Drinks with the Girls®

If Our Moms Could See Us Now: A Mother’s Day Conversation About Love, Loss, and Growth

They were our anchors… and somehow, we’re learning how to stand on our own.
This Mother’s Day conversation is honest, funny, and unexpectedly healing—about the women who raised us, the relationships that shaped us, and the versions of ourselves we’ve grown into along the way. Lisa and Karen share what it’s like to move from daughter to friend, to grieve what was, and to finally understand the lessons that didn’t make sense back then.
There are moments that will make you laugh (like the things our moms definitely didn’t want to know) and moments that hit deep—like saving a voice recording you didn’t know you’d one day treasure, or realizing strength showed up when you didn’t have a choice.
This episode isn’t just about loss—it’s about growth, perspective, and the quiet ways our moms are still part of who we are today. Karen brings the lens of losing her mom young and learning life without her, while Lisa shares what it means to reprocess a relationship and find a deeper, more honest connection over time. Together, they guide a conversation that feels like sitting down with women who truly get it.
🎧 This one is for:
Women in midlife navigating complicated or evolving relationships with their moms
Anyone missing their mom (especially around Mother’s Day)
Daughters becoming mothers—and seeing everything differently
Women doing the work to heal, reflect, and move forward
If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “I get it now, Mom”… this conversation will stay with you.
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🍸☕ What We Were Drinking:
Basic Beech Pacifico Beer with LimeFentiman's Pink Ginger
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💬 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 “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you. 
📲 Stay ConnectedFollow, like, and join the conversation:
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💌 Reach OutGot a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.
Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.comConnect with your hosts:
✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com
✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com

The Toxic Life of an Educator: Why Midlife Women Are Burning Out Faster Than Ever

The word was “clusterf*ck”… and honestly? It only gets more real from there.
This is the conversation every educator—and every midlife woman holding it all together—has been having behind closed doors.
Karen and Lisa sit down with returning guest Amanda to pull back the curtain on the toxic reality of education today—where passion collides with burnout, boundaries disappear, and the job that once felt like a calling starts to feel unsustainable. From the shocking shift in what schools are dealing with now versus 20 years ago, to the emotional toll of being “always on,” this episode doesn’t sugarcoat a thing.
You’ll hear raw, unfiltered moments about:
The pressure of being available 24/7
Why “summers off” is one of the biggest myths out there
How leadership can make—or completely break—the experience
The quiet grief of loving a career that’s slowly draining you
But this isn’t just about what’s broken. Amanda brings powerful insight as a leader and coach, helping reframe what’s possible when we start telling the truth about burnout, boundaries, and what we actually need to feel supported again.
If you’re a teacher, former educator, or a midlife woman questioning why the life you built suddenly feels so heavy… this one will hit home.
Because sometimes the bravest thing you can do is admit: this isn’t working anymore—and start asking what might. 🍸
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🎙️Guest: Amanda Yountshttps://linktr.ee/amandayounts@midlifecatalyst
 
🍸☕ What We Were Drinking:
Wild Wonder Pineapple Paradise PREBIOTIC + PROBIOTIC SPARKLING DRINKArnold Palmer (Iced Tea/Lemonade)Bundaberg Ginger BeerApparently, it’s Australian, not German….oopsLime Bubly
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💬 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 “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you. 
📲 Stay ConnectedFollow, like, and join the conversation:
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Website: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com
💌 Reach OutGot a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.
Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.comConnect with your hosts:
✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com
✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com
 
 

Earth Day: Taking Care of the Earth While Taking Care of Yourself

Ever feel like saving the planet is just… too much?
Between the plastic at the dentist, the endless Amazon boxes, and the constant noise of “do more,” it’s easy to slip into that quiet midlife question: does anything I do even matter?
In this honest and often hilarious Earth Day conversation, Karen and Lisa  unpack the overwhelm, the guilt, and the small but meaningful ways we can reconnect—with the planet and with ourselves. From surfing with dolphins to gardening in the Pacific Northwest, from hummingbird nests to wildfire anxiety, they share real-life moments that remind us this isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention.
Along the way, they explore something deeper: how women in midlife are exhausted from taking care of everyone else—and what Mother Earth can teach us about rest, cycles, and starting again.
If you’ve ever felt burned out, disconnected, or unsure where to even begin when it comes to sustainability, this conversation will meet you right where you are—and gently nudge you forward.
✨ This episode is for listeners navigating midlife, craving a slower pace, and looking for simple, doable ways to care for the planet without losing themselves in the process.
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🍸☕ What We Were Drinking:Pierre's Paloma Fizzy Paloma-Style Hard Seltzer
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💬 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 “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you. 
📲 Stay ConnectedFollow, like, and join the conversation:
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Website: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com
💌 Reach OutGot a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.
Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.comConnect with your hosts:
✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com
✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com

Unpacking Trauma in Midlife, Pt 3 with Guests Alyssa Scarano and Alex Casillas

Your body is reacting… and you don’t even know why. One text, one look, one moment—and suddenly you’re spiraling, shutting down, or ready to run.
Karen and Lisa get real about those “where did that come from?” reactions in relationships—and the answer might be trauma. The kind that quietly shapes how we love, communicate, trust, and show up… especially in midlife.
With trauma therapists Alex and Alyssa guiding the conversation, this episode connects the dots between your past and your present patterns—why conflict feels unsafe, why certain relationships feel familiar (even when they’re not healthy), and how your nervous system is calling the shots more than you think.
From a powerful moment of physically shaking after a simple text to the realization that “I’ve been doing this forever,” this conversation brings those invisible patterns into the light—and reminds you that you’re not broken, you’re responding.
If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in the same relationship dynamics, avoiding conflict, people-pleasing, or wondering why you react the way you do—this episode is for you.
Because healing isn’t about fixing yourself… it’s about finally understanding yourself.
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🍸☕ What We Were Drinking:Wild Wonder Prebiotic + Probiotic Sparkling Drink - Guava Rose FlavorSimply Pop Prebiotic Soda - Pineapple Mango FlavorHio Organic Peach Mango Social Tonic
🎙️Guests: Alyssa ScaranoCollective Therapy
Alex CasillasCon Corazon Mental Health Services
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💬 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 “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you. 
📲 Stay ConnectedFollow, like, and join the conversation:
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Website: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com
💌 Reach OutGot a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.
Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.comConnect with your hosts:
✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com
✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com

Confidence, Hormones, and Identity: The Midlife Shift Explained

Something feels off… and you can’t quite explain it.
You’re forgetting things you never used to forget. Questioning yourself in rooms you used to own. Wondering, quietly, “What is happening to me?”
This conversation goes straight into that moment—the one where confidence starts slipping, identity feels shaky, and you barely recognize yourself anymore. And here’s the truth that hits hard: it’s not just in your head.
With functional integrative health practitioner Dyna Vink as our guide, we unpack what’s really happening beneath the surface—why high-functioning, capable women suddenly feel foggy, overwhelmed, and disconnected from who they’ve always been. From brain fog and burnout to the emotional toll of losing trust in yourself, this episode connects the dots in a way that feels equal parts validating and eye-opening.
There’s a moment where Karen shares she thought she was facing early cognitive decline… and the relief (and frustration) when she realized it was something else entirely. And yes—we even go there: gut health, hidden imbalances, and the surprising ways your body can impact your confidence and sense of self .
This isn’t about “fixing” you. It’s about understanding you.
If you’re in your 40s or beyond and quietly wondering why you don’t feel like yourself anymore—this episode is for you.
Because you’re not losing it.And you’re definitely not alone.
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🍸☕ What We Were Drinking:
Green Cheek Paloma Hard Selzer
Arbonne Dream TeaLisa’s Affiliate Link with Arbonne - Pure, Safe, Beneficial nutrition, skincare, body care, and make-up free from 2000 banned chemicals. Email me for 35-45% off here.
Orange Mango Infusion - ya gotta go to Panama for this one - sorry loves!
🎙️Guest: Dyna VinkIntegrative Health Practitionerhttps://holisticnutritionlifestyle.com/
🏥Medical Disclaimer:The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While we may discuss functional medicine, wellness practices, and personal health experiences, this content is not a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health, medications, or lifestyle. The views expressed in this podcast are our own and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Listener discretion is advised, and any actions you take based on the information provided are at your own risk.
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💬 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 “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you. 
📲 Stay ConnectedFollow, like, and join the conversation:
Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspod
Facebook: Drinks With the Girls Podcast
Pinterest: Drinks With the Girls Podcast
YouTube: Drinks With the Girls Channel
Website: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com
💌 Reach OutGot a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.
Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.comConnect with your hosts:
✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com
✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com

Our Favorite Binges: Comfort Shows Feel-Good TV, & Must Read Books

The world feels heavy… and sometimes you just need something that makes you laugh, escape, or feel like yourself again.
This week, Karen and Lisa are sharing the binge-worthy shows, movies, books, and music they turn to when life feels overwhelming—from laugh-until-you-snort favorites like Ted Lasso and Derry Girls to darker, can’t-look-away British mysteries and true crime escapes.
But this isn’t just about zoning out. It’s about finding what actually helps—whether that’s comfort, release, or a full-on mental getaway. Along the way, they get real about midlife stress, grief, nervous system overload, and why sometimes the best medicine is a show that lets you feel everything… or nothing at all.
If you’re a midlife woman juggling all the things and craving a break that actually works—this one’s for you.
Press play, pour a drink, and find your next binge. 🥂
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🍸☕ What We Were Drinking:
June Shine Desert Cooler
Fentiman’s Ginger Beer
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💬 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 “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you. 
📲 Stay ConnectedFollow, like, and join the conversation:
Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspod
Facebook: Drinks With the Girls Podcast
Pinterest: Drinks With the Girls Podcast
YouTube: Drinks With the Girls Channel
Website: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com
💌 Reach OutGot a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.
Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.comConnect with your hosts:
✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com
✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com

Book Review: 20th Anniversary of “Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert

Twenty years later, Eat, Pray, Love still hits a nerve—and this conversation goes way beyond pasta and passports. Karen and Lisa unpack why so many women saw themselves in one woman’s breaking point… and what it really means to admit, “This life isn’t working anymore.”
From impulsively driving away just to breathe for a few hours to memories of mothers who quietly chose themselves, this episode is filled with those oh wow, I’ve been there moments that don’t always get said out loud.
With honesty, humor, and a little side-eye at the myth of “having it all together,” they explore the real transformation behind the story—the courage to question your life, give yourself permission to want more, and redefine what fulfillment looks like in midlife.
Think of Karen and Lisa as your guides through the messy middle: part reflection, part reality check, part permission slip.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, restless, or quietly wondered if there’s more waiting for you—this one will feel like a deep exhale.
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🍸☕ What We Were Drinking:
Half Day Iced TeaRecess Island Spritz
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💬 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 “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you. 
📲 Stay ConnectedFollow, like, and join the conversation:
Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspod
Facebook: Drinks With the Girls Podcast
Pinterest: Drinks With the Girls Podcast
YouTube: Drinks With the Girls Channel
Website: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com
💌 Reach OutGot a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.
Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.comConnect with your hosts:
✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com
✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com

No Expiration Date: What the Winter Olympics Taught Us About Women and Age

The Winter Olympics gave us more than medals this year—it gave us a powerful reminder that women don’t come with an expiration date.
From the fearless comeback of Lindsey Vonn to Olympic moms racing, skating, and competing at the highest level while raising young kids, this conversation dives into the real stories behind women who refuse to age out, shrink back, or follow the timeline society hands them.
Karen and Lisa unpack the double standards women athletes still face—from criticism over age and motherhood to the pressure to look, act, and perform a certain way. They celebrate the athletes who are rewriting the narrative: women competing in their 30s and 40s, mothers balancing elite sports and family life, and younger competitors boldly prioritizing mental health and authenticity.
Along the way, they explore how these Olympic moments mirror the midlife journey so many listeners know well—questioning the rules, redefining what’s possible, and realizing it’s never too late to bet on yourself.
This episode is for listeners navigating midlife reinvention, launching kids, reclaiming their dreams, or wondering if it’s too late to start something new. If you’ve ever felt the pressure of an invisible timeline, this conversation will remind you that the most powerful chapters of life might just be the ones we write next.
Pour yourself a drink and join the conversation about courage, comeback stories, and women who prove that strength, ambition, and possibility don’t have an expiration date. 🍸
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🍸☕ What We Were Drinking:Zevia Orange SodaNaked Swim Sparkling Herbal & Black Tea - Get it at World Market!
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💬 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 “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you. 
📲 Stay ConnectedFollow, like, and join the conversation:
Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspod
Facebook: Drinks With the Girls Podcast
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YouTube: Drinks With the Girls Channel
Website: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com
💌 Reach OutGot a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.
Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.comConnect with your hosts:
✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com
✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com

Life After the Leap: Midlife Women Who Move Abroad, Part 2

Moving abroad in midlife sounds romantic… until the real transformation begins.
In Part 2 of our conversation with women who left the U.S. to build lives in places like Italy, Belize, and the Caribbean, the fantasy gives way to something deeper: identity shifts, unexpected loneliness, freedom, and the courage to start again.
Our guests share the honest, unfiltered side of creating a life overseas in midlife — from finding community in a new culture, to navigating solitude, sobriety, reinvention, and the surprising ways moving abroad strips away the roles we thought defined us.
You’ll hear powerful real-life moments about building connection from scratch, realizing which friendships were real, and discovering who you are when the familiar disappears.
This conversation isn’t just about living abroad — it’s about what happens when midlife invites you to rewrite the rules.
If you’ve ever wondered what it would feel like to start over, reclaim your identity, or design the next chapter of your life on your own terms, this episode will resonate deeply.
Because sometimes the biggest transformation doesn’t happen when you leave…it happens after you land.
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🎙️Guests:
Karen Baskett lives in Belize 🇧🇿Shannon Whaley lives in ItalyMegan Mulvihill Elkins lives in Nevis 🇰🇳
🍸☕ What We Were Drinking:☕Basic B*tch Coffee🥤StarbiesKaren's Santevia Water Filter/Remineralizer
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💬 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 “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you. 
📲 Stay ConnectedFollow, like, and join the conversation:
Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspod
Facebook: Drinks With the Girls Podcast
Pinterest: Drinks With the Girls Podcast
YouTube: Drinks With the Girls Channel
Website: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com
💌 Reach OutGot a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.
Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.comConnect with your hosts:
✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com
✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com

Taylor Swift & the Patriarchy: Here's Why It Matters to Women In Midlife

The patriarchy isn’t just politics or headlines — it’s the air midlife women have been breathing for decades. And once you see it, you can’t unsee it.
Karen and Lisa pull back the curtain on the quiet, insidious ways the patriarchy shapes women’s lives — from being told to be “likable” and low-maintenance, to carrying the emotional load at home, to shrinking our ambition so everyone else stays comfortable. Using Taylor Swift’s fight to own her masters, the public scrutiny of her success, and the cultural double standards she faces, they unpack how powerful women are still policed — and why that hits so close to home in midlife.
This isn’t about blaming men. It’s about exposing the system. It’s about recognizing the conditioning, questioning the roles we inherited, and reclaiming financial autonomy, emotional truth, and the right to want more.
If you’re in your 40s, 50s, or 60s and feeling exhausted, restless, or quietly pissed off… this conversation will feel like someone finally turned the lights on.
For listeners who are done shrinking, done apologizing, and ready to own their next chapter — this one’s for you. Cheers. 🍸
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🍸☕ What We Were Drinking:

Whalebird Kombucha - Lavender Lemonade
Recess Zero Proof Lime Margarita
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💬 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 “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you. 
📲 Stay ConnectedFollow, like, and join the conversation:
Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspod
Facebook: Drinks With the Girls Podcast
Pinterest: Drinks With the Girls Podcast
YouTube: Drinks With the Girls Channel
Website: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com
💌 Reach OutGot a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.
Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.comConnect with your hosts:
✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com
✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com