Midlife Mavens

On this episode of the  Midlife Mavens podcast, psychologists Marci Burroughs and Carol O’Saben interview family nurse practitioner Mary Katherine Roberts about women’s health topics often left undiscussed, especially pelvic floor problems after pregnancy, childbirth, or hysterectomy. They explain how pelvic floor weakening can contribute to urinary issues, cystocele (bladder prolapse), and rectocele (rectal bulging), and discuss p...

On the Midlife Mavens podcast, psychologists Marci Burroughs and Carol O’Saben discuss midlife financial planning with CFP financial planner Mary Huntley of Cambium Wealth Partners, emphasizing that money is both an emotional topic and simple math. Mary describes a planning process that identifies hopes and fears, turns them into concrete goals with dollar amounts, and uses projections and probabilities to help clients shift from s...

Psychologists Marci Burroughs and Carol O’Saben discuss family estrangement on the Midlife Mavens podcast, framing distance from family as an intentional, protective response rather than an impulsive choice. They describe estrangement as a spectrum—from reduced contact and emotional guardedness to full cutoff—and note it is often preceded by long-standing patterns, failed boundary-setting, enmeshment, abuse/neglect, substance use, ...

In this episode of the Midlife Mavens podcast, hosts Marci Burroughs and Carol O'Saben speak with Ryan Whited, a strength and exercise coach, personal trainer, and elite climber. The conversation delves into common fitness myths, including the misconceptions around pain and exercise intensity. Ryan emphasizes the importance of consistency and mindset in building sustainable health habits. They discuss the 'minimum dose effect,' the...

In this episode of the Midlife Mavens podcast, hosts Marci Burroughs and Carol O'Saben engage in a candid discussion with Ryan Whited, a strength and exercise coach, personal trainer, and elite climber. They delve into the importance of fitness and exercise for midlife women, offering insights into overcoming fears, daily aches and pains, and common fitness myths. Ryan shares his innovative approach of using minimal equipment for e...

In this episode of the Midlife Mavens podcast, hosts Marci Burroughs and Carol O'Saben welcome Dr. Jessica Beachkofsky, a psychiatrist specializing in perimenopause and menopause. They discuss various hormone replacement therapy (HRT) options, debunk myths around HRT and perimenopause, and provide insights into the role of testosterone in midlife. Dr. B emphasizes the importance of realistic expectations from HRT, the safety concer...

In this episode of the Midlife Mavens podcast, hosts Marci Burroughs and Carol O'Saben continue their conversation with Dr. Jessica Beachkofsky, a psychiatrist specializing in perimenopause and menopause. They dive deep into hormone replacement therapy (HRT), discussing historical fears, current understandings, and the relationship between HRT and breast cancer risk. Dr. B also elaborates on bone health, osteopenia, and the benefit...

In this episode of the Midlife Mavens podcast, hosts Marci Burroughs and Carol O'Saben welcome Dr. Jessica Beachkofsky (https://www.jessicabeachkofsky.com/) a psychiatrist specializing in perimenopause and menopause mental health. The discussion revolves around the impact of hormones on mood, anxiety, sleep, and libido, highlighting the roles of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Dr. B explains how hormonal changes during mi...

In this episode of the Midlife Mavens podcast, hosts Marci Burroughs and Carol O’Saben discuss the topic of mismatched libidos, a common issue many couples face but rarely talk about openly. Marci, a certified sex therapist, shares her expertise on the nature of mismatched sexual desire, comparing it to differences in appetite and sleep. The conversation addresses common myths surrounding sexual desire, particularly the difference ...

In this episode of the Midlife Mavens podcast, hosts Marci Burroughs and Carol O'Saben discuss the complex challenges associated with caring for aging parents. They explore the emotional, physical, and financial burdens that caregivers face and offer strategies for managing compassion fatigue and burnout. The hosts emphasize the importance of setting boundaries, recognizing when professional help is needed, and taking care of one's...

In this episode of the Midlife Mavens podcast, hosts Marci Burroughs and Carol O'Saben discuss what men in committed relationships need to know about perimenopause and menopause. They cover the challenges women face during these life transitions, including changes in hormone levels, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and decreased libido. They also offer practical advice for men on how to support their partners, the importance of edu...

In this episode of the Midlife Mavens podcast, hosts Marci Burroughs and Carol O'Saben, both psychologists specializing in relationships and sexuality, discuss various relationship structures for women in midlife. They cover the pros and cons of remarrying, staying single, cohabitating without marriage, and maintaining committed partnerships while living separately. The hosts emphasize the importance of making intentional decisions...

In this episode of the Midlife Mavens podcast, hosts Marci Burroughs and Carol O'Saben delve into the complexities of dating in midlife. They discuss the unique challenges faced by women in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond, including the difficulties of meeting new people, the impact of relocation, and balancing new relationships with existing responsibilities. They provide practical advice on putting oneself out there, staying safe...

In this episode of the Midlife Mavens podcast, hosts Marci Burroughs and Carol O'Saben introduce mindfulness techniques that can be easily incorporated into daily life to manage stress and enhance self-compassion. Carol guides listeners through the Five Senses Grounding Technique, while Marci demonstrates a Compassionate Hands exercise. Both exercises are designed to help individuals focus on the present moment and respond to their...

In this episode of the Midlife Mavens podcast, hosts Marci Burroughs and Carol O'Saben, both psychologists specializing in relationships and sexuality, discuss the often-overlooked connection between hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD. They provide personal insights and professional perspectives on how these hormonal changes can exacerbate or trigger mo...

In this episode of the Midlife Mavens podcast, hosts Marci Burroughs and Carol O'Saben discuss the changes in sexuality that women experience during their 40s, 50s, and 60s. They candidly talk about physical changes such as wrinkles, skin elasticity, and vaginal dryness, as well as the impact of hormonal changes on libido and desire. The hosts emphasize the importance of communication in relationships, breaking societal taboos arou...

n this episode of the Midlife Mavens podcast, hosts Marci Burroughs and Carol O'Saben discuss how women in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond can navigate changes in their bodies and self-image. Responding to a listener's question about feeling sexy in midlife, they explore shifts in appearance, mood, and physical health. They emphasize the importance of self-compassion, realistic comparisons, and acceptance of one's current self. The...

In this episode of the Midlife Mavens podcast, hosts Marci Burroughs and Carol O'Saben, both psychologists specializing in relationships and sexuality, discuss the unique challenges faced by couples in long-term relationships. They explore issues such as boredom, routine, loss of passion, and the impact of life changes like empty nesting and retirement. Emphasizing the importance of communication and connection, they offer insights...

In this episode of the Midlife Mavens podcast, hosts Marci Burroughs and Carol O'Saben discuss the challenges midlife women face in balancing their numerous responsibilities. They explore where this pressure to 'do it all' comes from, touching on societal expectations, traditional gender roles, and internal perfectionism. The conversation highlights how both men and women experience these pressures differently, and delves into the ...