Midlife Strategies for Badass Women
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 27, 2024
Intuition, Healing, and Horsepower: Frida Karsberg’s Path to Purpose
Tuesday Aug 27, 2024
Tuesday Aug 27, 2024
In this captivating episode of A Life Worth Being, Sue Willoughby sits down with Frida Karsberg, a dynamic Equus coach, Reiki master, and former Swedish TV producer who now calls Los Angeles home. Frida shares her incredible journey from Stockholm to the sprawling city of LA, revealing the challenges she faced along the way, from adapting to a new culture to discovering her true calling in the world of equine-assisted coaching and healing. Together, Sue and Frida dive deep into the transformative power of intuition, the healing energy of Reiki, and the wisdom of horses, offering listeners a unique blend of practical insights and spiritual inspiration. Whether you're curious about Equus coaching or seeking ways to connect more deeply with your intuition, this episode is packed with wisdom, laughter, and the kind of honest conversation that makes you feel like you're chatting with old friends. Don't miss it!
Join Our Autumn Renewal Retreat!
Takeaways:
Coaching horses can be a powerful tool for personal growth and self-reflection.
The horse's refusal to cooperate served as a wake-up call for Sue to work on herself.
Self-awareness is crucial for personal and professional development.
Challenging experiences can lead to valuable insights and growth.
Sue's story highlights the transformative power of self-reflection.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:01 Frida's Journey from Sweden to Los Angeles
07:58 The Power of Equus Coaching
15:45 Reiki: A Natural Flow of Energy
24:59 Trusting Your Intuition
29:46 Autumn Renewal Retreat
Keywords: coaching, horses, self-reflection, personal growth, self-awareness, professional development
Connect With Frida karsberg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fridakarsbergcoach/
Website: https://www.fridakarsberg.com/
Connect with Sue Willoughby:
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/
Join Our Autumn Renewal Retreat!

Tuesday Aug 20, 2024
Fit & Fabulous After 50: Transform Your Health with Alicia Jones
Tuesday Aug 20, 2024
Tuesday Aug 20, 2024
In this invigorating episode of A Life Worth Being, host Sue Willoughby dives into the world of fitness and well-being with special guest Alicia Jones, a renowned fitness expert dedicated to helping women over 50 reclaim their health and vitality. From personal struggles to becoming a leader in her field, Alicia shares her journey and the transformative strategies that have helped countless women thrive in their golden years.
Tune in as they discuss the challenges of staying fit as we age, the importance of strength training, and why focusing on building lean muscle is crucial for longevity. Whether you're a fitness newbie or a seasoned athlete, Alicia’s insights on nutrition, exercise, and mindset will leave you feeling motivated and empowered to take control of your health journey.
Plus, find out how Sue, now 64, plans to embark on a 12-week fitness challenge under Alicia’s guidance—proving that it’s never too late to get fit and feel fabulous!
Join us for a conversation full of practical tips, real-life stories, and plenty of laughs as we explore how to live your best life at any age.
Listen now to get inspired, get moving, and make your health a priority!
Keywords
fitness, health, women over 50, motivation, strength training, high-intensity interval training, accountability, tailored approach, muscle mass, bone density, lean muscle mass, fueling the body, weight training, women over 50, bonking, nutrition, accountability, community, fitness program
Takeaways
Finding activities that motivate and spark joy is crucial for staying consistent with fitness goals.
Strength training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) are beneficial for women over 50, improving muscle mass, bone density, and overall quality of life.
A tailored approach to fitness and nutrition is necessary, considering individual health, hormones, and lifestyle.
Accountability, whether through group classes or one-on-one coaching, can help maintain motivation and consistency in fitness routines. Maintaining lean muscle mass is crucial for strength and quality of life, especially for women over 50.
Proper nutrition, including sufficient calories and carbohydrates, is essential for sustaining muscle strength and energy during workouts.
Bonking, a state of low energy and strength, can be avoided by fueling the body adequately before and during exercise.
Weight training is highly beneficial for women over 50, improving strength, stamina, and core stability.
Accountability and community support play a significant role in achieving fitness goals.
Alicia offers a free masterclass and a 12-week program to help women over 50 improve their fitness.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Alicia Jones and her work with women over 50
04:49 Alicia's personal journey and the importance of finding motivation
10:28 Inspiration from Alicia's mother and grandmother
13:36 Finding motivation and accountability in fitness
17:41 The importance of strength training and HIIT for women over 50
20:59 Consistency and building lean muscle for long-term results
25:14 Activities that spark joy and sustain motivation
27:18 Maintaining Bone Health and the Role of DEXA Scans
36:17 The Value of Accountability and Community Support
Connect with Alicia Jones
FREE Masterclass - 3 Phase Food and Fitness Formula
Instagram
Facebook
Website
Connect with Sue Willoughby:
https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/
https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/
https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/

Tuesday Aug 13, 2024
The Power of Listening to Your Body: Alexa Budd on Root-Cause Wellness
Tuesday Aug 13, 2024
Tuesday Aug 13, 2024
In this heartfelt episode of A Life Worth Being, host Sue Willoughby sits down with Alexa Budd, a board-certified physician assistant and founder of Dragonfly Healing and Wellness. Alexa shares her transformative journey from losing her father unexpectedly to navigating her own health crises, which led her to question traditional medicine and explore holistic, root-cause approaches to healing.
Alexa's story is a powerful testament to resilience, intuition, and the body's incredible ability to heal when given the right environment. She discusses her unique approach to women's health, fertility, and autoimmune disorders, revealing how she integrates Western medical knowledge with bio-energetic practices to uncover and address the true origins of illness.
Join us as we dive deep into the importance of listening to your body, the signs that guide us, and the profound impact of slowing down to find joy and meaning in every moment. Whether you're struggling with your own health or seeking a more meaningful life, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration to keep seeking the answers you deserve.
Tune in to discover how healing can be a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, and why it's never too late to rewrite your health story.
Key Takeaways:
The journey from grief to growth
How to recognize and address the root causes of health issues
The power of integrating holistic practices with traditional medicine
Tips for creating an environment conducive to healing
The importance of slowing down and staying present in the moment
Special Offer: Mention this podcast episode and use the code "PODCAST" to receive 50% off your first consultation with Alexa Budd.
Connect with Alexa
https://www.dragonflyhealingandwellness.com/
https://www.instagram.com/buddalexa/
https://www.facebook.com/intuitivewellnesspa
Connect with Sue
https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/
https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/
https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/

Tuesday Aug 06, 2024
Holding On and Letting Go: A Midlife Transformation with Laurie James
Tuesday Aug 06, 2024
Tuesday Aug 06, 2024
Join us in this captivating episode of "A Life Worth Being," where host Sue Willoughby sits down with the remarkable Laurie James. Laurie, a mother of four, a divorcee, a recovering caregiver turned author, and a somatic relationship coach, shares her transformative journey from loneliness to belonging. Inspired by her youngest child leaving the nest, Laurie's podcast "Confessions of a Free Bird" follows her insightful memoir "Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go."
In this episode, Laurie opens up about the challenges of raising four teenage daughters while caring for her ailing parents and navigating a crumbling marriage. She discusses the profound impact of somatic healing and how it guided her to not only survive but thrive. Dive deep into the layers of Laurie's life as she explains the importance of connecting with our bodies, processing trauma, and finding joy in midlife.
Laurie and Sue explore the intricacies of somatic experiencing, the power of emotional healing, and practical ways to regulate the nervous system. Laurie's candid stories and expert insights provide valuable lessons for anyone looking to embrace discomfort and cultivate self-compassion.
Whether you're dealing with your own midlife transitions or simply seeking inspiration, this episode offers a heartfelt and empowering conversation about resilience, healing, and self-discovery. Tune in for an episode filled with wisdom, humor, and the transformative power of somatic healing.
Takeaways
Somatic healing can be a powerful tool for emotional healing.
Practicing equanimity allows one to be present in any emotional state.
Embracing discomfort is necessary for letting go and completing the healing process.
Sound Bites
"And that's why it's so powerful when you're doing like a somatic healing session"
"Equanimity is a beautiful thing and not many people can"
"Embracing that discomfort is another thing that I really work on"
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Laurie James and her Journey
04:18 Exploring the 'Sandwich Generation'
06:14 The Struggle to Find Belonging
08:33 Balancing Responsibilities and Self-Care
12:22 The Impact of Stress on the Body
17:34 Understanding Somatic Healing
21:27 Connecting with the Body
24:15 Slowing Down and Mindfulness
26:25 The Impact of Past Trauma
30:34 Completing the Fight, Flight, or Freeze Response
33:29 The Connection Between Emotions and Physical Health
37:28 The Importance of Self-Compassion and Self-Care
Connect with Laurie James
Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go
https://www.laurieejames.com/
Confessions of a Freebird Podcast
Episode with Angela Shelton
FREE “Beginners Guide to Somatic Healing”
Connect with Sue Willoughby:
Website
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn

Tuesday Jul 30, 2024
Unleashing Creativity: Alicia Tormey on Art, Inspiration, and Overcoming Fear
Tuesday Jul 30, 2024
Tuesday Jul 30, 2024
In this inspiring episode of "A Life Worth Being," host Sue Willoughby welcomes the internationally acclaimed artist, arts educator, and creative mentor Alicia Tormey. Alicia shares her journey of over 35 years as a creative professional, specializing in the ancient and captivating art of encaustic painting. Discover how she transitioned from simply creating art to empowering others through teaching and mentorship.
Alicia opens up about the challenges and rewards of living a life dedicated to the arts, offering profound insights into the differences between inspiration and motivation. She emphasizes the importance of following one's curiosity and overcoming the fear of being a beginner, no matter the creative pursuit.
Listeners will be fascinated by Alicia’s explanation of encaustic painting—an art form that uses beeswax mixed with natural resin, creating durable and stunning works that have lasted thousands of years. Through vivid storytelling, Alicia reveals how this medium humbles even the most seasoned artists, keeping the creative process exciting and transformative.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling the urge to create but unsure where to start. Alicia's heartfelt advice to "start now" and her strategies for overcoming fear and self-doubt will resonate deeply with aspiring artists and creatives of all kinds.
Tune in to learn:
• How to maintain inspiration and motivation in your creative journey.
• The transformative power of art in personal and emotional healing.
Sound Bites
"You're not really judging yourself yet. You're just doing and learning, which is exciting and awesome."
"Who do I think I am? Who am I kidding? I can't do this. I don't have any talent."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview
03:42 Exploring the Captivating World of Encaustic Painting
07:32 Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt on the Artistic Journey
11:21 The Power of Inspiration and Motivation in Art
16:12 Embracing the Beginner's Mind in Creative Pursuits
18:06 Prioritizing Time for Artistic Expression
22:23 The Technical and Creative Appeal of Encaustic Painting
25:47 Art as a Transformative and Healing Medium
29:36 The Importance of Community and Support in the Artistic Process
Join us for a conversation that’s as enriching as it is
encouraging, and discover how to unleash your inner artist today.
Connect with Alicia:
Alicia on Instagram
Alicia on the Web
Connect with Sue:
Website
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
Subscribe, Rate & Follow - It would mean a lot to me!
#Creativity #ArtInspiration #EncausticPainting #CreativeJourney #ALifeWorthBeing
Keywords: beginner, learning, challenges,
self-judgment, discerning, self-doubt, comparison, quitting, Art, inspiration, creativity

Tuesday Jul 23, 2024
Intuitive Living: Renee Spears’ Path to Spiritual Fulfillment and Success
Tuesday Jul 23, 2024
Tuesday Jul 23, 2024
In this enlightening episode of A Life Worth Being, Sue Willoughby welcomes the inspiring Renee Spears, a Spirit Guide Channeler, spiritual mentor, and host of the Abundology podcast. Renee shares her extraordinary journey from owning a successful mortgage company to embracing her calling as a Spirit Guide Channeler in the serene landscapes of Bozeman, Montana.
Join us as we dive deep into the world of intuition, exploring how Renee made a life-changing leap guided by her inner wisdom. Discover the significance of trusting your gut feelings, the transformative power of intuition in everyday decisions, and practical tips on how to cultivate and strengthen your intuitive abilities.
Sue and Renee discuss:
The connection between intuition and business success
How to recognize and trust your intuitive hits
The role of intuition in overcoming life’s challenges and making empowered decisions
Exercises to enhance your intuitive skills and build self-trust
The magic of Women’s Wisdom Circles and their impact on spiritual growth
Sound Bites
"Trusting your intuition is essential for making aligned decisions and living a fulfilling life."
"Trusting your intuition is a form of trusting yourself and your own wisdom."
"Regrets often stem from not trusting and following your intuition."
"I don't want to have any regrets."
"That was part of the path to use that to propel you forward."
"Should I eat these potato chips? No."
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Background
02:57 - Transition from Mortgage Company to Spirit Guide Channeling
07:43 - The Impact of Trusting Intuition
10:53 - Developing Trust in Intuition
15:23 - Understanding How Intuition Shows Up
22:48 - Avoiding Regrets by Trusting Intuition
23:41 - The Power of Intuition and Being Present
24:52 - Living Life Without Regrets
26:20 - Slowing Down and Listening to Our Intuition
26:50 - The Impact of Technology on Presence
27:51 - Morning Routine and Preparing for Intuitive Sessions
29:10 - Overcoming the Scarcity Mindset
30:21 - Women's Wisdom Circles for Spiritual Exploration
Whether you’re seeking clarity in your career, personal life, or spiritual path, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice to help you embrace your inner guidance and live a life aligned with your true self.
Tune in for a heartwarming conversation filled with wisdom, laughter, and inspiration.
Connect with Renee and enjoy an exclusive 25% discount off a 30-60 min session with Renee Spears using the code 'ABUNDANCE' at https://www.abundology.com/schedule
Other ways to connect with Renee!
https://www.facebook.com/reneespearsabundologyhttps://www.instagram.com/reneespearsabundology
Connect with Sue Willoughby:
https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/
https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/
https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/

Tuesday Jul 16, 2024
Overcoming Obstacles: The Holmes’ Guide to Building a Meaningful Life
Tuesday Jul 16, 2024
Tuesday Jul 16, 2024
In this compelling episode of "A Life Worth Being," host Sue Willoughby welcomes back Britney and Ed Holmes, wellness and mindset coaches, and dear friends. You may remember them from Sue's very first episode, and now they're here to share their incredible journey of transformation.
Britney and Ed dive deep into their personal struggles with weight, addiction, and emotional eating, revealing how they moved from being stuck and overwhelmed to becoming high-performing, health-focused individuals. They share candid anecdotes about their past, the pivotal moments that sparked their change, and the rigorous process of self-improvement they embraced.
Listen as they discuss the significance of finding the right coach, the importance of community in their CrossFit gym, and the value of surrounding yourself with people who challenge you to grow. Brittany and Ed also explore how they transitioned from their roles in a church to launching their own coaching practice, Axios Coaching, which focuses on holistic health across physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions.
Discover the innovative methods they use in their coaching programs, including their "Mindbox" curriculum and the exciting new courses they're developing. Whether you're struggling with weight, stress, or simply feeling stuck, Britney and Ed offer invaluable insights and practical advice to help you create a meaningful, fulfilled life.
Tune in to be inspired by their journey and learn how you too can start your path towards transformation.
Keywords
coaching, emotional eating, addiction, mindset, support system, fitness, personal development, stress, high performers, burnout, stress, overwhelm, train your brain, consistency, worthiness, meaningful life, Mindbox curriculum, Axios Coaching, one-on-one coaching, speaking engagements
Takeaways
Surround yourself with supportive people who lift you up and challenge you to grow.
Changing your mindset and beliefs about yourself and the world is crucial for making lasting changes.
Creating space and replenishing yourself is essential for growth and avoiding burnout.
Stress and being stuck are mutually reinforcing, and addressing both is necessary for personal development.
Coaching can help individuals and teams thrive in high-demand lives by focusing on the four quadrants of whole health: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Stress is a story that can be changed, and stressors are the events we have stories about.
Numbing behaviors, such as overeating or overworking, are ways to avoid processing negative emotions.
Setting goals based on who we need to be rather than what we need to do leads to sustainable growth.
Worthiness is a transformative mindset shift that allows us to invest in ourselves and make positive changes.
Creating consistency in our behaviors and training our brains can help us get off the hamster wheel of stress and overwhelm.
The Mindbox curriculum offered by Axios Coaching helps individuals and teams get unstuck and create a meaningful life.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Unpacking Their Journey
02:51 Emotional Eating and Addiction
09:12 The Power of Mindset and Wellness
13:56 The Role of Community in Transformation
21:57 The Connection Between Stress and Being Stuck
23:40 Creating Space for Recharge and Growth
26:24 Addressing the Root Causes of Numbing
29:19 Training Your Brain for Success
35:06 Living a Meaningful Life
Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!
Connect With Britney and Ed:
Train Your Brain Podcast
Axios Coaching Website
Instagram
Connect with Sue Willoughby and Willoughby Coaching:
https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/
https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/
https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/

Tuesday Jul 09, 2024
Coffee With a Ghost: Unleashing Your Inner Author with Ghostwriter Susan Baracco
Tuesday Jul 09, 2024
Tuesday Jul 09, 2024
In this enlightening episode of A Life Worth Being, host Sue Willoughby welcomes the remarkable Susan Baracco, an accomplished ghostwriter and business coach. With a background as varied as owning a liquor store and helping women in business, Susan has a wealth of experience that she brings to the art of storytelling. Together, they delve into the transformative power of writing, particularly for women over 40 who have rich, multifaceted life stories to share.
Susan shares her journey from business coaching to ghostwriting, offering invaluable insights into the myths and realities of writing a book. They explore the emotional depths required to craft a compelling memoir, the importance of professional editing, and the evolving landscape of publishing. Whether you're a budding writer or someone with a story yearning to be told, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration.
Join Sue and Susan as they discuss the importance of authenticity in writing, how to navigate the challenges of publishing, and the therapeutic benefits of putting your life experiences into words. If you've ever thought about writing a book or are simply curious about the process, this episode is a must-listen. Don't miss out on Susan's upcoming masterclass on the book-writing journey, designed to guide first-time authors through every stage of creating their masterpiece.
Keywords
writing a book, personal experiences, sharing stories, emotional experience, professional writer, uniqueness, overcoming challenges, transformation
Takeaways
Writing a book is often driven by the need to share personal experiences.
Sharing stories can be a moving and emotional experience for both the storyteller and the listener.
A professional writer can help clients express their unique experiences in writing.
Uniqueness in writing comes from personal experiences, overcoming challenges, and transformation.
Key Topics:
The journey from business coach to ghostwriter
Myths about writing and publishing
The role of professional editing
The therapeutic power of storytelling
How to begin your own book-writing journey
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Susan Baracco, a Ghostwriter
04:02 Susan's Journey from Business Coach to Ghostwriter
07:03 Writing a Book to Share Experiences and Help Others
11:06 Working with Women in Business and Mid-Life
16:25 Demystifying the Process of Writing a Book
23:30 The Value of Professional Editing
25:36 The Importance of Vulnerability and Personal Experience
30:01 Teaching from the Scar, Not the Wound
33:18 Creating a Unique and Readable Book
37:55 The Power of Personal Experience
39:47 The Emotional Involvement of a Ghostwriter
43:10 Discovery Call and Finding the Right Fit
Links To Susan Baracco:
Susan Baracco's Website
Connect with Susan on LinkedIn
Sign Up for Susan's Summer Session
Tune in and get inspired to awaken a life worth being by sharing your unique story with the world. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe for more inspirational episodes!
Connect with Sue Willoughby:
https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/
https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/
https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/

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.