Dare On with Jodi

Jodi Silverman

💜You did the mom thing—and you did it well. Now the house is quieter, the roles have shifted, and you're asking: What’s next for me? Whether you're navigating an empty nest, moving through divorce or widowhood, facing a career pivot, or simply longing to reconnect with your true self in midlife—this space is for you. Welcome to Dare On with Jodi, the podcast for midlife women who are ready to dare more, doubt less, and live fully. I’m Jodi Silverman—speaker, mindset coach, and your personal cheerleader for this next chapter of life. Every Thursday, you’ll hear real stories of reinvention, heartfelt solo episodes, and conversations that spark courage, confidence, and connection.  We talk midlife pivots, purpose, self-talk, happiness (yes, it’s possible!), and all the messy magic in between—sprinkled with a little woo and a lot of heart. If you're craving more you in your life, this is your space. 🎧So grab your earbuds and let’s make Thursdays your favorite day of the week. Dare On, my friend.💜 👉 Want episodes delivered straight to your inbox plus tools to reconnect with your purpose? Grab the link: https://www.dareontowhatsnext.com/main-list-subscription Heart to Heart:   Jodi Silverman is a certified life coach who’s here to walk beside you with encouragement and support. That said, she’s not a therapist or medical professional. If you’re facing something that needs clinical care or deeper healing, please don’t hesitate to connect with a trusted therapist or healthcare provider. You’re not alone, and you’re so worth that kind of care.  

  1. 4d ago

    The Stories We Don’t Tell Our Kids — And Why Sharing Them Changes Everything - Ep#161

    What if your most imperfect, unpolished, didn’t-go-as-planned stories are actually the greatest gift you can give your adult children? After a health scare made her ask hard questions about what she’d really prepared her daughters for, Joanne McHugh sat down and wrote it all out — the career stumbles, the life detours, the things she wished someone had told her. In this conversation, we explore why real stories connect more than advice, how authenticity transforms your relationship with your adult kids, and what happens when you finally stop pretending life is all sunshine and butterflies. In This Episode, You’ll Discover Why a health scare became Joanne’s daring moment — and the promise she made to herself when the results came back cleanHow she wrote a book of real stories from her own young adulthood and surprised her three daughters with it on Valentine’s DayWhy storytelling connects where direct advice creates resistance (and eye rolls!)The difference between positive psychology and toxic positivity — and why it matters for how we prepare our kids for adultingHow being vulnerable with your adult children can shift your relationship from parent/child to something closer to friendshipThe one permission question that can change any conversation with your kids, your partner, or your friends(Stay to the end!) Joanne answers one more question after we thought we were done — about oversharing, how to decide what to tell your kids, and why you’re always the editor of your own story About Joanne McHugh Joanne McHugh is a mom of three daughters and the creator of Things Your Mom Should Have Told You — a weekly newsletter and blog where she shares real, honest stories from her own life to help young adults navigate the things nobody warned them about. What started as a private book for her girls became something she knew had to be shared more widely. Resources & Links Mentioned Things Your Mom Should Have Told You (Joanne’s newsletter & blog) HEREShift for Moms — From Fixer to Coach HERE Connect with Jodi Website: jodisilverman.comInstagram: @jodi_silvermanMoms Who Dare Facebook CommunitySend me a quick note/message- what stood out in this episode! The Dare On Retreat- A Weekend to Return to Yourself! September 2026- Only 8 spots remain!  Click HERE. DISCLAIMER: The commentary and opinions available on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical, physical, or psychological advice. You should contact a trained medical professional before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine and with respect to any particular issue or problem.

  2. Jul 16

    What Every Mom Needs to Know Before Move-In Day — FERPA, Roommate Conflicts, and Raising an Independent College Student with Ashley Lillie - Ep#160

    You've spent 18 years preparing them — and now it's time to let go. But before you drive away from that campus parking lot, there are things you need to know. Residence Life expert Ashley Lillie of West Chester University joins Jodi for a conversation every empty-nest mom needs to hear: from the federal privacy law that means you can't call the school and ask how your kid is doing, to the real reasons roommates fight, to the one dare your student should practice before they ever step foot on campus. This is the episode you'll want to share with your college-bound kid. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL DISCOVER: What FERPA is and why it means the university legally cannot share your student's information with you without their written permissionHow to ask for FERPA access — and why you might need to do it every single semesterWhy the first six weeks of college are the most pivotal — and what parents can do before move-in to help their student succeedThe three most common roommate conflicts (spoiler: it's almost always communication, cleanliness, and guests) and how to coach your student through themWhy you should tell your student's high school friends NOT to visit for the first two to three weekendsThe social media highlight reel reality check every college student needs to hearAshley's dare: the one practice your student can start this summer to feel more confident on campus ABOUT ASHLEY LILLIE: Ashley Lillie is a Residence Life professional at West Chester University with over a decade of experience helping students navigate one of life's biggest transitions — living on their own for the first time. With a graduate degree in counseling and student affairs leadership, Ashley focuses on community building, wellness promotion, and helping students and their families feel more connected, confident, and at home on campus. RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED: Jodi's free Shift for Moms resource (Fixer to Coach) HERE West Chester University Residence Life & Housing: westchester.eduFERPA information: studentprivacy.ed.govCONNECT WITH JODI: WebsiteInstagramFacebookSend me a quick note/message- what stood out in this episode! The Dare On Retreat- A Weekend to Return to Yourself! September 2026- Only 8 spots remain!  Click HERE. DISCLAIMER: The commentary and opinions available on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical, physical, or psychological advice. You should contact a trained medical professional before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine and with respect to any particular issue or problem.

  3. Jul 9

    What Your College Student Isn’t Telling You — A Psychologist Pulls Back the Curtain on Campus Mental Health - Ep#159

    You survived the drop-off. Now comes the harder part — not knowing. In this episode, licensed psychologist Dr. Rachel Daltry, who has spent 15+ years working inside a university counseling center, gives parents an honest, compassionate look at what college students are really going through — and how you can show up for them without taking over. In This Episode, You’ll Discover What’s actually normal during a student’s first weeks and months at college (and when to be concerned)The warning signs of struggle that are easy to miss when you’re not there every dayHow to set communication expectations that work for both of you — without the guiltWhy the “catastrophizing” pattern after one bad grade is real, widespread, and something you can help preventHow to shift from “fixer” to “coach” — and why your student needs you to make that shiftWhat campus counseling centers can and cannot share with parents (FERPA explained simply)The single most important thing Dr. Rachel wants every parent to hear before drop-offAbout Dr. Rachel Daltry Dr. Rachel Daltry is a licensed psychologist with over 15 years of experience working inside university counseling centers, including West Chester University. She specializes in supporting college students through mental health challenges, transitions, and academic stress — and has a rare ability to translate what students are feeling into language parents can actually hear and use. Resources & Links Mentioned Shift for Moms — From Fixer to Coach HEREConnect with Jodi Website: jodisilverman.comInstagram: @jodi_silvermanMoms Who Dare Facebook CommunitySend me a quick note/message- what stood out in this episode! The Dare On Retreat- A Weekend to Return to Yourself! September 2026- Only 8 spots remain!  Click HERE. DISCLAIMER: The commentary and opinions available on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical, physical, or psychological advice. You should contact a trained medical professional before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine and with respect to any particular issue or problem.

  4. Jul 2

    TURNING 60! 3 Truths: What Turning 60 Taught Me About Living Fully - Ep#158

    I’m turning 60 — and I’m not staying quiet about it. In this heartfelt solo episode, I get real about the lessons midlife has handed me: the ones that cracked me open, changed how I mother, and taught me to love the woman I’m becoming. If you’ve ever wondered whether your best chapters are behind you, this episode is your answer. In This Episode, You’ll Discover Why self-love in midlife means honoring your body for what it’s carried — not criticizing it for how it’s changedThe mindfulness and spiritual practices I use every day to stay grounded, connected, and faithful — even when life feels uncertainHow to navigate the emotional shift of watching your adult children build lives of their own (without sending the guilt-filled voice messages 😅)Why pausing before reacting might be the single most powerful thing you can do in any relationshipThree Dare On challenges — one from each lesson — that you can start this weekYour Dare On Challenges from This Episode Dare #1 — Practice Self-Compassion: The next time you catch yourself criticizing your body or your age, pause and ask: “How can I love myself through this season?” Speak to yourself the way you’d speak to someone you deeply love.Dare #2 — Create One Mindfulness Ritual: Choose one small practice this week that helps you slow down and reconnect — a quiet cup of coffee, a walk without your phone, five minutes of journaling. Just one.Dare #3 — Pause Before You React: The next time you feel hurt or frustrated with someone you love, take a beat. Ask yourself what’s really underneath the feeling — then respond from honesty and love instead of hurt.Resources & Links Mentioned Midlife Happiness QuizConnect with Jodi Website: jodisilverman.comInstagram: @jodi_silvermanMoms Who Dare Facebook CommunitySend me a quick note/message- what stood out in this episode! DISCLAIMER: The commentary and opinions available on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical, physical, or psychological advice. You should contact a trained medical professional before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine and with respect to any particular issue or problem.

  5. Jun 25

    From Trauma to Audacity: How One Woman Rebuilt Her Life One Brave Step at a Time with Erika - Ep#157

    What do you do when life punches you so hard it changes everything? In this deeply emotional and inspiring episode of Dare On with Jodi, Jodi sits down with Erika, a survivor, speaker, author, and founder of the Audacious Woman movement, whose life changed forever after surviving a brutal attack that nearly took her life. But this conversation is about so much more than trauma. It’s about resilience. Identity. Midlife reinvention. Tiny brave steps. And what it really means to choose courage when life feels impossible. Erika shares how she went from fear and survival mode to building a bold, purpose-driven life rooted in what she calls “audacious expansion.” Together, she and Jodi unpack the truth so many women need to hear: you do not need giant leaps to change your life. You need one small brave decision at a time. If you’ve been feeling stuck, burned out, lost in midlife, disconnected from yourself, or afraid to move forward after heartbreak, grief, divorce, empty nest, or trauma… this episode will meet you exactly where you are. And remind you that your story is not over. In This Episode We Talk About: Surviving trauma and rebuilding your identity afterwardThe true meaning of audacity and resilienceWhy tiny consistent actions matter more than dramatic changeHow to pivot instead of staying stuckMidlife reinvention and finding purpose againThe power of community and getting in the right roomsWhy your “punch” in life does not define youHow small brave steps create massive transformationThe importance of mindset, healing, and self-trust Powerful Takeaways from Erika: “Audacity is showing up when nobody’s applauding.”“Consistency is your superpower.”“The punch is coming. It’s not a matter of if — it’s when.”“You don’t need to change your whole life overnight. Start with one tiny dare.” Resources Mentioned: Erika’s book: Audacious Expansion click HERE: https://amzn.to/4tn426fJodi’s free download: 30 Tiny Dares for Your Next Chapter HEREConnect with Jodi Silverman: If you’re loving the podcast, please follow, rate, and review Dare On with Jodi. Your reviews help us reach more women who are ready to dare more, doubt less, and live fully.   And don’t forget to grab your free resource: 30 Tiny Dares for Your Next Chapter — because big transformation starts with one small brave step. Send me a quick note/message- what stood out in this episode! The Dare On Retreat- A Weekend to Return to Yourself! September 2026- Only 8 spots remain!  Click HERE. DISCLAIMER: The commentary and opinions available on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical, physical, or psychological advice. You should contact a trained medical professional before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine and with respect to any particular issue or problem.

  6. Jun 18

    How to Support Someone Without Trying to Fix Them with Susan Guthrie - Ep#156

    Why do so many people struggle to sit with someone else’s pain? Why do we rush to fix, minimize, distract, or offer advice instead of simply staying present? In this deeply honest and insightful episode of Dare On, Jodi sits down with attorney, mediator, author, and relationship expert Susan Guthrie for a powerful conversation about emotional support, curiosity, gray divorce, reinvention, and navigating life’s hardest transitions in midlife. While Susan is widely known for her expertise around divorce and mediation, this conversation goes far beyond divorce itself. Together, Jodi and Susan unpack why discomfort makes people pull away, what true support actually looks like, and how major life shifts — from empty nesting to health challenges to divorce — often become invitations to reexamine who we are and what we truly want moving forward. Susan also shares insight into the growing rise of gray divorce among couples over 50 and marriages lasting 20+ years, including why more women are choosing authenticity, fulfillment, and personal alignment in this next chapter of life. If you’ve ever struggled to support someone going through a difficult season…  or if you’re the one navigating a major life transition yourself…  this episode will leave you feeling seen, grounded, and hopeful. In This Episode, We Discuss: Why people struggle to sit with discomfort and painThe most unhelpful things people say during difficult life seasonsWhat true emotional support actually looks likeWhy curiosity creates deeper connectionThe rise of gray divorce in midlifeHow identity shifts impact women after 50Reinvention after divorce, empty nesting, or major life changesThe importance of support systems during transitionsWhy “fixing” isn’t always helpfulMoving from victimhood toward empowerment Jodi shares 3 Powerful Takeaways From This Episode at the end. Memorable Quotes “People don’t always need you to fix their pain. They need you to stay.”“Curiosity creates connection.”“Midlife transitions are not proof that life is falling apart. Sometimes they’re invitations to rebuild life more honestly.”“Everyone wants to feel heard.”Resources & Links Take the Happy In Midlife Quiz HEREListen to the Oprah podcast episode featuring Susan Guthrie discussing gray divorce HEREConnect with Susan Guthrie HEREAbout Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie is an attorney, mediator, author, podcast host, and entrepreneurial strategist who helps professionals build successful and aligned careers and lives. After decades as a family law litigator, Susan reinvented her own career in midlife and now shares practical insights on reinvention, relationships, entrepreneurship, and designing a life that reflects who you are now. If this episode resonated with you, share it with another woman navigating this season of life. And if you’re loving what you’re hearing on Dare On, leaving a review helps us reach more women who need these conversations too. Send me a quick note/message- what stood out in this episode! The Dare On Retreat- A Weekend to Return to Yourself! September 2026- Only 8 spots remain!  Click HERE. DISCLAIMER: The commentary and opinions available on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical, physical, or psychological advice. You should contact a trained medical professional before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine and with respect to any particular issue or problem.

  7. Jun 11

    Why Every Marriage Ends (And How to Remarry Your Partner Instead) with Assael & Galit Romanelli - Ep#155

    What if the struggles in your relationship don’t mean something is wrong… but instead mean your marriage is ready to evolve? In this powerful and eye-opening and mic dropping conversation, relationship experts Assael and Galit Romanelli introduce a completely new way to think about long-term relationships: the idea that every marriage ends—but not necessarily in divorce. Instead of seeing change as failure, they invite you to see it as an opportunity to remarry your partner—again and again. If you’ve ever felt disconnected, stuck, bored, or unsure about your relationship… this episode will shift everything. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why every marriage will eventually end (and why that’s not a bad thing)The 3 hidden forces that change every relationship:What it really means to “remarry” your partnerThe difference between: “Working on your marriage” vs. transforming itThe 4-step relationship framework the teach in their program- The Remarriage Roadmap™How to communicate in a way that actually creates connectionWhy most couples stay stuck—and what to do instead Key Takeaways Your relationship isn’t broken—it may just be outdatedGrowth in marriage requires intentional reinventionReal intimacy comes from honesty, vulnerability, and emotional rangeYou don’t need to leave your relationship to experience something new—you may just need to rebuild it differently About the Guests Dr. Assael Romanelli is a licensed clinical social worker, certified couple and family therapist, and co-founder of The Romanelli Group. With over 15 years of experience, he helps individuals and couples build stronger, more vibrant relationships. Galit Romanelli, MA, is a certified personal coach, lactation consultant, and co-founder of The Romanelli Group. She holds a master’s in Gender Studies and is completing her PhD, focusing on maternal identity and relationships. Resources & Links Book a discovery call to see if we can help you remarry your partner HERE.Learn more about Assael and Galit’s work HEREConnect with Jodi on Substack HERE- fun and exciting things are coming. 👉 Sign up for weekly motivation + new episodes delivered straight to your inbox HERESend me a quick note/message- what stood out in this episode! The Dare On Retreat- A Weekend to Return to Yourself! September 2026- Only 8 spots remain!  Click HERE. DISCLAIMER: The commentary and opinions available on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical, physical, or psychological advice. You should contact a trained medical professional before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine and with respect to any particular issue or problem.

  8. Jun 4

    The Surprising Life Lessons Your Kids Are Teaching You - Ep#154

    What if your kids aren’t just learning from you… but actually trying to teach you something? In this powerful solo episode, Jodi Silverman shares the unexpected life lessons her kids taught her—lessons about control, confidence, courage, and boundaries that most women don’t learn until much later in life. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your ways, overwhelmed by responsibility, or caught up in what others think… this episode will shift how you see your role as a mom—and as a woman in midlife. Because sometimes the greatest growth doesn’t come from leading… It comes from being willing to listen. 💥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why your long-held beliefs might be creating unnecessary stressThe powerful mindset shift from control → curiosityHow your kids model confidence in ways most adults struggle withWhat real courage actually looks like (and why it’s quieter than you think)The importance of boundaries—and why many women were never taught themHow to recognize the lessons your kids are showing you every day 🔑 Key Takeaway Your kids aren’t just watching you… They’re showing you a new way to live— with less pressure, more confidence, and a whole lot more freedom. 💛 Your Dare Where might your kids be trying to teach you something? Maybe it’s: Letting go of controlCaring less about what people thinkTaking a riskSetting a boundaryJust notice it. That’s where the shift begins. 🎁 Resources Mentioned 👉 30 Tiny Dares – Build confidence one small step at a time Grab it HERE Continue the conversation with Jodi on Substack HERE! Send me a quick note/message- what stood out in this episode! DISCLAIMER: The commentary and opinions available on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical, physical, or psychological advice. You should contact a trained medical professional before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine and with respect to any particular issue or problem.

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About

💜You did the mom thing—and you did it well. Now the house is quieter, the roles have shifted, and you're asking: What’s next for me? Whether you're navigating an empty nest, moving through divorce or widowhood, facing a career pivot, or simply longing to reconnect with your true self in midlife—this space is for you. Welcome to Dare On with Jodi, the podcast for midlife women who are ready to dare more, doubt less, and live fully. I’m Jodi Silverman—speaker, mindset coach, and your personal cheerleader for this next chapter of life. Every Thursday, you’ll hear real stories of reinvention, heartfelt solo episodes, and conversations that spark courage, confidence, and connection.  We talk midlife pivots, purpose, self-talk, happiness (yes, it’s possible!), and all the messy magic in between—sprinkled with a little woo and a lot of heart. If you're craving more you in your life, this is your space. 🎧So grab your earbuds and let’s make Thursdays your favorite day of the week. Dare On, my friend.💜 👉 Want episodes delivered straight to your inbox plus tools to reconnect with your purpose? Grab the link: https://www.dareontowhatsnext.com/main-list-subscription Heart to Heart:   Jodi Silverman is a certified life coach who’s here to walk beside you with encouragement and support. That said, she’s not a therapist or medical professional. If you’re facing something that needs clinical care or deeper healing, please don’t hesitate to connect with a trusted therapist or healthcare provider. You’re not alone, and you’re so worth that kind of care.  

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