To 50 & Beyond | Midlife | Wellness | Recovery

Episode 173   A daily self-care routine can take you from feeling anxious and foggy to a peaceful and energized day no matter what life throws at you. Self-care is a prerequisite tool for aging in peace, sobriety, freedom, and radiance, not just by trying to make it through the day.   I LOVE a good self-care routine!   This is the first of many episodes coming to the podcast about self-care. I'm getting my Masters degree in the topic.

Episode 172 Join me in this wonderful and power-packed episode, engaging with Dr. Christiane Northrup as she gives you masterpiece lessons on aging and menopause to achieve the desire of vibrancy, joy, confidence, and freedom, cravings that are sometimes absent in menopause years.  In this episode, you'll learn: What women really want in life How wisdom is the beacon to a vibrant menopause life Why women need to make their bodies a priority, long before their menopause ages How your attitude, ideologies, and beliefs about old age significantly impact your menopause How cell environment is key to the aging experience and the healthy pre-menopause practices The impact of alcohol, addiction, and sugar on old age Why our dieting in the 20’s and 30’s may not work in menopause years The importance of squats on your pelvic health and pelvic flow Dr. Christiane’s story on how she realized that she could not fix her marriage Dr. Christiane’s life lessons that she learned from her pre-menopause years To read full sho

Do you struggle with setting boundaries? My guest on episode 171 is the brilliant Megan Logan, a licensed social worker on a mission to help women find more love for themselves.  From writing the Self-Love Workbook for Women: Release Self-Doubt, Build Self-Compassion, and Embrace Who You Are to explaining what self-love really is, Megan helps women everywhere begin their self-love journeys. Megan Logan is a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of counseling experience in domestic violence, sexual assault centers, eating disorder programs and a local hospice program.   For the past 10 years, she has enjoyed private practice, specializing in issues related to trauma, abuse, eating disorders, grief, and loss. In this episode you'll learn about: Megan's book, "Self-Love Workbook for Women" How to set physical and emotional boundaries Megan's definition of self-love  What self-love is and isn't  The difference between gentle and fierce self-compassion  Factors important in a healthy relationship  Ho

How do you express joy?   My guest on episode 170 is the joyful and talented Shannon Kaiser, who uses her bubbly personality and incredible writing skills to share her message and joy.   After a decade of addiction, Shannon knew she needed to make a change. She made it her goal to replace her unwanted behaviors, never shaming herself, and start a journey to self love and pure joy.   Shannon Kaiser is the bestselling author of five books on the psychology of happiness and fulfillment, including the #1 bestseller, The Self-Love Experiment, and Adventures for Your Soul, Find Your Happy and Find Your Happy Daily Mantras and her newest book Joy Seeker: Let Go of What's Holding You Back so You Can Live the Life You Were Made For. She's been named on of the "Top 100 Women to Watch in Wellness," by Mind Body Green and "One of the freshest voices in mental health and wellness" by Chicken Soup for the Woman's Soul.   Shannon's the founder of Playwiththeworld.com, named "Top 75 Personal Development Websites," and

Episode 169  This episode comes from my heart as a socially anxious person who thought that drinking alcohol was required in order to socialize.  I know how challenging it is right now to face people you haven't seen because of COVID, especially if you are someone who is not drinking.  I created this episode based on a question I received from a woman who is 1 year and 8 months sober. I want to help you look at socializing sober in a whole new light.      Topics include: What socializing means in a society that thinks it's normal to drink Where my social anxiety started Where my drinking story started Feeling like I "had" to drink to socialize Feeling like you "need" to drink to be fun or have fun The different between feeling boring or being bored Using alcohol to tolerate someone How to redefine fun Setting a boundary for yourself rather than other people Not feeling guilty for choices you make Coping mechanisms for you socializing toolbox Visualizing what will go right Tellin

  Episode 168   Do you struggle with loving yourself?   You are not alone! In this very special episode, I spoke with the fantastic Paul Fishman about the difference between self love and self care, and how to find more love for yourself.   Paul tells his story openly and honestly and explains his own journey through self love.  Paul went from sacrificing himself for others to actually practicing self care, making a huge difference in his life.  We also talk about some other ways to practice self love, recovery for example, and Paul describes what real self care actually looks like.  Paul knows what it is like to struggle with self love, and after years of practicing it himself, he has become an amazing example for people to live life with love for themselves.   Paul Fishman is a self love coach and you do you activist on a mission to empower and inspire humanity to love unconditionally starting from within. He is the host of the top 100 podcast The Road to Self Love and star of the forthcoming realit

Episode 167  What does doing nothing mean to you? Are you spending too much of your time doing something for the sake of doing something and feeling tapped out at the end of the day? This episode is created to help you take a step back, ask yourself some questions, and reflect on what you would feel like if you allowed yourself to just BE. Resources mentioned:  Katherine Smith article - The Art of Doing Nothing   To read the full show notes: https://www.lorimassicot.com/episode-167-the-sweetness-of-doing-nothing  

Episode 166  Are you trying to moderate your drinking but it isn't working?  Do you sometimes wonder if it would be easier to quit drinking than to try and "make it work?"  Well, my friend you are not alone!  My guest, the incredible Clare Pooley shares her experience with alcohol, her attempts at moderation, and some of her reasons for quitting that you will definitely relate to. Clare Pooley is an author, speaker, and blogger who shares her journey to getting sober in a lovely, light and authentic way. To learn more about Clare and view this episodes full show notes, click here: https://www.lorimassicot.com/episode-166-before-and-after-getting-sober-with-clare-pooley   Please take a moment and leave this episode a rating and review: https://ratethispodcast.com/to50andbeyond I appreciate you being here. Thank you for listening!     

Episode 165  Are you in recovery from addiction? Have you been looking for a different approach? My guest on episode 165 is the lovely and intelligent Dr. Dawn Bantel, a naturopathic physician with an innovative approach to the recovery process you do not want to miss.   Dr. Dawn is a licensed naturopathic physician in Arizona. She has specialized in addiction recovery for almost two decades. First, as the medical director of an eating disorder treatment center and then as the medical director for a residential program specializing in addictions and trauma. She is passionate about transformation and believes that integrative medicine is an important component of addiction recovery.   Topics Discussed Dr. Dawn's experience with Naturopathic medicine Dr. Dawn's knowledge of eating disorders and addiction An integrative approach to recovery and medicine The connection between physiology and mental health The negative effects of alcohol on the body and the adrenal system Cortisol in health and r

Episode 164  My guest on episode 164 is the amazing Cait Donovan, who has made it her mission to share her expertise on burnout with others, after her own experience with it.   After years of feeling exhausted and seeking external validation, Cait realized that she was burnt out.  She dove into research about the subject and has transformed herself into a guide for people going through their burnout. During this episode Cait also talks about setting up boundaries and the impacts resentment has on us.  Burnout is something that requires recovery, and whether it's being aware of what you want or upholding the boundaries you put in place, Cait beautifully explains ways to help you bounce back. Find the full show notes for this episode, and Cait's information here.   If you liked this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review for other gals to find Cait too!  It just takes a couple of minutes, and I thank you in advance. Leave rating and review.       

Episode 163  Do you worry about your health and put off going to the doctor? My guest on episode 163, the legendary Joan Lunden will help you take charge of your health today!   Joan is an American journalist, author, and television host, and mom of seven who is kind, smart and funny!   Joan's latest book, Why Did I Come Into This Room? A Candid Conversation About Aging should be in the hands of women of all ages.   She is an advocate for us all.   Joan shared stories of her days on GMA, the day she decided (at forty) to take charge of her health, her breast cancer journey, and the #1 fear of aging.   To meet a woman who, at 70, is still, if not more active in her work, activism, and life, beyond inspired me, and I know you will feel the same.     To read the full show notes, please click here.  

Episode 162    I never thought I would travel to my couch and watch a Lifetime movie without drinking let alone, vacation, but those were just old thoughts.   The thoughts that tell you drinking is what you've always done, so you have to keep drinking are really outdated and deserve a re-write.   On this week's episode, I talk about the Joy of Traveling Alcohol-Free.    In the episode, I talk about my drinking vacations vs. sober ones, coping with travel anxiety, tips to enjoy yourself a/f, and creating a Staycation for yourself this year.    I LOVE a good Staycation! Write down your ideas while you listen to the episode and let me know what you come up with.    See full show notes: https://www.lorimassicot.com/episode-162-the-joy-of-traveling-alcohol-free   Visit my website to learn more about me and my work: https://www.lorimassicot.com/    

Episode #161  My guest on episode 161 is my good friend, the fabulous Michelle Spieler. Michelle shares her feelings about aging while speaking openly about her struggles with depression and an eating disorder.   When her daughter was born, Michelle’s life completely changed and she had to start caring for herself more to be able to care for others. Michelle talks about how she manages her drinking and embraces what makes her feel beautiful for a healthier lifestyle and mindset.  From trying a new look every once in a while to taking a few minutes to focus on self care, Michelle gives some ideas for improving confidence or changing up your routine.  We also talk a little bit about dealing with negativity online and Michelle’s amazing TikTok.  View full show notes here.    To join Elevate group coaching for women over 40: https://www.lorimassicot.com/elevatenow Email Lori    

In this bonus episode (release date: 4/29), I talk about how hard it can be to ignore those unwanted opinions and focus on yourself.  A lot of times, these negative opinions are unsolicited, and give us no real value. Sometimes we need advice from our friends and our family, and in this episode I talk about balancing the advice you get with what you feel in your heart.  Before I quit drinking, I asked my husband what he thought.  He believed that I didn’t have a problem and there was no reason for me to stop drinking, and although I love him, I ignored his advice and got sober anyway.   Learning how to trust your own instincts and do what is right for you can change your life; it did for me. For full show notes and to learn more about Lori, click here.  If you enjoyed this episode, please consider taking a couple of minutes to leave a positive rating and review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/to50andbeyond I thank you in advance!  Lori's website and contact information.     

We would do anything for our kids, right? Including sobriety!  My guest today on episode 160, is Kim Bellas, Founder of Sober Is The New Cool.  Since Kim decided to get sober in 2013, she has helped people all over the world through their own recovery journeys.  When her 15 year-old son started having seizures and could not drink with his friends, Kim wanted to prove to her son and herself that alcohol was not necessary to have fun.  Once Kim stopped drinking for the 3 months she originally planned, she decided that she would keep going, and after 6 months she felt happier than she had been in a while.   Now, Kim has been sober for 8 years and has made it her mission to prove to others that sobriety is cool, and anyone can take the opportunity to improve their mental and physical well-being.   Topics discussed: How Kim originally quit drinking to help her son  Kim noticing how good she felt after she stopped drinking  How there is always a “reason” to drink  The challenges of not drinking socially  The shame

Do you worry about relapsing or has relapse affected your recovery journey?   My guest on episode 159, the inspirational Pamela Davenport, is well versed in the highs and lows of recovery, and draws on her own struggles with relapse to help others.   Pamela is a certified recovery coach; meditation teacher and She Recovers coach. More importantly, she’s a human in the 11th year on the path of recovery from alcohol addiction.   Pamela believes “just being sober” is not enough. Sobriety is the beginning of a journey which has the power to radically transform lives. Her mission? To speak about addiction without shame, guilt or blame. To inform, inspire and compassionately empower - teaching like a coach, but thinking as an addict.   Read full show notes.   Topics Discussed: Pamela’s journey through relapse and recovery How not to look at relapse as a failure How unresolved issues can stand in the way of your recovery Ways that Pamela makes sure to take time for herself How Pamela dealt wit

Sobriety is a scary word! On episode 158, I talk about my own journey and the process it took for me to come to terms with my sobriety.   If someone told me when I was young that alcohol would mess up my life, I wouldn’t have believed them.  For a huge part of my life I drank excessively and at one point I felt like life and wine needed to go together. After years of wondering whether or not I had a problem, I had to listen to my own thoughts and feelings instead of anyone else’s, and I made the difficult choice to quit drinking.   You are never alone if you feel like sobriety is something you never planned for your life.  Topics Discussed The word "sobriety" can be scary How I am always working on old behaviors I notice  Ways I work on acceptance within myself How I once believed in the stigma surrounding sobriety and alcoholism Feeling like an outcast after quitting drinking  How I had to pay attention to my thoughts and feelings in order to see my situation  Objections people have to quitting drin

In this episode of To 50 and Beyond Podcast, we have invited Jean McCarthy, award-winning blogger and the host of The Bubble Hour podcast and is a strong voice of recovery advocacy. Her book “The Ember Ever There: Poems on Change, Grief, Growth, Recovery, and Rediscovery” was released in June 2020. She is also the author of the book “UnPickled Holiday Survival Guide: Staying Alcohol-Free During the Festive Season,” a resource about sobriety for people in recovery and their families. Her blog UnPickled (8,000+ followers) began in 2011 and has continued to chronicle Jean’s alcohol-free lifestyle since her first day of sobriety. Thousands of readers credit UnPickled as a motivating factor in their decision to quit drinking. Jean joined The Bubble Hour podcast as a co-host in 2013. She took over the weekly program as its sole producer and host in 2016. The show has a devoted and enthusiastic listenership with more than 60,000 monthly downloads. Jean is a former performing songwriter with two albums of original mu

  You are not alone if you've heard "you're too sensitive!" and you don't need to "fix" anything about you. You are not alone, my friend.   In this episode, #156, invited Mel Collins, a UK author of the book “The Handbook for Highly Sensitive People - How to Transform Feeling Overwhelmed and Frazzled to Empowered and Fulfilled.” Before dedicating her time to writing and teaching, Mel is also a spiritual life coach, qualified psychotherapeutic counselor, spiritual healer, reiki master, intuitive, and HSP consultant.   She was in a senior management position in a prison service then decided to study extensively under the late Jungian Psychotherapist, Dr. Roger Woolger, in past-life regression therapy and Ancestral Healing. Today, Mel dives into a conversation about Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs), their correlation to addiction, its gifts and abilities, and why you should embrace it.   Topics discussed in this episode: Mel’s view on aging and menopause Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) information Me

Episode 155  What beliefs do you have about yourself? Are your beliefs holding you back from becoming the person you want to become? Well, this episode is for you. Today we have an opportunity to hear from Cody Kreutz. Cody has an amazing personal transformation journey that you cannot afford to miss. Besides having an incredible personal transformation journey, his recovery journey is unbelievable! Cody went from alcohol to drugs. When Cody started doing drugs, his life went from bad to worse. He became hopeless and lost his self-worth. Self- hate hit in, and suicidal thoughts started kicking in. He once tried taking away his life, but it was unsuccessful. Cody got help, and he is now on a mission to help people transform their lives. Cody Kreutz is a YouTuber, podcaster, and speaker with over seven years of recovery from addiction. Cody and his wife host the podcast, We Are the Stigma, where they chat with like-minded individuals on how to persevere while simultaneously breaking the stigma. They aim to expl