Second Act Sessions

Stephanie Carmody
  • 5.0 (14)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE

Second Act Sessions is a resource for women who have stepped boldly into their second act and are now asking themselves, “What’s next?”  It’s for the woman who is strong yet sensitive, vulnerable yet hopeful. The woman who is reclaiming her life, renewing her faith, and rebuilding her relationship with herself in pursuit of peace, love, and purpose. Your host, Stephanie Carmody, is a Gen X woman living her out her own second act in real time. After her divorce, she thought her story was ending—only to discover it was just beginning. Through healing, self-love, and a renewed connection with God, Stephanie is creating a life she once only dreamed of—and she’s here to help you believe it’s possible for you, too. Welcome to Second Act Sessions: the life you didn’t even know was available for you. New episodes bi-weekly every Wednesday. Follow Stephanie Carmody online at: Website: www.secondactsessions.com Instagram: @stephaniefcarmody Facebook: @stephanie.figuracarmody YouTube: @secondactsessions

  1. DEC 17

    Returning to Yourself: What Midlife Women Need Most but Rarely Say Out Loud

    In this episode of Second Act Sessions, I sit down with Transformation Coach and Christian Encourager Kristin Fitch for an honest conversation about what happens when your life no longer fits — and how to find the clarity to move into what is next. Kristin helps women who feel stuck or overwhelmed rediscover what they want, reconnect with how God created them to live, and protect the parts of their life that matter most. We talk about navigating midlife shifts with faith and confidence, how to slow down enough to hear God’s direction, and why women so often lose themselves in the expectations placed on them. Kristin also shares her Reignite Your Passion 5 Day Jumpstart Guide, a practical tool to help women uncover what lights them up and take the first steps toward meaningful change. If you are navigating your own second act or craving clarity about the next season of your life, this conversation will encourage you, anchor you, and remind you that it is never too late to begin again. For more information on Kristin’s coaching, resources, and podcasts, you can connect with her at: Website: KristinFitch.comInstagram: @kristinfitchPodcasts: Faith Fueled Woman and Building a Life You Love

    48 min

  2. DEC 3

    Breaking the Cycle: Understanding Narcissistic Patterns & Reclaiming Your Voice

    In this episode, we’re continuing an important conversation around narcissistic abuse — but from a different lens. I’m sitting down with Mel John—author, truth seeker, and the voice behind the popular Instagram page @narcissisticpatterns. After a string of emotionally devastating relationships, Mel began to see a pattern—one that many others have experienced but often can’t name. In her powerful book You Ain’t Going Crazy, Darling, she shares the raw and honest truth about surviving narcissistic abuse and learning how to recognize the warning signs. Now, Mel’s mission is to help others see the signs, trust their instincts, and know they’re not going crazy. This episode is a conversation about reclaiming your mind, your truth, and your power. We explore the traits of narcissists, the toll abuse can take on the brain, and how to spot manipulation before it sinks in too deep. We also talk about what it really feels like to untangle yourself from toxic relationships—the confusion, the self-doubt, the heartbreak, and the slow rebuilding that follows. Mel opens up about her own healing journey and the steps she took to reclaim her voice, her clarity, and her life. Whether you’re deep in the fog, coming out on the other side, or simply curious about the patterns and behaviors that so many people silently struggle with, this conversation offers perspective, compassion, and a reminder that you are not alone. Mel brings a mix of honesty, encouragement, and common sense that so many survivors need to hear. This episode is for anyone who’s ever questioned their worth, second-guessed their reality, or struggled to trust themselves after emotional abuse. It’s a reminder that healing is possible—and that sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is name what happened and begin again.

    55 min

  3. NOV 19

    Navigating the Grief Journey: Turning Pain Into Purpose After Unspeakable Loss

    In this heartfelt and hope-filled episode of Second Act Sessions, Stephanie welcomes Chris Mamone — an Acceptance Coach, grief advocate, and founder of The Empowered Grief Journey. After the devastating loss of his son, Chris turned his pain into purpose by helping others move through grief, trauma, and major life transitions with compassion and acceptance. Today, he coaches individuals who feel stuck in their healing, guiding them toward a renewed sense of peace and meaning.   This conversation explores how grief can become a gateway to transformation. Rather than viewing loss as an ending, Chris helps others see it as an invitation to rediscover identity, connection, and purpose. Together, Stephanie and Chris discuss what it means to live again after deep loss, the difference between surviving and truly healing, and how acceptance opens the door to a new beginning — a second act.    Listeners will walk away reminded that no matter what kind of loss they’ve faced — a loved one, a marriage, a dream, or a version of themselves — there is always hope on the other side of heartbreak. Grief doesn’t have to be the end of your story. It can be the beginning of your becoming. To learn more about Chris and his work, you can connect with him here: Website: https://www.empoweredgriefjourney.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17jDxZjbYP/?mibextid=wwXIfrThe Empowered Grief Journey Podcast: https://empoweredgriefjourney.podbean.com/

    46 min

  4. NOV 5

    Different by Design: A New Perspective on ADHD

    ADHD isn’t a flaw—it’s a different kind of brilliance. In this episode, I sit down with ADHD coach, best selling author of "Beyond ADHD" and host of the critically acclaimed podcast "The Fearless Now" Sam Led to reframe how we see and understand the ADHD mind. With over 18 years of experience helping clients harness their natural wiring, Sam shares powerful insights into why ADHD isn’t a disorder to fix, but a unique way of processing the world. We talk about what ADHD really is, why our thoughts and nervous systems react the way they do, and how awareness and acceptance can unlock creativity, intuition, and freedom. This conversation moves beyond coping—it’s about embracing the way your mind was designed and learning how to thrive with it. If you’ve ever felt “too much,” “too distracted,” or “too different,” this episode will remind you that maybe—just maybe—you were built this way for a reason. To learn more about Sam Led and his coaching work, visit samledconsulting.com or connect with him on Instagram at @samled1111, Tik Tok at @SamLed1111 and You Tube at Sam Led Consulting (@samled1111).

    50 min

  5. OCT 22

    From Heartbreak to Hope: A Father’s Journey Through Grief

    In this episode of Second Act Sessions, I’m joined by David J. Roberts—a retired addiction professional, professor, podcast host, and author whose life changed forever when his daughter Jeannine passed away from cancer in 2003. Out of unimaginable loss, Dave has dedicated his life to helping others navigate grief, healing, and purpose—reminding us that even in our most painful chapters, a second act is always possible. Dave brings a unique perspective as both a professional and a parent who has lived through the deepest kind of loss. Together, we talk about the spiritually transformative experience that helped him find peace after his daughter’s transition, his ongoing journey of grief and resilience, and how those experiences inspired his book When the Psychology Professor Met the Minister, co-authored with Reverend Patty Furino. We’ll also explore his work as a teacher, podcast host, and speaker, and how his story continues to touch and inspire so many people today. This conversation is an open book—Dave has said nothing is off limits—so we’ll dive into not only the heartbreak of loss, but also the surprising places where peace, purpose, and even renewal can be found in your second act. To learn more about David J. Roberts and his work, visit https://davidrobertsmsw.com/, follow him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/daver3103?igsh=ZWh6OWV6MGY4bWw1, or connect with him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/share/1NL1R2iKQ8/?mibextid=wwXIfr.

    58 min

  6. OCT 8

    From Confusion to Clarity: Making Sense of MTHFR and Methylation

    In this episode of Second Act Sessions, I’m joined by Tom Nikkola, a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) who has spent more than two decades helping people build stronger, healthier bodies through fitness, functional nutrition, and personal transformation. While his early work focused on physical performance and metabolic health, he’s now widely respected for his ability to break down complex biochemical topics—like the MTHFR gene mutation and methylation—in a way that’s approachable, empowering, and refreshingly honest. Many people have never even heard of the MTHFR mutation, yet it’s estimated that up to 40% of the population carries it—often without realizing how much it may be affecting their energy, mood, hormones, detox pathways, and even their ability to recover from stress. Tom helps us understand what MTHFR is, why methylation matters, and how these processes influence so many of the symptoms that midlife women often chalk up to “just aging.” We dive into how hidden genetic roadblocks can show up as anxiety, brain fog, chronic fatigue, or gut issues—not because of a lack of willpower or mindset, but because of biochemical imbalances that conventional medicine often overlooks. This conversation is especially meaningful for anyone in their second act—those of us in midlife who want to take ownership of our health and feel empowered to heal at the root. Tom shares clear, science-backed steps, from targeted supplements to lifestyle shifts, that can help restore methylation and support the body’s natural capacity to heal. Whether you’re brand-new to this topic or, like me, have discovered the MTHFR mutation in your own family, this episode will give you clarity, hope, and practical steps for building a healthier next chapter. You can learn more about Tom’s work at TomNikkola.com and follow him on Instagram at @TomNikkola.

    1h 1m

  7. SEP 24

    From Beauty to Breakthroughs: Redefining Purpose Through Life Coaching

    In this episode, I’m joined by Dana Bartone—certified life coach, entrepreneur, and someone I first met years ago during our time in the Connecticut wedding industry. For over 30 years, Dana helped women look and feel beautiful through her work in hair and makeup. Now, in her second act, she’s rewriting the script—helping women feel empowered from the inside out. Dana’s mission is to support women through heart-led coaching and guidance. She helps her clients reconnect with their voice, reclaim their confidence, and move through life transitions with clarity and strength. Whether it’s stepping into a new career, embracing new opportunities, or finding their footing again after a major life change, Dana offers practical tools and heartfelt encouragement that make the journey feel less overwhelming and more intentional. In our conversation, Dana shares what life coaching really is—and how it differs from therapy—while giving real examples of who it can help most. She offers sage advice for women navigating midlife, reminding us that a second act isn’t about starting over—it’s about building from experience, wisdom, and faith. From tackling limiting beliefs to rediscovering confidence, Dana’s insights are both empowering and actionable. If you’ve ever wondered whether life coaching could be the missing piece in your own reinvention, this episode will give you clarity, encouragement, and the inspiration to see what’s possible. To learn more about Dana and her coaching, visit her online at: Website: danabartonecoaching.com Instagram: @dana_bartone_coaching

    57 min

  8. SEP 10

    Rising From Rock Bottom: The Unbreakable Spirit of Tony Lynch

    In this powerful episode of Second Act Sessions, I sit down with Tony Lynch—grief coach, speaker, founder of the nonprofit Memories of Us, and host of the Grief, Let’s Talk About It podcast. Tony’s story is one of raw survival and astonishing resilience. From gang life and addiction to homelessness and the devastating loss of his son, Tony has endured some of life’s darkest chapters. And yet, what could have destroyed him became the foundation for a mission to serve others. Today, Tony leads Memories of Us, offering free, peer-led support for grieving men through community, fitness, music, and equine therapy. He also founded the Global Grief Network and has hosted international grief conferences, helping shift the global conversation around healing and emotional support. This episode is more than Tony’s story—it’s a reminder that no matter how shattered life feels, rebuilding is possible. His courage speaks to anyone navigating loss, change, or reinvention. For women in midlife walking through second acts, Tony’s journey offers a striking truth: resilience isn’t reserved for the strongest—it’s built in the fire of our hardest seasons. Listen in for an unforgettable conversation about survival, faith, and the unbreakable human spirit—and be reminded that your own second act can rise from even the deepest valleys. Want to learn more about Tony’s work or connect with him directly? You can find him here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mensgriefsupport?igsh=MXF1dzl5ZDQzN3R2Yg==YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@griefletstalkaboutit

    1h 19m
See All (19)

5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Second Act Sessions is a resource for women who have stepped boldly into their second act and are now asking themselves, “What’s next?”  It’s for the woman who is strong yet sensitive, vulnerable yet hopeful. The woman who is reclaiming her life, renewing her faith, and rebuilding her relationship with herself in pursuit of peace, love, and purpose. Your host, Stephanie Carmody, is a Gen X woman living her out her own second act in real time. After her divorce, she thought her story was ending—only to discover it was just beginning. Through healing, self-love, and a renewed connection with God, Stephanie is creating a life she once only dreamed of—and she’s here to help you believe it’s possible for you, too. Welcome to Second Act Sessions: the life you didn’t even know was available for you. New episodes bi-weekly every Wednesday. Follow Stephanie Carmody online at: Website: www.secondactsessions.com Instagram: @stephaniefcarmody Facebook: @stephanie.figuracarmody YouTube: @secondactsessions

Information

  • Creator
    Stephanie Carmody
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Second Act Sessions
  • Show Website
    Second Act Sessions