Kitchen Table Real Talk: Kimberly’s Husband Ben on Midlife, Marriage, and Cajun Roots Host

Kimberly Maturin introduces Top Down Heart Open, a podcast for women in the “magic middle” about starting over, finding your voice, and living fully. In a special kitchen-table episode, her first guest is her husband, Benjamin Maturin, a structural superintendent; they’ve been married 23 years and raised three kids. Ben shares his initial skepticism about podcasting and how Kimberly’s drive changed his mind, while Kimberly explains her goal of relatable, real-life conversations. They discuss midlife vulnerability, the shift after their son Gage left for college and the quiet that brought them closer, and how early years of Ben working out of town created strain, resentment, and the need for better communication. The episode blends humor and Cajun culture, includes a playful cooking story, and invites listeners to follow, share, and access a Cajun family recipe in the show notes.

00:00 Welcome to Top Down Heart

00:57 Special Guest: My Husband Benjamin

00:57 Meet the First Guest

02:32 Benjamin’s Backstory

02:32 Navigating Marriage and Midlife

04:15 Podcast Pitch Reaction

06:22 Finding Her Voice

08:43 Advice for Men

10:56 Empty Nest Shift

14:30 Resentment to Real Talk

20:05 Cajun Culture and Cooking

20:11 Cajun Roots and Gravy

22:57 He’s Coming Back

24:32 Cooking Show Twist

25:05 Closing and Next Steps

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Episode 6: Sunrises, Second Chances & Bayou Life

Relaunch Update: Loss, Letting Go, and Slowing Down in Bayou Life

Host Kimberly Maturin introduces Top Down Heart Open, a podcast for women in the “magic middle” focused on starting over, rediscovering themselves, and living with honesty and courage. She shares a relaunch life update after stepping away due to a difficult year marked by multiple family losses, including her Aunt Alicia, her grandmother, her husband’s youngest brother, and later her Aunt Donna’s husband. These experiences deepened her appreciation for family bonds and prompted a major decision to sell their home, simplify, and prioritize time and experiences over maintaining “the pinnacle” house. She reflects on her son moving into his first place and taking an out-of-town job, signaling a new season. Now embracing quieter bayou life, sunrises, learning to fish and crab, cooking on a Blackstone, and riding an e-scooter with her dog, she previews upcoming stories, a “fake cooking show,” a 2025 podcast with Ben, and more episodes ahead.

• 00:00 Welcome to the Podcast
• 01:05 Why I Stepped Away
• 01:53 Grief and Family Bonds
• 03:38 Selling the House
• 06:09 Bayou Life and What’s Next

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Show Summary

Embracing Our True Selves: A Journey to Self-Acceptance

In this heartfelt episode of “Top Down Heart Open”, host Kimberly Maturin delves into her personal struggle with body image and self-acceptance. Sharing a transformative road trip experience with her husband, Kimberly opens up about the emotional challenges of weight gain and the fear of being seen. She emphasizes the importance of showing up as our authentic selves, embracing our current journey, and rejecting the societal pressure for perfection. This episode encourages listeners to love their bodies for what they do, not how they look, and to redefine confidence and visibility. Kimberly invites her audience to join her in a movement towards self-acceptance and real, unfiltered living. The episode concludes with a call to action to stop hiding and start living boldly.

· 00:00 Episode 5 Facing the Fear of Being Seen Again: My Body, My Story, and Learning to Love Yourself Beyond the Perfect Image

· 00:03 Introduction to “Top Down Heart Open”

· 01:06 The Struggle with Self-Image

· 04:24 The Road Trip Realization

· 06:26 Embracing Authenticity

· 10:34 Moving Forward with Confidence

Privacy Policy, Disclaimer, Acknowledgements & Credits, Copyright Information: https://www.podpage.com/top-down-heart-open-1/legal/

Host & Show Info

· Host Name: Kimberly Poirier-Maturin

· About the Host: I’m deeply rooted in my Cajun heritage and cherish any chance to celebrate our culture, food, and traditions. A Jeep enthusiast, and empty nester, I’m embracing the joy of watching my children step into their next stages of life. I enjoy spending meaningful time with family, and I’m launching my next passion project: a podcast focused on storytelling, personal growth, and life’s twists and turns.

· Podcast Website:https://www.podpage.com/top-down-heart-open-1/

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· Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts – This is the most impactful way to support the show. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/top-down-heart-open/id1813012089

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o X: @TopDwnHrtOpen

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o Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575821652338

o Linked In: linkedin.com/in/kimberlypoiriermaturin

o YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TopDownHeartOpen

· Join the Conversation: #TopDownHeartOpen #SeenAsIAm

· Share this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favorite takeaway.

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Show Summary

In this heartfelt episode of “Top Down Heart Open,” host Kimberly Maturin opens up about her recent health challenges and the tough decision to resign from her job. She announces the exciting and daunting move to an RV lifestyle, sharing the realities of RV buying and dealership practices. Kimberly reflects on the emotional process of decluttering her home, particularly parting with sentimental items and her 'one day clothes.' She invites listeners to join her on this journey of acceptance, healing, and rediscovering joy, while seeking their advice and sharing her own experiences. With her husband's support and many more adventures ahead, Kimberly emphasizes the importance of embracing the present and living life on your own terms.

Episode Outline

· Introduction and Purpose - 00:14

· Personal Update and Health Challenges - 01:18

· Big Life Decisions and Changes - 04:15

· Decluttering and Emotional Hurdles - 04:59

· RV’s and Salesmanship: A Humorous Detour - 07:26

· Looking Ahead and Final Thoughts - 09:59

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Rediscovering Yourself After 40: Embracing Change and New Beginnings

In this heartfelt episode of 'Top Down Heart Open,' host Kimberly Maturin dives into the unique journey of rediscovery faced by women over 40. She challenges societal expectations of having it all figured out by a certain age and emphasizes the importance of embracing change and starting anew. Kimberly shares personal insights and encourages listeners to find their true selves amidst life's transitions, whether it's after motherhood, marriage, or career changes. Tune in for honest conversations, inspiration, and a reminder that it's never too late to live the life you choose.

00:00 Episode 3: Rediscovering Life After 40, "The Pressure, the Grief, and the Comeback"

00:32 Introduction and Welcome

01:32 The Identity Crisis After 40

03:22 Breaking Free from Society's Timeline

05:24 Small Steps to Rediscovery

08:09 Rewriting the Rules

09:35 Announcements and Next Episode Preview

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Embracing Self-Care: A Midlife Moment

In this mini episode of 'Top Down Heart Open,' host Kimberly Maturin shares a heartfelt story from a close friend experiencing perimenopause and the stigma of taking PTO for self-care. Kimberly challenges the notion that burnout is a badge of honor and stresses the importance of shifting cultural attitudes towards rest and self-compassion, particularly for women in leadership. This brief yet impactful segment encourages listeners to practice empathy and support those silently navigating life's transitions. Tune in for an empowering moment of real talk and connection.

00:00 The Luncheon Short

00:06 Embracing Self-Care: Challenging Midlife Burnout & PTO Shame

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Rediscovering Yourself After Motherhood: Embracing the New Chapter

Insights from 'Top Down, Heart Open' with Kimberly Maturin

In this heartfelt episode of Top Down, Heart Open, host Kimberly Maturin delves deeply into the transitional phase women face when their roles as mothers evolve, leaving them to rediscover their identities. Kimberly shares her own journey, emphasizing the importance of embracing change, finding new passions, and taking small steps toward personal growth. She encourages listeners to honor their feelings, seek moments of stillness, and remember that it is okay to not be okay. Through candid conversations and relatable anecdotes, Kimberly offers support and motivation for women navigating this "magic middle" of life.

Episode Overview

• Host: Kimberly Maturin
• Podcast: Top Down, Heart Open
• Episode: Motherhood was my Identity.....Now What?

Episode Timeline

• 00:00 – Episode 2: Motherhood was my Identity.....Now What?
• 01:09 – Rediscovering Yourself After Motherhood
• 02:18 – Embracing the Silence and Finding Hope
• 05:25 – Small Steps to Reconnect with Yourself
• 06:42 – Realistic and Doable Steps for Healing
• 09:05 – Finding Joy in the Little Things
• 10:54 – Shoutout Segment
• 11:44 – Stay Connected and Keep Your Heart Open

Episode Highlights

• Exploring the journey of women moving beyond the central role of motherhood to reclaim their sense of self.
• Kimberly shares personal stories and honest reflections about identity, change, and hope after motherhood.
• Practical, realistic steps for healing and self-rediscovery, encouraging listeners to take action, no matter how small.
• The importance of embracing imperfection, finding joy in little moments, and building community is emphasized throughout the episode.
• Special shout-out to Kimberly’s cousin Beth and her family, honoring their strength and resilience.

Key Takeaways

• Honor the feelings that come with major life transitions, it's normal to feel a sense of loss and uncertainty.
• Small, realistic steps forward can lead to meaningful self-discovery and growth.
• Embrace the magic middle as a time of possibility, humor, and new beginnings.

Connect & Participate

• Listeners are invited to connect on social media and share their own stories of transformation.
• Join exclusive podcast giveaways in celebration of the show’s launch.

Kimberly concludes the episode with a call to action, inviting listeners to connect, share their own stories, and participate in exclusive podcast giveaways. This episode serves as a warm reminder that rediscovering yourself and nurturing your own passions is not only possible, but a vital and beautiful part of life’s journey beyond motherhood.

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Makeup Brushes & Midlife Mayhem

Tried to look younger with a little makeup trick… ended up looking like a character from a sci-fi movie. Note to self: 25 brushes and no clue what to do with them is a dangerous combo. Ladies, we’re allowed to experiment, laugh at ourselves, and still show up anyway. We’re in this together. 💄💕 .

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