The Right-Sized Life with Amy Schmidt

Amy Schmidt

You've proven you're brave. You cannonballed into one chapter of your life and showed up fully — for your family, your career, your community, everyone who needed you. You did that. And it mattered. Now you're asking a different question. Not how do I do more? But does this still fit? Welcome to The Right-Sized Life with Amy Schmidt — the podcast for women who are done maintaining the old life and ready to build the true one. Every episode, Amy brings the honest conversation you've been waiting for — the one that sounds less like a self-help seminar and more like a glass of wine with your wisest friend. Real stories. Practical frameworks. Permission to let go of what no longer fits and make room for what actually does. Because a right-sized life isn't about having less. It's about having what fits — so when the moments that matter arrive, you are actually there for them. Amy Schmidt is the founder of Fearlessly Facing Fifty, bestselling author of CANNONBALL! Fearlessly Facing Midlife and Beyond and the forthcoming The Right-Sized Life, TEDx speaker, and one of the most trusted voices in midlife women's media. Go forth and live aligned. 🤍

  1. 6D AGO

    EP4: What If “Enough” Is The Real Upgrade a conversation with Tidy Dad

    A 14-inch closet, three kids, and a 750 square foot apartment in New York City sounds like a recipe for constant chaos, yet Tyler Moore (Tidy Dad) uses it as proof that simplicity can create real calm. We sit down with Tyler to talk about decluttering and home organization as something deeper than neat shelves: a way to reduce overwhelm, protect mental health, and build a life that feels spacious even when your home is not. We get specific about what makes organizing sustainable, including capsule wardrobe criteria (color, fit, fabric), seasonal resets, and why defining “enough” in one category can unlock room for what you actually use every day. Tyler also shares the less-talked-about side of the tidy journey, from growing up navigating two homes after his parents’ divorce to a breaking point when his family and career expanded at the same time. The thread running through it all is self-awareness: sometimes your circumstances outgrow your capacity, and systems are support, not a moral scorecard. We also go into values-based parenting and “keeping up with the Joneses.” Tyler tells a story about his daughter asking if they are poor after seeing a much bigger house, and how he reframes wealth as having choice, not square footage. You’ll leave with practical time management tools like 15-minute and visual timers, plus one easy starter move: pick a small category you don’t have to negotiate with anyone about, like socks, underwear, or your work bag. If you want more calm with less clutter, listen now, then subscribe, share the episode with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find The Right Size Life. Get a copy of Amy’s Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the The Right Sized Life Podcast share it with the world – a review means so much. And sign up for the Radiant Woman Reset here And don’t forget to follow along on all the socials: http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/

    37 min
  2. 6D AGO

    EP3:The Fearless Edit - A 20 minute rightsizing tool that builds momentum

    That pile on the shelf isn’t just clutter, it’s a backlog of decisions. We share a simple tool we call the Fearless Edit, built for real life when you’re busy, overwhelmed, or in the middle of change. It starts with a timer, one small space, and one honest question that cuts through guilt and “someday” thinking: does this support the life I’m living right now?  We tell a personal story about sorting through years of a child’s artwork during a move and why keeping everything can feel like love. Then we reveal the turning point: asking whether we’re holding on because we truly need it or because we’re afraid to let it go. From there, we show how a single cleared closet shelf can create visual quiet, emotional relief, and the momentum to tackle bigger spaces over time. Small decisions are not a consolation prize, they’re how big change gets built.  The Fearless Edit comes with clear steps: choose the space with the least resistance, set a 20-minute timer, pick up each item and ask the question, release what doesn’t fit without guilt, and stop when the timer ends even if you’re not finished. We also go deeper than organizing tips, exploring how we accumulate roles, commitments, and identities that no longer fit, and how editing those can be just as freeing as clearing a drawer.  Try it today: 20 minutes, one space, one question. Then subscribe, share this with a friend who needs a reset, and leave a review. What surface are you going to tackle first? Get a copy of Amy’s Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the The Right Sized Life Podcast share it with the world – a review means so much. And sign up for the Radiant Woman Reset here And don’t forget to follow along on all the socials: http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/

    10 min
  3. MAY 14

    EP2: From Cannonball To Calm: Building A Life That Fits Now

    Something shifts after the big midlife leap. You make the brave move, you do the hard thing, you prove you still have it and then you come up for air and realize the real question is quieter: does this still fit? That question is why Fearlessly Facing Fifty and Beyond is evolving into The Right Size Life. The show is not ending. The mission is not changing. I’m still authentically Amy. But the conversation is going deeper, into what it really takes to live aligned in this season. I tell the story behind the rebrand through the “cannonball and the float” metaphor: the splashy reinvention, followed by the calm stretch where adrenaline fades and truth rises. We talk about empty nest transitions, shifting roles, and the ordinary moments that are real for so many. I share what it felt like to sell a house in 2 days, sort through decades of belongings, and sit with my mother’s handwriting on a storage unit floor, finally understanding that right-sizing is never just about stuff. Then we name the work: right -sizing your home, your time, your energy, your relationships, and your identity. Not to become someone new, but to build a life that fits who you are now with everything you’ve learned and everything you’re still becoming. If you’re craving clarity, simplicity, and a grounded sense of purpose, press play and come with me. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs encouragement, and leave a review so more women can find The Right Size Life. Get a copy of Amy’s Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the The Right Sized Life Podcast share it with the world – a review means so much. And sign up for the Radiant Woman Reset here And don’t forget to follow along on all the socials: http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/

    8 min
  4. MAY 5

    Episode 1: Why So Many Women Miss Sleep Apnea Signs

    You can do everything “right” and still wake up exhausted, headachy, and foggy and it might not be menopause at all. We’re pulling back the curtain on obstructive sleep apnea in women over 50, a condition that’s massively underdiagnosed because many women don’t fit the stereotype of loud snoring and obvious pauses in breathing. I’m joined by my personal physician, Dr. Cannon, a dentist with deep training in dental sleep medicine, to explain what’s really happening in the body at night. We talk about why the tongue is often the hidden driver of airway collapse during REM sleep, how women can subconsciously fight to keep their airway open, and why that “fight” can show up as TMJ pain, teeth grinding, neck tension, reflux, and morning migraines. We also dig into why oxygen saturation drops matter for brain health and cardiovascular risk, even when sleep apnea is labelled mild. We compare common treatment paths, including CPAP, Inspire, and oral appliance therapy, and Dr. Cannon walks through how a custom dental device gently brings the lower jaw forward to keep the airway open. You’ll also hear how home sleep testing has changed the game, making it easier to get real answers without an overnight lab stay. Finally, we unpack the two-way link between sleep apnea and weight gain through stress hormones like cortisol, and where GLP medications fit into the bigger picture. If you’ve been blaming “this stage of life” for relentless fatigue, this conversation can help you spot the real signs and take action. Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review so more women can finally get the sleep and health they deserve. Get a copy of Amy’s Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the The Right Sized Life Podcast share it with the world – a review means so much. And sign up for the Radiant Woman Reset here And don’t forget to follow along on all the socials: http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/

    35 min
  5. 07/09/2025

    EP 217: Hot Flashes and New Flames: Author Jane Costello's Take on Midlife and beyond

    Dive into the refreshing world of midlife fiction with bestselling UK novelist Jane Costello as she reveals the creative journey behind her latest romantic comedy, "It's Getting Hot in Here." With candor and humor, Jane shares how she's boldly reimagining the rom-com genre with a 47-year-old protagonist navigating perimenopause, teenage children, and unexpected romantic stirrings. After selling over a million copies of her debut novel and publishing 15 books across two decades, Jane offers a fascinating glimpse into her evolution as a writer. Her story begins not with childhood dreams of authorship, but during maternity leave with her first child, when she carved out precious writing time during nap sessions. For anyone who's ever doubted their creative potential, Jane's journey from uncertainty to international success proves that persistence transforms possibility into reality. Whether you're an aspiring writer seeking practical advice or a reader hungry for stories that reflect the richness of midlife experiences, this conversation delivers wisdom and warmth in equal measure. Jane demystifies the writing process with refreshing honesty, sometimes describing it as "like knitting with spaghetti," while celebrating how her latest book flowed with unexpected joy. Her advice to writers—begin with a compelling idea, create a rough plot outline, and treat writing as a marathon rather than a sprint—cuts through creative intimidation with practical clarity. And her message to her younger self? "Relax more and worry less. Things are going to work out okay." Don't miss this inspiring conversation about finding new creative chapters in midlife and beyond. Connect with Jane and purchase her book here: Get a copy of Amy’s Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the The Right Sized Life Podcast share it with the world – a review means so much. And sign up for the Radiant Woman Reset here And don’t forget to follow along on all the socials: http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/

    19 min
  6. 06/25/2025

    EP 216: The Fearless Path to Longevity: Reframing Aging Through Nutrition, Sleep, and Movement

    Michele Cuffe's powerful insights on extending not just lifespan but healthspan will transform how you think about aging. Drawing from evolutionary biology and modern research, she reveals why Europeans can indulge in bread and wine without weight gain while Americans struggle despite "healthy" habits - it's not just what we eat, but how we live. Stress represents the silent epidemic undermining American health, with most of us trapped in a chronic stress response for eight hours daily when it was designed to last mere seconds. Michele shares accessible techniques to break this cycle through simple daily practices requiring just 20 minutes. The conversation tackles sleep quality with alarming statistics - insufficient sleep increases accident risk by 70% and cancer risk by 69% while potentially shortening lifespan by nearly five years. When it comes to nutrition, Michele cuts through fad diet confusion with refreshing clarity: "We were given two categories on this planet - plants and animals." Her practical grocery shopping guidance emphasizes perimeter shopping for organic vegetables and high-quality proteins while explaining why some seemingly healthy options like farm-raised salmon should be avoided entirely. For women over 50, she emphasizes the critical importance of strength training over endless cardio for hormonal balance and longevity. Most movingly, Michele shares her personal journey from stay-at-home mom to fitness instructor to author, proving it's never too late to discover new passions and silence the inner critic. Whether you're just beginning your health journey or looking to optimize your wellness practices, this conversation delivers actionable wisdom for creating a vibrant, energetic life that could extend to 100 years and beyond. Don't miss Michele's practical tips for approaching fitness without intimidation - your future self will thank you. Connect with Michele and purchase her book here: Get a copy of Amy’s Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the The Right Sized Life Podcast share it with the world – a review means so much. And sign up for the Radiant Woman Reset here And don’t forget to follow along on all the socials: http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/

    34 min
  7. 06/12/2025

    EP215: Reinvention After Motherhood you are made for more - Meet Sharon Macey

    Sharon Macey's journey from stay-at-home mom to podcast host and competitive dancer offers a refreshing roadmap for life's second act. The question that guided her wasn't "What do I want to do when I grow up?" but rather "What do I want to do when my kids grow up?"—a subtle distinction that resonates deeply with women navigating the transition from active motherhood to their next chapter. What makes Sharon's approach so accessible is her emphasis on baby steps. "The beauty of taking a baby step is that if it doesn't work, we can pivot," she explains, giving women permission to experiment without the pressure of getting it perfectly right the first time. Her own return to dance after many years away led her to Latin ballroom competitions, complete with spray tans and elaborate costumes—a testament to the joy that comes from reconnecting with forgotten passions. The conversation explores how friendships evolve, family dynamics shift, and faith deepens as we age. Sharon challenges the notion that making friends gets harder with age, noting how her social circle has expanded in her sixties. Both women discuss the intentionality required to maintain connections with adult children while embracing this new phase of life. Most powerfully, Sharon reminds listeners that reinvention is deeply personal: "You do you, and no one does you better than you." Whether that means launching a podcast, playing pickleball, or simply focusing on wellness, the path forward should reflect your unique desires, not external expectations. Ready to take your own baby step toward reinvention? Listen now and discover how the wisdom, resilience, and experience you've gained become your greatest assets in creating life's most meaningful chapters. What will you become when your children grow up? Connect with Sharon and take a listen to her MOM to more podcast here: Get a copy of Amy’s Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the The Right Sized Life Podcast share it with the world – a review means so much. And sign up for the Radiant Woman Reset here And don’t forget to follow along on all the socials: http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/

    32 min
  8. 06/05/2025

    EP214: Finding Time in a World of Chaos: Breaking Free from Over-Achievement

    Have you ever felt like you're doing everything "right" according to everyone else's checklist, yet something feels profoundly missing? Margaret White knows that feeling all too well. As a self-proclaimed recovering perfectionist and former overachiever, she found herself waking up one morning with the stark realization that despite her successful career, marriage, and all the external markers of achievement, she was utterly depleted. This powerful conversation takes us through Margaret's transformative journey from living by others' expectations to discovering what she calls "soul alignment." With refreshing candor, she shares the moment that changed everything – when she canceled her husband from their vacation and spent two weeks alone in the Caribbean, reconnecting with herself and hearing the whispers of her intuition for perhaps the first time in years. Margaret challenges conventional wisdom around work-life balance, suggesting we should instead seek harmony – a dynamic dance that ebbs and flows rather than a tightrope walk of tension. "We were never intended or created to work from depletion," she explains. "We were created to be poured into so that we could then give of our gifts, time, and talent to others." The discussion dives deep into what it means to get over "the overs" – overachieving, overstriving, overfunctioning, overcompensating, and overcommitting. For women who find themselves perpetually stuck in these patterns, Margaret offers practical wisdom for breaking free and creating space for what truly matters. She simplifies the often-elusive concept of alignment: "Alignment really comes down to how you're choosing." Whether you're feeling caught in a hamster wheel of busyness, struggling with permission to prioritize your needs, or simply seeking more meaning in your daily life, Margaret's parting wisdom will stay with you: "Don't shrink to fit into spaces you're not meant to be in." This episode is for anyone ready to move beyond external validation and into the powerful place of living authentically, loving abundantly, and thriving unimaginably. Connect with Margaret and come along on the retreat.  Rise. Reset. Reclaim. An Exclusive 6-Day, 5-Night Experience for Women Ready to Step into Your Next Evolution. Click here for more info. Get a copy of Amy’s Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the The Right Sized Life Podcast share it with the world – a review means so much. And sign up for the Radiant Woman Reset here And don’t forget to follow along on all the socials: http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/

    32 min
4.9
out of 5
94 Ratings

About

You've proven you're brave. You cannonballed into one chapter of your life and showed up fully — for your family, your career, your community, everyone who needed you. You did that. And it mattered. Now you're asking a different question. Not how do I do more? But does this still fit? Welcome to The Right-Sized Life with Amy Schmidt — the podcast for women who are done maintaining the old life and ready to build the true one. Every episode, Amy brings the honest conversation you've been waiting for — the one that sounds less like a self-help seminar and more like a glass of wine with your wisest friend. Real stories. Practical frameworks. Permission to let go of what no longer fits and make room for what actually does. Because a right-sized life isn't about having less. It's about having what fits — so when the moments that matter arrive, you are actually there for them. Amy Schmidt is the founder of Fearlessly Facing Fifty, bestselling author of CANNONBALL! Fearlessly Facing Midlife and Beyond and the forthcoming The Right-Sized Life, TEDx speaker, and one of the most trusted voices in midlife women's media. Go forth and live aligned. 🤍

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