Welcome to Girlfriend’s Guide to Midlife—your go-to podcast for real talk, real stories, and real inspiration. Think of this as a heart-to-heart with your best ...
18. What Cancer Revealed: A Journey Through Trauma, Therapy & Self-Love with Laura Taylor
In this episode, Cathy sits down with the incredible Laura Taylor, a breast cancer survivor from Orlando who was diagnosed at just 37 years old. Laura shares what those early days were like—how she navigated the emotional rollercoaster, leaned on her family for support, and found her way through some really tough moments.
But Laura’s journey didn’t stop at surviving cancer. She opens up about how therapy helped her heal not just from the trauma of the diagnosis, but also some deep-rooted childhood wounds she hadn’t realized she was carrying. Through it all, Laura discovered the power of self-nurturing, staying spiritually grounded, and practicing gratitude.
And from that healing journey? Something beautiful was born—Messy Craft, a creative studio she founded to offer a safe, inclusive space where both kids and adults can explore their creativity without judgment.
Laura’s story is honest, inspiring, and full of heart. It’s a powerful reminder that even when life throws us curveballs, we can still come out the other side stronger, more connected to ourselves, and full of purpose.
Come Connect with Me & Other Girlfriend’s in Midlife:
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The Other Side Podcast
The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Ruben
Follow Laura Taylor on Instagram
www.messycraft.com
Thank you for tuning in to this episode! I’m so grateful to have you here as part of this incredible community of women navigating midlife with grace, courage, and curiosity. Remember, this season of life is full of opportunities to rediscover yourself, embrace your wisdom, and live with renewed purpose.
If this episode resonated with you, I’d love for you to share it with a friend or leave a rating & review—it means the world to me and helps more amazing women like you find the show. Here’s to thriving in midlife and beyond! ❤️
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17. Let's Talk About Perimenopause & Tips for Supporting Your Hormones Naturally with Suzanne Greiner - Board Certified Nurse Coach
Let’s be real… perimenopause can feel like a wild ride no one warned us about. 🙃
In this episode, I’m opening up about my own struggles with perimenopause—insomnia, brain fog, crushing exhaustion—you name it. And if you’re in it too, I want you to know: you’re not going crazy, and you’re definitely not alone.
I brought on the amazing Suzanne Greiner, a board-certified nurse coach who gets it because she’s walked this path herself. She shares her personal story—from sudden joint pain and unexplained weight gain to anxiety and that foggy-brain feeling we all know too well.
Suzanne breaks down her holistic approach to navigating perimenopause and menopause in a way that feels empowering and doable. We talk about:
💪 The power of nutrition & strength training (yes, weights are your friend!)
😴 Getting your sleep and stress back on track
🫶 The importance of community and not doing this alone
🧠 How to start feeling like yourself again—without guessing your way through
This is the episode I wish I had when all those weird symptoms started showing up. Whether you’re just starting to notice shifts or you’re deep in it, you’ll walk away with practical tips and the reminder that you’re not broken—your body is just asking for support.
Come Connect with Me & Other Girlfriend’s in Midlife:
Follow Me on Instagram
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Join the Girlfriend’s Guide to Midlife Facebook Community
Follow Suzanne on Instagram
www.suzannegreinercoaching.com
Thank you for tuning in to this episode! I’m so grateful to have you here as part of this incredible community of women navigating midlife with grace, courage, and curiosity. Remember, this season of life is full of opportunities to rediscover yourself, embrace your wisdom, and live with renewed purpose.
If this episode resonated with you, I’d love for you to share it with a friend or leave a rating & review—it means the world to me and helps more amazing women like you find the show. Here’s to thriving in midlife and beyond! ❤️
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16. The Life Changing Impact of Having A Growth Mindset & Self Education - Araceli Jackson Shares Her Incredible Story
Ever feel like the odds are stacked against you? This episode is proof that anything is possible when you bet on yourself.
I’m sitting down with Araceli Jackson, a woman whose story is all about courage, resilience, and the power of persistence. She went from growing up in poverty in Mexico to moving to the U.S. in 2019, learning a new language, and teaching herself the mortgage business—all while navigating an entirely new life.
Now? She’s the top sales rep for a builder in Colorado Springs, a real estate investor, and just recently became a U.S. citizen! 🇺🇸✨
We’re diving into:
🏡 How she broke into real estate and built a thriving career
💡 The mindset shifts that helped her succeed against all odds
🔥 Why taking risks and embracing challenges is everything
📈 Her passion for personal growth & investing in the future
Araceli’s story is one you need to hear—because if she can do it, so can you.
Come Connect with Me & Other Girlfriend’s in Midlife:
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Join the Girlfriend’s Guide to Midlife Facebook Community
Follow Araceli on Instagram
Books Mentioned:
Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
I Will Teach You to be Rich by Ramit Sethi
Thank you for tuning in to this episode! I’m so grateful to have you here as part of this incredible community of women navigating midlife with grace, courage, and curiosity.
Remember, this season of life is full of opportunities to rediscover yourself, embrace your wisdom, and live with renewed purpose.
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15. Dear Cathy, Your Biggest Weight Loss & GLP-1 Questions Answered with Katie Sorenson MSN, FNP-C
Let’s talk about midlife weight loss—because, let’s be honest, it’s a whole different ball game than it was in our 20s and 30s.
In this first-ever Dear Cathy episode, I’m sitting down with nurse practitioner Katie Sorensen from Weight Loss NP in Golden, Colorado to answer your biggest questions about weight loss, GLP-1 medications, and everything that comes with navigating this season of life.
We’re diving into:
🔹 How GLP-1 medications really work—plus side effects & alternative options
💪 How to maintain muscle mass & prevent saggy skin while losing weight
💰 Affordability & insurance coverage—what you need to know before starting
🤔 How to find a reliable provider and make the right choice for YOU
If you’ve been curious about weight loss options in midlife, this episode is packed with real talk and practical advice from a pro who gets it.
And if you’ve got more questions for a future Dear Cathy episode, send them my way—I’d love to hear from you! Send me an email [email protected] and put “Dear Cathy” in the title.
Come Connect with Me & Other Girlfriend’s in Midlife:
Follow Me on Instagram
Follow the Podcast on Instagram
Join the Girlfriend’s Guide to Midlife Facebook Community
https://thewlnp.com/
Weight Loss NP on Instagram
Follow Weight Loss NP on Facebook
Thank you for tuning in to this episode! I’m so grateful to have you here as part of this incredible community of women navigating midlife with grace, courage, and curiosity.
Remember, this season of life is full of opportunities to rediscover yourself, embrace your wisdom, and live with renewed purpose.
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14. The Weight Loss Struggle is Real – Kari Andrews Shares Her Story & GLP-1 Experience
In this episode of Girlfriend’s Guide to Midlife, I’m sitting down with my dear friend Kari Andrews to have a real, honest conversation about her lifelong journey with weight—something so many of us can relate to. As we celebrate her 50th birthday, Kari opens up about the ups and downs she’s faced, from trying countless diets to undergoing lap band surgery, and now finding success with GLP-1 medications.
We’re talking about food noise, the societal stigma around obesity, and why there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to health. Kari’s story is one of resilience, self-care, and learning to tune out the noise to do what’s right for her—and I know it’s going to inspire so many of you.
If you’ve ever struggled with weight, felt judged for your choices, or just want to hear an open and refreshing take on what it really means to prioritize your health in midlife, this episode is for you.
Come Connect with Me & Other Girlfriend’s in Midlife:
Follow Me on Instagram
Follow the Podcast on Instagram
Join the Girlfriend’s Guide to Midlife Facebook Community
Follow @thekariandrews on Instagram
Thank you for tuning in to this episode! I’m so grateful to have you here as part of this incredible community of women navigating midlife with grace, courage, and curiosity. Remember, this season of life is full of opportunities to rediscover yourself, embrace your wisdom, and live with renewed purpose.
If this episode resonated with you, I’d love for you to share it with a friend or leave a rating & review—it means the world to me and helps more amazing women like you find the show. Here’s to thriving in midlife and beyond! ❤️
Welcome to Girlfriend’s Guide to Midlife—your go-to podcast for real talk, real stories, and real inspiration. Think of this as a heart-to-heart with your best girlfriends, where we dive into everything midlife throws our way—from weight struggles and hormone rollercoasters to navigating divorce, rediscovering purpose, and even getting back into the dating scene. Who better to learn from than our girlfriends? Each week, we bring you heartfelt conversations with real women who’ve faced adversity, shown resilience, and found the strength to thrive. Whether you’re approaching midlife, knee-deep in it, or coming out on the other side, this podcast is for you.
I’m your host, Cathy Matthynssens, wife of 22 years to Marcus, mom to Logan and Colin, dog mom, a full time realtor in my hometown of Colorado Springs, a counselor, friend to many, sister, daughter, and the list goes on. I am 47 years young and in the thick of navigating all the changes that come with midlife.
Together, we’ll tackle topics like:
💼 Reinventing yourself at any age
💡 Finding purpose and passion
💰 Financial advice
👩❤️👩 Parenting adult children (and surviving empty nests!)
💄 Aging gracefully with beauty tips and self-care hacks
🌀 Managing midlife changes like hormone imbalances and health challenges
Through inspiring stories and actionable insights, you’ll gain the wisdom, confidence, and tools to navigate this transformative stage with vitality. Whether you’re chasing big dreams, seeking balance, or just figuring out “what’s next,” we’ve got you covered!
👭 Let’s talk about it! Join our supportive community at www.facebook.com/groups/girlfriendsmidlifepodcast and follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @girlfriendsmidlifepodcast.
✨ Don’t forget to hit subscribe and leave us a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Your feedback helps more women just like you find us—and ensures we bring you the conversations you crave.
Ready to embrace midlife with confidence, purpose, and a whole lot of fun? Press play and let’s talk about! 🎙️💕
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