Changemakers Episodes

When we hit our forties and fifties, we often look around, realize our lives are pretty good, and still notice a sense of dissatisfaction or restlessness. Then, we feel guilty for feeling that way because we know how blessed we are to have families, friends, and careers we (at least) like. In this Changemakers episode, I'm joined by Christina L. Woods, a clinical hypnotherapist, subconscious transformation expert, and former corporate executive. Christina specializes in helping high achievers cl...

Often, we see the opportunities, we feel the intuitive nudge, but we don't trust ourselves enough to take the leap. In this Changemakers episode, I am joined by New York Times bestselling author, Laura Malone Elliott. Laura shares her midlife pivot from writing long-form narrative journalism in the 1980s to becoming a best selling historical novelist. We dive into how she turned a dreaded assignment into a book, the reality of juggling a demanding career with kids' activities, and why history...

Are you feeling stuck in a toxic work environment , struggling to let go of an old identity , or blaming yourself when things just aren't working out? You’re NOT alone — and it is never too late to pull up your roots and replant yourself. In this Changemakers episode, licensed therapist, speaker, and author Mary Rothwell joins me to share her journey of leaving a 32-year career in higher education after a leadership change turned her beloved job into a nightmare. Mary shares the messy reality of...

Are you a woman over 40 or 50 with a little feeling in your gut that you wish you could do something else, but worry it’s too late to make a big change? You’re NOT alone — and you’re certainly not done. In this episode of Mind Your Midlife , wine expert and founder of SIP Society Collective, Kristi Mayfield , joins me to break down career pivots , the power of intuition , and how to turn a passion like wine into a "social power skill" for midlife women navigating networking , business dining , a...

In this Changemakers episode of Mind Your Midlife , Cheryl sits down with Tori Rittinger , founder of Talk Tiles to Me , the first Mahjong studio in the DMV area. And this conversation isn’t just about a game. It’s about what midlife women are craving most: community, joy, and real brain exercise , all wrapped into one playful, addictive hobby. Tori shares how a simple lesson with friends turned into a thriving business and a growing movement of women (and plenty of men too!) who are using Mahjo...

What if midlife wasn’t the time to slow down—but to get stronger, happier, and more confident in your body than ever before? In this first episode of our Changemakers series, Cheryl talks with Inessa Love , founder of Sassy Silver Surfers and advocate for active aging. Inessa discovered surfing at 50 and says it completely transformed her life—physically, mentally, and emotionally. She’s now helping women all over the world see that it’s never too late to start something new, get stronger, and h...

Drowning in stuff while navigating midlife transitions? Professional organizer Mary Beth McKinnon reveals why decluttering now might be the greatest gift you'll ever give your family. Mary Beth shares her personal journey of helping clear out her mother's home after a move to assisted living—a process made doubly painful because her mother was simultaneously grieving her husband and her possessions. This experience transformed Mary Beth's perspective on our relationship with our things and spark...

Have you pushed your dreams aside because "there's no time" or "it's too late"? What if those were just stories you've been telling yourself? Meet USA Today bestselling author Aven Ellis, who launched her writing career in 2013 – proving it's never too late to pursue your passion. From writing in carpool lanes to crafting stories during lunch breaks, she's built a successful career by finding creative ways to make time for her dreams. In this inspiring episode, discover how one woman turned h...