Pursue Your Spark: Midlife Fitness & Mindset for Women Feeling Stuck

Heike Yates
  • 4.9 (93)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Biweekly

It's 3 a.m., and you're staring at the ceiling, wondering why everything feels a little off—even when nothing is obviously wrong. You keep telling yourself you're fine, but deep down, you know something has changed. Pursue Your Spark is a midlife fitness and mindset podcast for women feeling stuck in the in-between seasons of life—when the routines, expectations, and habits that once worked no longer fit the life you're living. Each week, we explore the patterns that quietly keep women stuck—from people-pleasing, perfectionism, and self-doubt to body changes, shifting priorities, and losing touch with themselves. But this isn't another podcast that tells you to try harder. It's a place where you'll feel understood, see midlife through a different lens, and learn the new rules for this season of life. Hosted by midlife fitness expert, author, and coach Heike Yates, each episode blends honest conversations, practical wisdom, and more than 40 years of coaching experience to help you rebuild self-trust, move through midlife with confidence, and fully live the next chapter of your life. Every episode leaves you with one new perspective, one practical step, and the encouragement to keep moving forward—even when life doesn't go according to plan. Whether you've lost touch with yourself, are struggling to stay consistent, or simply wondering what's next, you're in the right place. If you've been wondering whether your best years are behind you, they aren't. They simply require a different set of rules. 🎙️See a list of other "niche podcasts" that I produce https://heikeyates.com/category/podcast/ 📙 Order My New Book Pursue Your Spark https://heikeyates.com/l/pursueyoursparkbook/ 🤩 ⁠Visit My Website!⁠ https://heikeyates.com/ 🆓 Grab your free Midlife Reset Guide https://heikeyates.com/l/midlife-reset-guide/ 🤩 ⁠Join the Pursue Your Spark Blueprint Course ⭐️ https://heikeyates.com/l/spark-blueprint/ 💥 ⁠Follow me on Instagram⁠ https://www.instagram.com/heikeyates/

  1. Jul 23

    266. You Took Care of Everyone Else… But Lost Yourself | Denise Drinkwalter

    Losing yourself in midlife can happen so gradually that you don't even notice it. One day, you realize you've spent years taking care of everyone else, but you've lost touch with yourself. In Episode 266, You Took Care of Everyone Else… But Lost Yourself, Denise Drinkwalter joins me for an honest conversation about why so many women reach this point and how they can begin finding themselves again. We talk about how women often build their identity around being needed. Between raising families, building careers, supporting partners, and caring for others, it's easy to believe your worth comes from what you do rather than who you are. Over time, those patterns can leave you feeling disconnected, even when life looks successful from the outside. Denise shares why awareness is the first step toward change. Instead of looking for more things to do or for answers outside yourself, she encourages us to slow down and ask a simple yet powerful question: "When was the last time I truly felt like myself?" We also discuss why our bodies often signal when something is out of balance, why many women avoid slowing down, and how reconnecting with yourself doesn't require dramatic changes. It begins with paying attention to what brings you joy, noticing what gives you energy, and remembering who you were before life became filled with responsibilities. Losing yourself in midlife doesn't mean you've lost yourself forever. It simply means it's time to become curious again. This conversation is an invitation to stop measuring your worth by how much you do for everyone else and begin making space for the person you've always been. If you've been feeling disconnected or wondering what's next, I hope this episode reminds you that finding yourself again starts with one honest question and one small step at a time. Connect with Denise Facebook Business https://www.facebook.com/DeniseDrinkwalterCoaching Instagram https://www.instagram.com/denisedrinkwalter/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisedrinkwalter/ YouTube channel. https://youtube.com/@denisedrinkwalter?si=G2u6aNIbxUt5SkDe Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@denisedrinkwalter Work with Heike: 🤩 ⁠Visit My Website!⁠ https://heikeyates.com/ 📙Order My Book Pursue Your Spark https://heikeyates.com/l/pursueyoursparkbook/ 🆓 Grab your free Midlife Reset https://heikeyates.com/l/midlife-reset/ 🤩 Join the Pursue Your Spark Blueprint Course https://heikeyates.com/l/spark-blueprint/

    266. You Took Care of Everyone Else… But Lost Yourself | Denise Drinkwalter

  2. Jul 9

    265. The Midlife Body Disconnect No One Talks About

    What if the problem isn't your body? What if the real reason you feel frustrated with your changing body has nothing to do with motivation, discipline, or getting older? In Episode 265, The Midlife Body Disconnect No One Talks About, I explore why so many women lose touch with their bodies during midlife—and why reconnecting with the body you have today may be the missing piece to rebuilding midlife confidence. In this episode, I explain why so many women lose confidence when their bodies begin to change. Hormonal shifts, increased stress, changing priorities, and slower recovery all influence how we move and feel. Moreover, I discuss how constantly trying to recreate the past or comparing ourselves to unrealistic expectations only deepens frustration. Rather than fighting against our bodies, I encourage embracing this season with curiosity, compassion, and realistic expectations. Additionally, I talk about the "fix-it" mindset that keeps many women searching for the next perfect workout, diet, or wellness trend. Lasting confidence doesn't come from another plan—it comes from learning to listen to your body, honoring what it needs today, and letting go of the belief that you have to become the woman you were twenty years ago. Most importantly, I invite you to pause before your next workout and ask yourself a simple question: What does my body need today? Small promises kept consistently build trust, confidence, and strength far more effectively than chasing perfection. This season of life isn't about going backward. It's about moving forward with purpose, resilience, and self-compassion. If you're ready to reconnect with your body and approach this stage of life with renewed confidence, this episode will encourage you to take that first step. Remember, your spark isn't behind you—it's waiting for you to pursue it. Take one small action today and keep pursuing your spark. Links mentioned in the episode: 259. Why Your Routines Stop Working in Midlife (It's Not Discipline) 261. Stop Starting Over: Why You Keep Resetting (and Still Feel Stuck) Pursue Your Spark Book Pursue Your Spark Blueprint Course

    265. The Midlife Body Disconnect No One Talks About

  3. Jun 25

    264. Why People Pleasing and Perfectionism Keep You Stuck in Midlife | Cindy Payne

    You say yes when you want to say no. You take care of everyone else first. And no matter how much you accomplish, it never feels like enough. Sound familiar? In Episode 264, "Why People Pleasing and Perfectionism Keep You Stuck in Midlife," I sit down with therapist Cindy Payne to explore why People Pleasing in Midlife keeps so many women exhausted, disconnected, and feeling stuck. For years, many of us have learned to be the good daughter. The good partner. The good employee. The good mom. We say yes when we want to say no. We put everyone else's needs ahead of our own. We work hard to get everything right. From the outside, it looks like success. On the inside, it often feels exhausting. Together, Cindy and I uncover how people-pleasing and perfectionism begin as forms of protection. They help us feel accepted. They help us avoid conflict. They help us stay safe. But over time, those same patterns can keep us small. They weaken our self-trust. They disconnect us from what we truly want. We also discuss why these patterns become harder to ignore in midlife. The roles begin to shift. The old coping strategies stop working. The exhaustion gets louder. And many women start asking themselves an important question: Who am I underneath all these expectations? Moreover, Cindy shares how boundaries, curiosity, and self-compassion help us reconnect with ourselves. We talk about listening to the body's signals instead of pushing them away. We explore how small acts of self-trust create meaningful change. This conversation is especially powerful for women feeling stuck and are searching for a way forward. If you're interested in getting unstuck in midlife, you'll discover practical insights for building a stronger midlife mindset and greater midlife confidence. Most importantly, this episode reminds us that freedom doesn't come from being perfect. It comes from being authentic. Ready to stop people-pleasing, let go of perfectionism, and trust yourself again? Press play and take the next step toward pursuing your spark. Connect with Cindy: Instagram: @cindypaynerooted  TikTok: @cindypaynetherapist  Website: https://cindypayne.com/   Episode Links: Pursue Your Spark Book with Heike's 5 Step Framework. Pursue Your Spark Blueprint is the next step to feeling stuck and taking action.

    264. Why People Pleasing and Perfectionism Keep You Stuck in Midlife | Cindy Payne

  4. Jun 11

    263. You Know It Doesn't Work: Why Women Keep Repeating the Same Habits in Midlife

    Have you ever caught yourself going back to the same habit, routine, or plan even though you already know it doesn't work? If so, you're not alone. In Episode 263, You Know It Doesn't Work: Why Women Keep Repeating the Same Habits in Midlife, I explore one of the most frustrating patterns I see in women today: knowing what isn't working yet continuing to return to it. In this episode, I take a closer look at why so many women feeling stuck find themselves caught in a cycle of starting over. I discuss how old fitness routines, nutrition plans, and wellness habits can become familiar comfort zones, even when they no longer produce the results we want. More importantly, I explain why this pattern has less to do with willpower and more to do with our desire for certainty, control, and familiarity. As we move through midlife, our bodies, priorities, energy levels, and lifestyles evolve. Yet many of us continue trying to recreate the success we experienced years ago. When those old approaches stop working, frustration sets in. We begin questioning ourselves, losing confidence in our ability to follow through, and wondering why we can't seem to get back on track. Throughout this conversation, I share a different perspective on getting unstuck in midlife. Rather than focusing on what worked in the past, I explore what it means to create habits that align with who we are today. I also discuss the connection among self-trust, flexibility, and sustainable progress, especially in midlife fitness, health, and overall well-being. If you've ever felt trapped between the person you used to be and the woman you're becoming, this episode offers a compassionate and honest look at why we stay stuck—and what becomes possible when we're willing to move forward instead of looking back. Links Mention: Check out the Pursue Your Spark Blueprint ideal for women in midlife. Get a copy of my book, Pursue Your Spark to get unstuck and gain momentum in your health and life.

    263. You Know It Doesn't Work: Why Women Keep Repeating the Same Habits in Midlife

  5. May 28

    262. Midlife Anxiety: Doing All the Right Things… and Still Feeling On Edge| Dr. Nicole Cain

    You're eating well and exercising, trying to stay positive, and holding everything together. Yet somehow, you still feel anxious, overstimulated, exhausted, or emotionally on edge. If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you. In Episode 262. Doing All the Right Things… and Still Feeling On Edge, I sit down with Dr. Nicole Cain to talk about why anxiety often changes during midlife and why it's rarely "just stress." Together, we explore the deeper connection between hormones, gut health, nervous system regulation, emotional patterns, chronic overwhelm, and the body's stress responses. Dr. Nicole explains how the body communicates through symptoms like muscle tension, racing thoughts, digestive issues, fatigue, hypervigilance, and exhaustion. We also talk about why so many women stop trusting their bodies during midlife. Instead of listening to the signals, we often move into fear, frustration, or the need to fix ourselves constantly. This conversation offers a different approach. Dr. Nicole shares simple and practical tools to help calm the nervous system and rebuild body trust. We discuss grounding, breathwork, havening, body awareness, and how to become more present without judgment or overwhelm. One of the most powerful reminders in this episode is that your body is not working against you. Your symptoms may actually be guiding you toward what needs healing. This episode is compassionate, validating, and full of insight for any woman who feels like she's trying so hard yet still not herself. ✨ Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts — and keep pursuing your spark. Connect with Nicole here: www.DrNicoleCain.com www.PanicProof.com https://www.instagram.com/drnicolecain   Links mentioned on the show: Check out the Pursue Your Spark Blueprint here 📙📙📙Grab a copy of my book, Pursue your Spark 📙

    262. Midlife Anxiety: Doing All the Right Things… and Still Feeling On Edge| Dr. Nicole Cain

  6. May 14

    261. Why You Keep Starting Over and Still Feel Stuck in Midlife

    Do you keep telling yourself, "I'll start Monday again," only to end up frustrated, overwhelmed, and stuck in the same place a few weeks later? In this episode of the Pursue Your Spark Podcast, 261. Why You Keep Starting Over and Still Feel Stuck in Midlife, I'm unpacking one of the biggest hidden reasons women in midlife struggle with consistency, healthy habits, midlife wellness, and motivation — and it's probably not what you think. Because here's the truth: you may not actually have a discipline problem. You may have a resetting problem. So many women in midlife keep waiting for the perfect week, the perfect routine, or the perfect mindset before they finally commit again. But life in midlife does not work that way anymore. Between caregiving, stress, careers, family responsibilities, changing energy levels, and constant interruptions, the old "start fresh" approach keeps breaking down. And every time you restart, you interrupt your own momentum and self-trust. In this episode, I'm sharing why perfectionism in midlife, overthinking, overplanning, and constantly trying to "get back on track" may actually be what's keeping you stuck. More importantly, I'll show you the mindset shift that helps you build real consistency in midlife without guilt, pressure, or having to start over every Monday. If you've been struggling with follow-through, trying to stay consistent with workouts or healthy lifestyle habits, or wondering why midlife motivation feels harder lately, this conversation will hit home. Because you do not need another perfect plan, you need your next step. So press play, take a walk while you listen, and let's stop starting over and start building momentum together. Action Time: Ready to make a change that lasts? Check out the Pursue Your Spark Blueprint Course. I'll support you along the way. Check out my book Pursue Your Spark, Your guide to escaping midlife traps, reclaiming confidence, and living fully.

    261. Why You Keep Starting Over and Still Feel Stuck in Midlife

  7. Apr 30

    260. How Good Girl Rules Keep Women Feeling Stuck in Midlife / Sue Willoughby

    You've gotten really good at being the one who adjusts—and in midlife, you start to feel the cost of it. In Episode 260, How Good Girl Rules Keep Women Feeling Stuck in Midlife/ Sue Willoughby, I sit down with Sue to explore how good girl rules in midlife quietly shape how women think, act, and show up—often through patterns such as being agreeable, accommodating, and always putting others first. These patterns can work for a long time. Until they don't. Moreover, we unpack why midlife is the exact moment these rules begin to break down. What once felt natural can start to feel heavy, misaligned, or simply no longer true. That shift can feel uncomfortable, but it also opens the door to something deeper. Sue shares her perspective on identity transitions—what happens when roles change, when old labels fall away, and when you're left asking, "Who am I now?" Instead of seeing this phase as a problem, we explore it as a powerful point of awareness and curiosity. In addition, we talk about the cost of constantly saying yes, the subtle ways women override their own needs, and how that disconnect shows up emotionally and physically. More importantly, we explore how to begin reconnecting—with your body, your voice, and your own internal signals. Furthermore, this conversation highlights a different approach to change, not through drastic action, but through curiosity, small steps, and a willingness to explore what feels true now. This is not about becoming someone new. It's about recognizing what no longer fits—and allowing yourself to move forward with more honesty and authenticity. 🎧 Listen now and start noticing where your old rules are ready to be rewritten. Connect with Sue: Web: ⁠https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/⁠⁠  Insta: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/⁠⁠  FB: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/willoughbycoaching/⁠⁠  LI: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/suewilloughby/  YT: https://www.youtube.com/@SueWilloughby  Podcast: https://www.midlifebadasswomen.com/   Episode Links: Pursue Your Spark Blueprint Course    If you are doing everything right and don't seem to reach your health goals, reach out to me at @heikeyates.com, and I'll help you solve one of the problems you are stuck on, even if you can't pinpoint it yet.

    260. How Good Girl Rules Keep Women Feeling Stuck in Midlife / Sue Willoughby

  8. Apr 16

    259. Why Your Midlife Fitness Routine Stopped Working (It's Not Discipline)

    Why does it feel like no matter how many times I reset my routine… nothing sticks anymore? In this episode, Why Your Midlife Fitness Routine Stopped Working (It's Not Discipline), I dive into a pattern I see again and again—and one I know personally: the reorganization loop. I keep trying to fix things by organizing better. Moreover, I adjust my schedule, rebuild my routines, and create new plans. And for a moment, it feels productive. In addition, it gives me a sense of control. However, that feeling doesn't last—and the routines still don't stick. Here's what I've realized: it's not discipline. Instead, it's misalignment. As my life changes—my energy, my priorities, my responsibilities—the systems I once relied on simply no longer fit. Furthermore, when I keep forcing those old systems to work, I start questioning myself. I lose momentum. And more importantly, I begin to lose self-trust. In addition, I see how this cycle creates frustration and the constant feeling of starting over. But the solution isn't another reset. It's a shift in perspective. I introduce my SPARK framework as a way to realign systems with the life I'm living now. Moreover, I focus on identifying friction instead of rebuilding everything. Because when I remove just one obstacle, momentum starts to return. Ultimately, consistency doesn't come from doing more. It comes from doing what actually fits. ✨ If this resonates, it's time to stop starting over. Start small. Rebuild trust. And create momentum that lasts. 👉 Get my book Pursue Your Spark for a deeper guide to breaking free from midlife traps and rebuilding strength, clarity, and confidence. 👉 Let's connect on Instagram @heikeyates to keep the conversation going.

    259. Why Your Midlife Fitness Routine Stopped Working (It's Not Discipline)
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About

It's 3 a.m., and you're staring at the ceiling, wondering why everything feels a little off—even when nothing is obviously wrong. You keep telling yourself you're fine, but deep down, you know something has changed. Pursue Your Spark is a midlife fitness and mindset podcast for women feeling stuck in the in-between seasons of life—when the routines, expectations, and habits that once worked no longer fit the life you're living. Each week, we explore the patterns that quietly keep women stuck—from people-pleasing, perfectionism, and self-doubt to body changes, shifting priorities, and losing touch with themselves. But this isn't another podcast that tells you to try harder. It's a place where you'll feel understood, see midlife through a different lens, and learn the new rules for this season of life. Hosted by midlife fitness expert, author, and coach Heike Yates, each episode blends honest conversations, practical wisdom, and more than 40 years of coaching experience to help you rebuild self-trust, move through midlife with confidence, and fully live the next chapter of your life. Every episode leaves you with one new perspective, one practical step, and the encouragement to keep moving forward—even when life doesn't go according to plan. Whether you've lost touch with yourself, are struggling to stay consistent, or simply wondering what's next, you're in the right place. If you've been wondering whether your best years are behind you, they aren't. They simply require a different set of rules. 🎙️See a list of other "niche podcasts" that I produce https://heikeyates.com/category/podcast/ 📙 Order My New Book Pursue Your Spark https://heikeyates.com/l/pursueyoursparkbook/ 🤩 ⁠Visit My Website!⁠ https://heikeyates.com/ 🆓 Grab your free Midlife Reset Guide https://heikeyates.com/l/midlife-reset-guide/ 🤩 ⁠Join the Pursue Your Spark Blueprint Course ⭐️ https://heikeyates.com/l/spark-blueprint/ 💥 ⁠Follow me on Instagram⁠ https://www.instagram.com/heikeyates/

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