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In this week's Midlife with Courage Podcast™ Kim talks with Angela Burk, a retired B2B marketer who wrote Real Girls Guide to Midlife after finding a 20-year-old “red folder” of questions. They discuss divorce, grief, perimenopause rage, self-publishing, “together living apart,” and saying no.

- Midlife change, courage, and messy “middle” journeys
- Menopause symptoms, identity shifts, and reclaiming pleasure
- Practical mindset reset: let go of one thing, reclaim one thing; “I’m not available”

00:00 Feeling Alone in Midlife (and the Missing ‘Messy Middle’)
00:34 Podcast Intro: Midlife With Courage + What to Expect
00:52 Meet Angela Burk: Career, Family, and the Book That Came Back
03:23 Courage Moment #1: Ending a Marriage and Choosing Happiness
04:47 Courage Moment #2: Retiring, Finding the Folder, and Writing the Book
06:03 Stop Overplanning: Trust Yourself and Just Start
06:46 Why Women Put Everyone Else First (and How to Unlearn It)
09:11 Midlife Overload: Hormones, Kids, Parents, Career—All at Once
10:36 Reclaiming Yourself After Divorce + Menopause Run-Up in Your 40s
13:56 Strength, Grief, and Letting Go of Shame Around Change
17:10 Why Angela Wrote the ‘Real Girl’ Midlife Guide (Not a Celebrity Story)
19:04 Perimenopause Rage: When It Hits and Why It’s So Scary
21:40 The ‘Wave Three’ Surprise: Symptoms After Your Period Stops
22:45 Letters to Her Boys: Repair, Memory, and Self-Forgiveness
23:38 A Fiancé in Australia: Making Long-Distance Love Work
25:08 ‘Together Living Apart’: Rethinking Midlife Relationships
28:11 Pleasure, Sex, and Being a ‘Whole Person’ in Midlife
31:15 Where to Get the Book + The Manifesto: Let Go & Reclaim
33:14 Practice Saying No: ‘I’m Not Available’ (Final Takeaways & Goodbye)

You can read Angela's blog and buy her book on her WEBSITE.

Support the show

Kim Benoy is a retired RN, Certified Aromatherapist, wife and mom who is passionate about inspiring and encouraging women over 40. She wants you to see your own beauty, value and worth through sharing stories of other women just like you.

If this podcast inspires you and makes you think, “She’s talking to me,” there’s a place where these conversations continue. The Midlife with Courage™ community is the podcast—plus deeper connection, encouragement, and support. It’s a safe, uplifting space to be inspired, share honestly, and grow alongside women who truly get this season of life.

Midlife with Courage™ Community

Want to be a guest on Midlife with Courage™-Flourishing After Forty with Kim Benoy? Send Kim Benoy a message on PodMatch, here:

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This week, Kim recaps February’s resiliency theme and guests, reminding midlife women not to minimize pain and to validate their own experiences.

Highlights:
- Tasha Schuh: life-changing accident, powerful voice
- Michelle Walters: love, loss, hypnotherapy pivot
- Kristen Crabtree: leaving abuse, finding courage
- Invitation: Courage & Confidence Circle starts March 3 (midlifewithcourage.com)

00:00 Welcome to Midlife with Courage (Resiliency Month Recap Begins)
00:45 Week 1 Spotlight: Tasha Schuh’s Powerful Story of Resilience
01:24 Week 2 Spotlight: Michelle Walters on Love, Loss & Hypnotherapy
02:00 Week 3 Spotlight: Kristen Crabtree on Leaving an Abusive Relationship
02:42 What Resilience Looks Like: Your Stories, Strengths & What You’ve Overcome
03:00 Stop Comparing Struggles: Don’t Minimize Your Pain
04:32 Reclaiming Yourself in Midlife: From Shame to Self-Worth
05:18 Self-Validation as the Foundation of True Resiliency
06:47 Closing Message + How to Support the Podcast
07:05 Bonus Invite: Join the Courage & Confidence Circle (Starts March 3)

You can listen to each of the previous episodes at the links below:

Tasha Schuh

Michelle Walters

Kristen Crabtree

Support the show

Kim Benoy is a retired RN, Certified Aromatherapist, wife and mom who is passionate about inspiring and encouraging women over 40. She wants you to see your own beauty, value and worth through sharing stories of other women just like you.

If this podcast inspires you and makes you think, “She’s talking to me,” there’s a place where these conversations continue. The Midlife with Courage™ community is the podcast—plus deeper connection, encouragement, and support for midlife women navigating confidence, change, and what’s next. It’s a safe, uplifting space to be inspired, share honestly, and grow alongside women who truly get this season of life.

Midlife with Courage™ Community

Are you looking for more? You should check out my Courage & Confidence Circle! Join a supportive group of other midlife women who are ready to live with courage and stop waiting for someday! This 3-month program starts again in March 2026 and I would love to see you there!

REGISTER HERE

Want to be a guest on Midlife with Courage™-Flourishing After Forty with Kim Benoy? Send Kim Benoy a message on PodMatch, here:

Podmatch Link


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In this episode of Midlife With Courage®, host Kim welcomes Kristen Crabtree, who shares her remarkable journey of overcoming an abusive marriage and finding her true self. Kristen reveals how she moved forward before courage and the transformative power of listening to her true self.

Key takeaways include facing fear, the significance of true self, and redefining courage.

00:00 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Self-Worth
00:24 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
01:13 Kristen's Journey: From Fear to Courage
03:26 The Abusive Marriage: A Deep Dive
04:53 Therapy and Realizations
08:58 The Decision to Divorce
17:36 The Final Break: Moving Out
19:14 Facing Panic and Seeking Clarity
20:16 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Change
21:01 Struggles with Mental Health
22:02 The Role of Trauma Therapy
22:43 Rediscovering True Self
25:42 The Journey of Self-Excavation
29:02 Introducing the Book and Its Impact
35:08 Life After Transformation

If you would like to learn more about Kristen including her book called "Be The You That's More You Than You've Ever Been" click HERE.

Get in on the next Courage & Confidence Circle before it even opens. The waitlist for the March 2026 Courage & Confidence Circle is open so click the link below to let me know you are ready to grow your midlife confidence now!

PUT ME ON THE WAITLIST!

Support the show

Kim Benoy is a retired RN, Certified Aromatherapist, wife and mom who is passionate about inspiring and encouraging women over 40. She wants you to see your own beauty, value and worth through sharing stories of other women just like you.

If this podcast inspires you and makes you think, “She’s talking to me,” there’s a place where these conversations continue. The Midlife with Courage™ community is the podcast—plus deeper connection, encouragement, and support for midlife women navigating confidence, change, and what’s next. It’s a safe, uplifting space to be inspired, share honestly, and grow alongside women who truly get this season of life.

Midlife with Courage™ Community

Are you looking for more? You should check out my Courage & Confidence Circle! Join a supportive group of other midlife women who are ready to live with courage and stop waiting for someday! This 3-month program starts again in March 2026 and I would love to see you there!

REGISTER HERE

Want to be a guest on Midlife with Courage™-Flourishing After Forty with Kim Benoy? Send Kim Benoy a message on PodMatch, here:

Podmatch Link


...

Send a text

In this episode of Midlife with Courage™, host Kim speaks with Michelle Walters, a clinical hypnotherapist.

Michelle shares her journey from digital marketing to hypnotherapy, the personal challenges she has faced, and how she now helps others overcome anxiety, trauma, and more.

Key points include:
- Michelle’s career transition story
- The impact of personal loss on her journey
- How hypnotherapy works
- Benefits of customized hypnosis tracks
- Encouragement for midlife women

00:00 Welcome to Midlife with Courage
00:17 Meet Michelle Walters: From Digital Marketing to Hypnotherapy
02:11 A Journey Through Personal Loss and Transformation
02:46 Launching a Hypnotherapy Career and Writing Books
03:07 Creating a Custom Hypnosis App
16:03 A Deep Dive into Hypnotherapy
19:06 The Power of Tools in Health
19:22 Uncovering Subconscious Associations
22:48 Empowering Women to Find Their Voice
24:16 Addressing Anxiety and Confidence Issues
27:33 The Hypnotherapy Process
29:58 Virtual vs. In-Person Sessions
30:55 Diverse Cases and Success Stories
33:05 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Michelle is offering Midlife with Courage™ listeners 25% off her MakeMyHypno app. Go to this LINK to use the code.

Get in on the next Courage & Confidence Circle before it even opens. The waitlist for the March 2026 Courage & Confidence Circle is open so click the link below to let me know you are ready to grow your midlife confidence now!

PUT ME ON THE WAITLIST!

Support the show

Kim Benoy is a retired RN, Certified Aromatherapist, wife and mom who is passionate about inspiring and encouraging women over 40. She wants you to see your own beauty, value and worth through sharing stories of other women just like you.

If this podcast inspires you and makes you think, “She’s talking to me,” there’s a place where these conversations continue. The Midlife with Courage™ community is the podcast—plus deeper connection, encouragement, and support for midlife women navigating confidence, change, and what’s next. It’s a safe, uplifting space to be inspired, share honestly, and grow alongside women who truly get this season of life.

Midlife with Courage™ Community

Are you looking for more? You should check out my Courage & Confidence Circle! Join a supportive group of other midlife women who are ready to live with courage and stop waiting for someday! This 3-month program starts again in March 2026 and I would love to see you there!

REGISTER HERE

Want to be a guest on Midlife with Courage™-Flourishing After Forty with Kim Benoy? Send Kim Benoy a message on PodMatch, here:

Podmatch Link


...

Send a text

In this episode of the Midlife With Courage™ podcast, host Kim talks with Tasha Schuh, a resiliency coach who shares her incredible story of overcoming a life-changing spinal cord injury at 16.

Key topics include:
- Tasha’s accident and initial recovery
- Her journey to independence and education
- The impact of her faith and positive attitude
- Tasha’s work in speaking, coaching, and writing
- The importance of gratitude, grieving, and seeking support


00:00 Introduction to Midlife With Courage
00:39 Meet Tasha Schuh: A Story of Resilience
01:07 The Life-Changing Theater Accident
04:26 The Aftermath: Hospitalization and Recovery
11:02 Rebuilding Life: From College to Independence
13:12 Finding Purpose: Speaking and Helping Others
17:05 The Importance of Seeking Help
21:10 Finding Beauty in Hardship
21:46 The Journey of Acceptance
22:23 Embracing Positivity
23:38 Gratitude as a Healing Tool
25:54 The Power of Grieving
27:17 Resilience and Support Systems
32:21 Tasha's Speaking and Coaching Journey
35:41 The Importance of Hope

Find out more about Tasha on her website: tashaschuh.com.

You can find her new Resiliency Course HERE. Midlife with Courage™ listeners can get a 20% off discount by using the code PODCASTC20.

Support the show

Kim Benoy is a retired RN, Certified Aromatherapist, wife and mom who is passionate about inspiring and encouraging women over 40. She wants you to see your own beauty, value and worth through sharing stories of other women just like you.

If this podcast inspires you and makes you think, “She’s talking to me,” there’s a place where these conversations continue. The Midlife with Courage™ community is the podcast—plus deeper connection, encouragement, and support for midlife women navigating confidence, change, and what’s next. It’s a safe, uplifting space to be inspired, share honestly, and grow alongside women who truly get this season of life.

Midlife with Courage™ Community

Are you looking for more? You should check out my Courage & Confidence Circle! Join a supportive group of other midlife women who are ready to live with courage and stop waiting for someday! This 3-month program starts again in March 2026 and I would love to see you there!

REGISTER HERE

Want to be a guest on Midlife with Courage™-Flourishing After Forty with Kim Benoy? Send Kim Benoy a message on PodMatch, here:

Podmatch Link


...

Send a text

Welcome to Midlife with Courage™! Join Kim’s solo episode as she recaps January's women’s health theme with inspiring guests and shares what they have taught her this month including insights on perimenopause, diabetes prevention, and body positivity.

Plus, learn how to connect with her community, join the Courage and Confidence Circle, and explore speaking opportunities.

00:00 Welcome to Midlife with Courage
00:15 New Year Reflections and Format Changes
01:07 Health Insights from Recent Guests
01:36 Sharon Neilson's Health Tips
03:50 Michele Folan on Strong Over Skinny
04:30 Anne Poirier on Body Neutrality
06:47 Join the Midlife with Courage Community
10:09 Courage and Confidence Circle
12:29 Speaking Opportunities and Conclusion

Sharon Neilson Episode

Michele Folan Episode

Anne Poirier Episode

Ready to dive in deeper to these episodes? Join my Midlife with Courage™ online community for even more connection, courage and confidence.

Support the show

Kim Benoy is a retired RN, Certified Aromatherapist, wife and mom who is passionate about inspiring and encouraging women over 40. She wants you to see your own beauty, value and worth through sharing stories of other women just like you.

If this podcast inspires you and makes you think, “She’s talking to me,” there’s a place where these conversations continue. The Midlife with Courage™ community is the podcast—plus deeper connection, encouragement, and support for midlife women navigating confidence, change, and what’s next. It’s a safe, uplifting space to be inspired, share honestly, and grow alongside women who truly get this season of life.

Midlife with Courage™ Community

Are you looking for more? You should check out my Courage & Confidence Circle! Join a supportive group of other midlife women who are ready to live with courage and stop waiting for someday! This 3-month program starts again in March 2026 and I would love to see you there!

REGISTER HERE

Want to be a guest on Midlife with Courage™-Flourishing After Forty with Kim Benoy? Send Kim Benoy a message on PodMatch, here:

Podmatch Link


...

Send a text

In this episode of Midlife With Courage™, host Kim welcomes back Anne Poirier to discuss body neutrality, self-acceptance, and the challenges faced by women in midlife.

Learn about Anne's journey, her new book, and how to shift body image perceptions for better confidence and self-worth.

Key topics include:

- Understanding body neutrality
- Body image challenges during midlife
- Tips to improve self-confidence and self-talk
- Upcoming Weight Loss Freedom Masterclass

00:00 Welcome to Midlife With Courage
00:21 Introducing Anne Poirier
00:49 Anne's Body Image Journey
02:16 Understanding Body Neutrality
04:08 Practical Steps to Body Neutrality
07:35 Anne's New Book and Masterclass
16:59 Final Thoughts and Tips
18:46 Closing Remarks

If you are interested in Anne's Weight Loss Freedom Masterclass just click the link for details and registration. It's free to join! If January doesn't work out for you, you can join 2/5 or 2/7.

And speaking of free, you can get this free gift from Anne: The Body Confidence Unlocked E-Book

If you would like a copy of Anne's upcoming book just send an email to her Anne@thebodyjoyful.com to get on the preorder list.

Support the show

Kim Benoy is a retired RN, Certified Aromatherapist, wife and mom who is passionate about inspiring and encouraging women over 40. She wants you to see your own beauty, value and worth through sharing stories of other women just like you.

If this podcast inspires you and makes you think, “She’s talking to me,” there’s a place where these conversations continue. The Midlife with Courage™ community is the podcast—plus deeper connection, encouragement, and support for midlife women navigating confidence, change, and what’s next. It’s a safe, uplifting space to be inspired, share honestly, and grow alongside women who truly get this season of life.

Midlife with Courage™ Community

Are you looking for more? You should check out my Courage & Confidence Circle! Join a supportive group of other midlife women who are ready to live with courage and stop waiting for someday! This 3-month program starts again in March 2026 and I would love to see you there!

REGISTER HERE

Want to be a guest on Midlife with Courage™-Flourishing After Forty with Kim Benoy? Send Kim Benoy a message on PodMatch, here:

Podmatch Link


...

Send a text

Join the Midlife with Courage™ podcast as host Kim chats with Michelle Folan, a midlife health and nutrition coach. Discover Michelle's inspiring journey from the corporate world to coaching and podcasting, and learn valuable tips on midlife health, science-backed strategies, and the importance of self-care.

- Michelle Folan's career transition
- Importance of health and wellness in midlife
- The role of science-backed strategies
- Personal stories of courage and transformation

00:00 Welcome to Midlife with Courage
00:17 Introducing Michelle Folan: A Journey to Health Coaching
00:38 Michelle's Career Transition and Podcasting Journey
03:49 Embracing Courage: Leaving the Corporate World
06:18 Supporting Midlife Women: Michelle's Coaching Approach
13:09 The Importance of Science-Backed Strategies
17:24 The Importance of Muscle Maintenance
17:49 Empowering Midlife Women
18:58 Prioritizing Self-Care
20:28 Overcoming Social Judgments
21:31 Introduction to the Podcast
21:51 Health and Wellness Topics
23:42 The Role of GLP-1 and Peptides
26:20 Long-Term Health Strategies
30:01 Connecting with Michelle
30:43 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

If you want to check out Michelle's podcast Asking for A Friend, click HERE.

Support the show

Kim Benoy is a retired RN, Certified Aromatherapist, wife and mom who is passionate about inspiring and encouraging women over 40. She wants you to see your own beauty, value and worth through sharing stories of other women just like you.

If this podcast inspires you and makes you think, “She’s talking to me,” there’s a place where these conversations continue. The Midlife with Courage™ community is the podcast—plus deeper connection, encouragement, and support for midlife women navigating confidence, change, and what’s next. It’s a safe, uplifting space to be inspired, share honestly, and grow alongside women who truly get this season of life.

Midlife with Courage™ Community

Are you looking for more? You should check out my Courage & Confidence Circle! Join a supportive group of other midlife women who are ready to live with courage and stop waiting for someday! This 3-month program starts again in March 2026 and I would love to see you there!

REGISTER HERE

Want to be a guest on Midlife with Courage™-Flourishing After Forty with Kim Benoy? Send Kim Benoy a message on PodMatch, here:

Podmatch Link


...