Drinks with the Girls

Drinks With the Girls šŸøā˜• | Real Talk for Women Over 40 Welcome to Drinks With the Girls, the ultimate podcast for women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s ready to live life unapologetically. šŸŽ™ļø Hosted by empowerment coach Karen Shatafian and literacy consultant/special needs mama Lisa Corricello-McDowell, we’re two longtime friends sharing real conversations about everything that matters to women in midlife. From navigating loss and grief, surviving empty nest syndrome, and redefining relationships to tackling menopause, self-reinvention, and setting rock-solid boundaries — no topic is off-limits. We laugh, cry, reminisce, and celebrate the messy, magical journey of becoming our truest selves. If you’re craving honest midlife conversations, heartwarming nostalgia, empowering advice, and a reminder that you’re not alone — pull up a chair (and a cocktail or coffee) and join us. Cheers to midlife reinvention, women empowerment, mental health, and the beauty of female friendship. New episodes drop weekly! Subscribe for your weekly dose of midlife wisdom, self-care tips, boundary-setting inspo, personal development, and the kind of girl talk you didn’t know you needed. šŸ’– šŸŽ§ Topics we spill the tea on: • Midlife women empowerment • Empty nest life + parenting adult kids • Self-care, mental health, and boundaries • Grief, loss, and healing • Career reinvention and personal growth after 40 • Friendship, laughter, and living life on your terms Your next chapter starts here. ✨

Listen on:

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Episodes

6 hours ago

Smart Financial Moves for Women Over 50 with Guest Karen Van Voorhis, CFP
Money talk doesn’t have to be intimidating. In this empowering episode of Drinks with the Girls, we sit down with Certified Financial Planner Karen Van Voorhis to break down the essentials of financial planning for women in midlife. Whether you're newly single, running your own business, or just realizing it’s time to take charge of your money, Karen offers practical, judgment-free advice on everything from 401(k)s and IRAs to SEP accounts for the self-employed.
We tackle common money myths, financial shame, and why it's never too late to get started. Learn how to take those first small steps, make smart investment choices, and build a more secure financial future—no math degree required.
šŸŽ§Show Notes
Guest: Karen Van VoorhisDirector of Financial PlanningDaniel J. Galli & AssociatesVino Disco
HoplarkĀ  HopTea - The Calm One
Midlife Brain episode
Smith College
Newsletters:Money with Katie
Fidelity’s Women Talk Money
Podcasts:The Financial Feminist: Tori Dunlap
Her Money: Jean Chatzky
Ā 
Rachel Rodgers ā€œWe Should All Be Millionairesā€ Episode
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Need help remembering what we talked about? Join the Pod Squad (our email list!) for direct links, show notes, and more midlife goodness delivered to your inbox. šŸ’Œ
šŸ‘‰ Subscribe HereĀ 
šŸ’¬ Takeaways — What Do YOU Think?
We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a ā€œyep, been thereā€ā€”we love hearing how our episodes land with you.
šŸ“² Stay Connected
Follow, like, and join the conversation:Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspodFacebook: Drinks With the Girls PodcastPinterest: Drinks With the Girls PodcastYouTube: Drinks With the Girls ChannelWebsite: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com
šŸ’Œ Reach Out
Got a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com
Connect with your hosts:✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com

Monday Jun 09, 2025

In this candid and heartfelt episode of Drinks With the Girls, Karen and Lisa unpack the messy, beautiful, and sometimes painful realities of female friendship in midlife. From fading connections to explosive breakups, they reflect on why friendship hurts in a way romantic relationships often don’t — and how societal conditioning, loyalty, and expectations play into it all.
Whether you're grieving a friendship that once felt unbreakable, learning to set new boundaries, or just wondering why adult friendships feel so hard, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, heard, and a little less alone.
Grab your favorite drink and join us as we dive deep into the emotional rollercoaster of midlife friendships — with honesty, humor, and the kind of raw girl talk that only happens when the drinks are poured and the guards are down. šŸ’”šŸ’¬āœØ
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šŸŽ§Show Notes
Sir Inkwell’s Health Curiosity Adaptogen Infused Blood Orange & Mango Yerba Mate
Ace Guava Hard Cider
Let’s Be Friends Episode
No Is A Full Sentence Episode
Amy Daughters Letter Writing Episode
Sleep Episode
Samantha on Sex in the City
University of Redlands
Smith College
Dune
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Need help remembering what we talked about? Join the Pod Squad (our email list!) for direct links, show notes, and more midlife goodness delivered to your inbox. šŸ’Œ
šŸ‘‰ Subscribe HereĀ 
šŸ’¬ Takeaways — What Do YOU Think?
We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a ā€œyep, been thereā€ā€”we love hearing how our episodes land with you.
šŸ“² Stay Connected
Follow, like, and join the conversation:Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspodFacebook: Drinks With the Girls PodcastPinterest: Drinks With the Girls PodcastYouTube: Drinks With the Girls ChannelWebsite: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com
šŸ’Œ Reach Out
Got a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com
Connect with your hosts:✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com

50 and Freaking Fabulous

Monday Jun 02, 2025

Monday Jun 02, 2025

50 and Freaking Fabulous
šŸŽ‰ We did it, listeners — 50 episodes! šŸŽ‰ And if you’ve ever looked at the stats for podcasts, you know this is a big deal. Most podcasts don’t make it past episode 10, so hitting 50 is a rare and beautiful milestone. It means we’ve shown up week after week, sharing real conversations about midlife, connection, and everything in between.
In this celebratory episode, Karen and Lisa reflect on what it means to reach 50 — both as a podcast and as women in our 50s. We talk about the freedom, the grief, the weird surprises (hello, chin hairs), the shifting relationships, and the undeniable power that comes from truly knowing ourselves.
This one’s filled with laughter, honesty, and a few full-circle moments that had us catching our breath. Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or you’re just joining us now, this episode is a love letter to the magic of midlife and the friendships that make it all worthwhile.
Here’s to 50 episodes, 50-something years, and the joy of embracing who we are — fully, loudly, and without apology.
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šŸŽ§Show Notes
Brooke Shields’ 60th birthdayCALL US BROOKE!šŸ“²
Menopause Meets Ayurveda Episode
Menopause: True Lies
The HRT Conversation
Breast Reduction episode
Episode with Sally - Intuition
Karen’s blog post about midlife grief
ā€œWelcome to Hollandā€ by Emily Perl Kingsley
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Women in their 80s that Karen follows on Instagram:
Regena Thomashauer @mamagena
Jane Fonda @janefonda
The Traveling Nanas - Sandy and Ellie @aroundtheworldat80
Joan MacDonald @trainwithjoan
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Need help remembering what we talked about? Join the Pod Squad (our email list!) for direct links, show notes, and more midlife goodness delivered to your inbox. šŸ’Œ
šŸ‘‰ Subscribe HereĀ 
šŸ’¬ Takeaways — What Do YOU Think?
We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a ā€œyep, been thereā€ā€”we love hearing how our episodes land with you.
šŸ“² Stay Connected
Follow, like, and join the conversation:Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspodFacebook: Drinks With the Girls PodcastPinterest: Drinks With the Girls PodcastYouTube: Drinks With the Girls ChannelWebsite: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com
šŸ’Œ Reach Out
Got a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com
Connect with your hosts:✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com

Monday May 26, 2025

The Good Girl Myth...and Why We're Over It
In this fiery and deeply personal episode, Karen and Lisa are clinking glasses to the end of the ā€œgood girlā€ era—and the rise of bold, badass midlife women who are done shrinking to fit. Inspired by Karen’s viral blog post, ā€œThe Good Girl Myth: Why Midlife Women Are No Longer Buying It,ā€ the girls dive into how people-pleasing, perfectionism, and playing nice have held women back for decades—and why midlife is the perfect time to break free.
From religious conditioning to family dynamics, and from corporate double standards to caregiving burnout, they get honest (and a little loud) about what it means to live authentically as women in our 40s, 50s, and beyond. With wit, warmth, and the occasional ā€œfork,ā€ Karen and Lisa unpack how being a ā€œgood girlā€ made them feel exhausted, invisible, and—let’s be real—cheated.
Whether you’ve ever felt guilty for wanting more, struggled to set boundaries, or been called ā€œtoo muchā€ for just being yourself, this one’s for you. No shame. No filter. Just real talk, radical honesty, and a loving push to step into your full midlife power.
✨ Topics We Cover:
The good girl myths that keep women small
Why women in midlife are finally saying no more
How family, religion, and culture shaped our sense of worth
The invisible emotional labor of caregiving and advocacy
Reclaiming your voice, your needs, and your freaking joy
šŸŽ§ Tune in for one of our most vulnerable and validating episodes yet. This is the midlife rebellion you didn’t know you needed.
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šŸŽ§Show Notes
Karen’s Blog Post
ā€œBreak the Good Girl Myth: How to Dismantle Outdated Rules, Unleash Your Power, and Design a More Purposeful Lifeā€ by Majo Mofino
Christian Science
Grease
Divorce Episode
Alcohol episode
Brooke Shields episode
Plastic surgery episode
Menopause and Ayurveda
Get a free 1:1 coaching session with Karen here
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Need help remembering what we talked about? Join the Pod Squad (our email list!) for direct links, show notes, and more midlife goodness delivered to your inbox. šŸ’Œ
šŸ‘‰ Subscribe HereĀ 
šŸ’¬ Takeaways — What Do YOU Think?
We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a ā€œyep, been thereā€ā€”we love hearing how our episodes land with you.
šŸ“² Stay Connected
Follow, like, and join the conversation:Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspodFacebook: Drinks With the Girls PodcastPinterest: Drinks With the Girls PodcastYouTube: Drinks With the Girls ChannelWebsite: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com
šŸ’Œ Reach Out
Got a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com
Connect with your hosts:✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com

Monday May 19, 2025

The Impact of Writing 580 Letters with Guest Amy Daughters
Rediscovering Friendship, Purpose, and Healing Through Handwritten Connection
In this heartwarming and hilarious episode of Drinks With the Girls, Karen and Lisa sit down with Amy Weinland Daughters — author, speaker, and champion of old-school connection — to talk about the unexpected power of handwritten letters. Amy shares the incredible story behind her book Dear Dana, where a simple act of compassion led her to write 580 handwritten letters to her Facebook friends, transforming her life and theirs.
We dive into how slowing down to truly connect can break through loneliness, bridge divides, and bring healing in a noisy, digital world. Plus, we reflect on the lost art of letter writing, the emotional ripple effects of being truly seen, and why your messy, imperfect handwriting might just be the greatest gift you can give. Grab your drink (sparkling water, wine, or anything in between) and join us for this inspiring conversation about friendship, grief, healing, and the deep human need for authentic connection.
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šŸŽ§Show Notes
Guest: Amy Weinland DaughtersAuthor of Dear Dana and You Cannot Mess This Up, Keynote Speaker, Spreader of the Hope
Amy and Dana on The Kelly Clarkson Show
Episode 25 Neurology and Midlife
Wildflower seed stationary
Yellowstone: 1923
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Need help remembering what we talked about? Join the Pod Squad (our email list!) for direct links, show notes, and more midlife goodness delivered to your inbox. šŸ’Œ
šŸ‘‰ Subscribe HereĀ 
šŸ’¬ Takeaways — What Do YOU Think?
We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a ā€œyep, been thereā€ā€”we love hearing how our episodes land with you.
šŸ“² Stay Connected
Follow, like, and join the conversation:Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspodFacebook: Drinks With the Girls PodcastPinterest: Drinks With the Girls PodcastYouTube: Drinks With the Girls ChannelWebsite: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com
šŸ’Œ Reach Out
Got a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com
Connect with your hosts:✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com

Thursday May 15, 2025

The New Findings on Alcohol and Why We Aren't Changing Our Name
In this heartfelt and no-holds-barred episode of Drinks With the Girls, Karen and Lisa dive into the Surgeon General’s new advisory linking even moderate alcohol consumption to cancer risks — and what it means for midlife women. From pandemic wine habits to menopause metabolism, they get real about how drinking rituals are woven into our friendships, celebrations, and self-care... and why it’s time to rethink the role of alcohol without losing the soul of connection. Spoiler: they’re not changing the name — because "Drinks" is about so much more than what’s in the glass. Tune in for honest conversation, nostalgia, laughter, and a few unexpected tangents as always. Whether you’re sipping Cabernet, kombucha, or coffee, you’re welcome at this table.
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šŸŽ§Show Notes
Article about the Surgeon General’s Alcohol Warning (note: if you get a guest account you can access for free)
Episode 11: Travel With Our Kids Includes info on Autism on the Seas
Episode 44: Menopause Meets Ayurveda episode
Athletic Brewing Non-Alcoholic Beer
Hop Water
Adaptagenic drinks
Film ā€œThank You For Not Smokingā€ (2005)
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Need help remembering what we talked about? Join the Pod Squad (our email list!) for direct links, show notes, and more midlife goodness delivered to your inbox. šŸ’Œ
šŸ‘‰ Subscribe HereĀ 
šŸ’¬ Takeaways — What Do YOU Think?
We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a ā€œyep, been thereā€ā€”we love hearing how our episodes land with you.
šŸ“² Stay Connected
Follow, like, and join the conversation:Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspodFacebook: Drinks With the Girls PodcastPinterest: Drinks With the Girls PodcastYouTube: Drinks With the Girls ChannelWebsite: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com
šŸ’Œ Reach Out
Got a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com
Connect with your hosts:✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com
Ā 
Ā 

The HRT Conversation

Monday May 05, 2025

Monday May 05, 2025

The HRT ConversationRage, Relief, and the Hormone Rollercoaster
Ā 
Are you navigating perimenopause or menopause and wondering what the fork is happening to your body? You’re not alone. In this powerful episode, Karen and Lisa sit down with hormone specialist Naomi Major to have the honest, no-BS conversation every woman over 40 deserves about hormone replacement therapy (HRT), testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone.
Naomi breaks down the science behind hormone imbalance, explains why most women are being gaslit by their doctors, and shares how HRT—especially testosterone therapy—is changing lives (and saving relationships). We bust myths about breast cancer risk, dive into bioidentical hormones, and explore how to advocate for better care when your provider just isn’t cutting it.
Whether you're struggling with sleep, energy, mood swings, libido, weight gain—or you're just curious about what’s actually going on during midlife—this episode is your go-to guide for reclaiming your health and stepping into your ā€œsecond spring".
šŸ’„ Topics Covered:
What is HRT and how does it work?
Why testosterone isn’t just for men
The truth about bioidentical hormones
What your doctor probably doesn’t know about menopause
How hormone therapy can strengthen bones, boost libido, and support long-term wellness
How to advocate for yourself in a broken healthcare system
šŸŽ§ If you're a woman in your 40s, 50s, or 60s who's ready to stop suffering in silence and start living vibrantly, this episode is for you.
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šŸŽ§Show Notes
Want Answers to Your Hormone Questions?Naomi Major, our expert guest on this episode, is offering free 15-minute informational chats to help you get clarity on your unique hormone needs. No pressure, just answers.
✨ Book your call: Schedule with Naomi MajoršŸ“§ Email Naomi directly: nmajor@integratedhealthall.com Naomi MajorMLS (ASCP)CMCHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
/DIRECTOR OF NUTRITIONIntegrated Health AllianceInstagram Profile
Magnesium Gliconate
Hormone Replacement Therapy - we tried to find a good factual link to explain our topic but literally anything we could find, even from Class A sources like the Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland Clinic, only talk about ā€œfemale hormonesā€, recommend it only during menopause, and label testosterone therapy in women risky. Awesome. Pretty much backs up everything we talked about on this episode. Please reach out to Naomi for any questions you might have.
Episode 12: Menopause: True Lies
Episode 44: Menopause Meets Ayurveda
Dr. Rachel RubinPolycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Controversy with pregnant mare urine farms
Dr. Mary Claire Haver
"The New Menopause: Navigating Your Path Through Hormonal Change with Purpose, Power, and Facts" by Mary Claire Haver, MD
"MenuPause: Five Unique Eating Plans to Break Through Your Weight Loss Plateau and Improve Mood, Sleep, and Hot Flashes"By Dr. Anna Cabeca
Dr. Abraham Morgentaler
Digging Into the Truth About Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) for WomenAs Naomi shares in this episode, the data on TRT for women is shockingly limited—and the bias is real. But there is good research out there if you know where to look. These links offer critical insights into the benefits, safety, and the frustrating gap in care for women seeking hormone support.
Here are the key articles Naomi recommends for diving deeper:
šŸ“Œ The Gold Standard Overview:Androgen Therapy in Women with Testosterone Insufficiency: Looking Back and Looking Ahead – A must-read on clinical benefits and the systemic bias still impacting women’s access.
šŸ“Œ Consensus Guidelines:Global Consensus Position Statement on the Use of Testosterone Therapy for WomenISSWSH Clinical Guidelines for HSDD Treatment with Testosterone
šŸ“Œ Research on Safety & Breast Cancer:Reduced Breast Cancer Incidence in Women Treated with Testosterone or Testosterone with Anastrozole – Yes, you read that right. Long-term studies showing breast protection.
šŸ“Œ Other Valuable Reads:A Personal Perspective on Testosterone Therapy in Women (2022)Testosterone Therapy in Women: Myths and Misconceptions (2013)Testosterone in Women—The Clinical Significance
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Need help remembering what we talked about? Join the Pod Squad (our email list!) for direct links, show notes, and more midlife goodness delivered to your inbox. šŸ’Œ
šŸ‘‰ Subscribe HereĀ 
šŸ’¬ Takeaways — What Do YOU Think?
We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a ā€œyep, been thereā€ā€”we love hearing how our episodes land with you.
šŸ“² Stay Connected
Follow, like, and join the conversation:Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspodFacebook: Drinks With the Girls PodcastPinterest: Drinks With the Girls PodcastYouTube: Drinks With the Girls ChannelWebsite: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com
šŸ’Œ Reach Out
Got a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com
Connect with your hosts:✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com
Ā 

No Is A Full Sentence

Monday Apr 28, 2025

Monday Apr 28, 2025

"No is a Full Sentence"Mastering the Art of Boundaries Without the Apology Tour
In this empowering episode of Drinks With the Girls, Karen and Lisa dive deep into the art (and emotional rollercoaster) of setting boundaries and learning to say no without guilt. They unpack why women over 40 often struggle with people-pleasing, how midlife becomes the season of reclaiming your energy, and why protecting your peace isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Listen in as they share real stories, personal struggles with family and friendships, the invisible emotional labor women carry, and practical, heartfelt tips for setting loving but firm boundaries. Grab your favorite drink and join us for laughter, vulnerability, and the ultimate midlife pep talk about owning your worth, saying no with grace, and choosing yourself unapologetically.
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šŸŽ§Show Notes
šŸ”— Resources & Mentions:
ā€œThe Dance of Anger: A Woman's Guide to Changing the Patterns of Intimate Relationshipsā€ by Dr. Harriet Lerner
Rice Krispies Treats 80s Commercial
ā€œEspressoā€ by Sabrina Carpenter
2022 Harvard Business Review StudyKaren’s Recipe for Setting a Boundary:Where do you feel resentment?Where do you feel exhausted?
And where do you feel out of alignment?
Some scripts to say no:ā€œI appreciate you thinking of me, but I can’t take that on.ā€ā€Ø ā€œThanks for reaching out, but I’m going to have to pass.ā€ā€Ø ā€œI’m protecting my energy right now, so I’ll need to say no.ā€
Lisa’s Empowered Parent Collective
The Focus & Regulation Homeschool Blueprint
Sleep EpisodeEpisode 33: Wide Awake: No Sleep Till Brooklyn
Brain EpisodeEpisode 25: Your Brain in Midlife: Guest Expert Andrea Samadi
Chelsea Handler ā€œThe Feelingā€
Holiday EpisodeEpisode 25: Evolving the Holidays Without Elevating the Chaos
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Need help remembering what we talked about? Join the Pod Squad (our email list!) for direct links, show notes, and more midlife goodness delivered to your inbox. šŸ’Œ
šŸ‘‰ Subscribe HereĀ 
šŸ’¬ Takeaways — What Do YOU Think?
We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a ā€œyep, been thereā€ā€”we love hearing how our episodes land with you.
šŸ“² Stay Connected
Follow, like, and join the conversation:Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspodFacebook: Drinks With the Girls PodcastPinterest: Drinks With the Girls PodcastYouTube: Drinks With the Girls ChannelWebsite: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com
šŸ’Œ Reach Out
Got a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com
Connect with your hosts:✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com

Menopause Meets Ayurveda

Monday Apr 21, 2025

Monday Apr 21, 2025

Ayurveda and Menopause
Natural Menopause Remedies for Hormone Support, Hot Flashes, and Midlife Empowerment
Hot flashes. Mood swings. Rage cleaning your kitchen at midnight. If menopause has you questioning your sanity, this episode is your warm hug and wake-up call. We're joined by Ayurvedic practitioner and menopause coach Karen Baskett, who shares how holistic tools like herbs, food, and lifestyle changes can actually reduce menopause symptoms—without judgment, shame, or one-size-fits-all advice.
We dig deep into how Ayurveda helps balance the body’s energies (aka doshas), why your gut is holding more than just bloat, and what really happens when estrogen takes a hike. From sleepless nights and night sweats to midlife reinvention and shedding old expectations, this conversation is both healing and empowering.
Whether you’re perimenopausal, postmenopausal, or wondering if this is finally the reason you forgot what day it is—this episode is for you.
In this episode, we cover:
What Ayurveda is and how it supports women in midlife
Why menopause symptoms are deeply connected to gut health
The role of stress, trauma, and ā€œoverdoing itā€ in hormone imbalances
How to talk to your doctor when you’re not being heard
The power of journaling your symptoms—and trusting your inner healer
Karen's bold move to Belize and what it taught her about choosing herself
✨ Plus: Our signature blend of sarcasm, sisterhood, and solutions—served with herbal tea or Olipop, depending on the night.
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šŸŽ§Show Notes
Special Guest:Karen Baskett – Certified Ayurvedic PractitionerFounder of Alpenglow Ayurveda LLC & Amplify Healing Arts (Belize)IG: @alpenglow_ayurvedaFB: Karen.Baskett
šŸ”— Resources & Mentions:
What is Ayurvedic Medicine ?
Arbonne Pear Energy Fizz
Episode 12: Menopause: True Lies
Dr. Nancy Longsdorf, Author & Ayurvedic physician
Tamsen Fadal, Menopause advocate, author & speaker
Dr. Mary Claire Haver, Creator of the Galveston Diet & hormone health expert
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Need help remembering what we talked about? Join the Pod Squad (our email list!) for direct links, show notes, and more midlife goodness delivered to your inbox. šŸ’Œ
šŸ‘‰ Subscribe HereĀ 
šŸ’¬ Takeaways — What Do YOU Think?
We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a ā€œyep, been thereā€ā€”we love hearing how our episodes land with you.
šŸ“² Stay Connected
Follow, like, and join the conversation:Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspodFacebook: Drinks With the Girls PodcastPinterest: Drinks With the Girls PodcastYouTube: Drinks With the Girls ChannelWebsite: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com
šŸ’Œ Reach Out
Got a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com
Connect with your hosts:✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com

Dinner Without the Drama

Monday Apr 14, 2025

Monday Apr 14, 2025

Dinner Without the Drama: Quick, Real-Life Hacks to Make Cooking Less Stressful
Why is figuring out dinner every single night the hill we have to die on? In this episode of Drinks With The Girls, Karen and Lisa are joined by guest Lisa Potter — a home cook, working mom, grandmother, and part-time caterer — for a real, hilarious, and super helpful convo about the never-ending dinner grind. Whether you're cooking for picky kids, a partner with ā€œtexture issues,ā€ or just yourself (hello, cheese and crackers), this episode is packed with tips, tools, and sanity-saving strategies for midlife mealtime.
From burnout in the kitchen to rediscovering joy through sourdough, we're dishing up:
Simple weeknight meal hacks that don’t involve 47 ingredients
Kitchen tools that actually make your life easier
How to plan meals without losing your mind (hello, Cozi and Plan to Eat apps)
Why grocery delivery is a midlife miracle
The secret magic of a well-stocked pantry
Tips for cooking for one (or two) that don’t involve cereal for dinner — unless you’re into that
We also talk about the emotional labor of always being the one to decide what’s for dinner, why ā€œjust ask them to helpā€ actually works, and how to bring a little fun (and wine) back into the kitchen.
Resources + links mentioned are in the show notes — including our favorite apps, pantry staples, and how to get your hands on that sourdough starter.
Whether you’re an empty nester, feeding a full house, or somewhere in between — this one's for you, listeners. Grab a glass, put your feet up, and let’s tackle the dinner dilemma, one shortcut at a time.
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Show Notes:
Here are the links, tools, recipes, and apps we mentioned in the episode, all in one place for you to browse while pretending to meal plan (we see you).
šŸŽ¤ Our Guest: Lisa Potter
Home cook, sourdough whisperer, and co-founder of a catering business with her son (yes, seriously).šŸ§‘ā€šŸ³ Smoke Ridge Custom Catering WebsitešŸ“ø Follow on Instagram
🧠 Meal Planning Tools That Save Our Sanity
šŸ—“ļø Cozi Family Organizer – Create a shared calendar, grocery lists, and store recipes in one spotšŸ‘‰ Check it out here
šŸ“ Plan to Eat – Imports recipes, builds grocery lists, and keeps everything organizedšŸ‘‰ Get 20% off with this link (Lisa earns a small commission)
šŸž Sourdough Resources
Want to start baking sourdough without losing your mind? We got you.šŸ‘‰ Little Spoon Farm – Sourdough Starter + Tips
🄘 Easy Dinner Templates & Ideas
🧺 Sheet Pan Dinner Template – The ultimate weeknight dinner hackšŸ‘‰ Make your own sheet pan meals
šŸ§‚ Lisa Potter’s Well-Stocked Pantry Must-Haves
Keep these on hand and dinner practically makes itself (okay, almost):
Rice & Pasta
Canned Tomatoes / Tomato Sauce
Canned or Frozen Veggies
Cream of Celery / Cream of Chicken Soup
Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Chili Powder, Paprika
Roasted Red Peppers
Kalamata Olives
Artichoke Hearts
Bouillon Cubes (Beef, Chicken, Veggie)
šŸ›’ Favorite Food Sources for Eating Better Without the Stress
🄬 Tastes Better From Scratch by Lauren AllenšŸ‘‰ Go to Site
šŸ„› Raw Milk LocatoršŸ‘‰ Find local sources
šŸ… Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)šŸ‘‰ Learn about CSA programs near you
🄩 Oregon Valley FarmsšŸ‘‰ Local-ish meats delivered
šŸ„“ ButcherBox (for national meat delivery with sustainable practices)šŸ‘‰ Visit site
šŸŽ Imperfect Foods – Discounted groceries that are slightly ā€œimperfectā€ but perfectly deliciousšŸ‘‰ Browse boxes
šŸ Misfits Market – Similar to Imperfect, depending on where you livešŸ‘‰ Get started here
šŸ”Ŗ Lisa’s Favorite Kitchen Gadgets & Tools
The real MVPs for fast, no-fuss cooking:
āœ… Instant Pot – Weeknight lifesaver
āœ… Digital Kitchen Scale – For no-mess baking and sourdough
āœ… Sharp, High-Quality Knife – Game-changer (get it sharpened regularly!)
āœ… Microplane – For garlic, ginger, nutmeg, citrus zest, and more
āœ… Wooden Corner Spoon – Flexible, non-scratching, forever favorite
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Need help remembering what we talked about? Join the Pod Squad (our email list!) for direct links, show notes, and more midlife goodness delivered to your inbox. šŸ’Œ
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Drinks With the GirlsšŸøā˜•



Karen Shatafian, an empowerment coach for women & empty nester joins forces with, Lisa Corricello-McDowell, literacy consultant, small business owner and special education mama. Together, they throw off the shackles and have real, raw conversations about the things that matter to women.This podcast centers the importance of true connection for women.

Our story starts before we were even born, through the deep and meaningful friendship of our moms. After growing up, losing touch and the passing of both of our mothers, it’s been serendipitous to reconnect through the miracle of social media and form our own special friendship as adults.

I’m sure Renee and Patty are toasting to that right now. šŸ„‚

We are moms and solopreneurs, stepping into our own, and diving into real conversations about the things that matter to women in midlife.

We’re here to spill the tea on everything that affects women in their 40s and beyond: topics like loss and grief, changing relationships, launching kids, to reinventing ourselves in midlife, we’re here to tackle it all.

This podcast is a blend of our lived experiences, our friendship, the memory of our moms, plus a collection of real stories, honest conversations and engaging interviews that will make women over 40 feel seen and remind them that they’re not alone on this journey called life.

Join us, two recently reconnected friends, who are living life on our terms.

So hit that subscribe button and buckle up for your weekly shot of drinks with the girls. A wild ride filled with laughter, tears and the kind of girl talk that leaves you feeling understood, inspired and a believer in the power of female friendship. Cheers!

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