Pursue Your Spark - Midlife, Fitness, Nutrition, Mindset, Health, women over 50

Heike Yates
  • 4.9 (82)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
Pursue Your Spark - Midlife, Fitness, Nutrition, Mindset, Health, women over 50

Want to stay strong, energized, and unstoppable in your 50s and beyond? You’ve tried every fitness trend, read all the nutrition blogs, and still end the day feeling drained and stuck. The Pursue Your Spark Podcast is for midlife women who are done with quick fixes and ready for lasting change. Hosted by Midlife Fitness Expert and mindset coach Heike Yates, each episode helps you cut through the noise and take back control of your health. You’ll learn innovative, sustainable strategies that support long-term energy, strength, and vitality—without extremes or pressure to “fix” yourself. Expect practical tools for strength training, Pilates-based movement, nutrition that supports your lifestyle, and mindset shifts that keep you going. Whether you’re in a new life chapter or want to feel like yourself again, this podcast meets you where you are and helps you spark what’s next. Unlike other wellness shows that stay surface-level, we go deeper. You’ll walk away with tools to stay consistent, reduce stress, and feel strong in your body and clear in your mind. Press play, subscribe, and say, “Yes, I can.” Strong - Confident - Fully You - That's how we do midlife! 🎙️See a list of other "niche podcasts" that I produce https://heikeyates.com/category/podcast/ 📙 My New Book Pre-Order https://heikeyates.com/l/book-pre-order/ 🤩 ⁠Visit My Website!⁠ https://heikeyates.com/ 🆓 Grab your free Midlife Reset Guide https://heikeyates.com/l/midlife-reset-guide/ ⭐️ ⁠Join the Fasted + Fit Over 50 Jumpstart 🙋‍♀️ ⁠https://heikeyates.com/courses/fasted-fit-over-50-jump-start/ 🤩 ⁠Join the 8-week Pursue Your Spark Blueprint ⭐️ https://heikeyates.com/l/spark-blueprint/ 💥 ⁠Follow me on Instagram⁠ https://www.instagram.com/heikeyates/ ❤️ ⁠Join the club!⁠ https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepursueyoursparkclub

  1. 3D AGO

    241. The Confidence Gap No One Talks About

    Ever walk away from a conversation thinking, “Why didn’t I just say what I meant?” That gut punch isn’t just frustration—it’s a sign of something deeper. In episode 241, The Confidence Gap No One Talks About, we unpack why so many midlife women silence themselves—and how to break that cycle. This episode is about power. The quiet kind. The kind you feel when you reclaim your voice in midlife and finally say what you mean. We explore what the confidence gap really looks like. It’s not always obvious. Sometimes it hides behind people-pleasing, over-explaining, or brushing off your own needs to keep the peace. But the cost? It’s your clarity, energy, and self-trust. You’ll learn five powerful mindset shifts that help you set boundaries without guilt, stop second-guessing, and speak up—without apologizing for it. We discuss emotional strength in the same way we discuss physical strength. You build it with reps. Practice. One honest sentence at a time. If you’re tired of feeling invisible or like your voice doesn’t matter, this episode gives you tools to shift that, without needing a full life overhaul. ✨ Ready to take that next step? Pre-order Pursue Your Spark, the book, and get exclusive bonuses that will help you stop shrinking and start thriving in midlife—on your terms. Inside, you'll find real-life stories, mindset tools, and practical strategies to help you reclaim your confidence, energy, and spark. 🎁 Pre-order now and unlock your limited-time bonuses! Limited Podcast Series: Intermittent Fasting For Midlife  🎧 Plus, don’t miss Episode 174: How To Reclaim Your Confidence To Do The Things You Want Over 50 with Kelly Howard

    27 min

  2. JUN 26

    240. From Trauma To Times Square/ Amy Thurman

    Sometimes the most powerful journeys begin not with a step forward, but with a fall that forces you to rise differently. Amy Thurman’s life changed in an instant after a traumatic brain injury left her unable to walk, talk, or see clearly. In Episode 240: From Trauma to Times Square, Amy shares her raw and remarkable story of healing and personal growth in midlife. But her story isn’t just about recovery—it’s about rediscovering purpose and becoming a guide for others. Now a speaker, author, and founder of the Mirror Collective, Amy created the “Polish the Mirror” framework to help women rebuild their confidence, reconnect with joy, and reclaim who they are, beyond their roles, pasts, or setbacks. This empowering podcast episode is for anyone navigating change, loss, or reinvention. Especially for midlife women who feel stuck, this conversation reminds them that they can turn pain into power and that joy can be their North Star. We talk about: How Amy redefined her identity after trauma The mindset shift that changed her healing Why “Polish the Mirror” speaks to every woman’s inner spark What joy and purpose look like in midlife 🎧 Tune in now to hear how Amy rose from trauma to inspire thousands and how you can reignite your spark from wherever you are. Connect with Amy Thurman: Website | getamyshelp.com Facebook | www.facebook.com/amy.thurman1 Instagram | @amycthurman LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/amythurman Connect with us! Website | heikeyates.com Instagram | @heikeyates Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/pursueyourspark   📘 Be the First to Know – Join the Book Pre-Launch Waitlist! Get exclusive early access, sneak peeks, and special bonuses. 👉 Join the Waitlist 🔥 Transform Your Midlife – Join the 8-Week Pursue Your Spark Blueprint Rediscover your purpose, reignite your energy, and create a life you love in just 8 weeks. 👉 Start the Blueprint

    29 min

  3. JUN 12

    239. Why Overthinking Keeps You Stuck in Midlife

    You know that moment when you’re standing in the kitchen, staring at two different snacks, and you just can’t decide? It’s not really about the snack. It’s the mental spiral that’s running the show. In midlife, overthinking becomes the default. You’re juggling shifting roles, changing bodies, and trying to keep up with everything that used to feel automatic. But now? Every decision feels heavier. You’re constantly planning, researching, second-guessing… and feeling more stuck than ever. In episode 239, “Why Overthinking Keeps You Stuck in Midlife,” we explore how mental clutter, perfectionism, and people-pleasing can quietly drain your confidence and energy and how what feels like “playing it safe” is actually keeping you from moving forward. You’ll hear relatable stories—including one about a client who spent so much time creating the perfect workout plan… she never actually worked out. You’ll learn why more effort isn’t what’s missing—and why what you genuinely need is clarity, movement, and self-trust. We talk about: How overthinking in midlife often disguises itself as “being responsible” The real cost of decision fatigue (spoiler: it’s more than mental exhaustion) What it looks like to take messy, empowered action—even if it’s not perfect If you’re tired of living in your head and ready to reconnect with yourself… Take the next step: 📘 Get on the waitlist for my new book: Pursue Your Spark – Your Guide to Escaping Midlife Traps, Reclaiming Confidence, and Living Fully 🎯 Explore deeper support inside the Pursue Your Spark Blueprint course Because of the clarity, confidence, and momentum you’re craving? It’s already within you, and you must trust yourself enough to begin.

    19 min

  4. MAY 29

    238. Navigating the Empty Nest Transition / Anthony Damaschino

    What happens after the kids leave? For many parents, the empty nest phase brings a flood of emotions—relief, sadness, confusion, even identity loss. But what if this transition could be your most powerful opportunity for growth, reconnection, and joy? In Episode 238: Navigating the Empty Nest Transition, I sit down with award-winning author Anthony Damaschino, whose Empty Nest Blueprint books offer wisdom, humor, and practical advice for parents ready to reclaim their spark. A former HR executive, father of three, and now a full-time advocate for thriving in midlife, Anthony shares why this season is the most underrated phase in a parent’s life. We talk about what happens when the house gets quiet, how to stop helicopter parenting before it pushes your kids away, and why “just surviving” these years misses the point. Anthony opens up about his emotional shifts, including the bittersweet moment his daughter left home (again), and how he and his wife rekindled their relationship without the kids at the center. This episode explores: How to handle the emotional rollercoaster of an empty home Why awareness is the first step to thriving after parenting How single parents can avoid loneliness and rebuild identity Ways couples can reignite connection and purpose Why small shifts—not big reinventions—create long-term fulfillment Whether you're approaching the empty nest or living in it right now, this conversation will inspire you to see this phase not as an ending, but as a powerful new beginning. Tune in and walk away with real strategies to help you rediscover who you are and want to be after the kids are grown. Connect with Anthony: Website:  https://anthonydamaschino.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anthonydamaschino Insta: https://www.instagram.com/anthonydama.author/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonydamaschino/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjRkEZVQBshhrf98sSQP9Sw Mentioned: Join my pre-book launch list and enjoy some bonuses.

    38 min

  5. MAY 15

    237. What’s Secretly Draining Your Energy in Midlife

    You’re doing all the “right” things—getting enough sleep, eating healthy, even squeezing in workouts—but you still feel tired all the time. Sound familiar? In Episode 237: What’s Secretly Draining Your Energy in Midlife, we’re uncovering what’s really behind that constant fatigue—and why more effort isn’t the answer. Midlife women are often told to try harder. Sleep more. Eat cleaner. Push through. But here’s the truth: your exhaustion might not be about what you’re doing—it’s about what’s quietly draining you. These are energy leaks—the hidden mental, emotional, and physical drains that slowly wear you down no matter how much you try to recharge. Think of your energy like a bucket. You keep pouring in rest, food, and self-care, but if there are holes in the bottom, it’ll never stay full. This episode breaks down the three biggest energy leaks most midlife women deal with: saying yes to everything but yourself, mental overload and decision fatigue, and the “someday” mindset that delays your needs. You’ll learn why doing more isn’t helping and what to do instead. We’ll shift your focus from trying to boost energy to protecting it and redirecting it toward what fuels you. This episode isn’t about hustle—it’s about reclaiming your spark. You’ll walk away with a fresh perspective and practical ways to stop the leaks, protect your energy, and start feeling like yourself again. Because you don’t need more motivation, you need a new strategy. Ready to get your energy back, without doing more? Then press play. Your midlife doesn’t have to feel like a never-ending to-do list. It’s time to make space for you. ✨ Ready to Reclaim Your Energy for Good? If this episode hits home, you’re not alone and don’t have to figure it out yourself. ➡️ Join the pre-launch list for my upcoming book, Pursue Your Spark—your guide to escaping midlife traps, reclaiming confidence, and living fully. You’ll get first access, behind-the-scenes insights, and early bird bonuses you won’t want to miss. Join here! ➡️ Want a proven step-by-step path to feel stronger, more energized, and in control again? Check out the Pursue Your Spark Blueprint, my signature program designed for midlife women who are ready to stop spinning their wheels and finally create habits that stick. Check it our here! Because it’s not about doing more, it’s about doing what matters.

    20 min

  6. MAY 1

    236. Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship with Confidence / Marta Spirk

    What happens when life throws you a curveball you never saw coming, like becoming a mom to triplets? For Marta Spirk, it wasn’t the end of her identity. It was the beginning of something powerful. In Episode 236: Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship with Confidence, Marta shares how navigating life with three newborns became the catalyst for her business journey and how she now helps other women do the same. Marta is a business coach, TEDx speaker, and author of The Empowered Woman: The Ultimate Roadmap to Business Success. In this episode, she opens up about the reality of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, the messy, beautiful, and empowering. She and Heike explore how to manage imposter syndrome, build confidence as a mom and entrepreneur, and show up in life and business with authenticity and presence. You’ll learn practical strategies for developing poise and power, from Heike’s signature Pilates Body posture technique to Marta’s insights on how your voice and body language shape how others see you (and how you see yourself). Whether you're growing a business during nap time or standing on a TEDx stage, how you carry yourself truly matters. One standout moment? Marta’s reminder that "when you set your goals from a place of gratitude, you reach them faster." That one shift can change the game. If you’ve ever questioned your ability to do it all or wondered if you’re doing enough, this episode is for you. Connect with Marta: www.martaspirk.com/aboutme www.instagram.com/martaspirk www.linkedin.com/in/marta-spirk Pre-book launch list Ready to reignite your spark? Get on the waitlist for my upcoming book, packed with fresh tools, mindset shifts, and inspiration to help you thrive in midlife but on your terms. 👉 Join the waitlist here.

    32 min

  7. APR 17

    235. Struggling with fitness after 50, find your WHY first

    You start strong, full of motivation. Then life happens. You get busy, tired, or just lose steam. Before you know it, you’re back at square one, wondering why fitness after 50 feels so hard. In episode 235 of the podcast, Struggling with Fitness After 50? Find Your WHY First, we’re uncovering the real reason consistency feels impossible—and how finding your WHY can change everything. The problem isn’t willpower. It’s clarity. Staying consistent will always be a struggle if you don’t know why movement matters. But when you connect fitness to something bigger, it becomes something you want to do—not just another task on your list. Your WHY is personal. Maybe you want to stay strong for travel. Keep up with your grandkids. Protect your independence. But your Purpose? That’s even bigger. It’s the long-term vision of the life you refuse to lose. Motivation fades, but a strong WHY keeps you going. Struggling to stay consistent with exercise in midlife? Stop chasing motivation and ask yourself: Why do I want to feel stronger? What’s at stake if I don’t move? What moments do I want to be fully present for? Perfection isn’t the goal—showing up is. Small, consistent actions create lasting success. Every step you take today is a gift to your future self. Stop waiting for the perfect time. Start where you are. Your future self is depending on it. Mentions:  Podcast: 229. Why Losing Motivation Is Not Your Fault 👉 Click here to book your free Spark Breakthrough Call! Get your FREE Intermittent Fasting Cheat Sheet Get on my pre-book launch waitlist here!

    27 min

  8. APR 3

    234. Caregiving, Parkinson’s, and a Son’s Mission / Dr. George Ackerman

    What if your biggest heartbreak became your most extraordinary mission? After losing his mother to Parkinson’s, Dr. George Ackerman turned grief into purpose—creating a movement that’s shaking up awareness around this devastating disease. In this powerful episode, George shares what Parkinson’s looks like, what most caregivers never talk about, and why his mission, Together for Sharon, inspires a global fight for change. You’ll hear his full story in Episode 234: Caregiving, Parkinson’s, and a Son’s Mission. George opens up about the early signs of Parkinson’s disease are stiffness, internal tremors, changes in movement—and how his mom lived with symptoms for years before being diagnosed. He also dives into the emotional toll caregiving takes, especially when you’re doing it all out of love and without a roadmap. His honesty about guilt, exhaustion, and the need to “just be there” is something every caregiver will relate to. As a law enforcement professional and educator, George is using his unique background to advocate for better training and awareness across the board—including in police departments, where understanding Parkinson’s symptoms could literally save lives. He also shares the incredible reach of Together for Sharon, from his interviews with top neurologists to featuring stories from everyday families worldwide. He believes no one should feel alone, whether they're navigating symptoms, supporting a loved one, or simply trying to understand what Parkinson’s really means. This episode is packed with heart, hope, and powerful takeaways. If you're a caregiver, have Parkinson’s in your family, or just want to be more informed, George’s story will motivate you to take action—because awareness can lead to change. How to support Parkinson's and connect with George: Website https://www.togetherforsharon.com/ Email togetherforsharon@gmail.com LinkedIn   https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-ackerman-ph-d-esq-mba-00871a82/ TikTok    https://www.tiktok.com/@togetherforsharon1 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/togetherforsharon112020 Twitter/X https://twitter.com/togetherforsha1 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/togetherforsharon/ Podcast https://www.togetherforsharon.com/podcast-interviews/

    35 min
See All (100)

4.9
out of 5
82 Ratings

About

Want to stay strong, energized, and unstoppable in your 50s and beyond? You’ve tried every fitness trend, read all the nutrition blogs, and still end the day feeling drained and stuck. The Pursue Your Spark Podcast is for midlife women who are done with quick fixes and ready for lasting change. Hosted by Midlife Fitness Expert and mindset coach Heike Yates, each episode helps you cut through the noise and take back control of your health. You’ll learn innovative, sustainable strategies that support long-term energy, strength, and vitality—without extremes or pressure to “fix” yourself. Expect practical tools for strength training, Pilates-based movement, nutrition that supports your lifestyle, and mindset shifts that keep you going. Whether you’re in a new life chapter or want to feel like yourself again, this podcast meets you where you are and helps you spark what’s next. Unlike other wellness shows that stay surface-level, we go deeper. You’ll walk away with tools to stay consistent, reduce stress, and feel strong in your body and clear in your mind. Press play, subscribe, and say, “Yes, I can.” Strong - Confident - Fully You - That's how we do midlife! 🎙️See a list of other "niche podcasts" that I produce https://heikeyates.com/category/podcast/ 📙 My New Book Pre-Order https://heikeyates.com/l/book-pre-order/ 🤩 ⁠Visit My Website!⁠ https://heikeyates.com/ 🆓 Grab your free Midlife Reset Guide https://heikeyates.com/l/midlife-reset-guide/ ⭐️ ⁠Join the Fasted + Fit Over 50 Jumpstart 🙋‍♀️ ⁠https://heikeyates.com/courses/fasted-fit-over-50-jump-start/ 🤩 ⁠Join the 8-week Pursue Your Spark Blueprint ⭐️ https://heikeyates.com/l/spark-blueprint/ 💥 ⁠Follow me on Instagram⁠ https://www.instagram.com/heikeyates/ ❤️ ⁠Join the club!⁠ https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepursueyoursparkclub

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