Midlife Strategies for Badass Women

What happens when the horses teach you to stop hiding and live fully as yourself?

In this heartfelt and powerful episode of Midlife Strategies for Badass Women, Sue Willoughby sits down with filmmakers Dana Croschere and Krisanna Sexton, creators of the transformational documentary Rescued Hearts.

Their story is not just about making a film. It is about courage, authenticity, healing, and the unexpected ways horses can guide us back to ourselves.

During the making of the film, Dana and Krisanna faced a deeply personal fear: being open about their relationship as a couple in a community where they worried they might not be accepted. Instead of rejection, they were met with something far more powerful. Love, support, and encouragement.

Together, Sue, Dana, and Krisanna explore what horses teach us about authenticity, trust, vulnerability, and living without apology. They also share how stepping fully into who you are can transform not only your life, but the impact of the work you bring into the world.

This conversation is about following the lead of the horses, trusting your truth, and remembering that authenticity is not something to hide. It is the very thing that makes your work meaningful.

SHOW NOTES
Guests: Dana Croschere and Krisanna Sexton
Filmmakers and creators of the documentary Rescued Hearts

In this episode we explore:
 - The story behind the documentary Rescued Hearts
 - How horses help humans reconnect with authenticity
 - The courage required to live openly and honestly
 - Fear of rejection versus the reality of acceptance
 - What horses teach us about presence and truth
 - Why authenticity strengthens relationships and leadership
 - How vulnerability can deepen both personal and creative work
 - The ripple effect of living as your true self
 
Key takeaway from this conversation:
The horses do not ask us to perform or pretend. They ask us to be real. And when we allow ourselves to live that way, everything begins to shift.

🔗 RESOURCES & LINKS
🎬 Watch Rescued Hearts (Virtual Screening April 1–8): https://www.rescuedheartsfilm.com/aprilvirtual
🎟️ Buy tickets / Host a Screening: https://www.rescuedheartsfilm.com/
📖 Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown — mentioned by Dana
📖 The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown — mentioned by Dana
🌀 HeartMath Institute (Heart Coherence Science): heartmath.org
🐴 Learn about Equine-Assisted Learning: PATH International

Chapters
[00:00:00] Opening reflection; show intro and setup
[00:04:18] South Africa trip: intuition, screenings, healing
[00:13:24] Christina’s journey from fear to horse healing
[00:19:03] Partners in life and film; authenticity and pride
[00:34:16] Sobriety journeys and choosing clarity
[00:45:36] Soul essence, horses, and nature’s harmony
[00:50:08] Moose, Reiki, and energy work discussion
[00:55:04] Film plans, community screenings, and impact
[01:04:12] Closing, support, and final reminders

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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 

🔥 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 subscribe and turn on the bell so you never miss an episode. Let’s rise, rebel, and reinvent midlife—together.