Between the Laugh Lines: Reclaim Your Confidence & Identity

DebM
  • 5.0 (12)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

Are you a woman over 40 who has spent years giving everything to everyone else and now wonders, who am I outside of all of this? You're not alone. And you're exactly who Between the Laugh Lines was made for. This midlife confidence podcast helps women rebuild self-trust, reclaim their identity, and live with clarity; not through a dramatic reinvention, but through small, intentional shifts that actually stick. Hosted by Deb, CPA, MBA, and lifelong beauty enthusiast, this show brings honest conversations, real stories, and practical tools rooted in one belief: the laugh lines on your face tell a story worth hearing! Beauty isn't separate from confidence. Your appearance, your aging, your self-image, they're all part of who you are and who you're reclaiming. And yes, your money story is part of it too! Episodes cover: Confidence and identity for women in midlife Beauty and aging with self-trust and intention Honest money conversations because financial clarity is part of reclaiming yourself Breaking patterns of self-doubt and people-pleasing Real stories of women who chose themselves anyway This is where beauty meets identity. Where clarity creates courage. Where you find your voice, right there Between the Laugh Lines. Start here: grab The Reclaim Blueprint™ free at stan.store/thedishwithdeb or DM RECLAIM on Instagram @thedishwithdeb. Begin reclaiming who you are —> Between the Laugh Lines. Listen in and start choosing yourself again!

  1. May 12

    Health, Wealth & Relationships: A Strategy for the Woman Figuring It All Out

    Beauty advice from one stranger. Money advice from another. Identity pep talks from a third. Sound familiar? Most women are piecing together their confidence from three different corners of the internet and wondering why none of it sticks. In this episode, I unpack the three lanes of Between the Laugh Lines: Honest Beauty, Money Truth, and Identity in Progress and I explain why they belong in the same conversation from the same woman. I break down what a CPA actually is (the 4 main areas) versus a financial advisor (they're not the same thing and most people don't know the difference), why your skincare routine is confidence infrastructure and not vanity, and what Identity in Progress really means when you're still figuring out what you want to be when you grow up, regardless of your age! If you're the woman managing everyone else's life while tip toeing around her own beauty, her budget, and who she is ready to reclaim; this episode was built for you! Between the Laugh Lines is the podcast for women who are done feeling invisible and ready for honest conversations about what's on their bathroom counter, who they're becoming, and even what's in their bank account. Hosted by Deb of The Reclaim Concierge™. New episodes drop regularly on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and many other platforms. Follow @thedishwithdeb on Instagram. DM the word RECLAIM for a free copy of The Reclaim Blueprint™. Get started today!

    16 min

  2. Apr 28

    How to Tap Into Your Happiness Again: One Woman's Move from Corporate Burnout To A Worldwide Movement

    What if feeling happy again wasn’t about a major life overhaul but instead about paying attention to what’s already there? This week, I sit down with Brielle Neumann, founder of Smile Stories: The Movement, an award-winning social impact brand built on one surprisingly powerful question: What made you smile today? What started as a Post-It wall in a corporate job that didn’t fit, has grown into school programs, public installations at Penn Station and Union Square in NYC, and a kindness movement reaching people worldwide. In this honest conversation, Brielle and I dig into what it actually costs to stay in a life that looks fine on the outside, what it takes to build something real from scratch with no blueprint and no backup plan, and why reclaiming your happiness isn’t a luxury. It’s the foundation everything else gets built on. In this episode: Why smiling is free, science-backed, and wildly underused by adults! What Brielle walked away from to build this, and what it actually felt like in real time The honest hard part that the Instagram version never shows Why happiness and confidence are more connected than most people realize The one question that might tell you more about yourself than a year of therapy If you’ve been going through the motions and wondering when you get to feel like yourself again; this one’s for you! CONNECT WITH BRIELLE 📲 Instagram: @smilestories.themovement 🌐 Website: www.smilestoriesthemovement.com   Ready to get The Reclaim Blueprint™ ; The free framework to help you rebuild confidence and clarity, starting exactly where you are? 📲 DM RECLAIM to @thedishwithdeb on Instagram 📍 Instagram: @thedishwithdeb   Between the Laugh Lines is the podcast for women who are done feeling invisible and ready for honest conversations about beauty, confidence, and who they actually are right now. Hosted by Deb, a CPA who carried personal debt, a beauty obsessive who did the research, and a sandwich generation survivor building something real in the throes of a very full life. No hustle culture. No toxic positivity. Just truth, delivered warm.  Follow the show on Podbean | Apple Podcasts | Spotify

    35 min

  3. Apr 19

    Feeling Invisible in Midlife; The Honest Conversation I Was Too Scared to Start

    There’s a version of midlife nobody warns you about, the one where you’re doing everything right and still feel like nobody sees you. Yup, that was me! In this episode, I stop dancing around it and gets honest about what Between the Laugh Lines is really about, why I avoided talking about money for eighteen episodes despite being a CPA, and what finally made me stop hiding. If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought “I don’t even recognize her anymore”,this is where that changes.   Between the Laugh Lines is the podcast for women who are done feeling invisible and ready for honest conversations about what’s on their bathroom counter, who they’re becoming, and — even what’s in their bank account. Hosted by Deb of The Reclaim Concierge™. New episodes drop regularly on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Podbean. Follow @thedishwithdeb on Instagram. DM the word RECLAIM on any post for a free copy of The Reclaim Blueprint™.

    14 min

  4. Apr 14

    Sandwich Generation Survival; Caring for Aging Parents Without Losing Yourself; with Jean Gibbs

    Sandwich generation survival isn't a phrase; it's a daily reality for women in midlife. You're raising kids, managing a career, and now your aging parent needs you in a way you weren't prepared for. A diagnosis. A fall. A stroke. Suddenly you're the one making the calls, breaking the rules in rehab facilities, and Googling medical terms at 2 a.m. while everyone around you assumes you've got it handled. This is exactly the kind of invisible, identity-shifting season Between the Laugh Lines was built for. In this episode, I sit down with my friend Jean Gibbs, Air Force military wife, mother of two boys, and founder of the Pathways Stroke Foundation, for an honest conversation about caregiving a parent when the system isn't built to support you or them. In December 2012, Jean's mother Agnes suffered a massive stroke that left her with aphasia, apraxia and hemiplegia. A doctor walked in with no emotion and said she'd never speak again. Jean spent the next eight years proving him wrong — and quietly building something extraordinary out of the hardest chapter of her life. Here's what you'll walk away with: Why patient advocacy is non-negotiable when a loved one can't speak for themselves, and how to start, even when you're terrified The "tribe" framework: who you actually need around you (hint: it's not just family) and how to ask for help without apologizing What nobody tells you about caregiver burnout, and Jean's unfiltered "no drama, have faith, take care of you" rule for staying upright! If you're the woman holding everyone together and wondering when someone's going to hold you, this episode is your reminder that you're not alone, you're not doing it wrong, and you don't have to keep performing strength you don't feel. Caregiving doesn't just rearrange your calendar. It rearranges who you are. There's a version of this season where you're still you at the end of it — rebuilding your confidence, reclaiming your identity, and finding clarity on what comes next. Jean is proof. Find Jean here- @pathwaysstroke, www.strokepath.org and on Youtube- Pathways Kitchen. _______________________ Between the Laugh Lines is the podcast for women who are done feeling invisible and ready for honest conversations about what's on their bathroom counter, who they're becoming, and — even what's in their bank account. Hosted by Deb of The Reclaim Concierge™. New episodes drop regularly on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Podbean, etc. Follow @thedishwithdeb on Instagram. DM the word RECLAIM for a free copy of The Reclaim Blueprint™

    1 hr

  5. Apr 7

    Midlife Confidence Shift: How Amy Nikolai Stopped Needing Other People's Approval and Started Building Her Own Legacy

    Amy Nikolai spent decades measuring her confidence by other people's feedback. In her 50s, that finally changed; and what she built in the process is extraordinary! On her own at 17. No college degree. A career built on being the person who executes. Then her daughter's best friend was diagnosed with leukemia and passed away at 11 — and Amy's life shifted permanently. She co-founded the Olivia Hope Foundation, taught herself nonprofit management, raised over a million dollars, and secured a first-of-its-kind partnership with Cohen Children's Medical Center. All as a volunteer. All while navigating menopause, marriage, motherhood, and her own emotional reckoning. In this episode, Amy and I talk about what confidence looks like when it stops being about performance, how OCD and "laser focus" became her operational strengths, and why the women who feel most underqualified are often the most capable. If you're in progress — this conversation will remind you that's exactly where you're supposed to be. 🎗️ oliviahope.org OHF2026.givesmart.com for tickets to the annual gala @oliviahopefoundation Between the Laugh Lines is the podcast for women who are done feeling invisible and ready for honest conversations about who they're becoming, what's on their bathroom counter, and what's in their bank account. Hosted by Deb creator of The Reclaim Concierge. New episodes drop regularly on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Podbean. Follow @thedishwithdeb on Instagram. DM the word RECLAIM for a free copy of The Reclaim Blueprint™.

    52 min

  6. Mar 11

    Confidence in the Hard Conversations: Wills, Trusts & Preparing Your Family with a Death Readiness Plan (with Jill Mastroianni)

    Most of us know we should have a will… but thinking about death, paperwork, and “what if” conversations can feel heavy and overwhelming. In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with Jill Mastroianni, lawyer and host of the Death Readiness Podcast, to make estate planning feel clear, doable, and empowering, not scary. We cover: The plain-English difference between a will vs. a trust The biggest estate planning mistakes families make (and how to avoid them) What “death readiness” actually means and why it’s really about peace of mind The simplest first steps you can take this week (even if you’ve been avoiding it for years) If you’ve been telling yourself “I’ll deal with it later,” this is your gentle nudge to handle it now, so your future self (and your family) can breathe easier. Next step: hit play, and when you’re done, send this episode to the person you’d want beside you in an emergency. And if you want more episodes that blend confidence, clarity, and real-life systems, follow Between the Laugh Lines so you don’t miss what’s coming next. Here are some links to all the relevant shows Jill referred to in this episode: Episode 17: How Powers of Attorney Work, When to use them, and When it's too Late to Get One Episode 19: Why You Need (or Don't Need) a Trust Episode 22: What Every Parent Needs to Know When Their Child Turns 18 Episode 38: Why You Need (or Don't Need) a Will   For all the helpful tools Jill mentioned: www.deathreadiness.com  🎧 About the show: Between the Laugh Lines is where laughter meets life’s lessons. I’m Deb (Gen X, CPA/MBA, lifelong beauty + lifestyle lover), sharing honest conversations and simple routines that help you rebuild confidence, clarity, and identity in your “right now” season. ✅ Follow the show so you don’t miss new episodes. ⭐️ If this episode helped you, leave a quick review it helps other women find us. 📩 Want to connect or suggest a topic? DM me on Instagram @thedishwithdeb. Disclaimer: This episode is for education and encouragement only and is not legal, medical, or financial advice.

    44 min

  7. Feb 18

    From Hustle to Harmony: How Renee Stribbell Built a 23-Year Entrepreneurial Life Without Burning Out

    What if the secret to lasting success in business isn't working harder — it's working smarter, with more confidence and less chaos? In this episode of Between the Laugh Lines, host Deb sits down with entrepreneur and business coach Renee Stribbell, who has spent 23+ years building businesses — and helping other women do the same. After transitioning from mortgage broker to business coach, Renee has made it her mission to help women break free from hustle culture and step into their power with clarity, confidence, and a strategy that actually works. Renee opens up about the role mentorship played in her growth, how hypnotherapy became an unexpected game-changer for overcoming anxiety in business, and why having a clear strategy is the #1 thing that separates thriving entrepreneurs from overwhelmed ones. In this episode, you'll discover: Why hustle culture is holding women entrepreneurs back — and what to do instead How confidence and clarity become your most powerful business tools The surprising way hypnotherapy can help you overcome anxiety and self-doubt Why public speaking is a learnable skill — and how to start building it now Whether you're just starting out or you've been in the entrepreneurial game for years, this conversation is your permission slip to ditch the grind and build a business (and life) that actually feels good. 🎧 Hit play and let's dive in. Connect with Renee Stribbell: reneestribbell.ca To stay connected with me, subscribe to the show so you get access to the latest episodes. Rate and share the show with your friends! Follow me on Instagram @thedishwithdeb Find more resources at https://stan.store/thedishwithdeb  Interested to be a guest: email me at info@thedishwithdeb.com

    44 min

  8. Jan 21

    Beyond the Trends: Real Haircare that Holds up in Everyday Life

    This episode is the practical follow-up to Part 1, where Jen shared how she always knew hair was her calling. Here, the conversation turns to what she’s learned through years of hands-on experience behind the chair. In this episode, we talk honestly about hair care without the pressure—what’s worth paying attention to, what’s not, and how to build a routine that actually works in everyday life. It’s a grounded, realistic conversation for women who want healthier hair without chasing trends. 💇‍♀️ You’ll hear about: Simple, sustainable hair care routines How hairstylists really think about hair health What to keep, what to skip, and why Small changes that make a noticeable difference Jen also shares more about her partnership with WigsForKids.org and why giving back through her work matters — visit their site to learn more. Connect with me on Instagram @thedishwithdeb for beauty, lifestyle, and real conversations. And check out all of Jen's work @hairbyjenniferlyn Find free resources and curated beauty favorites at https://stan.store/thedishwithdeb. You can always reach me at info@thedishwithdeb.com. If this episode resonated, please follow, rate, and share Between the Laugh Lines to help others find it too.

    34 min
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5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Are you a woman over 40 who has spent years giving everything to everyone else and now wonders, who am I outside of all of this? You're not alone. And you're exactly who Between the Laugh Lines was made for. This midlife confidence podcast helps women rebuild self-trust, reclaim their identity, and live with clarity; not through a dramatic reinvention, but through small, intentional shifts that actually stick. Hosted by Deb, CPA, MBA, and lifelong beauty enthusiast, this show brings honest conversations, real stories, and practical tools rooted in one belief: the laugh lines on your face tell a story worth hearing! Beauty isn't separate from confidence. Your appearance, your aging, your self-image, they're all part of who you are and who you're reclaiming. And yes, your money story is part of it too! Episodes cover: Confidence and identity for women in midlife Beauty and aging with self-trust and intention Honest money conversations because financial clarity is part of reclaiming yourself Breaking patterns of self-doubt and people-pleasing Real stories of women who chose themselves anyway This is where beauty meets identity. Where clarity creates courage. Where you find your voice, right there Between the Laugh Lines. Start here: grab The Reclaim Blueprint™ free at stan.store/thedishwithdeb or DM RECLAIM on Instagram @thedishwithdeb. Begin reclaiming who you are —> Between the Laugh Lines. Listen in and start choosing yourself again!

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