Drinks with the Girls®

Whether you're navigating toddler meltdowns, school refusal in middle school, or your college kid is spiraling from overwhelm, this one’s for you.
In this honest and heartfelt episode, Karen and Lisa open up about the moments in parenting when everything feels hard—when the systems don’t fit your child, the experts contradict each other, and your own inner critic is the loudest voice in the room.
We’re talking about the times your kid is struggling—socially, emotionally, academically—and the world seems to be judging both of you. From missed milestones to behavior challenges, this conversation will help you feel seen, validated, and more grounded as you parent through it all.
Because here’s the truth: There’s no “right” age for the wheels to fall off, and there’s no timeline for getting support. Whether your child is 3, 13, or 23, you deserve resources, community, and a reminder that you're not alone.
✨ In this episode:
How to stay calm when your kid is in crisis
Dealing with shame, mom guilt & outside judgment
Supporting kids through developmental, behavioral, or mental health struggles
Why traditional parenting advice often fails modern families
Encouragement for every stage: toddlers, tweens, teens, and college-age kids
💬 If you've ever thought, “I’m failing my child,” this one’s for you. You’re not failing—you’re just parenting in real life.
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🍸☕ What We Were Drinking:
🍹 Zevia Tea Earl Grey Tea Blood Orange
✨Sparkle Hops
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Lisa's Beat Black Friday Parenting Outside the Lines Megabundle
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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 ConnectedFollow, 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 OutGot 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

Grab your favorite mug (preferably one that says I love goats and the word fck*) and cozy up—because in this special Halloween edition of Drinks with the Girls, we're diving into the real-life horror stories of midlife womanhood.
You know the ones:
A black chin hair that shows up in full sunlight
Rogue pubes on your mid-thigh
Eyebrow hairs that disappear… only to reappear somewhere completely inappropriate
Peeing when you sneeze or laugh
Skin tags no one warned you about
Fluffy vaginas (yes, really)
Karen and Lisa spill all the weird, messy, unfiltered truths about what’s happening to their bodies—and probably yours too—and why talking (and laughing) about it is the best medicine.
From hot tips like “keep tweezers in your car” to surprising facts about pelvic floor health, hormone shifts, perimenopause, and the pressure to stay "ageless," this episode is like a girls’ night in with your smartest, funniest, most honest friends.
It’s gross. It’s hilarious. And it’s about damn time someone said it out loud.
This episode is for you if:
You’ve ever screamed at a rogue chin hair in natural light
You're wondering WTF is happening to my ankles?
You’re tired of pretending your body hasn’t changed since 29
You’re ready to drop the shame, the silence, and maybe your pants (because sweatpants are life)
 
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🍸☕ What We Were Drinking:
🍵TizzyCleanTox Tea + Arbonne Energy Fizz#arbonne
☕Basic B*tch Coffee
 
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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 ConnectedFollow, 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 OutGot 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

What if the most powerful thing you could offer a loved one during cancer… wasn’t advice or casseroles—but empathy?
In this vulnerable and surprisingly uplifting episode, breast cancer survivor Amy Bergant joins us for a raw conversation about navigating a diagnosis, parenting twin toddlers through chemo, and why she needed people to laugh with her—not pity her.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, underseen, or stuck in survival mode, Amy’s story will leave you feeling validated, grounded, and surprisingly empowered.
She opens up about:
How her humor became a survival tool when the world got too heavy
The moment she realized she wanted empathy—not sympathy
What it’s like to grieve your body while also rebuilding your identity
Raising toddlers while tethered to chemo drains
And the surprising sisterhood that showed up for her in ways she never expected
This isn’t a sanitized story of pink ribbons and brave faces. It’s messy, honest healing—from nipple jokes to emotional gut punches—told with the kind of fierce, funny perspective only midlife can bring.
Perfect for any woman who’s tired of being the strong one and wants to feel understood instead.
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Part of our Celebrating the Twins series for Breast Cancer Awareness Month 🩷Guest: Amy Bergant🍸☕ What We Were Drinking:
💖Bloom Energy Drinks
💖Rambler Sparkling Water
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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 ConnectedFollow, 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 OutGot 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

In this powerful and practical episode of Drinks With the Girls, Karen and Lisa sit down with Dr. Christine Kollmorgen of Oregon Surgical Wellness to talk all things breast health and cancer prevention. From the truth about exercise and cortisol to how female friendships and managing stress can literally save your life, this conversation is a must-listen for every woman over 40. Dr. Kollmorgen shares research-backed strategies to lower your risk of breast cancer, what to do when your mammogram is "wonky," and how to advocate for yourself in a confusing medical system. Real talk, real science, and real support—because knowledge is power and midlife is the time to take control of your health. 🍷💪💖
Topics We Cover:
The exact exercise formula shown to reduce breast cancer risk
How chronic stress and negative thinking can affect breast tissue
Creating calm, connected care in a breast cancer journey
What to do after a confusing or scary mammogram result
The role of long-term female friendships in overall health
Why self-advocacy in midlife medicine matters more than ever
🏥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.
****************************************Guest: Dr. Christine KollmorganOregon Surgical Wellness
 
🍸☕ What We Were Drinking:
🍷Myrtle Creek Cab Franc
✨Lüp Water
✨Spindrift Mango Orange
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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

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

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

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

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

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

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