Drinks with the Girls®

Karen Shatafian and Lisa Corricello-McDowell

Drinks With the Girls® 🍸☕ | Real Talk for Women Over 40 Welcome to Drinks With the Girls® , the ultimate podcast for women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s ready to live life unapologetically. 🎙️ Hosted by empowerment coach Karen Shatafian and literacy consultant/special needs mama Lisa Corricello-McDowell, we’re two longtime friends sharing real conversations about everything that matters to women in midlife. From navigating loss and grief, surviving empty nest syndrome, and redefining relationships to tackling menopause, self-reinvention, and setting rock-solid boundaries — no topic is off-limits. We laugh, cry, reminisce, and celebrate the messy, magical journey of becoming our truest selves. If you’re craving honest midlife conversations, heartwarming nostalgia, empowering advice, and a reminder that you’re not alone — pull up a chair (and a cocktail or coffee) and join us. Cheers to midlife reinvention, women empowerment, mental health, and the beauty of female friendship. New episodes drop weekly! Subscribe for your weekly dose of midlife wisdom, self-care tips, boundary-setting inspo, personal development, and the kind of girl talk you didn’t know you needed. 💖 🎧 Topics we spill the tea on: • Midlife women empowerment • Empty nest life + parenting adult kids • Self-care, mental health, and boundaries • Grief, loss, and healing • Career reinvention and personal growth after 40 • Friendship, laughter, and living life on your terms Your next chapter starts here. ✨

  1. 2d ago

    Creativity as a Way Back to Yourself with Guest Anna Beij

    There comes a moment in midlife when you look around at the beautiful life you've built and quietly wonder, Where did I go? Artist and retreat host Anna Beij joins Karen and Lisa for a deeply honest conversation about losing yourself while caring for everyone else—and the unexpected power of creativity, travel, and giving yourself permission to come home to who you've always been. Through heartfelt stories, laughter, and wisdom earned through life's twists and turns, Anna shares how she traded the life she thought she was supposed to live for one that finally felt like her own. If you're navigating an empty nest, a major life transition, or simply craving more joy, purpose, and connection, this conversation will remind you that it's never too late to rediscover yourself. Because sometimes the bravest thing a woman can do in midlife is choose herself. ____________________________________________________________________
 Want your very own piece of @DrinksWithTheGirls for half the cost of one bougie cocktail 🍸 per month? Enjoy exclusive bonus ad free content? Head to Patreon and join the community!  https://www.patreon.com/cw/DrinksWiththeGirlsPodcast 🎙️Guest: Ana Beij www.anabeij.com 🍸☕ What We Were Drinking: Iced Coffee Sparkle Hops w/ homemade Strawberry Syrup Wine - Malbec 📖Books The Heroine’s Journey by Maureen Murdock 🔗Links Poshmark ____________________________________________________________________💬 Takeaways — What Do YOU Think? We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you.  📲 Stay Connected Follow, like, and join the conversation:
 Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspod
 Facebook: Drinks With the Girls Podcast
 Pinterest: Drinks With the Girls Podcast
 YouTube: Drinks With the Girls Channel
 Website: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com 💌 Reach Out Got a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.
 Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com Connect with your hosts:
 ✨ Karen Shatafian – https://karenshatafian.substack.com/ ✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com

    Creativity as a Way Back to Yourself with Guest Anna Beij
  2. Jul 14

    The Midlife Favorites We Can't Live Without: Beauty, Travel & Everyday Finds

    Sometimes it's the little things that make the biggest difference. From beauty products we swear by and travel hacks that save our sanity to kitchen gadgets, wellness favorites, and the purchases we wish we'd discovered years ago, Karen and Lisa are sharing the everyday finds that have made midlife a little easier—and a lot more fun. Along the way, they laugh about chickens becoming beloved pets, dry shampoo changing everything, Costco vacation wins, and the products that turned out to be total flops. If you're a woman over 40 looking for honest recommendations, practical tips, and real conversations with friends who have been there, this episode is packed with favorite midlife finds that just might become your new favorites too. Sometimes it's the little things that make the biggest difference. From beauty products we swear by and travel hacks that save our sanity to kitchen gadgets, wellness favorites, and the purchases we wish we'd discovered years ago, Karen and Lisa are sharing the everyday finds that have made midlife a little easier—and a lot more fun. Along the way, they laugh about chickens becoming beloved pets, dry shampoo changing everything, Costco vacation wins, and the products that turned out to be total flops. If you're a woman over 40 looking for honest recommendations, practical tips, and real conversations with friends who have been there, this episode is packed with favorite midlife finds that just might become your new favorites too. ____________________________________________________________________
 🍸☕ What We Were Drinking: Sovany Tangerine Sparkling Water Sparkle Hops & Home canned Peach Iced Tea Lisa's Arbonne Elixir - Energy Fizz, Mind Health, Skin Elixir, Gut Health, and NAD+ Cellular Energy 🎧Podcast Episodes Dinner Without the Drama w/Lisa Potter Part 1  Part 2: Holiday Edition  Part 3: Summer Edition Travel With Our Kids Chicks with Chicks Kate La Plaunt - Fashion The Financial Feminist: “How to Turn Your Bills Into Free Travel With Shakeemah Smith (The Passport Abuser) ⭐️ Our Favorite Things  Under $50 (not really) Inkbird Sous Vide Stick  Container  Under $50 (yes really) Old Navy Ribbed Cropped Tank Tops - Sadly, sold out on the website so they must be great. Try your local Old Navy Patagonia Bandha tops - thrifted from Poshmark! Favorite Beauty Products Arbonne Skin Care  (Email Lisa for a discount code) Osea Scrub and Body Oil Favorite Skin Care Discovery After 50 Arbonne Gelee  Favorite Product That Exceeded Your Expectations Marriot In Transit Conditioner (It’s not $50 - yay!) Brooke Shields Commence 3-in-1 Leave-In Conditioner  Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo Arbonne Haircare Scalp Elixir  Favorite Phone App Local Grocery Store Apps w/Membership Color Note - Android Notes - Apple Favorite Subscription Service Fab Fit Fun Boxes Discounted affiliate link from Lisa for Greenlight Favorite Health And Wellness Tool Yoga With Adrienne Fit On Favorite Beauty Discovery Jones Road - Miracle Balm Things We Use That Make Us Irrationally Happy Japanese Gardening Knife Travel Favorites Away Luggage Travel Hack Luggage Compression System Favorite Vacation Purchase Costco Vacation Packages Autism On the Seas Palace Resorts Membership Favorite Travel App Kayak Travel Zoo 🔗Links Lisa’s Affiliate Link with Arbonne - Pure, Safe, Beneficial nutrition, skincare, body care, and make-up that’s vegan, non-gmo, and free from 2000 banned chemicals Email her for 35-45% off here. ____________________________________________________________________💬 Takeaways — What Do YOU Think? We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you.  📲 Stay Connected Follow, like, and join the conversation:
 Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspod
 Facebook: Drinks With the Girls Podcast
 Pinterest: Drinks With the Girls Podcast
 YouTube: Drinks With the Girls Channel
 Website: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com 💌 Reach Out Got a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.
 Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com Connect with your hosts:
 ✨ Karen Shatafian – https://karenshatafian.substack.com/ ✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com

    The Midlife Favorites We Can't Live Without: Beauty, Travel & Everyday Finds
  3. Jul 7

    Cheers to Two Years! 🎉

    Two years. Countless laughs, honest tears, unforgettable conversations—and we're just getting started. 🍸 This special anniversary episode is a heartfelt celebration of everything Drinks With the Girls® has become: a place where women in midlife can laugh, learn, question, and remember they never have to figure it all out alone. Karen and Lisa reflect on the conversations that challenged them, the guests who inspired them, the moments that caught them completely off guard, and the incredible community that's grown around the podcast. They also share exciting news about the launch of Drinks With the Girls®: After Hours, their new Patreon membership where paid members enjoy bonus episodes, ad-free listening, and early access to every new episode a full day before the public. If you're a woman over 40 navigating reinvention, empty nesting, changing relationships, menopause, or simply craving authentic connection and meaningful conversation, this episode is for you. Come celebrate two amazing years—and raise a glass to everything still to come. Cheers! ____________________________________________________________________
 🍸☕ What We Were Drinking: Just Iced Tea Lisa's Arbonne Elixir - Energy Fizz, Mind Health, Skin Elixir, Gut Health, and NAD+ Cellular Energy 🎧Podcast Episodes Living Abroad Part 2 Panel Winter Olympics Taylor Swift & the Patriarchy How Women Are Surviving the Patriarchy Being an Ally Patricia Drain Interview Our Favorite Binges Unpacking Trauma Parts 1 - 3 1 , 2, 3 We Do Not Care Club Confidence and Hormones (and Parasites!) Eat Pray Love Review Early Birds Club Empowered Parent Collective The Panini Generation Marie Crews on Grief 🔗Links Certified B Corp Lisa’s Affiliate Link with Arbonne - Pure, Safe, Beneficial nutrition, skincare, body care, and make-up that’s vegan, non-gmo, and free from 2000 banned chemicals Email her for 35-45% off here. ____________________________________________________________________ The Conversation Continues on Patreon Drinks With the Girls®: After Hours  💬 Takeaways — What Do YOU Think? We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you.  📲 Stay Connected Follow, like, and join the conversation:
 Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspod
 Facebook: Drinks With the Girls Podcast
 Pinterest: Drinks With the Girls Podcast
 YouTube: Drinks With the Girls Channel
 Website: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com 💌 Reach Out Got a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.
 Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com Connect with your hosts:
 ✨ Karen Shatafian – https://karenshatafian.substack.com/ ✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com

    Cheers to Two Years! 🎉
  4. Jun 29

    The Walk-Away Wife Phenomenon: What Everyone Gets Wrong

    She didn't leave overnight—and chances are, neither do most women. The walk-away wife phenomenon isn't about one fight or one bad day. It's about years of emotional labor, feeling unheard, carrying the invisible weight of a relationship, and quietly grieving long before anyone else notices. Karen Shatafian and Lisa Corricello-McDowell unpack why so many women in midlife reach a breaking point after spending years trying to save their marriages. Through honest conversation, personal insight, and real-life stories, they explore what happens when emotional needs go unmet, why communication breaks down, and how women can reconnect with their own voice before losing themselves. If you're navigating a changing marriage, questioning your relationship, carrying the mental load, or wondering why you feel emotionally exhausted, this conversation will help you feel seen, understood, and far less alone. ____________________________________________________________________
 🍸☕ What We Were Drinking: Aperol Spritz Topo Chico Mango Olipop Cream Soda 📰Articles Walkaway Wives - Independent Studies continue to show women still carry the majority of emotional labor and household management inside heterosexual marriages. (Time) 📖Books What Color Is Your Parachute? By Richard N. Bolles 🎧Podcast Episodes Bernadette Catalano Extreme Parenting 🔗Links Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell ____________________________________________________________________ 💬 Takeaways — What Do YOU Think? We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you.  📲 Stay Connected Follow, like, and join the conversation:
 Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspod
 Facebook: Drinks With the Girls Podcast
 Pinterest: Drinks With the Girls Podcast
 YouTube: Drinks With the Girls Channel
 Website: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com 💌 Reach Out Got a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.
 Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com Connect with your hosts:
 ✨ Karen Shatafian – https://karenshatafian.substack.com/ ✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com

    The Walk-Away Wife Phenomenon: What Everyone  Gets Wrong
  5. Jun 22

    How Women in Midlife Can Turn Their Gifts Into Income | Guest: Patricia Drain

    Feeling stuck, overlooked, or unsure what's next? The answer may be hiding in plain sight. Career and entrepreneur coach Patricia Drain joins Karen and Lisa for a powerful conversation about the gifts women often underestimate, the confidence we lose along the way, and why it's never too late to begin a new chapter. Through personal stories, surprising insights, and one simple question that could change how you see yourself, Patricia offers a fresh perspective on purpose, possibility, and reinvention in midlife. If you've ever wondered whether there's still something more for you, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, inspired, and ready to take the next step. ____________________________________________________________________
 👉Join the Podsquad here!
 Subscribe for show notes & episode goodies, delivered weekly, spam free! 🎙️Guest: Patricia Drain Patricia@patriciadrain.com 🍸☕ What We Were Drinking: Sparkle Hops Acai Fallbrook Winery San Giovese ____________________________________________________________________ 💬 Takeaways — What Do YOU Think? We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you.  📲 Stay Connected Follow, like, and join the conversation:
 Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspod
 Facebook: Drinks With the Girls Podcast
 Pinterest: Drinks With the Girls Podcast
 YouTube: Drinks With the Girls Channel
 Website: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com 💌 Reach Out Got a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.
 Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com Connect with your hosts:
 ✨ Karen Shatafian – https://karenshatafian.substack.com/ ✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com

    How Women in Midlife Can Turn Their Gifts Into Income | Guest: Patricia Drain
  6. Jun 15

    Women Who Won’t Stay On the Sidelines: How Female Leaders Are Changing Sports

    A Kentucky Derby upset. A female NHL coach. A Super Bowl-winning team owned by a woman. The game is changing—and women are leading the charge. We dive into the inspiring stories of women breaking barriers in sports leadership and explore why these victories matter far beyond the playing field. From female coaches and team owners to trailblazers rewriting the rules, this conversation is really about something bigger: reclaiming your voice, your ambition, and your place at the table. Packed with powerful real-life moments, laughter, and a few passionate rants about the patriarchy, this episode is a reminder that every woman who goes first creates new possibilities for the rest of us. If you're navigating midlife, dreaming bigger, reinventing yourself, or wondering what's still possible for your next chapter, pull up a chair. This one's for you. ____________________________________________________________________
 👉Join the Podsquad here!
 Subscribe for show notes & episode goodies, delivered weekly, spam free! 🍸☕ What We Were Drinking: Hoplark - Sparkling Hop Tea ____________________________________________________________________ 💬 Takeaways — What Do YOU Think? We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you.  📲 Stay Connected Follow, like, and join the conversation:
 Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspod
 Facebook: Drinks With the Girls Podcast
 Pinterest: Drinks With the Girls Podcast
 YouTube: Drinks With the Girls Channel
 Website: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com 💌 Reach Out Got a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.
 Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com Connect with your hosts:
 ✨ Karen Shatafian – https://karenshatafian.substack.com/ ✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com

    Women Who Won’t Stay On the Sidelines: How Female Leaders Are Changing Sports
  7. Jun 8

    You’re Not Okay...But You’re Going to Be: A Conversation About Grief in Midlife

    Grief doesn't just take the person you love—it changes the person you are.  After losing her mother suddenly and, less than two years later, losing her son, Marie Crews found herself navigating the kind of heartbreak most of us can't imagine. Yet through the fog of loss, she discovered something powerful: healing isn't about "moving on"—it's about learning how to live alongside grief. In this deeply honest conversation, Marie joins Karen and Lisa to share her journey through profound loss, the isolation that often accompanies grief, the surprising impact of grief brain fog, and the mindset shifts that helped her put one foot in front of the other when life felt impossible. If you're grieving the loss of a loved one, supporting someone through loss, or navigating one of life's seasons of heartbreak and transition, this episode offers comfort, perspective, and a reminder that you're not alone. Topics include grief, child loss, loss of a parent, healing after loss, self-compassion, resilience, and finding your way forward in midlife. _____________________________________________________________ 👉Join the Podsquad here!
 Subscribe for show notes & episode goodies, delivered weekly, spam free! 🎙️Guest: Marie Crews 🍸☕ What We Were Drinking: Prosecco Mionetto Olipop Crisp Apple Probiotic Soda ____________________________________________________________________ 💬 Takeaways — What Do YOU Think? We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you.  📲 Stay Connected Follow, like, and join the conversation:
 Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspod
 Facebook: Drinks With the Girls Podcast
 Pinterest: Drinks With the Girls Podcast
 YouTube: Drinks With the Girls Channel
 Website: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com 💌 Reach Out Got a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.
 Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com Connect with your hosts:
 ✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com
 ✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com

    You’re Not Okay...But You’re Going to Be: A Conversation About Grief in Midlife
  8. Jun 1

    Why Midlife Feels Lonely Even When You Have Friends

    You did everything "right"—built a life you love, raised the kids, made the big changes, maybe even reinvented yourself. So why does midlife still feel lonely sometimes? Karen and Lisa dive into the surprising difference between friendship and community, and why so many women over 40 find themselves craving deeper connection after divorce, empty nesting, relocation, career shifts, or simply outgrowing old roles. Through candid stories about rebuilding community, navigating loneliness, and pushing beyond comfort zones, they explore what it really takes to find your people in this season of life. If you've ever wondered why making friends after 50 feels harder than it should, or found yourself asking, "Where do I belong now?" this conversation will leave you feeling seen, understood, and inspired to create meaningful connection on your own terms. _____________________________________________________________ 👉Join the Podsquad here!
 Subscribe for show notes & episode goodies, delivered weekly, spam free! 🍸☕ What We Were Drinking: Simply Pop Pineapple Mango Soda - listener supplied! (Shot of vodka was not ☺️) Arbonne Mango Peach Energy Fizz Lisa’s Affiliate Link with Arbonne - Pure, Safe, Beneficial nutrition, skincare, body care, and make-up free from 2000 banned chemicals https://www.arbonne.com/us/en/arb/LisaCorricelloMcdowell/?login=true Email me for 35-45% off here. ____________________________________________________________________ 💬 Takeaways — What Do YOU Think? We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you.  📲 Stay Connected Follow, like, and join the conversation:
 Instagram: @drinkswiththegirlspod
 Facebook: Drinks With the Girls Podcast
 Pinterest: Drinks With the Girls Podcast
 YouTube: Drinks With the Girls Channel
 Website: www.drinkswiththegirlspodcast.com 💌 Reach Out Got a question, idea, or just want to say hi? We’re all ears.
 Email us anytime: drinkswiththegirlspodcast@gmail.com Connect with your hosts:
 ✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com
 ✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com

    Why Midlife Feels Lonely Even When You Have Friends
5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Drinks With the Girls® 🍸☕ | Real Talk for Women Over 40 Welcome to Drinks With the Girls® , the ultimate podcast for women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s ready to live life unapologetically. 🎙️ Hosted by empowerment coach Karen Shatafian and literacy consultant/special needs mama Lisa Corricello-McDowell, we’re two longtime friends sharing real conversations about everything that matters to women in midlife. From navigating loss and grief, surviving empty nest syndrome, and redefining relationships to tackling menopause, self-reinvention, and setting rock-solid boundaries — no topic is off-limits. We laugh, cry, reminisce, and celebrate the messy, magical journey of becoming our truest selves. If you’re craving honest midlife conversations, heartwarming nostalgia, empowering advice, and a reminder that you’re not alone — pull up a chair (and a cocktail or coffee) and join us. Cheers to midlife reinvention, women empowerment, mental health, and the beauty of female friendship. New episodes drop weekly! Subscribe for your weekly dose of midlife wisdom, self-care tips, boundary-setting inspo, personal development, and the kind of girl talk you didn’t know you needed. 💖 🎧 Topics we spill the tea on: • Midlife women empowerment • Empty nest life + parenting adult kids • Self-care, mental health, and boundaries • Grief, loss, and healing • Career reinvention and personal growth after 40 • Friendship, laughter, and living life on your terms Your next chapter starts here. ✨

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