Mid-Life Mafia

Mid-Life Mafia

Three badass broads on a mission to make midlife a laughing matter. Pour a cup of coffee (or whatever), pluck your chin hairs, and tune in for no-holds-barred conversations about surviving menopause, finding your confidence, and rocking your second act with attitude. We're not your grandmother's menopause club. Join us: www.MidLifeMafia.com

  1. 6d ago

    The Sitdown w/ Colomba AKA Festa In Cucina

    For Colomba, food has always been about more than recipes—it's about preserving traditions, celebrating family, and keeping Italian culture alive. In this episode, Colomba, better known as Festa In Cucina, shares how her daughter encouraged her to start creating content online and how that one suggestion led to a thriving community of people who love authentic Italian cooking and traditions. We dive into growing up in a close-knit Italian-American family in the Bronx, where cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents all lived just steps away. Colomba reflects on the values, traditions, and unforgettable memories that shaped her childhood, from speaking Italian and learning colorful expressions to celebrating Christmas with family around the table. If you've ever wondered how Italians choose quality ingredients, Colomba explains what to look for when buying pasta, olive oil, and tomatoes, why whole tomatoes are often preferred over crushed, and the kitchen essentials she simply can't live without. She also shares which of her recipes unexpectedly went viral—and why some she thought would be huge never took off. The conversation also explores balancing work and family, visiting Italy, and why passing down family recipes is about preserving memories as much as preserving flavors. In this episode: How Colomba started Festa In CucinaSpeaking Italian and learning expressions from familyHow to choose quality pasta and olive oilItalian traditions and family valuesChristmas in an Italian-American familyWhole tomatoes vs. crushed tomatoesMidlife conversations and reflections Like and subscribe for more interesting content on midlife and women reinventing themselves. Follow us on all platforms 👇 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@midlifemafia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlifemafiapodcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MidLifeMafia Website: https://midlifemafia.com/ Follow Colomba 👇 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@festaincucina Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/festaincucina/ Podcast editing by https://podcastmagician.com/

  2. Jul 6

    The Sitdown w/ Dr. Jennifer DiLandro

    Success rarely follows a straight path. For Dr. Jennifer DiLandro, it came through adversity, determination, and a refusal to give up when life threw its biggest challenges her way. In this episode, Dr. Jen shares her journey from nurse to entrepreneur, revealing how a difficult chapter in her personal life pushed her to go all-in on herself and build a thriving business from the ground up with just $3,000. She opens up about taking risks, returning to school, earning certifications, and establishing the credibility needed to grow Dolce Aesthetics into the trusted practice it is today. We also dive into the world of aesthetics and the changing attitudes around self-care. Dr. Jen talks about why women shouldn't always put themselves last, and how many clients struggle with giving themselves permission to spend money on their own wellbeing. The conversation explores common misconceptions about Botox, what first-time clients should ask before treatment, and why managing expectations is one of the most important parts of the process. Dr. Jen shares some of the most unusual requests she's received, the procedures she's refused to perform, and the ethical standards that guide her work every day. In this episode: Dr. Jen's journey from nurse to business ownerBotox as a luxury, not a necessityMen and aesthetic treatmentsYounger generations and preventative BotoxThe impact of phones and screen time on agingWhat to ask before getting BotoxThe craziest client requestsEthics in cosmetic medicine Have you ever considered Botox or another aesthetic treatment? We'd love to hear your thoughts, experiences, or questions in the comments. Follow us on all platforms 👇 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@midlifemafia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlifemafiapodcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MidLifeMafia Website: https://midlifemafia.com/ Follow Dr. Jen 👇 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jenniferdilandro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferdilandro/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064151200855 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-dilandro-b0677265/ Website: https://dolceaestheticsny.com/ Podcast editing by https://podcastmagician.com/

  3. Jun 29

    The Sitdown w/ Renee Cardaci from Cooking with Renee

    Renee Cardaci simply wants to share her love of cooking—and millions of views later, she's helping home cooks everywhere feel more confident in the kitchen. In this episode, Renee shares how her journey began after her first child left for college and how a passion for cooking turned into the beloved Cooking With Renee brand. The conversation covers favorite kitchen tools, must-have ingredients, and the dishes she loves making most. Renee also shares what she's learned from traveling, especially her trips to Italy, where she discovered a deeper appreciation for traditional food culture. We also discuss raising children around food, introducing different flavors from an early age, and why family meals can shape eating habits for years to come. Plus, Renee reveals some of her favorite restaurants, and the exciting cookbook project currently in the works. And because no Mid-Life Mafia conversation is complete without a little real talk, we dive into the realities of midlife—from sleep struggles and hot flashes to bloating, emotions, and navigating the changes that nobody fully prepares you for. In this episode: How Renee started Cooking with ReneeFinding a new passion after the kids grow upBuilding a social media cooking brandCreating food videos and recipesFavorite kitchen gadgets and cooking toolsGarlic, olive oil, and pantry essentialsRenee's favorite dishes to makeRaising adventurous eatersFavorite restaurants and dining experiencesRenee's upcoming cookbookMidlife, menopause, sleep, and hot flashes Enjoyed this conversation? Be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode with the food lover in your life. Follow us on all platforms 👇 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@midlifemafia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlifemafiapodcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MidLifeMafia Website: https://midlifemafia.com/ Follow Renee 👇 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cooking_with_renee_ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cooking_with_renee_/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cooking_with_renee_ Podcast editing by https://podcastmagician.com/

  4. Jun 22

    The Sitdown w/ Maddalena and Lisa

    Step behind the counter and beyond the cameras with Maddalena and Lisa, two fan-favorite personalities from Carlo's Bakery and TLC's Cake Boss. In this episode, they share how life changed after television, why they embraced social media, and what it was really like working alongside Buddy Valastro and the rest of the family business. From memorable Cake Boss moments and cake disasters to going nationwide and internationally with Carlo's Bake Shop, they offer an honest look at life behind one of America's most famous bakeries. The conversation also explores the power of family relationships, the bond between sisters, and the support systems that help us navigate life's ups and downs. Maddalena and Lisa reflect on marriage, cooking for loved ones, and the traditions that come with growing up in a large Italian family where food is always at the center of every gathering. They also dive into a topic many women can relate to: learning to love yourself again in midlife. We talk about confidence and self-care, makeup, fashion, and finding joy in the little things. And because no conversation with Maddalena and Lisa would be complete without a little fun, expect stories about Marshalls shopping hauls, favorite music, style choices, and the sisterly relationship that keeps them connected through it all. In this episode: Life after Cake Boss and turning to social mediaCake disasters and memorable bakery momentsThe close-knit family they areWorking with Buddy ValastroMidlife reinvention If you've been following Maddalena and Lisa since the Cake Boss days, welcome to the family! Let us know in the comments what you love most about them and their journey. And don’t forget to like and share the episode with those you feel will enjoy this conversation. Follow us on all platforms 👇 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@midlifemafia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlifemafiapodcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MidLifeMafia Website: https://midlifemafia.com/ Follow Lisa 👇 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cakebosslisa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cakebosslisa4811/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cakebosslisa?mibextid=LQQJ4d Follow Maddalena 👇 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maddalenaandmauro/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cakebosscastanos Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cakebossmauro YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FamilyTalkandTaste/featured Podcast editing by https://podcastmagician.com/

  5. Jun 15

    Welcome to the Midlife Mafia: 1 Year Later

    One year. Countless conversations. Plenty of laughs. And more than a few moments that made us ask, “Did we really just say that on a podcast?” Of course we did, because why sugarcoat it? We are who we are. In this special anniversary episode, we look back on the first year of the Mid-Life Mafia podcast and reflect on the journey that started with a simple goal: trying to understand the changes we were experiencing in midlife, especially when it came to menopause, hormones, and all the things nobody seemed to be talking about. We revisit some of our favorite episodes, the guests who left a lasting impression, and the lessons we've learned along the way. We also share some of our most embarrassing moments, talk about how the show has grown, and reflect on the incredible guests we've met—from social media personalities and influencers to local cooks who simply love bringing people together through food. As always, the conversation comes back to what the Mid-Life Mafia has always been about: real life - marriage, divorce, raising kids, brain fog, menopause, reinvention, and figuring things out as we go. Whether you've been with us since episode one or you've just discovered the podcast, this episode is a celebration of the community we've built together over the last year. What's inside: Looking back on one year of Mid-Life MafiaFavorite episodes and memorable guestsWhat we've learned from podcastingSocial media, clipbait & content creation lessonsWhy we started the podcast in the first placeMenopause, hormones & unanswered questionsOur most embarrassing podcast momentsMeeting influencers and creatorsLocal guests, food lovers & home cooksMidlife conversations that matterMarriage, divorce & raising kidsBrain fog, life changes & finding your wayHow the podcast has grown over the past year 👉 If you've enjoyed being part of the Mid-Life Mafia journey, don't forget to subscribe, like, and share this episode with a friend. Welcome to the family. Follow us on all platforms 👇 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@midlifemafia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlifemafiapodcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MidLifeMafia Website: https://midlifemafia.com/ Podcast editing by https://podcastmagician.com/

  6. Jun 8

    The Sitdown w/ LaDolceVitaKellyStyle

    Can starting later in life turn out to be exactly the right timing? In this episode, we sit down with Kelly Curtin aka LaDolceVitaKellyStyle to talk about exactly that and building something meaningful from home - proving that it’s never too late to create success on your own terms. Kelly shares how life as a stay-at-home mom eventually led her to social media, where she found a way to combine family, food, and creativity into something that inspires thousands. What started as a love for cooking became a platform where she encourages everyday people to get in the kitchen and realize they can cook, too. The conversation gets personal as we dive into OCD, cleaning habits and mother-daughter relationships. Kelly also shares how her husband’s unwavering support has helped her grow — and why having someone believe in your vision matters. Of course, there’s plenty of food talk too: crispy cooking, pizza preferences, kitchen tools, holiday food traditions, favorite dishes, and the balance between preserving traditional recipes while experimenting with new techniques. We also talk about Kelly’s exciting cookbook for kids, her passion for teaching others the science behind cooking, and her mission to make cooking feel approachable for everyone. What’s inside: Starting later in life and finding successKelly’s journey from stay-at-home mom to creatorMother-daughter relationshipsBuilding family memories through foodKelly’s favorite dishesHoliday food traditions and recipesKitchen tricksLearning the science behind cookingKelly’s cookbook for kids This episode is full of warmth, encouragement, practical cooking wisdom, and a reminder that some of life’s best chapters begin later than expected. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share it with someone who needs the reminder that it’s never too late to start something new. Follow us on all platforms 👇 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@midlifemafia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlifemafiapodcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MidLifeMafia Website: https://midlifemafia.com/ Follow Kelly 👇 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ladolcevitakellystyle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladolcevitakellystyle/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ladolcevitakellystyle/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaDolceVitaKellyStyle Podcast editing by https://podcastmagician.com/

  7. Jun 1

    The Sitdown w/ JJ The Flavor Rican

    What happens when a homemade salad dressing turns into a full-blown brand — complete with social media dancing, loyal customers, and a beloved 92-year-old family friend who became the company icon telling everyone to “Buy the salad”? In this episode, we sit down with JJ Flavor Rican to talk about the unexpected journey of building an all-natural salad dressing business from the ground up. JJ shares how she first got her products into brick-and-mortar stores long before social media became part of the plan, and how Facebook helped grow awareness before TikTok entered the picture. We talk about the early days of creating products, learning branding and figuring out how to stand out in a crowded space. JJ also opens up about her personal health journey, including weight loss and gastric sleeve surgery, and how those experiences influenced both her mindset and her business. There’s also a fun side to this conversation — from freestyle music and dancing on TikTok to creating content that feels authentic instead of forced. And of course, we had to talk about Sonia, the 92-year-old who accidentally became a fan favourite and the unforgettable face of the company. This episode is full of honest conversations about entrepreneurship, family, reinvention, health, social media, and building a brand with personality. What’s inside: - How JJ Flavor Rican started the salad dressing business - Selling in stores before social media - Creating all-natural products - Weight loss and gastric sleeve surgery - Learning branding and marketing - Freestyle music and TikTok dancing - Growing on Facebook and social media - Selling online and shipping products - Building a family-driven brand - Sonia and the “Buy the salad” moments - What’s next for JJ Flavor Rican If you enjoyed this episode with JJ Flavor Rican, make sure to like, subscribe, and share the show with someone who loves great food, inspiring business stories, and a little family chaos along the way. Follow us on all platforms 👇 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@midlifemafia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlifemafiapodcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MidLifeMafia Website: https://midlifemafia.com/ Follow JJ 👇 Website: https://jjsown.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jjtheflavorrican Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jusjoy21/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jjsown/ Podcast editing by https://podcastmagician.com/

  8. May 25

    Revive & Thrive: Midlife Wellness w/ Billy Bossa

    Can massage therapy become part of your midlife survival kit? In this episode, Billy Bossa says absolutely — and he’s breaking down why more people are turning to wellness treatments not just for relaxation, but for recovery, stress relief, hormones, inflammation, and overall self-care. We sit down with Billy Bossa, owner of Bossa Massages & Wellness, for a conversation that starts with some humour around the classic “happy ending” massage stereotype before getting into the very real ways massage and wellness treatments can support people through midlife and beyond. Billy shares how he got into the massage and wellness industry during Covid, the growing demand for treatments like cupping, red light therapy, cryotherapy, lymphatic drainage massage, and body sculpting, and why women make up a large part of his clientele. We also talk about the importance of understanding clients’ health conditions before treatments, how massage and facial therapies can support women dealing with menopause and perimenopause symptoms, and why self-care often gets pushed to the bottom of the priority list in midlife. What’s inside: Billy Bossa’s journey into wellnessDifferent types of massage therapyThe funny myths and stereotypes around massagesHealth protocols and client safetyMenopause, perimenopause, and wellness treatmentsWhy it’s never too late to start prioritising wellness This episode is a mix of wellness education, honest conversation, humour, and practical insight into taking better care of yourself — physically and mentally. So tune in and enjoy! 📢 Loyal Mid-Life Mafia podcast fans: Get 25% discount on your wellness treatment at Billy Bossa Massages & Wellness when you mention the Mid-Life Mafia podcast. Follow us on all platforms 👇 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@midlifemafia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlifemafiapodcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MidLifeMafia Website: https://midlifemafia.com/ Follow Billy 👇 Website: https://www.bossamassages.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bossamassages Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bossamassagesandwellness Podcast editing by https://podcastmagician.com/

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Three badass broads on a mission to make midlife a laughing matter. Pour a cup of coffee (or whatever), pluck your chin hairs, and tune in for no-holds-barred conversations about surviving menopause, finding your confidence, and rocking your second act with attitude. We're not your grandmother's menopause club. Join us: www.MidLifeMafia.com

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