Fearless & Forty

Episode 38: Welcome Back to Us

After a longer break than we ever planned, we're finally back behind the microphones—and honestly, it feels good.
This episode is less about having a perfectly planned topic and more about catching up with each other and with all of you. We talk about why recording became harder this year, how life shifted, and why our friendship never skipped a beat even when the podcast did.
From raising teenagers and navigating changing priorities to our shared frustration with DoorDash requests and the never-ending question of "What's for dinner?", we're talking about life exactly as it is right now.
Of course, we also dive into what we've been watching, what we've been listening to, and why music continues to be such a huge part of both of our lives. Some things change, and some things stay the same.
Most of all, this episode is a reminder that sometimes moving forward looks different than it used to. Slower doesn't mean stopped. Different doesn't mean done. And getting back on the horse doesn't have to look perfect.
We're grateful you're here, and we're excited to be back.
Welcome back to us.
For Reference:
Wiser Than Me 
Good Hang
The Track Star
Outlander
Blood of my Blood
Imperfect Women
Four Seasons
Widow's Bay
Morning Joe 

Episode 37: Through Her Eyes

After taking a little break from recording, Katie is back for a special Mother’s Day episode — and this time, she’s joined by her almost 13-year-old daughter, Lillian.
What began as an idea to interview her own mom turned into something even more meaningful: a real, unfiltered conversation between a mother and daughter in the middle of that bittersweet season where childhood starts blending into independence.
Together they talk about growing up, motherhood, favorite memories, things moms worry about, what daughters wish moms understood, and what it’s like navigating the almost-teen years together. There are laughs, honest moments, a little emotion, and all the beauty that comes with watching your child become their own person.
This episode is for the moms holding on tight while learning to let go, for the daughters growing up too fast, and for anyone reflecting on the relationships that shape us most.
Happy Mother’s Day from Fearless & 40 💛

Episode 36: Welcome to 40, Unplug & Be Present

This week we’re welcoming a very special guest — our dear friend (and newest member of the 40 Club!) Calley. She recently celebrated her milestone birthday with a dreamy trip to Miraval Arizona, and we got to sit down with her for a true pour-at-four style catch-up.
Calley shares how it feels to step into 40, what’s shifting for her, and why this season already feels different in the best ways. Then she takes us through her Miraval birthday adventure — morning yoga, a cooking class, a hike through the desert, and even a numerology + crystal session that led us into a whole conversation about year numbers and life path numbers.
It’s real, fun, unfiltered girl-chat about midlife, self-care, and choosing experiences that fill you up.
And of course, we wrap things up with what we’ve been watching and listening to lately — because some things never change. 
Grab a drink, settle in, and come hang with us and Calley. This one feels like home.  #fearlessand40 #miraval #40thbirthday #wellness
For Reference:
Miraval Arizona Resort
Connect with Calley - feel free to ask her about her trip if you are thinking about booking!
Points Talk Podcast - Calley mentions hearing this which inspired her trip
Stranger Things
Southern Charm
The Kardashians
The Pitt
Shrinking
Good Hang 
Peace Over Perfection
Bad Bunny 
 

Episode 35: From Reflection to Momentum: Stepping into the Year of the Horse

In this episode of Fearless & 40, we’re easing back in after the holiday break and taking a moment to reflect on the past season before stepping into what’s next. We talk about the transition from the Year of the Snake to the Year of the Horse — a shift from reflection and shedding to movement, momentum, and freedom.
We share what the last month has looked like for us, how our goals and priorities continue to evolve in midlife, and why forward motion doesn’t have to mean perfection. We also revisit one of our favorite traditions from early on in the podcast — choosing a word of the year — and how it’s guiding us into this new chapter.
If you’re craving clarity, alignment, and a gentle push toward what feels right, this episode is for you. Here’s to moving forward with heart. #fearlessand40 #reflection #theyearofthehorse 
For Reference:
Emily in Paris
The Mountain House
Mini Reni
DOC
Stranger Things
Good Hang
Wiser Than Me

Presence, Not Perfection — Our Final Check-In of 2025

As we step into the heart of the holiday season and close out our very first year of Fearless & Forty, Katie hops on the mic for a short, meaningful check-in to wrap up Season One.
This episode is a reminder we all need right now:
the holidays—and life—aren’t about perfection, they’re about presence.
It’s about slowing down enough to notice joy, choosing peace even when the world feels loud, and holding onto hope as we move into a brand new year.
Katie reflects on the whirlwind of turning 40, the unexpected growth that came with it, and what it’s meant to share that journey with all of you. She also honors the incredible partnership of her co-host Susan, the support of their families, and the beautiful Fearless & Forty community that has blossomed this year.
Thank you for listening, for showing up, for being part of our very first season.
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and here’s to everything 2026 has in store.
We’ll meet you back here soon, friends
#fearlessand40 #midlife #thatsawrap #thankyou

Happy Thanksgiving

A heartfelt Thanksgiving devotional centered on gratitude, family, and the beauty of the people gathered around our table. Inspired by our Divine Detours & Who’s Around Your Table podcast episodes this short reflection reminds us that every seat is filled with purpose—each person representing a story, a blessing, and a piece of God’s grace in our lives.
We’ll also draw from Jamie MacDonald’s touching song “My Family,” celebrating the idea that home isn’t just a place—it’s the people who show up, hold us up, and walk with us through every season.
This devotional invites us to pause, breathe, and truly see the gift of the faces around us today. It’s a moment to honor our connections, remember God’s goodness, and enter Thanksgiving with full hearts and grateful spirits.

Episode 34: Who's Around Your Table

With Thanksgiving around the corner, we’re talking about more than just the table you’ll be sitting at next week — we’re talking about the people at your life’s table. In this episode, we unpack the friends, family, and unexpected connections who shape our days, hold space for us, challenge us, and bring gratitude into our lives in ways we don’t always notice.As we move through midlife, we’re realizing our “table” looks different: fewer seats for chaos, more room for peace, and an intentional place for the people who truly see us. We also talk about the open seats — new friendships arriving at the right time — and the courage to gently move someone to the “side table” when a season shifts.It’s all about gratitude, growth, and choosing who you want to sit beside in this chapter of life.
#fearlessand40 #midlife #yourtable 
For Reference:
Jen Hatmaker 
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2025
Nobody Wants This
Only Murders in the Building
Palm Royale
Good Hang with Amy Poehler 

Episode 33: The Bucket List

When you hear the term bucket list, what comes to mind? Big adventures? Once-in-a-lifetime moments? This week, we dive into how the idea of a bucket list has evolved for us in midlife.
Sure — Katie still has a few extreme items on hers (yes, skydiving made the cut), but as we talk it through, we realize it’s less about checking off wild experiences and more about living fully in the ways that matter most. Whether it’s picking up a new hobby, revisiting an old passion, or simply finding more joy in the everyday — this episode is all about redefining what a “bucket list” really means.
Because maybe the real goal isn’t doing everything before time runs out... it’s doing what fills you up while you’re here. #fearlessand40 #midlife #bucketlist #whatfillsyouup #livinglife
For Reference:
Nobody Wants This 
Dawson's Creek
Theo of Golden

Episode 32: The Holiday Edition: Our Favs, Traditions & Heartfelt Moments

The holidays are here, and we’re feeling all the festive vibes! In this episode, we’re sharing our favorite Thanksgiving dishes, the traditions that make the season special, and how we’re both refreshing our spaces for Christmas while holding onto the moments that matter most. We also get real about how gift giving looks a little different in midlife — and how to keep the season focused on gratitude, connection, and joy. #fearlessand40 #midlife #holidayseason
For Reference:
Sanditon
Dawson's Creek
The Morning Show
Bryan Adams Get Your Tickets! 

Episode 31: The Evolution of the Modern Mom: From Type A to Type C

This week we’re diving into the idea of the “Type C Mom” — the mom (or woman) who doesn’t totally fit the Type A or Type B mold, and who’s probably been doing a lot of the quiet heavy lifting.
In midlife, the balancing act is real: structure meets spontaneity, career meets presence, doing meets being. We unpack what being Type C looks like, why it matters right now, and how you can use your unique blend as a strength instead of a side note.
If you’ve ever thought “I’m not quite one type…” then this one’s for you. Listen in for stories, tools, and a little reassurance that your version of “normal” might just be exactly what freedom looks like.
#fearlessand40 #midlife #typecmom 
For Reference:
The Everymom Type C Article 
Sanditon
Theo of Golden 
The Morning Show
Dawson's Creek
Armchair Expert
Good Hang
The Bright Side
Golden Hour