Podcast Summary: Totally Booked with Zibby – "Dina Alvarez & Dina Aronson, MIDLIFE PRIVATE PARTS: Revealing Essays that Will Change the Way You Think About Age"
Release Date: June 29, 2025
Introduction
In this engaging episode of Totally Booked with Zibby, host Zibby Owens welcomes listeners to a special discussion centered around the anthology "Midlife Private Parts". Co-edited by Deena Alvarez and Dina Aronson, the book features a collection of essays that delve into the multifaceted experiences of women navigating midlife. This episode not only highlights the origins and purpose of the anthology but also features insights from several contributors who share excerpts from their essays.
About the Book: "Midlife Private Parts"
Deena Alvarez and Dina Aronson provide an overview of their collaborative journey in creating Midlife Private Parts. Their friendship, forged in their early 50s, inspired them to challenge the prevailing narrative that often portrays midlife as a crisis. Instead, they aimed to present midlife as a period of empowerment, creativity, and rediscovery.
Key Insights:
- Rewriting the Narrative: They sought to shift the conversation from seeing midlife as a period of decline to recognizing it as a time of opportunity and growth.
- Community Building: The anthology emerged during the pandemic, leveraging online connections to gather diverse women's stories, fostering a sense of community and solidarity.
- Personal Empowerment: Both editors emphasized their personal transformations, highlighting newfound confidence and the importance of being seen and heard.
Notable Quote:
Deena Alvarez [05:52]: "The narrative is so outdated and just wrong, so let's rewrite it."
Contributor Essays
Several contributors share their personal essays, each offering unique perspectives on midlife. Below are summaries and notable excerpts from their stories:
1. Laura Friedman Williams: "Sexual in Midlife" [10:44]
Laura recounts her transformative journey through a midlife crisis triggered by her husband’s affair, leading her to rediscover her sexuality and self-worth. Her exploration of intimacy empowered her, allowing her to voice her needs and embrace a more fulfilling life.
Notable Quote:
Laura [10:44]: "I learned so much about myself, but also, really, it gave me a voice."
2. Jessica Fine: "Shifting Perspectives" [11:00]
Jessica discusses the revelation that post-50 is not a time for stagnation but rather an open field for exploration and self-definition. She emphasizes the removal of societal expectations, allowing for personal growth and experimentation.
Notable Quote:
Jessica [11:01]: "Once you get to a certain point, it's all wide open. There are no more 'shoulds.'"
3. Skyla Liberty Rose: "All Day I Wonder Briefly" [13:05]
Skyla addresses the mental load carried by women in midlife, balancing increased confidence with societal pressures that suggest diminishing value with age. Her essay highlights the daily struggles and the importance of community and solidarity.
Notable Quote:
Skyla [13:05]: "I want them to know that they're not alone. There's so many of us that are trying to figure all of this out."
4. Julie Flackstad: "Shifting Identities" [15:15]
Julie explores the duality of aging, mourning past identities while embracing new possibilities. Observing her elderly neighbors' move into retirement homes prompted her introspection on her own life’s pivotal moments and the anticipation of her second act.
Notable Quote:
Julie [15:15]: "There is this mourning and loss coupled with curiosity, growth, and inspiration."
5. Katie Fogarty: "Pandemic and Perimenopause" [16:39]
Katie shares her tumultuous experience during the pandemic compounded by perimenopause, leading to strained relationships and emotional overwhelm. Launching her podcast, A Certain Age, became a therapeutic outlet, connecting her with other midlife women and offering solace.
Notable Quote:
Katie [18:11]: "My essay invites people to explore that for themselves."
6. Laura Belgray: "Mysterious Charge" [20:04]
Laura delves into her pursuit of aging gracefully amidst societal pressures and medical interventions. Her essay highlights the delicate balance between maintaining one's appearance and embracing natural aging processes, emphasizing personal choice and empowerment.
Notable Quote:
Laura [22:17]: "Don't wait till you see crepiness at the first sign of it or even before. Get softwave done."
7. Marian Adams: "Three Years of Medical Gaslighting" [22:21]
Marian recounts her harrowing three-year battle with misdiagnosed menopause symptoms, enduring countless medical appointments and treatments before finally receiving accurate diagnosis and treatment from Dr. Carolina Sierra. Her essay advocates for listening to one’s body and challenging medical misconceptions.
Notable Quote:
Marian [27:04]: "If you don't feel right, you're not right. Depression is a symptom, not a diagnosis."
Host and Contributors’ Reflections
Zibby Owens expresses her admiration for the anthology, emphasizing how the essays provide both understanding and inspiration to midlife women. The contributors echo sentiments of empowerment, community, and the importance of sharing personal stories to foster connection and support.
Notable Exchange:
Zibby [09:03]: "Having read the whole collection, I not only felt understood but totally inspired and also just really energized..."
Deena Alvarez [18:23]: "I can't wait for it to be out and about in the world."
Conclusion
The episode culminates with heartfelt thanks from both Zibby and the contributors, reiterating the anthology’s mission to amplify midlife women's voices and experiences. They encourage listeners to embrace their journeys, seek community, and celebrate the vibrancy of midlife.
Final Thoughts:
- Embracing Midlife: Recognizing midlife as a phase of continued growth and self-discovery.
- Community Support: The importance of sharing stories to alleviate feelings of isolation.
- Empowerment Through Storytelling: Using personal narratives to reclaim and redefine aging.
Closing Quote:
Deena Alvarez [33:55]: "When you're present and you're open to, you open your eyes. It's all around."
Additional Resources
- Book Information: For more details about Midlife Private Parts, visit zibbymedia.com.
- Follow Zibby Owens on Instagram: @zibbyowens
Stay connected, share your stories, and join the conversation as you navigate your own midlife journey.