Message In The Middle

Marianne DeMello-Smith

This podcast is a safe and supportive space for listeners to explore life's challenging lessons and gain inspiration for their personal development journey. Through a variety of engaging formats, including interviews, book clubs, master classes, and discussions, the podcast delves into topics related to perseverance, self-empowerment, and self-discovery. With a focus on sharing expertise, inspiring stories and insights from a diverse range of voices, the podcast aims to help listeners navigate difficult experiences, provide hope and inspiration, and develop the resilience and strength needed to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.At its core, this podcast is a platform for personal growth and development. It provides a welcoming space for listeners to explore life's toughest lessons and learn from others who have overcome similar challenges. Through a variety of formats, including interviews with experts and everyday people, book clubs featuring thought-provoking works, and discussions focused on specific topics, listeners are exposed to a range of perspectives and ideas that can help them on their own personal journeys. One of the key themes of this podcast is perseverance. Many of the stories shared on the show highlight the importance of pushing through difficult times and not giving up, even when the odds seem insurmountable. Whether it's overcoming eating disorders, grief, addiction, navigating a health crisis, or dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic experience, the podcast emphasizes the resilience and strength of the human spirit. Another important theme of the podcast is self-empowerment. Listeners are encouraged to take control of their own lives and pursue their goals with confidence and determination. By sharing stories of individuals who have transformed their lives through hard work and self-discovery, the podcast inspires listeners to believe in their own potential and take steps to create the life they want and to recognize that we are all capable of rewiring our thoughts and behaviors.  Finally, the podcast is focused on self-discovery. Through discussions and interviews, listeners are encouraged to explore their own values, beliefs, and desires, and to gain a deeper understanding of themselves. By reflecting on their own experiences and learning from the stories of others, listeners can gain valuable insights that can help them navigate life's challenges and live more fulfilling lives. Overall, this podcast is a powerful resource for anyone seeking inspiration, guidance, and support on their personal development journey. By exploring life's difficult lessons through inspiring stories, interviews, book clubs, and discussions, listeners can gain the tools they need to persevere through tough times, empower themselves to achieve their goals, and discover their true selves.

  1. Turning Heartbreak Into Art: Nikki Allen on Healing, Identity & Reinvention

    5D AGO

    Turning Heartbreak Into Art: Nikki Allen on Healing, Identity & Reinvention

    In this powerful conversation, Marianne sits down with author and creative visionary Nikki Allen, whose novel Loved You, Hated You began as a song, became a screenplay, and ultimately transformed into a raw, emotionally charged exploration of heartbreak, identity loss, and choosing yourself again. Nikki opens up about surviving an emotionally abusive relationship, the kind that doesn’t leave physical bruises but quietly erodes your voice, your clarity, and your sense of self. Through creativity, spirituality, and storytelling, she rebuilt her identity piece by piece  and today she’s sharing how midlife women can do the same. Together, they explore:  • Healing after emotional betrayal  • Reclaiming identity when you’ve lost yourself in love  • How creativity helps us process pain  • Turning trauma into transformation  • The power of midlife reinvention  • Using storytelling as a path back to your voice  • Nikki’s advocacy around homelessness and resilience If you’ve ever loved too hard, stayed too long, or struggled to find yourself again after heartbreak, this is an episode that will stay with you. Connect with Nikki: • Website: https://officialnikkiallen.com/  Connect with Marianne: Website: Message In The Middle with Marianne Message In the Middle Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966 Email: Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne Subscribe to Message In the Middle: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content. Keep the conversation going - Join us for more insightful conversations in the Message in the Middle Private Facebook Community & subscribe to Message in th...

    39 min
  2. From Fight, Flight, or Freeze to Ease: Reconnecting with Your Nervous System with Kelly Hale

    JAN 24

    From Fight, Flight, or Freeze to Ease: Reconnecting with Your Nervous System with Kelly Hale

    If you’ve ever felt like your body and your mind were working against you—stuck in stress, burnout, or exhaustion—this episode is for you. Marianne sits down with Kelly Hale, a wellness practitioner with over 25 years of experience as an occupational therapist, restorative movement specialist, and nervous system regulation expert. Kelly’s not your typical wellness voice—she’s a self-proclaimed former meditation dropout who discovered that healing doesn’t come from doing more, but from listening within. Through her Gutsy Brain Movement, Kelly helps people move from fight, flight, or freeze into ease by blending nervous system regulation, gut health, and gentle, intentional movement. In this conversation, Kelly shares how her own health struggles with celiac disease and fertility challenges deepened her understanding of the body’s innate wisdom—and how we can all learn to trust our own bodies again. Together, Marianne and Kelly explore:  ✅ What nervous system regulation really means (and why it matters in midlife)  ✅ How gut health and emotional well-being are connected  ✅ What it looks like to rebuild trust with your body after years of disconnect  ✅ Simple, everyday practices to calm anxiety and restore balance  ✅ Why “healing” doesn’t have to be complicated If you’re ready to trade stress for self-awareness and exhaustion for ease, this episode will remind you that everything you need to heal already lives within you. Connect with Kelly: Website:  https://inspiredwell.com/Inner Peace Freebie: https://inspiredwell.com/innerpeaceIG:  https://www.instagram.com/inspired2wellness/FB:  https://www.facebook.com/inspiredwellnesskelly Connect with Marianne: Website: Message In The Middle with Marianne Message In the Middle Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966 Email: Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne Subscribe to Message In the Middle: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content. Keep the conversation going - Join us for more insightful conversations in the Message in the Middle Private Facebook Community & subscribe to Message in th...

    47 min
  3. You’re Not Broken, You’re Wired Differently: ADHD, Midlife, and Thriving with Jorie Houlihan

    JAN 17

    You’re Not Broken, You’re Wired Differently: ADHD, Midlife, and Thriving with Jorie Houlihan

    What happens when you realize in midlife that your brain has been playing by a completely different rulebook all along? In this episode of Message in the Middle, host Marianne DeMello-Smith sits down with Jorie Houlihan, Your Guide for the Dopamine Deprived™️—an ADHD life coach, speaker, and host of ADHD &... with Jorie Houlihan. After being diagnosed with ADHD at 49, Jorie’s world began to make sense in ways it never had before. But the true transformation came not from the diagnosis itself, but from unlearning decades of self-blame and learning how to create systems that actually work for her unique brain. Together, Marianne and Jorie unpack:  💡 What ADHD really looks like in adult women (and why it’s often missed)  💡 The emotional rollercoaster of diagnosis including the relief, grief, and everything in between  💡 How to tell the difference between ADHD traits and unrealistic self-expectations  💡 Real-world strategies to build confidence and reduce overwhelm  💡 How to support loved ones who are learning to manage ADHD later in life If you’ve ever wondered why you struggle with focus, time, or rest, or you’re ready to stop forcing yourself into neurotypical molds, this conversation is for you. 👉 Tune in to discover why your brain isn’t broken, it’s just beautifully different. Connect with Jorie:   https://joriehoulihan.com https://theadhdandpodcast.com Connect with Marianne: Website: Message In The Middle with Marianne Message In the Middle Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966 Email: Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne Subscribe to Message In the Middle: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content. Keep the conversation going - Join us for more insightful conversations in the Message in the Middle Private Facebook Community & subscribe to Message in th...

    44 min
  4. The Power of Storytelling: How to Rewrite Your Life with Shaunna Lee

    JAN 10

    The Power of Storytelling: How to Rewrite Your Life with Shaunna Lee

    In this episode of Message in the Middle, we’re exploring something deeply human and undeniably powerful: the stories we tell about ourselves and how changing them can change everything. I’m joined by Shaunna Lee, bestselling author, coach, and passionate advocate for rewriting your inner narrative so you can step into a life that feels aligned, empowered, and true. Together, we talk about how stories shape identity, influence confidence, and often keep us stuck without even realizing it. Shaunna shares her own journey of reframing old beliefs, finding her voice, and choosing a story that supported the life she wanted instead of the one she felt tied to. We dig into why midlife is the perfect time for this kind of transformation, how to challenge narratives that no longer serve you, and what it really looks like to reclaim authorship of your life. If you’ve ever felt defined by your past or if you're ready to write a new chapter grounded in truth, compassion, and strength, then this conversation is for you. Connect with Shaunna:  https://www.shaunnalee.com Connect with Marianne: Website: Message In The Middle with Marianne Message In the Middle Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966 Email: Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne Subscribe to Message In the Middle: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content. Keep the conversation going - Join us for more insightful conversations in the Message in the Middle Private Facebook Community & subscribe to Message in th...

    42 min
  5. You’re Not Giving Something Up, You’re Taking Yourself Back: Lauren Fay on Sobriety, Self-Trust, and Midlife Confidence

    JAN 3

    You’re Not Giving Something Up, You’re Taking Yourself Back: Lauren Fay on Sobriety, Self-Trust, and Midlife Confidence

    Many women in midlife begin to question habits they once accepted without much thought, for some that includes their relationship with alcohol.  In this episode of Message in the Middle, Marianne sits down with alcohol-free empowerment coach, keynote speaker, and author Lauren Fay for an honest, compassionate conversation about reclaiming your power and choosing a more conscious way of living. Lauren shares what life looked like before she stopped drinking in 2018, and why she doesn’t frame sobriety as a loss, but as an act of self-trust and self-respect. Together, they explore how alcohol can quietly shape identity, relationships, confidence, and intuition, often without us realizing it. This conversation isn’t about labels or perfection. It’s about awareness, choice, and what becomes possible when you stop numbing and start listening. In this episode, we talk about: Why midlife is often the moment women begin questioning alcohol’s role in their livesReframing sobriety as reclaiming power rather than giving something upSubtle signs of an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, even without addictionNavigating relationships and social situations while living alcohol-freeRebuilding identity outside of drinking cultureLetting go of shame and secrecy and learning to live more openlyHow sobriety can activate confidence, ambition, and deeper self-trustReimagining joy, rest, and celebration without alcoholWhether you’re sober-curious, taking a break, or simply reflecting on how you want to feel in this season of life, this episode offers permission to choose yourself. Connect with Lauren: Website: https://laurenfaycoaching.com/Grab The Book: https://laurenfay.co/book Connect with Marianne: Website: Message In The Middle with Marianne Message In the Middle Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966 Email: Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne Subscribe to Message In the Middle: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content. Keep the conversation going - Join us for more insightful conversations in the Message in the Middle Private Facebook Community & subscribe to Message in th...

    34 min
  6. 12/27/2025

    You’re Not Broken; You’re Becoming: A Solo Episode of 2025 Reflections As We Enter a New Year

    As we come to the end of the year and step into a new one, this episode of Message in the Middle is meant to feel like a bridge between seasons. Instead of a detailed recap, Marianne reflects on the themes that showed up again and again in conversations throughout the year and reminds us why they matter so deeply for women in midlife. In this episode, we explore: Why feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or emotional doesn’t mean you’re brokenHow identity shifts in midlife are not a crisis, but an invitationWhy rest is not a reward you earn, but a necessityThe importance of connection and communityMarianne also shares a personal note as she heads into a two-week vacation, practicing what she often talks about, slowing down, letting go of perfection, and creating meaningful memories with her kids and grandkids (the thing she loves most). This episode is a reminder that midlife isn’t about winding down, it’s about waking up.  You’re not behind. You’re not broken. You’re just becoming. If this podcast has supported you this year, please be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any episodes in the new year. Subscribing and leaving a review helps more women find these conversations and this community. Connect with Marianne: Website: Message In The Middle with Marianne Message In the Middle Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966 Email: Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne Subscribe to Message In the Middle: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content. Keep the conversation going - Join us for more insightful conversations in the Message in the Middle Private Facebook Community & subscribe to Message in th...

    13 min
  7. 12/20/2025

    Your Midday Reset: A Few Minutes to Breathe, Pause, and Come Back to Yourself

    If life has been feeling loud, heavy, or just a little too fast lately, this short, guided reset might be just what you didn't know you needed.   In today’s mini episode of Message in the Middle, I’m inviting you to step out of the swirl, take a breath, and settle into the pause between everything you’ve been carrying. This isn’t about meditating “the right way.”  It’s simply a few minutes to slow down, soften your shoulders, quiet the noise, and remember you’re allowed to rest, even in the middle of it all. In this episode, you’ll experience:  • A simple, grounding pause  • Gentle breath cues to help reset your nervous system  • A reminder that you don’t have to hold everything at once  • A moment to reconnect with yourself… without judgment or pressure If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, overwhelmed, or disconnected, this is your space to breathe again. ✨ Take these few minutes. You deserve them. If this reset helps you, please share it with a friend who might need a moment of calm today. Connect with Marianne: Website: Message In The Middle with Marianne Message In the Middle Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966 Email: Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne Subscribe to Message In the Middle: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content. Keep the conversation going - Join us for more insightful conversations in the Message in the Middle Private Facebook Community & subscribe to Message in th...

    10 min
  8. Midlife Momentum with Steve Gamlin: Vision Boards, Action & the Confidence to Begin Again

    12/13/2025

    Midlife Momentum with Steve Gamlin: Vision Boards, Action & the Confidence to Begin Again

    In today’s episode of Message in the Middle, I’m joined by the one and only Steve Gamlin, speaker, author, storyteller, vision-board expert, and “The Motivational Firewood® Guy.” If you’ve ever felt stuck in the middle of your life, unsure of your next step, or wondering if you’re too late to dream something new, this conversation will remind you just how much is still possible. Steve shares how his own twists and turns, rock bottom moments included, led him to a life built on service, intention, and the simple-but-powerful daily practice of showing up. We talk about why vision boards actually work, how to move from wishing to action, and how to rebuild confidence when life has knocked you down more than once. Inside this episode, we explore: Why midlife can be the moment for redefining your goals and identityHow visualization really worksWhat to do when you feel paralyzed by overwhelm or “starting over syndrome”How small, imperfect actions build long-term transformationWhy self-worth is tied to how we talk to ourselvesThe power of service, gratitude, and paying attention to what’s going rightPractical steps you can take today to move forwardIf you’re craving hope, direction, or a gentle nudge, this episode will speak right to the middle of your life and your heart. Connect with Steve: Website FBLinkedIn  Connect with Marianne: Website: Message In The Middle with Marianne Message In the Middle Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966 Email: Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne Subscribe to Message In the Middle: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content. Keep the conversation going - Join us for more insightful conversations in the Message in the Middle Private Facebook Community & subscribe to Message in th...

    41 min
5
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

This podcast is a safe and supportive space for listeners to explore life's challenging lessons and gain inspiration for their personal development journey. Through a variety of engaging formats, including interviews, book clubs, master classes, and discussions, the podcast delves into topics related to perseverance, self-empowerment, and self-discovery. With a focus on sharing expertise, inspiring stories and insights from a diverse range of voices, the podcast aims to help listeners navigate difficult experiences, provide hope and inspiration, and develop the resilience and strength needed to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.At its core, this podcast is a platform for personal growth and development. It provides a welcoming space for listeners to explore life's toughest lessons and learn from others who have overcome similar challenges. Through a variety of formats, including interviews with experts and everyday people, book clubs featuring thought-provoking works, and discussions focused on specific topics, listeners are exposed to a range of perspectives and ideas that can help them on their own personal journeys. One of the key themes of this podcast is perseverance. Many of the stories shared on the show highlight the importance of pushing through difficult times and not giving up, even when the odds seem insurmountable. Whether it's overcoming eating disorders, grief, addiction, navigating a health crisis, or dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic experience, the podcast emphasizes the resilience and strength of the human spirit. Another important theme of the podcast is self-empowerment. Listeners are encouraged to take control of their own lives and pursue their goals with confidence and determination. By sharing stories of individuals who have transformed their lives through hard work and self-discovery, the podcast inspires listeners to believe in their own potential and take steps to create the life they want and to recognize that we are all capable of rewiring our thoughts and behaviors.  Finally, the podcast is focused on self-discovery. Through discussions and interviews, listeners are encouraged to explore their own values, beliefs, and desires, and to gain a deeper understanding of themselves. By reflecting on their own experiences and learning from the stories of others, listeners can gain valuable insights that can help them navigate life's challenges and live more fulfilling lives. Overall, this podcast is a powerful resource for anyone seeking inspiration, guidance, and support on their personal development journey. By exploring life's difficult lessons through inspiring stories, interviews, book clubs, and discussions, listeners can gain the tools they need to persevere through tough times, empower themselves to achieve their goals, and discover their true selves.