Podcast
Girlfriend’s Guide to Midlife Podcast
Hosted by Cathy Matthynssens · EN
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! 🎙️💕
21episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
36. From Burnout to Balance – The Real Midlife Health Journey (feat.Adrian Mamikonian)
Aug 700:46:03Tap to summarizeToday’s guest, Adrian Mamikonian, is the epitome of grace, grit, and growth—and she’s walking proof that midlife reinvention is not only possible, it’s powerful. Adrian is a 46-year-old mom of four (yes, four kids in four different school transitions!), a military wife living in Spain, and an integrative health practitioner who has completely transformed her life—from speech pathology to strength training and sustainable wellness. 🧠💪 In this episode, we get real about: 💫 Living with constant transition as a military family 🔁 Reinventing your health and career in midlife ⚖️ The hidden cost of “pushing through” and how rest became her breakthrough 🧘♀️ Integrative tools for hormone balance, perimenopause, inflammation & stress 🥗 Ditching diet culture and fueling for energy—not restriction ✨ The small, sustainable shifts that helped her (and her clients!) feel human again If you’ve ever felt like your body is shifting and your energy is crashing, but you still have dreams to chase and people to serve—this conversation will encourage you to start where you are and honor what you need. Adrian's story is a reminder that your second act can be stronger, wiser, and more empowered than ever before. 🎧 Listen now on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. 📺 YouTube: youtube.com/@girlfriendsguidepodcast 👭 Join our free FB community: www.facebook.com/groups/girlfriendsmidlifepodcast 📸 Follow Adrian on Instagram: @livingwellwithadrian 💬 “Motivation doesn’t come first. Action does. Just do one thing today.” — Adrian Mamikonian #TheGirlfriendsGuideToMidlife
Transcribe →35. SOLO: Your 31-Day Belief & Gratitude Walk Challenge
Jul 3100:09:46Tap to summarizeEpisode 35: Your 31-Day Belief & Gratitude Walk Challenge Hey friend, and welcome back to The Girlfriend’s Guide to Midlife — a space where we do real life together. Today’s episode is a solo one with just me, Cathy, and I’m inviting you into something simple but powerful: a 31-day Belief & Gratitude Walk Challenge. This idea was sparked by a conversation with my girlfriend Britney, who shared how transformative her gratitude walks have been. I felt that spark — and this morning, I took it a step further. I laced up my shoes, hit the pavement, and paired gratitude with bold belief. In this episode, I’ll walk you through: 💬 What a Belief & Gratitude Walk actually is 🧠 Why your mindset determines your direction ✨ How to speak what you want to believe — even if you’re not there yet 🌱 Why August is the perfect month to recommit to you 🚶 How to use 10–30 minutes of movement to shift your energy 💖 Why putting yourself in your own routine matters Whether you're listening in August or months later, this practice is timeless. It’s not about the date — it’s about deciding. And if you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start, this episode offers a fresh, simple way to ground yourself and grow. So let’s walk it out, together. 👇 DM me on Instagram or message me on Facebook and let me know if you’re in for the challenge. We’re doing this! 📌 Connect with Cathy Join the community: 💬 Facebook Group – Girlfriend’s Guide to Midlife Podcast Community Follow along for more inspiration: 📸 Instagram (Podcast): @girlfriendsmidlifepodcast 📸 Instagram (Personal): @dearkathy719 Let’s stay connected — I’d love to hear your walk reflections and belief declarations. 💛 If this episode resonated with you, please take a second to leave a rating and review. It helps other amazing midlife women find the show and lets me know I’m not just talking to myself. 👉 Hit follow so you never miss an episode. Let’s keep thriving, walking, and believing — you’ve got this.
Transcribe →34. Why Mindset Matters Most in Midlife (Katie’s Story of Growth + Grit)
Jul 2400:44:48Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Girlfriend’s Guide to Midlife, I sit down with the inspiring Katie Sevenants, a 62-years-young serial entrepreneur, proud mom and Gigi to three, and the woman behind The Midlife Makeover. We talk about confidence, reinvention, and the beauty of embracing midlife with purpose and passion. Katie shares her journey from the cruise ship industry to direct sales to becoming a coach and guide for midlife women navigating change, visibility, and entrepreneurship. With decades of wisdom and contagious energy, Katie reminds us that midlife isn’t the end—it’s the launch pad for your next great adventure. From getting stuck in comparison to discovering the power of mindset coaching, Katie opens up about the fears that held her back—and the habits and beliefs that propelled her forward. If you've ever doubted your relevance or felt overwhelmed by technology, this conversation will light a fire in you. Whether you're an empty nester, building a business, or searching for your next chapter, Katie’s story will leave you empowered to choose your “hard” wisely and keep showing up with joy. 🎧 Listen on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts ✨ In This Episode: Katie’s journey from cruise ship sales to makeup mogul to midlife mentor How mindset coaching changed her life The secret to confidence (and it’s not what you think) Why she believes reinvention is always possible—even after 50 Visualization, gratitude journaling, and writing your future into reality Using your struggles as your superpower The impact of Change Your Paradigm, Change Your Life by Bob Proctor 📚 Resources & Links Mentioned: 📘 Bob Proctor’s Book: Change Your Paradigm, Change Your Life 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X2N6V9W 📺 Watch the episode on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@girlfriendsguidepodcast 👭 Join the Facebook Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/girlfriendsmidlifepodcast 📸 Follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/girlfriendsmidlifepodcast https://www.instagram.com/dearcathy719 🤝 Connect with Katie: 🌐 Website: https://themidlifemakeover.com 📧 Email: katie@kissmekatie411.com
Transcribe →33. Dear Cathy - Faith, Intuition & Midlife Reinvention (Feat. Ravyn Robinson-Barco)
Jul 1700:51:00Tap to summarize✨ In this heartfelt Dear Cathy episode, Cathy welcomes back her dear friend Ravyn Robinson-Barco for a powerful follow-up to Episode 32. After sharing her story of surviving a car accident and stepping into her calling as a healer and founder of Conscious Colorado Collective, Ravyn returns to answer listener-submitted questions about spirituality, faith, and healing in midlife. Together, Cathy and Ravyn dive deep into the spiritual and emotional reinvention that so many women navigate in midlife—and how to do it with grace, discernment, and trust. 🎧 You’ll hear honest conversation about: 🙏 The intersection of Christianity and spiritual practices 💫 Can you be both religious and spiritual? 🧘♀️ Meditation, energy healing, and Reiki — what’s aligned? 💛 How to rebuild self-trust after identity-shaking transitions 👩👧 Parenting through faith while embracing your own spiritual path 🌿 Cleansing your home, finding your people, and owning your energy ✨ Finding healing beyond talk therapy and reclaiming your wholeness 📌 Key Topics Covered How spirituality can deepen your connection to God Balancing traditional faith with personal exploration Teaching kids about spiritual integrity The science and soul of Reiki Rebuilding yourself after losing your identity in service, motherhood, or marriage 📬 Connect with Ravyn Robinson-Barco 🌐 Website: https://www.consciouscoloradocollective.com/ 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reikicos/ 📧 Email: ravyn@consciouscoloradocollective.com 🎧 Listen Now on Your Favorite Platform Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@girlfriendsguidepodcast 👭 Join the Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/girlfriendsmidlifepodcast 📲 Follow Cathy on Social Media Main Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearcathy719/ Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlfriendsmidlifepodcast/
Transcribe →32. Spiritual Awakening in Midlife: What Happens When You Listen to Your Gut
Jul 1000:52:59Tap to summarizeWhat if a near-fatal car accident was the divine interruption you didn’t know you needed? In this powerful and soul-stirring episode, Cathy sits down with healer, mom of 3, and former military finance professional Ravyn Robinson-Barco to explore what it really means to reinvent yourself in midlife. From traumatic brain injury to discovering the world of Reiki, Ravyn’s story is one of grit, grace, and a deeply spiritual reawakening. Together, they explore: ✨ What midlife reinvention looks like after identity-shifting loss 🧠 Living with a TBI and learning to function differently 🌿 Why alternative healing (Reiki, acupuncture, herbs) worked when traditional medicine didn’t 💬 High-functioning masking, mom guilt, and spiritual intuition 🌀 Faith, motherhood, trauma, and the courage to step into purpose Ravyn’s authenticity, wisdom, and warmth will speak directly to your soul—especially if you're feeling stuck, burnt out, or longing for something more in this season of life. 💬 Connect with Ravyn: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consciouscoloradocollective/ Email: ravyn@consciouscoloradocollective.com Website: https://www.consciouscoloradocollective.com/ 🔗 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: Join the Facebook Community: facebook.com/groups/girlfriendsmidlifepodcast Follow on Instagram: @girlfriendsmidlifepodcast Connect with Cathy: @dearcathy719 Subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@girlfriendsguidepodcast 🎧 Available now on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts. 🌟 Don’t forget to rate & review to help more women thrive in midlife.
Transcribe →31. Midlife Moms, Mental Health & the Truth About Raising Kids Today
Jul 301:01:20Tap to summarizeHey friend — this week’s episode is a soul-stirrer. I’m joined by one of my best friends, Kristin Jaramillo, and let me tell you, this conversation is rich with wisdom, perspective, and real-life resilience. From raising two kids 13 years apart to navigating lupus and facing a near-death diagnosis with her husband, Kristin’s story is a masterclass in showing up through life’s wildest turns. We dive into: 💡 Parenting two kids across generations 🧠 Kids' mental health & navigating entitlement 🌀 Kristin’s battle with lupus & her pivot to plant-based healing 💬 Teaching emotional resilience & connection ❤️ Surviving a misdiagnosed cancer scare with her husband 🌿 How stillness, meditation, and intuition shaped her strength Kristin brings calm, courage, and compassion to every chapter of her life—and I know you’ll feel more grounded and empowered after hearing this one. 👇 Come join the conversation and community: 📲 Instagram: @girlfriendsmidlifepodcast 📩 Join our Facebook group: Girlfriends Guide to Midlife ▶️ Watch the podcast on YouTube: youtube.com/@girlfriendsguidepodcast 📧Connect with Kristin Jaramillo Krisjaramillo@gmail.com ✨ If this episode moved you, leave a rating or share it with a friend. This is how we grow a movement of resilient midlife women—one story at a time.
Transcribe →30: Journey of Divorce, Solo Parenting & Betting On Myself (Feat. Juli Forde)
Jun 2600:55:39Tap to summarizeHey friend, This week’s episode hits deep. I sit down with my dear friend, powerhouse creative, and solo mom of three, Juli Forde to talk about what it really looks like to start over. From navigating a military marriage and parenting solo during deployments to rediscovering her identity post-divorce, Juli shares the raw, beautiful truth behind what it means to bet on yourself. We talk about: ✨ Letting go of the “perfect family” narrative 💔 The courage it takes to leave when love isn’t enough 💪 How solo parenting cracked her open and made her stronger 🎨 Why starting a creative business was the lifeline she didn’t know she needed 🔥 The exact moment she decided to go all in on herself 💡 Key Takeaways: Midlife is a mindset, not a number Leaving something doesn’t mean failure—it might just mean choosing yourself Vulnerability is strength, especially when it inspires someone else You don’t have to leap, but you do have to move Betting on yourself is never wasted energy 🎧 Listen now on YouTube 📺 https://youtu.be/aAd44iH3Cmc 📲 Connect with Juli and check out her work: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliforde/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildandwoodcreations/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildandwoodcreations/ 💬 Join the Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/574473915022978 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlfriendsguidepodcast/ Host on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearcathy719/ 🙏🏼 If this episode hit home, share it with a friend, drop a comment, or leave a review. You never know who needs to hear this message today.
Transcribe →29. Real Talk with My Husband: Midlife, Marriage & Raising Boys (Feat. Marcus Matthynssens)
Jun 1900:38:46Tap to summarizeThis week’s episode is extra special—because I’ve finally convinced my husband, Marcus, to sit down for a real, unfiltered conversation on the podcast (yes, whiskey was involved 😆). Together, we dive deep into: 💬 What midlife looks like for men vs. women ❤️ Navigating marriage through hormones, mood swings, and big transitions 👨👩👦 Raising two boys and learning to parent with grace, flexibility, and LOTS of laughter 🧠 How men internalize emotions and what women often miss 👣 Letting go as your kids grow up—and finding purpose as empty nesters 💡 The secret to 22 years of marriage This one is packed with relatable moments, vulnerable truths, and a behind-the-scenes look at our marriage, parenting journey, and everything in between. So grab your favorite drink and join us for a laugh, a few tears, and a whole lot of real talk. 👇 Come hang with us: 🔗 Instagram: @girlfriendsmidlifepodcast 🔗 My personal IG: @dearcathy719 🔗 My personal IG: @ouremptynestinglife 👭 Join the Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/girlfriendsmidlifepodcast If this episode hits home, please share it with a friend and leave a rating or review. It helps more amazing women like you find this podcast—and reminds me why these conversations matter. 💕 Until next time, keep showing the world how fabulous midlife can be. You’ve got this.
Transcribe →28. Dear Cathy, Skincare, Style & Sisterhood with Stephanie Richard
Jun 1200:49:39Tap to summarizeThis week, I sat down in person with one of my best friends, Stephanie Richard, for a super fun, totally real, and refreshingly unfiltered edition of our Dear Cathy series. And this time? We filmed it in the studio! Stephanie isn’t a beauty influencer—she’s a girlfriend you want in your corner. Together, we tackled your questions around aging, skincare, fashion confidence, and navigating the ups and downs of midlife. From saggy skin and skinny jeans to friendship, hormones, and the messy magic of growing older, this episode feels like a girls’ night in with your ride-or-die. So pour a glass of something fun and cozy up—you’re gonna love this one. 👭 Meet Stephanie Richard: Co-owner of Sparkles & Lace Boutique in Colorado Springs Mom of two boys (and newly navigating the empty nest!) Girlfriend, confidante, and skincare guinea pig 😄 Age 53 and aging with laughter, style, and unapologetic truth ✨ What We Talk About: Do face creams actually work—or is it all genetics? The real truth about Botox, TikTok skincare, and finding what works How friendship fuels beauty from the inside out The saggy neck struggle and how Gua Sha + oils can actually help Skinny jeans vs wide-leg jeans—how to dress for you Why midlife is the perfect time to try everything Advice to our younger selves (and why you need to stop apologizing) A peek into our beauty routines (yes, tinted moisturizer counts!) 💬 Favorite Moments: “Try everything. What works for her may not work for you—and that’s okay.” “Your skin reflects your joy. So find your people, hydrate your soul, and let the beauty radiate.” 📲 Come Join the Girlfriend Party: 👯♀️ Facebook Group: Girlfriend’s Guide to Midlife 📸 Follow the Podcast: @girlfriendsguidepodcast 💁♀️ Connect with Cathy: @dearcathy719 📲 Connect With Stephanie: 📸 INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/sparklesnlaceboutique/ 📸 TIK TOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@sparklesandlaceboutique 🔗 https://sparklesandlaceboutique.com/ 🫶 Did this episode make you laugh, cry, or say “YESSS!” out loud? Share it with your girlfriends, leave a quick review, and hit follow so you never miss an episode. This midlife community is growing—and it’s better with you in it.
Transcribe →27. Breaking Cycles, Building Resilience: Angie Liddle’s Story of Strength, Healing, and Purpose
Jun 500:44:36Tap to summarizeIn today’s powerful episode of Girlfriend’s Guide to Midlife, I sit down with my dear friend Angie Liddle—pediatric physical therapist, adoptive mama, and fierce cycle-breaker—to share a story that is raw, resilient, and real. From surviving childhood trauma and addiction in her family to building a life full of purpose, Angie opens up about what it really means to rewrite your story. We talk about motherhood, marriage, physical and emotional healing, and the unexpected journey that led her to adopt twin boys in her 40s. This conversation isn’t just inspiring—it’s a reminder that midlife is not the end of anything… it’s just the beginning. In This Episode, We Cover: 💔 Breaking generational cycles of abuse and addiction 🧠 Mental health, advocacy, and learning to ask for help 💬 Why midlife is a full-circle season of emotional reckoning 🍼 Adopting medically fragile twins at 40—and what that taught her about grace ⚡ Navigating chronic pain, hysterectomy, and back surgery with fierce honesty 👣 The power of presence, parenting, and leaning into the hard stuff 🌎 Her dream of living overseas and embracing new beginnings 📲 Let’s Stay Connected! Come connect with me and other midlife girlfriends: 💬 Join the community: www.facebook.com/groups/girlfriendsmidlifepodcast 📸 Follow me on Instagram: @dearcathy719 🎙️ Follow the Podcast: @girlfriendsguidepodcast Connect with Angie: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/amliddle622/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/angie.liddle.71 ❤️ If this episode touched your heart: 👉 Share it with a friend who needs to hear it 👉 Leave a review—your words help more women find this show 👉 Hit subscribe for more real talk every week Thanks for being here, girlfriend. You are not alone. Let’s keep growing through midlife—together. 💫
Transcribe →