Midlife Strategies for Badass Women

How to Stop Dimming Your Light and Own Your Power in Midlife with Heike Yates

If you've ever felt like your body stopped cooperating? The workouts that used to work don't anymore, the weight won't budge, and you're not sure where to even start.  This episode is your reset button. Sue sits down with Heike Yates, fitness, nutrition, and mindset coach for over 40 years, Pilates expert, former bodybuilder, ultra-marathon runner, Ironwoman, and author of Pursue Your Spark. Now 65, Heike has lived every extreme of the fitness world — and come out the other side with a clear-eyed, no-BS message for women in midlife: stop fighting your body and start supporting it. This conversation is equal parts practical and inspiring. You'll walk away with a completely different framework for how to approach movement, food, and momentum and maybe even permission to try something brand new. In this episode:  - Why "no pain, no gain" is wrecking midlife women's bodies  - The difference between protecting your body and supporting it (and why it matters)  - How sarcopenia starts at 35 — and what to do about it Why intense exercise is raising your cortisol and making things worse  - 20-minute workouts: why less is actually more after menopause  - Gut health, intermittent fasting, and the foods quietly causing your bloating  - The SPARK Framework — a repeatable system for building momentum without burning out  - Why functional movement beats a squat challenge every time  - Learning saxophone, Portuguese, and EDM DJing — why curiosity is a longevity strategy Guest: Heike Yates — fitness, nutrition & mindset coach (40 years), certified Pilates instructor (23 years), former competitive bodybuilder, ultra-marathon runner, Ironwoman triathlete, author of Pursue Your Spark, and current saxophone beginner. Based in Maryland with a brick-and-mortar studio plus her online brand, Pursue Your Spark. Her oldest current client: 100 years old. Connect with Heike: Website: https://heikeyates.com/ [https://heikeyates.com/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pursueyourspark [https://www.facebook.com/pursueyourspark] Instagram Link: https://www.instagram.com/heikeyates/ [https://www.instagram.com/heikeyates/] Book: "Pursue Your Spark" -https://heikeyates.com/l/pursueyoursparkbook/ [https://heikeyates.com/l/pursueyoursparkbook/] ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Are you Pod Curious? Check out my new audio course -  "Podcast Authority Blueprint" and get off the marketing hamster wheel!  👉🏻https://stan.store/sue_willoughby/p/the-podcast-authority-blueprint-audio-course👈🏻 FOLLOW and CONNECT Website - https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/ If you want to start your own podcast feel free to reach out to me. I would love to help you on your journey to sharing your story and passion. #LifeWorthBeing #Transformation #LifeCoach #Women #Empowerment #PersonalGrowth #InnerStrength #PurposefulLiving #MidlifeTransformation #Mindfulness #Mindset #SelfDiscovery #WomenEmpowerment #midlifestrategies  🔥 Welcome to Midlife Strategies for Badass Women 🔥 I’m Sue Willoughby—Badass Midlife Strategist, life coach, and your partner in breaking rules, rewriting the script, and thriving unapologetically after 40. This channel is for women who are DONE playing small. If you’re ready to ditch the “shoulds,” reclaim your power, and live a bold, joyful, purpose-driven life—you’re in the right place. Each week, you’ll get real talk, raw stories, and badass strategies to help you: ✨ Smash through self-doubt and limitations ✨ Reclaim your confidence and clarity ✨ Build resilience and embrace reinvention ✨ Create a midlife that feels authentic, aligned, and f*cking powerful This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement. A community of women who are tired of waiting and ready to step into their next-level life, unapologetically. 👉 Hit subscribe and turn on the bell so you never miss an episode. Let’s rise, rebel, and reinvent midlife—together.

Stop Outsourcing Your Worth: The Path to Radical Self-Approval with Libby Bunten

Welcome back to another episode of Midlife Strategies for Badass Women! Today, host Sue Willoughby sits down for a radically honest conversation with the incredible Libby Bunten. Libby is an ex-clinical therapist turned somatic embodiment coach and the powerhouse founder of Self-Approval School. Growing up in a tiny, coastal Maine town surrounded by beautiful, badass women who deeply disapproved of themselves, Libby eventually realized that checking all the traditional boxes—like getting her Master's degree—wasn't the cure for her own self-disapproval. In this episode, we explore how women are culturally waterboarded with pleasure deprivation and taught to delay gratification through "if only" thinking. Libby breaks down her three-part model of Embodied Self-Leadership, diving into the vital importance of somatic awareness, intentional self-approval practices, and real, untainted sisterhood. If you're exhausted by perfectionism and ready to realize you are worthy simply because you exist, this is the episode for you. In this episode, we cover: * How "if only" thinking (e.g., "if only I lose 5 pounds" or "if only I get that job") punishes us on the way to our destinations and blocks our present happiness. * The profound difference between a "patriarchalized sisterhood" rooted in gossip and fixing, versus a consciously designed sisterhood where women allow each other to fully express rage and grief. * Why your body is not just a "head-carrying device" and how somatic awareness can help you tune into what is right or wrong for you. * Fun, slightly edgy embodiment practices like "Jiggle Therapy"—learning to embrace and release the shame stored in our thighs—and taking simple pleasure breaks. * Libby's transition away from the pathologizing framework of traditional clinical therapy into the deeply present, transformational world of somatic coaching. * A fun detour into Human Design, where Sue and Libby bond over both being Projectors! Chapters: [00:00:00] Opening thought on self-approval [00:00:43] Guest introduction and episode setup [00:02:06] Path into self-approval work [00:07:07] Dark night and breakthrough [00:11:38] Redefining sisterhood and community [00:16:07] Darkness, rupture, and self-leadership [00:19:30] Sisterhood as the first circle [00:21:41] Somatic awareness and embodiment [00:27:06] Human design and projector insights [00:32:01] Self-approval as daily practice [00:36:50] Self-Approval School structure [00:43:28] From therapist to coach [00:50:42] Final message and contact info Resources & Links Mentioned: * Connect with Libby on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thelibbybunten/ [https://www.instagram.com/thelibbybunten/] * Visit her website to learn more about the Self-Approval School membership and retreats: https://www.libbybunten.com/ [https://www.libbybunten.com/] * Listen to her podcast: The Self-Approval School Podcast with Libby Bunton. https://open.spotify.com/show/3p5AhrS3EQBuJK6l42eEDb?si=a2a98c78a72444de [https://open.spotify.com/show/3p5AhrS3EQBuJK6l42eEDb?si=a2a98c78a72444de] * Grab Libby’s free embodiment practices via the link in her bio/website! https://libbybunten.kit.com/embodiment-practices [https://libbybunten.kit.com/embodiment-practices] * Self Approval School - Join the Sisterhood: https://www.libbybunten.com/self-approval-school [https://www.libbybunten.com/self-approval-school] ********************************************************************* Are you Pod Curious? Check out my new audio course -  "Podcast Authority Blueprint" and get off the marketing hamster wheel!  👉🏻https://stan.store/sue_willoughby/p/the-podcast-authority-blueprint-audio-course👈🏻 FOLLOW and CONNECT Website - https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/ If you want to start your own podcast feel free to reach out to me. I would love to help you on your journey to sharing your story and passion. #LifeWorthBeing #Transformation #LifeCoach #Women #Empowerment #PersonalGrowth #InnerStrength #PurposefulLiving #MidlifeTransformation #Mindfulness #Mindset #SelfDiscovery #WomenEmpowerment #midlifestrategies  🔥 Welcome to Midlife Strategies for Badass Women 🔥 I’m Sue Willoughby—Badass Midlife Strategist, life coach, and your partner in breaking rules, rewriting the script, and thriving unapologetically after 40. This channel is for women who are DONE playing small. If you’re ready to ditch the “shoulds,” reclaim your power, and live a bold, joyful, purpose-driven life—you’re in the right place. Each week, you’ll get real talk, raw stories, and badass strategies to help you: ✨ Smash through self-doubt and limitations ✨ Reclaim your confidence and clarity ✨ Build resilience and embrace reinvention ✨ Create a midlife that feels authentic, aligned, and f*cking powerful This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement. A community of women who are tired of waiting and ready to step into their next-level life, unapologetically. 👉 Hit subscribe and turn on the bell so you never miss an episode. Let’s rise, rebel, and reinvent midlife—together.

Why Brands Want YOU: The Rise of the Midlife UGC Creator with Megan Collier

Welcome back to another episode of Midlife Strategies for Badass Women! Today, Sue sits down with Megan Collier, an expert who is changing the game in the digital marketing world. Megan is a content creator who replaced her full-time corporate marketing career in just 14 months by creating simple, effective videos for brands. But here is the best part: Megan specifically teaches women 45 and older how to stop hiding and start turning their age and life experience into massive leverage. In this high-energy conversation, Megan explains what UGC actually is and why you absolutely do not need to be an "influencer" with thousands of followers to get paid. We discuss the hilarious and inspiring story of how Megan got her 60-something mom cast in a top-performing footwear ad. We also dive into why we are currently in a "trust recession," making the authentic, relatable faces of midlife women more valuable to companies than ever before. If you are looking for a creative outlet, a new revenue stream, or a way to reinvent yourself and connect with an amazing community, this episode is your complete starter guide. In this episode, we cover: * What UGC (User-Generated Content) is and why brands are actively seeking creators in their 50s and 60s. * How to build a simple starter portfolio on Canva using everyday items around your house—like your morning coffee or pet treats. * The power of the "Video Pitch": How sending a quick video to brands can set you apart from dozens of standard emails. * Why you need to view your age as a superpower and an advantage, especially if you've faced ageism in the traditional workplace. * Details on Megan's brand new "Next Chapter Creator Club," an app-based community that connects UGC creators with local city chapters for in-person collaboration. Resources & Links Mentioned: * Follow Megan on TikTok and Instagram at @Megan_UGC. Website: https://stan.store/Megan_UGC [https://stan.store/Megan_UGC] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megan_ugc/ [https://www.instagram.com/megan_ugc/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@megan_ugc [https://www.tiktok.com/@megan_ugc] * Free UGC Creator Checklist: https://megan-ugc.myflodesk.com/dcgoe0gwdr [https://megan-ugc.myflodesk.com/dcgoe0gwdr] Are you Pod Curious? Check out my new audio course -  "Podcast Authority Blueprint" and get off the marketing hamster wheel!  👉🏻https://stan.store/sue_willoughby/p/the-podcast-authority-blueprint-audio-course👈🏻 FOLLOW and CONNECT Website - https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/ If you want to start your own podcast feel free to reach out to me. I would love to help you on your journey to sharing your story and passion. #LifeWorthBeing #Transformation #LifeCoach #Women #Empowerment #PersonalGrowth #InnerStrength #PurposefulLiving #MidlifeTransformation #Mindfulness #Mindset #SelfDiscovery #WomenEmpowerment #midlifestrategies  🔥 Welcome to Midlife Strategies for Badass Women 🔥 I’m Sue Willoughby—Badass Midlife Strategist, life coach, and your partner in breaking rules, rewriting the script, and thriving unapologetically after 40. This channel is for women who are DONE playing small. If you’re ready to ditch the “shoulds,” reclaim your power, and live a bold, joyful, purpose-driven life—you’re in the right place. Each week, you’ll get real talk, raw stories, and badass strategies to help you: ✨ Smash through self-doubt and limitations ✨ Reclaim your confidence and clarity ✨ Build resilience and embrace reinvention ✨ Create a midlife that feels authentic, aligned, and f*cking powerful This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement. A community of women who are tired of waiting and ready to step into their next-level life, unapologetically. 👉 Hit subscribe and turn on the bell so you never miss an episode. Let’s rise, rebel, and reinvent midlife—together.

Navigating Unimaginable Grief: How to Walk Yourself Home with Marie Crews

Welcome back to another episode of Midlife Strategies for Badass Women! Today, host Sue Willoughby sits down with Marie Crews, a Certified Grief Guide, Empowerment Life Coach, and creator of The Nautilus Way. In this deeply moving conversation, Marie opens up about her unimaginable journey of losing her mother to an unexpected heart condition in 2016, followed by the tragic loss of her 22-year-old son to suicide just a short time later. Marie shares how she naturally turned to journaling as a private, limitless space to process her profound pain and connect with her higher self when traditional systems fell short. We dive into how Marie accidentally birthed a powerful 4-step healing framework on a porch in Mississippi, a process designed to help women get their trauma out, reframe their stories, and rewire their brains. If you’ve ever felt like you aren't a "good enough" writer to journal, or if you struggle with self-abandonment and validating your own worth, this episode will completely change your perspective. In this episode, we cover: * Marie's heartbreaking journey of navigating the profound impact of losing her mother and her 22-year-old son, Quentin. * How The Artist's Way inspired her initial journaling practice, which eventually became a lifeline for processing grief and communicating with her loved ones. * A massive misconception holding women back is the belief that they need to be naturally good at writing to benefit from journaling. * The birth of "The Nautilus Way," a powerful process created organically during a women's retreat to help clients rewrite their limiting beliefs. * Why validating yourself and giving yourself credit is often the most emotional step for women, yet the ultimate key to healing your identity and overcoming self-abandonment. Chapters: [00:00:00] Introduction and guest welcome [00:02:00] Marie’s coaching background [00:06:27] Son’s suicide and profound grief [00:09:50] Journaling becomes healing space [00:18:43] Retreats and teaching journaling [00:26:11] Why writing helps healing [00:29:53] Self-validation as the key [00:36:32] Credit, motherhood, and self-story [00:40:57] Reaching young women safely [00:44:37] Final takeaways and offerings Resources & Links Mentioned: * Connect with Marie and explore her upcoming women's empowerment and grief-specific retreats at https://www.mariecrews.com/ [https://www.mariecrews.com/] * Download Marie's Free Journal Jumpstart Guide directly from her homepage to learn how to begin your writing practice. https://checkout.mariecrews.com/journal-jumpstart-workshop/ [https://checkout.mariecrews.com/journal-jumpstart-workshop/]  * Book a free consultation call with Marie under the "Work With Me" tab on her website. Grab a copy of her book - "Even When...She Rose" https://a.co/d/0axywYcY [https://a.co/d/0axywYcY]  * Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/marieeurecrews [https://www.facebook.com/marieeurecrews]  * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariecrewsempowers [https://www.instagram.com/mariecrewsempowers]  Are you Pod Curious? Check out my new audio course -  "Podcast Authority Blueprint" and get off the marketing hamster wheel!  👉🏻https://stan.store/sue_willoughby/p/the-podcast-authority-blueprint-audio-course👈🏻 FOLLOW and CONNECT Website - https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/ If you want to start your own podcast feel free to reach out to me. I would love to help you on your journey to sharing your story and passion. #LifeWorthBeing #Transformation #LifeCoach #Women #Empowerment #PersonalGrowth #InnerStrength #PurposefulLiving #MidlifeTransformation #Mindfulness #Mindset #SelfDiscovery #WomenEmpowerment #midlifestrategies  🔥 Welcome to Midlife Strategies for Badass Women 🔥 I’m Sue Willoughby—Badass Midlife Strategist, life coach, and your partner in breaking rules, rewriting the script, and thriving unapologetically after 40. This channel is for women who are DONE playing small. If you’re ready to ditch the “shoulds,” reclaim your power, and live a bold, joyful, purpose-driven life—you’re in the right place. Each week, you’ll get real talk, raw stories, and badass strategies to help you: ✨ Smash through self-doubt and limitations ✨ Reclaim your confidence and clarity ✨ Build resilience and embrace reinvention ✨ Create a midlife that feels authentic, aligned, and f*cking powerful This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement. A community of women who are tired of waiting and ready to step into their next-level life, unapologetically. 👉 Hit subscribe and turn on the bell so you never miss an episode. Let’s rise, rebel, and reinvent midlife—together.

Shattering the Trance of Unworthiness: Unbecoming the Good Girl with Monica Rodgers

Welcome back to another fun episode of Midlife Strategies for Badass Women! Today’s guest is Monica Rodgers, a true badass, seasoned coach, podcaster, and intentional creativity™ facilitator. Monica specializes in investigating and transforming the underlying conditions that keep women from being seen, heard, and fulfilled. In this conversation, we explore the often-silenced, heavily burdened reality of taking care of aging parents. Monica sheds light on the profound cultural void around elder care , and how it forces many of us to face our childhood traumas all over again. We also unpack the "trance of unworthiness" - the societal conditioning that teaches women to stay small, voiceless, and disconnected from their own bodies. Monica reveals how we can break free from the "four P's" (pretty, pleasing, polite, and performative) and why she decided to go back to art school at age 53 to reconnect with her 19-year-old creative self If you are ready to stop building comfortable cages and start leaning into true sisterhood, this episode is your permission slip!   In this episode, we cover: * How elder care remains a deeply taboo subject in our society, leaving many midlife women to shoulder the burden and suffer in silence. * The "Trance of Unworthiness" and how childhood programming causes women to disassociate and abandon their true selves. * How to recognize if you are caught in the "four P's": being pretty, pleasing, polite, and performative. * The healing power of "medicine painting" and why giving yourself permission to express rage on a canvas can be profoundly life-giving. * The importance of true sisterhood, which requires women to stop competing and start celebrating and lifting each other up. Resources & Links Mentioned: Learn more about Monica Rodgers and her work to interrupt the trance of unworthiness by visiting her website. * Website: http://jointherevelation.com [http://jointherevelation.com]    * Podcast: http://podcast.jointherevelation.com [http://podcast.jointherevelation.com]    * Facebook: @revelationwoman * Instagram: @revelationwoman * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lifeisarevelation/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lifeisarevelation/] Die Better [https://a.co/d/0iovu374] by Abigail DiGostino [https://a.co/d/0iovu374]—a recommended read on navigating end-of-life conversations gracefully. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/death-isnt-a-dirty-word-what-every-midlife/id1753943662?i=1000730537082 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/death-isnt-a-dirty-word-what-every-midlife/id1753943662?i=1000730537082]