Podcast
Blueprint Breakers
Hosted by Amy A. Palmer · EN
Join us as we celebrate midlife women and beyond, with a special spotlight on the lifestyle "blueprint breakers": those who are living a life outside the "typical", "traditional" societal norm. Connect with this growing community and access experts across all areas of life who will focus on our unique needs: health, finances, caregiving, retirement, menopause, socialization, travel, dating, sex, family and more.
26episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Why Diets Fail Women Over 40
Dec 1600:33:34Tap to summarizeIn today’s episode of Blueprint Breakers, I’m joined by Debbie Harris, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Certified Hypnotist, author, and founder of Maynestreet Weight Loss, for a deeply honest conversation about why dieting truly does suck for women over 40, and what actually works instead.Debbie shares her personal journey as a lifelong dieter who hit a wall during menopause, struggling not just with weight but with inflammation, bloating, hormone imbalance, and eventually an estrogen-based breast cancer diagnosis. That experience became a turning point, one that led her to completely rethink diet culture, food rules, and the way women are taught to relate to their bodies.We talk about:Why weight loss becomes harder during perimenopause and menopause—and why it’s not your faultHow hormones, cortisol, sleep, and stress all impact weight and inflammationBreaking free from food guilt and perfectionismWhat an 80/20 lifestyle really looks like (and why it’s more sustainable)Why support and accountability matter just as much as informationHow to define your “why” without shame—even if it starts out feeling shallowLearning to stop comparing yourself to other women and tune into what works for your bodyCreating peace with food instead of fear, rules, or restrictionDebbie also talks about her book, Dieting Sucks for Women Over 40, which includes a practical, food-based program (no drugs), self-hypnosis tools, journaling prompts, and guidance for balancing hormones and maintaining weight loss long-term. She shares why community is such a core part of the process and how her Balanced Warrior membership provides ongoing support, accountability, and encouragement for women navigating this phase of life.This episode is compassionate, empowering, and refreshingly real. If you’ve ever felt like your body betrayed you—or like you’re doing everything “right” and still not seeing results—I hope this conversation helps you feel less alone and more hopeful.You can find Dieting Sucks for Women Over 40 on Amazon and learn more about Debbie’s work, free resources, and community at 30toLife.org. https://30tolife.org/About Amy PalmerAs host and facilitator for the Blueprint Breaker podcast, Amy is dedicated to expanding and amplifying the voices of women over 45 who are living a “non-traditional” lifestyle. She believes there is more than one way to do life and we all deserve to be seen, heard, understood and represented.After a lifelong struggle with feeling “outside” the societal norm and longing to live up to perceived expectations, pardon Amy’s French as she says fuck the blueprint! She has found peace, acceptance, and joy as she embarks on the next era of her life as a digital nomadic entrepreneur.Amy was formerly a senior corporate executive, a nationally recognized sales and operations expert, an award-winning actress, a resident of 13 different US cities, and a prize-winning DC blogger. Amy has a vast network of friends and colleagues with whom she enjoys travel and adventures and a close family including six niblings (nieces & nephews), the loves of her life!Amy's Instagram: @amypalmer.todayJoin the Blueprint Breakers Insiders Network: Community.BlueprintBreakers.com
Transcribe →Pause With Purpose, Position With Intention
Dec 900:40:07Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Blueprint Breakers, I sit down with Lauren Francisco — global curator, emotional mastery coach, and author of COMPOSED: The Art of Directing Your Emotions. The timing of this conversation couldn’t be more aligned. I just returned from Thailand, where I was navigating my own wave of emotions, and now we’re heading into the holiday season: a time that amplifies stress, joy, nostalgia, anxiety, and everything in between.Lauren and I talk about what it really means to pause and how that pause gives us the power to position ourselves for the life we want. We explore the difference between reacting and responding, how to hear your intuition when the world feels loud, and why solitude isn’t loneliness, it’s where truth and clarity finally have room to land.Lauren also shares how her upbringing shaped her worldview, the moment she learned to take control of her emotions instead of letting them control her, and how travel, service, and connection across cultures have become the core of her mission.This episode is grounding, clarifying, and deeply human. If you’re feeling stretched, overwhelmed, or in need of a reset as we head into the holidays, I think you’ll find something here that meets you right where you are.About Lauren FranciscoLauren Francisco, MSW, is a global curator, emotional mastery coach, mental health professional, and founder of Life Coach On Demand, where she helps high-achieving individuals lead their lives with clarity, intention, and emotional truth. With a background that spans psychology, clinical social work, therapy rooms, boardrooms, and rural villages around the world, she has dedicated her life to helping people rewrite their stories from the inside out. She is also the founder and executive director of DiverseCity, Inc., a global nonprofit that highlights everyday heroes through storytelling and service. Known for her calm, grounded voice and her gift for making complex emotional concepts feel accessible and transformative, Lauren brings a rare depth to her work. Her debut book, COMPOSED: The Art of Directing Your Emotions, reflects her mission: to help people lead with peace rather than pressure.Connect with Lauren, including links to her book & her podcast: https://www.laurenfrancisco.com/About Amy PalmerAs host and facilitator for the Blueprint Breaker podcast, Amy is dedicated to expanding and amplifying the voices of women over 45 who are living a “non-traditional” lifestyle. She believes there is more than one way to do life and we all deserve to be seen, heard, understood and represented.After a lifelong struggle with feeling “outside” the societal norm and longing to live up to perceived expectations, pardon Amy’s French as she says fuck the blueprint! She has found peace, acceptance, and joy as she embarks on the next era of her life as a digital nomadic entrepreneur.Amy was formerly a senior corporate executive, a nationally recognized sales and operations expert, an award-winning actress, a resident of 13 different US cities, and a prize-winning DC blogger. Amy has a vast network of friends and colleagues with whom she enjoys travel and adventures and a close family including six niblings (nieces & nephews), the loves of her life!Amy's Instagram: @amypalmer.todayJoin the Blueprint Breakers Insiders Network: Community.BlueprintBreakers.com
Transcribe →Reclaiming a Life That Feels Like You
Nov 2500:54:53Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I sit down with Andie Eggimann—an artist, a move-abroad mentor, and a woman who has rebuilt her life more than once in pursuit of what feels true and alive.Andie spent years trying to fit into a version of womanhood that didn’t match who she really was. Eventually, she found her way back to herself: downsizing, traveling internationally with her family of seven, and finally following a long-held dream of living abroad. But the path wasn’t smooth. Plans fell apart, jobs changed, borders closed, and she and her husband had to start over multiple times.What inspires me about Andie is how she held onto her dream anyway, and how she kept pivoting, adjusting, and creating something beautiful out of circumstances that could have shut everything down.Today, she lives by the sea in Portugal and helps others reconnect with what lights them up and explore what moving abroad could look like for them.In this conversation, we talk about:Breaking free from the blueprint you were handedRelearning how to trust yourselfHow travel can wake up parts of you that have been quiet for yearsThe mix of joy and sorrow that comes with big changeStaying flexible when the dream keeps evolvingCreating goals that align with your values, not pressureThe emotions behind wondering if life might be better somewhere elseAbout Andie EggimanAndie Eggimann is an artist and move abroad mentor helping people reconnect with what makes them feel alive. After twenty years of shelving her dream, she decided to prioritize her own joy, downsize, and travel internationally with her family of seven. When their move-abroad dream exploded more than once, she and her husband rebuilt from scratch with a stubborn belief that it’s possible to create something beautiful after loss. From her seaside home in Portugal, she makes maps to follow towards hope. Connect with Andie on Instagram: @ onedaringadventureFor Andie’s book, Benediction, and information about upcoming workshops: https://linktr.ee/onedaringadventureAbout Amy PalmerAs host and facilitator for the Blueprint Breaker podcast, Amy is dedicated to expanding and amplifying the voices of women over 45 who are living a “non-traditional” lifestyle. She believes there is more than one way to do life and we all deserve to be seen, heard, understood and represented.After a lifelong struggle with feeling “outside” the societal norm and longing to live up to perceived expectations, pardon Amy’s French as she says fuck the blueprint! She has found peace, acceptance, and joy as she embarks on the next era of her life as a digital nomadic entrepreneur.Amy was formerly a senior corporate executive, a nationally recognized sales and operations expert, an award-winning actress, a resident of 13 different US cities, and a prize-winning DC blogger. Amy has a vast network of friends and colleagues with whom she enjoys travel and adventures and a close family including six niblings (nieces & nephews), the loves of her life!Amy's Instagram: @amypalmer.todayJoin the Blueprint Breakers Insiders Network: Community.BlueprintBreakers.com
Transcribe →How Menopause Sparks Your Comeback
Oct 700:31:10Tap to summarizeSo many of us have been taught to think of menopause as the end of something - the end of youth, energy, possibilities. But what if it’s actually the beginning of one of the most powerful chapters of our lives?In this conversation with Julie Gordon White, Founder and CEO of MenoWell, we discuss how menopause can become the spark for transformation and reinvention. We talk about how to navigate this season with more confidence, how to support your body and mind with simple lifestyle shifts, and why it’s never too late to pivot into something new- whether that’s a business, a dream, or a whole new version of yourself.We also explore the importance of education, advocacy, and community when it comes to menopause, and how sharing our stories not only helps us feel less alone, but also empowers other women to do the same.This conversation is real, honest, and deeply hopeful. If you’ve ever felt like midlife was “too late” for a comeback, this episode is your reminder that your next chapter might just be your best one yet.About Julie Gordon WhiteJulie Gordon White is the founder and CEO of MenoWell Menopause Fiber + Protein Bars, an Oprah Daily Best Menopause product. Julie advocates for women in all stages of "The Pause". Julie is also an award-winning entrepreneur, bestselling business author, and TEDx speaker. In 2023, Julie launched MenoWell after struggling with "Menopause Middle" and watching her friends suffer in silence as their symptoms and increasing weight gain were robbing their confidence. Not letting a pandemic get in her way, she decided to do something about it and created delicious plant-based, nutrient-dense, and low-calorie energy bars with all the goodness a menopausal body needs, along with a MenoLounge community to support women with advice from expert guests! MenoWell Bars are available online on Amazon and www.mymenowell.com. About Amy PalmerAs host and facilitator for the Blueprint Breaker podcast, Amy is dedicated to expanding and amplifying the voices of women over 45 who are living a “non-traditional” lifestyle. She believes there is more than one way to do life and we all deserve to be seen, heard, understood and represented.After a lifelong struggle with feeling “outside” the societal norm and longing to live up to perceived expectations, pardon Amy’s French as she says fuck the blueprint! She has found peace, acceptance, and joy as she embarks on the next era of her life as a digital nomadic entrepreneur.Amy was formerly a senior corporate executive, a nationally recognized sales and operations expert, an award-winning actress, a resident of 13 different US cities, and a prize-winning DC blogger. Amy has a vast network of friends and colleagues with whom she enjoys travel and adventures and a close family including six niblings (nieces & nephews), the loves of her life!Amy's Instagram: @amypalmer.todayJoin the Blueprint Breakers Insiders Network: Community.BlueprintBreakers.com
Transcribe →The Secret Sauce to Weight Loss Consistency
Sep 900:29:05Tap to summarizeThis episode is especially meaningful for me because my guest, Lizzie Merritt, is not only a brilliant life and weight loss coach- she’s also my personal coach.Like many midlife women, I used to believe weight loss was only about eating less and exercising more. Lizzie helped me see that the real change comes from mindset, self-compassion, and learning how to handle stress and emotional eating. With her support, I’ve discovered how to:Release shame and guilt that kept me stuckCelebrate small, consistent wins (even just 10 minutes of movement)Plan for my natural cycles of energy and rest instead of fighting themUnderstand why my nervous system takes over when I’m stressedApproach health with an anti-diet mindset that feels realistic and kindIf you’re a midlife woman who’s tired of the all-or-nothing cycle of dieting, or if you’ve ever felt like you “know what to do” but can’t seem to do it, this conversation will give you hope, tools, and a fresh perspective.About Lizzie MerrittLizzie is a Martha Beck Certified Wayfinder Life Coach and professional weight loss coach specializing in helping people figure out why they don’t do the things they think they *should* do in order to lose weight and feel happy. She believes that diets are just the worst; the only way to lose weight is imperfectly; and that weight loss is much more about what’s between your ears than what’s on your plate. Check out her book You Are a Miracle to learn about all the things that diets don’t tell you. She also runs Spartan races, cries at cheesy commercials, and is a huge Marvel movie nerd. confidentbody.coach ✵ @coachlizzie.merrittAbout Amy PalmerAs host and facilitator for the Blueprint Breaker podcast, Amy is dedicated to expanding and amplifying the voices of women over 45 who are living a “non-traditional” lifestyle. She believes there is more than one way to do life and we all deserve to be seen, heard, understood and represented.After a lifelong struggle with feeling “outside” the societal norm and longing to live up to perceived expectations, pardon Amy’s French as she says fuck the blueprint! She has found peace, acceptance, and joy as she embarks on the next era of her life as a digital nomadic entrepreneur.Amy was formerly a senior corporate executive, a nationally recognized sales and operations expert, an award-winning actress, a resident of 13 different US cities, and a prize-winning DC blogger. Amy has a vast network of friends and colleagues with whom she enjoys travel and adventures and a close family including six niblings (nieces & nephews), the loves of her life!Amy's Instagram: @amypalmer.todayJoin the Blueprint Breakers Insiders Network: Community.BlueprintBreakers.com
Transcribe →Midlife Reinvention Stories: Angel James
Aug 1900:30:57Tap to summarizeJoin me as I sit down with Angel James, former Emmy-award winning television news producer turned content creator, whose work has inspired hundreds of thousands of Gen X women to embrace midlife with joy, music, and unapologetic authenticity.Angel spent more than 20 years in local TV news, booking and producing live segments for one of the most-watched morning shows in the country. But in true midlife reinvention fashion, she walked away: without a plan, but with a desire to rediscover herself. In this conversation, Angel and I talk about:How she made the leap from TV producer to social media creator.The freedom and joy she found in showing up authentically online.Why midlife can be the ultimate call to adventure- whether it’s starting over in your career, taking a solo trip, or simply daring to explore your own city.The importance of human connection, rest, and giving ourselves grace in a culture that glorifies hustle.How loss, family, and friendship have shaped the way she’s choosing to live the second half of life.If you’ve ever wondered what it really looks like to let go of titles, embrace reinvention, and start again in midlife, this episode is for you.About Angel James Angel James is a former television news producer-turned-content creator. Angel spent more than 20 years in local news, where she spent a majority of her time as the supervising producer— booking segments for a live, 6-hour, 5-day a week Emmy-award winning morning show— and the most-watched local morning news in the country at the time. Since then, she has grown small businesses by up to 60% by ideating, producing, shooting & editing organic social media content for business categories that include fitness, jewelry, restaurants, non-profits & even one of the most respected model scouts in the business. Now based in the NJ/NYC area, she’s also grown a following of her own on social media— a 215,000 member community comprised mostly of powerful GEN X women. With 5.5 million likes and counting— all going through midlife together, not just surviving, but thriving… with the help of some 80s music. Because… well, it helps. TikTok: ajgirl1Instagram: angelmjamesThe book Angel referenced: Learning to Love Midlife by Chip ConleyAbout Amy A. PalmerAs host and facilitator for the Blueprint Breaker podcast, Amy is dedicated to expanding and amplifying the voices of women over 45 who are living a “non-traditional” lifestyle. She believes there is more than one way to do life and we all deserve to be seen, heard, understood and represented.After a lifelong struggle with feeling “outside” the societal norm and longing to live up to perceived expectations, pardon Amy’s French as she says fuck the blueprint! She has found peace, acceptance, and joy as she embarks on the next era of her life as a digital nomadic entrepreneur.Amy was formerly a senior corporate executive, a nationally recognized sales and operations expert, an award-winning actress, a resident of 13 different US cities, and a prize-winning DC blogger. Amy has a vast network of friends and colleagues with whom she enjoys travel and adventures and a close family including six niblings (nieces & nephews), the loves of her life!Amy's Instagram: @amypalmer.todayJoin the Blueprint Breakers Insiders Network: Community.BlueprintBreakers.com
Transcribe →Secret Life of a Nomad
Jul 3, 202500:33:49Tap to summarizeHave you ever wondered what it would be like to live a nomadic lifestyle? In this episode, I answer frequently asked questions about my experiences from the last 3 years. From how I decide where to go next and manage logistics to how I handle financial stability and personal well-being, I share all the details. Whether you're curious about the nomadic lifestyle or seeking inspiration for breaking free from traditional blueprints, this episode is filled with valuable insights and practical tips. About Amy A. PalmerAs host and facilitator for the Blueprint Breaker podcast, Amy is dedicated to expanding and amplifying the voices of women over 45 who are living a “non-traditional” lifestyle. She believes there is more than one way to do life and we all deserve to be seen, heard, understood and represented.After a lifelong struggle with feeling “outside” the societal norm and longing to live up to perceived expectations, pardon Amy’s French as she says fuck the blueprint! She has found peace, acceptance, and joy as she embarks on the next era of her life as a digital nomadic entrepreneur.Amy was formerly a senior corporate executive, a nationally recognized sales and operations expert, an award-winning actress, a resident of 13 different US cities, and a prize-winning DC blogger. Amy has a vast network of friends and colleagues with whom she enjoys travel and adventures and a close family including six niblings (nieces & nephews), the loves of her life!Amy's Instagram: @amypalmer.todayJoin the Blueprint Breakers Insiders Network: Community.BlueprintBreakers.comThe Strategic Spotlight Studio is NOW OPEN!
Transcribe →Bonus Day of Reflection: Faith
May 31, 202500:06:35Tap to summarizeIf you’re not religious… but you still believe… what exactly do you believe in?Welcome to this Bonus Day of Reflection: Faith.This is the part of my lifestyle blueprint that’s quiet.Not because it’s unimportant—because it’s complicated.I was raised Catholic. I followed the rules. I found comfort in the structure.But as life got more complex, that framework didn’t quite fit anymore.Still… I’ve always believed in something.✨ A higher power.✨ A connected source.✨ A knowing.✨ A soul-level truth that we are all part of something greater.I’ve just never found a church—or label—that fully matched the way I experience it.So now, faith for me looks like quiet journaling that feels like prayer.It looks like sitting still and listening.It looks like trust, even when there’s no proof.And it looks like choosing love and openness over fear and judgment.I’m not religious. But I am spiritual.And I believe in honoring the many ways people connect to the divine—without gatekeeping or shame.So now I’ll ask you:🌀 How does faith show up in your life today?🌀 Do you nurture it, question it, avoid it… or something else entirely?There’s no one right way to believe. But there is value in asking the question.📲 Follow the full reflection series on Instagram: @amypalmer.today🎙️ Listen to deeper conversations on the Blueprint Breakers podcast🔔 Subscribe for honest, unfiltered content about building a life outside the traditional blueprint#BlueprintBreakers #5DaysOfReflection #FaithInMidlife #SpiritualButNotReligious #WomenOver45 #ThirdActLiving #SelfDefinedFaith #UnfilteredReflections #SpiritualGrowth #RedefiningBelief
Transcribe →Day 5 of Reflection: Future
May 30, 202500:08:25Tap to summarizeLet’s talk about the future—the part of the blueprint I’ve been quietly avoiding.💬 What happens when you’ve spent your life embracing the now… but the next still feels murky?This is Day 5 of Reflection, and today I’m getting real about the one category I’ve struggled with most: Future.For me, it’s the tough stuff:💸 Finances.🕰️ Retirement.🏠 Stability.🌀 And the emotional weight of asking: Is my life as big and bold as I always believed it could be?Truth? I don’t feel fully prepared. I don’t have it all figured out.I still believe I’m meant for big things.But I’m also learning to ask: what kind of “big” do I really want now?Loud impact—or quiet depth? Global reach—or intimate meaning?And then there’s the old blueprint whispering, “You didn’t build the family… so you’d better build something extraordinary to justify that.”That part? That’s the one I’m learning to unwrite.Because a life doesn’t have to be traditional—or flashy—to be full, rich, and deeply worthy.✨ So tell me—how do you feel about the future?Are you a planner? A dreamer? A little of both?Drop a comment or DM me. I want to know what “future” means to you—especially in this chapter of life.🎙️ Listen to more on the Blueprint Breakers podcast📲 Join the conversation on Instagram: @amypalmer.today🔔 Subscribe for more raw reflections and real talk on life beyond the traditional script#5DaysOfReflection #BlueprintBreakers #WomenInMidlife #FuturePlanning #ThirdActLiving #RewriteTheRules #LateBloomers #LivingOnPurpose #FaithInTheFuture #MidlifeUnfiltered
Transcribe →Day 4 of Reflection: Fun
May 29, 202500:04:42Tap to summarizeLet’s talk about fun—real, grown-ass-woman FUN.Not the kind we’re told we should be having…Not the kind we had in our 20s that left us hungover and hollow.But the kind that fills us up. Grounds us. Makes us feel alive.✨ This is Day 4 of Reflection, and today I’m exploring how my definition of fun has evolved—and why it matters more now than ever.In my third act, fun looks a lot like:🎶 Singing along to music from my childhood🗺️ Wandering through a new town solo🍷 Long brunches with people I actually enjoy🎭 Live theater, small concerts, big laughs🎢 Even the occasional theme park with nieces, nephews, or friends’ kidsHere’s what I’ve learned: fun doesn’t have to be loud to be liberating.It can be quiet. Simple. Personal. And it’s allowed to look different now.Right now, I’d give my “fun score” a solid 4.8 out of 5 (not bad, right?).But I know that for many women in midlife, fun has fallen way down the priority list.So I’ll ask you this:✨ How fun is your life—really—on a scale of 1 to 5?✨ And what are you going to do about that?📍 Follow the full series here and on Instagram: @amypalmer.today🎙️ Listen to the extended reflections on the Blueprint Breakers podcast🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more unfiltered, midlife mission-driven content.Comment below, DM me, or just start scheduling joy like it matters—because it does.#5DaysOfReflection #BlueprintBreakers #FunAtMidlife #JoyIsEssential #ThirdActLiving #WomenReclaimingJoy #NomadicLife #UnfilteredReflection #MidlifeMagic #CreateYourOwnFun
Transcribe →