Fearless & Forty

Episode 19: Mid-Summer Funk (and a side of 45)

🎙️ Fearless and Forty – Episode 19: Mid-Summer Funk (and a Side of 45)
Coming in hot (and a little groggy) after a long holiday weekend, we're back with real talk about the post-4th of July crash — you know the one. We reminisce about fun times with friends and family, what we cooked (and overcooked), and the mountain of leftovers that followed us home. Katie shares how she’s been turning those leftovers into creative concoctions to survive the week.
We also get a little personal — Susan turns 45 and opens up about the weird in-between feelings that come with it. She's not quite sure how to feel, but an upcoming trip home might be just what she needs to shake the funk.
We're also reflecting on a milestone: 6 months of podcasting! It's been a wild, fun, and sometimes creatively challenging ride. Is this a slump, or is it just that midlife + mid-summer vibe hitting all at once?
As always, we wrap things up with what we've been watching and reading — your favorite segment returns with fresh recs and honest takes.
🎧 Tune in, commiserate, and catch some laughs. We're all in this summer slowdown together.
#fearlessand40 #midlife #midlifefunk #newepisode #midlife45
For Reference: 
The Wedding People 
We are liars 
The Gilded Age 
And Just Like That
The Poop Cruise 

Episode 18: Red, White & Repeating Ourselves

Episode 18: "Red, White, and Repeating Ourselves"
Happy 4th of July! In this festive-yet-thoughtful episode, we kick things off by chatting about our favorite Independence Day traditions — from fireworks to family barbecues. Then we test our U.S. history knowledge with a fun pop quiz. 
But we don’t stop at sparklers and trivia. We take a deeper dive into what we’re calling the “Groundhog Day Syndrome” — that feeling of being stuck in a monotonous routine where every day feels the same. It’s a real struggle, especially in your 40s. We open up about our own experiences with the mundane and explore practical, uplifting ways to break free from the loop and add some sparkle (pun intended) back into daily life.
Whether you're lighting up the grill or just looking for ways to light up your week, this episode brings celebration and soul in equal measure.
🎧 Tune in, laugh with us, and maybe even learn something new.
#fearlessand40 #midlife #4thofjuly #groundhounddaysyndrome #glimmers 
For Reference:
Donna Ashworth 
The Wedding People
We are Liars
Ginny & Georgia 

Episode 17: Hot Topics

🎙️ Fearless & Forty – Episode 17: “Hot Topics” 🔥
In this week’s episode, we’re turning up the heat with Hot Topics — diving into the trending convos that are lighting up our feeds and striking a nerve with women in midlife. From wellness fads to fashion wins (and fails), — nothing is off the table!
We’re calling out the YAYS and NAYS we see from influencers, sharing our personal takes, and keeping it fun, honest, and a little spicy. Expect laughter, real talk, and some solid “same girl, same” moments as we unpack what’s resonating (and what’s just plain ridiculous) in the online world of midlife.
🎧 Hit play and let’s get fearless — because being forty means knowing what you want, what you’re over, and what you’re totally into. No filters, just facts (and a little fun).
For Reference:
Armchair Expert
Good Hang with Amy Poehler 
 

Episode 16: The Power of Letting Go

Episode 16: The Power of Letting Go
This summer, we’re shaking off the weight that’s been holding us back—from those quiet whispers of not being enough, to the sneaky, soul-draining grip of envy and comparison. In this episode of Fearless & Forty, we’re getting real about what we’re letting go of and why it matters more than ever.
We dive into the mindset shift of honoring who we are right now—no edits, no filters—and recognizing our traits, habits, and quirks as reflections of our lived experience, not flaws to fix. Letting go isn't about giving up; it's about creating space for peace, joy, and alignment.
We also share some heartwarming moments from a recent family beach vacation—because sometimes the best reset comes with salty air, sandy toes, and belly laughs.
Plus, you know we had to sprinkle in a little fun: we’re chatting about the books on our summer reading lists, what’s on our screens, and what’s helping us unwind these days.
Tune in for a refreshing dose of truth, laughter, and a little inspiration to help you let go and lean in.
#fearlessand40 #midlife #lettinggo #summervibes
For Reference:
Cozy Conversations 
The Wedding People 
Your Friends & Neighbors
Ginny & Georgia
The Better Sister 

Episode 15: From Frustration to Freedom: Midlife Weight Loss Journey

In this powerful and honest episode of Fearless and 40, we’re getting real about something many of us face but don’t talk about enough: how the ways we used to lose weight in our 20s and 30s just don’t work anymore. From cutting carbs to endless cardio, the old tricks left me feeling exhausted, defeated, and stuck in a cycle of frustration.
But this time, I said no more.
I’m sharing the moment I finally decided to stop battling my body and start supporting it. I reached out to a wellness clinic and got the help I needed — not just with weight loss, but with a whole-body reset. We talk about what it’s really like to get personalized support for diet, exercise, and sleep in midlife, and how addressing all three changed everything.
Whether you’re in the same boat or just curious about what it means to truly prioritize your health at 40 and beyond, this episode is for you. It’s about breaking free from outdated methods, releasing guilt, and taking a fearless step toward freedom.
#fearlessand40 #midlife #weightlossjourney #weightlossinmidlife
For Reference:
Precision MD Wellness & Weight Loss 
The Better Sister 

Episode 14: Ending Maycember: Saying No, Finding Rest and Pool Days Ahead

Fearless and Forty - Episode 14: Ending Maycember: Saying No, Finding Rest and Pool Days AheadIn this episode of Fearless and Forty, we’re officially closing the chapter on Maycember. If you've ever felt like May is a nonstop rollercoaster of commitments, events, and emotional exhaustion—you're not alone! We’ve been there, too. As we reflect on the whirlwind that was May, we talk about the toll it’s taken—especially on our mental and emotional health—and how saying “no” to things can be so much harder than it sounds.Join us as we dive into the challenges of balancing work, family, social obligations, and personal time—and how sometimes, the most important thing is recognizing when it's time to slow down. We’ll also share tips on how we’re learning to say no without guilt, and why embracing rest and setting boundaries is key to avoiding burnout.With June around the corner, we’re looking forward to the slower pace of summer: diving into a good book, binging all the shows we’ve missed, and spending lazy days by the pool. It’s time to give ourselves permission to finally hit pause.So grab your favorite drink, kick back, and join us for a much-needed chat about stepping away from the hustle and embracing the much-anticipated calm of June. #fearlessand40 #midlife #maycember 
References:
The Bright Side 
Cozy Conversations with The Sister Project 
The Wedding People 

Episode 13: No Routine, No Problem? Navigating Summer with Kids

🎙 Episode 13: "No Routine, No Problem? Navigating Summer with Kids"
School's out and chaos is in! In this episode, we dive into the wild ride that is summer break when you're a working parent. With no routine, how do we keep our kids off screens all day, encourage outdoor play, keep them from destroying the house (or each other), and still maintain some level of peace and fun?
We’re talking chores, rules (the flexible kind), summer goals, and what it means to give our kids a great summer without draining our bank accounts—or our sanity. Tune in as we laugh, vent, and strategize our way through the season of popsicles, late bedtimes, and constant snack requests.
Because parenting in the summer? It’s not for the weak. 💪☀️

Episode 12: Life Lately - A 24-Hour Reset, Mom Style

Episode 12: Life Lately – A 24-Hour Reset, Mom Style
In this episode of Fearless & Forty, we’re catching up on life lately—starting with how we celebrated Mother’s Day with a quick 24-hour girls’ getaway to Bridge Street. From a progressive dinner and shopping spree to brunch and Les Misérables, we packed in all the things that fill our cups. Coming home to our families cooking out for us was the perfect end to a weekend of rest and connection.
We’re also getting honest about letting go of the guilt that sometimes comes with taking time for ourselves. Spoiler alert: it’s not selfish—it’s necessary. Tune in for a chat about why even the shortest reset can be the most rejuvenating.
For Your Reference:
Donna Ashworth 

Episode 11: Friendships that Nourish: for them and for us

Episode 11: Friendships that Nourish: For Them and For UsIn this heartfelt episode, we dive deep into the beauty and complexity of friendships—both for our daughters and ourselves. Fresh off an inspiring talk by author and speaker Kari Kampakis, we reflect on her message about raising kind, compassionate daughters who are also good friends. But just as important is remembering that we, as moms, are still growing in this area too.
We talk about what it means to find and be the kind of friend who celebrates others, encourages authenticity, and keeps the door open—always. From casting a wide net to never burning bridges, we explore how friendship changes with time and how each connection, whether for a reason or a season, has value. As we say, if you can count your true friends on one hand, you’re among the lucky ones.
We also catch up on life lately: a special multi-generational girls' trip to NYC, prepping for the Kentucky Derby (hats and all!), binging the new season of Ransom Canyon, and grooving to the soulful sounds of Lake Street Dive.
Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on the kind of friendships that lift us up—and the kind we hope to nurture in the next generation. 
References
Girl Mom Podcast
Ransom Canyon
Lake Street Dive
Maycember Spotify Playlist 
NYC Itinerary:
Friday: arrive at apartment by 12 if not earlier and get unpacked and eat a bite from local market nearby 
At 2pm we have our Liberty boat cruise
Then we’ll head to Empire State Building for entry at 4:15
Friday Night- Grand Central Oyster Bar at 6:30 - casual
 
Saturday: breakfast at apartment then head to Central Park, eat at tavern on the green (reservation is at 1:15) - casual- 
Ice cream museum at 4pm
Saturday night- La Esquina Brasserie at 6pm - casual
 
Sunday: 9/11 tour at 10:30
John’s pizzeria on Times Square (do not take reservations) 
shopped around times square
Wicked at 3pm - casual
Stardust for dinner following play
 
Monday: breakfast at a market nearby for a famous NYC bagel
shopping- headed to Athleta that was nearby 
back to apartment to pack up and head to airport 

Episode 10: The Weight We Carry: Why Defeat Hits Different at Forty

🎙️ Episode 10: The Weight We Carry – Why Defeat Hits Different at FortyIn this heartfelt episode, we get real about the emotional toll of juggling it all—especially when you're deep in your 40s and still trying to be everything for everyone.
What we talk about:
💔 Doing It All, Yet Still Not EnoughWe dive into the invisible weight so many women carry—doing all the things and still wondering, “Am I doing enough?” That nagging guilt and self-doubt hit different in this season of life.
⏩ From Pause to Warp Speed: Post-Pandemic WhiplashRemember the calm (and chaos) of the Covid slowdown? We talk about the jarring shift from stillness to being back in full-throttle mode—and how exhausting that transition has been physically and emotionally.
📺 Netflix & Perspective: Thoughts on YoungerWe lighten things up with a quick review of the show Younger—Are you team Josh or team Charles? Let us know!
📚 In Our Book BagCraving a new summer read? So are we. We chat about our desire to read more, what we’re hoping to find in our next book, and ask you for recommendations!
Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and DM us your summer book recs!