The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40

Stephanie McLaughlin
The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40

Sometime around age 40 (+/-) you might start feeling like some part of your life no longer fits and you don't know what to do about it. It could be at work or at home - or simply inside of you. You might be asking questions like, "How did I get here?" Or, "Is this all there is?" "Is this what I've been working so hard for?" Or, "Why aren't I happier?" Growing out of her own experience turning 40, Stephanie McLaughlin became captivated by the big “four oh,” and how people handle the milestone birthday. On The Big Four Oh Podcast, Stephanie has conversations with people about their life experience around turning 40. This birthday often comes wrapped in larger life changes, whether it’s a newfound search for meaning, accepting your mortality, or shedding all those things you did because some external authority said you “should.” Her mission is to make it common cultural knowledge that there IS a transition most of us face around age 40, and then showcase so many versions of that transition that every single person approaching, or recently turned, 40 with dread in their heart, knows that they are not alone. I know you don't want to call it a midlife crisis, so I won't, but "if the glove fits, you must acquit." 😉

  1. -2 J

    Turning 40 and resigning as the family fixer

    When Elizabeth Makepeace fell for a younger, free-spirited musician, she thought she’d found the love foretold in a dream. But what began as a spiritual connection turned into a controlling, emotionally draining marriage that forced her to confront an old pattern she thought she’d outgrown: the compulsion to care for others at the cost of herself. In this deeply honest conversation, Elizabeth shares how she broke the cycle, rebuilt trust with her children, and finally found peace—not just in a partner, but within herself. If you’ve ever wondered why certain roles keep showing up in your relationships, this episode offers insight, healing, and hope. Guest Bio If you're curious about energy/magic then you need to meet Elizabeth Elenor. Her journey through her 40s was the progression of taking back her power as she left her narcissistic marriage and he started dating a 21 year old. A deep dive into personal power led her to discover the secrets of alchemy; she merged this knowledge with 25 years of being a healer to create The Ascendance Code and energetically align with her Higher Self Wisdom. Turning 40 and resigning as the family fixerElizabeth Makepeace was living a vibrant life in the tropics of Far North Queensland—raising her kids, running a successful healing practice, and feeling aligned in mind, body, and spirit. But when she met a charming, younger musician who swept her off her feet, her well-calibrated world began to shift. What started as a dream romance quickly turned into a rigid, emotionally complex marriage that echoed a painful pattern from her past: the need to care for and fix others, often at her own expense. In this candid and deeply personal episode, Elizabeth shares how a midlife unraveling—marked by loss, anxiety, and the crumbling of family trust—pushed her to finally recognize a generational caretaking pattern she’d been unconsciously replaying. Her story is one of heartbreak, healing, and ultimately, liberation. And yes—her real-life love story ends with a twist that feels straight out of a fairy tale (complete with a symbolic last name!). Episode Highlights Elizabeth’s early life as a caretaker for her ill father shaped her subconscious belief that love means caregivingHow a “dream come true” romance slowly morphed into an emotionally taxing marriage marked by control and rigidityThe moment she realized she couldn’t heal her partner—and the empowerment of walking awayRebuilding trust with her children and healing her own trauma through bodywork and reflectionThe emotional and spiritual reckoning that came with turning 40—and the clarity it broughtHer advice for listeners: examine the “movie” of your life and ask why certain characters keep showing up in the same rolesThe joyful discovery of a new, healthy relationship built on peace and mutual care Elizabeth’s story is a wonderful reminder that no matter how much personal work we’ve done, there are always deeper layers waiting to be revealed. Her midlife unraveling wasn’t a failure—it was the doorway to true healing. By identifying the patterns that kept her stuck and tracing them back to their origins, she was able to finally break the cycle. And in doing so, she made peace—with her past, her pain, and eventually, with a man whose name poetically symbolized that transformation. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate, follow and review the podcast. Your support helps more listeners discover these transformative stories. Guest ResourcesGet Elizabeth’s Love Code Connect with Elizabeth on Facebook a...

    33 min
  2. 10 AVR.

    Turning 40 and turning pasta into a paycheck

    At age 39, Francesca Montillo had a thriving healthcare career at a prestigious Boston hospital—but her heart was in Italy, dreaming of pasta, wine, and sun-soaked adventures. In this episode, she shares how she slowly and strategically built a food and travel business on the side, eventually trading her secure 9-to-5 for a life she once thought was too good to be true. From pandemic pivots to cultural expectations and midlife realizations, Francesca’s story is a masterclass in following your gut, even when it takes 20 years to listen. If you’ve ever wondered what might be waiting on the other side of “what if,” this conversation is for you. Guest Bio Francesca Montillo grew up in Italy until the age of 11, upon which time she moved to Boston with her family. She spent every summer after the move back in Calabria, enjoying time at the beach, local markets and spending time with childhood friends. It was during her trips back that her love for Italy grew even more intensely.  Her initial career ambitions were to work in law enforcement and she holds a Bachelor's degree in Criminology and Law. After a short stint in the field, she went on to earn a Masters in Healthcare Management instead.  After a successful 22+ year career in healthcare management for both private and governmental sectors, Francesca reinvented herself again and took the leap and started her own business, combining her love of Italian travels and cooking. Via her business, Lazy Italian Culinary Adventures, Francesca is able to showcase her native land and its cuisine. Francesca has also written three Amazon bestselling cooking books focusing on Italian dishes. Turning 40 and turning pasta into a paycheckFrancesca Montillo was living the dream—on paper. With a master’s degree in healthcare administration and a thriving job at a Harvard-affiliated hospital, she had what many would call a “great job.” But deep down, Francesca knew it wasn’t her dream. At 39, just shy of her milestone 40th birthday, she quietly began building a very different life—one steeped in Italian cuisine, rolling Tuscan hills, and the freedom of self-employment. Today, she leads delicious culinary adventures in Italy and has turned her side hustle into a full-blown business and lifestyle. In this episode, Francesca shares how she slowly and strategically transitioned from a traditional career to creating Lazy Italian Culinary Adventures, proving that it's never too late to design a life you love. Episode Highlights: How Francesca’s childhood in Calabria and Boston shaped her love for Italian food and culture.The early whispers of entrepreneurship—and why it took nearly 20 years to act on them.The delicate balance of building a business while holding down a demanding 9-to-5.How COVID nearly derailed her dream—and how she pivoted to Zoom cooking classes and writing cookbooks.What finally pushed her to walk away from a safe, successful career in healthcare.The cultural tug-of-war between traditional expectations and personal fulfillment.Why midlife was the perfect time for Francesca to bet on herself—and what she’d tell others standing at the same crossroads. This conversation is a reminder that the path to your dream life might not be a straight line—and that’s okay. Francesca’s story shows us the power of patience, planning, and trusting your gut—even if it takes two decades to do something about it. If you’ve ever thought “someday” could be “today,” this is the inspiration you’ve been waiting for. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate, follow, and review The Big Four Oh Podcast. It helps more people find us—and find the courage to make their own big midlife moves. Guest ResourcesConnect with...

    45 min
  3. 1 AVR.

    Turning 40 and trading safety for soulful

    What if your “successful” life started to feel like a slow, quiet heartbreak? In this episode, Steve Vincent shares how he went from burned-out high school vice principal to thriving freelance copywriter—by finally listening to the voice he’d been pushing down for years. He opens up about the emotional weight of staying in a life that looks good on paper but feels wrong in your soul—and how a couple of chance encounters cracked his world wide open. If you’re feeling stuck, restless, or wondering—‘is this all there is?’—this conversation will show you what becomes possible when you take the first brave step toward change. Guest Bio As a professional writer, teacher, spiritual coach, poet and author, Steve Vincent brings more than 33 years of experience to the table to help others overcome their challenges and live their dharma. A lover of sunsets, his search for the truth of our human existence has stretched from the sands of the Sunshine Coast to the hot springs of New Zealand, to the Peruvian Amazon for ayahuasca ceremonies, and has included many an energetic healing online and in person, and long hours alone pondering the meaning of life. Originally a high school teacher, faculty head and vice principal then freelance journalist, copywriter, writing coach and marketing consultant, his journey inwards via his popular book “Finding You” has unlocked the pain of the human experience, which emerges in his words that are said to move women to tears and make men squirm. Steve has spoken to audiences as large as 1500 and has coached groups of all ages and sizes. He appears on a weekly international spiritual broadcast and contributes to several weekly self-improvement movements.   A father of 4 now adult children, he lives on the sub-tropical Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia and when not writing and mentoring others, can be found at one of the beautiful local beaches communing with Mother Earth or gazing out to sea. Turning 40 and trading safety for soulfulWhat if the life you built—stable, successful, and safe—started to feel like a cage? This week’s guest, Steve Vincent, opens up about his courageous midlife transformation from high school vice principal to successful freelance copywriter. From the outside, Steve had it all: a leadership role in education, a loving family with four kids, a nice home by the water. But internally, he was wrestling with the quiet sadness of a life that felt too small for his spirit. In this conversation, Steve shares how he stopped ignoring that still, small voice and instead let it guide him toward a radically different—and much more fulfilling—path. Episode Highlights🌏 Growing up in Brisbane, Australia, with Catholic roots, and how early conditioning shaped his beliefs about success and security🧠 The subtle but persistent feeling that “this isn’t working anymore”—and the deep sadness that came with pretending it was✨ The power of seemingly small moments—like a passing comment at a seminar—that can flip the switch and open up new possibilities💼 How Steve used long service leave to “test drive” his dream of being a full-time copywriter🔄 The importance of motion: why getting unstuck often starts with simply doing something new🧘‍♂️ Emotional wisdom: learning to accept all of life’s seasons—and finding peace even in discomfort📋 A practical technique from Abraham Hicks—the “Placemat Process”—that helped Steve manage overwhelm and shift energy (and that Stephanie plans to try herself!) Steve’s story is a beautiful reminder that courage doesn’t always look like a dramatic leap—it often starts with a whisper in your soul and a single, intentional step forward. If you’re feeling stuck, take a cue from Steve: get into motion. Go to the seminar....

    49 min
  4. 24 MARS

    Turning 40 and getting dismissed by doctors

    When Amita Sharma hit her 40s, her body started betraying her—crippling fatigue, brain fog, and relentless hot flashes—but doctors told her she was "fine." Frustrated and desperate for answers, she turned to holistic medicine, unknowingly setting herself on a path to revolutionize women's health. Amita shares her eye-opening journey through perimenopause, the shocking gaps in medical knowledge, and how she’s building a platform to give women affordable access to holistic care. If you’ve ever felt dismissed by doctors or struggled to make sense of your changing body, this episode is a must-listen. Guest Bio Amita is co-founder of NourishDoc, a global holistic wellness platform for women to manage their hormone transition from PMS to Postmenopause. Inspired by her perimenopausal journey and working in the high tech world, she felt unsupported and a need to bring the taboo topic of perimenopause at the workplace for an open discussion. In her experience of going through perimenopause, keeping it a secret added more stress to the perimenopause state. She is on a mission to make this taboo topic be part of DEI, health equity at work for women in their 40's who feel that they cannot discuss this with HR or their colleagues. Turning 40 and getting dismissed by doctorsFor years, Amita Sharma was a high-achieving professional balancing a demanding career in the tech industry with the responsibilities of motherhood. But as she entered her 40s, her body started sending distress signals—chronic fatigue, brain fog, erratic cycles, and mood swings—yet every doctor she saw insisted she was "normal." Frustrated and exhausted, Amita took matters into her own hands, diving deep into holistic medicine, Ayurveda, and functional health. What started as a personal journey to reclaim her vitality soon transformed into a mission to educate and empower other women. Now, through her platform, NourishDoc, Amita is revolutionizing access to credible, affordable, holistic health solutions for perimenopause and beyond. In This Episode, We Cover: 🌿 The wake-up call: Amita’s debilitating fatigue and how doctors dismissed her symptoms🔥 The boardroom battle: Experiencing severe hot flashes in high-pressure corporate meetings🎓 From architecture to tech to holistic health: Amita’s unconventional career path🧠 Why brain fog and exhaustion aren’t "just stress"—and what your doctor might not tell you🔍 The shocking lack of research and education around women’s health post-reproduction🤝 How Amita’s interviews with 3,000+ holistic health experts led to the creation of NourishDoc  Amita’s story is a powerful reminder that, at midlife, you can turn your breakdown into a breakthrough. By questioning the status quo and seeking out alternative solutions, she found a path to healing that mainstream medicine had overlooked. If you’ve ever felt dismissed or unheard when it comes to your health, this episode is for you. Tune in, take notes, and most importantly, know that you’re not alone.  ✨ Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to rate, follow, and review The Big Four Oh Podcast! Your support helps us bring more important conversations like this to the world. 💙 Guest ResourcesNourishDoc platform Connect with Amita on Facebook Connect with Amita on Instagram Do you have the Midlife Ick? Download Stephanie’s guide to the Ick to diagnose whether you or someone you love is suffering from this insidious midlife malaise. a href="http://www.thebigfouroh.com/ick" rel="noopener

    50 min
  5. 14 MARS

    Turning 40 and Breaking Free from Survival Mode

    Naomi Kreske thought she had built the perfect life—marriage, kids, and the white picket fence dream. But when her marriage crumbled, she found herself stuck in survival mode, barely holding it all together. For years, she unknowingly repeated the same patterns—ignoring her needs, attracting unhealthy relationships, and staying in a job that drained her. Everything changed when she realized the problem wasn’t just external—it was who she was being. In this episode, Naomi shares how she finally broke free, rebuilt her life on her own terms, and found love again—this time, the right kind. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a life that doesn’t quite fit, this conversation is for you. Guest Bio I’m Naomi Kreske, a certified life coach, founder of Keep Finding You life coaching, wife, and mother of four. I'm passionate about helping women transform their lives: finding out who they are, what they want and how to get there. After facing one of life’s toughest challenges—divorce—and rebuilding my life from the ground up, I’ve learned how to move from survival mode to truly thriving. It was an aha moment that changed everything for me, and now I have a career I love, a fulfilling marriage, and a life of purpose and happiness. My mission is to help other women find their own aha moment—empowering those who feel stuck, frustrated, and unfulfilled to take charge of their lives. Through my coaching, I help them keep finding themselves. Turning 40 and Breaking Free from Survival ModeNaomi Kreske thought she was living the dream—married young, staying home to raise raising three kids, and following the storybook life she always envisioned. But when her marriage unraveled, she found herself unexpectedly lost, navigating single motherhood, financial hardship, and an emotional tailspin that lasted years. Stuck in survival mode, Naomi unknowingly built walls around herself, attracting the wrong relationships and feeling disconnected from her own happiness. It wasn’t until she had a major wake-up call—thanks to a book that hit her like a lightning bolt—that she realized the problem wasn’t just external. It was time to rebuild, redefine, and create Naomi 2.0. This is the story of how she did it. In This Episode, We Discuss:How Naomi’s picture-perfect life began to crumble and why she felt like a failure.The slow slide into survival mode and how it shaped her relationships, career, and sense of self.The pivotal moment that made her realize she had to change who she was being in order to attract the life she wanted.The boundaries she set to stop accepting less than she deserved.Her journey out of the restaurant business she co-owned with her ex-husband and into a career she loves.How she found love—for real this time—after years of dating the wrong people.What happiness looks like now and why she’s more fulfilled than ever. Naomi’s story is a powerful reminder that transformation doesn’t happen overnight, and sometimes, the hardest part is realizing that you have to change before your life can. It took years of struggle, self-discovery, and bold decisions, but Naomi came out the other side happier, more fulfilled, and aligned with her true self. Her story proves that even after years of surviving, you can still learn to thrive. ✨ If you loved this episode, please take a moment to rate, follow, and review The Big Four Oh Podcast! It helps more people find stories like Naomi’s that might just be the push they need. 💛 Guest Resources & MentionsNaomi’s Midweek Find Newsletter Connect with Naomi on Facebook  a...

    52 min
  6. 27 FÉVR.

    Turning 40 and Finding Peace Without Answers

    Shā Sparks’ midlife transformation was about breaking free—from toxic relationships, self-doubt, and the need for closure. After years in an abusive relationship, she realized she didn’t need answers or closure to heal—she just needed to walk away. Letting go of the “why” allowed her to move forward and build a life rooted in self-worth rather than past wounds. A big part of that journey was changing her self-talk—shifting from harsh self-judgment to a more compassionate view. Now, in her 40s, she’s thriving. Her story is a reminder that healing isn’t about understanding the past—it’s about reclaiming your future. Guest Bio As the CEO (Chief Excitement Officer) of Sparks of Fire International, Shā hosts her signature podcast, The Shā Sparks Show and is co-host of UnderWired podcast. She is also a Master Practitioner of NLP, Hypnosis, Reiki, Mental and Emotional Release, a Certified Fearless Living Coach and Trainer, the author of How to Get Your Voice Back, and the Co-Founder of the FIRESTARTERS Project. Turning 40 and Finding Peace Without AnswersAt 16, Shā Sparks found herself at rock bottom—arrested for a DUI and facing the reality of a life shaped by addiction, abuse, and deep emotional wounds. But that moment of humiliation was also the spark that ignited her journey toward healing. In this episode, she shares her incredible story of resilience, the power of breaking cycles, and how she found real love—not just in others, but within herself. Episode Highlights: The defining moment at 16 that changed the trajectory of Sha’s life.How childhood trauma shaped her early years and led to self-destructive habits.The pivotal decision to quit drinking at 25—and the surprising catalyst behind it.What kept her stuck in an abusive relationship for 12 years, and what finally set her free.How journaling and gratitude helped her regain control over her life.The profound realization that changed her understanding of love and relationships.Why she believes healing starts with the way we speak to ourselves. Shā’s story reminds us that healing isn’t about understanding why bad things happened—it’s about learning to let go and move forward. If you’re struggling to break free from patterns that no longer serve you, this conversation may be the push you need to start rewriting your story. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate, follow, and review The Big Four Oh Podcast! Your support helps us continue bringing you inspiring conversations like this one. 🎙✨ Guest ResourcesShā’s Gift To TBFO Listeners: Complimentary Release Your Addiction Meditation Connect with Shā on Facebook Connect with Shā on Instagram  Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend – A must-read for anyone struggling to set healthy limits in relationships. Women Who Love Too Much by Robin Norwood – A book that sheds light on how childhood experiences influence our adult relationships. Do you have the Midlife Ick? Download Stephanie’s guide to the Ick to diagnose whether you or someone you love is suffering from this insidious midlife malaise. www.thebigfouroh.com/ick ConnectTheBigFourOh.com TBFO on Instagram a href="https://www.facebook.com/Thebigfouroh/"...

    47 min
  7. 18 FÉVR.

    Turning 40 and Rewiring the Mind

    In this episode, Stephanie talks to Marcy Langlois, who shares her extraordinary story of resilience and recovery. Born with a cleft lip and palate requiring multiple surgeries, Marcy grew up in a chaotic household and struggled with addiction following a life-altering car accident. Her story explores the impact of trauma on physical health, including her struggles with mast cell activation syndrome and chronic infections. Marcy explains how she transformed her life through neuroplasticity and nervous system work, ultimately achieving a state of health and vitality. Her journey highlights the intertwining of mental, emotional, and physical healing and the continuous effort required to maintain wellness. Guest Bio Marcy Langlois is a trauma survivor and chronic illness warrior, 20+ years into her sobriety journey. She shares tips and tools accumulated from a lifetime of work to help others live beyond their limits through her coaching practice, social media posts and some freebies on her website. Online classes are coming soon! Turning 40 and Rewiring the MindIn this episode, Stephanie sits down with Marcy Langlois to explore her story of survival, transformation, and healing. After a childhood marked by medical challenges, family instability, and a battle with addiction, she found sobriety—only to face a new and terrifying crisis in her mid-40s when her body began to shut down. Diagnosed with mast cell activation syndrome and histamine intolerance, Marcy was bedridden for 40 days, grappling with allergic reactions to everything in her environment—including her own thoughts. But through deep inner work, rewiring her brain, and healing her nervous system, she emerged healthier and stronger than ever. Episode Highlights: A childhood shaped by medical challenges – Born with a cleft lip and palate, Marcy endured 20 surgeries between birth and age 18, and a difficult upbringing in a home affected by addiction and instability.The impact of unprocessed trauma – How childhood survival mechanisms carried into adulthood, leading to addiction and self-destructive patterns.The breaking point – At 45, Marcy’s body rebelled, leaving her unable to function and suffering from life-threatening reactions to food, stress, and even her own thoughts.Rewiring the brain for healing – Marcy shares how she used neuroplasticity and what she calls the "cancel method" to retrain her mind and shift her body's response to stress.The power of nervous system regulation – Understanding the difference between fight-flight-freeze and rest-digest-heal, and how true healing can’t happen until the body feels safe.Energy and frequency in healing – Why raising the body's energetic vibration was a crucial final step in Marcy’s recovery.Life after transformation – How Marcy is now thriving, free of chronic illness, and living with vitality and purpose. Marcy’s story is a testament to the incredible resilience of the human body and spirit. Her journey from a lifetime of trauma and illness to vibrant health is inspiring proof that healing is possible, even when all seems lost. Tune in to hear how she transformed her life—and take away powerful lessons on the mind-body connection. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate, follow, and review the podcast—it helps us reach more listeners on their own journeys of transformation! Guest ResourcesConnect with Marcy on Facebook  Connect with Marcy on Instagram  Connect with Marcy on TikTok a href="https://courses.marcylanglois.com/1-on-1-vip-mentorship"

    57 min
5
sur 5
21 notes

À propos

Sometime around age 40 (+/-) you might start feeling like some part of your life no longer fits and you don't know what to do about it. It could be at work or at home - or simply inside of you. You might be asking questions like, "How did I get here?" Or, "Is this all there is?" "Is this what I've been working so hard for?" Or, "Why aren't I happier?" Growing out of her own experience turning 40, Stephanie McLaughlin became captivated by the big “four oh,” and how people handle the milestone birthday. On The Big Four Oh Podcast, Stephanie has conversations with people about their life experience around turning 40. This birthday often comes wrapped in larger life changes, whether it’s a newfound search for meaning, accepting your mortality, or shedding all those things you did because some external authority said you “should.” Her mission is to make it common cultural knowledge that there IS a transition most of us face around age 40, and then showcase so many versions of that transition that every single person approaching, or recently turned, 40 with dread in their heart, knows that they are not alone. I know you don't want to call it a midlife crisis, so I won't, but "if the glove fits, you must acquit." 😉

Vous aimeriez peut‑être aussi

Pour écouter des épisodes au contenu explicite, connectez‑vous.

Recevez les dernières actualités sur cette émission

Connectez‑vous ou inscrivez‑vous pour suivre des émissions, enregistrer des épisodes et recevoir les dernières actualités.

Choisissez un pays ou une région

Afrique, Moyen‑Orient et Inde

Asie‑Pacifique

Europe

Amérique latine et Caraïbes

États‑Unis et Canada