Our Time to Rise in Midlife

Alexandra Kuykendall & Krista Gilbert
  • 4.8 (243)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Together we are rising to meet life's challenges, seasons, opportunities, and changes with strength, courage, optimism, and faith. From the heavy and hard to the light-hearted and fun, authors and leadership mentors Krista Gilbert and Alexandra Kuykendall bring you honest and hopeful conversations for this moment in your life. We are intentional here. We are hopeful. We are encouraging each other. We are honest. We are realistic. We are for each other. We are God fearing and Holy Spirit welcoming. We are joyful. We are generous. We are capable. We are rising together. It is our time to meet the moment. It is our time to rise.

  1. 2D AGO

    Ep.536: The In-Between Season Part 1: Caring for Young Adults with Krista and Alex

    Are you caring for aging parents while still supporting your young adult children? You're not alone. In this episode, Krista and Alex explore the emotional complexity of the sandwich generation — a season marked by grief, shifting roles, guilt, and unexpected growth. They discuss how to manage changing family dynamics, set healthy boundaries, reevaluate expectations, and embrace the opportunity for deeper relationships during this transitional stage of life. If you're feeling stretched between two generations, this conversation offers practical insight, encouragement, and hope. In this episode: Why grief and opportunity often coexist How guilt shows up in caregiving The importance of boundaries and self-care Parenting adult children with clarity and respect Listen in for wisdom and practical tools to help you navigate this complex season with intention. A FEW THINGS MENTIONED Philippians 1:6 James 1:5 Ecclesiastes 3:1 QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE What is your grief around in this season? Where is the opportunity, in this season for you? Where do you need to let go? What does it look like to offer your young adult freedom? What does it look like to infuse your young adult with belief? LET'S CONNECT! Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend. Or message us on Instagram – we'd love to hear from you! Get the Daily Dozen Checklist -12 habits that will immediately make you happier and healthier

    41 min

  2. FEB 17

    Ep.535: Loving the Way We Look with Kristin Wall

    The challenges of social media don't just affect young women, they impact those of us that are hitting our 40s, 50s, and 60s too! The expectations of what it means to age is moving the needle on what is expected. So how does one decide what to focus on? Care about? Lean into? And accept? We all have different specifics that matter to us, but God's care for our heart and our posture toward the world has not changed. If you are a woman who struggles with aging, have wondered how you can possibly measure up to the beauty standards of the day, or who simply wants to feel confident no matter your age, this conversation is for you! Kristin Wall is mom, mother-in-law, and grandmother and is reflecting on what it means to age in front of the younger women and girls in her life. This is a dynamic conversation that you won't want to miss. FIND MORE ABOUT KRISTIN WALL Kristin Wall- Instagram A FEW THINGS MENTIONED Proverbs 31:30 QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE What is motivating this desire, am I drawn to this out of joy and stewardship or am I drawn to it out of comparison, pressure or feeling less than? Is this helping me feel more like myself or less, does this choice bring peace and confidence or does it create more anxiety and self focus? If no one could see me, would I still want this? Would I still make this decision if it was just me or only because others might notice? Am I caring for my body or trying to correct it? Is this honoring what God gave me or trying to erase what time has done? Is this drawing me closer to gratitude or further into dissatisfaction? Do I feel thankful afterwards or more critical of myself? Would I want my daughter or grand-daughter to feel the same pressure, what message does this pass down? Does this choice expand my life or shrink it? Does it free me to Love, Connect and be present or does it make myself more preoccupied with myself? Have I prayed about this and invited the Holy Spirit into this decision? Am I anchored in who God says I am or in how I look right now? LET'S CONNECT! Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend. Or message us on Instagram – we'd love to hear from you! Get the Daily Dozen Checklist -12 habits that will immediately make you happier and healthier

    52 min

  3. FEB 10

    Ep.534: Things We Love 2026 Edition with Krista Gilbert and Alex Kuykendall

    It's one of our favorite episodes of the year—our annual Valentine's "Things We Love" tradition! This episode is all about the little things we love: beauty finds, cozy clothes, home upgrades, meaningful gifts, what we're watching and reading, and the random discoveries that made our lives better over the past year. Whether you're shopping for yourself (highly encouraged), building gift ideas, or just love hearing real-life recommendations, this one's for you. A FEW THINGS MENTIONED Beauty / Clothes: Dmrtlgy luminous under eye corrector Madagascar Centella soothing gel  WOW dreamcoat antifrizz spray Room Service pajamas and Nordstrom pajamas from you! KUT from the Kloth pants Shark Hair Tool - Flexstyle Air Styling + Drying System Cozy Earth Bath Robes or Terry Bath Wrap Anthro puff sleeve top Pants by Maeve Salt and Stone Deodorant  Ouai Hair Mask Ouai Scalp and Body Scrub Modlilly Home: Krisi's Sur La Table ratchet pepper grinder Scrub Daddy Power Paste and sponges GE Profile washer/drier combo Travel Jewelry Case (that got lost and is now found) Miele Vacuum Anna Antique Brass Candle Holder  Faux Fur Electric Blanket Lola Blankets Shashibo Battle Shapes Wireless Charging Station for Phones / airpods / apple watches Luggage Racks for Guests Gifts: Bowls from Costco Lego 3-1 sets Watercolor paints and paper and brushes from Walmart For Graduation:  a very nice men's watch Ballerina Farm Bread Knife + wooden measuring spoons Durable insulated bag for your Costo runs.  Haven Bag Co Merry Sockmas:  Bombas Essentials and Southern Scholar Dress Socks for Men  Cover Your Assets Travel Jewelry Organizer Workpro Home Tool Kit (pink!) Personalized Minimalist Stationary Kitchen:  Ballerina Farm Protein Breville Smart Oven (air fryer) Thorne Creatine Powder Frozen Grapes Toasted Hazelnuts for Salads Roasted Chickpeas Media: Shows / Movies Knives out three: Wake Up Dead Man on Netflix, Father Jud's character Eras Tour docuseries on Disney Plus, themes of kindness and generosity and staying focused on who you serve House of David on Prime Ruth and Boaz The Rings of Power Books: My Friends: A Novel by Frederik Backman Wild Card interview with Michelle Obama (podcast) Built To Fly by Eric Scofield Shoe Dog by Phil Knight Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy The Great Alone by Kristen Hannah How to Know a Person by David Brooks Emotional Agility by Susan David Follows: David French Kate Bowler Heidi Kristensen (@sustainablefashionstyle on Insta) TandTTwinTalk Imscottdonnell Thecodeofthewest Krisimonsivies Best Random Things:  Nobl Travel CarryOn Suitcase - so smart LET'S CONNECT! Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend. Or message us on Instagram – we'd love to hear from you! Get the Daily Dozen Checklist -12 habits that will immediately make you happier and healthier

    53 min

  4. FEB 3

    Ep.533: Loving Your People Well with Bethany Kimsey

    It's February! So we are talking all things love! We are starting with the HOW of loving those in your closest circles. Bethany Kimsey is a mom to eight and has developed a system for studying the people she loves most so that she can love them well. We are all changing every day. Our needs, interests, doubts, celebrations, hopes, and struggles have nuance. How do we make sure that we are doing the best we can in loving those around us as they are TODAY?    Bethany offers us a framework for how she observes and listens to God as she considers how she will care for her people. It is a thoughtful process done over days and helps guide her as she parents, cares for her husband and her friends. It is an exercise you can do no matter the state of your relationships or your concerns for those you love. It is a process between you and God that guides your next steps.   As we consider what it is to love well - let's listen in and try out what we are now calling "Bethany's method". FIND MORE ABOUT BETHANY KIMSEY Bethany Kimsey's- Website and Instagram Bethany Kimsey's Podcast- Warrior Mama Podcast FEW THINGS MENTIONED Bible verses -Romans 4 -1 John -John 7: 37-39 -Isaiah 40:11 -Jeremiah 33:3 QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE How do you sense that you are God's beloved? Sit right now and accept His love. Who can you study in your circle, take some time to do an inventory and observe, then assess and ask God to give you eyes to see them and to have some insight and then pray if and when to speak what you observe. What questions can you have ready to ask when you want to get to the heart of an issue without giving a leacture? LET'S CONNECT! Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend. Or message us on Instagram – we'd love to hear from you! Get the Daily Dozen Checklist -12 habits that will immediately make you happier and healthier

    47 min

  5. JAN 27

    Ep.532: Dressing for Your Body Architecture with Lisa Davenport

    Do you struggle with what to wear or find yourself staring at your closet wondering what actually looks good on you? You're not alone — and that's exactly what we're talking about in today's episode. We're joined by Lisa Davenport, an Australian body archetype and style expert who helps women understand how to dress in a way that truly works for their bodies. Lisa has spent years in the fashion industry and is passionate about helping women stand tall in the bodies they've been given, dressing with confidence instead of comparison. In this conversation, Lisa breaks down what body archetypes really are, why certain styles flatter you while others don't, and how small shifts in fit, cut, and proportion can completely change how you feel when you get dressed. Her philosophy is simple but powerful: it's not your body that's the problem — it's learning what works for it. If getting dressed feels frustrating or overwhelming, this episode will help you see your wardrobe in a new light. This year, step into confidence by wearing what looks great on you and finally leave the guesswork behind. FIND MORE ABOUT LISA DAVENPORT Lisa Davenport- Instagram QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE Stand Infront of a mirror and look at your shape and be honest, what shape am I? Then go to Pinterest and look-up that shape and see what people are wearing. Who can you enlist to help you thin out your closet? What time can you set aside to organize and then shop your own closet? What two things can you do this week to up level your confidence through what you wear? LET'S CONNECT! Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend. Or message us on Instagram – we'd love to hear from you! Get the Daily Dozen Checklist -12 habits that will immediately make you happier and healthier

    48 min

  6. JAN 20

    Ep.531: The New Rules to Midlife Health Part 2 with Dr. Devan Szczepanski

    What happens when all of the things that used to work, stop working? Or maybe your body doesn't respond to exercise, diet, supplements or alcohol like your friend's does. Why?! We bring you Dr. Devan Szcepankski, the Founder and CEO of Nu Well Medicine. She is a board-certified family medicine physician with post-graduate certifications in Nutritional and Genomic Medicine. She uses nutrition and genomics to find how our bodies uniquely respond to our environments. She works one-on-one with patients to see what exactly THEY need to thrive.  So back to the why? You may be asking, Why doesn't my body work like it used to? Why does my BFF get different results with the same workout plan? Because you are a unique person with unique traits. Dr. Devan walks us through the factors from gut health to genetic predisposition that could help answer your questions and ultimately get you to better health. If you are wanting the new rules to midlife health, look no further. It's just the rules might be just as unique as you are. FIND MORE ABOUT DR DEVAN SZCZEPANSKI Dr. Devan Szczepanski- Website and Instagram Dr. Devan work - Website 2 FEW THINGS MENTIONED Books Fast Like a Girl- Dr Mindy Pelz Eat Like a Girl- Dr Mindy Pelz A Diet for Your Blood Type- QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE What would it look like to pay more attention to your gut health this year? If sleep is one of the main indicator of health what shift do you need to make in your sleeping habits? What would it look like for you to advocate for greater health with your practitioners? LET'S CONNECT! Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend. Or message us on Instagram – we'd love to hear from you! Get the Daily Dozen Checklist -12 habits that will immediately make you happier and healthier

    36 min

  7. JAN 13

    Ep.530: The New Rules to Midlife Health Part 1 with Dr. Devan Szczepanski

    What happens when all of the things that used to work, stop working? Or maybe your body doesn't respond to exercise, diet, supplements or alcohol like your friend's does. Why?! We bring you Dr. Devan Szcepankski, the Founder and CEO of Nu Well Medicine. She is a board-certified family medicine physician with post-graduate certifications in Nutritional and Genomic Medicine. She uses nutrition and genomics to find how our bodies uniquely respond to our environments. She works one-on-one with patients to see what exactly THEY need to thrive.  So back to the why? You may be asking, Why doesn't my body work like it used to? Why does my BFF get different results with the same workout plan? Because you are a unique person with unique traits. Dr. Devan walks us through the factors from gut health to genetic predisposition that could help answer your questions and ultimately get you to better health. If you are wanting the new rules to midlife health, look no further. It's just the rules might be just as unique as you are. FIND MORE ABOUT DR DEVAN SZCZEPANSKI Dr. Devan Szczepanski- Website and Instagram QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE What are your challenges health-wise in midlife? What is one wrong-right thing that you've been doing that you can stop doing? Has your body responded to something months or years later, where you have realised now that your body was responding to stress that happened a long time ago? How does it make you feel to consider your body responding and holding on to that stress for so long? What are you wanting to do better in your health as far as understanding your body in 2026? LET'S CONNECT! Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend. Or message us on Instagram – we'd love to hear from you! Get the Daily Dozen Checklist -12 habits that will immediately make you happier and healthier

    33 min

  8. JAN 6

    Ep.529: Inching Forward: What to Keep, What to Change and How to Enter New Year well with Krista and Alex

    Many of us feel the pressure of needing to reinvent ourselves every January.  Maybe what we actually need is a more sustainable, compassionate approach to growth. Instead of drastic resolutions, what if we explore the power of realistic goals, small shifts, and emotional agility—the kind of changes that actually stick?  This episode speaks directly to seasons of burnout and stagnation,reminding us all that acceptance is not giving up—it's often the first step forward. We discuss the circle of control, helping you discern what's yours to carry (and what isn't), and why reclaiming agency begins with clarity, not force. You'll also hear a thoughtful exploration of identity and motivation—how who we believe ourselves to be shapes the choices we make—and why mindfulness matters more than ever in midlife. This conversation is an invitation to slow down, tune in, and make room for change that feels aligned instead of exhausting. The episode closes with a prayer for guidance and peace, offering grounding and hope as we step into 2026 with intention, grace, and trust.  In this episode: Why incremental change is often more powerful than big resolutions How acceptance can coexist with growth Recognizing burnout and stagnation without judgment Using the circle of control to reduce overwhelm The role of identity in lasting motivation Simple mindfulness practices for everyday life A closing prayer to anchor you as a new year begins A FEW THINGS MENTIONED Emotional Agility- Susan David Atomic Habit- James Clear QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE What do you need to accept? What is in your circle of control and what isn't? What is your "I am someone who" statement? What can you keep doing, what can you stop doing and what can you start doing in 2026? LET'S CONNECT! Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend. Or message us on Instagram – we'd love to hear from you! Get the Daily Dozen Checklist -12 habits that will immediately make you happier and healthier

    42 min
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4.8
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About

Together we are rising to meet life's challenges, seasons, opportunities, and changes with strength, courage, optimism, and faith. From the heavy and hard to the light-hearted and fun, authors and leadership mentors Krista Gilbert and Alexandra Kuykendall bring you honest and hopeful conversations for this moment in your life. We are intentional here. We are hopeful. We are encouraging each other. We are honest. We are realistic. We are for each other. We are God fearing and Holy Spirit welcoming. We are joyful. We are generous. We are capable. We are rising together. It is our time to meet the moment. It is our time to rise.

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