The Flexible Neurotic

Latest Episodes:

Finding your "Midlife Spirit Guides" with MaryAnn Dimarco Mar 02, 2023

Show notes

EP 71: Have you ever wondered what a psychic medium does and whether their guidance could help you build your "midlife remix", not "midlife crisis" dreams into a reality? Let's get our midlife "woo woo" on! Do you want to meet your unique "midlife spirit guides" and co create a midlife personal journey with them? Ready for the juicy midlife chats about what the second half of your life will feel and look like? Have you ever wanted to connect with deceased loved ones and receive their encouragement…or, just know they are there to support you? Putting yourself first is one of the hardest things we can do in midlife. And, finding time for any kind of spiritual practice is an essential part of self care and midlife self-reinvention.

This week, I chat with MaryAnn DiMarco, internationally recognized psychic medium, healer, spiritual teacher and two time author with a new book called Medium Mentor: 10 Powerful Techniques to Awaken Divine Guidance for Yourself and Others. MaryAnn walks us through how she discovered her innate abilities for mediumship and went on to hone them with a consistent spiritual practice and belief. We dive deep into how and why connecting with our "midlife spirit guides" can help us. MaryAnn and I lay out the actual steps in how we can connect with our "midlife spirit guides" and loved ones. It's a process of learning to listen and receive. And most importantly, it's creating a spiritual practice that is authentically you.

Some Highlights:

What is a psychic medium?
Everyone can connect to their own loved ones and also the medium can make this connection on your behalf
What is a spirit guide?
Your spirit guide wants to give you direction and help you see your path
What is a "clair"?
An angel number or a symbol, like a rainbow could be a sign from your guide
Your spiritual practice is self care
Why is gratitude practice important in connecting with your "midlife spirit guides"?
Make your spiritual practice authentic
It's ok if you don't hear anything right away

Looking forward to connecting with you! Here are some ways to connect with me!

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC SHOW NOTES: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/episodes/71

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theflexibleneurotic/

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC WEBSITE: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC EMAIL: sarah@theflexibleneurotic.com

Midlife Parents Managing the Teenage Buffet of "Big Feelings"…Real Tools! Feb 16, 2023

Show notes

EP 70: Do you ever wonder how your own "midlife hormonal" self can better parent and connect with your hormonal teen/teens? Is your teen showing anxiety around school, friends, college applications and self-image? Is the "loudness" of your chewing and breathing just too much for your teen? Lol! Are you going through your own set of emotions and changes during perimenopause or menopause and sometimes want to scream? If so, you are not alone. This is me. This is most parents of teens. This is the midlife & teenage hormonal stew! Do you want to simmer down the dual set of hormones and create healthier communication & connection with your teenager while teaching them how to self-regulate on their own? This episode is for you!

Join me, Dr. Sarah Milken, in an open and honest conversation called, "Midlife Parents Managing the Teenage Buffet of 'Big Feelings'…Real Tools!". My guest, Dr. Lisa Damour, is a clinical psychologist, two-time best selling author, and podcaster. We discuss the inner emotional lives of teenagers. Lisa teaches us real tools we can start using today to strengthen our teen's mental health and our relationship with them. Lisa dives into the hottest topics in her newest book, "Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable and Compassionate Adolescents". Lisa has her finger on the pulse with research in her clinical practice on the topics of adolescent development, how to create good communication and managing mental health. She is also on "the ground" as a consultant with schools & their students and her personal experience as a midlife mom with one teen daughter and one college-aged daughter. Lisa is here to give us real life advice on how to calmly stir the midlife & teenage hormonal stew. She isn't promising that your loudness of chewing won't still bug them, but you will have a stronger connection with them. And, equally as important, the teens will have learned to regulate "big feelings" on their own.

Some Highlights:

Helping your teens regulate & express their emotions
Why "big feelings" help teens grow & create grit
Harmful & helpful coping practices
Navigating trauma & depression with your teenager
Teens are their own type of beast…don't take it personally
How you can help teens raise their self-esteem outside of school

Looking forward to connecting with you! Here are some ways to connect with me!

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC SHOW NOTES: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/episodes/70

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theflexibleneurotic/

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC WEBSITE: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC EMAIL: sarah@theflexibleneurotic.com

Living Midlife "Boldly"...Just the Way we Like it! Feb 02, 2023

Show notes

EP 69: Calling all midlife women who are questioning their "who, why, what and where" in midlife…divorce, dating, remarriage, and finding your midlife "bold" again. You aren't destined to sit on a park bench in midlife. We are reframing the midlife narrative "boldly", our way!

Join me, Dr. Sarah Milken, in an open and honest conversation called, "Living Midlife 'Boldly'...Just the Way we Like it!". My guest, Tamsen Fadal, is an Emmy award winning journalist, podcaster, evening news anchor and author. We discuss how to live "boldly" in midlife by taking a deep dive into Tamsen's personal experience with menopause, aging, her public divorce, remarriage and so much more! We cover the importance of rediscovering yourself in the second half of life. Tamsen is a midlife woman like me, who is sharing her vulnerabilities to change the midlife narrative from "taboo" to "everyday" conversations. She explains that this second half of life is now the "prime" of her life. Tamsen teaches us how to live the "midlife runway" our way! Bye bye "midlife have to's" & hello "midlife want to's".

Some Highlights:

Midlife divorce & trusting your intuition
Personal rebrand & vulnerability
Finding appreciation in aging
Making new friends as a midlifer
Finding your "bold" in midlife
What are pink flags?
Saying goodbye to "midlife have to's" & hello to "midlife want to's"

Looking forward to connecting with you! Here are some ways to connect with me!

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC SHOW NOTES: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/episodes/69

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theflexibleneurotic/

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC WEBSITE: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC EMAIL: sarah@theflexibleneurotic.com

Weight Loss Drugs & Metabolic Health in Midlife Jan 19, 2023

Show notes

EP 68: Weight loss & diabetes drugs in the news and social media? Some of the drugs you are hearing about are Ozempic, Wegovy & Mounjaro"...with article titles like, "Hell for Your Post Ozempic Body", "Skinny Rich", "What is Ozempic Face" or "How Kim Kardashian's Mystery weight loss to fit into Marilyn Monroe's Dress has led to a TikTok craze"...Do you feel a little "off" in your midlife years? You might be moody and more "muffin toppy"...You are struggling to lose weight or maintain your current weight? Your insulin resistance and cholesterol numbers are climbing. Your bone density is declining. You have been doing the same workouts and following a healthy nutritional lifestyle since your thirties, but all of a sudden you aren't seeing the same results you used to? Do you want to work with your body and find the healthiest treatments and solutions for you? Do you want to find answers not just in the weight number on the scale, but overall midlife metabolic health?

Join me, Dr. Sarah Milken, in an open and honest conversation called, "Weight Loss Drugs & Metabolic Health in Midlife". My guest, Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen, is a triple board certified physician with vast experience across all areas of endocrinology with an emphasis on obesity, diabetes, metabolism, thyroid disorders and osteoporosis. We discuss metabolic & obesity (insulin resistance and thyroid) issues and drugs that are getting a lot of media coverage right now and dig deep into why they are important factors in reviewing the health of midlife women. After working with patients facing metabolic and obesity issues for over a decade, Dr. Salas knows the difficulties midlife women face when trying so many different methods and being given misinformation through media sensationalism. With her evidence-based private practice, New York Endocrinology, Dr. Salas gives patients one-on-one time and care with the mission of helping them feel good and healthier in their own skin. If you're looking to feel the same and want a deep dive into medical facts and not sensationalism, then listen to this episode full of expert info and golden nuggets!

Some Highlights:

We can't just lie down and let "midlife and menopause" happen to us. We have to take ownership
This class of drugs are called incretins. Learn the three types
Who is a good candidate, generally speaking?
70 percent of women in the perimenopausal category are considered obese and overweight and hits a peak of 76 percent, before declining after age 75
Why is insulin resistance such a hot topic and the importance of controlling it?
What is visceral fat and why should we care about it?
The definition of obesity
Why is obesity not just an "aesthetics" issue?
72 million people in US have obesity and 42 million have diabetes (10% of the 42 million have type 1 diabetes and can't take this drug)
Finding your appropriate hormonal, diabetes and weight loss treatments for optimal metabolic midlife female health
Making sure your doctor is fully knowledgeable in the appropriateness of a drug and their experience in prescribing them
Knowing the key ways to lessen the side effects that many people face with these drugs
Why gaining muscle & resistance training is "not optional" in midlife
The definition of A1C and the importance of testing your A1C for metabolic health
Be an advocate for yourself & know your body

Looking forward to connecting with you! Here are some ways to connect with me!

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC SHOW NOTES: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/episodes/68

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theflexibleneurotic/

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC WEBSITE: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC EMAIL: sarah@theflexibleneurotic.com

Pt. 1 of 2 - Midlife's 10 Things…Freedom For Reinvention in Self-Awareness, Marriage, Nutrition & Empty Nest Jan 05, 2023

Show notes

EP 67 Pt. 1 of 2: Midlife can feel complicated and layered. You have always done things in a certain way, your kids might be grown up and now you are open to thinking about how to give yourself permission to do things differently. Ready for the "let go"? You might want to shake up your nutrition, add some supplements, "cold plunge" or even jump on a mini trampoline for lymphatic drainage.

Join me, Dr. Sarah Milken, in an open and honest conversation called, "Midlife's 10 Things…Freedom For Reinvention in Self-Awareness, Marriage, Nutrition & Empty Nest". My guest, Abbie Crane, is an integrated health coach, brand marketer and nutrition enthusiast. This is a two-part episode where we discuss how Abbie "lives from the inside out" in midlife. In part one, Abbie dives deep into how she is beginning to live her life with more presence and personal nourishment. We chat about her longtime marriage and how she is keeping it fresh…& the transition into empty nest. She also explains how and why she makes it a priority to focus on nutritional, physical and mental health in midlife. In this second chapter of her life, Abbie is giving herself permission for the "self reinvention/midlife remix" to live by her own set of rules in her wellness lifestyle and personal life. If I peaked your interest, then this is the episode for you. Don't forget to listen to part 2 afterwards for even more juicy golden nuggets!

Some Highlights:

Letting go & giving yourself permission
Emotional & physical nourishment
Primary vs secondary food
Transitioning into empty nest
How to evolve your midlife marriage
Live in the moment & embrace your emotions
"Living from the inside out"

Looking forward to connecting with you! Here are some ways to connect with me!

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC SHOW NOTES: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/episodes/67

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theflexibleneurotic/

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC WEBSITE: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC EMAIL: sarah@theflexibleneurotic.com

Pt. 2 of 2 - Midlife's 10 Things…Freedom For Reinvention in Self-Awareness, Marriage, Nutrition & Empty Nest Jan 05, 2023

Show notes

EP 67 Pt. 2 of 2: Are you looking for a mix of "kick in the butt" and "chill" when it comes to your wellness lifestyle? Do you want to change your nutritional lifestyle in a way that is easy and not restricting? Are you searching for new ways to make your workouts more enjoyable?

Join me, Dr. Sarah Milken, in an open and honest conversation called, "Midlife's 10 Things…Freedom For Reinvention in Self-Awareness, Marriage, Nutrition & Empty Nest". My guest, Abbie Crane, is an integrated health coach, brand marketer and nutrition enthusiast. This is a two-part episode where we discuss how Abbie "lives from the inside out" in midlife. In part two, Abbie gives us the inside scoop on how she makes focusing on her nutritional and physical health look easy! She is telling us all of her midlife modalities for us to think about (with doctor consultation of course). From diving into a cold plunge to eating algae supplements and jumping on a mini trampoline…Abbie is showing us how she enjoys the process. In this second chapter of her life, Abbie is acknowledging the changes midlife brings and replying with fun and satisfying ways to keep herself in check. Nutrition and exercise don't have to be boring! If I peaked your interest, then this is the episode for you. And if you haven't listened to part 1, then what are you waiting for?

Some Highlights:

The benefits of Chlorella & Spirulina algae
The importance of supplements in midlife
Why you might consider a dry brush
Taking the plunge in midlife!
Finding enjoyable exercise as we age
Bounce into physical health with a mini trampoline (you have to pee first)

Looking forward to connecting with you! Here are some ways to connect with me!

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC SHOW NOTES: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/episodes/67

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theflexibleneurotic/

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC WEBSITE: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC EMAIL: sarah@theflexibleneurotic.com

Midlife Nutrition & "Well-Being Buffet"...3 Experts Dec 22, 2022

Show notes

EP 66: In midlife, what are you really hungry for? Is a cupcake or the fries going to satisfy that craving or is there a deeper longing or need? How do you physically and mentally feel in midlife? And, what nutritional elements can help change that? What "non-food" joys, purpose and personal meaning can we integrate into our daily routines? How can you easily incorporate healthier meals & snacks, and more nutrients into your life? Can we consistently "dabble" in the "midlife well-being buffet", for optimal well-being?

Join me, Dr. Sarah Milken, in an open and honest conversation called, "Midlife Nutrition & 'Well-Being Buffet'...3 Experts". In this episode I go back and revisit some of my favorite conversations with three fabulous nutrition experts. All three women are using their different life experiences and educational & professional backgrounds to inform and help women gain a healthier midlife by finding our "good enoughs", asking ourselves the important questions about ourselves and what we are really hungry for in our lives. Each of my guests explains her nutritional practices and how they communicate with their clients about the "midlife nutritional dabbling buffet"…eating, exercising and nourishing ourselves with other things than just food. If you're looking to satisfy your internal hunger, use food to heal your mind & body or change your nutritional lifestyle, then you don't want to miss out on all of the juicy golden nuggets!

Some Highlights:

Finding midlife "good enough" in nutrition
Working with hunger in midlife, not against it
We can't satisfy our hunger for perfection
Cravings of creativity & meaning
Dig into the mental & physical health "vending machine"
What is a food flexitarian & the 80/20 rule?
Upleveling your meals & finding your personal nutrition blueprint
How to treat yourself without feeling guilty…eat the damn cupcake!

Looking forward to connecting with you! Here are some ways to connect with me!

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC SHOW NOTES: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/episodes/66

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theflexibleneurotic/

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC WEBSITE: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC EMAIL: sarah@theflexibleneurotic.com

Midlife Mirror Mirror on the Wall…Who am I After All? Dec 08, 2022

Show notes

EP 65: Do you ever wish that you had a magic mirror to give you the answers to all of your midlife questions? Well, it's not that easy…Unfortunately, the magic mirror isn't always truthful and can create distorted images of how we view ourselves. What do you see when you look into the midlife mirror?

In this week's minisode, "Midlife Mirror Mirror on the Wall…Who am I After All?", I talk about the importance of how we define ourselves in this midlife process. I take a look at society's impossible aesthetic standards and expectations of midlife women. I dive deep into how famous midlife women, who were once viewed with a spotlight and seen as perfect representations of how a woman should look and act, are now being cast aside because they are past their "prime". I give examples of six midlife celebrities who are pushing back against Hollywood's rejection of midlife & aging women and showing what the "midlife remix" is all about. We do not need a magic mirror or society's standards to tell us our worth, beauty and sex appeal! We have to tell ourselves this. We have to stand up for ourselves, put ourselves in the forefront and choose what we want in midlife…without the approval of the external peanut gallery.

This minisode is part of the Fun Midlife Sh*t Quickie Minisode Series. This new minisode series is highlighting resonating & edgy midlife sh*t from my IG, solos, and short pop in guests on stuff we are all thinking about, but maybe too embarrassed to ask…and, of course, more random stream of consciousness rants with loads of sarcasm, relatable humor mixed with expert info. Why would you skip?

Some Highlights:

Making midlife issues less taboo & finding answers
Working with the physical changes, not against them
Learning how to laugh in the midlife chaos
What does "midlife sexy" mean to you?
Being vulnerable & unfiltered
Defining who you are in midlife

Looking forward to connecting with you! Here are some ways to connect with me!

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC SHOW NOTES: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/episodes/65

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theflexibleneurotic/

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC WEBSITE: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC EMAIL: sarah@theflexibleneurotic.com

Midlife "Mashed Potato Brain"…5 Things I'm Thankful For… Nov 24, 2022

Show notes

EP 64: Midlife brain fog is real. My brain feels like mashed potatoes on many days. Why did I walk into this room? Why did I show up to this appointment on the wrong week? I bet you can relate to midlife "mashed potato brains". When you're sitting at the dinner table on Thanksgiving, what are you giving thanks for? Is it the food? Is it your family and friends? Is it your personal accomplishments?...Or all the above?

This week, I chat about what is making my Thanksgiving extra special this year in a minisode called, Midlife "Mashed Potato Brain"…5 Things I'm Thankful For… I use my golden sh*t shovel to dig deep into the things I am thankful for, all while my brain is feeling like mashed potatoes…What is midlife "mashed potato brain''? Listen to find out more details! I also share some gratitude practices I've learned from previous guests…it's the perfect time of the year to try them out! This is my usual stream of consciousness rant on wtf is going on in my brain right now. My midlife self-reinvention journey made a big effect this year and has given me so many things to be thankful for. I wouldn't be the woman I am today without it! What are you giving thanks for on this year's Thanksgiving? It's time to use your golden SPOON (instead of our proverbial sh*t shovel) and dig into those mashed potatoes lol!

Some Highlights:

Stepping out of my comfort zone…Don't doubt me!
Making new midlife friends
Midlife women supporting women
Viewing midlife through a lens of "I got this!"
Be proud of yourself!
Family dinners & soon to be empty nest
Gratitude practices

Looking forward to connecting with you! Here are some ways to connect with me!

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC SHOW NOTES: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/episodes/64

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theflexibleneurotic/

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC WEBSITE: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/

THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC EMAIL: sarah@theflexibleneurotic.com

Heavily Meditated in Midlife Nov 10, 2022

Show notes

EP 63: Are you looking to be "heavily meditated" in midlife? Is the chaos of midlife becoming overwhelming? Do you want to slow down when it feels like everything is in a rush? Are you in search of the answers to your midlife struggles, but don't know where to start?

Join me, Dr. Sarah Milken, in an open and honest conversation called, "Heavily Meditated in Midlife". My guest, Davidji, is a globally recognized mind/body health & wellness expert, mindful performance trainer, meditation teacher and author. Often referred to as the "Velvet Voice of Stillness"...Davidji is here to help us get "heavily meditated" in midlife! He chats with us about his "first" life, a life changing event, then his "second" life path…that brought him to the world of meditation. Davidji teaches us types of meditation and easy tips & tricks, and more importantly a different way of looking at it. He also explains the benefits of practicing meditation in midlife and how it can affect the various changes we are going through. Look no further because your new midlife meditation guru is here!

Some Highlights: