Fearless & Forty

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!

Episode 9: Hormones, Hustle & the 28 Day Rollercoaster

🎙 Episode 9: Hormones, Hustle & the 28 Day RollercoasterWelcome back to Fearless and Forty! In this episode, we're diving deep into something that affects every woman, every month — our hormones. But instead of fighting the tide, what if we learned to ride the wave?
Join us as we unpack the four phases of the female cycle and how each one affects our energy, mood, focus, and even productivity. From the powerful surge of the follicular phase to the reflective calm of the luteal days, we explore how tuning into our natural rhythm can help us hustle smarter — not harder.
We'll chat about:
Understanding your hormonal patterns and how they show up in your daily life
Why syncing your schedule with your cycle could be your secret productivity hack
How to nourish your body and mind through each phase for optimal energy and balance
Tips to stop pushing against your biology and start working with it
Whether you're 25 or 45, if you're ready to stop seeing your hormones as a hindrance and start treating them like your superpower, this one's for you. Let’s ditch the shame, embrace the science, and learn how to thrive — all month long.
💬 Ready to decode your 28-day rollercoaster? Hit play and let’s get fearless, together.
#fearlessand40 #midlife #28daycycle #hormones 

Episode 8: Waking Up Dreaming

🎙️ Episode 8: "Waking Up Dreaming" – Embracing the Entrepreneurial Spirit in Midlife
In this powerful episode of Fearless and Forty, we're having a real and heartfelt conversation about what it means to wake up dreaming—to feel the spark of possibility and purpose reignite in midlife.
We’re talking about the rise of the entrepreneurial spirit among women in their 40s and beyond, and how this season of life is uniquely positioned for bold moves, reinvention, and fearless pursuit of dreams we may have once put on the back burner.
But here's the thing—we're not doing it alone.
We unpack the importance of community—why the people you surround yourself with matter more than ever. From cheerleaders to accountability partners, we explore how encouragement, collaboration, and aligned energy can elevate our growth and keep us moving forward.
✨ In this episode, we dive into:
Why midlife might actually be the best time to start something new
The generational shifts that fuel our desire for purpose-driven work—whether you identify as a Millennial, part of the so-called “Lost Generation,” or somewhere in between
How the trailblazing (and sometimes limiting) examples of our parents’ generation shaped our views on work, security, and passion
The deep, soul-level fulfillment that comes from finally choosing yourself
Whether you're launching a business, pivoting careers, or simply allowing yourself to dream bigger—this episode is your reminder that it’s never too late, and you are never too much.
This is for the dreamers, the doers, and the ones just now giving themselves permission to believe again.
💬 Let us know what dreams you’re waking up to—we’re in this together.
#FearlessAndForty #WakingUpDreaming #MidlifeMagic #EntrepreneurSpirit #WomenWhoBuild
 

Episode 7: Self Care

Fearless and Forty Episode 7: Self-Care in Midlife - Prioritizing You
In this episode of Fearless and Forty, we take a deep dive into the concept of self-care and what it truly means in midlife. With so much information, advice, and trends flooding our social media feeds, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and confused about what actually counts as self-care. But in this episode, we’re here to help you navigate through it all—figuring out how to prioritize your personal well-being when there’s so much on your plate.
We begin by looking at how the term “self-care” has evolved and whether it’s truly a concept born in our generation. Is it something unique to the Fearless and Forty crowd, or have earlier generations also had their own ways of nurturing themselves? You might be surprised to learn that while the term is relatively new, the idea of taking care of yourself is as old as time. We unpack how the modern-day definition of self-care emerged and how it has become a mainstream conversation—especially among women in their 40s and beyond.
Then, we delve into the practical side of self-care in midlife. With so many options out there—from mindfulness practices, fitness routines, skincare, and nutrition advice—how do you know what to prioritize? What’s truly necessary for your mental, physical, and emotional well-being? We explore how midlife is a time of realigning your self-care practices to suit your unique needs and changing body, mind, and lifestyle.
We also discuss the importance of tuning into your own intuition and identifying what works for you rather than succumbing to trends or guilt. What self-care routines leave you feeling more energized, centered, and at peace, and which ones might be adding to your stress? In a world where the pressure to “do it all” can feel intense, learning to prioritize your well-being becomes an essential skill.
Tune in as we share real stories, practical advice, and a healthy dose of humor about finding balance in a world full of self-care options. Whether you’re looking to carve out quiet moments for yourself, create new boundaries, or simply relax with no guilt, this episode is all about empowering you to choose the self-care practices that actually serve you. After all, when you prioritize yourself, you’re able to show up as the best version of yourself for everything and everyone else.
Grab your favorite cup of tea, relax, and let’s get into the heart of midlife self-care! #fearlessand40 #midlife #selfcare
For your reference:
Facial - @skinby.kin
 

Episode 6: Community

Fearless & Forty - Episode 6: Community
In Episode 6 of Fearless & Forty, we dive deep into the power of community and support during tough times. Life can sometimes feel like it’s always knocking us down—whether it’s unexpected challenges, setbacks, or those truly crazy incidents that make you question everything. In this episode, we reflect on some recent wild occurrences that have tested our resilience, and how crucial it is to have a support system to lean on when things get hard.
We talk about the ups and downs we’ve faced and explore how finding those moments of joy and wins in life can be incredibly difficult when life feels like it’s against you. But through it all, one thing stands out: having a community, people who genuinely care, can make all the difference. Whether it’s friends, family, or even virtual connections, they provide the strength, encouragement, and sometimes the much-needed perspective we need to keep going.
This episode is a reminder that while life may be tough, you don't have to face it alone. It's about building those relationships that lift you up, celebrate your victories, and help you navigate through the storms. Join us as we discuss the importance of staying connected and how finding your tribe can help you stay fearless—no matter what life throws your way. #fearlessand40 #midlife #community

Episode 5: Life Lessons & the Luck of the Irish

Fearless & Forty Podcast Episode 5: Life Lessons & the Luck of the Irish
In this special St. Patrick's Day edition of Fearless & Forty, we dive deep into the concept of luck — but with a twist! Recorded on the iconic holiday, we explore what "luck" really means in midlife. Is it a random stroke of good fortune, or is it something we create for ourselves through choices, mindset, and perspective?
In this episode, we share our personal stories of how we’ve come to define "luck" and how it's shaped our experiences in our 40s. We discuss how life lessons learned along the way are often more valuable than any lucky break, and how our mindset shifts as we enter midlife. From the influence of the Irish spirit of resilience and optimism to the role of hard work, we reflect on the true ingredients for success and happiness at this stage of life.
Join us as we toast to luck, growth, and embracing the opportunities that come with being fearless in our 40s. So grab your shamrocks and a cup of something green (or just your favorite drink) and tune in for an episode packed with insight, laughter, and the wisdom that comes from living a full, fearless life.
For Reference:
https://kristinhannah.com/books/the-great-alone/
https://kristinhannah.com/books/the-women/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Younger_(TV_series)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrinking_(TV_series)
 
 

Life Lately: Spring Break 2025

Fearless & Forty Podcast Episode: "Spring Break Check-In!"
In this special episode of Fearless & Forty, we’re catching up over a phone call to check in with each other and see how we’re doing, since we’re both away during spring break week!
Susan is off enjoying the magic of Disney World with her family, soaking in all the fun, excitement, and perhaps a little bit of that famous Disney chaos. Meanwhile, Katie is taking a more relaxing approach to spring break, spending the week at home with a well-deserved break by ending it with some downtime at the lake.
We dive into our adventures, from Disney World magic and family fun but keep our lighthearted conversation going.  We share our experiences, the highs and lows of being away from home, and of course, what it’s like to embrace some well-needed time off. Whether it’s whirlwind trips or calm days in nature, we’re here to laugh, reflect, and, as always, encourage you to embrace your own fearless journey—no matter where you are.
Tune in for a casual, fun, and heartwarming conversation as we check in with each other and share how we’re making the most of our spring break adventures!
For your reference:
Cozy Conversations Podcast
https://cozyconversationswiththesisterproject.com/
Younger 
https://www.netflix.com/title/80031533?source=35
The Great Alone
https://kristinhannah.com/books/the-great-alone/
 

Episode 4: Cheering through the Failures

In this episode of the Fearless & Forty Podcast, we delve into the emotional challenges that come with being a mom during our kids' experiences with failure, especially when it comes to trying out for sports. We discuss the natural instinct to want to protect our kids from disappointment but also emphasize the importance of stepping back and allowing them to experience failure as part of their growth.
Throughout the conversation, we explore the delicate balance between being supportive cheerleaders and not falling into the trap of becoming critics, especially when we see our kids struggling. Instead of jumping into fix-it mode, we highlight how powerful it is to be there for them emotionally, to listen, and to validate their feelings without taking over the situation.
The episode stresses the value of teaching our kids that failure is not the end, but rather an opportunity for resilience, learning, and growth. We talk about how we, as moms, can model this behavior by handling our own setbacks with grace, showing our kids that it’s okay to fail and try again.
We also discuss how our role as a cheerleader involves encouraging our kids to pursue their passions, whether they succeed or fail, and how our support can help build their confidence and perseverance.
Ultimately, the episode is a reminder that as moms, our job isn’t to shield our kids from every failure but to be their biggest supporters, offering love, encouragement, and the freedom to try, fail, and grow on their own terms.