Blueprint Breakers

Amy A. Palmer
  • 4.9 (19)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE

Join us as we celebrate midlife women and beyond, with a special spotlight on the lifestyle "blueprint breakers": those who are living a life outside the "typical", "traditional" societal norm. Connect with this growing community and access experts across all areas of life who will focus on our unique needs: health, finances, caregiving, retirement, menopause, socialization, travel, dating, sex, family and more.

  1. 5D AGO

    100 Episodes Later: What I Know Now About Midlife Freedom

    100 episodes. I can’t quite believe I’m saying that. In this solo episode, I’m taking a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate what this journey has really been about—not just the podcast, but everything that has come with it. I’m sharing why I started this podcast in the first place, what I’ve learned about you (and me), and how this entire experience has reshaped how I think about work, rest, success, and what’s actually possible in midlife. If you’ve ever felt like the traditional path doesn’t quite fit… this episode is for you. About Amy A. Palmer As host and facilitator for the Blueprint Breaker podcast, Amy is dedicated to expanding and amplifying the voices of women over 45 who are living a “non-traditional” lifestyle. She believes there is more than one way to do life and we all deserve to be seen, heard, understood and represented. After a lifelong struggle with feeling “outside” the societal norm and longing to live up to perceived expectations, pardon Amy’s French as she says f**k the blueprint! She has found peace, acceptance, and joy as she embarks on the next era of her life as a digital nomadic entrepreneur. Amy was formerly a senior corporate executive, a nationally recognized sales and operations expert, an award-winning actress, a resident of 13 different US cities, and a prize-winning DC blogger. Amy has a vast network of friends and colleagues with whom she enjoys travel and adventures and a close family including six niblings (nieces & nephews), the loves of her life! Amy's Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @amypalmer.today Join the Blueprint Breakers Insiders Network: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Community.BlueprintBreakers.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    28 min

  2. MAR 17

    Rethinking Relationships in Midlife: A Conversation About Polyamory

    One of the things I love most about this podcast is getting to hear perspectives that are very different from my own. Sometimes those conversations are inspiring, sometimes surprising, and sometimes they challenge assumptions we didn’t even realize we were carrying. Today’s conversation is one of those. We’re talking about ethical non-monogamy in midlife—a topic that can feel unfamiliar or even a little uncomfortable for some people. But rather than approaching it with judgment or sensationalism, I wanted to approach it with curiosity. Because when we hear how other people design their lives and relationships, we often learn something meaningful about honesty, autonomy, and connection. My guest today is Tracie Guy-Decker. Tracie is a podcaster, writer, illustrator, and mom based in Baltimore, Maryland. She co-hosts the podcast Deep Thoughts About Stupid Sht* with her sister and is launching a blog and memoir project called Hot Flash of Genius, where she shares the challenges, joys, and insights of ethical non-monogamy in midlife. In this conversation, Tracie shares how she found herself exploring this lifestyle later in life, what ethical non-monogamy actually means, and what it requires in terms of communication, honesty, and self-awareness. Whether this topic feels relatable to you or completely outside your experience, I think you’ll find this conversation fascinating. About Tracie Guy-Decker Tracie Guy-Decker is a podcaster, writer, illustrator and mom based in Baltimore, Maryland. She is co-host, with her sister, of the podcast Deep Thoughts About Stupid Sh*t, and is launching a blog and memoir project entitled Hot Flash of Genius, to share the challenges, joys, and insights of ethical non-monogamy in midlife. Through all of her work, Tracie endeavors to make the world a bit more meaningful, a bit more compassionate, and a lot more fun. You can find her at tracieguydecker.com  About Amy Palmer As host and facilitator for the Blueprint Breaker podcast, Amy is dedicated to expanding and amplifying the voices of women over 45 who are living a “non-traditional” lifestyle. She believes there is more than one way to do life and we all deserve to be seen, heard, understood and represented. After a lifelong struggle with feeling “outside” the societal norm and longing to live up to perceived expectations, pardon Amy’s French as she says f**k the blueprint! She has found peace, acceptance, and joy as she embarks on the next era of her life as a digital nomadic entrepreneur. Amy was formerly a senior corporate executive, a nationally recognized sales and operations expert, an award-winning actress, a resident of 13 different US cities, and a prize-winning DC blogger. Amy has a vast network of friends and colleagues with whom she enjoys travel and adventures and a close family including six niblings (nieces & nephews), the loves of her life! Amy's Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @amypalmer.today Ways to work with me: https://amypalmer.bio

    45 min

  3. FEB 17

    Redefining Friendship in Midlife

    Friendship in midlife is different. And I don’t think any of us were prepared for that. In this episode, I brought three incredible women back to the mic, Tori, Trilby, and Carole, for my very first Blueprint Breakers roundtable conversation. And we dove into something I see women talking about constantly online: Friendship. Why does it feel harder now?Why do some friendships quietly fade?Why does it sometimes feel like we’re the only ones making the effort?And how do we actually build meaningful connection at this stage of life? About Tori Westminster Tori is a 5-star thriller author who has spent the last 6 years of her writing journey building other writers up through social media, groups, and, more recently, through Bunker Squirrel Magazine and Patreon. These were not strategies meant to drive revenue, but avenues to build community. Tori believes that writing in isolation does not produce good books and is not good for the soul. So, creating a safe space for writers was only logical.  https://www.tcwestminster.com/#/ About Trilby Johnson – Breakthrough Savvy When nothing you know works any more, Trilby Johnson — the Energy Architect — guides midlife Gen X women through pivotal internal shifts to gain unique clarity, self-trust, and autonomy, so they no longer feel frustrated or at the mercy of circumstances and design their own personal toolkit for living life fully on their terms. Drawing on decades of integrative holistic therapies, corporate experience, extensive studies in cognitive and alternative modalities, and her own personal evolution, she brings deep insight and practical wisdom to her work. She is also the author of Fearlessly Alone – Finding You Happy No Matter What, among other titles. To connect with Trilby: https://linktr.ee/fearlesslyme About Carole Rosenblat Carole Rosenblat is a traveler, writer, journalist, tour company owner, and speaker. Two things all of these have in common are travel and female empowerment.  She traveled around the world without a plan for her blog, Drop Me Anywhere, where readers voted to choose the destinations. She left to explore them within two weeks (sometimes a day) following the voting results. As a result of overwhelming feedback, especially from women over 40, Carole opened Drop Me Anywhere Tours for Women.  Website: https://dropmeanywhere.com/ About Amy Palmer As host and facilitator for the Blueprint Breaker podcast, Amy is dedicated to expanding and amplifying the voices of women over 45 who are living a “non-traditional” lifestyle. She believes there is more than one way to do life and we all deserve to be seen, heard, understood and represented. After a lifelong struggle with feeling “outside” the societal norm and longing to live up to perceived expectations, pardon Amy’s French as she says f**k the blueprint! She has found peace, acceptance, and joy as she embarks on the next era of her life as a digital nomadic entrepreneur. Amy was formerly a senior corporate executive, a nationally recognized sales and operations expert, an award-winning actress, a resident of 13 different US cities, and a prize-winning DC blogger. Amy has a vast network of friends and colleagues with whom she enjoys travel and adventures and a close family including six niblings (nieces & nephews), the loves of her life! Amy's Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @amypalmer.todayJoin our Community: https://linktr.ee/amypalmer.today

    48 min

  4. FEB 10

    One Woman. Two Suitcases. Absolutely No Plan.

    What happens when you stop waiting for “someday” and start saying yes to the unknown? In this episode of Blueprint Breakers, Amy Palmer sits down with traveler, writer, and entrepreneur Carole Rosenblat to explore what it really looks like to walk away from a life that no longer fits, and build something entirely your own. Carole shares her journey from a predictable, “safe” career path into a life defined by movement, curiosity, and reinvention. After being told in her mid-40s that her age limited her future in the travel industry, she made a bold pivot: launching Drop Me Anywhere, a reader-driven travel experiment where the internet chose her destinations and she left within two weeks ~ no plan required. That single leap opened the door to a nomadic lifestyle, international writing opportunities, speaking engagements, and eventually a women-only tour company designed to empower women (especially those over 40) to travel confidently and independently. This is a conversation about courage, choice, and the freedom that comes from trusting yourself, even when the path ahead isn’t clear. About Carole Rosenblat Carole Rosenblat is a traveler, writer, journalist, tour company owner, and speaker. Two things all of these have in common are travel and female empowerment.  She traveled around the world without a plan for her blog, Drop Me Anywhere, where readers voted to choose the destinations. She left to explore them within two weeks (sometimes a day) following the voting results. As a result of overwhelming feedback, especially from women over 40, Carole opened Drop Me Anywhere Tours for Women.  She’s worked in most aspects of travel and tourism throughout her life, including onboard cruise ships, in hotels, managing logistics of corporate meetings and events around the world, and as a camping/adventure tour guide, a mid-range tour guide, and a high-end international tour manager. She’s a journalist published in National Geographic, CNN Travel + Leisure, The Daily Beast, Thrillist, MSN, Tripadvisor, Afar, and Atlas Obscura, among others, and is a freelance copywriter and content writer for small companies and larger corporations. She’s also a serial volunteer around the world. Carole is also an international speaker on subjects including female empowerment, working in travel and tourism, solo female travel, overcoming obstacles, and volunteering. She’s visited 73 countries…so far. Website: https://dropmeanywhere.com/ About Amy Palmer As host and facilitator for the Blueprint Breaker podcast, Amy is dedicated to expanding and amplifying the voices of women over 45 who are living a “non-traditional” lifestyle. She believes there is more than one way to do life and we all deserve to be seen, heard, understood and represented. After a lifelong struggle with feeling “outside” the societal norm and longing to live up to perceived expectations, pardon Amy’s French as she says f**k the blueprint! She has found peace, acceptance, and joy as she embarks on the next era of her life as a digital nomadic entrepreneur. Amy was formerly a senior corporate executive, a nationally recognized sales and operations expert, an award-winning actress, a resident of 13 different US cities, and a prize-winning DC blogger. Amy has a vast network of friends and colleagues with whom she enjoys travel and adventures and a close family including six niblings (nieces & nephews), the loves of her life! Amy's Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @amypalmer.today Join our Community: https://linktr.ee/amypalmer.today

    38 min

  5. FEB 2

    When Your Body Changes the Plan, Not the Purpose

    What if creativity wasn’t just self-expression—but survival? In this deeply moving episode of Blueprint Breakers, I’m joined by thriller author and community builder Tori Westminster, whose writing journey began not at a desk—but in a dark room, during six weeks of unrelenting migraine pain. Tori shares how she mentally “wrote” her first novel while unable to see, move, or function normally—and how that act of imagination became the thing that carried her through one of the hardest periods of her life. But this conversation goes far beyond writing. We talk about: Living with chronic illness and adapting to a body that changes daily Letting go of the life you thought you’d have—and choosing meaning anyway Why writing (and creativity) isn’t meant to be done in isolation How community can be built without hustle, algorithms, or self-promotion The origin of Bunker Squirrel Magazine and why it centers connection over ego Choosing contribution, even when capacity looks different than it used to Tori’s newest project, Conversations with Pain, amplifying voices of those living with chronic illness and disability This episode is an honest, compassionate look at what it means to keep contributing, creating, and connecting—even when the traditional blueprint no longer applies. About Tori Westminster Tori is a 5-star thriller author who has spent the last 6 years of her writing journey building other writers up through social media, groups, and, more recently, through Bunker Squirrel Magazine and Patreon. These were not strategies meant to drive revenue, but avenues to build community. Tori believes that writing in isolation does not produce good books and is not good for the soul. So, creating a safe space for writers was only logical. Among other publications slated for 2026, by popular demand, she will release a 3-month goal journal designed specifically for writers in January of 2026. She will incorporate accountability groups and will coach them through their goals one quarter at a time. Throughout 2026, she will be collecting stories from the chronically ill and disabled—spoonies—to give voice to those who go unnoticed and misunderstood. As a spoonie herself, this is a passion project.  https://www.tcwestminster.com/#/ About Amy Palmer As host and facilitator for the Blueprint Breaker podcast, Amy is dedicated to expanding and amplifying the voices of women over 45 who are living a “non-traditional” lifestyle. She believes there is more than one way to do life and we all deserve to be seen, heard, understood and represented. After a lifelong struggle with feeling “outside” the societal norm and longing to live up to perceived expectations, pardon Amy’s French as she says f**k the blueprint! She has found peace, acceptance, and joy as she embarks on the next era of her life as a digital nomadic entrepreneur. Amy was formerly a senior corporate executive, a nationally recognized sales and operations expert, an award-winning actress, a resident of 13 different US cities, and a prize-winning DC blogger. Amy has a vast network of friends and colleagues with whom she enjoys travel and adventures and a close family including six niblings (nieces & nephews), the loves of her life! Amy's Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @amypalmer.today Join our Community: https://linktr.ee/amypalmer.today

    35 min

  6. JAN 27

    Recalibrating Your Energy in Midlife

    What happens when the life you were promised never shows up, even after you followed every rule? In this episode of Blueprint Breakers, I sit down with Trilby Johnson, known as The Energy Architect, to explore what many Gen X women experience in midlife: the quiet collapse of old stories, the rise of loneliness, and the moment when self-help, hustle, and “doing the work” stop working. Trilby shares her own Blueprint Breaker story: growing up hyper-vigilant, deeply sensitive, and feeling fundamentally different, and how those early survival strategies shaped her adult life, relationships, and health. We talk about how the body holds truth long before the mind catches up, why loneliness isn’t something to fix, and how energy recalibration helps women reconnect with their own internal authority. This conversation isn’t about self-improvement. It’s about self-recognition. About Trilby Johnson – Breakthrough Savvy When nothing you know works any more, Trilby Johnson — the Energy Architect — guides midlife Gen X women through pivotal internal shifts to gain unique clarity, self-trust, and autonomy, so they no longer feel frustrated or at the mercy of circumstances and design their own personal toolkit for living life fully on their terms. Drawing on decades of integrative holistic therapies, corporate experience, extensive studies in cognitive and alternative modalities, and her own personal evolution, she brings deep insight and practical wisdom to her work. She is also the author of Fearlessly Alone – Finding You Happy No Matter What, among other titles. To connect with Trilby: https://linktr.ee/fearlesslyme About Amy Palmer As host and facilitator for the Blueprint Breaker podcast, Amy is dedicated to expanding and amplifying the voices of women over 45 who are living a “non-traditional” lifestyle. She believes there is more than one way to do life and we all deserve to be seen, heard, understood and represented. After a lifelong struggle with feeling “outside” the societal norm and longing to live up to perceived expectations, pardon Amy’s French as she says f**k the blueprint! She has found peace, acceptance, and joy as she embarks on the next era of her life as a digital nomadic entrepreneur. Amy was formerly a senior corporate executive, a nationally recognized sales and operations expert, an award-winning actress, a resident of 13 different US cities, and a prize-winning DC blogger. Amy has a vast network of friends and colleagues with whom she enjoys travel and adventures and a close family including six niblings (nieces & nephews), the loves of her life! Amy's Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @amypalmer.today Join our Community: https://linktr.ee/amypalmer.today

    36 min

  7. 12/16/2025

    Why Diets Fail Women Over 40

    In today’s episode of Blueprint Breakers, I’m joined by Debbie Harris, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Certified Hypnotist, author, and founder of Maynestreet Weight Loss, for a deeply honest conversation about why dieting truly does suck for women over 40, and what actually works instead. Debbie shares her personal journey as a lifelong dieter who hit a wall during menopause, struggling not just with weight but with inflammation, bloating, hormone imbalance, and eventually an estrogen-based breast cancer diagnosis. That experience became a turning point, one that led her to completely rethink diet culture, food rules, and the way women are taught to relate to their bodies. We talk about: Why weight loss becomes harder during perimenopause and menopause—and why it’s not your fault How hormones, cortisol, sleep, and stress all impact weight and inflammation Breaking free from food guilt and perfectionism What an 80/20 lifestyle really looks like (and why it’s more sustainable) Why support and accountability matter just as much as information How to define your “why” without shame—even if it starts out feeling shallow Learning to stop comparing yourself to other women and tune into what works for your body Creating peace with food instead of fear, rules, or restriction Debbie also talks about her book, Dieting Sucks for Women Over 40, which includes a practical, food-based program (no drugs), self-hypnosis tools, journaling prompts, and guidance for balancing hormones and maintaining weight loss long-term. She shares why community is such a core part of the process and how her Balanced Warrior membership provides ongoing support, accountability, and encouragement for women navigating this phase of life. This episode is compassionate, empowering, and refreshingly real. If you’ve ever felt like your body betrayed you—or like you’re doing everything “right” and still not seeing results—I hope this conversation helps you feel less alone and more hopeful. You can find Dieting Sucks for Women Over 40 on Amazon and learn more about Debbie’s work, free resources, and community at 30toLife.org. https://30tolife.org/ About Amy Palmer As host and facilitator for the Blueprint Breaker podcast, Amy is dedicated to expanding and amplifying the voices of women over 45 who are living a “non-traditional” lifestyle. She believes there is more than one way to do life and we all deserve to be seen, heard, understood and represented. After a lifelong struggle with feeling “outside” the societal norm and longing to live up to perceived expectations, pardon Amy’s French as she says f**k the blueprint! She has found peace, acceptance, and joy as she embarks on the next era of her life as a digital nomadic entrepreneur. Amy was formerly a senior corporate executive, a nationally recognized sales and operations expert, an award-winning actress, a resident of 13 different US cities, and a prize-winning DC blogger. Amy has a vast network of friends and colleagues with whom she enjoys travel and adventures and a close family including six niblings (nieces & nephews), the loves of her life! Amy's Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @amypalmer.today Join the Blueprint Breakers Insiders Network: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Community.BlueprintBreakers.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    34 min

  8. 12/09/2025

    Pause With Purpose, Position With Intention

    In this episode of Blueprint Breakers, I sit down with Lauren Francisco — global curator, emotional mastery coach, and author of COMPOSED: The Art of Directing Your Emotions. The timing of this conversation couldn’t be more aligned. I just returned from Thailand, where I was navigating my own wave of emotions, and now we’re heading into the holiday season: a time that amplifies stress, joy, nostalgia, anxiety, and everything in between. Lauren and I talk about what it really means to pause and how that pause gives us the power to position ourselves for the life we want. We explore the difference between reacting and responding, how to hear your intuition when the world feels loud, and why solitude isn’t loneliness, it’s where truth and clarity finally have room to land. Lauren also shares how her upbringing shaped her worldview, the moment she learned to take control of her emotions instead of letting them control her, and how travel, service, and connection across cultures have become the core of her mission. This episode is grounding, clarifying, and deeply human. If you’re feeling stretched, overwhelmed, or in need of a reset as we head into the holidays, I think you’ll find something here that meets you right where you are. About Lauren Francisco Lauren Francisco, MSW, is a global curator, emotional mastery coach, mental health professional, and founder of Life Coach On Demand, where she helps high-achieving individuals lead their lives with clarity, intention, and emotional truth. With a background that spans psychology, clinical social work, therapy rooms, boardrooms, and rural villages around the world, she has dedicated her life to helping people rewrite their stories from the inside out. She is also the founder and executive director of DiverseCity, Inc., a global nonprofit that highlights everyday heroes through storytelling and service. Known for her calm, grounded voice and her gift for making complex emotional concepts feel accessible and transformative, Lauren brings a rare depth to her work. Her debut book, COMPOSED: The Art of Directing Your Emotions, reflects her mission: to help people lead with peace rather than pressure. Connect with Lauren, including links to her book & her podcast: https://www.laurenfrancisco.com/ About Amy Palmer As host and facilitator for the Blueprint Breaker podcast, Amy is dedicated to expanding and amplifying the voices of women over 45 who are living a “non-traditional” lifestyle. She believes there is more than one way to do life and we all deserve to be seen, heard, understood and represented. After a lifelong struggle with feeling “outside” the societal norm and longing to live up to perceived expectations, pardon Amy’s French as she says f**k the blueprint! She has found peace, acceptance, and joy as she embarks on the next era of her life as a digital nomadic entrepreneur. Amy was formerly a senior corporate executive, a nationally recognized sales and operations expert, an award-winning actress, a resident of 13 different US cities, and a prize-winning DC blogger. Amy has a vast network of friends and colleagues with whom she enjoys travel and adventures and a close family including six niblings (nieces & nephews), the loves of her life! Amy's Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @amypalmer.todayJoin the Blueprint Breakers Insiders Network: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Community.BlueprintBreakers.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    40 min
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Trailer

4.9
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Join us as we celebrate midlife women and beyond, with a special spotlight on the lifestyle "blueprint breakers": those who are living a life outside the "typical", "traditional" societal norm. Connect with this growing community and access experts across all areas of life who will focus on our unique needs: health, finances, caregiving, retirement, menopause, socialization, travel, dating, sex, family and more.

Information

  • Creator
    Amy A. Palmer
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    102
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Amy A. Palmer
  • Show Website
    Blueprint Breakers

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