Still Well Podcast

Dr. Brooke Stillwell
  • 4.9 (7)
  • Personal Journals

Still Well Podcast is for midlife moms navigating changing health, stress, relationships, faith, identity, and purpose in life after raising kids. Hosted by Dr. Brooke Stillwell, this podcast offers honest conversations, practical wellness, and biblical encouragement for the season when motherhood begins to look different and you're wondering what comes next. Whether you're navigating empty nesting, feeling disconnected from yourself, seeking a deeper relationship with God, or trying to find your footing in midlife, you'll find encouragement and practical ways to care for your body, renew your mind, strengthen your faith, and reconnect with the woman God created you to be.  Together, we'll explore what it means to embrace this season with intention, nurture the relationships that matter, and discover new possibilities for the years ahead—with greater strength, peace, purpose, and joy.

  1. 3d ago

    What If God Is Waiting for You to Do Your Part? Lessons from Nehemiah

    What do you do when you feel stuck, discouraged, or overwhelmed by the work God has placed in front of you? In this episode of Still Well Podcast, Dr. Brooke Stillwell shares what the biblical book of Nehemiah teaches us about faith, anxiety, stewardship, and taking action when life feels difficult. Nehemiah's story offers a powerful reminder that prayer and practical action belong together. Through his example, Brooke reflects on overcoming negative self-talk, resisting discouragement, protecting your focus, and continuing to show up for the work God has given you—even when you feel overwhelmed. In this conversation, we explore: What Nehemiah teaches us about trusting God while taking actionHow faith can help us navigate anxiety, discouragement, and negative thought patternsWhy prayer and practical steps can work togetherHow to recognize self-sabotage and stay focused on what mattersThe importance of stewardship, gratitude, and keeping God at the centerIf you're a midlife woman feeling stuck, struggling with anxious thoughts, or wondering how to move forward in a difficult season, this conversation offers biblical encouragement and practical wisdom for your next step. In this episode: Nehemiah, Christian faith, anxiety, stewardship, self-sabotage, spiritual growth, and taking action. With gratitude, Brooke Stillwell Still Well Podcast Action Items: Pray first before making plans, setting goals, or making big decisions.Choose one practical step that matches what you are praying for.Identify one area where negative self-talk has been holding you back.Replace discouraging thoughts with scripture, prayer, and truth.Revisit year-end goals and ask God what should stay, what should go, and what should move forward.Practice gratitude and celebrate progress, not just outcomes. SCRIPTURE: “But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.” -Nehemiah 4:9 "Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other" -Nehemiah 4:17 “I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down.” -Nehemiah 6:3 "Nothing like what you are saying is happening: you are just making it up out of your head" -Nehemiah 6:8 “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” -Nehemiah 8:10 RESOURCES: Free Still Well Starter Guide Strong Steady Rooted Foundations Still Well Mom Website @thestillwellmom: Instagram Facebook Still Well Mom Youtube Stay Connected with Still Well Mom Timestamps 00:00 - Welcome to Stillwell Podcast and the midlife mission  00:58 - Feeling stuck, then finding the episode topic in Nehemiah  02:23 - Why Brooke loves the book of Nehemiah  03:55 - Setting the historical stage for Nehemiah  04:50 - Nehemiah hears Jerusalem is still in rubble  05:19 - The cupbearer role and why Nehemiah’s burden mattered  06:12 - Reading Nehemiah during a season of anxiety and exhaustion  07:41 - Rebuilding with real threats, fear, and opposition  08:29 - Prayer plus action: Nehemiah does his part  09:24 - Stewardship and structure in the rebuilding work  10:49 - Nehemiah 4:9, praying and posting a guard  12:14 - Health choices as part of healing and stewardship  13:41 - Nehemiah 4:17, working with one hand and holding a weapon  14:38 - Staying alert to spiritual and relational attacks  16:08 - Nehemiah 6:8 to 6:9 and rejecting fear tactics  17:02 - Negative self-talk and lies we tell ourselves  18:23 - “Lord, strengthen my hands”  19:37 - Discouraging voices from others and how to respond  20:48 - If we have breath, we have work to do  21:46 - A conversation with a painter about faith and recovery  22:36 - Working in the natural while trusting God in the supernatural  24:06 - Choosing stewardship over striving in midlife  24:58 - Nehemiah 6:3 and staying on the great project  26:10 - Keep going even when you do not feel like it  26:52 - God uses faithful work to do something miraculous  28:28 - Celebration, gratitude, and rejoicing after the wall is finished  29:15 - Nehemiah 8:10 and the joy of the Lord  29:41 - The danger of turning self-help into an idol  31:25 - Why Brooke is cautious about self-actualization language  32:22 - Year-end goal mapping and planning for the last 90 days  34:17 - Putting God at the center of goals and direction  35:12 - Mercy, repentance, and doing better moving forward  35:39 - Listener feedback, email, and ways to connect  36:35 - Thanks for listening and the final encouragement Don't forget to head over to www.stillwellmom.com to get more information about Strong, Steady Rooted Foundations, and learn more about growing physical capacity, emotional balance, and a deeper faith in midlife. Remember, your body is not a problem to fix, but a gift to honor, and you do not have to do midlife alone. 🌿 New here? Start here. I created The Still Well Starter Guide with 7 of my favorite must-haves for a Strong Body • Steady Mind • Rooted Faith. If you're ready to feel a little stronger, a little steadier, and a little more rooted—but aren't quite sure where to begin—this is a great place to start. Get your free guide: 👉 thestillwellmom.com/starter-guide

  2. Oct 6

    The Thing I Kept Ignoring Was Wrecking My Sleep: Better Sleep in Midlife

    Better Sleep in Midlife: Insomnia, Night Waking, Stress, and Hormone Changes What if the sleep struggles you've been brushing aside are affecting more of your health than you realize? In this episode of Still Well Podcast, Dr. Brooke Stillwell shares her personal experience with insomnia, night waking, and anxious nights, along with practical habits that helped her better understand and support her sleep. Sleep plays an important role in energy, recovery, brain health, emotional resilience, and healthy aging. Brooke explores how stress, perimenopause and menopause, changing hormones, caffeine, meal timing, and daily routines can influence sleep—and why getting to the root of the problem matters more than simply pushing through exhaustion. In this episode, we explore: Why quality sleep matters for muscle recovery, brain health, and healthy agingBrooke's experience with insomnia, night waking, and panic-like symptomsHow midlife hormone changes and stress may contribute to sleep disruptionThe relationship between evening eating, blood sugar, and waking during the nightPractical ways to support your sleep through morning light, movement, caffeine timing, and a calming bedtime routineHow to create a bedroom environment that supports restWhat to consider when exploring magnesium and other sleep-support strategies with appropriate professional guidanceIf you're a midlife woman struggling with restless nights, waking up anxious, or feeling exhausted despite trying to get enough sleep, this conversation offers personal insight and practical ideas to help you take a closer look at your sleep habits. In this episode: Midlife sleep, insomnia, menopause, perimenopause, stress management, sleep hygiene, and healthy aging. With Gratitude, Brooke Stillwell Still Well Podcast Action Items   Aim for a bedtime between 10:00 and 11:00 p.m.Try going outside in the morning within 30 minutes of wakingStop caffeine after about 2:00 p.m.Avoid large meals within 2 to 3 hours of bedtimeExperiment with magnesium glycinate at nightKeep your room cool and dark, using a sleep mask if neededReduce phone use and stressful conversations before bedTry reading, prayer, or breathing exercises as part of a wind-down routine RESOURCES: Free Still Well Starter Guide Strong Steady Rooted Foundations Still Well Mom Website @thestillwellmom: Instagram Facebook Still Well Mom Youtube Stay Connected with Still Well Mom SCRIPTURE In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety. -Psalms 4:8 NIV Timestamps (0:03) Welcome to Still Well Podcast and the midlife strong series  (1:18) Why sleep matters for strength, recovery, and aging well  (2:49) Caffeine can mask fatigue without fixing the cause  (4:11) Sleep as recovery for muscle growth and brain health  (6:08) Why getting to bed earlier supports deep sleep  (8:30) Tracking sleep with a Garmin and noticing real patterns  (12:20) Brooke’s years of insomnia, night sweats, and panic awakenings  (14:12) Stress, grief, and life pressure as sleep disruptors  (15:35) Perimenopause symptoms that were missed for years  (17:50) Blood sugar dips and cortisol spikes during the night  (19:43) A small amount of fat before bed to stabilize blood sugar  (21:11) Why eating too close to bedtime can disrupt deep sleep  (23:43) The role of hormones, stress management, and estrogen decline  (27:49) Keeping the bedroom cold for better sleep  (31:13) Why a good night’s sleep starts when you wake up  (32:11) Morning sunlight and movement to set circadian rhythm  (33:41) Using a light box in winter or while traveling  (35:36) Avoiding phone use at least an hour before bed  (37:28) Reading as a calming transition into sleep  (39:39) Quiet time, meditation, and prayer before bed  (43:13) Sleep masks, earplugs, and reducing nighttime distractions  (44:27) Magnesium glycinate for sleep support  (45:53) Magnesium L-threonate, citrate, and threonate tradeoffs  (53:55) Why stressful texts and late-night messages can wreck sleep  (55:24) Caffeine after 2 p.m. and why it may be affecting you  (57:13) Winding down before bed after stimulating evening activities  (60:16) Why better sleep habits matter long term for health and calling   Don't forget to head over to www.stillwellmom.com to get more information about Strong, Steady Rooted Foundations, and learn more about growing physical capacity, emotional balance, and a deeper faith in midlife. Remember, your body is not a problem to fix, but a gift to honor, and you do not have to do midlife alone. 🌿 New here? Start here. I created The Still Well Starter Guide with 7 of my favorite must-haves for a Strong Body • Steady Mind • Rooted Faith. If you're ready to feel a little stronger, a little steadier, and a little more rooted—but aren't quite sure where to begin—this is a great place to start. Get your free guide: 👉 thestillwellmom.com/starter-guide

  3. Sep 29

    What If We Don't Want to Settle for a "Good Enough" Marriage? Reconnecting in Midlife

    Marriage in Midlife: Reconnecting After the Kids Leave Home What happens when the kids have been the center of family life for decades, and suddenly you and your husband have more time together? In this episode of Still Well Podcast, Dr. Brooke Stillwell shares an honest, personal reflection on marriage in midlife, the empty-nest transition, and what it takes to keep building a meaningful relationship after nearly 25 years of marriage. Brooke shares how a parents' weekend trip brought some unexpected challenges to the surface—and how comparison, frustration, unspoken expectations, and the desire for control can create distance between two people. She reflects on the power of prayer, self-awareness, respectful communication, and small daily choices to help couples reconnect. In this episode, we explore: Why the empty-nest season can be an opportunity to renew your marriageHow to shift from kid-centered family life to prioritizing your relationshipThe danger of comparing your marriage with other couples or romantic idealsHow negative internal stories can fuel frustration and resentmentThe difference between nagging and kind, direct communicationWhy respect, tenderness, shared interests, and intentional connection matterHow prayer and the fruit of the Spirit can shape a stronger marriage in midlifeWith gratitude, Brooke Stillwell Still Well Podcast RESOURCES: Free Still Well Starter Guide Strong, Steady, Rooted Foundations Still Well Mom Website @thestillwellmom: Instagram Facebook Still Well Mom Youtube Stay Connected with Still Well Mom SCRIPTURE Let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. -James 1:19 Timestamps 00:00 - Midlife, empty nest season, and why this episode is about marriage  01:24 - Why Brooke shifted from talking about her son to talking about Ken  03:47 - Honest admission: marriage is the area she wants to work on most  04:43 - How early marriage and parenting left little room for just the two of them  06:29 - Why this season feels like a chance to renew the marriage  08:36 - Why a strong marriage matters for the second half of life  10:00 - Fear of boredom, drift, and losing connection after the kids leave home  11:56 - Learning to make decisions for the family, not for other people  14:06 - Parents weekend plans and the unexpected change in the trip  15:28 - Feeling the relationship shift at dinner and what she thinks God was doing  16:52 - Choosing fun, teasing, and lightheartedness with a spouse  19:19 - Why focusing on a spouse’s faults damages the relationship  20:19 - Lowering expectations of him and raising expectations of herself  22:34 - The role of clear, respectful communication in marriage  23:29 - The Thanksgiving kitchen example and learning to ask directly for help  26:19 - Don’t confuse nagging with communication  27:09 - Flight delays, irritation, and the story she started telling herself  30:17 - Prayer, praise music, and calming her thoughts  32:41 - The mind as a battlefield and why spiritual focus matters in marriage  34:01 - When she missed an opportunity to respond with tenderness  36:48 - Why comparison with other couples, social media, and movies is so dangerous  39:34 - Letting go of control around Ken’s health choices  41:41 - Why it matters to have separate interests and also build bridges  42:24 - The bowling league example and choosing to join in  45:18 - Midlife does not mean marriage has to stagnate  47:31 - Respect as a spouse’s most important need  49:01 - Holding your tongue, cooling down, and revisiting issues later  50:25 - Focusing on what is good and lovable in your spouse  51:20 - Prayer for the fruits of the Spirit in marriage and in midlife  52:47 - Brooke’s closing encouragement and invitation to connect Don't forget to head over to www.stillwellmom.com to get more information about Strong, Steady Rooted Foundations, and learn more about growing physical capacity, emotional balance, and a deeper faith in midlife. Remember, your body is not a problem to fix, but a gift to honor, and you do not have to do midlife alone. 🌿 New here? Start here. I created The Still Well Starter Guide with 7 of my favorite must-haves for a Strong Body • Steady Mind • Rooted Faith. If you're ready to feel a little stronger, a little steadier, and a little more rooted—but aren't quite sure where to begin—this is a great place to start. Get your free guide: 👉 thestillwellmom.com/starter-guide

  4. Sep 22

    The Opportunity I Missed...and the Lesson I'll Never Forget about Serving Others

    Finding Purpose in Midlife: Faith, Service, and Giving Back What if an opportunity to help someone else passed you by—and you didn't realize it until later? In this episode of Still Well Podcast, Dr. Brooke Stillwell reflects on two experiences from her summer that changed the way she thinks about serving others, recognizing people in need, and living out her faith in everyday life. As life changes and children grow up, midlife can create new opportunities to give back. Brooke explores why service isn't just about donating money or signing up to volunteer. It's also about offering our time, attention, compassion, and presence to the people God places in our path. Through a meaningful experience serving at a local soup kitchen with her son and a missed opportunity to help an older couple, Brooke shares an honest reminder that small acts of kindness matter—and that we can learn to become more attentive to the needs around us. In this episode, we explore: Why giving back can bring renewed meaning and purpose in midlifeThe difference between giving money and offering your time, attention, and presenceHow serving others helps children develop compassion and a broader view of the worldWhy everyday kindness matters just as much as organized volunteeringPractical ways to serve in your community, from food pantries to nursing homes and foster care supportWhat Jesus teaches about caring for people who are overlooked or in needHow to respond when we recognize a missed opportunity with humility and graceWith gratitude, Brooke Stillwell Still Well Podcast RESOURCES: The Free Still Well Starter Guide Strong, Steady, Rooted Foundations Still Well Mom Website @thestillwellmom: Instagram Facebook Still Well Mom Youtube Stay Connected with Still Well Mom SCRIPTURE: The Parable of The Sheep and The Goat  Matthew 25:31-46 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.  -1 Corinthians 10:31 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. -1 John 4:12 Timestamps 00:00 - Brooke opens by framing the episode around faith, emotional steadiness, and midlife purpose 00:53 - Why this topic leans toward faith but still connects to mental and emotional health 01:52 - Why giving back is not just about money 02:20 - Time and talent can be harder to give than cash 02:49 - Why midlife is a powerful season for service and contribution 03:18 - Why women in midlife may be especially well-equipped to serve 04:10 - Biblical themes of servanthood and caring for the marginalized 05:07 - First summer example: finding a local soup kitchen to serve with her son 06:06 - Serving 75 or more people each Wednesday night 06:57 - What her son learned by seeing local need up close 08:23 - Gratitude, perspective, and the danger of entitlement 09:17 - Why community service can also help with college applications 10:36 - A pastor’s advice about taking the focus off yourself when you feel low 12:05 - The dignity that comes from smiling, speaking, and serving with care 12:58 - Other ways to serve, including Habitat for Humanity 13:26 - Serving the elderly in nursing and retirement homes 14:20 - Volunteering with infants in the NICU, especially babies affected by drugs or alcohol 15:44 - Food pantries, foster care, group homes, and other practical ways to help 16:14 - Why Brooke fears hearing, “Go away from me, I never knew you” 17:34 - Matthew 25 and the parable of the sheep and the goats 18:32 - “Whatever you did for one of the least of these... you did for me” 19:49 - Why that passage feels like a gut check 20:48 - The challenge of staying aware in the busyness of midlife 22:13 - The shift from organized service to everyday opportunities to help 23:22 - The Red Sox game story and the older couple struggling with their Uber 24:45 - Realizing the couple may have needed help, not judgment 26:05 - Brooke’s son sees the missed opportunity before she does 27:27 - Why she wants to be more open to being the hands and feet of Jesus 29:41 - How children learn most from what we do, not what we say 30:28 - First John 4:12 and loving one another as proof of God’s presence 31:27 - First Corinthians 10:31 and doing everything for the glory of God 32:20 - Why helping others brings deep joy and purpose 34:00 - How she found service opportunities through her son’s school, church, and community 35:26 - Brooke invites listeners to share their own service ideas and projects Don't forget to head over to www.stillwellmom.com to get more information about Strong, Steady Rooted Foundations, and learn more about growing physical capacity, emotional balance, and a deeper faith in midlife. Remember, your body is not a problem to fix, but a gift to honor, and you do not have to do midlife alone. 🌿 New here? Start here. I created The Still Well Starter Guide with 7 of my favorite must-haves for a Strong Body • Steady Mind • Rooted Faith. If you're ready to feel a little stronger, a little steadier, and a little more rooted—but aren't quite sure where to begin—this is a great place to start. Get your free guide: 👉 thestillwellmom.com/starter-guide

  5. Sep 15

    When the People You Love Don't Get Along: Navigating Family Conflict

    Family Conflict in Midlife: Letting Go of Control and Choosing Grace What do you do when people you love are in conflict with one another—and you feel caught in the middle? In this episode of Still Well Podcast, Dr. Brooke Stillwell responds to a listener's question about a painful family situation involving her husband and mother, exploring how to navigate family tension without taking responsibility for fixing everyone else's relationships. Brooke discusses the complicated dynamics that can arise in families and in-law relationships, the weight of shame and stress, and the difference between offering loving support and trying to control an outcome. Through a biblical perspective on communication, patience, and emotional self-control, she shares practical ways to respond with grace while recognizing what is—and isn't—ours to carry. In this episode, we explore: Why family conflict and in-law relationships can become so complicatedHow to distinguish ordinary relationship tension from situations involving abuse or safety concernsWhy another person's behavior is not yours to control or carry as shameHow trying to fix everyone can increase stress rather than resolve conflictThe importance of gratitude, patience, prayer, and discernment during difficult family seasonsWhy gossip and repeatedly rehashing conflict can deepen divisionHow to lead by example through kindness, self-control, and love without forcing changeWith gratitude, Brooke Stillwell Still Well Podcast RESOURCES: The Free Still Well Starter Guide Strong, Steady, Rooted Foundations Still Well Mom Website @thestillwellmom: Instagram Facebook Still Well Mom Youtube Stay Connected with Still Well Mom Joy Bomb by Tauren Wells Timestamps (00:00) Brooke introduces the episode and why this listener question matters now  (00:56) Why this family situation resonated personally and broadly  (01:25) Kay’s email: husband, mother, anger, embarrassment, and confusion  (02:49) Why in-law conflict and family tension are so tricky  (03:18) The cultural temptation to label family as toxic too quickly  (04:11) Coming home to a busy family weekend and what it reveals about personality clashes  (05:10) No family is perfect, and every family carries some level of tension  (06:09) You probably cannot change other people, so start with yourself  (07:00) Why walking away from family entirely is usually not the answer  (08:19) Being stuck between two people you love who are not getting along  (09:15) The first step: look for gratitude before reacting  (10:42) How Kay’s mother showed grace and softened the situation  (11:12) What is and is not under your control in a family conflict  (12:37) Why shame does not belong to the innocent party  (13:36) Choosing not to act on emotion when a situation gets heated  (14:32) Why stress often comes from carrying a problem that is not yours  (23:30) Prayer, quiet, and asking God to help you see things clearly  (24:24) Truth and grace, and why both are needed in hard relationships  (25:50) Why nagging and repeated pressure usually backfire  (26:44) Why advice should be given carefully, not automatically  (28:10) Why the embarrassment is not evidence that you caused the problem  (29:07) The fixer instinct and the burden of trying to save everyone  (30:02) You are not the savior of your family, and you are not God  (31:01) Why time is often part of the healing process  (33:10) Focus on what you can control: your own example  (34:26) Why gossip and triangulation make family situations worse  (35:50) Gossip changes how people see each other  (37:17) Loving people well when relationships are messy and imperfect  (38:17) Difficult moments are opportunities to lean on God, not self-help alone  (39:15) God as healer of relationships, not just physical healing  (40:15) Lower expectations of others, raise expectations of yourself  (41:08) James 1:19 to 20 and the call to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger  (44:42) When it is right to speak honestly and lovingly after emotions settle  (47:29) Kindness, gentleness, peace, and self-control as the tone for family life  (48:24) Staying connected to Jesus to bear fruit in hard situations  (49:49) Practical ways to stay calm when emotions rise  (50:43) Why midlife family life is complicated, but also full of potential joy  (51:40) Brooke closes with prayer for Kay and for listeners navigating similar tension Don't forget to head over to www.stillwellmom.com to get more information about Strong, Steady Rooted Foundations, and learn more about growing physical capacity, emotional balance, and a deeper faith in midlife. Remember, your body is not a problem to fix, but a gift to honor, and you do not have to do midlife alone. 🌿 New here? Start here. I created The Still Well Starter Guide with 7 of my favorite must-haves for a Strong Body • Steady Mind • Rooted Faith. If you're ready to feel a little stronger, a little steadier, and a little more rooted—but aren't quite sure where to begin—this is a great place to start. Get your free guide: 👉 thestillwellmom.com/starter-guide

  6. Sep 8

    How Do I Stop Worrying About My Grown Kids? Trusting God Through Anxiety

    Worrying About Your Grown Children: Faith, Anxiety, and Learning to Let Go How do you stop worrying about your grown children when you love them deeply and can't control what happens to them? In this episode of Still Well Podcast, Dr. Brooke Stillwell shares a personal reflection on anxiety, motherhood, and learning to trust God during a season of change. After dropping her oldest son off at the airport for an overseas trip, Brooke experienced a sleepless night that brought her familiar pattern of worst-case-scenario thinking to the surface. She explores why transitions can intensify worry, how intrusive thoughts can take hold when our children are involved, and how biblical truth can help us respond differently when fear begins to spiral. Through Scripture, prayer, and honest reflection, Brooke considers what it means to remember that our children belong to God, His love for them is greater than our own, and we can trust Him even when we don't know what will happen next. In this episode, we explore: Why transitions can intensify anxiety for moms of older and grown childrenHow to recognize worst-case-scenario thinking before it takes overWhat to ask yourself when fear makes you question what you believe about GodHow to shift from feeling helpless to responding with intentional prayerWhat Romans 8:28 teaches us about trusting God through difficult circumstancesHow 2 Timothy 1:7 speaks to fear and the power, love, and self-control God offersWhy learning to release control is part of loving our children through every season of lifeWith gratitude, Brooke Stillwell Still Well Podcast RESOURCES: The Free Still Well Starter Guide Strong, Steady, Rooted Foundations Still Well Mom Website @thestillwellmom: Instagram Facebook Still Well Mom Youtube Stay Connected with Still Well Mom SCRIPTURE: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. — Romans 8:28 NIV Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us -Ephesians 3:20 NIV For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. -2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV Timestamps 00:00 - Summer transitions and why this episode felt urgent  00:57 - Why seasonal change and back to school can stir up emotions  01:27 - The night her mind started racing  02:19 - Sleeplessness, stress, and wrestling with fear  03:13 - Dropping her oldest son off for an overseas trip  04:49 - The worst-case scenarios that flood a mother’s mind  05:47 - Anxiety, OCD tendencies, and intrusive thoughts  06:43 - Why this conversation is really about fear and worry  07:33 - How distraction keeps us from gratitude and calling  08:26 - Why moms jump straight to worst-case thinking  09:50 - The question behind every fear: what do I believe about God?  10:42 - What faith looks like when fear shows up at night  12:05 - If the worst happens, is God still enough?  13:29 - Why God’s grace is sufficient for real life, not imagined panic  14:28 - The growing list of worries as kids get older  15:25 - Praying for faith, safety, and eternal direction  16:25 - Why prayer is powerful and always available  18:06 - The parable of persistence and why diligence matters in prayer  19:14 - Specific prayers Brooke is praying over her son and his friends  20:37 - Focusing on what can actually be controlled  21:31 - Romans 8:28 and why all things matters  23:00 - Ephesians 3:20 and praying bigger than our expectations  25:41 - 2 Timothy 1:7 as Brooke’s key life verse  29:29 - What power, love, and sound mind mean in practice  31:23 - The gap between saying trust and actually living it  32:22 - “Lord, help me with my unbelief” and growing faith  33:10 - Encouragement about faith-filled voices for the next generation  34:41 - Laying fears down and walking in peace  35:11 - Why anticipation often feels worse than the goodbye  36:10 - Choosing hope for what God can do, not fear for what could go wrong  37:04 - Listener connection, community, and what’s coming next  38:28 - Ways to stay connected and the reminder that you do not have to do midlife alone Don't forget to head over to www.stillwellmom.com to get more information about Strong, Steady Rooted Foundations, and learn more about growing physical capacity, emotional balance, and a deeper faith in midlife. Remember, your body is not a problem to fix, but a gift to honor, and you do not have to do midlife alone. 🌿 New here? Start here. I created The Still Well Starter Guide with 7 of my favorite must-haves for a Strong Body • Steady Mind • Rooted Faith. If you're ready to feel a little stronger, a little steadier, and a little more rooted—but aren't quite sure where to begin—this is a great place to start. Get your free guide: 👉 thestillwellmom.com/starter-guide

  7. Sep 1

    The Secret to Becoming More Resilient in Midlife: Stress, Strength, and Hormesis

    Building Resilience in Midlife: Strength, Stress, and Hormesis What if the small challenges you choose to take on today could help you become stronger, steadier, and more resilient tomorrow? In this episode of Still Well Podcast, Dr. Brooke Stillwell explores how intentional physical challenges can build resilience in midlife—not just in your body, but in your mind and everyday life. Brooke explains hormesis, the concept that manageable doses of stress can stimulate the body's adaptive responses. She shares how strength training, cardio intervals, walking, and other intentional challenges have influenced her own physical and emotional well-being. She also reflects on anxiety, motherhood, faith, and the importance of allowing our children to face appropriate challenges rather than trying to fix everything for them. In this episode, we explore: What hormesis is and how manageable challenges can help the body adaptWhy fitness in midlife should focus on strength, capacity, and long-term health—not just appearanceHow cardio intervals, walking, and strength training can support physical and emotional resilienceWhat VO2 max testing and DEXA scans can reveal about your healthHow to approach intermittent fasting and other health practices with moderation and self-awarenessOther forms of hormesis, including sauna use and brief cold exposureHow building physical resilience can help us become steadier when facing life's challengesWhy faith, motherhood, and learning to let go of control are part of becoming more resilientWith gratitude, Brooke Stillwell Still Well Podcast RESOURCES: The Free Still Well Starter Guide Strong, Steady, Rooted Foundations Still Well Mom Website @thestillwellmom: Instagram Facebook Still Well Mom Youtube Stay Connected with Still Well Mom Timestamps 00:00 - Brooke introduces the missed monthly Still Well Strong episode  01:57 - Why flexibility matters, even for an anxious personality  02:25 - The three pillars: strength, steadiness, and faith  03:22 - Caring for the body as stewardship, not vanity  04:33 - Physical capacity as support for purpose and calling  05:02 - Introducing stress, struggle, and why they matter  06:23 - How anxiety led Brooke to avoid exertion and hard workouts  07:53 - Rest matters, but overprotecting yourself can become its own problem  08:22 - Exercise as a tool for reducing anxiety and building confidence  09:43 - Defining hormesis: low-dose stress with positive effects  10:40 - Why too much stress is harmful, especially in menopause  11:36 - Applying hormesis to workouts and everyday life  12:01 - Why Brooke recommends baseline testing before changing exercise habits  12:30 - VO2 max testing and what it measures  13:53 - DEXA scans and bone density as part of the health conversation  14:18 - Cardio pushes alongside weights, walking, and mobility work  15:12 - Heart-rate zones and interval training in midlife  16:30 - Run-walks, the Peloton app, and starting to run again at 50  17:49 - Why short bouts of effort improve adaptability and recovery  18:44 - Better sleep, improved HRV, and more energy from training  19:12 - Building and maintaining a healthy heart as we age  20:08 - Starting small if you are deconditioned or just getting back into movement  21:02 - Traveling, jet lag, and using movement to recover faster  22:46 - Hormesis beyond exercise: intermittent fasting  24:31 - The two schools of thought on fasting in perimenopause and menopause  25:49 - Brooke’s own fasting routine and why it works for her  28:09 - Saunas as another form of low-dose stress and recovery  29:07 - Cold therapy, why Brooke is cautious, and what she does instead  30:32 - Hot shower to cold finish as a gentle nervous system reset  31:51 - Hormesis and occasional indulgences like chocolate cake  33:39 - Bringing the conversation back to struggle, growth, and discomfort  34:36 - Why kids also need room to struggle and build resilience  36:32 - Modeling strength and steadiness for children through your own habits  37:01 - The deeper motivation: showing up better for God, your kids, and others  38:19 - Listener feedback, email, and show support  39:15 - Closing reminder: strong in body, steady in mind, rooted in faith Don't forget to head over to www.stillwellmom.com to get more information about Strong, Steady Rooted Foundations, and learn more about growing physical capacity, emotional balance, and a deeper faith in midlife. Remember, your body is not a problem to fix, but a gift to honor, and you do not have to do midlife alone. 🌿 New here? Start here. I created The Still Well Starter Guide with 7 of my favorite must-haves for a Strong Body • Steady Mind • Rooted Faith. If you're ready to feel a little stronger, a little steadier, and a little more rooted—but aren't quite sure where to begin—this is a great place to start. Get your free guide: 👉 thestillwellmom.com/starter-guide

  8. Aug 25

    Learning to Let Go: Empty Nest Emotions, College Move-In & Mom Guilt (Part 2)

    Empty Nest Emotions: Navigating College Move-In and Learning to Let Go Why can sending your child off to college bring up so many emotions—even when you know they're ready for this next chapter? In this episode of Still Well Podcast, Dr. Brooke Stillwell continues her personal reflection on back-to-school season, college move-in, and the emotional transition of watching your children become more independent. Brooke shares what she's learning about sadness, anxiety, comparison, and the expectations moms place on themselves during major family transitions. She explores why it's healthier to acknowledge difficult emotions than suppress them, how small comforts and gentle routines can help during a season of change, and why supporting our children sometimes means stepping back and allowing them to find their own way. Whether your child is heading off to college, leaving home for work, getting married, or entering another new chapter, this conversation offers faith-centered encouragement for navigating the change with greater peace, perspective, and grace. In this episode, we explore: Why back-to-school season and college move-in can bring up unexpected emotions for momsHow to acknowledge sadness and anxiety instead of pushing feelings awayWhy seasonal transitions can bring grief, comparison, and unrealistic expectationsHow to offer yourself grace through small comforts, prayer, rest, and gentle routinesWhy children need encouragement and support more than criticism during major transitionsHow moms can stop making themselves miserable trying not to inconvenience othersWhy acts of service can be a meaningful way to show love while allowing children to grow more independentStart Here: When Your Kids Grow Up, Part 1 With gratitude, Brooke Stillwell Still Well Podcast Action items Let yourself feel the grief, sadness, or blue moods that come with big transitions.Lower expectations for how a child will respond during move-in or drop-off.Watch for comparison, especially when social media or other families make your own situation feel lacking.Support your child’s independence instead of expecting them to center their schedule around you.Make practical choices that reduce stress for you when you can, especially during travel or move-in weeks.Give your child room to do things on their own, even when helping is your instinct. RESOURCES: The Free Still Well Starter Guide Strong, Steady, Rooted Foundations Still Well Mom Website @thestillwellmom: Instagram Facebook Still Well Mom Youtube First Things First with Christine Caine Timestamps (00:00) Part two of the back-to-school and college move-in conversation  (01:23) Why this season brings up big emotions for moms  (05:13) Allowing yourself to feel sadness instead of stuffing it down  (08:26) Seasonal transitions, grief, and giving yourself grace  (10:14) How Brooke cared for herself during a hard week  (13:02) Lowering expectations for college move-in week  (15:45) Feeling hurt when her son could not do dinner on her schedule  (18:28) The trap of expecting something back when you serve others  (21:13) Pride, self-focus, and wanting to be the center of attention  (25:27) Why supporting your child matters more than making it about you  (27:57) Comparison with other moms and other mother-son relationships  (32:22) Giving kids encouragement instead of criticism  (34:42) Choosing what is best for you without unnecessary guilt  (36:36) A bad hotel, a broken AC, and deciding to move  (41:41) The win of not staying miserable just to avoid inconvenience  (42:39) Acts of service and loving your kids through move-in week  (45:42) Realizing when to step back and let your child do it themselves  (47:06) Knowing when to leave, rest, and stop waiting around  (49:09) A thoughtful text exchange that confirmed the right decision  (50:04) Final encouragement for moms in transition Don't forget to head over to www.stillwellmom.com to get more information about Strong, Steady Rooted Foundations, and learn more about growing physical capacity, emotional balance, and a deeper faith in midlife. Remember, your body is not a problem to fix, but a gift to honor, and you do not have to do midlife alone. 🌿 New here? Start here. I created The Still Well Starter Guide with 7 of my favorite must-haves for a Strong Body • Steady Mind • Rooted Faith. If you're ready to feel a little stronger, a little steadier, and a little more rooted—but aren't quite sure where to begin—this is a great place to start. Get your free guide: 👉 thestillwellmom.com/starter-guide

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4.9
out of 5
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About

Still Well Podcast is for midlife moms navigating changing health, stress, relationships, faith, identity, and purpose in life after raising kids. Hosted by Dr. Brooke Stillwell, this podcast offers honest conversations, practical wellness, and biblical encouragement for the season when motherhood begins to look different and you're wondering what comes next. Whether you're navigating empty nesting, feeling disconnected from yourself, seeking a deeper relationship with God, or trying to find your footing in midlife, you'll find encouragement and practical ways to care for your body, renew your mind, strengthen your faith, and reconnect with the woman God created you to be.  Together, we'll explore what it means to embrace this season with intention, nurture the relationships that matter, and discover new possibilities for the years ahead—with greater strength, peace, purpose, and joy.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Brooke Stillwell
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Still Well Podcast
  • Show Website
    Still Well Podcast

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