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. 3D AGO

    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
  2. DEC 20

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

    DEC 13

    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
  4. Falling in Love With Your Brain: Midlife Brain Health with Dr. Leonaura Rhodes

    DEC 6

    Falling in Love With Your Brain: Midlife Brain Health with Dr. Leonaura Rhodes

    Stress, memory lapses, and brain fog aren’t just “part of getting older.” In this powerful conversation, Dr. Leonaura Rhodes, a physician turned executive coach, corporate trainer, author, and host of the Mindful Medics podcast, explains why your brain deserves as much love and attention as the rest of your body, especially in midlife. After a career that began in the high-stress world of medicine, Dr. Rhodes experienced her own wake-up call: suffering from stress was not inevitable, and our brains have the power to heal and thrive at any age. Today, she draws from neuroscience, performance psychology, and lived experience, including a personal battle with Covid-related brain inflammation, to help high performers reduce stress, prevent burnout, and optimize brain health. Together, we explore:  • Early, often overlooked signs that your brain may need more care  • Which brain changes are “natural” in midlife  • Small, science-backed habits to protect brain health, even in busy lives  • The surprising role relationships and emotional health play in brain resilience  • Why curiosity and lifelong learning protect against decline  • The truth about dementia and cognitive decline myths  • How to “fall in love with your brain” and why it matters If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to start building brain-healthy habits, this episode will remind you that your brain can recover, rewire, and thrive. Connect with Leonaura: https://www.drleonaurarhodes.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...

    41 min
  5. Middle Age Madness: Finding Humor and Hope Through Menopause with Sarah Stenton

    NOV 29

    Middle Age Madness: Finding Humor and Hope Through Menopause with Sarah Stenton

    What if menopause didn’t have to feel like the end of something and instead could be thought of as the messy, magical middle of becoming someone new? In this episode of Message in the Middle, Marianne sits down with Sarah Stenton a UK based comedian, author, and menopause advocate best known as the creator of Middle Age Madness, to talk about how she turned her most difficult season into a movement of humor, healing, and hope. Sarah shares candidly about her own midlife awakening, how hormonal shifts, identity changes, and unexpected chaos became an invitation to grow, laugh, and reconnect with herself. Together, Marianne and Sarah unpack: Some of the emotional and physical “madness” of menopause Why humor might just be the best (and most underrated) coping toolThe stories we tell ourselves about aging, womanhood, and worth, and how to rewrite themWhat it means to find purpose through the mess, not after itWhether you’re in the thick of it or just starting to notice the signs, this conversation is your reminder that you’re not losing your mind, you’re finding your magic. Connect with Sarah:  Middle Age Madness Face Book Page Sarah's Previous Interview:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1938384/episodes/15012177-laughing-through-middle-age-madness-with-sarah-stenton.mp3?download=true 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...

    51 min
  6. Always Hungry: Healing Emotional Eating and Finding Yourself with Jane McGuinness

    NOV 22

    Always Hungry: Healing Emotional Eating and Finding Yourself with Jane McGuinness

    What if your relationship with food wasn’t really about food at all? In this conversation Marianne sits down with Jane McGuinness, Registered Clinical Counsellor and author of Always Hungry, to unpack the tangled relationship many women have with food, body image, and self-worth. Jane’s story is both raw and deeply relatable, she lost over a hundred pounds, navigated divorce, and raised three children (one autistic/transgender), all while learning to reject the noise of diet culture and make peace with herself. With humor and compassion, she shares how she’s learned to live by love, kindness, and common sense instead of restriction, shame, and self-criticism. Together, Marianne and Jane explore what it means to:  ✨ Heal from emotional eating and find freedom beyond the scale  ✨ Navigate the holidays with balance, mindfulness, and self-compassion  ✨ Raise self-aware, resilient kids in a world obsessed with appearance  ✨ Age with authenticity and acceptance instead of comparison or judgement  ✨ Quiet the critical inner voice that keeps so many of us “always hungry” for something more If you’ve ever struggled with your body, wrestled with guilt around food, or felt caught between self-acceptance and self-improvement, this episode is for you. 🎙️ Listen in to remember you are not broken, you’re becoming. Connect with Jane: https://linktr.ee/janemcguinnesstheauthor 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...

    46 min
  7. Choosing Courage After Tragedy: Valerie Silveira on Finding Strength When Life Breaks You Open

    NOV 15

    Choosing Courage After Tragedy: Valerie Silveira on Finding Strength When Life Breaks You Open

    What do you do when life shatters the story you thought you were living? In this powerful episode of Message in the Middle, Marianne sits down with Valerie Silveira, a woman who has faced unimaginable heartbreak and somehow turned it into a mission to help others rise. When Valerie’s daughter Jamie was shot at 18, she survived, but only to be pulled into addiction by the very medication prescribed to help her heal. Twelve years later, Jamie was murdered. Nearly a decade after that devastating loss, Valerie is still standing, still fighting for justice, and still choosing courage. She’s now an award-winning author, speaker, and podcast host who helps others take down the beasts in their own lives and live with unbreakable courage. In this conversation, Marianne and Valerie explore what it really means to choose courage when it doesn’t come naturally. They talk about how to keep standing when your world collapses, what it looks like to fight for yourself after loss, and how forgiveness and resilience can transform even the darkest chapters into light. If you’ve ever faced a season of loss, grief, or transition, this episode will remind you that you’re not powerless—and you’re never alone. Key Topics: The difference between waiting for courage and choosing itWhat it looks like to fight for yourself after traumaWhy getting back to “normal” isn’t the goalHow forgiveness and resilience can coexistBuilding courage as a daily practice, not a one-time eventGuest Links: Learn more about Valerie and her work at https://valeriesilveira.com/ Follow her on social: @ValerieSilveira Check out her book Burn the Map wherever books are sold Join the conversation: If this episode spoke to you, please share it with a friend who needs to hear it and leave a review—it helps more women find our 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...

    37 min
  8. Stronger Than the Storm: Felicity Ashley on Resilience, Cancer, and Courage

    NOV 8

    Stronger Than the Storm: Felicity Ashley on Resilience, Cancer, and Courage

    When life throws storms our way, we often think we’re at our breaking point. But what if the storm is the very place, we discover our truest, strongest selves? In this episode of Message in the Middle, I sit down with Felicity Ashley, adventurer, mother of three, cancer survivor, former corporate marketer, and motivational speaker, to explore resilience, courage, and the power of saying yes to impossible dreams. Felicity’s story is extraordinary. She set out with three other moms to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic, facing storms, broken equipment, and relentless sleep-deprived nights. What she didn’t know was that she was rowing while living with stage 3 bowel cancer. The strength she unearthed mid-ocean would become the anchor she leaned on through diagnosis, chemotherapy, surgery, and recovery. In this conversation, Felicity shares:  ✨ How ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things  ✨ The mindset shifts that transform fear into fuel  ✨ What resilience really looks like when life changes in an instant  ✨ The role of community, support, and daily habits in surviving and thriving  ✨ Tactical advice for listeners navigating their own storms Her memoir, Stronger Than the Storm, is a raw and inspiring reminder that our greatest strength often surfaces in our hardest battles. If you’ve ever doubted your own resilience, this episode will give you hope, perspective, and practical steps to face your own challenges head-on. Connect with Felicity:   Website:  https://www.felicityashley.comBook:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1068489103LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/felicityashleyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/felicityashleyspeaker/ 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
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.

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