenges you to stop waiting for someday and take one small, joy-filled step toward reclaiming your midlife—starting this week.

🔥 In this episode:

• Why midlife is not a crisis—it’s a calling
  
  
• Three myths that are holding you back from feeling fulfilled
  
  
• Why reinvention is not selfish—it’s sacred
  
  
• How to reconnect with your inner badass through micro-actions
  
  
• A weekly challenge to reclaim what you’ve put on the back burner
  
  

Whether you’ve been feeling stuck, soul-tired, or just in need of a good summer reset, this episode is your permission slip to get messy, get real, and get back on the damn water skis.

🔗 Tag your micro-action this week using #MidlifeReclaimed and follow Sue on Instagram: @sue_willoughby

[00:00:00] - Opening Thoughts
[00:00:24] - Show Introduction
[00:01:13] - Announcing Summer Miniseries
[00:01:31] - Summer Memories
[00:04:02] - Puppy Otis Joins the Family
[00:05:16] - Launching "Reclaim Your Midlife" Series
[00:06:54] - Busting Midlife Myths
[00:08:34] - Starting a Midlife Shift
[00:10:06] - Quiet Reflection Exercise
[00:11:54] - Rediscovering Playfulness
[00:14:53] - Weekly Challenge
[00:17:23] - Episode Wrap-Up and Motivation
[00:18:08] - Midlife as a Breakthrough Message

FOLLOW and CONNECT
Website - https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/ 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/ 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/ 
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/ 

Thanks to my amazing Producer and Editor Jess Grace Garcia (they/them) of Springwood Productions. https://www.springwoodproductions.com/ 

If you want to start your own podcast feel free to reach out to us. Jess and I would love to help you on your journey to sharing your story and passion.

#LifeWorthBeing #Transformation #LifeCoach #Women #Empowerment #PersonalGrowth #InnerStrength #PurposefulLiving #MidlifeTransformation #Mindfulness #Mindset #SelfDiscovery #WomenEmpowerment #midlifestrategies 

Thank you for watching! If you're seeking more insights on living a truly meaningful and fulfilling life, be sure to subscribe to my channel. And don’t forget to hit the bell icon so you never miss an update!An extraordinary life starts within. Discover your inner strength and awaken a life worth being through experiential, equine-assisted life coaching. Welcome to My Universe!  I am Sue Willoughby, Badass Midlife Strategist & host of Midlife Strategies for Badass Women—a podcast that dives deep to help you uncover the true meaning of a fulfilling life. This channel is here to inspire and empower women over 40 to step into their fullest potential, break through limitations, and truly thrive. Each week, we bring you powerful video podcasts filled with real-life stories of transformation, resilience, and courage. Expect raw, heart-centered conversations and life-changing insights designed to help you break boundaries and start crafting a life brimming with purpose, joy, and passion. This is more than just a channel; it’s a community. Join me to explore, grow, & connect with like-minded women on the journey to creating a life worth being. Subscribe now and let’s awaken your limitless potential together!

What happens when life forces you to stop—and finally listen to what your body’s been trying to tell you all along?

In this powerful episode of Midlife Strategies for Badass Women, host Sue Willoughby welcomes speaker, consultant, and founder of UnshakableMe, Heidi Blackie. After a lifetime of pushing through pain, burnout, and chronic illness, Heidi made a radical decision: to trust herself—and her body’s ability to heal.

What followed was a complete shift from survival mode to a soul-led life rooted in resilience, joy, and self-trust.

🌿 In this episode, we explore:

• The high cost of hustle culture—and how to break free from it
  
  
• How chronic illness became Heidi’s greatest teacher
  
  
• Why women hit midlife burnout (and how to recover)
  
  
• The daily practices that build unshakeable self-trust
  
  
• How to rewrite your story and reclaim your power—at any age
  
  

If you’ve ever felt stuck in survival mode, doubted your worth, or wondered “Is this all there is?”, this conversation is your reminder that the answers aren’t out there—they’re already within you.

🔗 Explore Heidi’s work at unshakableme.com 

[00:00:00] - Intro
[00:01:24] - Guest Introduction
[00:02:32] - Athletic Life Background
[00:05:15] - 2016 Losses and Stressors
[00:07:46] - Turning Inward to Heal
[00:12:26] - Self-Healing Conversation
[00:14:16] - Velodrome Cycling Explained
[00:17:38] - Breakthrough via Daily Ritual
[00:23:35] - Living Present Like Animals
[00:24:56] - Joy Examples with Dogs
[00:26:01] - Creating “UnshakableMe” Program
[00:30:02] - Relationship with Self & Community
[00:34:32] - Acceptance Without Labels
[00:40:12] - Client Case on Boundaries
[00:42:42] - Women, People-Pleasing & Guilt
[00:45:53] - Horse Coaching Reveals Patterns
[00:47:19] - Future Program Plans & Grants
[00:48:08] - Gratitude for Ongoing Challenges
[00:49:02] - Midlife Strategies & Tips
[00:54:26] - Seed of Self-Belief; Closing Remarks
[00:55:26] - Episode Ends

FOLLOW and CONNECT
Website - https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/ 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/ 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/ 
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/ 

Thanks to my amazing Producer and Editor Jess Grace Garcia (they/them) of Springwood Productions. https://www.springwoodproductions.com/ 

If you want to start your own podcast feel free to reach out to us. Jess and I would love to help you on your journey to sharing your story and passion.

#LifeWorthBeing #Transformation #LifeCoach #Women #Empowerment #PersonalGrowth #InnerStrength #PurposefulLiving #MidlifeTransformation #Mindfulness #Mindset #SelfDiscovery #WomenEmpowerment #midlifestrategies 

Thank you for watching! If you're seeking more insights on living a truly meaningful and fulfilling life, be sure to subscribe to my channel. And don’t forget to hit the bell icon so you never miss an update!An extraordinary life starts within. Discover your inner strength and awaken a life worth being through experiential, equine-assisted life coaching. Welcome to My Universe!  I am Sue Willoughby, Badass Midlife Strategist & host of Midlife Strategies for Badass Women—a podcast that dives deep to help you uncover the true meaning of a fulfilling life. This channel is here to inspire and empower women over 40 to step into their fullest potential, break through limitations, and truly thrive. Each week, we bring you powerful video podcasts filled with real-life stories of transformation, resilience, and courage. Expect raw, heart-centered conversations and life-changing insights designed to help you break boundaries and start crafting a life brimming with purpose, joy, and passion. This is more than just a channel; it’s a community. Join me to explore, grow, & connect with like-minded women on the journey to creating a life worth being. Subscribe now and let’s awaken your limitless potential together!