Thrive After 45™

Denise Drinkwalter
  • 5.0 (5)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT

The Thrive After 45 ™ podcast is an empowering show designed for women in midlife who are ready to embrace their next chapter with confidence, purpose, and joy—without guilt, remorse, or shame for prioritizing themselves.  Hosted by Midlife Renewal Coach and former educator Denise Drinkwalter, MEd, this podcast provides a supportive space where women can release self-doubt, rediscover their passions, and create a life that truly lights them up. Through insightful interviews with experts, thought leaders, and inspiring guest, as well as solo episodes filled with practical strategies, the Thrive After 45™ podcast helps listeners navigate personal growth, relationships, mindset shifts, and career reinvention. Most importantly, it encourages women to take time for themselves, step into their power, and recognize that self-care is not selfish—it’s essential. If you’re ready to let go of old expectations and start thriving in midlife, this podcast is for you. Because midlife isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of something extraordinary.

  1. 1D AGO

    Heal Your Wounded Inner Teenager (and Stop Generational Trauma) - with Tatjana Simakova

    How much of your teenage self is still showing up when you parent, love, or even react to things today? That voice that just wanted to be seen and heard?  My incredible guest, Tatjana Simakova, believes that version of us is still shaping our family dynamics, and she has built her life's work on helping us heal that unseen gap. Tatjana's own journey is one of deep courage.  Growing up with an alcoholic mother and navigating family separation gave her a profound, lived understanding of what it means to heal from the inside out.  Now a psychotherapist, art therapist, and the founder of the S-A-L-V-U-S ParentTeen community, she has helped thousands of families move from emotional chaos to calm connection. In this episode we talk about: Why the teenage years are such a critical stage for catching and working through trauma.The magic of art therapy - why getting messy can be the key to opening up and finding a non-judgmental outlet.The most common shift parents can make to stop "clamping down" and start building a stronger, more trusting connectionHer powerful metaphor of letting your child go further away so they know they can always come back to you.The one place you absolutely must start if you want to see a change in your children This conversation is a beautiful reminder that when we do the work to reconnect with our own inner teenager, we start parenting and living from a place of much deeper understanding.  You’ll be so inspired by Tatjana's story and her amazing, heart-centered work. You can find out more about Tatjana and her community here: Website: https://salvus-parenting.mn.co/share/UutP_DH8-zYFhv79?utm_source=manual (to join Salvus ParenTEENg for free) Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/salvus_psychotherapy_clinic/ Thank you for spending time with me today on the Thrive After 45™ podcast! If this episode spoke to you, be sure to hit that follow button so you never miss one. And if you loved it, I’d be so grateful if you left a review - it helps more amazing women like you find this show! Your journey doesn’t stop here - let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with me at denisedrinkwalter.com, and follow @thethriveafter45podcast for daily insp, tips, and support. Remember, midlife isn’t the end - it’s just the beginning of a new, exciting chapter! Keep thriving, keep shining, and I’ll see you next time!

    38 min

  2. DEC 18

    Why 99% of Women Over 40 Can't Find Their Purpose (And The Simple Fix) - with Jim Marshall

    Jim Marshall has spent years diving deep into the science and spirit of transformation. He's talking about something he calls "The Natural Law of Becoming," and trust me...it’s a total game-changer for how we think about aging and growth. Jim’s whole philosophy is this: You don’t have to push, hustle, or force your way into your next great chapter. It’s actually about slowing down, getting intentional, and letting your purpose unfold naturally, just like a seed turning into a tree. We talked about the pressure we feel after 45 to constantly do more or be more, and how that mindset is what actually leads to burnout.  Jim gives us permission to stop chasing what’s broken and start listening to the powerful, clear wisdom that's already inside us. If you’ve been feeling like you’re trying to run uphill, or if you're ready for your next evolution but aren't sure how to start, this conversation is your moment to exhale. Jim reminds us that you are not a project that needs fixing...you are an entire garden that just needs tending. Connect with Jim here: Website: https://septemics.com/Thank you for spending time with me today on the Thrive After 45™ podcast! If this episode spoke to you, be sure to hit that follow button so you never miss one. And if you loved it, I’d be so grateful if you left a review - it helps more amazing women like you find this show! Your journey doesn’t stop here - let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with me at denisedrinkwalter.com, and follow @thethriveafter45podcast for daily insp, tips, and support. Remember, midlife isn’t the end - it’s just the beginning of a new, exciting chapter! Keep thriving, keep shining, and I’ll see you next time!

    1h 8m

  3. DEC 11

    STOP Eating Like This Immediately - The ONE Mistake That Is Killing Your Digestion and Energy - with Dr. Len Lopez

    Dr. Len Lopez has been a licensed chiropractor and natural medicine specialist for over 30 years. He's the guy who coined the phrase “eating right and training smart,” and he’s sharing how that’s expanded into a whole philosophy for success in every area of life. We start by diving into what "healthy" really means, especially for those of us navigating our 40s, 50s, and beyond. Dr. Len dropped some serious wisdom about digestion that was a total lightbulb moment for me. He explained that, just because you ate something doesn't mean your body absorbed the nutrients! We get into the crucial role your gut plays, and how eating how you eat (not just what you eat) can literally turn your digestive system off. Think less "warrior on a horse with a turkey leg" and more "sit, eat, and relax." But the conversation really takes off when we talk about his "Five Steps a Day" app, which helps you build success from the inside out.  He breaks down the acronym S.T.E.P.S. and how tracking these small, daily actions for your body, mind, and spirit can create massive change. It’s all about those tiny, actionable steps that fill up your bucket and move you out of negative self-talk and into a virtuous cycle of life. This conversation is simple, clear, and powerful, and it’s going to give you the perfect actionable next step for wherever you are in your journey. I loved what Dr. Len said about knowing your "Land of Milk and Honey" - your goals - because if you don't know where you're going, don't be surprised if you land in the land of headaches and heartaches.  This is a must-listen for anyone who wants to take charge of their well-being and mindset! To connect with Dr. Len Lopez and check out the Five Steps a Day app, you can find more information here: Website: www.DrLenOnline.comSocial Media: https://www.instagram.com/drlenlopez/Thank you for spending time with me today on the Thrive After 45™ podcast! If this episode spoke to you, be sure to hit that follow button so you never miss one. And if you loved it, I’d be so grateful if you left a review - it helps more amazing women like you find this show! Your journey doesn’t stop here - let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with me at denisedrinkwalter.com, and follow @thethriveafter45podcast for daily insp, tips, and support. Remember, midlife isn’t the end - it’s just the beginning of a new, exciting chapter! Keep thriving, keep shining, and I’ll see you next time!

    41 min

  4. DEC 4

    It's NOT Too Late! The MIND GYM Secret to Manifesting Anything After 45 - with SuZan Peltekian

    SuZan Peltekian is a global speaker, a peak performance coach, and a total game-changer who has spent years helping people remember they are powerful beyond measure. The heart of our chat is getting out of "default living" and actually designing the life we were born to live. She gets super real, sharing that she struggled with self-belief for years, going from job to job until she finally realized her own divinity. Her whole mission is waking people up to the fact that they are a spark of divinity, the universe's highest form of creation. SuZan talks about her signature "Mind Gym" approach and gives us the foundational, concrete steps for quantum living. She breaks down the missing link that stops us from receiving everything we desire - and guess what? It's not about what you want, but who you are being. Grab your notebook because she lays out the three essential steps to truly change your reality, but you gotta tune in to get all the tea!  She also gives some practical, easy-to-use hacks for repeating your vision and self-image every single day. Seriously, if you're over 45, she says this is your time to shine! Any other story about aging is a big lie, and you're just starting to scratch the surface of what's possible. This conversation will light you up and remind you that the magic is already within you. Connect with SuZan: Website: www.superchargewithsuzan.com Social Media: @SuperchargewithsuzanThank you for spending time with me today on the Thrive After 45™ podcast! If this episode spoke to you, be sure to hit that follow button so you never miss one. And if you loved it, I’d be so grateful if you left a review - it helps more amazing women like you find this show! Your journey doesn’t stop here - let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with me at denisedrinkwalter.com, and follow @thethriveafter45podcast for daily insp, tips, and support. Remember, midlife isn’t the end - it’s just the beginning of a new, exciting chapter! Keep thriving, keep shining, and I’ll see you next time!

    35 min

  5. NOV 27

    The #1 Mistake Midlife Women Make When Designing Their Home (It's Killing Your Peace) with Kim Depole

    This Thrive After 45™ episode is all about creating a home that’s actually a sanctuary for your soul, and it has me looking at my living room completely differently. I sat down with Kim Depole, a mindful living design consultant. Seriously, this woman is a master at weaving together art, meditation, and interior design to help people create spaces that aren't just pretty, but are deeply restorative and soul-aligned. We’re talking about more than just picking out paint colors. Kim's whole approach is that your home should be the truest reflection of who you are, what you love, and how you want to move through life.  How amazing would it be if your space literally breathed who you are becoming? Kim’s journey is so inspiring - she’s an artist at heart who's traveled the world exploring culture and the sacred energy of space. She believes that design is about liberation, creativity, and living with intention, not just trends or perfection. If you’ve ever felt like your home just isn't supporting your inner peace, or if you’re looking for ways to live more mindfully, you absolutely need to listen. This conversation will make you think about your space, your habits, and your life in a totally new way. We dove into what it means to truly live mindfully, create consciously, and design a life and home that genuinely supports the woman you are evolving into. Give it a listen! I'm pretty sure you’ll be inspired to make your home feel more like you. You can find more of Kim Depole’s inspiring work here: Website: www.depoledesign.com and reserve a FREE Discovery call  Substack Weekly newsletter   https://kimdepole.substack.com/ Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/depoledesign/ Thank you for spending time with me today on the Thrive After 45™ podcast! If this episode spoke to you, be sure to hit that follow button so you never miss one. And if you loved it, I’d be so grateful if you left a review - it helps more amazing women like you find this show! Your journey doesn’t stop here - let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with me at denisedrinkwalter.com, and follow @thethriveafter45podcast for daily insp, tips, and support. Remember, midlife isn’t the end - it’s just the beginning of a new, exciting chapter! Keep thriving, keep shining, and I’ll see you next time!

    32 min

  6. NOV 20

    The LIE Midlife Women Believe About Being Broken - with Elizabeth Kelly

    Hey friend, you need to grab a cup of coffee and sit down for this one. This episode of Thrive After 45™ with the incredible Elizabeth Kelly is truly honest and so, so needed. Elizabeth is a transformative self-love and mindset coach who came on the show to share her whole, messy, beautiful journey of navigating divorce, finding sobriety, and having to completely rebuild her life from the inside out. Her story is standing proof that the pain that once cracked you open was never meant to destroy you, but to actually awaken you to the woman you were always supposed to be. We have an open-hearted conversation about identity and the moment Elizabeth realized she had to stop trying to erase her past. She talks about changing her name (from Foster to Kelly!) and shares a powerful piece she wrote called "Beautifully Broken." She explains that healing is really about integrating all your stories, owning them, and thanking them for getting you here.  This conversation is your permission slip to realize you can be messy and still be worthy. If you’ve ever felt like you were just hustling through the first half of life, only to pause and wonder, "Wait, who am I underneath all this?" this is the episode for you.  She gives us the first, most crucial step to take when you're feeling totally stuck.  This one is going to light a fire under you and remind you that you are whole, complete, and exactly where you need to be. Connect with Elizabeth Kelly: Instagram: @elizabeth_fortheloveofself Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethfortheloveofself Linktree: https://linktr.ee/fortheloveofself.coach?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=f8751429-1e8b-4eec-b998-3fddda411bb1 Email: elizabeth@fortheloveofself.coach Schedule time for a FREE clarity call: https://calendly.com/elizabeth-fortheloveofself/strategy-call-with-coach-elizabeth Thank you for spending time with me today on the Thrive After 45™ podcast! If this episode spoke to you, be sure to hit that follow button so you never miss one. And if you loved it, I’d be so grateful if you left a review - it helps more amazing women like you find this show! Your journey doesn’t stop here - let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with me at denisedrinkwalter.com, and follow @thethriveafter45podcast for daily insp, tips, and support. Remember, midlife isn’t the end - it’s just the beginning of a new, exciting chapter! Keep thriving, keep shining, and I’ll see you next time!

    36 min

  7. NOV 13

    STOP Letting Your Mind Run Your Life: The 3-Step System to Reclaim Your Power with Nami

    Hey friend, grab a cozy seat and that mug of coffee - I have an incredible conversation to share with you! This week on Thrive After 45™, I'm so honored to introduce you to Nami, a leadership and mindset coach who is challenging us to think differently about how we lead our lives. Nami spent over 20 years in the corporate world, building high-performing teams, but her own journey through healing and self-discovery led her to an incredible realization. It was sparked by a heartbreaking tragedy that made her ask, "What is it that truly helps us pull ourselves out of the dark?" She saw that a high IQ or EQ wasn't enough; something crucial was missing. What she created is called The Mind Quotient (MQ), and it's a powerful framework that blends neuroscience, spirituality, and mindset to help us unlock our highest potential. Nami calls it the third quotient, focused on the mastery of the mind, which is responsible for our mental wellbeing and how we show up every day. The concept is beautifully simple: Self-Awareness + Self-Management. Once you know what's going on inside you (awareness) and what works for you to manage yourself (management), you can operate at peak MQ.  The best part is that it's not one-size-fits-all; it's about getting to know yourself and intentionally applying a framework to what you already have available to you. Nami and I get into the real talk about how this shift starts with just looking inward, and how that realization - that you are co-creating your life and have the power to choose how you show up - is completely life-changing.  This is such an important conversation for all of us, especially women who are looking to advocate for themselves and finally put themselves first without the guilt. Oh, and Nami is also a phenomenal writer! We talk about her new book, "Healing with Courage: My Journey From Dark to Light," a memoir written as poetry that takes you on her journey from trauma and disconnection to spiritual awakening and stepping fully into her power. This episode is all about reclaiming your power and realizing that the power to rise really does begin within.  You'll want to hear Nami's one piece of advice for when you get triggered - it's simple, powerful, and a total game-changer for finding your pause and looking inward. Get ready to feel inspired, seen, and stretched in the best way possible. You can find Nami and learn more about her framework, the MQ Check-in, and her new book, Healing with Courage, via the following links: 🌐 www.coach-nami.com 📸 Instagram: @coach.nami 💼 Linked In Healing with Courage Kindle Thank you for spending time with me today on the Thrive After 45™ podcast! If this episode spoke to you, be sure to hit that follow button so you never miss one. And if you loved it, I’d be so grateful if you left a review - it helps more amazing women like you find this show! Your journey doesn’t stop here - let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with me at denisedrinkwalter.com, and follow @thethriveafter45podcast for daily insp, tips, and support. Remember, midlife isn’t the end - it’s just the beginning of a new, exciting chapter! Keep thriving, keep shining, and I’ll see you next time!

    33 min

  8. NOV 6

    How to Find Answers Within Yourself - with Kathy Walden

    Get ready for an incredibly open-hearted chat with Kathy Walden that feels like a big, warm hug!  Kathy is a spiritual life coach who's been through the deep work herself, and she’s here to remind us that the guidance we've been searching for is already whispering inside us.  In this episode of Thrive after 45™️, we’re talking about what it truly means to stop searching for the answers and start listening to the wisdom within. Kathy's own journey, which included facing a rock bottom moment and a 55-year-old memory of childhood molestation, taught her a profound truth... Everything changes when you learn to love and trust yourself. It’s a powerful conversation about moving from being a victim to taking full responsibility for your life - which is the key to spiritual growth. We dive into how you can start your spiritual journey without having to hit a crisis point first (because who wants to do that?), and what you can do instead of continuing to look outside yourself for validation.  You'll hear us riff on: Why finding a mentor or getting into trauma therapy can be a game-changer on your path, especially if they point you inward rather than acting as a guru. The incredible ripple effect of your actions, energy, and healing—it’s much bigger than you realize, affecting your kids, parents, and generations before and after you. The difference between your soul speaking and your fear whispering: soul-talk is always simple, quiet, and loving. A great actionable tip for building self-trust: the rule of not saying anything to yourself that you wouldn't say to your best friend. The beautiful realization that growth is forever - it doesn’t stop at some imaginary finish line. Kathy's wisdom reminds us that we are truly enough and that you don't have to walk this challenging but ultimately rewarding spiritual journey alone.  Give this episode a listen if you're ready to break down the walls of people-pleasing, ditch the mask you've been wearing, and finally say, "I'm tired of playing by everybody else's rules!"  Find Kathy Walden here: TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@kathyspiritualcoach,  IG https://www.instagram.com/kathywaldenspiritualcoach/ Thank you for spending time with me today on the Thrive After 45™ podcast! If this episode spoke to you, be sure to hit that follow button so you never miss one. And if you loved it, I’d be so grateful if you left a review - it helps more amazing women like you find this show! Your journey doesn’t stop here - let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with me at denisedrinkwalter.com, and follow @thethriveafter45podcast for daily insp, tips, and support. Remember, midlife isn’t the end - it’s just the beginning of a new, exciting chapter! Keep thriving, keep shining, and I’ll see you next time!

    30 min
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About

The Thrive After 45 ™ podcast is an empowering show designed for women in midlife who are ready to embrace their next chapter with confidence, purpose, and joy—without guilt, remorse, or shame for prioritizing themselves.  Hosted by Midlife Renewal Coach and former educator Denise Drinkwalter, MEd, this podcast provides a supportive space where women can release self-doubt, rediscover their passions, and create a life that truly lights them up. Through insightful interviews with experts, thought leaders, and inspiring guest, as well as solo episodes filled with practical strategies, the Thrive After 45™ podcast helps listeners navigate personal growth, relationships, mindset shifts, and career reinvention. Most importantly, it encourages women to take time for themselves, step into their power, and recognize that self-care is not selfish—it’s essential. If you’re ready to let go of old expectations and start thriving in midlife, this podcast is for you. Because midlife isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of something extraordinary.

Information

  • Creator
    Denise Drinkwalter
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Thrive After 45™ Podcast
  • Show Website
    Thrive After 45™