Second Act Sessions

Stephanie Carmody
  • 5.0 (16)
  • Society & Culture

Second Act Sessions is a bi-weekly podcast for women navigating midlife and stepping into a new chapter. Hosted by Stephanie Carmody, the show is rooted in faith, healing, and lived experience and explores what it really looks like to begin again and build a life that feels aligned, meaningful, and true. It’s for the woman quietly asking, what’s next? The one who thought her life would look different by now and is beginning to realize she may need to start over. Because starting over sounds inspiring… until you’re actually living it. And when you are, it can feel uncertain, messy, and overwhelming. But this isn’t the end of the story. It’s a second act. And maybe… a more honest one. Through real, unfiltered conversations, Second Act Sessions shares stories, perspective, and encouragement for women learning to trust God, rediscover who they are, and rebuild their lives in a way that feels true to them. No perfection. No pretending.Just real life and what it looks like to begin again. At its core, Second Act Sessions is a reminder that even after the hardest seasons, there is still more life, more healing, and more of you to uncover. Because it’s never too late to begin again.   New episodes bi-weekly every Tuesday. Follow Stephanie Carmody online at: Website: www.secondactsessions.com Instagram: @stephaniefcarmody Facebook: @stephanie.figuracarmody YouTube: @secondactsessions

  1. 4d ago

    Broken Vows: A Biblical Conversation About Divorce with My Pastor

    This season on Second Act Sessions, we’ve been talking a lot about what it means to navigate midlife and all of the transitions that can come with it. And one of the topics we’ve continued to come back to is divorce. We’ve talked about divorce from different perspectives, but for this episode, I wanted to have a conversation about it specifically through the lens of faith. Divorce can be one of the most painful and confusing experiences to navigate—especially as a Christian. What does the Bible actually say about divorce? Does God ever permit it? What about situations involving infidelity, abandonment, abuse, or an unbelieving spouse? And how do we separate biblical truth from the shame and judgment that can sometimes surround divorce within Christian culture? In this episode, I sit down with my pastor, Pastor Todd Willard, for an honest, grace-filled conversation about marriage and divorce through a biblical lens. Todd and I have talked about this topic numerous times, and I wanted to bring that conversation to Second Act Sessions to help anyone who may be wrestling with these same questions. Together, we explore God’s design for marriage, why marriage is worth fighting for, what Scripture teaches about divorce, and how Christians can navigate circumstances where a marriage may no longer be healthy or safe. We also talk about the guilt many divorced Christians carry, whether divorce means you have failed God, forgiveness, healing, and what it looks like to trust God with your life after a marriage ends. Whether you’re contemplating divorce, walking through one, rebuilding afterward, or simply trying to better understand what Scripture teaches, my hope is that this conversation offers biblical truth, clarity, compassion, and hope. Because divorce may be the end of a marriage—but it does not have to be the end of your story. To learn more about Pastor Todd Willard or to connect with him, visit  https://www.firstchurch.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/share/1DP4AHKXQa/?mibextid=wwXIfr. If you enjoyed this episode, I would be so grateful if you'd subscribe, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who could use this conversation too. Your support helps more women discover Second Act Sessions and join this growing community.

  2. Sep 1

    How Do You Know When It's Time to Reinvent Your Life?

    What happens when the life you've worked so hard to build no longer feels like the life you're meant to live? This week on Second Act Sessions, I'm joined by author, former firefighter, coach, and nomadic traveler Kristy Halvorsen. In her powerful new memoir, Perfect Unfolding, Kristy shares the story of leaving behind a successful career, selling nearly everything she owned, and spending years traveling solo across North America in her Airstream. But this conversation isn't really about travel. It's about identity. It's about recognizing when it's time for a life change, letting go of the version of yourself you've outgrown, and finding the courage to trust yourself even when the next step isn't clear. Kristy shares what it looked like to walk away from a life that appeared successful on the outside, why playing it safe isn't always the same as feeling fulfilled, and how embracing uncertainty ultimately led her to a life that felt more authentic and aligned with who she was becoming. Whether you're navigating divorce, a career change, an empty nest, rediscovering your faith, or simply feeling the quiet pull toward something more, I think you'll find yourself somewhere in this conversation. We also talk about reinvention in midlife, learning to trust yourself again, and why your second act doesn't have to look like anyone else's. Sometimes the hardest part isn't taking the first step. It's giving yourself permission to believe there's another path waiting for you. To learn more about Kristy and her work, visit PerfectUnfolding.com, follow her on Instagram @kristy.halvorsen, and purchase her memoir, Perfect Unfolding, here: https://books2read.com/PerfectUnfolding If you enjoyed this episode, I would be so grateful if you'd subscribe, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who could use this conversation too. Your support helps more women discover Second Act Sessions and join this growing community.

  3. Aug 18

    The Cortisol Connection: What's Really Happening to Your Body in Midlife

    Have you ever wondered why your body feels so different in midlife? Maybe you're gaining weight even though nothing has really changed, you're feeling exhausted, your sleep isn't great, or you just don't feel like yourself anymore. So many women assume it's simply part of getting older, but what if there's more to the story? In this episode, I sit down with Christine Hartmann, better known as The Cortisol Coach, to talk about the role cortisol plays in our health and why it matters so much during midlife. We dive into what cortisol actually is, how chronic stress can affect everything from your hormones and metabolism to your energy, mood, and sleep, and why so many women feel like their bodies have suddenly started working against them. More importantly, this conversation is about hope. Your body isn't trying to sabotage you. It's responding to what it's been carrying. Christine shares simple, practical ways to better support your body, lower stress, and start working with it instead of constantly fighting it. If you've ever felt frustrated by the changes happening in your body, I hope this conversation reminds you to give yourself a little more grace. Midlife isn't the end of feeling healthy or strong. Sometimes it's simply the beginning of finally understanding what your body has needed all along. To learn more about Christine, visit her on Instagram at @cortisol_coach. If you enjoyed this episode, I would be so grateful if you'd subscribe, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who could use this conversation too. Your support helps more women discover Second Act Sessions and join this growing community.

  4. Aug 4

    When Faith Meets Fear: An Honest Conversation About Anxiety

    What if the season you feared the most was actually preparing you for the life God had planned for you? In this episode, I sit down with one of my dear friends, Ashley Poisella, for an honest conversation about anxiety, fear, faith, and what it looks like to navigate those seasons as Christians. Ashley and I first met years ago through the wedding industry, and reconnecting in midlife has been such a gift. As our friendship has grown, we’ve discovered that we’ve both wrestled with anxiety and fear in different seasons of life. In this conversation, we share our personal journeys, the lessons God has taught us along the way, and why struggling with anxiety doesn’t make someone “less faithful.” We talk about the stigma that can sometimes exist in Christian circles, the pressure to feel like we should always have unwavering peace, and the freedom that comes from being honest about our struggles while continuing to trust God through them. If you’ve ever questioned your faith because you’ve battled anxiety, or you’ve wondered if you’re the only one feeling this way, this episode is for you. Our hope is that you’ll walk away encouraged, reminded that you’re not alone, and confident that God can meet you even in the middle of your anxiety. Join us for a heartfelt conversation about friendship, faith, second acts, and learning to trust God one step at a time. To learn more about Ashley, her photography, and her life coaching, be sure to visit https://www.twotencoaching.com and follow her on Facebook @ashley.poisella and Instagram @ashlytherese.  If this episode resonated with you, be sure to follow and subscribe to Second Act Sessions wherever you listen to podcasts, and join us for our inspiring new season of honest conversations and meaningful second acts.

  5. Jul 21

    The Story Behind the Novel Forty Love: Midlife Reinvention and New Beginnings

    What if midlife wasn’t about slowing down… but opening up? In this episode of Second Act Sessions, I’m joined by internationally bestselling author Jane Costello to talk about her newest novel, Forty Love, and the deeper themes behind the story. Together, we explore reinvention, friendship, loneliness, empty nests, trying new things later in life, and what happens when we allow ourselves to become beginners again. Jane shares how picking up a tennis racket for the first time at 45 unexpectedly became a lesson in confidence, community, joy, and embracing life without needing to be perfect. This conversation is funny, thoughtful, honest, and such a beautiful reminder that life doesn’t stop evolving in midlife. Sometimes the things we think we’re too old, too late, or too settled for become the very things that wake us back up. Because your Second Act doesn’t have to look dramatic. Sometimes it starts with simply saying yes. For more information about Jane Costello and her work, visit https://janecostello.com/ or connect with her on Instagram at @janecostellobooks. If this episode resonated with you, be sure to follow and subscribe to Second Act Sessions wherever you listen to podcasts, and join us for our inspiring new season of honest conversations and meaningful second acts.

  6. Jul 7

    Navigating Midlife: What I'm Learning Along the Way

    Have you ever looked at your life in midlife and thought, This isn’t what I imagined? Maybe you thought you’d still be married. Maybe you pictured children, grandchildren, or a completely different chapter than the one you’re living today. In this deeply personal solo episode, I’m sharing an honest conversation about navigating midlife—the expectations we carry, the grief we don’t often talk about, and the freedom that comes from embracing the life we have instead of mourning the life we thought we’d have. This episode is for anyone who has ever felt like their life doesn’t quite fit the timeline they imagined. We talk about the quiet grief that can come with unmet expectations, the subtle ways comparison can creep in during midlife, and what it means to build a beautiful, meaningful life even when it looks different than you planned. I also share my own experience navigating divorce, singleness, menopause, identity shifts, and learning to trust God’s timing instead of my own. Because while this season has brought unexpected challenges, it’s also brought unexpected peace, purpose, and a deeper understanding of who I’m becoming. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re behind, if your life looks different from everyone else’s, or if you’re trying to make peace with the chapter you’re in, I hope this conversation reminds you of one thing: You are not behind. You are not forgotten. You are not too late. You’re still becoming. If this episode resonated with you, be sure to follow and subscribe to Second Act Sessions wherever you listen to podcasts, and join us for our inspiring new season of honest conversations and meaningful second acts.

  7. Jun 23

    Style in Your Second Act: Dressing for the Life You're Living Now

    What happens when your closet no longer fits your life? In this episode of Second Act Sessions, I’m joined by personal stylist and fashion expert Maria Casabianca for a conversation about confidence, identity, style, and navigating change in midlife. Because style in this season isn’t just about trends. Bodies change. Lifestyles change. Many of us work from home. And sometimes the clothes that used to work no longer feel like us. Together, we talk about navigating body changes in midlife, dressing for the body you have today, simplifying your closet, building confidence, staying current without chasing trends, and creating a wardrobe that reflects the life you’re living now. Maria shares insights from decades in fashion and personal styling while offering practical advice women can apply immediately. Because style isn’t about looking younger. It’s about feeling like yourself again. For more information about Maria Casabianca and her work, visit https://www.styledbymaria.com/ or connect with her on Instagram at @styledbymaria.stylist. If this episode resonated with you, be sure to follow and subscribe to Second Act Sessions wherever you listen to podcasts, and join us for our inspiring new season of honest conversations and meaningful second acts.

  8. Jun 9

    Healing After Divorce: What I Learned Along the Way

    This season on Second Act Sessions, we’re talking a lot about divorce, healing after divorce, relationships, emotional abuse, red flags, faith, and what it really means to begin again. And after having those conversations with guests, I felt like it was important to dedicate an episode to sharing a little more about my own experience. In this solo episode, I’m reflecting on my divorce journey and opening up about what that season of life really felt like for me. Not to revisit the past or point fingers, but to share honestly about the emotions, questions, grief, healing, and growth that came with starting over in midlife. I talk about the pressure of building the life you thought you were supposed to have, feeling lonely even when life looks fine on the outside, navigating identity shifts, and learning that healing doesn’t happen overnight. Most importantly, this episode is about hope. Because sometimes the ending we never wanted becomes the beginning we never expected. If you’re walking through divorce, heartbreak, transition, or simply finding yourself in a season that looks different than you imagined, I hope this conversation reminds you that your story isn’t over. Your Second Act is still being written. If this episode resonated with you, be sure to follow and subscribe to Second Act Sessions wherever you listen to podcasts, and join us for our inspiring new season of honest conversations and meaningful second acts.

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Trailer

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About

Second Act Sessions is a bi-weekly podcast for women navigating midlife and stepping into a new chapter. Hosted by Stephanie Carmody, the show is rooted in faith, healing, and lived experience and explores what it really looks like to begin again and build a life that feels aligned, meaningful, and true. It’s for the woman quietly asking, what’s next? The one who thought her life would look different by now and is beginning to realize she may need to start over. Because starting over sounds inspiring… until you’re actually living it. And when you are, it can feel uncertain, messy, and overwhelming. But this isn’t the end of the story. It’s a second act. And maybe… a more honest one. Through real, unfiltered conversations, Second Act Sessions shares stories, perspective, and encouragement for women learning to trust God, rediscover who they are, and rebuild their lives in a way that feels true to them. No perfection. No pretending.Just real life and what it looks like to begin again. At its core, Second Act Sessions is a reminder that even after the hardest seasons, there is still more life, more healing, and more of you to uncover. Because it’s never too late to begin again.   New episodes bi-weekly every Tuesday. Follow Stephanie Carmody online at: Website: www.secondactsessions.com Instagram: @stephaniefcarmody Facebook: @stephanie.figuracarmody YouTube: @secondactsessions

Information

  • Creator
    Stephanie Carmody
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Second Act Sessions
  • Show Website
    Second Act Sessions

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