Podcast
Conversations Beyond Borders
Hosted by Laura Weyl & Susan Poulter · EN
Welcome to "A Conversation Beyond Borders" - a podcast hosted by two women who have raised their children and are now navigating their way through midlife. Join us as we explore life, family, and self-help-related topics through lively discussions and book reviews.
We believe that midlife is a time for reflection, growth, and learning. We also know it can be a challenging time, full of transitions and changes. That’s why we created this podcast – to share our experiences, insights, and wisdom with others who are also going through this phase of life.
Each episode, we tackle a different topic – from relationships to career to health and wellness – and share our own experiences and perspectives. We’ll also discuss books that have inspired us or helped us in some way, offering our thoughts and insights on the ideas they present.
Our goal is to create a supportive, informative, and engaging space for those in midlife to connect with each other and explore new ideas. We hope our discussions and book reviews will inspire you to try new things, challenge your assumptions, and deepen your understanding of yourself and the world around you.
So whether you’re a fellow empty nester, in midlife, or simply someone who loves a good book discussion, we invite you to join us on "A Conversation Beyond Borders" and share in our journey of discovery and growth.
Connect with us on all the socials @ConversationsBeyondBorders, and visit our website at www.ConversationsBeyondBorders.com. We’d love to hear from you and have you be part of the conversation!
23episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Mini Episode Intro: Holiday Stress Management System — Sanity, Sparkle, and a Little Bit of Sass
Nov 100:09:11Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailTired of white-knuckling your way through the holidays? This episode is your permission slip to reclaim your peace, protect your joy, and bring back the magic—without losing your mind in the process.We’re back for a brand-new season of Conversations Beyond Borders, and we’re kicking things off with a fresh, realistic approach to surviving (and actually enjoying) the holiday season. Midlife women know all too well that this time of year isn’t just peppermint mochas and twinkle lights—it’s also family drama, caregiving chaos, endless to-do lists, and pressure to make everything magical for everyone but ourselves.In “Holiday Stress Management System: Sanity, Sparkle, and a Little Bit of Sass,” Susan and Laura introduce a fun, no-nonsense framework to help you stress less and laugh more through the busiest months of the year. You’ll learn how to anticipate challenges, plan with ease, set boundaries, and make room for joy—all while showing up as the glue that holds it all together without burning out.✨ What’s inside this episode:Why “just do less” advice doesn’t work—and what doesThe 4 key parts of our Holiday Stress Management SystemHow to balance caregiving and commitments without losing yourselfSimple ways to protect your peace and put your joy back on the list🎁 Bonus: Get free checklists, planning tools, and access to our community when you join the Holiday Stress Management System at conversationsbeyondborders.com.Because stress doesn’t get to run the show this year—you do.Music: A Special thanks to Tudor Arvinte for our podcast music. You can find him at: www.youtube.com/channel/UCJCSbToEWd0WCbHA-QYmW2w?sub_confirmation=1 or Instagram @twodoorlucaDisclaimer:The information shared on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not licensed mental health professionals, and the content of this podcast is not intended to replace care from a qualified mental health provider.If you are experiencing distress facing challenges in your mental health or require professional support, we strongly encourage you to seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, you can contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or texting 988. Trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 to offer free and confidential support.This podcast is designed to inspire and support women navigating midlife transitions, but your journey is unique, and professional guidance can make a significant difference.
Transcribe →Mini Episode 2: Halloween Without the Chaos — Costumes, Candy, Safety & Sensory
Oct 2100:08:54Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailReady to ditch Halloween chaos and step into the holiday season with more peace and less pressure? 🎃 In this episode of Conversations Beyond Borders, Susan and Laura share how to simplify the season’s kickoff and build calm from the very start.From costume checklists and caregiver kits to smart candy planning and safety must-haves, Susan and Laura offer practical tips for a stress-free Halloween night. They also dive into the deeper work of midlife—balancing caregiving with trick-or-treating, embracing the “good enough” mindset, and preparing gently so joy has space to grow.You’ll hear strategies for creating sensory-friendly experiences, navigating co-parenting with ease, and protecting your energy as the holidays approach. Because peace doesn’t start in December—it starts right now, in the small, mindful choices you make today.✨ What’s inside this episode:A stress-free Halloween system: costumes, candy, safety, and sensory tipsHow to balance caregiving duties with holiday funLetting go of perfection and embracing “good enough”Mindful planning practices to protect your energyInclusive ideas for kids with sensory sensitivities🎁 Bonus: Grab your free Halloween Prep Pack—including a Costume Checklist, Safety Route Map, and Sensory-Friendly Tips—in the show notes.Follow Conversations Beyond Borders for more midlife insights, and share your “good enough” moments with us on social @ConversationsBeyondBorders.Music: A Special thanks to Tudor Arvinte for our podcast music. You can find him at: www.youtube.com/channel/UCJCSbToEWd0WCbHA-QYmW2w?sub_confirmation=1 or Instagram @twodoorlucaDisclaimer:The information shared on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not licensed mental health professionals, and the content of this podcast is not intended to replace care from a qualified mental health provider.If you are experiencing distress facing challenges in your mental health or require professional support, we strongly encourage you to seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, you can contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or texting 988. Trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 to offer free and confidential support.This podcast is designed to inspire and support women navigating midlife transitions, but your journey is unique, and professional guidance can make a significant difference.
Transcribe →Episode 10: Your Evolution — Celebrating Growth and Embracing What’s Next
Apr 18, 202500:31:57Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this final episode of Season 1, we arrive at Stage 5 of our journey: Your Evolution. This episode is a heartfelt pause—an opportunity to reflect on how far you’ve come and to embrace what’s next with openhearted confidence.Together, we revisit the themes of gratitude, self-acceptance, closure, and pride, while exploring the quieter—but deeply powerful—ways growth can show up in your life. We’ll honor the inner strength it took to show up, to stay, and to evolve. Because healing doesn’t always come in big moments—it often lives in the quiet decisions to keep going.In Segment 1, we reflect on the inner transformation that’s taken place throughout the season. And in Segment 2, we cast a hopeful, intentional vision for what comes next—one rooted in curiosity, courage, and self-trust.If you’ve been on this journey with us, we created something special to support your reflection. Our downloadable Season 1 Reflection Guide is designed to help you celebrate your growth, identify your shifts, and honor the story you’ve written so far.👉 Click here to find this week's resource.Thank you for walking this path with us. This may be the end of the season, but it’s the beginning of something new.Music: A Special thanks to Tudor Arvinte for our podcast music. You can find him at: www.youtube.com/channel/UCJCSbToEWd0WCbHA-QYmW2w?sub_confirmation=1 or Instagram @twodoorlucaDisclaimer:The information shared on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not licensed mental health professionals, and the content of this podcast is not intended to replace care from a qualified mental health provider.If you are experiencing distress facing challenges in your mental health or require professional support, we strongly encourage you to seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, you can contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or texting 988. Trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 to offer free and confidential support.This podcast is designed to inspire and support women navigating midlife transitions, but your journey is unique, and professional guidance can make a significant difference.
Transcribe →Episode 9: Building Resilience: Practicing Mindfulness and Resilience
Apr 10, 202500:24:08Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailAs we step into the final stage of our journey, we’re no longer just naming the challenges—we’re moving through them with intention. In this episode of Conversations Beyond Borders, we explore how mindfulness and resilience intertwine to help us navigate midlife transitions with strength and clarity.Join Laura and Susan as they unpack the emotional landscape of resilience—from the quiet fears and self-doubt that emerge in times of change to the courage, confidence, and empowerment that help us rebuild. Through personal stories and reflective prompts, we’ll explore how staying present can transform how we meet life’s uncertainties.Whether you’re feeling apprehensive about the unknown or ready to step into a more grounded, intentional version of yourself, this episode will guide you through the small, mindful shifts that build resilience—one breath, one choice, and one moment at a time.🔹 Which emotion in this episode resonates most with you? Take a moment to reflect, journal, and connect with your inner strength.🔗Continue the journey beyond the episode! Click here: Conversations Beyond Borders with You to join our private Facebook community for deeper discussions, Click here: Season 1 Workbook to grab this season's workbook, and download this episode’s exclusive practice guide here: Building Resilience: Practicing Mindfulness and Resilience🎧 Tune in now and step forward with clarity, compassion, and courage.Music: A Special thanks to Tudor Arvinte for our podcast music. You can find him at: www.youtube.com/channel/UCJCSbToEWd0WCbHA-QYmW2w?sub_confirmation=1 or Instagram @twodoorlucaDisclaimer:The information shared on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not licensed mental health professionals, and the content of this podcast is not intended to replace care from a qualified mental health provider.If you are experiencing distress facing challenges in your mental health or require professional support, we strongly encourage you to seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, you can contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or texting 988. Trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 to offer free and confidential support.This podcast is designed to inspire and support women navigating midlife transitions, but your journey is unique, and professional guidance can make a significant difference.
Transcribe →Episode 8: Aligning Goals with Values – Finding Clarity and Purpose in Midlife
Apr 3, 202500:24:08Tap to summarizeHave you ever felt like the life you worked so hard to build no longer fits? Maybe everything looks fine from the outside, but deep down, there’s a quiet question tugging at you: Is this it?In this episode of Conversations Beyond Borders, hosts Laura and Susan explore the pivotal moment when we begin to outgrow old definitions of success, purpose, and identity. This isn’t a crisis—it’s an awakening. Through reflection, curiosity, and small intentional shifts, we can start realigning our goals with what truly matters.We’ll discuss: ✨ How clarity emerges not from forcing answers but from making space for them. ✨ Why hope is a byproduct of tuning into what truly fulfills you. ✨ The messy middle—navigating setbacks, self-doubt, and the fear of change. ✨ The power of resilience, self-compassion, and adaptability in midlife reinvention.With insights from experts like Brené Brown, Martha Beck, Lisa Lahey, and Valerie Young, this episode will help you embrace growth, reframe challenges, and trust yourself as you take steps toward a more aligned life.If you’re ready to move beyond expectations and start creating a life that feels right—not just right on paper—this conversation is for you.Continue the journey beyond the episode! Click here: Conversations Beyond Borders with You to join our private Facebook community for deeper discussions, Click here: Season 1 Workbook to grab this season's workbook, and download this episode’s exclusive practice guide here: Aligning Goals with Values – Finding Clarity and Purpose in Midlife 🎧 Listen now and take the first step toward a more authentic, purpose-driven life!Editing: Mazed @ www.upwork.com/freelancers/mazed or email: pronoyclammr@gmail.com.Music: A Special thanks to Tudor Arvinte for our podcast music. You can find him at: www.youtube.com/channel/UCJCSbToEWd0WCbHA-QYmW2w?sub_confirmation=1 or Instagram @twodoorlucaDisclaimer:The information shared on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not licensed mental health professionals, and the content of this podcast is not intended to replace care from a qualified mental health provider.If you are experiencing distress facing challenges in your mental health or require professional support, we strongly encourage you to seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, you can contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or texting 988. Trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 to offer free and confidential support.This podcast is designed to inspire and support women navigating midlife transitions, but your journey is unique, and professional guidance can make a significant difference.
Transcribe →Episode 7: Empowering Self-Discovery and Cultivating Connection
Mar 27, 202500:30:19Tap to summarizeWho is the woman staring back at you in the mirror? Not the mom, the wife, the daughter, or the professional—but the real you, at your core. In this powerful episode of Conversations Beyond Borders, hosts Laura and Susan guide you through Stage 4 of self-reconnection, exploring what it means to step into your authentic self while fostering deep, meaningful connections with others.As women in midlife, we’ve spent years showing up for everyone else. But when it’s time to show up for ourselves—our dreams, our desires, our purpose—it can feel unsettling. Today, we’ll walk the two essential paths of growth together:The Inward Path: Rediscovering your values, strengths, and purpose.The Outward Path: Finding your community and meaningful connection.Through candid conversations, Laura and Susan tackle the emotions that arise along the journey—fear of failure, self-doubt, resistance to change, regret, and loneliness. They reframe failure as a stepping stone to growth, share personal stories of overcoming self-doubt, and remind us that our past regrets can serve as a compass toward what still deeply matters.But self-discovery doesn’t happen in isolation. This episode also highlights the importance of building relationships that support who we are becoming, learning how to communicate our evolving selves, and embracing transformation as a shared experience.If you’re feeling lost in this new chapter or simply ready to take the next step, this conversation is for you. 🔗Continue the journey beyond the episode! Click here: Conversations Beyond Borders with You to join our private Facebook community for deeper discussions, Click here: Season 1 Workbook to grab this season's workbook, and download this episode’s exclusive practice guide here: Growth & Connection WorksheetEditing: Mazed @ www.upwork.com/freelancers/mazed or email: pronoyclammr@gmail.com. Music: A Special thanks to Tudor Arvinte for our podcast music. You can find him at: www.youtube.com/channel/UCJCSbToEWd0WCbHA-QYmW2w?sub_confirmation=1 or Instagram @twodoorluca Disclaimer:The information shared on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not licensed mental health professionals, and the content of this podcast is not intended to replace care from a qualified mental health provider. If you are experiencing distress facing challenges in your mental health or require professional support, we strongly encourage you to seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, you can contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or texting 988. Trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 to offer free and confidential support. This podcast is designed to inspire and support women navigating midlife transitions, but your journey is unique, and professional guidance can make a significant difference....
Transcribe →Giving Yourself Permission To Be You
Mar 21, 202500:27:24Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Conversations Beyond Borders, Susan and Laura dive into the power of assertive communication and why so many of us, especially in midlife, struggle to fully own our voices. After years of prioritizing others, it’s time to step into our confidence and express our needs—clearly, kindly, and without guilt.We’ll explore: ✨ How to use "I statements" to foster understanding ✨ The role of boundaries in healthy communication ✨ Why speaking up isn’t selfish—it’s essential for authentic connections ✨ Practical ways to overcome discomfort and build confidenceJoin us as we redefine what it means to communicate with clarity, confidence, and self-respect. Your voice matters—let’s use it! 🔗 Continue the journey beyond the episode! Click here: Conversations Beyond Borders with You to join our private Facebook community for deeper discussions, Click here: Season 1 Workbook to grab this season's workbook, and download this episode’s exclusive practice guide here: Giving Yourself Permission To Be You🎧 Listen now! And don’t forget to share your thoughts in our Facebook community.Editing: Mazed @ www.upwork.com/freelancers/mazed or email: pronoyclammr@gmail.com. Music: A Special thanks to Tudor Arvinte for our podcast music. You can find him at: www.youtube.com/channel/UCJCSbToEWd0WCbHA-QYmW2w?sub_confirmation=1 or Instagram @twodoorluca Disclaimer:The information shared on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not licensed mental health professionals, and the content of this podcast is not intended to replace care from a qualified mental health provider. If you are experiencing distress facing challenges in your mental health or require professional support, we strongly encourage you to seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, you can contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or texting 988. Trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 to offer free and confidential support. This podcast is designed to inspire and support women navigating midlife transitions, but your journey is unique, and professional guidance can make a significant difference....
Transcribe →Finding Your Voice: Asking for What You Truly Need
Mar 13, 202500:29:31Tap to summarizeAdvocating for your needs sounds simple, but for many of us, it’s one of the hardest things to do. In this episode, we dive into Stage 3 – Finding Your Voice, where we move beyond recognizing our needs and begin to voice them with confidence.Laura and Susan explore the emotional landscape of asking for what you truly need—unpacking liberation, pride, grief, skepticism, nostalgia, peace, loneliness, and empowerment with hesitation. They share personal experiences, expert insights, and real-life strategies to help you break free from self-suppression and step into a more empowered, authentic version of yourself.Together, they discuss: ✅ Why advocating for yourself is not selfish but essential ✅ How to navigate the discomfort of self-advocacy ✅ The emotional rollercoaster that comes with speaking up ✅ Reframing skepticism and overcoming societal biases ✅ How self-expression leads to healthier, more fulfilling relationshipsIf you’ve ever felt hesitant to voice your needs or struggled with the guilt of putting yourself first, this episode is for you. 🔗 Continue the journey beyond the episode! Click here: Conversations Beyond Borders with You to join our private Facebook community for deeper discussions, Click here: Season 1 Workbook to grab this season's workbook, and download this episode’s exclusive practice guide here: Finding Your Voice: Asking for What You Truly NeedResources Mentioned:Mayo Clinic: The Benefits of AssertivenessPsychology Today: How Self-Advocacy Builds Self-EsteemLean In by Sheryl Sandberg – A deep dive into gender biases in self-advocacyNike’s Super Bowl Commercial – YouTube (Reframing negative labels into empowerment)Brené Brown: Atlas of the Heart – Understanding and navigating emotionsTune in and start embracing your voice—you deserve to be heard!Follow us on all the socials: FEditing: Mazed @ www.upwork.com/freelancers/mazed or email: pronoyclammr@gmail.com. Music: A Special thanks to Tudor Arvinte for our podcast music. You can find him at: www.youtube.com/channel/UCJCSbToEWd0WCbHA-QYmW2w?sub_confirmation=1 or Instagram @twodoorluca Disclaimer:The information shared on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not licensed mental health professionals, and the content of this podcast is not intended to replace care from a qualified mental health provider. If you are experiencing distress facing challenges in your mental health or require professional support, we strongly encourage you to seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, you can contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or texting 988. Trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 to offer free and confidential support. This podcast is designed to inspire and support women navigating midlife transitions, but your journey is unique, and professional guidance can make a significant difference....
Transcribe →Confronting the Void: Overcoming Emptiness, Perfectionism, and Self-Doubt in Midlife
Mar 6, 202500:23:01Tap to summarizeLife transitions can leave us feeling lost, uncertain, and disconnected—from ourselves and the world around us. In this episode, we explore what happens when we stop running from these emotions and face them head-on.Hosts Susan Poulter and Laura Weyl dive deep into the challenges of midlife transformation, including the unsettling void that can emerge when old identities no longer fit, but the new version of ourselves has yet to take shape. Together, they unpack:✅ The emotional weight of emptiness, perfectionism, guilt, shame, and impostor syndrome ✅ How perfectionism acts as a shield, keeping us stuck in unrealistic expectations ✅ Why embracing vulnerability and self-compassion is key to growth ✅ The power of connection and community in navigating change ✅ How a gratitude practice can reframe negative thought patterns and build resilienceIf you’ve ever felt unmoored during a life transition, this episode is for you. It’s time to embrace discomfort, rediscover your purpose, and find strength in both solitude and connection.🔗Continue the journey beyond the episode! Click here: Conversations Beyond Borders with You to join our private Facebook community for deeper discussions, Click here: Season 1 Workbook to grab this season's workbook, and download this episode’s exclusive practice guide here: Confronting the Void: Overcoming Emptiness, Perfectionism, and Self-Doubt in Midlife Click here to get Laura’s 30-day guided gratitude program at www.laura-weyl.com#MidlifeTransitions #EmotionalResilience #Perfectionism #SelfCompassion #GratitudePracticeEditing: Mazed @ www.upwork.com/freelancers/mazed or email: pronoyclammr@gmail.com. Music: A Special thanks to Tudor Arvinte for our podcast music. You can find him at: www.youtube.com/channel/UCJCSbToEWd0WCbHA-QYmW2w?sub_confirmation=1 or Instagram @twodoorluca Disclaimer:The information shared on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not licensed mental health professionals, and the content of this podcast is not intended to replace care from a qualified mental health provider. If you are experiencing distress facing challenges in your mental health or require professional support, we strongly encourage you to seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, you can contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or texting 988. Trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 to offer free and confidential support. This podcast is designed to inspire and support women navigating midlife transitions, but your journey is unique, and professional guidance can make a significant difference....
Transcribe →Breaking Free: Overcoming the Midlife Void
Feb 27, 202500:29:21Tap to summarizeHave you ever found yourself lying awake at night wondering, Is this all there is? You’re not alone. Midlife can be a season of transition filled with uncertainty, restlessness, and even a deep emotional void. In this episode, Laura and Susan dive into the experience of losing a long-held identity—whether as a parent, a partner, or a professional—and the emotional weight that comes with it.We explore how perfectionism, people-pleasing, and external validation can keep us trapped in cycles of exhaustion and disconnection. Drawing from insights in Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown, we unpack the hidden pressures that make it so hard for women to put themselves first.More importantly, we discuss how to break free—how to challenge self-doubt, overcome guilt, and start saying yes to what truly serves you. This is your invitation to step into a new chapter with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of self.Continue the journey beyond the episode! Click here: Conversations Beyond Borders with You to join our private Facebook community for deeper discussions, Click here: Season 1 Workbook to grab this season's workbook, and download this episode’s exclusive practice guide here: Breaking Free: Overcoming Negative Thought Patterns🎧 Listen now and start reclaiming the life that’s waiting for you.Editing: Mazed @ www.upwork.com/freelancers/mazed or email: pronoyclammr@gmail.com. Music: A Special thanks to Tudor Arvinte for our podcast music. You can find him at: www.youtube.com/channel/UCJCSbToEWd0WCbHA-QYmW2w?sub_confirmation=1 or Instagram @twodoorluca Disclaimer:The information shared on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not licensed mental health professionals, and the content of this podcast is not intended to replace care from a qualified mental health provider. If you are experiencing distress facing challenges in your mental health or require professional support, we strongly encourage you to seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, you can contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or texting 988. Trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 to offer free and confidential support. This podcast is designed to inspire and support women navigating midlife transitions, but your journey is unique, and professional guidance can make a significant difference....
Transcribe →