Ep. 42: Healing Through the Breaking Point: Vanessa Cornell on Self-Connection and Midlife Friendships

Ep. 44: Are Your Belief Systems BS? Bridgette Simmonds on Living, Playing & Dreaming More

Have you spent the last 20 or 30 years fitting into other people’s expectations? Do you question your worth unless you're productive? Have you been unwittingly chained to BS belief systems that you thought served you, but are really holding you back?   Then this episode is for you. In this candid and energizing conversation, Bridgette Simmonds joins Michele to dismantle the BS belief systems Gen X’ers were raised to follow—like the myth that productivity equals worth, or that joy is something you earn after burnout. We talk about what happens when you actually stop and ask: “What do I believe? And who taught me that?” Bridgette shares her own journey of awakening to purpose, the discomfort that sparked it, and why self-worth isn’t something you hustle for—it’s something you remember. We explore how intuition taps you on the shoulder, the role of play in real wellness, and why living, playing, and dreaming more isn’t some hashtag—it’s how we truly step onto the path of our most authentic, healthy, selves.  You’ll leave this episode with fresh questions, real talk, and a new lens for looking at your life. 👉🏻 Read the full show notes on the episode website [https://www.lifefromthesummit.com/podcast/44] 👀 Watch on YouTube [https://youtu.be/TtE_5f-iAE8] 🗝️ KEY TAKEAWAYS:  23:48 – What it costs to ignore your intuition 36:12 – The invitation to evolve and reinvent yourself 52:42 – Why play isn’t optional—it’s essential 58:43 – Challenging your belief systems in everyday life 01:03:14 – Three grounding questions for people in survival mode 💥CONNECT WITH MICHELE  Website [https://www.lifefromthesummit.com/]  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/lifefromthesummit/]   [http://www.instagram.com/lifefromthesummit/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/thegenxshift] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/TheGenXShiftPodcast] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@lifefromthesummit] Medium [https://medium.com/@lifefromthesummit] Insight Timer Guided Meditations [https://insighttimer.com/lfts]  Email:  Podcast@lifefromthesummit.com [Podcast@lifefromthesummit.com]   #thegenxshiftpodcast #thegenxshift #lifefromthesummit Stay Gold, Gen X’ers . . . . TIMESTAMPS [00:00] Preview [00:50] Podcast Intro [01:32] Host welcome and preview [03:55] Meet Bridgette Simmonds [11:54] Bridgette's journey into coaching [23:48]]The cost of ignoring our intuition [26:46] Finding Purpose in Struggles [36:12] The invitation to evolve and reinvent ourselves [40:58] Recognizing intuition's tap on the shoulder [45:03] Listening to the Inner Voice [49:51] Reconnecting with Playfulness [52:42] Challenging the BS Belief Systems [58:43] Challenging belief systems in the midst of everyday life [01:00:34] Recognizing what you get out of being miserable [01:03:14] 3 questions for people in survival mode [01:04:17] Taking steps toward what you want [01:15:29] Bridgette's program for BS beliefs  [01:21:29] Redefining Worthiness [01:23:27] The Importance of Enjoying Life [01:27:35] Get involved with Bridgette's community [01:35:20] Bridgette's free offer and the power of breathwork [01:41:38] Gen X Lightning Round [01:55:23] Host wrap-up 💙 SUPPORT THE PODCAST The Gen X Shift is a Life From The Summit [https://www.lifefromthesummit.com/podcast] podcast. Join the https://lifefromthesummit.ck.page/emailLife From The Summit weekly emails [https://lifefromthesummit.ck.page/email] to support your Gen X Shift! If you resonate with this episode, please remember to take a few seconds to leave a rating and review, and share the podcast with other Gen X’ers.    Also, the Gen X Shift is a one-woman show right now! So, your support goes a long way to helping Michele with the tech, equipment, and resources needed to produce this podcast. Please consider donating [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifefromthesummit].

Ep. 43: Life as an Outlier: Rodman Schley on Finding Purpose and Building a Life That’s Yours

Have you spent the last 20 or 30 years fitting into someone else’s version of what your life should look like? Do you struggle with finding your purpose—or even believing you’re allowed to have one? Are you just going through the motions most days, wondering when you’ll finally feel like your life is aligned with what you want? If you’re ready to live a life that is designed by and for you, then this episode of The Gen X Shift is a powerful invitation to stop living in the middle of the bell curve and start living outside–like an Outlier.   In this raw, reflective, and reminiscent conversation, Michele takes a walk down memory lane with childhood friend turned serial entrepreneur, Rodman Schley. Rodman and Michele talk about growing up on the lower end of the economic spectrum in small town Nebraska, as children of divorce, and how that impacted Rodman’s entrepreneurial journey. Rodman also shares his story of childhood sexual abuse in the hope that it will allow others to find their voice and reclaim their power.    Whether it’s childhood adversity or entrepreneurial “failures,” Rodman wouldn’t change a thing because he knows it’s made him who he is today. His insights on 4 steps to becoming an Outlier, what it takes to find your purpose, and the importance of doing the work, will inspire you to leave the bell curve behind and step into becoming an Outlier who lives life by their own design.  👉🏻 Read the full show notes on the episode website [https://www.lifefromthesummit.com/podcast/43] 👀 Watch on YouTube [https://youtu.be/4tGZRgu28m0] 🗝️ KEY TAKEAWAYS:  [30:20] Healing Through Childhood Sexual Abuse [46:14] What it Means to Be an Outlier [56:14] 4-Step Process to Becoming an Outlier [01:12:08] Learning from Failures and Missed Opportunities [01:19:47] Understanding Fear and Its Role [01:23:41] The Role of Self-Compassion [01:35:35] The Work Required to Become an Outlier 💥CONNECT WITH MICHELE  Website [https://www.lifefromthesummit.com/]  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/lifefromthesummit/]   [http://www.instagram.com/lifefromthesummit/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/thegenxshift] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/TheGenXShiftPodcast] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@lifefromthesummit] Medium [https://medium.com/@lifefromthesummit] Insight Timer Guided Meditations [https://insighttimer.com/lfts]  Email: Podcast@lifefromthesummit.com [Podcast@lifefromthesummit.com] Stay Gold, Gen X’ers . . . . #thegenxshiftpodcast #thegenxshift #lifefromthesummit TIMESTAMPS [00:00] Preview [00:43] The Gen X Shift Intro [01:26] Host Intro [04:48] Welcome Rodman Schley and Growing up in Lexington, Nebraska [11:20] Growing up Feeling Different [15:05] Humble Beginnings: Growing up with Less Money [17:54] Early Spark of Entrepreneurial Spirit [21:09] Growing Up as a Child of Divorce [23:14] Losing a Mom and Receiving Signs [30:20] Healing Through Childhood Sexual Abuse [35:52] Empowerment Through Telling Your Story [41:56] How a Book Led to a Lifelong Mindset Shift [46:14] What it Means to Be an Outlier [50:09] Realizing Your an Outlier [52:50] The Key to Being an Outlier: Alignment with Purpose [56:14] 4-Step Process to Becoming an Outlier [56:28] Step 1: Find Your Superpowers and Weaknesses [58:12] Step 2: Find What You Enjoy Doing [01:02:58] Step 3: Create Your Sacred Checkboxes [01:05:41] Step 4: Decide What No Longer Belongs [01:12:08] Learning from Failures and Missed Opportunities [01:19:47] Understanding Fear and Its Role [01:23:41] The Role of Self-Compassion [01:27:28] Complacency in Gen X and Generational Differences [01:32:13] Resilience and Adaptability of Gen X [01:35:35] The Work Required to Become an Outlier [01:41:27] Connect with Rodman [01:44:03] Gen X Lightning Round [01:46:23] Host Wrap-Up 💙 SUPPORT THE PODCAST The Gen X Shift is a Life From The Summit [https://www.lifefromthesummit.com/podcast] podcast. Join the https://lifefromthesummit.ck.page/emailLife From The Summit weekly emails [https://lifefromthesummit.ck.page/email] to support your Gen X Shift! If you resonate with this episode, please remember to take a few seconds to leave a rating and review, and share the podcast with other Gen X’ers.    Also, the Gen X Shift is a one-woman show right now! So, your support goes a long way to helping Michele with the tech, equipment, and resources needed to produce this podcast. Please consider donating [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifefromthesummit].

Ep. 42: Healing Through the Breaking Point: Vanessa Cornell on Self-Connection and Midlife Friendships

If you're a Gen X woman who: → Feels disconnected or unsure of how to navigate midlife relationships, → Has reached a breaking point and is ready for personal growth and self-connection, or → Craves deeper community support and women’s friendships, then this episode will help you embrace the power of self-discovery, healing, and creating authentic connections with other women. In this powerful conversation with Vanessa Cornell, founder of Nushu, we explore how Vanessa healed through her breaking point when she wanted to burn down her entire life. Vanessa shares how she learned to reconnect to herself, allow herself to be seen and heard, and the vital role of women’s friendships in midlife. Vanessa opens up about how holding space for herself and others is the most powerful–and scary–action we can take to deepen our connection to ourselves and others.   As we dive into the concept of Moai—a lifelong support network of women—we discuss the importance of building community and how connecting with other women can help you move through life’s challenges with resilience and grace. Whether you’re looking for guidance on how to rise from your breaking point to discover who you really are, or build meaningful relationships, this episode offers a roadmap to healing and growth. Plus, don’t miss the three key questions that Vanessa recommends asking yourself every day!   👉🏻 Read the full show notes on the episode website [https://www.lifefromthesummit.com/podcast/42] 👀 Watch on YouTube [https://youtu.be/QJVU947R3kk] 🗝️ KEY TAKEAWAYS:  [27:35] Hitting the breaking point and healing through it [35:12] 3 questions women can ask themselves every day [47:09] Understanding Space Holding [01:04:39] Establishing strong relationships with women [01:29:17] A New Perspective on Your Diva Era 💫 CONNECT WITH THE GUEST Social Media: @vanessacornell Vanessa Cornell website [https://vanessacornell.com/] NUSHU website [https://nushu.com/] 💞 GUEST OFFERS Five Minute Self-Care Challenge [https://vanessacornell.com/genxshift] 💥CONNECT WITH MICHELE  Website [https://www.lifefromthesummit.com/]  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/lifefromthesummit/]   [http://www.instagram.com/lifefromthesummit/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/thegenxshift] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/TheGenXShiftPodcast] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@lifefromthesummit] Medium [https://medium.com/@lifefromthesummit] Insight Timer Guided Meditations [https://insighttimer.com/lfts]  Email: Podcast@lifefromthesummit.com [Podcast@lifefromthesummit.com]   #thegenxshiftpodcast #thegenxshift #lifefromthesummit Stay Gold, Gen X’ers . . . . TIMESTAMPS [00:00] Preview [00:30] The Gen X Shift intro [01:17] Host Intro [04:48] Welcoming Vanessa Cornell [07:37] Childhood experiences and their impact [11:55] Breaking Down Barriers in Female Relationships [15:06] The Journey of Self-Discovery [17:15] The illusion of the successful life and perfectionism [21:06] Unlocking Creativity and Inspiration [27:35] Hitting the breaking point and healing through it [35:12] 3 questions women can ask themselves every day [43:13] The Power of Community and Friendship [45:52] The power of NUSHU community [47:09] Understanding Space Holding [51:21] The importance of space holding with children [54:29] Navigating Parent-Child Relationships [01:04:39] Establishing strong relationships with women [01:09:36] Finding connection through Moai [01:14:06] Building Relationships in Midlife [01:17:24] Layers of Friendship and Authentic Connections [01:25:15] Understanding Loneliness and Connection [01:29:17] A New Perspective on Your Diva Era [01:35:16] The Evolution of Vanessa's Work [01:38:55] Where to find Vanessa [01:39:50] Gen X lightning round [01:43:48] Host wrap-up 💙 SUPPORT THE PODCAST The Gen X Shift is a Life From The Summit [https://www.lifefromthesummit.com/podcast] podcast. Join the https://lifefromthesummit.ck.page/emailLife From The Summit weekly emails [https://lifefromthesummit.ck.page/email] to support your Gen X Shift! If you resonate with this episode, please remember to take a few seconds to leave a rating and review, and share the podcast with other Gen X’ers.    Also, the Gen X Shift is a one-woman show right now! So, your support goes a long way to helping Michele with the tech, equipment, and resources needed to produce this podcast. Please consider donating [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifefromthesummit].

Ep. 41 Pro-Aging: How Life After 40 is Your Second Act with Barbara Brooks

If you’re a Gen X woman who:  → has shied away from aging,  → thinks that you’ve entered the stage of life where you’re supposed to be winding down, or → are tired of being told by society that you have no value at this age,  then this episode will have you embracing the power of being “pro aging.”  This episode is a no-fluff, high-truth convo with Barbara Brooks, founder of SecondActWomen, about the fire and frustration that come with being overlooked in a culture obsessed with youth and 30 under 30 lists. We explore what it means to be pro-aging, how to embrace “solo aging,” and the importance of seeing aging as a privilege and opportunity to bloom again!  Barbara shares her own journey of not being able to find a job in her mid-40’s, the challenges faced by women over 40, and how it all led to her becoming an accidental entrepreneur in her late 40’s.  And, geek out on the statistics Barbara shares on how Gen X women are fueling the longevity economy and launching businesses in record numbers. Come along for a wild Gen X ride as Barbara talks about growing up with an inspiring mom who helped give her the resilience she needed along her path, all things Gen X childhood, and a lifelong love of music!   This episode will remind you that you're not wilting on the vine after 40—you’re just starting to bloom! 👉🏻 Read the full show notes and connect with Barbara on the episode website [https://www.lifefromthesummit.com/podcast/41].  👀 Watch on YouTube [https://youtu.be/PxROS1yWTF0] 💥CONNECT WITH MICHELE  Website [https://www.lifefromthesummit.com/]  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/lifefromthesummit/]   [http://www.instagram.com/lifefromthesummit/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/thegenxshift] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/TheGenXShiftPodcast] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@lifefromthesummit] Medium [https://medium.com/@lifefromthesummit] Insight Timer Guided Meditations [https://insighttimer.com/lfts]  Email:  Podcast@lifefromthesummit.com [Podcast@lifefromthesummit.com]   #thegenxshiftpodcast #thegenxshift #lifefromthesummit Stay Gold, Gen X’ers . . . . TIMESTAMPS [00:00] Embracing Pro-Aging: A New Perspective [00:38] The Gen X Shift Intro [01:23] Host welcome to Season 2 [04:25] Meet Barbara Brooks of Second Act Women [14:49] Inspiration from a Powerful Mom [17:38] Becoming an Accidental Entrepreneur After 45 [22:02] Experiencing Ageism in Midlife [25:23] The Power of Women in the Economy and the Impact of Ageism [28:47] Women Blooming After 40 [31:05] Redefining Generational Stereotypes [34:25] Defining Pro-Aging and Privilege of Aging [37:42] PBS Documentary and Discussion of Pro Aging and Solo Aging [43:51] Understanding Solo Aging [47:02] Statistics on Women in the Workplace and Business [48:55] What Gen X'ers Bring to the Workplace and Small Business [51:23] Where to Connect with Barbara [51:54] Gen X Lightning Round [56:00] Host Wrap-Up 💙 SUPPORT THE PODCAST The Gen X Shift is a Life From The Summit [https://www.lifefromthesummit.com/podcast] podcast. Join the https://lifefromthesummit.ck.page/emailLife From The Summit weekly emails [https://lifefromthesummit.ck.page/email] to support your Gen X Shift! If you resonate with this episode, please remember to take a few seconds to leave a rating and review, and share the podcast with other Gen X’ers.    Also, the Gen X Shift is a one-woman show right now! So, your support goes a long way to helping Michele with the tech, equipment, and resources needed to produce this podcast. Please consider donating [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifefromthesummit].

Ep. 40: The Gen X Shift Turns 1: A Top 8 Countdown to Inspire Small Changes (Part 4)

🎉 ONE‑YEAR PODCASTIVERSARY, PART 4 We’re on the final episode of our Top 8 Casey Kasem-style countdown—this week we tackle Topic 2: A Change Is Gonna Come (trauma healing, habits & conditioning) and Topic 1: Express Yourself (reinvention, mindset & growth).  Nine Gen X experts bring zero‑BS insights to help you shake off shame, rewire your habits, and reinvent your life without the fluff. 🥳 Don’t forget to sign The Gen X Shift birthday card by leaving a comment or sending me an email about your favorites guests or episodes, or what you’ve learned from the podcast.   TOPIC 2 – A CHANGE IS GONNA COME:  HEALING THROUGH TRAUMA, HABITS, AND CONDITIONING 02:27 Sara Giita Flores (Ep. 7) [https://www.lifefromthesummit.com/podcast/7] - How to silence shame and find your authentic voice 09:08 Dr. Adia Gooden (Ep. 15) [https://www.lifefromthesummit.com/podcast/15] - Building unconditional self‑worth beyond “tough Gen X” myths 17:38 Jen Gergen (Ep. 20) [https://www.lifefromthesummit.com/podcast/20] - Why non‑violent communication is your ultimate life‑reboot tool 25:23 myisha t. Hill (Ep. 21 [https://www.lifefromthesummit.com/podcast/21] and Ep. 36 [https://www.lifefromthesummit.com/podcast/36]) - Breaking free from Gen X shame and individualism traps TOPIC 1 – EXPRESS YOURSELF:  REINVENTION, PERSONAL GROWTH, AND MINDSET 39:01 Holly Chayes (Ep. 11) [https://www.lifefromthesummit.com/podcast/11] - Personal style as a catalyst for confidence and reinvention 45:30 Cris Howard (Ep. 12) [https://www.lifefromthesummit.com/podcast/12] - A journey into self‑acceptance 51:39 Michael O’Brien (Ep. 14) [https://www.lifefromthesummit.com/podcast/14] - How to have your last bad day—ever 01:01:47 Sue Willoughby (Ep. 34) [https://www.lifefromthesummit.com/podcast/34] - It’s never too late and you’re never too old 01:10:55 Ellen Latzen (Ep. 35) [https://www.lifefromthesummit.com/podcast/35] - Reigniting creativity and surrendering to flow Episode website [https://www.lifefromthesummit.com/podcast] Watch on YouTube [https://youtu.be/Xb0sZaclxE8] 💥CONNECT WITH MICHELE  Website [https://www.lifefromthesummit.com/]  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/lifefromthesummit/]   [http://www.instagram.com/lifefromthesummit/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/thegenxshift] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/TheGenXShiftPodcast] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@lifefromthesummit] Medium [https://medium.com/@lifefromthesummit] Insight Timer Guided Meditations [https://insighttimer.com/lfts]  Email:  Podcast@lifefromthesummit.com [Podcast@lifefromthesummit.com]   #thegenxshiftpodcast #thegenxshift #lifefromthesummit Stay Gold, Gen X’ers . . . . TIMESTAMPS [00:00] Introduction to Gen X Shift Podcast [00:45] Host welcome [02:15] Topic 2:  A Change is Gonna Come - Healing through Trauma, Habits, and Conditioning [02:27] Sara Giita Flores - finding your voice and healing through shame [09:08] Dr. Adia Gooden - finding unconditional self-worth [17:38] Jen Gergen - The Importance of Non-Violent Communication [25:23] myisha t. hill - Healing Your Way Through Gen X Shame and Individualism [38:31] Topic No. 1:  Express Yourself:  Reinvention, Personal Growth, and Mindset [39:01] Holly Chayes - Tapping Into Gen X Personal Style [45:30] Cris Howard - The Journey of Self-Acceptance [51:39] Michael O'Brien - How to Have Your Last Bad Day [01:01:47] Sue Willoughby - You're Never Too Old and It's Never Too Late [01:10:55] Ellen Latzen - Reigniting Creativity and Surrendering to the Flow [01:17:47] Host Wrap-Up 💙 SUPPORT THE PODCAST The Gen X Shift is a Life From The Summit [https://www.lifefromthesummit.com/podcast] podcast. Join the https://lifefromthesummit.ck.page/emailLife From The Summit weekly emails [https://lifefromthesummit.ck.page/email] to support your Gen X Shift! If you resonate with this episode, please remember to take a few seconds to leave a rating and review, and share the podcast with other Gen X’ers.    Also, the Gen X Shift is a one-woman show right now! So, your support goes a long way to helping Michele with the tech, equipment, and resources needed to produce this podcast. Please consider donating [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifefromthesummit].