The Midlife Edit

Jen Weinstein

The Midlife Edit is for the woman who still has a favorite album from 1994 and a whole second act she hasn't written yet. Hosted by Jen Weinstein — honest conversations, real guests, zero apologies for who you're becoming. 

  1. Rewriting Your Story: Reinvention, Identity & The Next Chapter with Ellen Baker

    4d ago

    Rewriting Your Story: Reinvention, Identity & The Next Chapter with Ellen Baker

    What if the key to changing your life wasn't burning it down — but making a small edit to the story you've been telling yourself about who you are? This week I'm sitting down with Ellen Baker, novelist and founder of Next Chapter Studio, and this conversation is one I know you're going to want to come back to. Ellen's own life is a masterclass in reinvention: she landed a two-book deal with Random House at 30, blew up her life anyway, moved across the country, and ultimately found her way back to herself — and to publishing in a major way with her novel The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson. Now she's channeling everything she's learned from writing complex, layered fictional characters into coaching women through their own reinvention — and the framework she's built is genuinely unlike anything I've heard before. In this episode we talk about: Why so many women in midlife feel like their only options are "burn it all down" or stay stuck — and what's actually possible in betweenThe "building" analogy that completely reframed how I think about changeHow Ellen uses the tools of fiction writing (yes, really) to help women identify and rewrite the hidden beliefs that are quietly running their livesThe most common stories women carry — "I must be quiet," "I must follow the rules" — and how to start unwiring themWhy midlife might actually be the moment women finally stop outsourcing their own authorityEllen's new novel Summerland Cove (out June 2nd!) and what draws her to writing women's stories across generationsWhat she's stopped apologizing for — and why it goes all the way back to kindergartenBooks mentioned: The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson by Ellen Baker - get it hereSummerland Cove by Ellen Baker - pre-order hereConnect with Ellen: Website & novels: EllenBakerNovels.comNext Chapter Studio: EllenBakerNovels.com/studioSummerland Cove Spotify playlist Connect with The Midlife Edit: Instagram: @thejenweinsteinTikTok: @thejenweinsteinNewsletter: The Backstage Pass - join here! Website: themidlifeeditco.com

    51 min
  2. How to Advocate for Yourself in Perimenopause (In a World Full of Experts)

    May 19

    How to Advocate for Yourself in Perimenopause (In a World Full of Experts)

    Episode DescriptionYou're not crazy. You're not lazy. And you're definitely not the only woman who has sat in a parking lot after a doctor's appointment wondering why you somehow left feeling worse. Women are being dismissed in exam rooms, overwhelmed by conflicting information online, and told to "just manage stress" while their bodies are clearly changing. So today we're getting into the how — how to actually advocate for yourself in perimenopause, what questions to ask, what red flags to watch for, who to trust (and who to scroll past), and how to stop feeling alone in the middle of all of it. This isn't me pretending to be a doctor. This is me, a real woman navigating all of this alongside you, handing you the guide I wish someone had handed me. Resources + Links Mentioned🎁 Free DownloadShe's Not Crazy. She's Perimenopause. — The free guide that goes with this episode. Symptom tracker, appointment prep, questions to ask your doctor, red flags, trusted resources, and a little "before you spiral on TikTok" gut check. Grab it → here 💊 Jen's ProviderBlair Wellness and Weight Loss — Jen's functional medicine nurse practitioner practice. Joanna and Jenny specialize in perimenopause, HRT, and whole-picture women's health. Currently accepting patients. → Check them out here 🩺 Pelvic Floor HealthDr. Taylor Edmiston, PT, DPT — Jen's sister and pelvic floor physical therapist. If you're leaking when you sneeze, dealing with pelvic pain, or just feel like no one has ever actually explained what's going on down there, follow her. → @edmistonphysicaltherapy 📚 Voices Worth FollowingDr. Mary Claire Haver — Author of The New Menopause and The New PerimenopauseDr. Stacy Sims — Strength, fitness, and female physiologyDr. Jen Gunter — OB-GYN and myth-busterDr. Kelly Casperson — Women's sexual health and hormones Beth Crosby, @thegarbagemom — Perimenopause, midlife, and the kind of honesty your group chat needsMelani Sanders, @justbeingmelani We Do Not Care Club — Less perfection, less performing, less apologizing for aging If This Episode Hit Home Send it to a woman in your life who needs it. You know who she is. And if you want the free guide — She's Not Crazy. She's Perimenopause. — grab it below. No email list selling, no upsell, no gimmick. Just the resource I think every woman navigating this chapter deserves to have in her hands. → Get Your Guide Here The Midlife Edit drops every Tuesday. Follow, share, and leave a review if this episode meant something to you — it's the single best way to help more women find this show. themidlifeeditco.com | @thejenweinstein

    36 min
  3. Don't Talk Yourself Out of Your Own Life — What Happened When I Finally Sent the Email

    May 12

    Don't Talk Yourself Out of Your Own Life — What Happened When I Finally Sent the Email

    This week’s episode is part story, part reminder, and part permission slip. Jen takes you inside a once-in-a-lifetime weekend in Brooklyn that started with one thing: an email she almost didn’t send. What followed was a surreal and deeply emotional experience recording with Tracy Bonham at Grand Street Recording for the 30th anniversary re-recording of Mother Mother — alongside a room full of women who felt like lifelong friends within minutes. But this episode isn’t just about music or nostalgia. It’s about: Imposter syndrome in midlifeMaking yourself smaller to fit into other people’s expectationsFemale friendship and authentic connectionLearning to take up space unapologeticallySaying yes before you feel readyRemembering who you are underneath all the performanceJen reflects on the power of witnessing women fully in their element, the reality that even wildly successful people still struggle with self-doubt, and why midlife can become the chapter where we finally stop asking for permission. If you’ve been sitting on an email, a dream, a boundary, a creative idea, or a version of yourself you’ve been afraid to fully step into — this episode is your sign. In This EpisodeRecording in Brooklyn with Tracy BonhamThe emotional legacy of Mother MotherWhy women in midlife crave real connectionThe truth about imposter syndromeLearning to stop performing for everyone elseThe freedom that comes with agingWhat happens when you finally send the email anywayMentioned in This EpisodeMother MotherJemThe Midlife Edit Co.Free ResourceJen also shares her free guide: “Nobody Warned Me” — The Honest Midlife Hormone Guide A real, no-BS resource for women navigating hormones, perimenopause, exhaustion, and everything nobody prepared us for. You can download it at: The Midlife Edit Co. Favorite Quote From This Episode“You don’t have to feel ready. You just have to go.” If this episode resonated with you, share it with a woman who needs the reminder not to take herself out of her own life.

    20 min
  4. The Mother’s Day Industrial Complex (And the Mom I’m Becoming Anyway)

    May 5

    The Mother’s Day Industrial Complex (And the Mom I’m Becoming Anyway)

    This week on The Midlife Edit, Jen is getting brutally honest about motherhood, stepmotherhood, reinvention, guilt, and why Mother’s Day can feel more like a performance than a celebration. From burnt breakfast-in-bed stories to awkward brunch reservations and the emotional complexity of being a stepmom in midlife, this episode dives into the messy middle so many women are living through but rarely talk about out loud. Jen opens up about raising a son who’s about to turn 21 while simultaneously helping raise younger stepkids, all while building The Midlife Edit and learning how to choose herself without drowning in guilt. This episode is about: Midlife motherhood and identity shiftsThe complicated reality of stepmom lifeReinvention and learning to take up spaceMom guilt, ambition, and choosing yourselfWhy women are allowed to want more for themselvesCelebrating Mother’s Day in ways that actually feel meaningfulAnd then… Jen reveals her very nontraditional Mother’s Day plans: heading to Brooklyn to join Tracy Bonham for her Scream Like a Mother experience — including recording vocals for a special 30th anniversary version of Mother Mother and participating in an intimate Mother’s Day brunch with Tracy herself. This episode is raw, funny, vulnerable, nostalgic, and deeply validating for any woman trying to figure out who she is while still showing up for everyone else. In This EpisodeWhy Mother’s Day can feel exhausting instead of celebratoryThe invisible emotional labor moms carryThe truth about breakfast in bed and overpriced brunchesWhat stepmoms rarely say out loudWatching your kids grow while reinventing yourselfWhy pursuing your dreams doesn’t make you selfishMidlife identity shifts and imposter syndromeTracy Bonham’s Scream Like a Mother projectJen’s upcoming Brooklyn adventureMentioned in This EpisodeTracy BonhamMother MotherScream Like a MotherWilliamsburg, BrooklynGrand Street RecordingConnect with JenInstagram: @thejenweinsteinNewsletter: Backstage PassPodcast: The Midlife EditIf this episode resonated with you, share it with a mom, stepmom, bonus mom, or woman in reinvention mode who needs the reminder that she’s allowed to become something new too.

    22 min
  5. Bitch, Witch, and Everything in Between: The Long Overdue Comeback of Women in Music

    Apr 28

    Bitch, Witch, and Everything in Between: The Long Overdue Comeback of Women in Music

    What happened to the women who defined the soundtrack of our lives? In this episode, Jen dives into the rise, disappearance, and long-overdue resurgence of the women in music who shaped the ‘90s and early 2000s. From Meredith Brooks to Tori Amos to Missy Elliott, this is a conversation about truth-telling, industry bias, cultural memory, and why so many iconic women were labeled, dismissed, or erased—while their music lived on. But this isn’t just about the past. It’s about what’s changing now—and why midlife women are leading the charge in reclaiming these artists and giving them the recognition they’ve always deserved. This one is part nostalgia, part cultural critique, and fully fired up. 🎶 What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeThe moment “Bitch” by Meredith Brooks hit differently—and why it still doesThe pattern: how women in music were celebrated, then quietly pushed asideWhy artists like Tori Amos still aren’t getting the recognition they deserveThe double standard between male and female artists (and why it still exists)Missy Elliott’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction—and what took so longHow streaming and TikTok are rewriting the rules of music longevityWhy midlife women are reclaiming the narrative (and refusing to stay quiet)The question we should be asking: who are we overlooking right now?💥 Key TakeawaysThe music never disappeared—the industry just moved on from the women who made itWomen in music have historically been judged differently, labeled faster, and supported lessCultural recognition doesn’t always come when it should—but it can come laterWe’re in the middle of a shift—and women (especially in midlife) are driving itTwo things can be true: progress is happening, and there’s still a long way to go🖤 A Note From JenThis episode started with a song on the radio… and turned into something much bigger. Because it’s not just about music—it’s about voice. It’s about being complicated. Loud. Emotional. Honest. And refusing to shrink just because someone decided your moment was over. Spoiler: it’s not. 📣 Call to ActionThis week, go back and listen to a deep cut—not just the hit. Then ask yourself: 👉 Who are we doing this to right now? Come tell me: Who deserves more flowers than they’ve gotten? 📲 Instagram & TikTok: @TheJenWeinstein 💌 Subscribe to the Backstage Pass newsletter for a deeper dive 🎤 Share the EpisodeIf this one hit for you, send it to: Your music-obsessed friendYour sisterYour teenage daughterAnyone who needs a reminder that women’s voices don’t expire⭐️ Don’t ForgetFollow, rate, and review The Midlife Edit—it helps more women find these conversations (and keeps them going).

    26 min
  6. Hot, Hormonal & Highly Opinionated

    Apr 21

    Hot, Hormonal & Highly Opinionated

    This one’s a little different—in the best way. In the first-ever Hot, Hormonal & Highly Opinionated episode, I’m skipping the neat little box and giving you the real, unfiltered version of what’s been on my mind lately. Think of it like we’re sitting across from each other with coffee… and I’m telling you everything. We’re talking about what self-care actually looks like in midlife (hint: it’s not always spa days), getting very real about my perimenopause and HRT journey, and ending with a pop culture moment that celebrates women—because honestly, they deserve it. If you’ve been feeling off, overwhelmed, unheard, or just not like yourself lately… this one is for you. 🔑 In This Episode:✨ Real Self-Care (Not the Instagram Version)The difference between performative self-care and what actually helpsWhy self-care can feel selfish—and why it’s notSimple, real-life ways to take care of yourself without spending money or hours of timeWhy going to the doctor is one of the most important forms of self-care🔥 My Hormone Journey (Unfiltered)What perimenopause has actually felt like for meSymptoms that were dismissed—and why I knew something wasn’t rightNavigating doctors, testing, and finally finding someone who listenedMy current HRT protocol (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone)The gut health connection—and why I’m committing to AIPThe reality: it’s expensive, overwhelming… and still worth it🎶 Women Who Rock (Literally)Why 90s women in music are having a major moment againArtists still creating, evolving, and doing it on their termsWhat it means to step into your “second act” in midlife🎬 Pop Culture Thoughts (Because Balance Matters)The Lamar Odom documentary and why Khloé Kardashian surprised meA real conversation about showing up for people—even when it’s complicatedWhy we’re allowed to care about pop culture and real-world issues🏀 Women’s Sports Are Having a MomentThe WNBA turning 30The rise of global women’s sportsWhy this isn’t a trend—it’s a movementWhy it matters for the next generation of women💭 The Bigger Message:Women are doing the real work—on themselves, for others, in their careers, and in their lives… even when no one is watching or giving them credit. That’s midlife. And when you start paying attention—it’s powerful. 💌 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:If this episode hit home for you, I want to hear about it. DM me on Instagram: @thejenweinsteinFollow along on TikTokEmail: jen@themidlifeeditco.com🎧 More From The Midlife Edit:🎶 Follow the playlist: The Midlife Edit Co on Spotify💌 Join the Backstage Pass newsletter (weekly + no spam, ever)⭐ If You Loved This Episode:Share it with a friend, send it to someone who needs to hear it, or leave a review—it helps more women find this space.

    34 min
  7. Garbagemom: On Going Viral, Going Through Perimenopause, and Maybe Starting a Music Festival

    Apr 14

    Garbagemom: On Going Viral, Going Through Perimenopause, and Maybe Starting a Music Festival

    What happens when a classically trained actress, mom, and midlife woman hits perimenopause… and decides to tell the truth about it? In this episode, Jen sits down with Beth Crosby—aka The Garbage Mom—to talk about the messy, hilarious, and very real side of midlife. From viral TikToks to perimenopausal rage, body image healing, and the freedom of not giving a f*ck anymore… nothing is off limits. Beth shares her journey from musical theater and Hollywood auditions to becoming a relatable voice for women navigating motherhood, identity shifts, and hormonal chaos. Together, Jen and Beth unpack what it actually feels like to be in perimenopause—and why more women need to start talking about it. This conversation is honest, funny, validating, and the reminder every midlife woman needs: you are not crazy—and you are definitely not alone. 🔥 In This Episode, We Cover:  How Beth went from actor to viral creator during the pandemic  Why “The Garbage Mom” resonates with so many women  The reality of perimenopause (anxiety, rage, insomnia, and more)  Growing up in 80s/90s diet culture—and healing body image  Why midlife is the most freeing (and loudest) chapter yet  Marriage, motherhood, and navigating hormones at the same time  Talking to daughters about periods, bodies, and perimenopause  Social media, vulnerability, and staying authentic online  The story behind Perimenopausalpalooza (and why we need it IRL)  Why women in midlife are DONE staying quiet 💬 Favorite Quotes “The more you tell the truth, the more people can relate to you.” “I think my favorite part about midlife is not giving a f*ck.” “If you’re getting hate comments, congratulations—you’re doing something.” 🧠 Let’s Talk About It If you’ve ever:  Woken up at 3am with your mind racing  Looked in the mirror and didn’t recognize yourself  Felt rage over something small (like… shaving in a clean sink 😅)  Wondered if this is just you or something bigger This episode is your validation. 🎤 About Beth Crosby (The Garbage Mom) Beth Crosby is an actress, writer, and viral content creator known as The Garbage Mom. With a background in musical theater and comedy (including The Groundlings), she creates raw, relatable content about motherhood, perimenopause, and midlife identity. Her work has resonated with millions of women—and even caught the attention of icons like Alanis Morissette. 🔗 Connect with Beth Instagram @thegarbagemom & TikTok: @garbagemom 💌 Connect with Jen & The Midlife Edit Website: www.themidlifeeditco.com Podcast: The Midlife Edit Instagram: @thejenweinstein ⭐️ If You Loved This Episode Share it with a friend who needs to hear:  “You’re not losing it… it’s perimenopause.” And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review—it helps more women find these conversations.

    1h 5m
  8. The Friendship Recession: Why Midlife Women Are Lonelier Than Anyone Admits

    Apr 7

    The Friendship Recession: Why Midlife Women Are Lonelier Than Anyone Admits

    Have you ever looked around at your full, busy life and realized you can't remember the last time you had a real conversation with a real friend? Not a text. Not a reaction on Instagram. An actual conversation where someone asked how you were really doing — and waited for the answer. In this episode, Jen names something that so many women in midlife are feeling but rarely say out loud: the quiet, creeping loneliness that comes not from being unlikable or broken — but from living in a season of life that nobody warned us about. We're calling it the Friendship Recession. And it's more common than you think. In this episode: Why midlife women are experiencing a measurable decline in close friendships — and why it makes complete senseThe three reasons friendship gets so much harder after 40 (hint: it's not you)Why the invisible load we carry leaves almost nothing for the relationships that matter mostWhy vulnerability gets scarier the older we get — and what that's actually costing usWhat genuinely helps — and it's not "join a club"Why grieving the friendships that ran their course might be the most important thing you do this yearThis one is personal. This one is honest. And this one is for every woman who has ever felt lonely in a life that looks full from the outside. DM Jen on Instagram @thejenweinstein or reply to this week's Backstage Pass newsletter and tell her: when's the last time you felt truly connected to a friend? Follow The Midlife Edit: Instagram: @thejenweinstein TikTok: @thejenweinstein Website: www.themidlifeeditco.com Newsletter: Click Here to Join!

    23 min
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About

The Midlife Edit is for the woman who still has a favorite album from 1994 and a whole second act she hasn't written yet. Hosted by Jen Weinstein — honest conversations, real guests, zero apologies for who you're becoming. 

Information

  • Creator
    Jen Weinstein
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    68
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Jen Weinstein
  • Show Website
    The Midlife Edit

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