Why Midlife Feels Lonely Even When You Have Friends

The Walk-Away Wife Phenomenon: What Everyone Gets Wrong

She didn't leave overnight—and chances are, neither do most women. The walk-away wife phenomenon isn't about one fight or one bad day. It's about years of emotional labor, feeling unheard, carrying the invisible weight of a relationship, and quietly grieving long before anyone else notices. Karen Shatafian and Lisa Corricello-McDowell unpack why so many women in midlife reach a breaking point after spending years trying to save their marriages. Through honest conversation, personal insight, and real-life stories, they explore what happens when emotional needs go unmet, why communication breaks down, and how women can reconnect with their own voice before losing themselves. If you're navigating a changing marriage, questioning your relationship, carrying the mental load, or wondering why you feel emotionally exhausted, this conversation will help you feel seen, understood, and far less alone. ____________________________________________________________________ 🍸☕ What We Were Drinking: Aperol Spritz [https://cookieandkate.com/classic-aperol-spritz-recipe/] Topo Chico Mango [https://www.coca-cola.com/us/en/brands/topo-chico/products/sabores] Olipop Cream Soda [https://www.sodaolipop.com/product/cream-soda/] 📰Articles Walkaway Wives - Independent [https://www.the-independent.com/life-style/gen-x-marriage-divorce-walkaway-wives-b2969628.html] Studies continue to show women still carry the majority of emotional labor and household management inside heterosexual marriages. (Time) [https://time.com/7344525/why-women-divorce/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] 📖Books What Color Is Your Parachute? By Richard N. Bolles [https://parachutebook.com/] 🎧Podcast Episodes Bernadette Catalano [https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-32w98-19d5fd3] Extreme Parenting [https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-bz9v7-17b9404] 🔗Links Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell [https://people.com/movies/goldie-hawn-kurt-russell-relationship-timeline/] ____________________________________________________________________ 💬 Takeaways — What Do YOU Think? We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com [drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com]. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you.  📲 Stay Connected Follow, like, and join the conversation: Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspod [https://www.instagram.com/] Facebook: Drinks With the Girls Podcast [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562302816308] Pinterest: Drinks With the Girls Podcast [https://www.pinterest.com/drinkswiththegirlspodcast/] YouTube: Drinks With the Girls Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@DrinksWiththeGirls] Website: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com [http://www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com] 💌 Reach Out Got a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears. Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com [drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com] Connect with your hosts: ✨ Karen Shatafian – https://karenshatafian.substack.com/ [https://karenshatafian.substack.com/] ✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com [http://www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com]

How Women in Midlife Can Turn Their Gifts Into Income | Guest: Patricia Drain

Feeling stuck, overlooked, or unsure what's next? The answer may be hiding in plain sight. Career and entrepreneur coach Patricia Drain joins Karen and Lisa for a powerful conversation about the gifts women often underestimate, the confidence we lose along the way, and why it's never too late to begin a new chapter. Through personal stories, surprising insights, and one simple question that could change how you see yourself, Patricia offers a fresh perspective on purpose, possibility, and reinvention in midlife. If you've ever wondered whether there's still something more for you, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, inspired, and ready to take the next step. ____________________________________________________________________ 👉Join the Podsquad here! [https://lisacorricello.activehosted.com/f/41] Subscribe for show notes & episode goodies, delivered weekly, spam free! 🎙️Guest: Patricia Drain [http://www.Patriciadrain.com] Patricia@patriciadrain.com [Patricia@patriciadrain.com] 🍸☕ What We Were Drinking: Sparkle Hops Acai [https://pelicanbrewing.com/beer/sparkle-hops-strata-acai/] Fallbrook Winery San Giovese [https://fallbrookwinery.com/product/n-v-sangiovese] ____________________________________________________________________ 💬 Takeaways — What Do YOU Think? We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com [drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com]. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you.  📲 Stay Connected Follow, like, and join the conversation: Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspod [https://www.instagram.com/] Facebook: Drinks With the Girls Podcast [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562302816308] Pinterest: Drinks With the Girls Podcast [https://www.pinterest.com/drinkswiththegirlspodcast/] YouTube: Drinks With the Girls Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@DrinksWiththeGirls] Website: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com [http://www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com] 💌 Reach Out Got a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears. Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com [drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com] Connect with your hosts: ✨ Karen Shatafian – https://karenshatafian.substack.com/ [https://karenshatafian.substack.com/] ✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com [http://www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com]

Women Who Won’t Stay On the Sidelines: How Female Leaders Are Changing Sports

A Kentucky Derby upset. A female NHL coach. A Super Bowl-winning team owned by a woman. The game is changing—and women are leading the charge. We dive into the inspiring stories of women breaking barriers in sports leadership and explore why these victories matter far beyond the playing field. From female coaches and team owners to trailblazers rewriting the rules, this conversation is really about something bigger: reclaiming your voice, your ambition, and your place at the table. Packed with powerful real-life moments, laughter, and a few passionate rants about the patriarchy, this episode is a reminder that every woman who goes first creates new possibilities for the rest of us. If you're navigating midlife, dreaming bigger, reinventing yourself, or wondering what's still possible for your next chapter, pull up a chair. This one's for you. ____________________________________________________________________ 👉Join the Podsquad here! [https://lisacorricello.activehosted.com/f/41] Subscribe for show notes & episode goodies, delivered weekly, spam free! 🍸☕ What We Were Drinking: Hoplark - Sparkling Hop Tea [https://hoplark.com/products/green-tea-one] ____________________________________________________________________ 💬 Takeaways — What Do YOU Think? We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com [drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com]. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you.  📲 Stay Connected Follow, like, and join the conversation: Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspod [https://www.instagram.com/] Facebook: Drinks With the Girls Podcast [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562302816308] Pinterest: Drinks With the Girls Podcast [https://www.pinterest.com/drinkswiththegirlspodcast/] YouTube: Drinks With the Girls Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@DrinksWiththeGirls] Website: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com [http://www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com] 💌 Reach Out Got a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears. Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com [drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com] Connect with your hosts: ✨ Karen Shatafian – https://karenshatafian.substack.com/ [https://karenshatafian.substack.com/] ✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com [http://www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com]

You’re Not Okay...But You’re Going to Be: A Conversation About Grief in Midlife

Grief doesn't just take the person you love—it changes the person you are.  After losing her mother suddenly and, less than two years later, losing her son, Marie Crews found herself navigating the kind of heartbreak most of us can't imagine. Yet through the fog of loss, she discovered something powerful: healing isn't about "moving on"—it's about learning how to live alongside grief. In this deeply honest conversation, Marie joins Karen and Lisa to share her journey through profound loss, the isolation that often accompanies grief, the surprising impact of grief brain fog, and the mindset shifts that helped her put one foot in front of the other when life felt impossible. If you're grieving the loss of a loved one, supporting someone through loss, or navigating one of life's seasons of heartbreak and transition, this episode offers comfort, perspective, and a reminder that you're not alone. Topics include grief, child loss, loss of a parent, healing after loss, self-compassion, resilience, and finding your way forward in midlife. _____________________________________________________________ 👉Join the Podsquad here! [https://lisacorricello.activehosted.com/f/41] Subscribe for show notes & episode goodies, delivered weekly, spam free! 🎙️Guest: Marie Crews [http://www.mariecrews.com] 🍸☕ What We Were Drinking: Prosecco Mionetto [https://usa.mionetto.com/us/products/prestige-collection/prosecco-doc-treviso-brut-2] Olipop Crisp Apple Probiotic Soda [https://drinkolipop.com/products/crisp-apple?bvstate=pg:2/ct:r&irclickid=wHY1uk3wUxyZUjbU-zTlfVjkUkuWoDytQxrx0Y0&utm_source=impact&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_content=204240&irgwc=1&afsrc=1&gad_source=1] ____________________________________________________________________ 💬 Takeaways — What Do YOU Think? We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com [drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com]. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you.  📲 Stay Connected Follow, like, and join the conversation: Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspod [https://www.instagram.com/] Facebook: Drinks With the Girls Podcast [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562302816308] Pinterest: Drinks With the Girls Podcast [https://www.pinterest.com/drinkswiththegirlspodcast/] YouTube: Drinks With the Girls Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@DrinksWiththeGirls] Website: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com [http://www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com] 💌 Reach Out Got a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears. Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com [drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com] Connect with your hosts: ✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com [http://www.karenshatafian.com] ✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com [http://www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com]

Why Midlife Feels Lonely Even When You Have Friends

You did everything "right"—built a life you love, raised the kids, made the big changes, maybe even reinvented yourself. So why does midlife still feel lonely sometimes? Karen and Lisa dive into the surprising difference between friendship and community, and why so many women over 40 find themselves craving deeper connection after divorce, empty nesting, relocation, career shifts, or simply outgrowing old roles. Through candid stories about rebuilding community, navigating loneliness, and pushing beyond comfort zones, they explore what it really takes to find your people in this season of life. If you've ever wondered why making friends after 50 feels harder than it should, or found yourself asking, "Where do I belong now?" this conversation will leave you feeling seen, understood, and inspired to create meaningful connection on your own terms. _____________________________________________________________ 👉Join the Podsquad here! [https://lisacorricello.activehosted.com/f/41] Subscribe for show notes & episode goodies, delivered weekly, spam free! 🍸☕ What We Were Drinking: Simply Pop Pineapple Mango Soda [https://www.coca-cola.com/us/en/brands/simply/products/pop] - listener supplied! (Shot of vodka was not ☺️) Arbonne Mango Peach Energy Fizz Lisa’s Affiliate Link with Arbonne - Pure, Safe, Beneficial nutrition, skincare, body care, and make-up free from 2000 banned chemicals https://www.arbonne.com/us/en/arb/LisaCorricelloMcdowell/?login=true [https://www.arbonne.com/us/en/arb/LisaCorricelloMcdowell/?login=true] Email me for 35-45% off here. ____________________________________________________________________ 💬 Takeaways — What Do YOU Think? We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com [drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com]. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you.  📲 Stay Connected Follow, like, and join the conversation: Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspod [https://www.instagram.com/] Facebook: Drinks With the Girls Podcast [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562302816308] Pinterest: Drinks With the Girls Podcast [https://www.pinterest.com/drinkswiththegirlspodcast/] YouTube: Drinks With the Girls Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@DrinksWiththeGirls] Website: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com [http://www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com] 💌 Reach Out Got a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears. Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com [drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com] Connect with your hosts: ✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com [http://www.karenshatafian.com] ✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com [http://www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com]