Midlife Crescendo | Faith, Reinvention and Honest Conversations about Midlife for Women Over 40

Debbie Cunningham
  • 5.0 (14)
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Welcome to Midlife Crescendo-the podcast for women over 40 who are ready to embrace change, rediscover their purpose, and step boldly into their next chapter. Hosted by jazz recording artist, author, and speaker Debbie Cunningham, Midlife Crescendo is a faith-filled space for women navigating the unique transitions of midlife—including menopause, empty nesting, relationship shifts, grief, and career reinvention. Every week, you’ll hear inspiring interviews, real-life stories, roundtable discussions, and practical wisdom on topics that matter in this season of life. New episodes each Monday.

  1. 69. Summer of Transition: Making Space for Change

    05/26/2025

    69. Summer of Transition: Making Space for Change

    Are you facing a season of change? Whether you’re sending a child off to college, stepping into an empty nest, relocating, retiring, or simply feeling the nudge to shift direction—midlife is full of powerful transitions. In this heartfelt episode of Midlife Crescendo, Debbie shares personal reflections on why this summer is a time of transition for so many women and why she herself is taking a short pause from the podcast. You'll discover how to navigate midlife transitions with intention, grace, and even hope, while honoring the emotions that often come with major life changes. From retirement to reinvention, motherhood shifts to milestone birthdays (yes—Debbie is turning 60!), this conversation reminds you that change isn’t the end of something… it’s the beginning of something new. Plus, you’ll hear about a free resource to help you reflect, reimagine, and move forward in your own next chapter. For Info: Making Space for Your Dreams FREE Masterclass-  https://debbiecunningham.net/masterclass Connect with Debbie over the summer? At Midlife Crescendo - https://debbiecunningham.net/midlife-questions-for-podcast On Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/midlifecrescendo/ https://www.instagram.com/debbiecunninghamofficial/ Want to listen to Debbie's music this summer?  It’s great background music for dinner parties, relaxing by the pool or couple time.  😉  Listen on Spotify, Pandora, iheart radio, apple music, amazon and wherever you stream music! Just search Debbie Cunningham. As always, thank you for listening! Remember , midlife is not a crisis, it's a crescendo! Keep living that way. Happy Summer friends! See you in season 3.

    11 min
  2. 68. Beauty in the Bittersweet-Jessica stone

    05/19/2025

    68. Beauty in the Bittersweet-Jessica stone

    She started her novel in her 20s... but life, motherhood, and even a health crisis—including an 8-week coma—put her dream on hold. Now, at 49, Jessica Stone has released her debut novel, Beauty in the Bittersweet. In this episode, we talk about the power of second chances, the courage to pursue creative dreams later in life, and how to start again—no matter how much time has passed. ✨ If you’ve ever put a dream on the shelf, this conversation will inspire you to dust it off and take your next brave step. PLUS, I give a sneak peek of next week’s episode on navigating the Summer of Transition—from empty nests to midlife reinvention—and how you can join my free mastermind class to take action on your own dreams. 🎧 Tune in and be reminded: it's never too late to begin again. Connect with Jessica- Website: https://www.jessicastonestories.com/ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/JessicaStoneStoryteller Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JessicaStoneStoryteller

    27 min
  3. 67. Motherhood in Real Life:  Digital Age Challenges, Living Abroad &  Community

    05/12/2025

    67. Motherhood in Real Life:  Digital Age Challenges, Living Abroad &  Community

    In part 2 of this heartfelt Mother’s Day series, Debbie Cunningham continues her honest conversation with her daughter, Deanna Carter. Together, they explore the challenges and blessings of motherhood from two different life stages. In this episode, Deanna shares her experience raising young kids while living abroad for three years and opens up about the added pressure of parenting in the digital and social media age. They also dive into the importance of community whether you're navigating tantrums, teen years, or the transitions of the empty nest. If you're a midlife mom needing encouragement, or a young mom feeling overwhelmed, this is a gentle reminder that you’re not meant to do it alone. This episode is packed with real-life wisdom, faith, and hope for moms in every season. 🎧 Listen to Midlife Crescendo in your favorite podcast app or at link in bio.

    34 min
  4. 66. Motherhood in Real Life: What Surprised Us & What We’re Learning Now - Deanna Carter

    05/05/2025

    66. Motherhood in Real Life: What Surprised Us & What We’re Learning Now - Deanna Carter

    In this special Mother’s Day episode of Midlife Crescendo, Debbie Cunningham and her daughter,Deanna—mom to two energetic little boys—sit down for an honest, heart-to-heart conversation about the real journey of motherhood through two seasons of life. Together, they share what surprised them most about being moms, how motherhood has shaped their relationship with God, and why parenting is one long journey of learning to let go—whether you have toddlers, teens, or adult children. You’ll hear faith-filled reflections, real-life encouragement, and a powerful reminder that you don’t have to do this alone. This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation that will speak to the hearts of Christian moms in all stages—especially midlife women navigating new motherhood roles, grand-parenting, or letting go in love. Questions/Comments on this episode go to www.midlifecrescendo.com Want to join our Midlife Travel Group? Debbie is curating a list of Midlifers who are interested in traveling with her for women's trips or with her and her husband for couples trips! Want to join the list? No pressure just information! https://debbiecunningham.net/travel-with-debbie

    34 min
  5. 65. Unexpected Detours: Permission to Begin Again

    04/28/2025

    65. Unexpected Detours: Permission to Begin Again

    Have your dreams ever taken an unexpected detour? In today’s episode, Debbie Cunningham shares how embracing new beginnings — even when they don’t look like the original plan — can lead to deeper purpose and unexpected joy.If you’re navigating change, feeling stuck, or wondering if it’s too late to start again, this conversation will remind you: it’s not over — it’s a new beginning. PLUS: Debbie invites you to a free Permission to Begin mini coaching call to help you take your next step with courage and clarity. To grab a free mini Coaching call - ⁠https://debbiecunningham.net/coaching⁠ Got questions/topics you want covered on the podcast? ⁠https://debbiecunningham.net/midlife-questions-for-podcast⁠

    17 min
  6. 64. Why Is My Hair Falling Out? Hormones, Minerals & Midlife Hair Changes.

    04/21/2025

    64. Why Is My Hair Falling Out? Hormones, Minerals & Midlife Hair Changes.

    Are you noticing more hair in your brush lately? You’re not alone. In this episode of Midlife Crescendo, Debbie Cunningham opens up about her personal journey through menopause-related hair loss—including the surprising results of her own mineral hair analysis. We’ll unpack why estrogen loss in menopause causes hair thinning, how stress and nutritional imbalances can make it worse, and the natural, non-toxic solutions that can help support hair growth. Debbie shares practical tips that empower you to care for your changing body with grace. Plus, she offers a powerful spiritual perspective with Scriptures that remind us God’s grace is present in every season of transition—even the ones that show up strand by strand. 🎧 Tune in to learn: The connection between hormone loss and hair loss What hair mineral analysis can reveal about your health Natural ways to support hair growth in midlife How to care for your hair—and your heart—through the changes of aging A beautiful reminder that you are still fearfully and wonderfully made For $20 off Nutrafol Products- Vitamins/Shampoo I use go to here: https://share.nutrafol.com/x/lmuh9Z Questions / Topic Suggestions? www.midlifecrescendo.com Thank you for listening! Enjoying Midlife Crescendo? Remember to subscribe and review the podcast wherever you listen to help other women just like you, get the encouragement and Inspiration they need in midlife and beyond!

    15 min
  7. 63.Menopause 101: All the Symptoms We Didn’t See Coming (But You Need to Know)

    04/14/2025

    63.Menopause 101: All the Symptoms We Didn’t See Coming (But You Need to Know)

    What are the real symptoms of menopause—and why didn’t anyone warn us? In this candid roundtable, Debbie Cunningham and friends discuss 35 symptoms of menopause  that affect women physically, emotionally, and mentally during midlife. Whether you’re in perimenopause, menopause, or post-menopause, this conversation will help you feel seen, supported, and more informed about your health. If you've been wondering about hormone shifts, brain fog, or unexpected changes in your body, you're not alone. Join us as we shine a light on what many women experience—but few talk about. 👭 Listen to the end for bonus insights from other midlife women! 📕The List referenced in this episode comes from Tamsen Fadal's new book, How To Menopause. Connect with Host, Debbie Cunningham: https://debbiecunningham.net/ Connect with Becky Baudouin : https://www.beckybaudouin.com/ Connect with Melissa Lewis: https://www.melissalewiscounseling.com/ Questions or Comments on this episode? Go to www.midlifecrescendo.com and submit your comments/questions there.

    38 min
  8. 62. Handling Anxiety & Worry- Season 1, Episode 24 replay

    04/07/2025

    62. Handling Anxiety & Worry- Season 1, Episode 24 replay

    Hi Friends! Because I have been sick, I am replaying an episode from season 1 about Anxiety & Worry. -How it affects us physically -How to process it in daily living -Why laughter & fun are vital to our wellbeing -How I have dealt with it in my own fearful seasons (including when my daughter had open heart surgery and we were unsure of the outcome.) Additionally, there's a chic chat segment sharing wisdom from some of my friends , with their thoughts on how they handle anxiety or worry in their own lives. With storms raging across the country, I'm sure we could all use some tools these days as we process what's been happening. So whether you listened the first time around or missed it. It's definitely an episode worth repeating. Thanks for your patience as I heal from this virus! and as always, thank you for listening!

    25 min
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About

Welcome to Midlife Crescendo-the podcast for women over 40 who are ready to embrace change, rediscover their purpose, and step boldly into their next chapter. Hosted by jazz recording artist, author, and speaker Debbie Cunningham, Midlife Crescendo is a faith-filled space for women navigating the unique transitions of midlife—including menopause, empty nesting, relationship shifts, grief, and career reinvention. Every week, you’ll hear inspiring interviews, real-life stories, roundtable discussions, and practical wisdom on topics that matter in this season of life. New episodes each Monday.

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