Dog Walking Diaries: Aging Out Loud

Maia Daly
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Personal Journals

Dog Walking Diaries A candid, funny, and deeply authentic look at aging, identity, and all the messy, beautiful middle chapters—shared one vulnerable dog walk at a time with my therapist (aka my dog, Kermit). From hot flashes to hard truths, nothing’s off-limits—just fur, feelings, and real talk. Ever wonder why midlife feels like puberty 2.0—with more wrinkles and way less control? I’m Maia Daly, a forty-something lifelong Midwesterner (O-H-I-O!) just trying to make sense of all the weird, wonderful curveballs aging throws our way. Welcome to Dog Walking Diaries, where we bravely (and hilariously) unpack the midlife surprises no one prepared us for. From brain fog to pill boxes, we’re finding the humor, the heart, and the occasional irrational rant, just because it feels good, in this messy metamorphosis. Listen in for laughs, wisdom, and the ultimate “you’re not alone” comfort. Proof that aging out loud is better with a dog!

Episodes

  1. Feb 8

    Episode 12: This Year - Awakened

    🎧 Episode 12: This Year - Awakened (One Month In) One month into 2026—and no, this is not a “new year, new me” episode. There are no vision boards. No glow-up montages. Just honesty. 🫶 Last year brought me to my knees (not gracefully), humbled me, and stripped away a lot of assumptions I didn’t even know I was carrying. What came out of that wasn’t a rebuild—it was an awakening. 👀✨ In this episode, I talk about what being awakened really looks like: Noticing things sooner Saying no earlier Resting without explaining Choosing yourself without drama Accepting that wisdom sometimes looks like lying on the floor Kermit joins me throughout with his usual mix of wisdom, humor, and supervision 🐾—reminding us that dogs absolutely know things and may, in fact, be running the world. If you’re feeling behind, tired, or unsure what your word for the year even is… this one’s for you. Because awakening doesn’t announce itself. It sneaks in quietly. And that’s enough. 💛 🐾 Kermit’s Corner Included Belly rubs, boundaries, and gentle reminders that you are not late—you’re learning the terrain. 🎶 Featuring music moments that make you move, quiet strength, and leave-me-alone energy. 📲 If this episode resonated, please share it with a friend and hit Follow—aging is better when we don’t walk alone (and when a dog insists we keep moving).

    12 min

  2. Jan 14

    Episode 11 — The Year That Brought Me to My Knees… And Still Lifted Me Up

    🎧 Episode 11 — The Year That Brought Me to My Knees… And Still Lifted Me Up 🙏🐾 This week’s walk is softer, honest, and a little biblical — because some years don’t just stretch you… they drop you to your knees. And somehow? You still rise. 💛 Inside this episode: ✨ The year that knocked me down (and what held me up) 🙏 Verses that carried me when I couldn’t carry myself 💼 Caregiving, job searching, and praying anywhere there was oxygen 🎒 What to keep… and what to finally lay down 🌅 Midlife clarity (the neon sign kind) 🚶‍♀️ How to step into a new year with gentle ambition 🐶 Kermit’s spiritual commentary + emotional-support staring ministry If you’ve had a heavy year — you’re not weak, failing, or behind. You’re being reshaped. Re-centered. Carried. 🤍 Listen now & share with someone who needs a soft landing today. 🐾 Proof that aging out loud is better with a dog.

    12 min

  3. 11/19/2025

    Episode 10: Still Searching, Still Standing

    🎙️ It’s been almost a year of searching — applications, interviews, rejections — and Maia’s still walking it out. In this honest episode, she opens up about the ache of waiting, what it means to feel “too experienced,” and how faith looks when it’s tested in real time. With Kermit’s perfectly-timed commentary, they explore what perseverance actually means — not sprinting ahead, but showing up with quiet obedience. “You’re in the middle of the work God’s doing in you before the next thing He’ll do through you.” 📖 James 1:3 — “For you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” Kermit’s Corner: “Don’t let waiting make you forget who you are. Wag more than you worry.” 🐾 💬 If this episode spoke to you, share it with a friend who’s in their own in-between season — and don’t forget to follow the show on your listening channel and leave a quick review. You’re not walking this road alone. 💛

    13 min

  4. 11/19/2025

    Episode 9: Wait, Where’s the Any Key? The Real Fear of Getting Older

    This week on Dog Walk Diaries: Aging Out Loud, Maia and her co-host Kermit (part golden retriever, part philosopher) tackle the real fear of getting older — not wrinkles, but trying to keep up with technology. From grandpa refusing color TV to today’s endless password resets, Maia shares the humor, heart, and humility of realizing the world updates faster than we do. With a little wisdom from Isaiah 43:19 — “See, I am doing a new thing” — and Kermit’s closing reminder that curiosity is our best antivirus, this episode will make you laugh, nod, and maybe change your Wi-Fi password… again. 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

    13 min

  5. 10/19/2025

    Episode 8 - The Kids Take the Mic

    🎙️ Episode 8: “The Kids Take the Mic” This week, the chaos (and the honesty!) levels are off the charts — because my favorite co-host 🐾 and I are joined by three special guests: my nieces and nephew! 💕 From snack debates 🍪 to “Kermit can fly” theories 🪽, we dive into the unfiltered wisdom of childhood — where truth, laughter, and a little sibling rivalry all share the same couch. Kermit holds his own with his signature wit (“I’m conducting an anthropological study: Wild Cubs in Their Natural Habitat”) and closes out with a sweet reminder in Kermit’s Corner 🐾 about family, love, and seeing the world through fresh eyes. 👀✨ Because sometimes, the best lessons about growing up come from the ones who are still figuring it all out. 💫 🎧 Tune in for laughter, heart, and just the right amount of chaos. #DogWalkDiaries #AgingOutLoud #KermitsCorner #FamilyChaos #PodcastLife #MidlifeWithMeaning

    14 min

  6. 09/17/2025

    Episode 7: Meet Kermit: The Interview!

    🎙️ Episode 7: Meet Kermit — The Interview Dog Walk Diaries: Aging Out Loud with Maia & Kermit This week, Maia hands the mic to her four-legged co-host, Kermit, for his very first interview. From how they met (hint: pasta sauce may have been involved) to his mission in life, leadership style, and favorite memories, Kermit finally gets to tell his side of the story—with plenty of sass, heart, and a few guilty confessions. In this episode, we unpack: The day Kermit moved in and why he didn’t come running to Maia first. His daily philosophy on joy, wellness, and why treats > therapy bills. Nicknames he loves (and absolutely hates). Why he claims credit for starting the podcast. Honest reflections on aging together—slower steps, more naps, but deeper laughs. Kermit’s timeless advice: every day is a walk… so don’t forget to sniff the flowers. 🐾 And as always, we wrap with soulful humor in Kermit’s Corner: “Lead with your heart, not your hashtags.” 🎧 Tune in for wit, wisdom, and the warm reminder that aging is better with a dog by your side. Listen now. BE SURE TO FOLLOW. Laugh freely. Wag often. #DogWalkDiaries #AgingOutLoud #MeetKermit #MidlifeWithBark

    13 min

  7. 09/04/2025

    Episode 6 - Becoming My Parents (But With Instagram Reels Instead of Photo Albums)

    🐾 Kermit says: “If you’re carrying tissues, birdwatching, and side-eyeing squirrels… congrats, you’re officially your parents.” 😅 🎙️ Episode 6 of Dog Walk Diaries: Aging Out Loud → Becoming My Parents (But With Instagram Reels Instead of Photo Albums) In this episode we unpack: 🐦 The surprising calm of birdwatching (and why squirrels are NOT invited) 📝 Why sticky notes, receipts & random scraps are the best creativity tools 🧻 The magical power of always having a Kleenex at the ready 📱 How Instagram reels are today’s version of dusty photo albums 🙏 A little wisdom from Proverbs 22:6 on passing down traditions 🐕 Plus Kermit’s Corner: tissues, squirrels, and honoring parents your own way ✨ Proof that aging out loud is better with a dog (and a pocket full of tissues). 👉 Follow the show, share with your fellow midlife mischief-makers, and let me know: how have you caught yourself becoming your parents? #DogWalkDiaries #AgingOutLoud #MidlifeHumor #BecomingMyParents #CaregivingAndCareer #KermitsCorner #DogPodcast

    15 min

  8. 08/01/2025

    Episode 5 - Am I a Karen… or Just Finally Speaking Up?

    🎙️ Episode 5: Am I a Karen… or Just Finally Speaking Up? Dog Walk Diaries: Aging Out Loud with Maia & Kermit This week, Maia tackles the fine (and funny) line between being a “Karen”… and just having boundaries. After a neighborhood run-in that earned her a teenage eye-roll and a not-so-affectionate nickname, she wonders—have we confused speaking up with overstepping? In this episode, we unpack: The evolution of the “Karen” label—and why women over 40 get stuck with it. What’s really behind those moments when we finally say something out loud. The slow fade of neighborly manners (and what we notice once patience has a cap). How age gives us clarity—not crankiness. And why boundary-setting isn’t entitlement… it’s experience. From speeding cars to speakerphone oversharers, from forgotten hellos, to unleashed dogs, Maia explores the growing cultural allergy to common courtesy—and why being clear is far better than being quiet. 🐾 And as always, wise little Kermit wraps it up with a soulful reminder in “Kermit’s Corner”: “You’re not a Karen. You’re just learning where to spend your cool.” 🎧 Tune in for wit, wisdom, and well-earned perspective—plus a few quizzes to see if you recall these things and the sharing how many times we have forgotten where we parked. Listen now. BE SURE TO FOLLOW. Speak kindly. Wag often. #AgingOutLoud #DogWalkDiaries #KarenOrClarity #MidlifeWithBark

    15 min

  9. 07/13/2025

    Episode 4 - Style Files: The Clothes We Choose, and Why They Matter Now

    🎙 Episode 4: Style Files – The Clothes We Choose, and Why They Matter Now Dog Walk Diaries: Aging Out Loud Style isn’t about trends anymore—it’s about feeling like you. 👟💄 From funky flats to apocalypse casual, Maia and co-host 🐶 Kermit explore how our clothes evolve as we do: with comfort, confidence, and a little rebellion. 👚 Why fashion rules don’t age well 💬 Real quotes from real women 🐾 Kermit’s Corner: warm truths & wagging wisdom 📖 Inspired by Proverbs 31:25 ✨ Wear what makes you feel like you. Even if it’s fleece and pearls. 🎧 Listen now + subscribe! @dogwalkdiariespodcast | #AgingOutLoud

    24 min

  10. 06/13/2025

    Episode 3- Our Bodies: The Remix We Didn't Ask For

    🎙 EPISODE 3: Our Bodies: The Remix We Didn’t Ask For In this episode of Dog Walking Diaries: Aging Out Loud, Maia and Kermit tackle the wild ride of midlife bodies—aka Puberty 2.0. From perimenopause to brain fog and surprise chin hairs, it’s confusing, funny, and real. With honesty, humor, and dog wisdom, they remind us: aging may be weird, but we’re in it together—and it’s better with a dog.

    20 min

  11. 06/13/2025

    Episode 2 - Aging at Work: Still Got It....Right?

    🎙 EPISODE 2: “Aging at Work: Still Got It… Right?” In this episode of Dog Walking Diaries: Aging Out Loud, Maia and her dog Kermit explore what it really feels like to age at work. From shifting perceptions and lost hustle to office politics and quiet confidence, it’s a walk through the weird, wise middle. With humor, honesty, and dog wisdom, they remind us: you don’t have to prove yourself every day—you’ve earned your place in the pack.

    18 min

  12. 06/13/2025

    Episode 1 - Wait, Was There a Manual I Missed?

    Welcome to Dog Walking Diaries: Aging Out Loud—where I process aging, caregiving, career curveballs, and hormonal chaos while walking my dog. I’m Maia Daly, and my co-host Kermit reminds me life’s still beautiful, even when it’s messy. In this debut, we unpack the weird, unspoken parts of midlife with humor, honesty, and dog wisdom

    18 min
  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Dog Walking Diaries A candid, funny, and deeply authentic look at aging, identity, and all the messy, beautiful middle chapters—shared one vulnerable dog walk at a time with my therapist (aka my dog, Kermit). From hot flashes to hard truths, nothing’s off-limits—just fur, feelings, and real talk. Ever wonder why midlife feels like puberty 2.0—with more wrinkles and way less control? I’m Maia Daly, a forty-something lifelong Midwesterner (O-H-I-O!) just trying to make sense of all the weird, wonderful curveballs aging throws our way. Welcome to Dog Walking Diaries, where we bravely (and hilariously) unpack the midlife surprises no one prepared us for. From brain fog to pill boxes, we’re finding the humor, the heart, and the occasional irrational rant, just because it feels good, in this messy metamorphosis. Listen in for laughs, wisdom, and the ultimate “you’re not alone” comfort. Proof that aging out loud is better with a dog!

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