Episodes

Do you believe being hard on yourself keeps you motivated? That self-criticism somehow equals discipline? In this episode, we’re throwing that belief overboard. Because tough self-talk isn’t keeping you on track… it’s dragging you down.

Join me as I walk through how negative self-talk acts like rocks in a wagon or cannonballs in your boat, and what to do instead. You’ll learn how to swap self-criticism for compassion, so you can create more confidence, energy, and clarity—especially in midlife....

Ever thought about switching things up in midlife—but stopped yourself because you didn’t know where to start or you were afraid to make a mistake?

In this episode, Cheryl sits down with leadership coach Limor Bergman Gross for a practical and inspiring conversation about creating multiple streams of income, building something new alongside your current job, and breaking through the common fears that hold us back. If you’ve been feeling stuck, burned out, or ready for a fresh challenge, this co...

💰 Think you just need a better budget? Think again. Your subconscious beliefs about money might be the real reason you feel stuck financially—and in this episode, we’re digging deep into what’s going on beneath the surface.

From old sayings like “money doesn’t grow on trees” to stories we’ve picked up in childhood or passed down through generations, we all have hidden thoughts that shape our relationship with money. Cheryl shares her own journey of transforming her money mindset, along with cli...

Feeling unfulfilled or stuck in your job—but unsure what’s next? Imagine creating a second act that fits your life now, with more meaning, balance, and joy.

In this episode, I’m joined by Shannon Russell, host of the Second Act Success podcast and a certified career coach who helps women make bold career changes in midlife. Shannon shares how she walked away from a successful TV career and created a second act on her own terms—and how you can, too.

Whether you're ready for a big shift or just ...

If you've ever gone searching for your phone while you're literally on your phone, you're not alone. In this episode of Mind Your Midlife, Cheryl unpacks what’s really going on with our memory in midlife — and why forgetting a name or misplacing your keys doesn’t mean you’re heading down a path of cognitive decline. Let’s be honest: midlife comes with a lot of mental tabs open. Between hormonal changes, family dynamics, career shifts, aging parents, and a culture of distraction, it’s no wonde...

Ever feel like you’ve been living on autopilot—checking the boxes, doing what’s expected, and wondering when your turn to thrive actually begins? What if you could step back and see your life as a powerful story—and you as the main character with the pen in hand?

In this empowering episode, Cheryl Fischer sits down with story strategist and coach Anna Rosa Parker to explore how viewing your life as a story can shift everything. From past regrets to future direction, they break down how midlife ...

Ever feel like you’re constantly falling short when it comes to fitness goals? Imagine having a way to feel better—physically, mentally, and emotionally—without needing a gym, a workout plan, or any pressure to be perfect.

In this refreshing episode, Cheryl Fischer breaks down why walking might be the most underrated wellness habit for women in midlife. From processing emotions to boosting your immune system, walking offers simple, powerful benefits that go far beyond step counts and calorie bu...

Ever feel like healthy living is one long list of rules you can never keep up with? Imagine if eating well and living long could actually feel joyful, simple, and…fun.

In this episode, I’m joined by the fabulous Lynne Bowman—cookbook author, grandma, and full-on wellness rebel in her 80th year of life. From reversing type 2 diabetes to thriving with energy, Lynne shares how she simplified nutrition, embraced joyful cooking, and turned midlife into her most vibrant chapter yet.

BY THE TIME YOU ...

Ever look back and realize you’ve been on a completely transformative journey—without even noticing it in the moment? That’s exactly what happened to me when I looked at the calendar and saw the date: May 9, 2023. Two years to the day since I launched this podcast. (Totally unplanned. Total goosebumps.)

To celebrate this anniversary, I’m taking you behind the scenes of the pivot that changed everything—from a podcast that tried to be “clever” to one that’s truly clear. I’m sharing how I went fr...

Ever wonder if what you wear at home really makes a difference? Imagine if your outfit—even your soft pants—could shape your mindset, productivity, and confidence for the entire day.

In this episode, I dive into the science and psychology behind what we wear and how it impacts the way we feel and function, especially in midlife. Whether you work from home, head into an office, or are somewhere in between, this conversation is about more than clothes—it’s about identity, intention, and how we wa...

If you’d asked me a few months ago if I’d ever do an episode on going alcohol-free, I probably would’ve laughed and said, “No way.” But the truth? This conversation matters—especially in midlife, when we’re all trying to take better care of our minds, bodies, and hearts.

In this episode, I sit down with certified alcohol-free life coach Emily Allen to talk about what it’s really like to take a break from alcohol, why she chose to do it, and what changed for her when she did. Spoiler alert: Emil...

Ever find yourself looking at an old photo or hearing a throwback song and suddenly you're smiling... then cringing? One minute it's nostalgia, and the next you're thinking, “Why did I do that?” Been there. In this episode, we're diving into what I like to call the “midlife memory seesaw”—that mental tipping point between warm, fuzzy memories and the sting of regret. I’m sharing some of my own stories (yes, including questionable 90s haircuts), along with brain science and practical tools tha...

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 spar...

Feeling isolated in midlife? Trying new hobbies might help—but your mindset determines whether these new pursuits become sources of joy or frustration.

Drawing from her personal experiences with golf, violin, and mahjong in her 50s, Cheryl shares powerful insights about embracing the beginner's journey when we're accustomed to being experts in other areas of life.

Lisa Alfano, of agelessadventures.life, joins Cheryl with her wisdom on sports and community in your 50s and beyond.

BY THE TIME Y...

Have you ever caught yourself saying "I'm too old for that" when it comes to fitness? Laura Dow, fitness expert and author of "Mind Your Movement," has heard these self-limiting beliefs from countless midlife clients—and she's on a mission to change the conversation around aging and physical activity. In this enlightening discussion, Laura unpacks the subtle yet powerful ways ageism infiltrates fitness culture, from class names like "Chair Yoga for Seniors" to our own negative self-talk abou...

Have you ever talked yourself out of something before you even tried? Maybe you thought, That business idea is too hard, They probably wouldn’t want to be friends, or I won’t get that job, so why bother applying?
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. In this episode, Cheryl dives into the psychology behind self-rejection—why we shut down possibilities before they even have a chance to unfold. Whether it’s a career move, a relationship, or simply putting yourself out there, you’ll learn how ...

We all know we should drink more water—but did you know that most people are still dehydrated, even if they drink all day?
In this episode, Cheryl sits down with Kristen Coffield, hydration and wellness expert, to reveal why proper hydration is about more than just drinking water. Learn why hydration is important for energy, brain health, and longevity—and how to hydrate the right way to actually absorb water into your cells.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
Why most midlife w...

Ever feel like the number on your birth certificate doesn’t quite match how you feel inside? Imagine having a mindset shift that helps you embrace aging with confidence—without worrying about how others perceive you.

In this week's episode, Cheryl shares how redefining your age can help you unlock a sense of empowerment and freedom in midlife. Let's talk real age instead of chronological age and see how powerful the change can be.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

How to stop...

If you’re tossing and turning all night, waking up at 3 AM, or struggling with night sweats and brain fog, you’re not alone. Sleep disturbances in midlife are incredibly common—but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through them.

In this episode, Cheryl sits down with Carin Luna-Ostaseski, founder of Hot or Just Me, to talk about why midlife women struggle with falling and staying asleep, how hormones impact rest, and what you can do to start sleeping better—tonight.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH L...

Do you ever feel like your social circle has shrunk in midlife? Maybe your kids are grown, your routines have changed, or friendships that once felt effortless now take more work. Midlife loneliness and isolation are more common than you think—but the good news is, you can rebuild connections and create meaningful friendships, no matter your age.

In this episode, Cheryl breaks down why isolation happens in midlife and how to overcome it. If you've ever wondered how to build friendships after 40...

Did you take piano lessons as a kid? Play clarinet in the school band? Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn an instrument but never had the chance. What if now—right in the middle of your life—was the perfect time to start?

In this inspiring episode, Cheryl sits down with Nicole Kovar, founder of Piano and More, to explore how learning music in midlife isn’t just a fun hobby—it’s a powerful tool for brain health, stress relief, and personal growth. Whether you’re thinking about picking up an old...

Have you ever been in the middle of an important conversation, only to feel like the other person wasn't really listening? Maybe they didn’t nod, make eye contact, or react the way you expected. But what if they actually were listening—just in a way you didn’t recognize?

In this eye-opening episode, Cheryl explores the four main listening styles and how understanding them can transform your communication, reduce frustration, and help you navigate relationships with more ease.

BY THE TIME YOU F...

What if the simplest way to reduce stress, inflammation, and anxiety was right beneath your feet—literally?

In this fascinating episode, Cheryl is joined by Jason Corder, an expert in natural healing and digital wellness, to explore grounding, the powerful yet overlooked practice of reconnecting with the Earth’s energy. Learn how just a few minutes a day can improve your mood, sleep, and overall health—without requiring any fancy equipment.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

W...

“Money doesn’t grow on trees.” “Only greedy people get rich.” Have you ever stopped to think about the stories you tell yourself about money? The hidden beliefs we hold—often shaped by childhood experiences—can determine how we earn, save, and spend. In this powerful episode, Cheryl dives into the money mindset behind financial success, sharing real money stories from guests with vastly different experiences. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: How subconscious money beliefs ma...