Drinks with the Girls

Cheers to One Year! 🎉

One year, 50+ episodes, and a whole lot of laughs, real talk, and midlife magic! In this anniversary special, Karen and Lisa pull back the curtain on their first year of Drinks With the Girls—sharing their biggest wins, hilarious fails, most impactful episodes, and the behind-the-scenes chaos of building a podcast that resonates with women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. They dish on the power of friendship, consistency, and showing up for yourselves and your listeners—even when life gets messy. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to keep the mic hot, this episode’s your juicy peek behind the scenes. 🥂
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🎧Show Notes
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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. And don't worry, no spam and no selling the list to God knows who!
📲 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
💌 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
 

Reunited and It Feels...So Good?

Reunions in midlife come with more than old stories—they bring new truths. Karen and Lisa explore the emotional power of reconnection, from college reunions to rediscovered friendships. Backed by research on the importance of community in midlife, this heartfelt, funny conversation dives into identity, joy, and rediscovery for women in their 40s and 50s.
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🎧Show Notes
Arbonne Energy Fizz Sticks - Lisa's site
80s Episodes:Lisa & Karen's High School ReunionMore than 16 Candles
Smith CollegeUniversity of Redlands
The Gratitude Episode
Equus Coaching episode with Sue Willoughby 
Thelma and Louise
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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. And don't worry, no spam and no selling the list to God knows who!
📲 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
💌 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

How Horses Help Us Heal and Reconnect With Ourselves in Midlife

When it comes to midlife healing, sometimes the best therapist has four legs and a tail. In this episode, Karen and Lisa sit down with Equus Coach Sue Willoughby to talk about how horses can help women find clarity, courage, and connection during some of life’s most tender transitions.
From identity shifts to emotional overload, Sue shares how working with horses creates space for self-awareness, presence, and deep healing—no riding required. Whether you're horse-curious or just feeling stuck, this conversation will make you laugh, tear up, and maybe even consider heading to the barn.
🎧Show Notes
Guest: Sue WilloughbyA Life Worth Being PodcastIG: @sue_willoughby
Center for Equus Coaching Directory 
EGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association)
PATH (Professional Assoc. of Therapeutic Horsemanship) International 
Discount code for anyone wishing to attend one of her retreats VIP2025 which give you an additional $200 off current published price.
Polar Ice SelzersRecess - Calm Cool & Collected - Peach and GingerAthletic Brewing Non-Alcoholic Beer
Episode: Learning New Things
Bucephalus
“Rescued Hearts” Film about the connection between horses and humans
Episode - “No Is A Full Sentence”Episode - “The Complexities of Female Friendship”
Tim Ferriss
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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 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
💌 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
 

Smart Financial Moves for Women Over 40

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.
🎧Show Notes
Guest: Karen Van VoorhisDirector of Financial PlanningDaniel J. Galli & AssociatesVino Disco
Hoplark  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
 
Rachel Rodgers “We Should All Be Millionaires” 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. 💌
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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 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
💌 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

The Complexities of Friendship in Midlife

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. 💔💬✨
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🎧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. 💌
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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 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
💌 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

50 and Freaking Fabulous
🎉 We did it, listeners — 50 episodes! 🎉 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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🎧Show Notes
Brooke Shields’ 60th birthdayCALL US BROOKE!📲
Menopause Meets Ayurveda Episode
Menopause: True Lies
The HRT Conversation
Breast Reduction episode
Episode with Sally - Intuition
Karen’s blog post about midlife grief
“Welcome to Holland” by Emily Perl Kingsley
 
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. 💌
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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 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
💌 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

The Good Girl Myth...and Why We're Over It

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 “good girl” era—and the rise of bold, badass midlife women who are done shrinking to fit. Inspired by Karen’s viral blog post, “The Good Girl Myth: Why Midlife Women Are No Longer Buying It,” 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 “fork,” Karen and Lisa unpack how being a “good girl” 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 “too much” 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
🎧 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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🎧Show Notes
Karen’s Blog Post
“Break the Good Girl Myth: How to Dismantle Outdated Rules, Unleash Your Power, and Design a More Purposeful Life” 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. 💌
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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 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
💌 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

The Impact of Writing 580 Letters with Guest Amy Daughters

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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🎧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. 💌
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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 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
💌 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

The New Findings on Alcohol and Why We Aren't Changing Our Name

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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🎧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 “Thank You For Not Smoking” (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. 💌
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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 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
💌 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
 
 

The HRT Conversation

The HRT ConversationRage, Relief, and the Hormone Rollercoaster
 
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 “second spring".
💥 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
🎧 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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🎧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 Major📧 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 “female hormones”, 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:
📌 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.
📌 Consensus Guidelines:Global Consensus Position Statement on the Use of Testosterone Therapy for WomenISSWSH Clinical Guidelines for HSDD Treatment with Testosterone
📌 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.
📌 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. 💌
👉 Subscribe Here 
💬 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 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
💌 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