Podcast Summary: My So-Called Midlife with Reshma Saujani – “Intentional Ambition with Rha Goddess”

Date: February 18, 2026
Host: Reshma Saujani (A) | Guest: Rha Goddess (C)
Podcast Network: Lemonada Media

Overview

This episode dives deep into the meaning, evolution, and reclamation of ambition for women in midlife. Reshma Saujani speaks with her longtime coach and friend, Rha Goddess—entrepreneurial soul coach and author of Intentional Ambition—about how women can shift from chasing external measures of success to designing an authentic, joyful life rooted in self-permission, purpose, and energy management. The conversation explores burnout, restlessness, redefining ambition (including motherhood and peace), and the critical importance of honoring endings as well as beginnings at this life stage.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Midlife Mindset and the Energy Shift

• Rha on Energy Respect (04:23–05:38):

  • “This time is all about energy, my energy. Our energy doesn’t lie… There’s something about the nature of our energy that really tells us what’s what and who’s who.”
  • In midlife, respect for one’s own energy becomes paramount after years of burnout and learning one's limits.

• Leaders Manage Energy Not Time (05:12–05:38):

  • “Leaders manage their energy, not their time.”
  • Editing schedules doesn’t bring joy if energy isn’t honored.

2. The Role of Permission, Confidence, & Grace

• Mother’s Influence and Self-Permission (11:34–13:13):

  • Rha highlights that many high achievers credit their mothers for teaching them to believe in themselves.
  • “Permission is a kind of grace that we give ourselves… it enables us to be courageous. Both of those are practices.” (12:57–13:32)
  • Confidence is built through repetition and affirmation, not just internal conviction.
  • Quote:
    “Sometimes we think ego is the same as spirit. Permission is a kind of grace… Confidence comes often from external influence—repetition and affirmation build confidence.” — Rha, (12:53–14:53)

• Mirrors and Affirmation (15:32–15:53):

  • Both internal recognition and having others “mirror” back our strengths is vital, especially for public skills like speaking.

3. Ambition: Intentional, Not Reactive

• Redefining Ambition and Its Source (29:28–33:37):

  • Rha distinguishes between “wounded ambition” (rooted in survival/validation) versus “intentional ambition” (rooted in genuine desire and inspiration).
  • Quote:
    “Intentional ambition is ambition that you choose from a place of genuinely what inspires you, what gives you joy, freedom and fulfillment.” — Rha, (31:57–32:32)
  • Ambition isn’t just about professional success—being ambitious about motherhood, peace, or self-care is equally valid.

• Ambition Beyond Career (33:01–33:37):

  • “I may be ambitious about learning how to meditate… I’m ambitious about my peace… if my nervous system is regulated, so much more becomes possible through me…” — Rha

4. Restlessness, Fulfillment, and the Myth of the Finish Line

• Restless Anxiety & The Myth of ‘Having It All’ (23:08–24:38):

  • Many outwardly “successful” women feel restless, anxious, or unfulfilled because traditional success markers don’t guarantee joy.
  • Quote:
    “Fulfillment may be its own journey that’s not necessarily rooted in accomplishing the things that people think we should accomplish.” — Rha, (24:33–24:38)

• Fulfillment as a ‘Soul Conversation’ (24:38–26:15):

  • True fulfillment means knowing yourself deeply and being honest about your needs and desires, often found in small, daily joys rather than big milestones.

5. Endings, Letting Go, and Starting Over

• Letting Go & Purposeful Suffering (45:46–47:58):
  • “You spend the first half of your life acquiring and the second half letting go.”
  • Endings aren’t failures; they are necessary. Letting go makes space for growth, wisdom, and new beginnings.
  • Quote:
    “Completion is necessary… in the evolution and growth of our soul. Purposeful suffering—the things that grow you—are the hard things you live through.” — Rha

6. Owning Influence, Power, and Rebuilding Systems

• Women and Influence (38:22–40:46):

  • Difference between power (direct authority) and influence (the ability to move the needle on what matters). Most people truly crave influence.
  • If more women embrace influence, systems will transform to reflect dignity, compassion, and care.

• Liberation and Creating the Future (40:55–42:34):

  • “We are being liberated from the old systems and structures for a reason… Women, our energy and our call is about architecting the new future.” — Rha

7. Practical Skills for Intentional Ambition

• Fortifying the Foundation (43:04–45:00):

  • Prioritize self-care (“put your mask on first”), name and eliminate energy-drains (even small ones), and set kind, clear boundaries.
  • “There’s a difference between polite and kind. You can be kind and tell the truth… Set boundaries and be loving and compassionate.”

• Key Reflective Questions (48:29–48:58):

  • “What is not working?”
  • “If you had your way, how would it be?”
  • Use these questions for self-honesty and to design next steps.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Energy Management:
  “Leaders manage their energy, not their time.” — Reshma (05:12)

• On Permission and Confidence:
  “Permission is a kind of grace that we give ourselves because we believe it is available to us.” — Rha (12:57)

• On Fulfillment:
  “Fulfillment may be its own journey that’s not necessarily rooted in accomplishing the things that people think we should accomplish.” — Rha (24:33)

• On Redefining Ambition:
  “Intentional ambition is ambition that you choose and that you choose it from a place of genuinely what inspires you, what gives you joy, freedom, fulfillment.” — Rha (31:57)

• On Endings and Loss:
  “In the cycle of life and the evolution and growth of our soul, completion is necessary… Purposeful suffering are the things that grow you.” — Rha (46:16, 47:58)

• On Reflection:
  “What is not working? And in the sanctity of yourself, telling the truth to yourself about what is not working. If you had your way, how would it be?” — Rha (48:29–48:58)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Midlife Mindset & Energy (04:23–05:38)
• Permission vs. Confidence (12:57–15:53)
• Intentional vs. Wounded Ambition (29:28–33:37)
• Restlessness and Fulfillment (23:08–26:15)
• Letting Go & Endings (45:46–47:58)
• Women’s Influence & Energy for the Future (38:22–42:34)
• Foundational Skills & Boundaries (43:04–45:00)
• Reflective Questions to Close (48:29–48:58)

Conclusion: Call to Action

Reshma closes with gratitude to Rha and a simple, powerful takeaway:

“Choose yourself. Not in a selfish way, not in a reckless way, but in an intentional way. Choose the version of you that feels aligned. Choose the work that honors your energy. Choose the life that reflects your truth. Midlife isn’t about shrinking your ambition. It’s about finally owning it.” (49:32)

For Listeners Who Haven't Tuned In:

This episode is a heart-to-heart for any woman asking, “Is this it?”—offering hope, frameworks, and honest reflection for owning your ambition, honoring your energy, and bravely designing a life that truly fits.

Recommended: Pick up Rha Goddess’s book, Intentional Ambition, for deeper guidance.