Second Act Sessions

Stephanie Carmody
  • 5.0 (14)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE

Second Act Sessions is a bi-weekly podcast for women navigating midlife and stepping into a new chapter. Hosted by Stephanie Carmody, the show is rooted in faith, healing, and lived experience and explores what it really looks like to begin again and build a life that feels aligned, meaningful, and true. It’s for the woman quietly asking, what’s next? The one who thought her life would look different by now and is beginning to realize she may need to start over.  Because starting over sounds inspiring… until you’re actually living it.  And when you are, it can feel uncertain, messy, and overwhelming.  But this isn’t the end of the story.  It’s a second act. And maybe… a more honest one.  Through real, unfiltered conversations, Second Act Sessions shares stories, perspective, and encouragement for women learning to trust God, rediscover who they are, and rebuild their lives in a way that feels true to them.  No perfection. No pretending.  Just real life and what it looks like to begin again.  At its core, Second Act Sessions is a reminder that even after the hardest seasons, there is still more life, more healing, and more of you to uncover.  Because it’s never too late to begin again.   New episodes bi-weekly every Tuesday. Follow Stephanie Carmody online at: Website: www.secondactsessions.com Instagram: @stephaniefcarmody Facebook: @stephanie.figuracarmody YouTube: @secondactsessions

  1. 1D AGO

    The Story Behind Second Act Sessions

    Season Two of Second Act Sessions begins with a personal solo episode from host Stephanie Carmody, sharing the story behind the podcast and the journey that led her here. In this heartfelt introduction, Stephanie opens up about the life experiences that shaped her second act — from navigating divorce, healing, and rebuilding confidence to rediscovering faith, purpose, and her voice. She shares the real moments behind the microphone and the inspiration behind creating Second Act Sessions. If you’re new here, this episode is the perfect place to begin. And if you’ve been listening since Season One, consider this a deeper look into the woman and story behind the conversations. This season is all about growth, healing, reinvention, and learning that it’s never too late to begin again. This episode also includes a special sponsor mention from Revelation Candle — Stephanie’s favorite faith-based candle company. As each clean-burning candle melts, a hidden Bible verse is revealed in the wax, creating a beautiful reminder of faith, hope, and encouragement.  Shop Revelation Candle at https://revelationcandle.com and use code STEPH15 at checkout for 15% off your order. Be sure to follow and subscribe to Second Act Sessions wherever you listen to podcasts, and join us for an inspiring new season of honest conversations and meaningful second acts.

    29 min

  2. SEASON 2 TRAILER

    Second Act Sessions Trailer

    Second Act Sessions is a biweekly podcast for women navigating midlife and stepping into a new chapter. Hosted by Stephanie Carmody, the show explores what it really looks like to begin again and build a life that feels aligned, meaningful, and true through conversations rooted in faith, healing, and lived experience. It’s for the woman quietly asking, “What’s next?” The one realizing life may not look the way she expected and learning how to move forward anyway. Because starting over sounds inspiring… until you’re actually living it. Through honest, unfiltered conversations, Second Act Sessions offers perspective, encouragement, and real stories for women learning to trust God, rediscover themselves, and rebuild their lives in a way that feels authentic to who they are now. No perfection. No pretending. Just honest conversations about healing, reinvention, faith, and finding your way again. Because it’s never too late to begin again. New episodes drop biweekly on Tuesdays.

    1 min

  3. 12/17/2025

    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

  4. 12/03/2025

    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

  5. 11/19/2025

    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

  6. 11/05/2025

    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

  7. 10/22/2025

    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

  8. 10/08/2025

    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
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Trailer

5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Second Act Sessions is a bi-weekly podcast for women navigating midlife and stepping into a new chapter. Hosted by Stephanie Carmody, the show is rooted in faith, healing, and lived experience and explores what it really looks like to begin again and build a life that feels aligned, meaningful, and true. It’s for the woman quietly asking, what’s next? The one who thought her life would look different by now and is beginning to realize she may need to start over.  Because starting over sounds inspiring… until you’re actually living it.  And when you are, it can feel uncertain, messy, and overwhelming.  But this isn’t the end of the story.  It’s a second act. And maybe… a more honest one.  Through real, unfiltered conversations, Second Act Sessions shares stories, perspective, and encouragement for women learning to trust God, rediscover who they are, and rebuild their lives in a way that feels true to them.  No perfection. No pretending.  Just real life and what it looks like to begin again.  At its core, Second Act Sessions is a reminder that even after the hardest seasons, there is still more life, more healing, and more of you to uncover.  Because it’s never too late to begin again.   New episodes bi-weekly every Tuesday. Follow Stephanie Carmody online at: Website: www.secondactsessions.com Instagram: @stephaniefcarmody Facebook: @stephanie.figuracarmody YouTube: @secondactsessions

Information

  • Creator
    Stephanie Carmody
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Second Act Sessions
  • Show Website
    Second Act Sessions