Forty Drinks: The Podcast About Turning 40 Stephanie McLaughlin

In the 100th episode of the Forty Drinks Podcast, Stephanie welcomes her longtime friend Adrian Walker for a heartfelt and reflective conversation. They reminisce about their first meeting at Fenway Park in 1991, tracing the evolution of their enduring friendship and the significant life transitions they've experienced. Adrian shares insights into his career as a journalist, including impactful projects and his journey into sobriety, which reshaped his personal and professional life. They also delve into Adrian's recent venture into podcasting with the successful "Murder in Boston" series. Throughout the episode, they explore themes of aging, transformation, and the sustaining power of friendship. Join Stephanie and Adrian as they celebrate this milestone episode with stories of past adventures and the lessons they've learned along the way.
Guest Bio Adrian Walker writes a twice-weekly column, focusing on politics and local news. A native of Miami, he joined the Globe in 1989 as a general assignment reporter, after three years at the Miami News. Walker was a member of the Globe Spotlight Team that was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for local reporting in 2018 for the series “Boston. Race. Image.Reality.” He is a frequent  commentator on political and social justice issues - including the Netflix documentary “Trial 4” - and was the host of the Globe’s award-winning nine-part podcast “Murder in Boston” on the Stuart murder case. He was the Globe’s City Hall bureau chief, State House reporter and deputy political editor before becoming a Metro columnist in 1998. He was named an Associate Editor of the Globe in 2021.
From Fenway to Forever: Celebrating 30 Years of FriendshipEpisode 100: A Journey Through the Decades: Friendship and Transformation with Adrian Walker
In this milestone 100th episode of the Forty Drinks Podcast, Stephanie sits down with her long-time friend and esteemed journalist, Adrian Walker. They dive deep into their shared past, exploring the pivotal moments that have defined their friendship since 1991. Adrian opens up about his transformative journey through his 40s, discussing his career highlights, personal growth, and the profound impact of sobriety on his life.
Episode Highlights:
Memorable Meeting: Adrian and Stephanie reminisce about their first encounter at Fenway Park in 1991, marking the beginning of a decades-long friendship.Career Milestones: Adrian shares his experiences of landing his dream job at 36 and the significant projects he has worked on, including a Pulitzer Prize-nominated series on racism in Boston.Sobriety and Self-Discovery: Adrian discusses his decision to become sober and how it has reshaped his perspective and lifestyle.Podcasting Venture: Adrian talks about his role as the host of the successful podcast "Murder in Boston," detailing the challenges and rewards of this new medium.Reflections on Aging and Friendship: Both Stephanie and Adrian reflect on the nature of aging, the impact of milestone birthdays, and the reasons their friendship has endured over three decades.
Today’s episode is a heartfelt reflection on friendship, change, and the milestones that come with aging. Stephanie and Adrian’s conversation provides an intimate look at the dynamics of a long-lasting friendship and the personal transformations that often accompany life’s second act. Their stories remind us of the importance of connection, resilience, and embracing change at any stage of life.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating, following, and reviewing the Forty Drinks Podcast. Your feedback helps us grow and continue bringing you engaging content each week!
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Julie Hutsell-Starling was in her mid 30s and in the middle of a toxic relationship she couldn’t extract herself from when she heard a song that changed everything. It was the catalyst to finally leave this relationship and start the healing process. When she started dating again, she was so clear on what she wanted that the dates were actually interviews. After roughly 50 first dates she met the man she would eventually marry. Now that she had found a wonderful, loving relationship, it ignited the spark inside her to find something that was as good a fit in the professional realm as her relationship was in the personal realm.
Guest Bio Since 2000, Dr. Julie Hutsell-Starling, DACM, L.Ac has been discovering, studying, and experiencing the mind/body connection and multiple energetic modalities that allow you to tap into your body’s innate sense of balance, health, and well-being.
Her personal journey started when she was just 27 and diagnosed with chronic pain. While healing herself, she discovered acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, which she found helpful with the pain and more importantly, helped her get to the root cause of the pain, which has kept it from returning all these years. 
Importantly, her career has also been her greatest teacher. She struggled with burnout off and on for years in private acupuncture practice no matter how much self-care she did, and it wasn’t until she understood the real root cause of the burnout, that the symptoms finally went away and have stayed away. 
Dr. Julie loves to guide her clients to get to the root cause of their challenges. When you address the root cause instead of chasing the symptoms, that is how you find true healing, and how you re-find the creativity, joy, inspiration, ease, and flow in your work, your relationships, and in your life. 
Dr. Julie teaches her clients self-healing techniques they can use daily or anytime they need, because she is passionate about putting the power and control back in their hands, and guiding them to connect with their intuition and inner knowing that has been there all along to reclaim their highest healing.
Dr. Julie is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, a Certified Health Coach, a Soul Realignment Akashic Records Practitioner, and a Kundalini Yoga Teacher. She has been working with patients/clients since 2005 and has worked with thousands of patients and coaching clients in private practice. 
Dr. Julie lives in Beaufort, NC on the beautiful Crystal Coast, with her husband and three kitties.
Turning 40 and Going on 50 First DatesIn this week’s episode, Stephanie sits down with Julie Hutsell-Starling, who learned to love herself  and then redefined her romantic life and career in midlife. Julie shares her raw and touching story of growing up with an alcoholic mother, battling through toxic relationships, and ultimately finding her true self and love. Her journey is not just about overcoming, but about thriving and rediscovering her passion in a way that aligns with her true self.
Episode Highlights
Julie discusses her challenging childhood with an alcoholic and abusive mother, which shaped her early years and self-perception.She opens up about her journey through toxic relationships, including a pivotal moment that led her to end a particularly damaging relationship.Julie's transformative experience in Italy as a foreign exchange student that opened her eyes to different ways of living and loving.Julie's inspiring story of meeting her husband, how online dating played a role, and the intuitive moment she knew she had found her true companion.The significant impact of a career in acupuncture, how burnout led her to reevaluate her life, and the eventual shift towards a practice that aligns more closely with her soul’s purpose.The evolution of her professional...

Corey Stulce from the Family Twist podcast hosts a special "pod swap" episode of the Forty Drinks podcast with guest Jordan Elizabeth Braxton. In this engaging conversation, Jordan shares the intimate and powerful story of her transition journey. From her early realizations and the challenges faced within a religious family to the life-changing moment of discovering she was intersex, Jordan opens up about her struggles and triumphs. She discusses the pivotal decision to transition, the impact on her personal and professional life, and the overwhelming support she received from her family. Through laughter and tears, Corey and Jordan highlight the importance of authenticity, resilience, and the unconditional love that makes such journeys possible.
Guest Bio Jordan Elizabeth Braxton is a drag performer, advocate for HIV prevention and sexual health, Director of Diversity and Inclusion for Pride St. Louis, LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee Chairwoman for the City of St. Louis, activist, volunteer, transgender advocate and pageant queen.
Pod Swap with Family TwistSummary
Jordan shares her journey of transitioning and coming out as transgender. She discusses how she always knew she was a girl and the challenges she faced growing up in a religious African-American family. Jordan talks about her medical discovery of being intersex and going through hormone replacement therapy. She also shares her experience of coming out to her family, who were accepting and supportive. Jordan highlights the importance of sharing her story to educate others about the transgender experience and dispel misconceptions. Corey Stulce and Jordan discuss her career as a drag queen, her activism in the LGBTQ+ community, and her experiences with gender affirmation surgery. Corey talks about her early days as a drag queen, where she entertained audiences with her quick wit and ability to read people. She also discusses her involvement in activism, particularly during the HIV epidemic, and her advocacy for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. Jordan shares her experiences competing in trans pageants and her excitement for the Miss America film division. She also reflects on her gender affirmation surgery and the happiness it has brought her. The conversation concludes with a discussion about their time working together on a production of Steel Magnolias and the joy they found in the theater community.
Highlights of the episode:
Transitioning is a personal journey that involves coming out socially, medically, and professionally.Acceptance and support from family and friends can make a significant difference in a transgender person's experience.Misconceptions and misinformation about transgender individuals and gender-affirming care are prevalent and harmful.Drag queens have played a significant role in the LGBTQ+ community, providing support and paving the way for LGBTQ+ rights.Sharing personal stories and experiences can help educate others and promote understanding and acceptance. Jordan's career as a drag queen was built on her quick wit and ability to entertain audiences with her reading skills.She has been an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, particularly during the HIV epidemic, and has been involved in activism to raise awareness and fight for the rights of the community.Jordan is excited to compete in trans pageants and the Miss America film division, as it allows her to showcase her activism and positive representation of trans women.Her gender affirmation surgery has brought her immense happiness, and she encourages others to never take no for an answer and to pursue their dreams.Working together on a production of Steel Magnolias was a memorable and joyful experience for Corey and Jordan, highlighting the importance of community and the theater arts.
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In this week’s episode of Forty Drinks, Stephanie talks with Erik DeRosa about his profound midlife transition and struggle with mental health. Erik grew up with severe anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder, masking it under a facade for 25 years while pursuing a high-pressure career on Wall Street. At age 33, a dissociative episode forced him to confront his mental health issues and seek therapy. His life took a transformative turn when he discovered skiing, a passion that ultimately led him to leave his finance career and become a ski instructor in Colorado. Eric's story emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health struggles, and how following one's passion can lead to a fulfilling and happier life.
Guest Bio Erik DaRosa, known by friends as “Yoda,” is the Founder and CEO of From Survivor to Thriver, a mental health advocate, speaker, author and Co-host of the popular From Survivor to Thriver podcast. Through his work and his own lived experience, Erik is upending the front-end of the mental health space and building a bridge between those who seek resources and those who provide both help and hope. Each week on his podcast, he tackles different mental health topics through honest and relatable "kitchen table" conversations with real people who are helping to shatter mental health stigmas and find their voices. He aims to normalize discussions around mental health topics and remind his audience they are not alone, there is strength in community and "it's perfectly ok to not always be ok."
In 2011, Erik traded in a successful career as a NYC finance executive when he moved to Colorado with his wife and two cats. Erik spent twelve winters as a ski instructor for the Aspen Skiing Company before retiring in the Spring of 2023.
Born and raised in New England, Erik earned his MBA from the NYU Stern School of Business and his BA in Economics from Brandeis University. He lives in Colorado with his wife Amy and two cats, Lincoln and Taylor.
Turning 40 and Changing the Things that Muck with Your Mental HealthThis week, Stephanie sits down with Erik DaRosa, a former Wall Street banker who found solace and a new beginning in the snowy mountains of Colorado. Erik shares his compelling story of battling severe anxiety and OCD from a young age, and how a midlife pivot at 40 led him to a transformative journey in skiing and mental health advocacy. Join us as Erik opens up about the challenges he faced, the revelations in therapy, and how skiing became not just a hobby but a lifeline.
Highlights of the Episode:
Erik’s early struggles with severe anxiety and OCD, and how these challenges were masked during his youth and early professional life.The pivotal moment at age 33 when a dissociative episode during a drive forced Erik to seek help and begin confronting his mental health issues.How a therapist’s unusual suggestion to try skiing led Erik to discover a passion that was transformative, both mentally and physically.Erik’s transition from a high-pressure finance career in New York to becoming a ski instructor in Snowmass, Colorado, embracing a healthier lifestyle and community.The launch of Erik’s mental health podcast, "From Survivor to Thriver," and his upcoming program, U-MOST (Unlocking Minds on Snow Together), which combines skiing with mental health healing practices.
Today’s episode is a profound look at how midlife can be a turning point for profound personal transformation. Erik’s journey from the trading floors of Wall Street to the ski slopes of Colorado is not just about changing careers; it’s about discovering and embracing a new way of life that prioritizes mental health, passion, and community. His upcoming U-MOST program is set to offer others the therapeutic benefits of skiing, showing that it’s never too late to find your true calling and heal.
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In today’s episode, Jeff Glauser shares his transformative journey from feeling stuck and unfulfilled in his mid-thirties to finding purpose and stability in his forties. Coming from a background in sports journalism, Jeff struggled with imposter syndrome and missed opportunities. Faced with financial hardships and personal setbacks, including a bankruptcy and his marriage ending, Jeff sought a path to reinvention. Through establishing ten daily habits centered on self-improvement and simplicity—such as exercise, meditation, and financial organization—Jeff slowly rebuilt his life. His story unfolds into a tale of self-discovery, resilience, and the power of incremental change, ultimately culminating in a meaningful new career and a fulfilling relationship.
Guest Bio After waking up to a panic attack on his 42nd birthday broke, unemployed, and soon to be divorced, Jeff Glauser finally figured out a system to unstick himself. The former journalist, professor, and sales manager committed to a series of simple daily habits that changed his entire trajectory. Now the founder of Brandscribed, he helps other high performers change their brand narrative and create the next chapter of their lives.
Turning 40 and Embracing the Bare MinimumIn this episode of the Forty Drinks Podcast, Stephanie sits down with Jeff Glauser, who navigated through a profound midlife transformation. From battling the depths of career dissatisfaction and personal turmoil, including a challenging marriage and financial woes, Jeff shares his journey of rediscovery and how he reshaped his life into one of fulfillment and success. His story is not just about overcoming, but about the strategic and mindful steps he took to rebuild his life from the ground up.
Episode Highlights:
Jeff discusses his early career aspirations and the repeated setbacks that led to a loss of confidence and the onset of imposter syndrome.He shares the pivotal moment on his 42nd birthday that acted as a wake-up call, leading him to develop a set of daily habits that fundamentally changed his life.Jeff talks about the end of his marriage and how hitting rock bottom was both a challenge and a catalyst for change.The transformational power of simple daily habits that helped Jeff regain control of his life, including meditation, exercise, gratitude and managing finances.Jeff’s journey to finding love again, where a simple first date after his separation turned into a life-changing relationship.His career shift into leveraging his storytelling skills to help others in their professional branding, inspired by his own experiences and challenges.
Jeff’s story is a testament to the fact that it’s never too late to change your life and find fulfillment. His methodical approach to establishing daily habits that foster personal and professional growth is not only inspiring but also actionable for anyone feeling stuck in their own life. This episode is a must-listen for anyone facing midlife challenges or seeking to reinvent themselves. It’s a reminder that with the right mindset and tools, transformation is within reach.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating, following, and reviewing the podcast. Your feedback helps us bring more inspiring stories like Jeff’s to listeners who are navigating their own midlife transformations.
Guest Resources
Jeff’s Offer for Forty Drinks Listeners: Become An Expert Brand Master Class
Connect with Jeff on Facebook
Building a StoryBrand, by Donald Miller
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In this episode of the Forty Drinks Podcast, Gregory Halpen discusses his transformative journey from a tumultuous youth to finding stability and purpose in midlife. Gregory shares his struggles with substance misuse, the allure and challenges of life in New York City, and a life-altering battle with cancer at age 46, which led him to reevaluate his life, ultimately grounding himself and pursuing his passion for the arts more seriously. Gregory's story is a vivid example of resilience and the power of personal rebirth, offering hope and inspiration to those navigating their own midlife transitions. Join Stephanie and Gregory as they explore the profound impact of life’s trials and the beauty of emerging with a renewed sense of direction and fulfillment.
Guest Bio Gregory has 30+ years’ experience as a gay men’s leadership coach, solo theater artist, stage & TV actor, and singer. Gregory teaches solo-theater artists how to get out of their head so they can openly create from the heart.
Turning 40, Conquering Cancer and Planting RootsIn this episode of the Forty Drinks Podcast, Stephanie McLaughlin sits down with Gregory Halpen, who shares his transformative midlife journey from a tumultuous youth and early adulthood marked by instability, trauma, and an ungrounded lifestyle. Gregory talks about the internal conflicts he faced, battling imposter syndrome and past traumas, and how these issues hindered his professional and personal growth. He also recounts a life-altering battle with Hodgkin's lymphoma at age 46, which spurred a dramatic shift in his perspective and lifestyle.
From battling substance misuse and anxiety to overcoming a cancer diagnosis, Gregory’s narrative is a compelling tale of resilience, renewal, and the power of staying true to one’s passions despite life’s upheavals. He takes us from his time as a tumbleweed to a grounded performer. 
Episode Highlights:
Early Struggles: Gregory discusses his challenging upbringing in a family grappling with addiction and how it shaped his early years.
New York, New York: The allure of NYC and how it played a pivotal role in both the challenges and opportunities in his life, including his repeated moves to and from the city.
Facing Cancer: Gregory opens up about his diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma at 46, describing it as a major turning point that pushed him to truly confront his life’s direction.
Artistic Pursuits: Insights into Gregory’s evolving career in theater and music, highlighting his current projects and how he channels his experiences into his creative work.
Personal Growth: How therapy and personal development have helped him navigate through anxiety, build healthier relationships, and foster a more grounded existence.
Gregory's story is a testament to resilience, illustrating how therapy, self-discovery, and a grounded approach led to personal and professional fulfillment. It is a vivid reminder that personal rebirth is possible, and sometimes, the most profound growth happens when we find ourselves rooted in our true passions. This episode offers insights and inspiration for those facing their own midlife transitions and seeking a path to a more intentional, grounded life.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating, following, and reviewing the podcast. Your feedback not only helps us grow but also inspires us to bring more inspiring stories like Gregory’s to you. 
Guest ResourcesConnect with Gregory on Facebook 
Connect with Gregory on Instagram 
Connect with Gregory on TikTok
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