Drinks with the Girls®

Allyship, Sisterhood, & Being a Freaking Human with Guest Bri Martin

What does real allyship look like between women? In this powerful episode of Drinks with the Girls, hosts Lisa and Karen welcome their friend and former colleague, Bri Martin, for an unfiltered, heartfelt conversation about race, gender, identity, and corporate culture. Together, they unpack what it means to show up for each other—not through performative gestures, but by staying human, curious, and connected.
Bri brings both personal and professional wisdom to the table, reflecting on growing up with a disabled mother, navigating corporate America as a Black woman, and the complicated history of how women have been divided by systems designed to keep us apart. With humor, heart, and a fierce desire to create real change, the conversation flows from fall drinks to systemic patriarchy, from childhood memories to the ways women treat each other in the workplace and beyond.
Perfect for midlife women looking for real talk, this episode is a blend of honest storytelling, historical context, and practical insight on allyship, reminding us that we’re more powerful together.****************************************Guest: Bri Martin

🍸☕ What We Were Drinking:
Starbies🥤, Apple Cider🍎, and Donut Shop Coffee 🍩☕ #forreals*****************************************
🎧Show Notes
Looking for all the magical goodness we mentioned in this episode? Want it sent directly to your inbox each week along with every new episode? Join the Pod Squad (our email list!) for direct links, show notes, and more midlife fabulousness delivered to your inbox. 💌 And, even better, no ⛔ spam or selling 💸 of your email - we promise!
👉 Subscribe Here and get the show notes for this episode! 
💬 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

Book Review: "Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies"

Karen and Lisa dive into Tara Schuster’s refreshingly raw and hilarious self-help memoir, Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies. From bath rituals and morning routines to boundary-setting and reparenting our inner child, this conversation is packed with juicy takeaways for every woman navigating midlife.
Expect reflections on why self-care isn’t selfish, how to stop waiting for others to bring you flowers (literally and metaphorically), and the power of choosing yourself—one permission slip, journal entry, or Trader Joe’s bouquet at a time.
Karen and Lisa share their favorite chapters, how the book mirrors their own journeys, and why creating a sanctuary (even if it means ditching the guest room) is an act of rebellion and radical self-love.
Whether you're healing old wounds, trying to reclaim your time, or just need a reminder that you’re a badass goddess, this episode will leave you inspired, laughing, and maybe ready to buy some damn lilies.
👉 Topics we cover:
What is reparenting and why it matters in midlife
Choosing yourself in small but powerful ways
The myth of being "too busy" for joy
Creating sacred space in your own home
The rituals that help us heal, thrive, and reconnect
Grab your favorite drink (hydration counts), hit play, and join us for a conversation that’s equal parts therapy, laughter, and real talk.
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Book: “Buy Yourself the F*cking Lillies” by Tara Schuster
🍸☕ What We Were Drinking:
Straight up H20 🚰
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🎧Show Notes
Looking for all the magical goodness we mentioned in this episode? Want it sent directly to your inbox each week along with every new episode? Join the Pod Squad (our email list!) for direct links, show notes, and more midlife fabulousness delivered to your inbox. 💌 And, even better, no ⛔ spam or selling 💸 of your email - we promise!
👉 Subscribe Here and get the show notes for this episode! 
💬 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

Letting Go of Limiting Beliefs with Guest Christina L. Woods

Karen and Lisa sit down with hypnotherapist, coach, and intuitive healer Christina L. Woods to unpack the power of hypnotherapy for women in midlife in this heartfelt and empowering episode. From breaking free of limiting beliefs and self-doubt to learning how to reconnect with our intuition, Christina shares how hypnosis and energy healing can help women overcome burnout, anxiety, and that relentless inner critic.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, invisible, or like you’ve lost touch with yourself, this conversation is for you. Christina dives into the subconscious mind, why it’s never too late to rewire our thinking, and how midlife can be a powerful portal for transformation.
Whether you’re new to hypnotherapy or just curious about how to finally feel enough, this episode will leave you inspired, informed, and maybe even ready to grab a Pellegrino and do a little soul work of your own.
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Guest: Christina L. WoodsIG: @Christina.lwoodswww.christinalwoods.com
🍸☕ What We Were Drinking:
🍷Michael David Freakshow Cabernet#freakshowcab
✨ Pellegrino Water#pellegrino
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🎧Show Notes
Looking for all the magical goodness we mentioned in this episode? Want it sent directly to your inbox each week along with every new episode? Join the Pod Squad (our email list!) for direct links, show notes, and more midlife fabulousness delivered to your inbox. 💌 And, even better, no ⛔ spam or selling 💸 of your email - we promise!
👉 Subscribe Here and get the show notes for this episode! 
💬 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

Decluttering the Decades, Pt. III: The Crap We Carry

In Part 3 of our "Decluttering the Decades" series, Karen and Lisa dive deep into the emotional clutter that midlife women carry—from unresolved grief and mom guilt to “what-if” anxiety and chronic over-functioning. Titled “The Crap We Carry,” this episode is a raw and relatable conversation about the mental load, self-abandonment, and societal expectations women over 40 face. Tune in for personal stories, laughter, truth bombs, and real-life strategies to start letting go—of perfectionism, past shame, and emotional baggage that’s no longer serving us.
Perfect for women navigating midlife, menopause, motherhood, reinvention, and all the messy in-between.
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🍸☕ What We Were Drinking:
☕Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee#foursigmatic
🍵TizzyCleanTox Tea + Arbonne Energy Fizz#arbonne
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🎧Show Notes
Looking for all the magical goodness we mentioned in this episode? Want it sent directly to your inbox each week along with every new episode? Join the Pod Squad (our email list!) for direct links, show notes, and more midlife fabulousness delivered to your inbox. 💌 And, even better, no ⛔ spam or selling 💸 of your email - we promise!
👉 Subscribe Here and get the show notes for this episode! 
💬 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

Unpacking Trauma in Midlife, Pt 2 with Guest Alyssa Scarano

In this episode the hosts chat with licensed counselor Alyssa Scarano about generational and childhood trauma, the roles women inherit (people-pleaser, over-functioner, compliant daughter), and how those patterns show up in midlife.
They share real stories (including a cathartic rage-room moment), practical guidance on setting boundaries, practicing self-compassion, and reclaiming identity, plus tips like slowing down, asking “what am I saying yes to?”, and practicing saying no.
Listeners also learn about Alyssa’s whole-person therapy approach and a free 21-day email challenge to build healthier boundaries.
*****************************************Guest: Alyssa Scarano
🍸☕ What We Were Drinking:
🍷 Freakshow Cabernet#freakshowcabernet
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🎧Show Notes
Looking for all the magical goodness we mentioned in this episode? Want it sent directly to your inbox each week along with every new episode? Join the Pod Squad (our email list!) for direct links, show notes, and more midlife fabulousness delivered to your inbox. 💌 And, even better, no ⛔ spam or selling 💸 of your email - we promise!
👉 Subscribe Here and get the show notes for this episode! 
💬 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 Truth About Midlife: Why 50 is Better Than 30 (Seriously)

Forget the tired trope that “50 is the new 30.” In this unapologetically honest episode, Karen and Lisa are here to tell you—it’s better. Way better. We’re diving into why midlife women are having a full-blown renaissance, ditching outdated expectations, reclaiming their power, and living life on their own damn terms. From societal shifts to stealth-mode grandmas, zero fucks given, and the rise of reinvention, we’re celebrating what it means to thrive at 50 and beyond. If you're a woman navigating midlife, wondering what’s next?—this episode will remind you that the best chapters might just be ahead.
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🍸☕What We Were Drinking:
Tejava#tejava
I’m not putting a link to Coke Zero here. I mean, c’mon!
Sparkle Hops Acai#sparklehops
🎧Show Notes
Looking for all the magical goodness we mentioned in this episode? Want it sent directly to your inbox each week along with every new episode? Join the Pod Squad (our email list!) for direct links, show notes, and more midlife fabulousness delivered to your inbox. 💌 And, even better, no ⛔ spam or selling 💸 of your email - we promise!
👉 Subscribe Here and get the show notes for this episode! 
💬 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

Unpacking Trauma in Midlife, Pt 1 with Guest Alex Casillas

What if the things you’ve brushed off as “just stress” or “mom guilt” are actually unprocessed trauma? In this powerful episode of Drinks With the Girls, Karen and Lisa sit down with therapist and trauma expert Alex Casillas to unpack the emotional baggage many women in midlife have been unknowingly carrying for decades. From survival mode and dissociation to why so many women lose themselves in caregiving roles, this candid conversation breaks down trauma in a way that feels human, relatable, and empowering. Whether you’ve been through something “big” or just feel off, this episode offers real talk, validation, and healing insights for women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s.
Topics we cover:• What trauma really is (and isn’t)• How trauma shows up in midlife• The good girl, the helper, and other inherited identities• Signs your nervous system is dysregulated• Why self-care is survival, not selfish• How to start healing—even if it’s messy
Perfect for listeners who feel overwhelmed, underseen, or like they’ve lost themselves along the way. You’re not broken. You’re just ready to heal.
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🎙️Guest
Alex Casillas, LCSW
Alejandra Casillas is a cisgender Latina/Chicana woman, a proud mother of two, a wife, and a therapist. Her approach to therapy is deeply informed by her lived experience and the intergenerational trauma she carries—rooted in colonialism, migration, the erasure of her Indigenous ancestry, patriarchy, and gender-based violence. And yet, she also carries the strength of her ancestors, the resilience of the women who came before her, and the wisdom of community. She practices from an anti-oppression and Liberation Psychology lens, integrating a variety of modalities—EMDR, Somatic Therapy, Narrative Therapy, IFS, Neurofeedback, CBT, and DBT. These aren’t just tools she's studied—they’re ones she's relied on in her own healing. She see each person as whole and worthy, and she's honored to walk alongside them as they reclaim their stories.
🍸☕What We Were Drinking:
Arbonne Energy Fizz & Mind Health#arbonne
Sparkle Hops#sparklehops
Soleil Sparkling Water#soleilalbertsons
Hibiscus Tea#hibiscustea
🎧Show Notes
Looking for all the magical goodness we mentioned in this episode? Want it sent directly to your inbox each week along with every new episode? Join the Pod Squad (our email list!) for direct links, show notes, and more midlife fabulousness delivered to your inbox. 💌 And, even better, no ⛔ spam or selling 💸 of your email - we promise!
👉 Subscribe Here and get the show notes for this episode! 
💬 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

Caregiving in Midlife = The Panini Generation

Life in the so-called Sandwich Generation doesn’t quite capture the pressure many of us feel in midlife. That’s why we call it the Panini Generation—because we’re not just layered between responsibilities, we’re pressed from every direction.
In this episode of Drinks With the Girls, we dig into what it means to be squeezed between caring for children, sustaining marriages, managing demanding careers, and supporting aging parents—all at the same time. We open up about the complicated dynamics of helping our fathers, the emotional strain of setting boundaries with parents, and the impossible expectation to hold everything together without breaking down ourselves.
This conversation is raw, funny at times, and painfully relatable. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by caregiving, stretched thin by family obligations, or caught in the relentless grind of midlife, this one’s for you. Together we share hard-won insights, a little humor, and some real talk about protecting your energy and finding resilience in the middle of it all.
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🍸☕What We Were Drinking:
Ketel One BotanicalPeach & Orange Blossom Vodka Spritz#ketelonebotanical
Sanzo Sparkling Water - Lychee#sanzo
 
🎧Show Notes
Looking for all the magical goodness we mentioned in this episode? Want it sent directly to your inbox each week along with every new episode? Join the Pod Squad (our email list!) for direct links, show notes, and more midlife fabulousness delivered to your inbox. 💌 And, even better, no ⛔ spam or selling 💸 of your email - we promise!
👉 Subscribe Here and get the show notes for this episode! 
💬 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

Let's Talk About Sex in Midlife, Baby

They said sex gets boring after 40 — they lied. In this unapologetically honest episode of Drinks With the Girls, we’re breaking down what really happens to your sex life in midlife. From hormone shifts and body confidence to redefining pleasure on your own terms, we’re talking about how to make intimacy not just good, but mind-blowing.
Whether you’re navigating menopause, rekindling the spark in a long-term relationship, or exploring your desires in new ways, we’ll help you ditch outdated rules, laugh at the awkward bits, and discover why the best sex of your life might be happening right now.
Grab your drink, pull up a chair, and join the conversation — because we’re done whispering about what we really want.
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🍸☕What We Were Drinking:
Hop Wtr - Peach#hopwtr
Sanzo Sparkling Water - Lycheehttps://drinksanzo.com#sanzo
🎧Show Notes
Looking for all the magical goodness we mentioned this episode? Want it sent directly to your inbox each week along with every new episode? Join the Pod Squad (our email list!) for direct links, show notes, and more midlife fabulousness delivered to your inbox. 💌 And, even better, no ⛔ spam or selling 💸 of your email - we promise!
👉 Subscribe Here and get the show notes for this episode! 
💬 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

The Truth About GLP-1s and Midlife Weight Loss

GLP-1s like semaglutide are everywhere—from Oprah’s special to TikTok trends—but what’s the real story behind the shot? Lisa opens up about her personal experience with compounded semaglutide, sharing the good, the gross, and the emotionally complicated parts of using a GLP-1 medication in midlife.
Karen and Lisa dig into the cultural shame around weight, the privilege baked into access, and why it’s time we stop calling it “cheating” when women use tools to reclaim their health. From food noise to dosage mishaps (yep, she overdosed herself), this is the unfiltered conversation about semaglutide that the internet needs—and midlife women deserve.
In this episode:
GLP-1s and how they actually work
Lisa’s path from resistance to results
The truth about side effects and blood sugar
Why shame has no place in women’s health
Access, equity, and the pharmacy black market
This one’s for anyone who’s ever looked in the mirror and thought, Wait… who even is this?
🏥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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🍸☕What We Were Drinking:
Popwell Prebiotic Soda#popwell
Mortal Kombucha#mortalkombucha
🎧Show Notes
Looking for all the magical goodness we mentioned this episode? Want it sent directly to your inbox each week along with every new episode? Join the Pod Squad (our email list!) for direct links, show notes, and more midlife fabulousness delivered to your inbox. 💌 And, even better, no ⛔ spam or selling 💸 of your email - we promise!
👉 Subscribe Here and get the show notes for this episode! 
💬 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