Drinks with the Girls®

Rebranding the Midlife Crisis

Forget everything you’ve been told about the “midlife crisis.” In this episode of Drinks with the Girls, Karen and Lisa are calling BS on outdated, gendered labels and reclaiming midlife as a time of powerful transformation. From societal expectations to personal reinvention, we unpack why this chapter isn't a breakdown — it’s a breakthrough.
Tune in for real talk on:
Why the term midlife crisis is harmful and outdated
How women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond are rediscovering themselves
The impact of good girl conditioning, boundaries, and menopause
Reframing midlife as a renaissance — or your “second spring”
Celebrity reinventions and role models who are thriving in midlife
With cocktails, candid stories, and a whole lot of heart, we’re redefining what it means to age with confidence, clarity, and zero apologies.
*****************************************
🎧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

Dinner Without the Drama: Summer Edition

When it’s 92 degrees and even the thought of turning on the stove feels like too much, what’s for dinner?
In this laugh-out-loud and totally relatable episode, Karen and Lisa are joined once again by fan favorite Lisa Potter to talk real-life summer cooking. We're dishing up no-drama dinner ideas, lazy-girl meal hacks, and giving you full permission to make cereal, charcuterie boards, or rotisserie chicken your go-to strategy when it’s just too hot to care.
Whether you're feeding kids, partners, or just yourself, this episode serves up practical tips and funny midlife confessions that’ll make you feel seen — and a lot less guilty about skipping the oven.
🔥 What we cover:
Low-effort summer dinner ideas
Why no one needs to be a hero in the kitchen
The emotional load of mealtime (and how to drop it)
Remembering we’re not just feeding mouths — we’re feeding lives
So grab a glass of something cold and join us for a conversation that feels like chatting with your favorite girlfriends — because that’s exactly what it is.
*****************************************
🎧Show Notes
Guest: Lisa PotterSmoke Ridge Custom CateringSmokeridgecc.com
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
 

Stop Living on Autopilot and Start Trusting Yourself Again

What if the “midlife crisis” was actually the beginning of your most powerful transformation yet? This week, Karen and Lisa are joined by Guest Amanda Younts—educator-turned-coach, speaker, podcaster, and the original Midlife Catalyst—to talk about why change in midlife isn’t a breakdown… it’s a breakthrough.
From ditching autopilot and rewriting outdated identity scripts to navigating grief, sobriety, and the sacred art of permission, this conversation dives deep into the messy, beautiful reality of midlife reinvention.
Inside this episode:
How Amanda redefined her identity after leaving a high-pressure career
Why “midlife crisis” is a tired, unhelpful label—and what to call it instead
The truth about burnout, self-care, and reclaiming joy
How to make bold changes even when the people around you don’t get it
Giving yourself permission to want more—and actually go after it
Whether you're standing at a crossroads or just craving more meaning in this season of life, this episode will speak to your soul. It's a must-listen for anyone ready to stop running on autopilot and start becoming who they were always meant to be.
*****************************************
🎧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

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. 🥂
*****************************************
🎧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
 

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.
*****************************************
🎧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
*****************************************
Want all this goodness sent directly to your inbox? 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. 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
*****************************************
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
 

Smart Financial Moves for Women Over 40, Part 1

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 & Associates
Vino 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
*****************************************
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

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. 💔💬✨
*****************************************
🎧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
*****************************************
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

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.
 
*****************************************
🎧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
*****************************************
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

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.
*****************************************
🎧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
*****************************************
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