The Midlife Truth Project

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 7 - "Plan Ahead" with Jean Chatzky Oct 30, 2024

This is episode (7) of our special nine-part series entitled Plan Ahead. Our hosts Julie Flakstad & Dr. Taz Bhatia, welcome Jean Chatzky - CEO and Founder of HerMoney, journalist, author, and former financial editor of NBC’s Today Show. The conversation addresses both the practical and emotional aspects of financial planning, especially for women in their 40s and 50s. Chatzky shares insights into why financial planning is inherently challenging, particularly due to human behavioral tendencies, and emphasizes the importance of understanding personal "money types" to overcome financial roadblocks.

Here are some of the themes we discuss …

What ‘planning ahead’ means in our 40s + 50s: Jean offers perspective on why we’re not necessarily wired to plan ahead ahead, how planning ahead has evolved, and what we should be thinking about today.
Emotional and Behavioral Aspects of Money Management The episode underscores that money management isn’t just numbers—it’s tied deeply to emotions and behaviors, and understanding this connection can help individuals make better, less reactive financial decisions.
Understanding Personal “Money Types” She explains that one of the first steps to planning ahead is to better understand your relationship with money and finances. Jean recommends taking a money personality quiz (see link below) to provide insight on why you are the way you are, and, if you’re in a relationship, how your partner is wired too.
Building an Emergency Fund Jean highlights the importance of a dedicated emergency fund (aka the “oh shit” fund) for life’s unexpected expenses, including tips on how much we should have saved for unforeseen circumstances.
Empowering Women in Financial Decision Making The conversation explores how many women in midlife feel unprepared to handle or even talk about personal finances, the need to insert oneself in financial conversations, and advice on how to take a more active role in managing day-to-day finances.
Setting Realistic Financial Goals Jean offers valuable benchmarks for savings and retirement, insight on how to talk more openly with your partner/spouse about your future goals, and broader perspective on how to avoid FOMO relative to what one can and can’t afford.

About Our Guest, Jean Chatzky

Jean Chatzky, CEO and co-founder of HerMoney is the former financial editor of NBC’s Today Show, a coach on the PBS show Opportunity Knocks, a New York Times and Wall Street Journal best-selling author, the financial ambassador for AARP and the host of the HerMoney podcast. Through decades of reporting on personal finance, she learned that a) the jargon-filled speak of the financial industry was created (largely by men) to sell you stuff you don’t need, and b) if you eliminate the jargon there is absolutely no rocket science to money. She knows that a full, successful financial life is within every woman’s grasp — and with the HerMoney team, she’s on a mission to help you get it.

Connect with Our Hosts and Conversation Partner!

Jean Chatzky

Resources noted

Julie Flakstad

Dr. Taz Bhatia

YouTube: @DrTazMD
Instagram: @drtazmd
Website: doctortaz.com
Order The Hormone Shift book HERE
Practice - Centre Spring MD: https://centrespringmd.com/

Tune in next Wednesday, 11/6, when we drop our next episode in this special (9) part series, called “It’s Not Too Late” with former professional volleyball player, entrepreneur and podcast host, Gabby Reece. In this episode, our hosts, Julie Flakstad and Dr. Taz Bhatia, reframe the notion that it’s too late and get practical advice for how to approach this new + exciting chapter in our lives. Available on Audio and on YouTube!

Thanks so much for tuning in! Before you leave, please make sure to subscribe to the show so you’ll receive updates on new episodes. Also, let us know how we’re doing by providing a rating and review!

This series is presented by Womaness

Created by women for women, Womaness (https://womaness.com/) offers clinically and doctor tested supplements, sexual wellness, and skincare products that help you navigate hot flashes, changing skin, vaginal dryness, sleepless nights, and more—empowering you to live your life fully and age well.

Just for you… Womaness is offering all our future podcast listeners 20% off any purchase of $50 or more. Use code: Midlife20 and Shop Now

Production:

This show is produced by Rainbow Creative with Evy Bjorn and Matthew Jones as Executive Producers, and Nathan Wheatley as Lead Video and Audio Editor. Learn more about them at https://www.rainbowcreative.co.

Ep. 6 - "Friendship Matters" with Paige Nolan Oct 23, 2024

This is episode (6) of our special nine-part series entitled Friendship Matters. Our hosts Julie Flakstad & Dr. Taz Bhatia, welcome Paige Nolan - life coach, writer and podcast host of I’ll Meet You There. This episode explores the importance of meaningful connection as we age, as well as the sometimes painful reality of needing to take inventory of our friendships and the mutual work that’s required. We’ll also delve into what happens when things get bumpy in a friendship, how to have uncomfortable conversations, and the idea of opening yourself up to new friendships in this new season of our lives.

Here are some of the themes we discuss …

How friendship evolves as we age. Howour lives shift raising children, changing jobs, or with a move, or divorce, leaving some suddenly feeling more disconnected or lonely.
Midlife as an opportunity to become more intentional about who + how we spend our time. The power of taking inventory of our relationships, nurturing those that are more meaningful to us while allowing more space for those less fulfilling.
Friendship is like a garden: There are oak trees (deeply rooted friends), flowers (beautiful, meaningful connections with sometimes shorter seasons), and weeds (yes, weeds, those relationships that no longer serve us + need pruning).
The importance of vulnerability + time: True intimacy in friendship requires showing up, being present and vulnerable as well as daring to have "hard conversations" that cultivate even stronger bonds. Ultimately, we have to take responsibility for the relationships and experiences we want.
Lead with love: In difficult situations, remind yourself, it’s not you against them, it’s the two of you against the distance you both feel.
It’s never too late to forge new relationships or deepen existing ones. Lean into common hobbies or community groups, be curious and interested (and don’t underestimate the power of Pickleball!)

Added bonus - Paige shares her thoughts about life coaching vs therapy, her approach, what to look for, and who may benefit from this work.

About Our Guest, Paige Nolan

Paige Nolan is a life coach, podcaster, speaker, and writer who guides people to discover and focus on what matters most – so they can experience deeply fulfilling lives.

As a former guidance counselor and teacher, Paige’s coaching programs began as an offering to busy mothers who needed to pause and get more intentional about their lives. After sitting with thousands of women with her “Live What Matters Workshop,” Paige landed on the guiding principle of her work today: living what matters doesn’t take more time, it takes more courage.

Paige supports individuals, couples and organizational teams to make the brave, and sometimes hard, conscious choices they need to make to change. Her podcast “I’ll Meet You There” celebrates the joys, challenges and extraordinary journey of building an everyday life aligned to one’s truest values. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, three teenage-children and two beloved rescue dogs. Visit www.paigenolan.com to learn more.

Connect with Our Hosts and Conversation Partner!

Paige Nolan

Julie Flakstad

Dr. Taz Bhatia

YouTube: @DrTazMD
Instagram: @drtazmd
Website: doctortaz.com
Order The Hormone Shift book HERE
Practice - Centre Spring MD: https://centrespringmd.com/

Tune in next Wednesday, 10/23, when we drop our next episode in this special (9) part series, called “Plan Ahead” with Journalist, Financial Editor of NBC’s Today Show, and CEO + Founder of HerMoney, Jean Chatzky. In this episode, our hosts, Julie Flakstad and Dr. Taz Bhatia, get into the conceptual + practical aspects of financial security as we age. Available on Audio and on YouTube!

This series is presented by Womaness

Just for you… Womaness is offering all our future podcast listeners 20% off any purchase of $50 or more. Use code: Midlife20 and Shop Now

Production: This show is produced by Rainbow Creative with Evy Bjorn and Matthew Jones as Executive Producers, and Nathan Wheatley as Lead Video and Audio Editor. Learn more about them at https://www.rainbowcreative.co.

Ep. 5 - "Sex is Complicated" with Kelly Casperson MD Oct 16, 2024

This is episode (5) of our special nine-part series entitled Sex is Complicated. Our hosts Julie Flakstad & Dr. Taz Bhatia, welcome celebrated urologist, author, and podcast host, Dr. Kelly Casperon to unravel why sex + intimacy becomes more nuanced as we age. Kelly’s direct and approachable style provides valuable perspective and much needed advice on all things adult sex-ed. In this episode, Kelly breaks down:

Why sex + intimacy is nuanced + layered as we transition into midlife
What's happening physically + emotionally and how to navigate it both in and out of the bedroom
Advice + perspective on how to take charge of your sexual wellness including the importance of vaginal estrogen, knowing your anatomy, and how to talk more openly with your partner and/or spouse
The importance of rethinking sex + intimacy as ‘PLAY’

About Our Guest, Kelly Casperson MD.

Dr. Casperson is a board-certified practicing urologist interested in the power of the mind and science to change our views on sexuality. After years in medical practice, she had a life-changing patient who fueled not only her interest in learning everything she could about female sexual wellness but ultimately, her passion for educating women everywhere that they are not broken in the bedroom. They just didn’t get a proper education (and neither did their partners).

She created a podcast called You Are Not Broken which consistently ranks in the top 10 in the Apple “sexuality” category in multiple countries. It has been nominated for an AASECT award for three years running.

She went on to develop online courses teaching women the fundamentals of their anatomy and physiology, discussing their limiting beliefs, and normalizing their normal female sexual function, so that they are empowered to live their best love lives yet. She has a premier, private podcast/group coaching experience, which started in July 2022 to help people create desire and agency in their intimate lives.

Certified through the Life Coach School and the North American Menopause Society, she now combines her medical knowledge with mind-work to help women have more understanding and agency over their sexuality.

An engaging and humorous storyteller, she is a nationally recognized speaker, known for being approachable (like your big sister who is a doctor), making people feel comfortable with these often-uncomfortable topics, and changing lives in and out of the bedroom with her practical and useful tips.

She is opening The Casperson Clinic in October 2024

Connect with Our Hosts and Conversation Partner!

Kelly Casperson

Julie Flakstad

Dr. Taz Bhatia

YouTube: @DrTazMD
Instagram: @drtazmd
Website: doctortaz.com
Order The Hormone Shift book HERE
Practice - Centre Spring MD: https://centrespringmd.com/

Tune in next Wednesday, 10/23, when we drop our next episode in this special (9) part series, called “Friendship Matters” with podcaster and life coach, Paige Nolan. In this episode, our hosts, Julie Flakstad and Dr. Taz Bhatia, get into the ever changing landscape of adult friendships as we age.. Available on Audio and on YouTube!

This series is presented by Womaness

Just for you… Womaness is offering all our future podcast listeners 20% off any purchase of $50 or more. Use code: Midlife20 and Shop Now

Production:

Ep. 4 - "Families Change" with Kelly Corrigan Oct 09, 2024

This is episode (4) of our special nine-part series entitled Families Change where Julie Flakstad, sits down in-person with Kelly Corrigan to discuss the voluminous topic of changing family dynamics as we enter midlife. In this episode, Kelly shares her valuable perspective + insights on how motherhood evolves as our children age, the ache of learning to let go, as well as her brave thought that while we can never get enough of our children, we shouldn’t need a thing. It’s a candid, heartfelt conversation where she also touches on the idea that we’re forever modeling for our children — even in midlife in terms of showing them that we can continue to flourish.

Our conversation also explores the vulnerable role of navigating aging parents and the concept of leaning into what they may need versus what we want. Kelly also generously recounts the recent loss of her mother and the invaluable lessons she taught her.

A few important mentions that we bring up during our conversation:

Her gratitude + involvement with Christy Turlington’s foundation, Every Mother Counts
Recent TedTalk ‘Love Is To Be Brave’
Interview with Going Deep On Empty Nesting with Maya Shanker
Reading Daniel Mason’s, Northwoods

About Our Guest, Kelly Corrigan

Kelly has been called “the voice of her generation” by Oprah Magazine and “the poet laureate of the ordinary” by HuffPost. She is the author of the New York Times bestsellers The Middle Place, Lift, Glitter and Glue, and most recently, Tell Me More. She is the host of a primetime interview show on PBS called Tell Me More as well as a podcast called Kelly Corrigan Wonders (all links below).

Connect with Our Hosts and Conversation Partner!

Kelly Corrigan

Julie Flakstad

Dr. Taz Bhatia

YouTube: @DrTazMD
Instagram: @drtazmd
Website: doctortaz.com
Order The Hormone Shift book HERE
Practice - Centre Spring MD: https://centrespringmd.com/

Tune in next Wednesday, 10/16, when we drop our next episode in this special (9) part series, called “Sex is Complicated,” with Adult Sex Education Expert, Practicing Urologist, podcaster, and best selling author Dr. Kelly Casperson. In this episode, our hosts, Julie Flakstad and Dr. Taz Bhatia, get the adult sex education that everyone needs to feel more comfortable and secure in our sexuality, as we age.. Available on Audio and on YouTube!

This series is presented by Womaness

Just for you… Womaness is offering all our future podcast listeners 20% off any purchase of $50 or more. Use code: Midlife20 and Shop Now

Production:

This show is produced by Rainbow Creative with Evy Bjorn and Matthew Jones as Executive Producers, and Nathan Wheatley as Lead Video and Audio Editor. Learn more about them at rainbowcreative.co.

Special thanks also to Laughing Man Studios in NYC for hosting the conversation.

Ep. 3 - "You’re Not Crazy, It’s Hormones" with Dr. Sharon Malone Oct 02, 2024

In this episode of The Midlife Truth Project podcast, hosts Julie Flakstad and Dr. Taz Bhatia sit down with Dr. Sharon Malone to discuss perimenopause and menopause, including why generations of women were left to suffer in silence, the now infamous Women's Health Initiative (WHI) Study and the resulting controversy regarding the use of hormonal therapy (HRT) and breast cancer. In this episode, we also discuss what’s happening to our bodies during the menopause transition, why women may feel like they’re ‘going crazy,’ common myths about HRT relative to symptom relief as well as the many long term health benefits including preventing cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and type 2 diabetes. The conversation also highlights a stark disparity in research funding, noting that less than 11% of the $45 billion in NIH research goes to women’s studies. Dr. Malone emphasizes the need for equitable access to quality healthcare for all women.

About our Guest, Dr. Sharon Malone

Dr. Sharon Malone is on a mission to empower women to take charge of their health.

As a celebrated OB|GYN for over 30+ years and Chief Medical Advisor for Alloy Women’s Health, Dr. Malone brings decades of clinical and real-life experiences to her treatment of women in the menopausal transition and the post-reproductive years.

Born in Mobile, Alabama, the youngest of 8 children, Dr. Malone was raised by her siblings after the death of her mother and moved multiple times, changing schools four times in four years in three different states. Dr. Malone found strength and resilience in community, in her own work ethic and in her strong belief that there are no accidents in the universe. She went on to graduate cum laude from Harvard with a degree in Psychology and Social Relations and later graduated with honors from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. Upon completing her residency at The George Washington University, Dr. Malone served women across Washington DC in her OB|GYN practice.

With appearances on The Michelle Obama Podcast, Oprah Winfrey’s The Life You Want, Today Show and more, Dr. Malone is a New York Times bestselling author and a nationally known expert in women’s health and a vocal advocate for menopause awareness and evidence-based information about hormone replacement therapy. A certified Menopause Practitioner, she believes that all women should be able to make decisions regarding their health and quality of life based on facts – not fear.

An instant New York Times bestseller, her first book, Grown Woman Talk: Your Guide to Getting and Staying Healthy is now available nationwide.

Connect with Our Hosts and Conversation Partner!

Dr. Sharon Malone

Julie Flakstad

https://julieflakstad.com/
Instagram @julieflakstad (ALT Link for YT) https://www.instagram.com/julieflakstad/
Facebook @thejulieflakstad (ALT Link) https://www.facebook.com/thejulieflakstad

Dr. Taz Bhatia

YouTube: @DrTazMD
Instagram: @drtazmd
Website: doctortaz.com
Order The Hormone Shift book HERE
Practice - Centre Spring MD: https://centrespringmd.com/

Tune in next Wednesday, 10/9, when we drop our next episode in this special (9) part series, called “”Families Change,” with PBS host, podcaster, and author Kelly Corrigan. In this one-on-one, in-person conversation, our host, Julie Flakstad and Kelly Corrigan, go deep on changing family dynamics including how our roles as mothers evolve, the ache of learning to let go and navigating aging parents. Available on Audio and on YouTube!

This series is presented by Womaness

Just for you… Womaness is offering all our future podcast listeners 20% off any purchase of $50 or more. Use code: Midlife20 and Shop Now

Production:

This show is produced by Rainbow Creative with Evy Bjorn and Matthew Jones as Executive Producers, and Nathan Wheatley as Lead Video and Audio Editor. Learn more about them at rainbowcreative.co.

Ep. 2 - “Windows Open” Redefining Midlife with Chip Conley Sep 25, 2024

In this enlightening episode of The Midlife Truth Project, our guest Chip Conley shares his inspiring journey and insights into the often misunderstood phase of midlife. Discussing the importance of creating a roadmap for midlife, he delves into the concept of 'middle essence' and the transitions we face during this period. Chip recalls his personal experiences, including serious struggles and transformative moments, and how they led him to establish The Modern Elder Academy, the world’s first midlife wisdom school. This conversation explores the cultural biases around aging, the importance of a growth mindset, and the practical steps for opening up to new possibilities. By redefining midlife as a time of growth and renewal, Chip provides valuable advice on navigating personal and professional transitions, reclaiming purpose, and cultivating wisdom. Join us as we learn how to transform midlife from a crisis into a chrysalis.

About our Guest Chip Conley

Chip Conley is a renowned entrepreneur, best-selling author, and dynamic speaker celebrated for his innovative approach to leadership and hospitality. His unique leadership philosophy, which combines emotional intelligence with business acumen, has served as a beacon for entrepreneurs and executives worldwide.

In 2013, Chip joined Airbnb as Head of Global Hospitality and Strategy and the in-house mentor to the three Millennial founders (he became known as the “modern elder” of the company, “someone as curious as they are wise”).

Inspired by his own midlife journey, experience at Airbnb, and extensive research and collaboration with thought leaders in the area of aging, Chip co-founded the Modern Elder Academy (MEA) in January 2018. Located in the serene setting of Baja California, Mexico, MEA is the world’s first midlife wisdom school, offering transformative programs to help individuals navigate midlife transitions and cultivate a renewed sense of purpose.

Chip is a prolific author, with several influential books to his name, including Wisdom@Work: The Making of a Modern Elder and his latest bestseller, Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age.

Connect with Our Hosts and Conversation Partner!

Chip Conley

Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age: https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Love-Midlife-Reasons-Better-ebook/dp/B0C3ZNSQJ6
The Modern Elder Academy: https://www.meawisdom.com/
Instagram: @chipconley

Julie Flakstad

Dr. Taz Bhatia

YouTube: @DrTazMD
Instagram: @drtazmd
Website: doctortaz.com
Order The Hormone Shift book HERE
Practice - Centre Spring MD: https://centrespringmd.com/

Tune in next Wednesday, 10/2, when we drop our next episode, called “You’re Not Crazy, It’s Hormones!” a discussion with celebrated OB|GYN + Chief Medical Advisor at Alloy Women’s Health, Dr. Sharon Malone. Together we’ll explore what’s happening to our bodies in conjunction with perimenopause and menopause, why generations of women were left to suffer in silence and provide valuable insight on today’s care + how women can best advocate for themselves. Available on Audio and on YouTube!

This series is presented by Womaness

Just for you… Womaness is offering all our future podcast listeners 20% off any purchase of $50 or more. Use code: Midlife20 and Shop Now

Production:

This show is produced by Rainbow Creative with Evy Bjorn and Matthew Jones as Executive Producers, and Nathan Wheatley as Lead Video and Audio Editor. Learn more about them at rainbowcreative.co.

Ep. 1 - "Go Deep" About Midlife, The Most Explosive Chapter In A Woman’s Life Sep 25, 2024

Meet your hosts - Julie Flakstad and Dr. Taz Bhatia as they embark on the inaugural episode of The Midlife Truth Project, a unique podcast series aimed at helping women unravel the biggest, most explosive chapter in their lives. In this introductory episode, Julie and Dr. Taz share their own personal midlife stories, discuss the myriad of transitions that women face, and give us a sneak peek of the upcoming episodes featuring incredible guests like Chip Conley, Dr. Sharon Malone, Kelly Corrigan and Sara Blakely. Listen in and reflect on how midlife can be a time of both tremendous transition, deep reflection and incredible growth.

Connect with Our Hosts!

Julie Flakstad

Dr. Taz Bhatia

YouTube: @DrTazMD
Instagram: @drtazmd
Website: doctortaz.com
Order The Hormone Shift book HERE
Practice - Centre Spring MD: https://centrespringmd.com/

Check out the next episode with Chip Conley on Audio and on YouTube available now!

This series is presented by Womaness

Just for you… Womaness is offering all our future podcast listeners 20% off any purchase of $50 or more. Use code: Midlife20 and Shop Now

Production:

This show is produced by Rainbow Creative with Evy Bjorn and Matthew Jones as Executive Producers, and Nathan Wheatley as Lead Video and Audio Editor. Learn more about them at rainbowcreative.co.

Introducing...The Midlife Truth Project Podcast Jun 21, 2024

Introducing, the Midlife Truth Project, a limited series podcast, co-hosted by Julie Flakstad and the brilliant Dr. Taz.

Why? Because midlife is one of the biggest, most explosive periods in a woman’s life – yet we don’t talk about it – why is that?

Imagine midlife as a series of waves all crashing onto shore; everything from what’s happening to our bodies in conjunction with perimenopause and menopause, evolving friendships, changing family dynamics, aging parents, financial security, to the often bigger question of what’s next?

Designed as an intimate audio journey, each episode will feature open, smart, ‘go-there’ style conversations with leading experts, authors, celebrities, thought leaders and public figures. Collectively, by delving into these unspoken, shared truths, The Midlife Truth Project PODCAST will help women feel less alone and more inspired to live their best chapters yet.

Presenting Sponsor: Womaness

Podcast Production by: Rainbow Creative

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