Message In The Middle

Marianne DeMello-Smith

This podcast is a safe and supportive space for listeners to explore life's challenging lessons and gain inspiration for their personal development journey. Through a variety of engaging formats, including interviews, book clubs, master classes, and discussions, the podcast delves into topics related to perseverance, self-empowerment, and self-discovery. With a focus on sharing expertise, inspiring stories and insights from a diverse range of voices, the podcast aims to help listeners navigate difficult experiences, provide hope and inspiration, and develop the resilience and strength needed to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.At its core, this podcast is a platform for personal growth and development. It provides a welcoming space for listeners to explore life's toughest lessons and learn from others who have overcome similar challenges. Through a variety of formats, including interviews with experts and everyday people, book clubs featuring thought-provoking works, and discussions focused on specific topics, listeners are exposed to a range of perspectives and ideas that can help them on their own personal journeys. One of the key themes of this podcast is perseverance. Many of the stories shared on the show highlight the importance of pushing through difficult times and not giving up, even when the odds seem insurmountable. Whether it's overcoming eating disorders, grief, addiction, navigating a health crisis, or dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic experience, the podcast emphasizes the resilience and strength of the human spirit. Another important theme of the podcast is self-empowerment. Listeners are encouraged to take control of their own lives and pursue their goals with confidence and determination. By sharing stories of individuals who have transformed their lives through hard work and self-discovery, the podcast inspires listeners to believe in their own potential and take steps to create the life they want and to recognize that we are all capable of rewiring our thoughts and behaviors.  Finally, the podcast is focused on self-discovery. Through discussions and interviews, listeners are encouraged to explore their own values, beliefs, and desires, and to gain a deeper understanding of themselves. By reflecting on their own experiences and learning from the stories of others, listeners can gain valuable insights that can help them navigate life's challenges and live more fulfilling lives. Overall, this podcast is a powerful resource for anyone seeking inspiration, guidance, and support on their personal development journey. By exploring life's difficult lessons through inspiring stories, interviews, book clubs, and discussions, listeners can gain the tools they need to persevere through tough times, empower themselves to achieve their goals, and discover their true selves.

  1. Stronger Than the Storm: Felicity Ashley on Resilience, Cancer, and Courage

    2 DAYS AGO

    Stronger Than the Storm: Felicity Ashley on Resilience, Cancer, and Courage

    When life throws storms our way, we often think we’re at our breaking point. But what if the storm is the very place, we discover our truest, strongest selves? In this episode of Message in the Middle, I sit down with Felicity Ashley, adventurer, mother of three, cancer survivor, former corporate marketer, and motivational speaker, to explore resilience, courage, and the power of saying yes to impossible dreams. Felicity’s story is extraordinary. She set out with three other moms to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic, facing storms, broken equipment, and relentless sleep-deprived nights. What she didn’t know was that she was rowing while living with stage 3 bowel cancer. The strength she unearthed mid-ocean would become the anchor she leaned on through diagnosis, chemotherapy, surgery, and recovery. In this conversation, Felicity shares:  ✨ How ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things  ✨ The mindset shifts that transform fear into fuel  ✨ What resilience really looks like when life changes in an instant  ✨ The role of community, support, and daily habits in surviving and thriving  ✨ Tactical advice for listeners navigating their own storms Her memoir, Stronger Than the Storm, is a raw and inspiring reminder that our greatest strength often surfaces in our hardest battles. If you’ve ever doubted your own resilience, this episode will give you hope, perspective, and practical steps to face your own challenges head-on. Connect with Felicity:   Website:  https://www.felicityashley.comBook:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1068489103LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/felicityashleyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/felicityashleyspeaker/ Connect with Marianne: Website: Message In The Middle with Marianne Message In the Middle Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966 Email: Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne Subscribe to Message In the Middle: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content. Keep the conversation going - Join us for more insightful conversations in the Message in the Middle Private Facebook Community & subscribe to Message in th...

    39 min
  2. When Being Seen Feels Scarier Than Skydiving—And How to Do It Anyway

    1 NOV

    When Being Seen Feels Scarier Than Skydiving—And How to Do It Anyway

    What if the bravest thing you’ll ever do isn’t leaping out of a helicopter, but allowing yourself to truly be seen? In this powerful episode of Message in the Middle, I sit down with Angie Hawkins, an Inner Glow Coach and author of Running in Slippers. After 20 years in Corporate America, Angie traded her high-powered IT Finance Operations career for a mission to help high-achieving women stop chasing approval and start radiating fierce confidence. Angie’s journey is raw, real, and deeply relatable. From hitting emotional rock bottom to rebuilding her identity on a foundation of self-love, she reminds us that our darkest moments don’t define us. What defines us is the decision to get up again, to choose ourselves, and to believe that we are enough exactly as we are. We talk about: What “being seen” really means and why it’s so terrifyingHow resilience shows up in the messy middle of healing, not just in hindsightThe root of why so many women still don’t feel like “enough” even after years of self-workPractical steps to begin building unconditional self-love and confidenceHow small, ordinary decisions can create extraordinary transformationIf you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right and yet still searching for what’s missing, this episode is a reminder to keep up the good work and to give yourself grace, you’re still becoming. Connect with Angie:  Website: https://www.runninginslippers.comIG and YT: @angiehawkins808 Connect with Marianne: Website: Message In The Middle with Marianne Message In the Middle Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966 Email: Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne Subscribe to Message In the Middle: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content. Keep the conversation going - Join us for more insightful conversations in the Message in the Middle Private Facebook Community & subscribe to Message in th...

    43 min
  3. Learning to Trust Your Inner Wisdom: Anna Quigley on Intuition, Alignment & Midlife Clarity

    25 OCT

    Learning to Trust Your Inner Wisdom: Anna Quigley on Intuition, Alignment & Midlife Clarity

    Have you ever felt like there’s something more calling you, something deeper, more aligned, more you? If you’ve spent years showing up for everyone else and are now facing a quiet inner nudge that’s hard to ignore, this conversation is for you. In this episode of Message in the Middle, I’m joined by transformational coach Anna Quigley, who has spent over 30 years studying neuroscience, quantum mind-body tools, and sensory imagination. Anna believes that intuition isn’t just a mystical concept, it’s an essential inner compass that can guide us into the next chapter of our lives with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Together, we explore: Why midlife is the perfect time to reconnect with your intuitionThe difference between fear and inner knowingHow to recognize the body’s physical, emotional, and mental signalsThe science behind intuition and energetic alignmentHow imagination plays a role in healing and re-visioning your lifePractical first steps to reconnect with your inner wisdomWhy it’s never too late to change your pathWhether you’re standing at the edge of a big life transition or simply sensing that you’re meant for more, this episode will give you permission and practical tools to listen inward and trust what you hear. It’s not about adding more to your plate. It’s about uncovering what’s already inside you. Connect with Anna Quigley: Website: https://journeytopurpose.org/ Connect with Marianne: Website: Message In The Middle with Marianne Message In the Middle Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966 Email: Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne Subscribe to Message In the Middle: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content. Keep the conversation going - Join us for more insightful conversations in the Message in the Middle Private Facebook Community & subscribe to Message in th...

    44 min
  4. Slip, Recovery, and the Messy Middle with Mallary Tenore Tarpley

    18 OCT

    Slip, Recovery, and the Messy Middle with Mallary Tenore Tarpley

    Healing our relationship with food, our body, and ourselves is rarely a straight line. In this eye-opening episode of Message in the Middle, Marianne sits down with journalist, author, and educator Mallary Tenore Tarpley to explore the often-overlooked “messy middle” of eating disorder recovery. Mallary’s new book, Slip, blends personal memoir with investigative reporting to reveal why recovery is rarely a straight path and how neurobiology, genetics, and lived experience all play a role. If you’ve ever wondered why old patterns tug at you even as you build new ones, or how to hold compassion for yourself while still in the process, this conversation will remind you that slipping doesn’t mean failing. Listen to learn more about: • What the “middle place” of recovery really looks like • How science is reshaping the narrative around eating disorders • Food noise and self-criticism • Why self-compassion matters more than perfection Whether you’re personally navigating recovery or supporting someone who is, Mallary’s insights will give you hope, understanding, and a fresh perspective on what healing truly means. Connect with Mallary: mallary.substack.commallarytenoretarpley.comhttps://www.instagram.com/mallarytenoretarpley/ Connect with Marianne: Website: Message In The Middle with Marianne Message In the Middle Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966 Email: Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne Subscribe to Message In the Middle: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content. Keep the conversation going - Join us for more insightful conversations in the Message in the Middle Private Facebook Community & subscribe to Message in th...

    41 min
  5. Mindset Matters: Finding Confidence and Clarity in Midlife with Cheryl Fischer

    11 OCT

    Mindset Matters: Finding Confidence and Clarity in Midlife with Cheryl Fischer

    Midlife often brings big transitions, changes in identity, priorities, relationships, and even our own sense of self. But what if the biggest challenge isn’t the circumstances around us, but the stories we tell ourselves about them? In this episode of Message in the Middle, I sit down with Cheryl Fischer, speaker, trainer, event moderator, host of the Mind Your Midlife podcast, and certified Life and Mindset Coach. Cheryl works with women to shift the inner narrative from “I’m stuck” or “I’m not enough” to one of possibility, self-belief, and success. We talk about:  ✨ How midlife reinvention often begins with the stories we carry about who we are  ✨ Why your inner critic feels so loud in this season of life, and how to quiet it  ✨ Simple strategies to build awareness and reframe your self-talk  ✨ Rediscovering what truly lights you up when life feels centered on everyone else ✨ Learning to appreciate your body and care for yourself with compassion ✨ The memory “blips” of midlife and why they’re more common than we think This isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about understanding how much power your inner voice holds and learning to shift the narrative so you can move forward with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Connect with Cheryl:   Free quiz: https://www.cherylpfischer.com/innervoicequizPodcast: https://www.mindyourmidlifepodcast.comIf you like this episode you might want to listen to this one also: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1938384/episodes/17710620 Connect with Marianne: Website: Message In The Middle with Marianne Message In the Middle Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966 Email: Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne Subscribe to Message In the Middle: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content. Keep the conversation going - Join us for more insightful conversations in the Message in the Middle Private Facebook Community & subscribe to Message in th...

    39 min
  6. Healing Through Grief, Change, and Midlife Transitions

    4 OCT

    Healing Through Grief, Change, and Midlife Transitions

    Midlife brings so many shifts—children leaving home, aging parents, career changes, identity shifts, and layered on top of it all, grief in its many forms. Sometimes it’s the loss of a loved one, and other times it’s the ache of realizing life looks different than we imagined. In this episode of Message in the Middle, I’m joined by Jane Dye, a registered nurse, board-certified holistic health coach, and certified grief educator. With more than 30 years of nursing practice, much of it in psychiatric settings, Jane brings a unique perspective to midlife healing. She blends clinical expertise with holistic health, grief education, and spiritual connection to help women navigate transitions with compassion and hope.  Together, Jane and I explore:  ✨ Why you never get over loss—you learn to build a life around it  ✨ Why all loss matters and there is no “grief Olympics”  ✨ How grief can keep us looking backward, and what it takes to move forward  ✨ How to support someone who is grieving  ✨ What not to do when you’re trying to support someone through grief  If you’ve ever felt stuck in the in-between or uncertain about how to move through loss and change, this conversation is a reminder that healing is possible, but everyone must do it in their own way and on their own timeline.  Connect with Jane: https://janekdye.com Connect with Marianne: Website: Message In The Middle with Marianne Message In the Middle Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966 Email: Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne Subscribe to Message In the Middle: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content. Keep the conversation going - Join us for more insightful conversations in the Message in the Middle Private Facebook Community & subscribe to Message in th...

    43 min
  7. The New Old: Erika Andersen on Crafting Your Best Later Life

    27 SEPT

    The New Old: Erika Andersen on Crafting Your Best Later Life

    What if aging wasn’t about decline, but about becoming more fully yourself? In this episode of Message in the Middle, I sit down with bestselling author and leadership coach Erika Andersen to talk about what it really means to age well—and how we can begin preparing for a vibrant “third act” of life long before we get there. Erika has spent more than 30 years guiding senior leaders at companies like Spotify, Amazon, and Charter through deep transformation. Now, in her seventies, she’s turning that wisdom inward with her newest book, The New Old: Crafting Your Best Later Life, a #1 Amazon bestseller. She shares how we can approach aging with curiosity and intention, unlearn the limiting stories that hold us back, and create a later life rich with joy, discovery, and purpose. This isn’t just a conversation for someone in their seventies. If you’re in your forties, fifties, or anywhere in midlife, now is the time to think about how you want to shape the years ahead. Because your third act has the potential to be your best act and it starts with the choices you make today. Join us as we talk about: How to define your “third act” and start shaping it with intentionThe power of curiosity, courage, and creativity in aging wellWhy reinvention isn’t about being “too late,” but about being ready nowHow to hold both grief and grace as we grow olderHow to Be the Boss of Your Life: Create a compelling vision for your future and build a plan to help you achieve itIf you’re craving a hopeful, thoughtful perspective on what it means to grow older on your own terms, this conversation is for you. Connect with Erika:  Website: https://erikaandersen.comSubstack:  https://erikaandersen1.substack.com Connect with Marianne: Website: Message In The Middle with Marianne Message In the Middle Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966 Email: Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne Subscribe to Message In the Middle: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content. Keep the conversation going - Join us for more insightful conversations in the Message in the Middle Private Facebook Community & subscribe to Message in th...

    44 min
  8. MindShifting with Mitch Weisburgh: How to Rewire Your Brain for Resilience, Resourcefulness, and Collaboration

    20 SEPT

    MindShifting with Mitch Weisburgh: How to Rewire Your Brain for Resilience, Resourcefulness, and Collaboration

    Have you ever felt like your own mind is working against you? That no matter how much you want to change, old patterns and doubts keep pulling you back? In this episode of Message in the Middle, I sit down with educator, entrepreneur, and author Mitch Weisburgh to talk about his new book MindShifting: Stop Your Brain from Sabotaging Your Happiness and Success. Mitch has spent decades helping people and organizations learn, grow, and adapt and now he’s sharing practical tools to help us do the same in our everyday lives. Together, we explore the three powerful pillars of MindShifting: Resourcefulness: How to transform setbacks into learning opportunities that move you forward.Resilience: Why bouncing back isn’t about pushing harder, but about finding strength and meaning in challenges.Collaboration: How to navigate differences and build connections that lead to collective growth.Mitch’s hopeful, practical approach shows us that transformation doesn’t require perfection, it just requires a shift in how we think. If you’ve been feeling stuck or searching for new ways to move forward, this episode will give you tools, perspective, and a reminder that your brain is not your enemy, in fact, it can become your greatest ally. Other Episodes mentioned: https://www.messageinthemiddle.com/resetting-the-chemistry-of-stress-science-backed-strategies-for-resilience-with-jenny-evans/ https://www.buzzsprout.com/1938384/episodes/17589489 Connect with Mitch:  Website: https://www.mindshiftingwithmitch.com/LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mweisburgh/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weisburghm/ Connect with Marianne: Website: Message In The Middle with Marianne Message In the Middle Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966 Email: Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne Subscribe to Message In the Middle: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content. Keep the conversation going - Join us for more insightful conversations in the Message in the Middle Private Facebook Community & subscribe to Message in th...

    46 min

About

This podcast is a safe and supportive space for listeners to explore life's challenging lessons and gain inspiration for their personal development journey. Through a variety of engaging formats, including interviews, book clubs, master classes, and discussions, the podcast delves into topics related to perseverance, self-empowerment, and self-discovery. With a focus on sharing expertise, inspiring stories and insights from a diverse range of voices, the podcast aims to help listeners navigate difficult experiences, provide hope and inspiration, and develop the resilience and strength needed to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.At its core, this podcast is a platform for personal growth and development. It provides a welcoming space for listeners to explore life's toughest lessons and learn from others who have overcome similar challenges. Through a variety of formats, including interviews with experts and everyday people, book clubs featuring thought-provoking works, and discussions focused on specific topics, listeners are exposed to a range of perspectives and ideas that can help them on their own personal journeys. One of the key themes of this podcast is perseverance. Many of the stories shared on the show highlight the importance of pushing through difficult times and not giving up, even when the odds seem insurmountable. Whether it's overcoming eating disorders, grief, addiction, navigating a health crisis, or dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic experience, the podcast emphasizes the resilience and strength of the human spirit. Another important theme of the podcast is self-empowerment. Listeners are encouraged to take control of their own lives and pursue their goals with confidence and determination. By sharing stories of individuals who have transformed their lives through hard work and self-discovery, the podcast inspires listeners to believe in their own potential and take steps to create the life they want and to recognize that we are all capable of rewiring our thoughts and behaviors.  Finally, the podcast is focused on self-discovery. Through discussions and interviews, listeners are encouraged to explore their own values, beliefs, and desires, and to gain a deeper understanding of themselves. By reflecting on their own experiences and learning from the stories of others, listeners can gain valuable insights that can help them navigate life's challenges and live more fulfilling lives. Overall, this podcast is a powerful resource for anyone seeking inspiration, guidance, and support on their personal development journey. By exploring life's difficult lessons through inspiring stories, interviews, book clubs, and discussions, listeners can gain the tools they need to persevere through tough times, empower themselves to achieve their goals, and discover their true selves.