Conversations Beyond Borders

Laura Weyl & Susan Poulter
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to "A Conversation Beyond Borders" - a podcast hosted by two women who have raised their children and are now navigating their way through midlife. Join us as we explore life, family, and self-help-related topics through lively discussions and book reviews. We believe that midlife is a time for reflection, growth, and learning. We also know it can be a challenging time, full of transitions and changes. That’s why we created this podcast – to share our experiences, insights, and wisdom with others who are also going through this phase of life. Each episode, we tackle a different topic – from relationships to career to health and wellness – and share our own experiences and perspectives. We’ll also discuss books that have inspired us or helped us in some way, offering our thoughts and insights on the ideas they present. Our goal is to create a supportive, informative, and engaging space for those in midlife to connect with each other and explore new ideas. We hope our discussions and book reviews will inspire you to try new things, challenge your assumptions, and deepen your understanding of yourself and the world around you. So whether you’re a fellow empty nester, in midlife, or simply someone who loves a good book discussion, we invite you to join us on "A Conversation Beyond Borders" and share in our journey of discovery and growth. Connect with us on all the socials @ConversationsBeyondBorders, and visit our website at www.ConversationsBeyondBorders.com. We’d love to hear from you and have you be part of the conversation!

  1. 1d ago

    Why Does Everyone Think I'm Fine?

    Send us Fan Mail How many times have you answered the question "How are you?" with "I'm fine"—even when you weren't? In this episode, Susan and Laura explore the surprising reasons so many women default to "I'm fine," even when they're exhausted, overwhelmed, grieving, struggling, or simply carrying more than anyone realizes. Together, they unpack the expectations placed on women to be strong, capable, and endlessly resilient, and how those expectations may have shaped an entire generation's relationship with vulnerability. From protecting our children and parents from worry to avoiding uncomfortable conversations, they explore the hidden reasons we often keep our struggles to ourselves. This conversation also dives into the emotional weight many midlife women carry, the habit of minimizing our own needs, and what we lose when we stop checking in with ourselves. What if the question isn't whether we're fine? What if the real question is whether we've become so used to saying it that we've stopped noticing what we're actually carrying? Join us for an honest conversation about strength, connection, compassion, and learning to tell the truth about how we're really doing. Music: A Special thanks to Tudor Arvinte for our podcast music.  You can find him at: www.youtube.com/channel/UCJCSbToEWd0WCbHA-QYmW2w?sub_confirmation=1 or Instagram @twodoorluca Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not licensed mental health professionals, and the content of this podcast is not intended to replace care from a qualified mental health provider. If you are experiencing distress facing challenges in your mental health or require professional support, we strongly encourage you to seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, you can contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or texting 988. Trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 to offer free and confidential support. This podcast is designed to inspire and support women navigating midlife transitions, but your journey is unique, and professional guidance can make a significant difference.

    28 min

  2. Jun 11

    The Wake-Up Call I Didn't Want

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Season 2 of Conversations Beyond Borders. This week, Laura and Susan kick off the new season with a candid conversation about something many midlife women experience but rarely talk about openly: the moment you realize your body isn't responding the way it used to. After a stressful move, a new job, and a full emotional overload, Laura found herself completely depleted and wondering why she couldn't simply "push through" the way she once could. What followed was a deep dive into energy levels, protein intake, stress, recovery, sleep, movement, and the surprising insights that came from paying closer attention to what her body was trying to tell her. Together, Laura and Susan explore: • Why so many women live in a constant state of stress and overwhelm • The difference between being lazy and being genuinely exhausted • How midlife changes affect energy, recovery, and overall well-being • Why women often minimize their own needs and keep pushing through • The importance of listening to your body before it forces you to stop • Finding practical solutions without shame or judgment This isn't a conversation about having all the answers. It's about asking better questions, sharing real experiences, and creating space for honest conversations about what it means to navigate midlife with curiosity, compassion, and a little humor. If you've ever wondered why your body suddenly feels different, why you're tired all the time, or why nobody warned you about these changes, this conversation is for you. Join us as we begin a new season of real talk, shared experiences, and the reminder that you don't have to figure it all out alone. Music: A Special thanks to Tudor Arvinte for our podcast music.  You can find him at: www.youtube.com/channel/UCJCSbToEWd0WCbHA-QYmW2w?sub_confirmation=1 or Instagram @twodoorluca Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not licensed mental health professionals, and the content of this podcast is not intended to replace care from a qualified mental health provider. If you are experiencing distress facing challenges in your mental health or require professional support, we strongly encourage you to seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, you can contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or texting 988. Trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 to offer free and confidential support. This podcast is designed to inspire and support women navigating midlife transitions, but your journey is unique, and professional guidance can make a significant difference.

    24 min

  3. Season 2 Trailer

    Season 2 Trailer

    Send us Fan Mail Season 2 of Conversations Beyond Borders is coming—and this time, we’re showing up differently.  In this trailer, Laura and Susan share what they learned from Season 1 and why this next chapter will feel more honest, more relaxed, and a lot more real. Expect less fixing, less pressure, and fewer “five steps to becoming your best self” conversations. Instead, we’re creating space for the kind of talks women actually need in midlife: honest conversations about menopause, changing bodies, shifting identities, exhaustion, expectations, laughter, vulnerability, and everything in between.  This season, we’re asking bigger questions about the roles women have been handed, the pressure to always improve, and what it means to simply be enough as you are. Some episodes will be thoughtful, some messy, some funny—but all of them will be real.  If you’ve ever felt alone in this stage of life, overwhelmed by change, or tired of pretending you have it all together, this season is for you.  Subscribe now so you’ll be notified the moment Season 2 drops.  Because this is just one of those conversations… and we’re glad you’re here for it.  Music: A Special thanks to Tudor Arvinte for our podcast music.  You can find him at: www.youtube.com/channel/UCJCSbToEWd0WCbHA-QYmW2w?sub_confirmation=1 or Instagram @twodoorluca Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not licensed mental health professionals, and the content of this podcast is not intended to replace care from a qualified mental health provider. If you are experiencing distress facing challenges in your mental health or require professional support, we strongly encourage you to seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, you can contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or texting 988. Trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 to offer free and confidential support. This podcast is designed to inspire and support women navigating midlife transitions, but your journey is unique, and professional guidance can make a significant difference.

    11 min

  4. 12/16/2025 ·  Bonus

    Mini Episode #6 - Staying Steady When The Chaos Arrives

    Send us Fan Mail December has a way of turning up the volume — on the house, the schedule, the opinions, and the emotions. In this warm, grounded episode of Conversations Beyond Borders, Susan and Laura speak directly to midlife women who love the season… and also feel completely overstimulated by it. With gentle humor, compassion, and deeply practical tools, this conversation explores why holiday chaos hits midlife nervous systems differently — and how to stay centered without shutting down, snapping, or taking on everyone else’s emotional load. You’ll hear: Why holiday chaos isn’t personal — it’s seasonalHow sensory overload shows up in midlife (and why nothing is “wrong” with you)Simple grounding tools you can use in the middle of real-life noise and interruptionsKind, doable ways to handle other people’s tension without absorbing itPermission to stop fixing the chaos — and simply be present inside itThis episode is a steady hand on your back during crowded gatherings, noisy kitchens, unpredictable relatives, and emotionally charged moments. It’s not about controlling the room — it’s about staying connected to yourself while life swirls around you. If December feels loud, this episode is your quiet place to land. Music: A Special thanks to Tudor Arvinte for our podcast music.  You can find him at: www.youtube.com/channel/UCJCSbToEWd0WCbHA-QYmW2w?sub_confirmation=1 or Instagram @twodoorluca Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not licensed mental health professionals, and the content of this podcast is not intended to replace care from a qualified mental health provider. If you are experiencing distress facing challenges in your mental health or require professional support, we strongly encourage you to seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, you can contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or texting 988. Trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 to offer free and confidential support. This podcast is designed to inspire and support women navigating midlife transitions, but your journey is unique, and professional guidance can make a significant difference.

    8 min

  5. 12/10/2025 ·  Bonus

    Mini Episode #5 You Don’t Have to Do Everything Just Because You Can

    Send us Fan Mail In this validating and gently humorous December mini-series episode, Susan and Laura explore a familiar truth for midlife women: being incredibly capable can quietly turn into being responsible for… well, everything. Together, they unpack the “competence trap,” the habit of doing things simply because it’s faster, and the hidden emotional cost of carrying so much during an already full season. With relatable stories, soft laughter, and zero judgment, they offer practical ways to step back, simplify, and let others help — even if the help is imperfect. From micro-delegation to “good enough” holiday standards, Susan and Laura share kind scripts and gentle strategies that bring more ease, connection, and joy back into the season. If you’ve ever been the woman who anticipates everyone’s needs while quietly juggling eight things at once, this episode is your reminder: you don’t have to do everything just because you can. Breathe, soften your shoulders, and give yourself permission to enjoy the holidays, not just manage them. Music: A Special thanks to Tudor Arvinte for our podcast music.  You can find him at: www.youtube.com/channel/UCJCSbToEWd0WCbHA-QYmW2w?sub_confirmation=1 or Instagram @twodoorluca Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not licensed mental health professionals, and the content of this podcast is not intended to replace care from a qualified mental health provider. If you are experiencing distress facing challenges in your mental health or require professional support, we strongly encourage you to seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, you can contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or texting 988. Trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 to offer free and confidential support. This podcast is designed to inspire and support women navigating midlife transitions, but your journey is unique, and professional guidance can make a significant difference.

    8 min

  6. 12/09/2025 ·  Bonus

    Mini Episode #4 Last on the List: The Holiday They Don’t Know You’re Holding”

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of our December mini-series, Laura and Susan explore the invisible emotional and logistical load midlife women carry during the holidays — often without acknowledgment, and often at the expense of their own wellbeing. From the unspoken mental work of making the season feel special, to the emotional weight of budgeting, caregiving, and constant noticing, this conversation gently names what so many women experience but rarely articulate. Together, they walk through: The invisible holiday workload that exhausts even the strongest among usA compassionate approach to budgeting that honors your relationships and your energyHow caregiving intensifies in December, and small shifts that make it easier to carrySubtle signs you’ve slipped to the bottom of your own listA simple December reset to put yourself back into the season you’re working so hard to createWith warmth, honesty, and a touch of humor, Laura and Susan remind you that you are not the fixer of the holiday — you are part of it. You deserve pockets of rest, joy, and ease right alongside everyone you care for. Next up: “Staying Steady When the Chaos Arrives” — tools for overstimulation, family dynamics, and emotional overload during holiday gatherings. Music: A Special thanks to Tudor Arvinte for our podcast music.  You can find him at: www.youtube.com/channel/UCJCSbToEWd0WCbHA-QYmW2w?sub_confirmation=1 or Instagram @twodoorluca Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not licensed mental health professionals, and the content of this podcast is not intended to replace care from a qualified mental health provider. If you are experiencing distress facing challenges in your mental health or require professional support, we strongly encourage you to seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, you can contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or texting 988. Trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 to offer free and confidential support. This podcast is designed to inspire and support women navigating midlife transitions, but your journey is unique, and professional guidance can make a significant difference.

    7 min

  7. 11/07/2025 ·  Bonus

    Mini Episode #3: Calm Before the Chaos — Small Shifts that Change the Season

    Send us Fan Mail Before the holidays sweep you into their familiar rhythm of rushing, this conversation invites you to pause. In this episode, Susan and Laura explore the quiet moments before the season officially begins—the subtle signs of stress that creep in long before the festivities start. Together, they share how midlife women can reclaim peace and presence by making small, intentional shifts right now. From redefining traditions and releasing perfection to learning how to delegate and rest without guilt, Calm Before the Chaos is your reminder that the holidays don’t have to be something you survive. They can be something you savor. 💬 Topics we cover: How to catch the early signs of seasonal stressWhy “doing less” often creates more meaningSimple mindset shifts to protect your energyThe art of delegation and micro-recoveryBuilding new traditions that actually fit your life✨ Because calm isn’t found after the holidays—it’s created in the way you move through them. 🔗 Explore the Holiday Stress Management System mentioned in this episode and start your season from a place of calm at ConversationsBeyondBorders.com Music: A Special thanks to Tudor Arvinte for our podcast music.  You can find him at: www.youtube.com/channel/UCJCSbToEWd0WCbHA-QYmW2w?sub_confirmation=1 or Instagram @twodoorluca Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not licensed mental health professionals, and the content of this podcast is not intended to replace care from a qualified mental health provider. If you are experiencing distress facing challenges in your mental health or require professional support, we strongly encourage you to seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, you can contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or texting 988. Trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 to offer free and confidential support. This podcast is designed to inspire and support women navigating midlife transitions, but your journey is unique, and professional guidance can make a significant difference.

    12 min

  8. 11/01/2025 ·  Bonus

    Mini Episode Intro: Holiday Stress Management System — Sanity, Sparkle, and a Little Bit of Sass

    Send us Fan Mail Tired of white-knuckling your way through the holidays? This episode is your permission slip to reclaim your peace, protect your joy, and bring back the magic—without losing your mind in the process. We’re back for a brand-new season of Conversations Beyond Borders, and we’re kicking things off with a fresh, realistic approach to surviving (and actually enjoying) the holiday season. Midlife women know all too well that this time of year isn’t just peppermint mochas and twinkle lights—it’s also family drama, caregiving chaos, endless to-do lists, and pressure to make everything magical for everyone but ourselves. In “Holiday Stress Management System: Sanity, Sparkle, and a Little Bit of Sass,” Susan and Laura introduce a fun, no-nonsense framework to help you stress less and laugh more through the busiest months of the year. You’ll learn how to anticipate challenges, plan with ease, set boundaries, and make room for joy—all while showing up as the glue that holds it all together without burning out. ✨ What’s inside this episode: Why “just do less” advice doesn’t work—and what doesThe 4 key parts of our Holiday Stress Management SystemHow to balance caregiving and commitments without losing yourselfSimple ways to protect your peace and put your joy back on the list🎁 Bonus: Get free checklists, planning tools, and access to our community when you join the Holiday Stress Management System at conversationsbeyondborders.com. Because stress doesn’t get to run the show this year—you do. Music: A Special thanks to Tudor Arvinte for our podcast music.  You can find him at: www.youtube.com/channel/UCJCSbToEWd0WCbHA-QYmW2w?sub_confirmation=1 or Instagram @twodoorluca Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not licensed mental health professionals, and the content of this podcast is not intended to replace care from a qualified mental health provider. If you are experiencing distress facing challenges in your mental health or require professional support, we strongly encourage you to seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, you can contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or texting 988. Trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 to offer free and confidential support. This podcast is designed to inspire and support women navigating midlife transitions, but your journey is unique, and professional guidance can make a significant difference.

    9 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to "A Conversation Beyond Borders" - a podcast hosted by two women who have raised their children and are now navigating their way through midlife. Join us as we explore life, family, and self-help-related topics through lively discussions and book reviews. We believe that midlife is a time for reflection, growth, and learning. We also know it can be a challenging time, full of transitions and changes. That’s why we created this podcast – to share our experiences, insights, and wisdom with others who are also going through this phase of life. Each episode, we tackle a different topic – from relationships to career to health and wellness – and share our own experiences and perspectives. We’ll also discuss books that have inspired us or helped us in some way, offering our thoughts and insights on the ideas they present. Our goal is to create a supportive, informative, and engaging space for those in midlife to connect with each other and explore new ideas. We hope our discussions and book reviews will inspire you to try new things, challenge your assumptions, and deepen your understanding of yourself and the world around you. So whether you’re a fellow empty nester, in midlife, or simply someone who loves a good book discussion, we invite you to join us on "A Conversation Beyond Borders" and share in our journey of discovery and growth. Connect with us on all the socials @ConversationsBeyondBorders, and visit our website at www.ConversationsBeyondBorders.com. We’d love to hear from you and have you be part of the conversation!

Information

  • Creator
    Laura Weyl & Susan Poulter
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Conversations Beyond Borders
  • Show Website
    Conversations Beyond Borders

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