Drinks with the Girls®

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

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

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

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

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.
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🎧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

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.
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🎧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
 

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.
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🎧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

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
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
 

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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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

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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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