Midlife Made Simple: Purpose and Peace for Faith-Filled Women

Shelly Niehaus: Educated Empowered Inspired
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Midlife Made Simple: Purpose and Peace for Faith-Filled Women is a podcast for women 40+ navigating midlife transitions—from empty nest and caring for aging parents to menopause, reinvention, and beyond. Host Shelly Niehaus offers faith-based encouragement, practical tools, and soulful strategies to help you rediscover your identity, simplify life, and find purpose in this season. Each short, actionable episode will leave you educated, empowered, and inspired to step into what’s next. Midlife isn’t just a career pivot—it’s a whole life pivot. Hosted by Shelly Niehaus, Midlife Made Simple is a faith-based podcast for Christian women 40+ navigating midlife transitions—from empty nest and life after kids, to caring for aging parents, menopause and beyond, and even midlife reinvention in business and purpose. Rooted in the legacy of Educated, Empowered, Inspired, this show offers midlife encouragement and practical tools for faith-based living, spiritual growth, and finding purpose in midlife—without the hustle or overwhelm. Each week, you’ll hear short, actionable episodes—some solo, some with inspiring guests—created to help you: Simplify life with rhythms and routines that work for your season Grow in faith and trust God’s timing Rediscover your identity and purpose in midlife Shift your midlife mindset toward clarity and confidence You’ll feel Educated with practical strategies, Empowered by honest stories and expert insights, and Inspired to step boldly into what’s next. If you’re ready to trade overwhelm for peace, complexity for simplicity, and uncertainty for alignment—this is your space for clarity, connection, and hope. Let’s make midlife simple—together.

  1. 2D AGO

    #174 Faith and Freedom in Midlife

    In part two of this conversation with Drenda Thomas Richards, we move from awareness into possibility. If part one helped you recognize the stories and beliefs that have shaped you, this episode is about what comes next — especially when faith, identity, or the path you thought you’d be on no longer fits. Drenda shares her personal journey through faith transitions, redefining failure, and learning to trust herself again in midlife. We talk about grace, intuition, letting go of pressure, and how small, gentle steps can lead to real freedom and peace. This conversation isn’t about fixing your life — it’s about giving yourself permission to move forward with honesty, faith, and compassion. Key Takeaways: Navigating faith transitions and spiritual questioning in midlifeWhy failure is feedback — not a verdict on your worthLetting go of pressure, performance, and people-pleasingGiving yourself permission to change your mindLearning to trust your God-given intuitionWhy small steps matter more than big leapsThe role of silence, grace, and rest in rediscovering yourselfMoving forward without judgment or shameConnect with Drenda: https://www.drendathomasrichards.com/Dare to Remember Book  Resources: Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/shellyniehaus/Simple Shifts Newsletter: https://midlifemadesimplepodcast.com/tipsWomen Entrepreneurs In Prayer Call - https://midlifemadesimplepodcast.com/prayer

    18 min

  2. FEB 17

    #173 Stories That Shape Us: Releasing Old Beliefs

    Have you ever stopped and thought, Why do I keep getting stuck in the same patterns? Or wondered why midlife brings up so many questions about identity, confidence, and purpose? In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, I’m joined by Drenda Thomas Richards, author of Dare to Remember, for an honest and eye-opening discussion about the stories we’ve been carrying since childhood — often without even realizing it. We talk about how early messages from family, culture, church, and society quietly shape our beliefs, decisions, and fears in midlife. From feeling “too old” or “not qualified,” to staying quiet, playing small, or believing it’s too late — these stories can run the show unless we pause and name them. This episode isn’t about fixing yourself. It’s about awareness, compassion, and understanding why certain patterns make so much sense. In Part 2, we’ll move into faith transitions, grace, and how to begin stepping forward with more freedom and peace. Key Takeaways: Drenda’s journey from a strict religious upbringing to discovering her authentic selfHow subconscious beliefs formed in childhood continue to influence adult decisionsCommon midlife stories women carry: “I’m too old,” “I’m not qualified,” “I missed my chance”Fear-based thinking and people-pleasing patternsCultural and church messages that encourage women to stay quiet or play smallWhy awareness is the first step toward freedomConnect with Drenda: https://www.drendathomasrichards.com/ Dare to Remember Book  Resources: Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/shellyniehaus/Simple Shifts Newsletter: https://midlifemadesimplepodcast.com/tipsWomen Entrepreneurs In Prayer Call - https://midlifemadesimplepodcast.com/prayer

    25 min

  3. FEB 10

    #172 Money Blocks in Midlife: Break Limiting Beliefs

    If you’ve ever felt like you have one foot on the gas and one foot on the brake when it comes to money, this episode will help you understand why. In part two of this conversation with Audrey Faust, The Manifesting CFO™, Shelly and Audrey get practical about money blocks — the subconscious beliefs formed early in life that quietly influence confidence, decision-making, and financial behavior in midlife. They explore how generational patterns, faith-based messaging, and emotional wiring shape our relationship with money, and share simple tools to begin rewriting those beliefs with clarity and intention.   Key Takeaways: What money blocks are and how they form in the subconsciousWhy early messages about money still affect us in midlifeHow to begin rewriting limiting beliefs using simple repetitionA grounded explanation of EFT tapping and how it calms the nervous systemOne practical step you can take this week to start shifting your money mindsetThis episode offers a simple, doable starting point for women who want to move from scarcity and stress toward confidence and peace with money. Connect with Audrey: Free Gift: Link: https://www.audreyfaustconsulting.com/3-steps  FB - https://www.facebook.com/manifestingcfo/IG - https://www.instagram.com/manifesting_cfo/LI - https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreyfaust/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfY8RjyfArU1m14acmR3-Lw Resources: Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/shellyniehaus/Simple Shifts Newsletter: https://midlifemadesimplepodcast.com/tipsWomen Entrepreneurs In Prayer Call - https://midlifemadesimplepodcast.com/prayer

    33 min

  4. FEB 3

    #171 Rewriting Your Money Story in Midlife

    What if the real reason you feel stuck financially isn’t your bank account — but the beliefs you’ve carried for years? In part one of this two-part conversation, Shelly sits down with Audrey Faust, The Manifesting CFO™, to explore how our earliest money messages shape our confidence, decisions, and sense of possibility in midlife. Together, they talk about growing up hearing phrases like “we can’t afford that,” how scarcity mindsets get passed down through generations, and why mindset work often needs to come before spreadsheets and strategies. Audrey also shares her grounded, practical take on manifestation — not as magic, but as focus and alignment — and how learning to shift what we believe can open the door to more peace and confidence with money.   Key Takeaways: How early money messages shape our beliefs in midlifeWhy “we can’t afford that” can quietly limit what feels possibleWhat it means to be the transitional generation with moneyWhy mindset is the missing piece before financial strategyA practical, down-to-earth explanation of manifestationThis conversation was so rich that it’s been split into two parts. 👉 In Part 2, we’ll get practical with money blocks, subconscious beliefs, and simple tools to start rewriting your money story. Connect with Audrey: Free Gift: Link: https://www.audreyfaustconsulting.com/3-steps  FB - https://www.facebook.com/manifestingcfo/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/manifesting_cfo/ LI - https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreyfaust/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfY8RjyfArU1m14acmR3-Lw Resources: Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/shellyniehaus/Simple Shifts Newsletter: https://midlifemadesimplepodcast.com/tipsWomen Entrepreneurs In Prayer Call - https://midlifemadesimplepodcast.com/prayer

    17 min

  5. JAN 27

    #170 Make February 1st Your New Year (A Gentler Reset for Midlife)

    What if January 1st doesn’t have to be your fresh start? In this Midlife Edit episode, Shelly invites you to release the pressure of traditional New Year’s resolutions and consider a gentler, more sustainable reset: making February 1st your New Year. Drawing on personal experience, nervous system science, and insights from Atomic Habits by James Clear, this episode is for midlife women who felt overwhelmed, exhausted, or discouraged by January—and are craving a softer, wiser way forward. In this episode, we talk about: Why January often feels like emotional and physical whiplash in midlifeHow nervous system dysregulation affects motivation, consistency, and habit-buildingThe difference between establishing habits and developing habits (inspired by Atomic Habits)Why consistency must come before intensityHow using January as a “test month” can create clarity instead of guiltSimple ways to regulate your nervous system before setting goalsHow to choose habits your body feels safe saying “yes” toWhy February 1st can be a powerful and permission-filled fresh start Resources Mentioned: Atomic Habits by James ClearThe Pause App by John EldredgeJoyfully Prepared Podcast with Wendi Bergen  Resources: Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/shellyniehaus/Simple Shifts Newsletter: https://midlifemadesimplepodcast.com/tipsWomen Entrepreneurs In Prayer Call - https://midlifemadesimplepodcast.com/prayer

    15 min

  6. JAN 20

    #169 First Semester of College: A Freshman’s Honest Perspective

    What is the first semester of college really like—from a freshman’s point of view? In today’s Community Conversation, I’m joined by my son, Aiden, as he reflects on his first semester of college. We talk honestly about the chaos, the growth, and the lessons learned during this big transition—for him and for us as parents. As moms, we often focus on how this season feels for us. This episode offers a rare look at what it feels like from the other side, and a reminder that growth is happening even when things feel messy or uncertain. Key Takeaways: The realities of the first few weeks of collegeWhy accountability is harder than expected—and what helpedMaking friends and finding your peopleLearning independence and self-advocacyHow faith provided grounding during overwhelming momentsWhat support from home helped most (and what didn’t)Practical advice for parents navigating this seasonThis conversation is a reminder that letting go doesn’t mean disconnecting. It’s about learning when to step back, how to stay connected without controlling, and how to trust God with what we can no longer manage. If today’s episode encouraged you, join my Simple Shifts newsletter for gentle encouragement, practical tools, and episode resources. 👉 Sign up at midlifemadesimplepodcast.com Resources: Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/shellyniehaus/Simple Shifts Newsletter: https://midlifemadesimplepodcast.com/tipsWomen Entrepreneurs In Prayer Call - https://midlifemadesimplepodcast.com/prayer

    35 min

  7. JAN 13

    #168 Caring for Aging Parents: Finding Support Without Losing Yourself

    Caring for aging parents can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re trying to do it all on your own. In Part 2 of this conversation, Shelly Niehaus and caregiving expert Bonnie Dudley get practical about where to find real support, how to ask for help without guilt, and how to protect your peace in the middle of a demanding caregiving season. They also explore a powerful mindset shift: reframing caregiving as an act of stewardship — allowing you to care with compassion while honoring your own life, limits, and calling. ✨ In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Where to find caregiver support in your communityWhen professional care makes sense — and what to look forHow to ask for help in small, specific waysWhy boundaries are essential, not selfishHow faith reframes caregiving as stewardshipEncouragement for caregivers who feel exhausted or unseen Resources Mentioned: Bonnie Dudley – Brooks Coaching https://brookscoaching.us Working It Out: Mastering Business and Caregiving (Amazon) Resources: Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/shellyniehaus/Simple Shifts Newsletter: https://midlifemadesimplepodcast.com/tipsWomen Entrepreneurs In Prayer Call - https://midlifemadesimplepodcast.com/prayer

    22 min

  8. JAN 6

    #167 Caring for Aging Parents: When the Shift Begins in Midlife

    Caring for aging parents often starts quietly — a few appointments, managing paperwork, checking in more often. And before you know it, your role has shifted. In this episode of Midlife Made Simple, Shelly sits down with communication and conflict coach Bonnie Dudley for an honest conversation about caregiving in midlife. Shelly shares her family’s personal journey through Alzheimer’s and dementia, while Bonnie offers practical insight to help you recognize the caregiver role, spot early signs, and prepare with clarity instead of fear. This is Part 1 of a two-part series focused on awareness, preparation, and advocating well for your loved ones before burnout sets in. Key Takeaways Why many midlife women don’t realize they’re caregiversHow caregiving responsibilities build gradually over timeWhy naming the role early mattersHow to navigate denial with aging parents using empathyEarly red flags to watch for — and why patterns matterA simple system for tracking changes and behaviorsHow preparation leads to peace, not panic  Resources: Bonnie Dudley – Brooks Coaching https://brookscoaching.usWorking It Out: Mastering Business and Caregiving (Amazon) Resources: Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/shellyniehaus/Simple Shifts Newsletter: https://midlifemadesimplepodcast.com/tipsWomen Entrepreneurs In Prayer Call - https://midlifemadesimplepodcast.com/prayer

    27 min
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Midlife Made Simple: Purpose and Peace for Faith-Filled Women is a podcast for women 40+ navigating midlife transitions—from empty nest and caring for aging parents to menopause, reinvention, and beyond. Host Shelly Niehaus offers faith-based encouragement, practical tools, and soulful strategies to help you rediscover your identity, simplify life, and find purpose in this season. Each short, actionable episode will leave you educated, empowered, and inspired to step into what’s next. Midlife isn’t just a career pivot—it’s a whole life pivot. Hosted by Shelly Niehaus, Midlife Made Simple is a faith-based podcast for Christian women 40+ navigating midlife transitions—from empty nest and life after kids, to caring for aging parents, menopause and beyond, and even midlife reinvention in business and purpose. Rooted in the legacy of Educated, Empowered, Inspired, this show offers midlife encouragement and practical tools for faith-based living, spiritual growth, and finding purpose in midlife—without the hustle or overwhelm. Each week, you’ll hear short, actionable episodes—some solo, some with inspiring guests—created to help you: Simplify life with rhythms and routines that work for your season Grow in faith and trust God’s timing Rediscover your identity and purpose in midlife Shift your midlife mindset toward clarity and confidence You’ll feel Educated with practical strategies, Empowered by honest stories and expert insights, and Inspired to step boldly into what’s next. If you’re ready to trade overwhelm for peace, complexity for simplicity, and uncertainty for alignment—this is your space for clarity, connection, and hope. Let’s make midlife simple—together.

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