The IT Girl Life

Midlife Identity Shift

The Midlife Identity Shift: Who Are You… Really? Have you ever had that moment where you look around at your life and think…  Wait. Is this actually the life I chose… or the one I just ended up in? Yeah. Same. In this episode, we’re getting real about the midlife identity shift — and why so many women in their 40s are waking up to the quiet (or loud) realization that something needs to change. This isn’t a crisis.  It’s an awakening. We’re talking about what it looks like to peel back the layers — the roles, the expectations, the “shoulds” — and come back home to who you actually are. Because here’s the truth:  You can’t build a life you love if you don’t even know what you want. Inside this episode, we share: *  The moment you realize your old definition of success doesn’t fit anymore  *  Why self-awareness is the starting point for everything  *  What it means to “unzip” from your roles (and why it’s uncomfortable but necessary)  *  How to navigate change when everything feels uncertain  *  And why doing this work alone is way harder than it needs to be  If you’ve been feeling stuck, disconnected, or like you’re meant for more… this conversation is your permission slip. Not to blow up your life.  But to finally start living it on purpose. ✨ Key Takeaways *  Midlife isn’t a breakdown — it’s a breakthrough  *  Clarity comes from honesty, not avoidance  *  You are allowed to redefine success at any point  *  The most important relationship you’ll ever lead is the one with yourself  *  You don’t have to figure it all out alone

Episode 43: Strong but Soft- Emotional Regulation for Real Life

Being “that girl” isn’t about having it all together — it’s about knowing how to come back to yourself when things fall apart. In this episode of The It Girl Life Podcast, Mishelle Kost and Meredith Walker get real about emotional regulation — what it actually looks like in everyday life, especially in high-stress moments, relationships, and leadership roles. From snapping when you’re overwhelmed to navigating tough conversations without spiraling, this episode breaks down why emotional regulation is one of the most underrated (and powerful) skills you can develop. They share personal stories, honest challenges, and practical tools you can use in the moment — not just when life feels calm and controlled. Because emotional regulation isn’t about being emotionless… It’s about being self-led. ✨ In This Episode, We Cover: * Why emotional regulation is essential for growth — personally and professionally * How self-awareness changes the way you respond under pressure * Recognizing physical signs of stress before emotions take over * Simple grounding practices to calm your nervous system * Why writing things down helps regulate mental overload * How to repair relationships after emotional reactions * The power of pausing instead of pushing through * Why empathy (for yourself and others) diffuses tension * How mindfulness supports emotional control in real life * Why emotional regulation is a daily practice, not a destination This episode is your reminder that strength isn’t about never reacting — it’s about knowing how to return to center, again and again. 🎙️ Press play if you’re ready to regulate, not repress.

Episode 42: Negotiate Like You Belong There

In this episode of It Girl Life, Mishelle Kost and Meredith Walker break down what it really takes to negotiate with confidence, clarity, and self-worth. From salary conversations to everyday life decisions, this is your reminder that you don’t ask for permission to take up space—you claim it. Mishelle opens up about her past struggles with negotiation (hello, taking the first offer 😅), while Meredith shares how she approaches every negotiation with strategy, data, and market research. Together, they unpack the mindset shifts women must make to stop underpricing themselves and start advocating for what they truly deserve. You’ll learn how to:  ✨ Walk into negotiations grounded in your value  ✨ Use research and data as your power tools  ✨ Detach emotionally and negotiate with intention  ✨ Shift from “hoping” to expecting fair compensation This episode is your permission slip to stop playing small and start negotiating like you belong at every table you sit at. 💡 Takeaways • Negotiate like you belong there.  • Knowledge is power—do your research.  • Women often underprice themselves in negotiations.  • Bring data to support your salary expectations.  • You have the right to ask for what you’re worth.

Episode 41: The Phone Isn’t the Problem, The Feed Is

🎧 EPISODE 41 SHOW NOTES The Phone Isn’t the Problem — The Feed Is PSA from the It Girl Doing Her Best Club: your phone didn’t ruin your life… your algorithm might have. In this episode, Meredith Walker and Mishelle Kost get real (and a little spicy) about screen time, social media, and why mindless scrolling leaves you feeling meh, anxious, or low-key unmotivated. Spoiler: it’s not about quitting your phone or going off-grid in a linen jumpsuit. It’s about curation, intention, and self-awareness. We talk about: * Why endless scrolling hits different (and not in a good way) * How your feed shapes your mindset more than you think * The sneaky impact of news overload * Digital detoxes (soft launch, not extreme) * How to Marie Kondo your social media for mental peace This episode is your reminder that your time is expensive, your energy is sacred, and your feed should hype you up—not humble you. You don’t need less screen time.  You need a better feed. 🎧 Listen now and join us in reclaiming our peace, one unfollow at a time.

Episode 40: Burnout Antidote- Small Fires, Not Wildfires

Burnout Antidote: Small Fires, Not Wildfires Season 3, Episode 3 In this episode, Mishelle and Meredith get real (like… really real) about burnout — the kind that sneaks up on you while you’re busy being everything to everyone. They open up about their own experiences navigating stress, overwhelm, and the quiet signals our bodies try to send us long before we hit a breaking point. Together, they unpack why burnout happens, how to recognize it earlier, and the tiny shifts that act as an antidote — the “small fires” you can address before they become full-blown wildfires. Expect honest stories, emotional intelligence gems, a whole lot of self-awareness, and of course… reminders that play, joy, and rest are part of your power, not things you have to earn. Whether you’re feeling stretched thin or simply want to build healthier habits, this episode will help you reclaim energy, reset your boundaries, and come back home to yourself. ✨ Key Takeaways * Burnout often goes unnoticed until it demands your attention. * Boundaries aren’t selfish — they’re protective. * Physical symptoms are often your first warning sign. * Self-care is a DAILY necessity, not a luxury. * Delegation is a strength, not a weakness. * Schedule downtime like it’s a meeting with your future self. * Joy in small things can be a powerful burnout disruptor. * Emotional intelligence helps you know when to pause. * Self-awareness is the gateway to managing stress. * Play isn’t childish — it’s essential to your well-being.