Midlife Strategies for Badass Women

https://www.midlifebadasswomen.com/feed.xml

Midlife Strategies for Badass Women is the go-to podcast for bold, brilliant women over 40 who are done playing small and ready to reinvent their lives—without guilt, filters, or apologies. Hosted by Badass Midlife Strategist - Sue Willoughby, each weekly episode delivers unfiltered conversations, real stories of reinvention, and practical strategies to help you break free from the crap that’s holding you back and finally live life on your damn terms. Whether you’re navigating a midlife reset, rediscovering your passions, building confidence, or launching your next chapter—this podcast gives you the mindset shifts, clarity, and community to make it happen. 🔥 Expect: No-BS life advice and midlife strategies that actually work Inspiring interviews with women who’ve transformed their lives Soul-stirring solo episodes packed with truth and action Coaching-style episodes to help you reclaim your purpose, power, and passion This isn’t a podcast about “getting through” midlife. It’s about owning it—louder, wiser, bolder, and unapologetically YOU. Subscribe now and start rewriting the rules of what’s possible in your 40s, 50s, and beyond.

Episodes

Tuesday Aug 19, 2025

Reclaiming Desire: Why You’re Not Too Old, Too Late, or Too Much

Tuesday Aug 19, 2025

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!

Tuesday Aug 12, 2025

Living Boldly in the Gray Areas: A Conversation with Ingrid Hu Dahl

Tuesday Aug 12, 2025

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.

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

Tuesday Aug 05, 2025

Burn the Rulebook: Dismantling the Good Girl Lies That Keep You Small

Tuesday Aug 05, 2025

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

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.

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

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

Tuesday Jul 29, 2025

Balance Is Bullsh*t: Why Alignment (Not Hustle) Is Your Midlife Superpower

Tuesday Jul 29, 2025

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

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.

Tuesday Jul 22, 2025

Midlife Isn’t a Crisis—It’s a Calling: Reclaiming Joy, Truth & the Summer You Deserve

Tuesday Jul 22, 2025

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

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.

Tuesday Jul 15, 2025

Turning Burnout & Illness into Radical Self-Trust: UnshakableMe with Heidi Blackie

Tuesday Jul 15, 2025

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

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.

Tuesday Jul 08, 2025

Midlife Reset: Reclaim Your Energy, Balance, and Joy with Kim Rogne

Tuesday Jul 08, 2025

What if slowing down was the key to your next level of success?

In this inspiring episode of Midlife Strategies for Badass Women, host Sue Willoughby chats with high-energy keynote speaker, business coach, and bestselling author Kim Rogne about her bold decision to walk away from a 25-year real estate career and start over at midlife—this time on her terms.

After breaking her leg on a ski trip, Kim was forced to stop hustling long enough to hear the whispers of her heart. What followed was the launch of her company, For the Love of (FLOW), where she now helps high-achieving women and leadership teams thrive without burnout.

🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why midlife is the perfect time to pause, pivot, or go bigger
How burnout sneaks up on high performers—and how to reclaim your joy
The power of asking yourself: “What do I want now?”
Practical ways to balance your energy, your calendar, and your mindset
Why you don’t have to sacrifice success to feel fulfilled

If you’re ready to stop running on autopilot and start living (and leading) with purpose and joy, this episode is your roadmap.

🔗 Connect with Kim: kimrogne.com 🛠️ Download her free FlowSelf Journal: flowself.com 📱 Follow on IG: @kimrogne

[00:00:00] - Introduction and Breckenridge Story
[00:00:26] - Podcast Rebranding and Guest Introduction
[00:01:53] - Guest’s Professional Background and Achievements
[00:03:03] - Transition from Real Estate to Coaching
[00:09:00] - Slowing Down and Self-Discovery
[00:15:40] - Finding Joy, Fun, and Identity
[00:21:44] - Coaching Philosophy and Approach
[00:26:30] - Women in Leadership and Business Dynamics
[00:32:06] - Ideal Clients and Realities of Real Estate
[00:34:54] - Tools, Assessments, and Personal Growth
[00:51:14] - Resources and Conclusion

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.

Tuesday Jul 01, 2025

From Bartender to Nun to End-of-Life Doula: Gina Economopoulos on Healing, Faith, and Finding Her Purpose

Tuesday Jul 01, 2025

In this powerful episode of Midlife Strategies for Badass Women, Sue Willoughby sits down with Gina Economopoulos—whose life journey is anything but ordinary. Born into a large Greek-Italian family, Gina has worn more hats than most people dare to dream: social worker, bartender, nun, caregiver, author, and now a certified end-of-life doula. Her story is one of deep faith, unshakable resilience, addiction recovery, and spiritual awakening.

You’ll hear about:

Surviving grief, trauma, and addiction
Life inside (and outside) a convent
Embracing sobriety after losing the love of her life
The sacred calling of being an end-of-life doula
How to find peace, purpose, and power in your own story—even after hitting rock bottom

If you’ve ever felt lost, broken, or unsure of what’s next, Gina’s journey will leave you inspired, grounded, and ready to reclaim your own midlife magic.

🕊️ Trigger warning: This episode contains honest conversation about grief, death, and addiction recovery.

Connect with Gina

https://www.ginaecon.com/

Chapters:
[00:00:00] - Intro
[00:01:45] - Early Life and Family
[00:09:05] - Loss, Faith, and the Convent
[00:23:23] - Life After the Convent
[00:31:20] - Relationships, Addiction, and Loss
[00:39:07] - Recovery and Purpose
[00:43:11] - Becoming a Death Doula
[00:54:31] - Reflections and Closing

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.

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!

Monday Jun 30, 2025

Trailer: Midlife Strategies for Badass Women

Monday Jun 30, 2025

🎙️Midlife Strategies for Badass Women is your no-BS guide to owning your next chapter—with real talk, raw stories, and practical strategies for women 40+ who are ready to stop playing small.

Hosted by life coach Sue Willoughby, this podcast delivers weekly inspiration, mindset shifts, and unapologetic motivation to help you reclaim your fire, rewrite your story, and reinvent midlife—on your own damn terms.

Subscribe now and start living bolder, louder, and more unapologetically than ever.

Thursday Jun 26, 2025

Rescued Hearts: How Horses, Healing & Love Changed Everything with Dana Croschere and Krisanna Sexton

Thursday Jun 26, 2025

What happens when you follow your heart—into the unknown, into the wild, and into the arms of healing?

In this powerful Pride Month finale of A Life Worth Being, host Sue Willoughby reunites with filmmaker couple Dana Croschere and Krisanna Sexton, co-creators of the groundbreaking documentary Rescued Hearts. What began as a story about horses and healing turned into a two-year spiritual pilgrimage, spanning 5 countries, 31 cities, and the deepest parts of their souls.

In this episode, Dana and Krisanna share:

How Rescued Hearts began, and the unexpected role South Africa played in its evolution
The transformational healing they both experienced with Candace Webster and her herd
The raw, real truth about creating—and living—a love that defies shame and conditioning
Their shared sobriety journey, and how clarity became a portal to purpose
Why they’re choosing to bring this film to communities, not corporations

If you've ever questioned your path, doubted your worth, or wondered what it really means to live—and love—authentically, this conversation will move you.

🎥 Learn more about the film and community screenings: https://www.rescuedheartsfilm.com

Chapters
[00:01:02] - Guest Introductions and Film Background
[00:04:14] - South Africa Trip and Its Significance
[00:08:14] - Impact of South Africa on the Filmmakers
[00:12:18] - Working with Horses and Healing
[00:15:13] - Vulnerability and Transformation
[00:18:32] - Navigating Creative and Personal Partnerships
[00:25:26] - Authenticity, Identity, and Overcoming Adversity
[00:31:07] - Fostering Acceptance and Representation
[00:34:00] - Podcast Milestone and Gratitude
[00:36:01] - Healing and Shared Experiences
[00:41:09] - Embracing Sobriety and Its Impact
[00:43:31] - Host's Personal Healing Journey
[00:46:12] - Inner Wisdom and Connection
[00:50:47] - Host’s Reflections and Connection with Her Horse
[00:53:31] - Reiki and Energy Sensations
[00:56:07] - Shared Practices and Energy Awareness
[00:56:25] - Wrapping Up: Film’s Future and Impact
[01:00:01] - Grassroots Impact and Long-Term Vision
[01:03:52] - Looking Ahead and Ongoing Mission
[01:07:28] - Legacy, Gratitude, and Closing Thoughts

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.

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, transformational life coach & host of A Life Worth Being—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.

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!

Sue Willoughby

Sue Willoughby is the Founder of Willoughby Coaching, where women over 40 confront their obstacles and change the trajectory of their lives through the power of Equus Coaching. Equus Coaching emphasizes the profound impact of non-verbal communication and self-awareness as clients engage with horses, gaining insights into their leadership, communication style, and personal growth. Sue took great comfort in working with horses during some of the darkest, most difficult periods of her life, and she now finds fulfillment in being the kind of mentor she wished she had in the past.