Midlife Strategies for Badass Women

What if real success wasn’t something you hustled for—but something you remembered, embodied, and received?
In this soul-stirring episode of A Life Worth Being, host Sue Willoughby welcomes spiritual mentor, entrepreneur, and channel Michelle Jeovanny—whose journey from escaping trauma to building an intuitive, soul-led business is nothing short of extraordinary.
At 17, Michelle left the Dominican Republic, arriving in New York with no coat, no luggage, and a deep knowing that she was meant for something greater. Sleeping in trains and parks, she listened to her inner guidance and began walking a path that would lead to spiritual leadership, ancestral healing, and global impact.
✨ In this conversation, Michelle shares:
How trauma disconnects us from our gifts—and how to reclaim them
What it means to build wealth through energetic integrity and spiritual alignment
Why surrender is the secret to co-creating with the divine
The role of somatic healing, ancestral wisdom, and intuition in true leadership
Why every master was once a disaster—and how embracing your mess opens the door to transformation
If you're tired of the hustle, disconnected from your truth, or ready to lead from a deeper place, this episode will speak directly to your soul.
🔗 Connect with Michelle at michellejeovanny.com🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleJeovanny🎁 DM her “Sue’s community” on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/michelle.jeovanny) to receive a free AI + spiritual alignment guide.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Michelle Giovanni's Journey11:37 Navigating Early Adulthood and Education19:37 Building a Business and Personal Growth28:48 Creating Transformative Containers for Growth35:38 The Art of Surrender and Trust41:35 Integrating AI with Spirituality
🔗 Connect with Sue Willoughby:My Upcoming Retreats: https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/eventsWeb: ⁠https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/⁠⁠Insta: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/⁠FB: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/⁠⁠LI: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/YT: https://www.youtube.com/@SueWilloughby
 
#LifeWorthBeing #Transformation #LifeCoach #Women #Empowerment #PersonalGrowth #InnerStrength #PurposefulLiving #MidlifeTransformation #Mindfulness #Mindset #SelfDiscovery #WomenEmpowerment #Midlifestrategies #MichelleJeovanny #SoulLedBusiness #SpiritualHealing #SomaticWisdom #AncestralHealing #TraumaToTransformation #FeminineLeadership #HealingJourney #EnergeticWealth #IntuitionIsPower #SacredBusiness #SurrenderToSoul #MidlifeAwakening #WomenWhoLead

What happens when you follow the whispers of your soul—across oceans, over mountaintops, and into the unknown?
In this awe-inspiring episode of A Life Worth Being, host Sue Willoughby speaks with 82-year-old author, aviator, and adventure pioneer Ruth E. Wilson—whose story defies gravity, fear, and convention.
From escaping a troubled home in rural Australia to becoming a world-renowned hot air and gas balloon pilot, Ruth’s journey spans decades, continents, and near-death experiences. She’s flown over the Swiss Alps, survived a shipwreck in shark-infested waters, and been saved by dolphins—and that’s just the beginning.
In this conversation, Ruth shares:
How a red swimsuit and a secret pageant started it all
What it feels like to hear your inner voice say “You were born to fly”
Why fear dissolves when you're living your purpose
Her spiritual encounters with dolphins, dream-guided balloon designs, and past life memories
Why positive thought—literally—saved her life in the ocean
How she honors her intuition and follows her stepping stones through life’s chaos
Ruth also talks about her award-winning memoir Conquering Clouds, how she self-published her second edition at age 82, and why it’s never too late to live a bold, soul-led life.
💫 If you’ve ever doubted your next move or felt afraid to follow your dreams—this episode will lift you up, quite literally.
🔗 Connect with Ruth at https://ruthewilson.comhttps://ruthewilson.com📘 Order her book Conquering Clouds - https://a.co/d/7Fe7Wlx
🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruth.wilson.54379
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthwilson6087/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage03:36 Early Life and Stepping Stones06:56 The Journey into Ballooning12:33 Experiences in the Sky: Close Calls and Adventures23:28 Life Lessons from Extreme Challenges32:05 Inspiration and Legacy35:57 The Journey of Writing a Book38:46 Personal Reflections and Emotional Depth40:11 Recognition and Awards: The OAM42:00 Career Transitions and New Beginnings45:42 Embracing Change and Trusting Instincts47:32 The Power of Choice: Love vs. Fear48:57 Survival and the Strength of Positive Thinking52:44 The Ripple Effect of Positivity55:56 Finding Joy and Sharing Experiences58:47 Stories of Transformation and Connection
🔗 Connect with Sue Willoughby:My Upcoming Retreats: https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/eventsWeb: ⁠https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/⁠⁠Insta: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/⁠FB: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/⁠⁠LI: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/YT: https://www.youtube.com/@SueWilloughby

What happens when you stop performing and start telling the truth—especially to yourself?
In this bold and laugh-out-loud episode of A Life Worth Being, host Sue Willoughby sits down with transformation coach, speaker, and Chief Disruptor Jen Vertanen for a no-filter conversation about the messy middle of healing, identity, and finally living life on your terms.
From decades of self-loathing and people-pleasing to becoming a 55-year-old woman who swears more, cares less, and lives fully, Jen shares:
Why your 80-year-old self should guide your decisions now (martini optional)
The connection between childhood wounds, CPTSD, and self-worth
Why healing takes time—and why it's 100% worth it
The B.E. DARE. CREATE. framework to stop waiting and start being unapologetically YOU
What horses, heart work, and holding space really have in common
Sound Bites
"I love being challenged.""Don't diminish those turtle steps.""It's about personal responsibility."
This is a story about taking radical responsibility, making turtle-step progress, and giving zero f*cks about what anyone else thinks. And yes, we talk about trauma, identity, healing, menopause, and even itchy ears. You’re welcome.
💥 If you’re done with checkbox living and ready to rewrite your story, this episode is your permission slip to go ALL IN.
Connect with Jen Vertanen
🔗 Learn more about Jen at
http://jenvertanen.com
🔗 Facebook: http://facebook.com/jennifervertanen
🔗 Instagram: http://instagram.com/jenvertanen
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jen Vertanen and Her Mission04:41 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Empowerment07:45 Societal Expectations and Identity Crisis10:47 Navigating Mental Health and Emotional Wellness13:44 Reflections on Family Dynamics and Relationships16:43 The Importance of Hope and Resilience19:41 The Process of Transformation and Coaching22:37 Celebrating Small Wins in Personal Growth26:17 Incremental Growth and Intentionality27:59 Life's Pivot Points and Personal Evolution29:42 The Role of Horses in Healing31:59 Transformative Experiences with Horses34:51 Facing Major Life Changes38:31 The Impact of Childhood Trauma41:02 Taking Personal Responsibility for Healing43:57 Connecting with Jen and Final Thoughts
🔗 Connect with Sue Willoughby:My Upcoming Retreats: https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/eventsWeb: ⁠https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/⁠⁠Insta: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/⁠FB: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/⁠⁠LI: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/YT: https://www.youtube.com/@SueWilloughby

Break free from self-sabotage and step into the power of hypnotherapy, energy healing, and inner trust.
In this transformative episode of A Life Worth Being, Sue Willoughby welcomes clinical hypnotherapist, empowerment coach, and Reiki master Christina L. Woods to reveal how childhood beliefs, burnout, and hidden trauma often drive our self-sabotage—and how we can finally break free.
Drawing from her own journey of corporate success, personal collapse, and soulful reinvention, Christina shares:
How subconscious beliefs silently run (and sometimes ruin) our lives
Why hypnotherapy is a powerful tool for rewiring old patterns quickly
The surprising link between self-sabotage and our primal need for connection
How energy work like Reiki clears emotional blocks and amplifies healing
Why true freedom starts with radical self-trust and curiosity
🌱 If you’ve ever felt stuck, burned out, or trapped in cycles you can’t explain, this conversation will open your heart—and give you hope.
🎧 Tune in and learn how to step beyond fear, heal at the root, and finally reclaim your most authentic self.
🔗 Connect with Christina: christinalwoods.comFollow on Instagram: @christina.lwoods
🔗 Connect with Sue Willoughby:My Upcoming Retreats: https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/eventsWeb: ⁠https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/⁠⁠Insta: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/⁠FB: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/⁠⁠LI: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/YT: https://www.youtube.com/@SueWilloughby
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Christina L. Woods03:54 Christina's Journey from Corporate to Healing08:12 The Wake-Up Call: Finding Authenticity12:14 Understanding Self-Sabotage and Hypnotherapy16:18 The Power of Hypnotherapy: Rewiring Beliefs20:23 The Connection Between Emotions and Physical Health22:31 Energy Work: The Role of Reiki in Healing27:19 The Importance of Reconnecting with Self32:20 Transformative Client Stories36:17 Quick Healing: The Power of Rapid Transformational Therapy38:31 Conclusion and Resources
hypnotherapy, self-discovery, self-sabotage, energy healing, emotional health, transformation, empowerment, coaching, wellness, personal growth
#LifeWorthBeing #Transformation #LifeCoach #Women #Empowerment #PersonalGrowth #InnerStrength #PurposefulLiving #MidlifeTransformation #Mindfulness #Mindset #SelfDiscovery #WomenEmpowerment #Midlifestrategies
 

What if success didn’t mean checking the boxes—but checking in with your soul?
In this powerful episode of A Life Worth Being, Sue Willoughby is joined by spiritual mentor, bestselling author, and intuitive channel Jennifer Spor, who walked away from a high-level corporate role to follow her soul’s calling—and now helps others do the same.
Together, they explore:
What a “dark night of the soul” actually feels like—and why it often leads to awakening
Why living authentically requires letting go of who you think you should be
How to tune into your intuition and discern it from your ego
What the Akashic Records are—and how they can shift your timeline (yes, really)
The power of feminine leadership, embodiment, and trusting the unknown
Jennifer shares her personal transformation journey and the soul-stirring moment she chose presence over pressure—and freedom over fear. Plus, she introduces her signature Akashic Records teachings and how she helps others access their future selves.
✨ If you’ve ever asked, “Is this all there is?” this episode is your sacred yes to something more.
🎧 Tune in now and reconnect with the truth that’s always been inside you.
🔗 Learn more at jenniferspor.com and follow her podcast Path of the Awakened Heart.
Highest Destiny Free Meditation: https://join.jenniferspor.com/highestdestiny
Website Link: https://www.jenniferspor.com/
Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferSporCoaching
Instagram Link: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer_spor/
 
🔗 Connect with Sue Willoughby:My Upcoming Retreats: https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/eventsWeb: ⁠https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/⁠⁠Insta: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/⁠FB: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/⁠⁠LI: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/YT: https://www.youtube.com/@SueWilloughby
 
Sound Bites
"I'm done allowing myself to be stuck."
"Trusting the journey is essential."
"We are powerful, very powerful."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jennifer Spor's Journey
03:33 Catalyst for Change: The Dark Night of the Soul
12:16 Embracing Intuition and Spiritual Awakening
25:05 Understanding the Akashic Records
32:40 Current Focus and Mission in Coaching
 
spiritual awakening, Akashic records, intuition, personal growth, coaching, Jennifer Spor, life transformation, empowerment, meditation, soul purpose

What’s the real cost of staying in something that no longer fits—your job, your identity, or your idea of success?
In this episode of A Life Worth Being, host Sue Willoughby sits down with author, coach, and former Fortune 50 exec Kristen Chimack, who walked away from a 30-year corporate career to reclaim her energy, purpose, and self.
Together, they unpack:
The hidden toll of staying “stuck” (even in a 6-figure job)
How to listen to the whispers that tell you it’s time to move on
Why it’s so hard to let go of identities, benefits, and other safety nets
The power of core values and alignment in your career + life
How to take small, practical steps toward something more meaningful
Kristen also shares insights from her brand-new book, The Cost of Staying, and introduces her 4-phase framework for growth: Whispers, Letting Go, Possibilities, and Integration.
If you’re questioning your path or wondering, is this all there is?, this episode is your permission slip to ask for more—and go find it.
Chapters
00:00 The Journey of Leaving Corporate America16:35 Embracing New Beginnings and Authenticity31:17 The Cost of Staying vs. The Cost of Leaving
🔗 Connect with Kristen at https://kristenschimack.com or on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenschimack/📘 Get her new book The Cost of Staying + free downloadable workbook on her site.
🔗 Connect with Sue Willoughby:My Upcoming Retreats: https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/events
Web: ⁠https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/⁠⁠
Insta: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/⁠⁠
FB: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/⁠⁠
LI: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@SueWilloughby

Feeling overwhelmed by AI? You’re not alone—and you’re not too late.
In this must-listen episode of A Life Worth Being, host Sue Willoughby sits down with Nicole Hilgenkamp, founder of AIboration and fractional Chief AI Officer, to deliver a no-fluff, human-centered AI survival guide for real life.
With over 20 years in digital innovation, Nicole breaks down what you actually need to know about artificial intelligence - whether you’re a total beginner, a creative entrepreneur, or just trying to keep up with your kids.
You’ll learn:
What AI is—and isn’t
Simple tools to start using AI safely and smartly today
How to use AI to save time, reduce stress, and amplify your strengths
Common mistakes to avoid (so you don’t accidentally feed the machine your whole customer database 😬)
Why human connection, trust, and emotional intelligence matter more than ever
🔐 Plus: How to protect yourself from scams, what “hallucination” means in AI speak, and why your new digital assistant might just become your brutally honest best friend.
This is your practical, non-techy guide to surviving—and thriving—in the AI era.
💡 Get Curious, Get Safe, Get Started🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you stream.🔗 Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehilgenkamp/🌐 Learn more about AIboration: https://www.aiboration.com (if applicable—feel free to replace)
🙌 Don’t forget to share this with a friend who needs a crash course in AI—or maybe a reality check from their new digital bestie.Join me to explore, grow, & connect with like-minded women on the journey to creating a life worth living. Subscribe now and let’s awaken your limitless potential together!
Connect with SueUpcoming Equus Retreats: https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/eventsWebsite - https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/
 

In this deeply honest and empowering episode of A Life Worth Being, host Sue Willoughby welcomes authenticity coach, author, and podcast host Lisa Kirkman for a raw conversation about identity, courage, and rewriting your life story—literally.
Lisa came out as a lesbian at 46 after decades of living behind roles, expectations, and a perfectly curated life. She shares her journey from feeling "dead inside" to stepping into her most unapologetic, vibrant self. Together, Sue and Lisa explore what it really means to burn the script—to stop living by someone else’s rules and start creating a life that aligns with your truth.
Whether you're navigating midlife, facing a major life transition, or simply tired of living inauthentically, this episode will light a fire under you. Expect powerful takeaways on self-awareness, boundaries, emotional healing, and the art of letting go.
✨ Topics we cover:
Why people-pleasing keeps us stuck
What happens when we ignore our truth for too long
The mind-body connection of living out of alignment
How horses and Reiki help us return to our bodies
Steps to reclaim your identity and build a life you actually want
👣 Tiny steps. Big shifts. Radical self-trust.Let this be your permission slip to start again—your way.
🔗 Connect with Lisa Kirkman: Web:  http://www.lisakirkman.com.auFB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569042251689IG: http://www.instagram.com/lisakirkmancoachingTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@biggayoverallspodcastBooks on Amazon: Burn the Script - https://a.co/d/60uYf83Dying Inside - https://a.co/d/9DcEZoM
🔗 Connect with Sue Willoughby:Get my Free Midlife Makeover - https://willoughby-coaching.myflodesk.com/5daychallengeStanStore: https://stan.store/sue_willoughby⁠Web: ⁠https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/⁠Insta: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/⁠⁠FB: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/⁠⁠LI: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/YT: https://www.youtube.com/@SueWilloughby