Malibu & Me with Jen Rouse

Welcome to Malibu & Me, the podcast where new beginnings meet ocean breezes and life in your 50s finally starts to feel like yours. I'm Jen Rouse—mom of two, recent empty nester, and a woman who made the bold decision to leave Park City behind and return home to Malibu to reconnect with my family, my roots, and ultimately, myself. For years, like so many of us, I lived in service to everyone else. I was the chauffeur, the chef, the crisis negotiator, the tutor, the cheerleader, the emotional glue—the one who made it all run. And I wouldn't trade those years for anything. But now, the kids have flown the nest, and I'm standing on the coastline asking: What does this next chapter look like for me? This is a season of reinvention—of rediscovering passions, healing old stories, and rewriting new ones. From navigating life after long-term marriage, to dipping a toe (or maybe a whole foot) into dating at 50, to rebuilding identity, routines, and confidence—nothing is off limits. Think of this as your weekly reset in the middle of your own beautiful comeback. We're talking real life, real struggles, real joy, and the courage it takes to start over in midlife… with plenty of laughs, candid moments, and Malibu magic sprinkled in. So pour your wine—or your green juice—and slip into your comfiest sweats. Join me every Wednesday as we explore what it really means to create a life you love in your 50s and beyond. This is Malibu & Me. A fresh start. A brave new chapter. And finally… it's about you, too. Follow along on IG, TikTok & Facebook @MalibuAndMePodcast

  1. May 28

    Midlife Reset: Tapping Into 'The Four Agreements' with Lauren of Human Design Malibu Part 2

    Ep. 60 - Jen, Lauren, and Kimberly conclude their deep-dive conversation on don Miguel Ruiz's life-changing book, The Four Agreements. The episode kicks off with a look at how understanding the second agreement—Don't Take Anything Personally—allows you to reclaim your personal power and protect your inner peace. Jen vulnerably shares her own mid-life transformation, detailing her journey away from a people-pleasing corporate mindset toward stronger boundaries and self-discovery as an empty nester. They also touch upon the third agreement (Don't Make Assumptions) and the final agreement (Always Do Your Best). Through the lenses of self-awareness, human design, and daily intentions, this episode is a beautiful guide to letting go of judgment, embracing authenticity, and learning to begin again. Chapter Timestamps 00:00 – Reclaiming Your Power (Agreement #2) 01:00 – Jen's Transformation & Setting Boundaries 01:54 – The Art of Saying "No" Without Over-Explaining 02:49 – Using Humor to Deflect PTA Pressure 03:41 – Projections, Proving Worth, and Aging 04:36 – Energetic Alignment and Letting Go of People 06:05 – Assumptions and Compassion (Agreement #3) 06:58 – Self-Awareness, Checking In, and Human Design 08:14 – Doing Your Best & One Day at a Time (Agreement #4)   Follow Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/humandesignmalibu/ Follow Jen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialjenrouse/  Follow Malibu & Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malibuandmepodcast/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iconicnationmedia

    22 min
  2. May 21

    Midlife Reset: Tapping Into 'The Four Agreements' with Lauren of Malibu Human Design

    Ep. 59 - Jen is joined by two of her favorite people: Lauren from Malibu Human Design producer Kimberly Lovi. Jen, having recently attended an incredible workshop with Lauren, knew she had to bring this conversation to the show. The trio dives deep into Don Miguel Ruiz's transformative book, The Four Agreements. How do you move beyond just reading the book to actually implementing its life-changing principles? Lauren shares her powerful strategy for fusing EFT Tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) and Human Design to break the old agreements holding you back and replace them with these empowering new pillars. Chapter Timestamps 1:23 - The 4 Agreements Workshop: How Lauren created a deep-dive fusing EFT and Human Design. 2:01 - Don't Take Things Personally: Lauren's real-life "Thursday Joke" on assumptions. 3:33 - What is EFT Tapping?: Explaining acupressure, fight-or-flight, and rewiring the amygdala. 5:37 - Peeling the Onion: Breaking old agreements and "Energetic Clearing." 7:13 - Self-Awareness & My Emotional Wave: Jen and Lauren connect Tapping, Human Design, and emotional intelligence. 9:22 - Be Impeccable With Your Word: The power of your words to create your reality. 11:58 - Communicating Without Exploding: Kimberly's powerful journey to direct, respectful expression. 15:15 - A Call to Self-Talk: Lauren's inspiring advice to her 10-year-old daughter. 17:41 - The Only Person Who Lives The 4 Agreements: The inspiring story of Lauren's best friend. 21:30 - Jen's Surprise Tribute to Kimberly: A beautiful testament to being a role model. 25:54 - Confiding in Lauren: How Tapping helps manage absorbing everyone else's energy. 28:13 - The "Tarantino Strut": Breaking an agreement about a 4th-grade Summer Camp trauma. 31:37 - Human Design for Compassion: Learning how others are differently wired (and ignoring your husband's mess). 34:03 - Texting vs. Calling: A deep discussion on assumed expectations across generations. 36:58 - Outro: Growing, healing, and beginning again together. Follow Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/humandesignmalibu/ Follow Jen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialjenrouse/ Follow Malibu & Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malibuandmepodcast/

    34 min
  3. May 14

    Finding Stillness and Sound Healing with Nomi Wells of Calibu Healing

    Ep. 58 - Nomi, the founder of Calibu Healing, joins Jen to discuss the transformative power of alternative healing modalities. After navigating her own journey through anxiety, depression, and the reliance on pharmaceuticals, Nomi dedicated her life to creating a space—on her 4-acre property in Calabasas—where others can find nervous system regulation through nature, sound, and somatic practices. Nomi and Jen discuss the science behind sound healing, the importance of "dropping in" to the parasympathetic (rest and digest) nervous system, and why moving away from a constant state of "doing" is essential for modern mental health. They also look ahead to future initiatives, including bringing these accessible, life-changing tools to youth in the community. Chapter Timestamps: 1:20 - Nomi's journey: Creating Calibu Healing, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. 3:50 - The transition to sound healing: From fitness instructor to practitioner. 5:10 - The science of sound: How brainwaves shift from beta to theta. 10:30 - Personal stories: How sound healing helps high-stress professionals. 15:00 - Moving beyond medication: Managing anxiety through somatic tools. 20:15 - Nomi's vision: Bringing nervous system tools to youth. 24:00 - The unique experience of a floating sound bath. 28:00 - Healing in nature: How the environment acts as a conduit for peace. 33:00 - June Day Retreat preview: Stretch flow, intuitive collage, and community. 41:00 - Real-time nervous system regulation: A story of reacting with calm. 45:00 - Closing thoughts and how to find Calibu Healing. Connect with Nomi & Calibu Healing: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calibuhealing/ Follow Jen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialjenrouse/ Follow Malibu & Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malibuandmepodcast/

    33 min
  4. May 7

    Pickleball Expert Miguel: Find Your Community on the Court

    Ep. 57 - Join Jen as she dives headfirst into the world's fastest-growing sport: Pickleball. Returning to Malibu as an empty nester, Jen is embracing the "era of hobbies," and today she's joined by the man who made her a believer—pickleball expert and "Pink Guy" influencer, Miguel Enciso, along with fellow player Kimberly. Miguel shares his incredible journey from a long career as a television director for Entertainment Tonight to becoming a viral pickleball sensation with over 20 million views. Whether you're seasones or a total newbie, this conversation uncovers why pickleball is more than just a game—it's a powerful tool for building community, staying active in midlife, and finding joy in the "messy, meaningful, and magical" parts of transformation. Chapter Timestamps: 01:15 – The social magic of pickleball: Why it's the ultimate community builder. 03:10 – "Jen, you're the one": Understanding the server rules (and some flirtatious fun). 05:00 – Bridging the age gap: From high school friends to 200+ new acquaintances. 06:45 – Miguel's Hollywood backstory: From Entertainment Tonight to the courts. 16:20 – Beginner Basics: Essential gear, court shoes, and avoiding the "Amazon trap." 19:40 – High percentage serves: Tips for playing with grandkids and grandparents. 22:15 – Tactics vs. Power: Why tennis players often struggle at first. 25:30 – Paddle talk: Top brands (Joola, Selkirk, Franklin) and Miguel's favorite, Komodo. 28:00 – The Olympic Debate: Why isn't pickleball in the 2028 games? 31:15 – How to find a game: Navigating community parks and overcoming "Open Play" fear. 34:50 – Women in Pickleball: The intensity of professional mixed doubles. 38:15 – The health benefits: Combatting dementia and staying sharp in midlife. 40:40 – Going Viral: The story behind Miguel's 20-million-view garage video. 47:00 – Final Thoughts: Be kind to beginners and... Paddle Up! Follow Miguel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miguel.pickleballcoach/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@user7018619840568 Follow Jen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialjenrouse/ Follow Malibu & Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malibuandmepodcast/

    44 min
  5. Apr 30

    How to Reset Your Nervous System (EFT Tapping for Anxiety & Stress)

    Ep. 56 - In this episode of Malibu and Me, Jen welcomes back guest and healer Lauren Tarantino to demystify the practice of Nervous System Regulation. Whether you are navigating the complexities of midlife, managing daily work stress, or processing grief, this conversation offers a practical look at how to move from "fight or flight" into a state of cellular repair. Chapters: 0:40 | The Nervous System Reset class at The Mindry 1:15 | What is Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)? 1:45 | Combining tapping, meditation, and Reiki 2:05 | The science of sound healing and the vagus nerve 3:05 | The mechanics of tapping: Identifying your stress scale 5:30 | The danger of normalizing high-stress lifestyles 6:30 | Understanding the "fight or flight" physiological response 8:10 | How to practice EFT at home (The setup statement) 10:30 | Processing grief and emotions without fear 11:55 | The power of group community and shared healing 14:20 | Why Lauren leaves space for silence 20:10 | Finding your "reset" moments: Walks and quiet time 22:20 | Using EFT for physical discomfort and gut health 23:20 | Closing thoughts and resources   Follow Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/humandesignmalibu/ Follow Jen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialjenrouse/ Follow Malibu & Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malibuandmepodcast/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iconicnationmedia If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

    24 min
  6. Apr 23

    The Latest LA Obsession: Mahjong

    Ep. 55 - Jen sits down with Mahjong expert Carolyn Lertzman to demystify the game that is taking the midlife community by storm in Los Angeles. Whether you've heard the click of the tiles and been intrigued or feel intimidated by the complex rules, this conversation breaks down why Mahjong has become a viral phenomenon. We discuss: - The history and cultural roots of the game. - The difference between American and traditional Chinese styles. - Why Mah Jongg is the ultimate tool for networking, community building, and finding "escapism" in midlife. - Etiquette for beginners and how to avoid common "faux pas" at the table. - Practical tips on sets, hosting, and finding an instructor. Whether you're a seasoned player or a total novice, discover how this game can bring joy, resilience, and connection to your own "beginning again" chapter. Timestamps 0:00 – Intro: Midlife transformation and the Mahjong craze 0:51 – Meeting our expert, Carolyn 1:20 – Carolyn's journey: From Rummy Tile memories to teaching Mahjong 3:02 – The community aspect: Why it brings generations together 4:44 – Brief history and the difference between American vs. Chinese styles 7:27 – The "trauma bonding" of being a beginner 10:26 – Managing different personalities at the table 12:11 – High-level overview: How the game works 15:22 – New cards every year: What to expect 16:06 – Choosing the right set: Luxury vs. classic recommendations 20:17 – Differences in traditional vs. modern sets 22:13 – Mahjong etiquette: Dos and don'ts for new players 25:01 – Cross-generational play: Teaching kids and parents 28:06 – The "Golf" analogy: Learning through frustration 31:51 – How many lessons do you actually need? 35:16 – Where to find Carolyn and resources for players Follow Malibu & Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malibuandmepodcast/ Follow Jen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialjenrouse/ Follow The Mahjong Line: https://www.instagram.com/themahjongline/ Subscribe on YouTube:  @iconicnationmedia  If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

    40 min
  7. Apr 16

    Emotional Spring Cleaning: 6 Months in Malibu

    Ep. 54 - Six months after trading the snowy peaks of Park City for the sun-drenched shores of Malibu, Jen Rouse is finally coming up for air. In this deeply personal episode of Malibu &Me, Jen takes a moment to unpack the reality of her midlife transformation. It's "Spring Cleaning" season, but Jen isn't just talking about dusting the garage—she's talking about the emotional purge required to truly begin again. From the science of "positive ions" by the ocean to the unexpected lessons learned from a retired 70-year-old lifeguard, Jen shares how her daily routines have shifted from frantic unpacking to mindful presence. She discusses the weight of "dead strings" (like a house that won't sell), the magic of a curious local seal, and why becoming an empty nester is the ultimate opportunity to meet yourself for the first time. If you're in the middle of a life transition or wondering if you should finally "pull the trigger" on a big move, this episode is your guide to grounding yourself in the mess and the magic.   Chapters: 0:34 – The Reality Check: 6 Months in Malibu 1:42 – Goodbye Snow: Why the "Dreary Escape" Was Necessary 2:06 – Meet the Locals: Dog walks, Bingo, and a 70-year-old Lifeguard 3:09 – The Morning Ritual: Tarot, Coffee, and 2-Hour Beach Walks 4:17 – Ocean Science: Understanding Positive Ions and Emotional Resets 5:03 – Walking Meditation: Grounding in the Sand and Sky Formations 5:35 – The Malibu Seal: A Curious Morning Visitor 6:27 – The Physical Grind: Pilates, Running, and Avoiding Indoor Pools 7:27 – Building Community: Mahjong, Networking, and New Relationships 9:00 – The Final Purge: Cutting the "Red String" of the Park City House 10:41 – Suffocation to Liberation: Living Presently vs. Reliving the Past 12:45 – No Regrets: Dealing with the "What Am I Doing?" Panic 14:42 – Practice of Gratitude: Tactical Ways to Slow Down 18:15 – What's Next: Starting Pickleball and Organizing the "Dumping Ground" Garage   Follow Malibu & Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malibuandmepodcast/ Follow Jen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialjenrouse/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iconicnationmedia   If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

    21 min
  8. Apr 9

    Sephora Sale Picks with MUA Eddy Pixell

    Ep. 53 - The Sephora Sale is just around the corner (starting April 10!), and we're helping you prep your cart! In this episode of Malibu and Me, host Jen Rouse is joined by her go-to makeup artist, Eddy Pixell, and producer Kyra to discuss the best beauty investments for every age. Whether you are navigating midlife skin transformations or looking for that "no-makeup" glow, Eddy shares his professional secrets on skin prep, the difference between $10 and $60 foundations, and the "magic" products that keep your makeup from cracking or peeling. Chapters: 0:37 – Sephora Sale Alert! Mark your calendars for April 10. 1:16 – Makeup for different generations: Heavy vs. Light coverage. 1:50 – Skin Revision: Microneedling vs. CO2 Cool Peel for anti-aging. 2:44 – The Botox Myth: Why skincare matters more than the needle. 3:49 – Viral Trends: Does the Josie Maran Retinol Body Butter actually work? 4:42 – The "Magic" Prep: Bobbi Brown vs. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream. 5:16 – Eddie's Kit Essentials: Makeup by Mario & Anastasia Beverly Hills. 6:01 – How to lock your look: The Charlotte Tilbury Setting Spray (Hydrating vs. Matte). 7:43 – "No-Makeup" Look vs. Photo Shoot Ready: House Labs & Natasha Denona. 8:16 – De-puffing 101: Eye patches with Caffeine and B12. 9:14 – Acne & Texture: Why Paula's Choice BHA is a game changer. 10:21 – Cleansing Secrets: Why you should ditch makeup wipes for oil cleansers. 13:57 – Shopping Strategy: Navigating Sephora without breaking the bank. 15:45 – Where to find Eddie & Special Discount Codes!   Follow Eddy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eddypixell/ Book with Eddy: Text (818) 913-1356 Pro Tip: 15% discount code for your first Charlotte Tilbury purchase: CT-PRO56WTKIS7  Follow Malibu & Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malibuandmepodcast/ Follow Jen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialjenrouse/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iconicnationmedia/   If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

    17 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to Malibu & Me, the podcast where new beginnings meet ocean breezes and life in your 50s finally starts to feel like yours. I'm Jen Rouse—mom of two, recent empty nester, and a woman who made the bold decision to leave Park City behind and return home to Malibu to reconnect with my family, my roots, and ultimately, myself. For years, like so many of us, I lived in service to everyone else. I was the chauffeur, the chef, the crisis negotiator, the tutor, the cheerleader, the emotional glue—the one who made it all run. And I wouldn't trade those years for anything. But now, the kids have flown the nest, and I'm standing on the coastline asking: What does this next chapter look like for me? This is a season of reinvention—of rediscovering passions, healing old stories, and rewriting new ones. From navigating life after long-term marriage, to dipping a toe (or maybe a whole foot) into dating at 50, to rebuilding identity, routines, and confidence—nothing is off limits. Think of this as your weekly reset in the middle of your own beautiful comeback. We're talking real life, real struggles, real joy, and the courage it takes to start over in midlife… with plenty of laughs, candid moments, and Malibu magic sprinkled in. So pour your wine—or your green juice—and slip into your comfiest sweats. Join me every Wednesday as we explore what it really means to create a life you love in your 50s and beyond. This is Malibu & Me. A fresh start. A brave new chapter. And finally… it's about you, too. Follow along on IG, TikTok & Facebook @MalibuAndMePodcast

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