Her Comeback: Transforming Your Life After 50

Michelle Thompson
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Her Comeback is a transformative podcast for women over 50 who've reached their breaking point and are ready to reclaim their lives. Life coach Michelle Thompson delivers raw, authentic conversations with women who've navigated major transitions, combining practical rebuilding strategies with expert insights on reinventing yourself at any stage. Whether you're facing an empty nest, career changes, relationship shifts, or the realization you've been living everyone else's dreams, Michelle's warm, no-nonsense approach provides the clarity and courage you need to move from survival mode to thriving. This isn't just about getting back on your feet—it's about proving that mid-life isn't the end of anything - it's the powerful beginning of everything you were meant to become. New episodes drop weekly. Your second act awaits. https://hercomebackpodcast.com/

  1. Dreams Delayed, Not Denied - Her Comeback bonus episode with Michelle Thompson

    5d ago ·  Bonus

    Dreams Delayed, Not Denied - Her Comeback bonus episode with Michelle Thompson

    HER COMEBACK - BONUS EPISODE - "Dreams Delayed, Not Denied" A Live Talk by Michelle Thompson- hercomebackpodcast.com Summary Something different is waiting for you in this bonus episode of Her Comeback. This week, Michelle is sharing a live talk she gave at a women’s networking event she recently co-hosted — and the energy in that room was everything. The talk is called Dreams Delayed, Not Denied, and it pulls directly from Chapter 3 of her upcoming book, Courageously You: 7 Simple Frameworks to Create the Life You Love. If you’ve ever wondered what the book is really about, consider this your first real taste. Michelle shares the story of a dream she carried for fifteen years — living at the beach — and all the detours, heartbreaks, and unexpected pivots that finally led her to Southwest Florida. It’s honest. It’s real. And it will make you think about the dream you’ve been putting off. She closes with the D.R.E.A.M. Framework from the book — a practical tool for anyone who’s been waiting, rebuilding, or wondering if their dream still has a chance. It does. And so do you. 📚 COURAGEOUSLY YOU IS COMING — JUNE 25TH Courageously You: 7 Simple Frameworks to Create the Life You Love by Michelle Thompson officially launches June 25th on Amazon. Go to hercomebackpodcast.com to sign up for updates and be the first to know when it’s available. WHAT YOU’LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE • Why so many women hold their dreams quietly — and what it really means to give yourself permission to want something • Michelle’s 15-year journey toward coastal living — including the marriages, the moves, and the rescinded job offer that nearly broke her • How a global pandemic, an empty nest, and a broken relationship became the exact combination of events that finally set her free • The cost of NOT pursuing your dream — and why regret is far more painful than failure • The D.R.E.A.M. Framework: a step-by-step tool for moving toward your dream even when timing, circumstances, or fear are working against you THE D.R.E.A.M. FRAMEWORK D: Desire Deeply R: Resilience E: Embrace the Wait A: Adapt M: Move Boldly The full D.R.E.A.M. Framework, with reflection questions and deeper coaching tools, is featured in Chapter 3 of Courageously You. ✨ THIS WEEK’S REFLECTION QUESTION What is one small action you can take TODAY toward a dream you’ve been postponing? Not tomorrow, not when conditions are perfect — what can you do right now to honor what is calling to your soul? RESOURCES & LINKS Purchase Courageously You on Amazon — available June 25th: ◦ amazon.com (link active on launch day) Connect with Michelle: ◦ Facebook: michellethompsoncoaching ◦ Instagram: @michellethompsoncoaching ◦ LinkedIn: michelledthompsonmbapmp

    14 min
  2. She Saw What Therapy Was Missing, And Built Something Better; Her Comeback with Dr. Barbara Holstein

    May 22

    She Saw What Therapy Was Missing, And Built Something Better; Her Comeback with Dr. Barbara Holstein

    Episode Summary- https://hercomebackpodcast.com/ What happens when a psychologist looks around her field and realizes something essential is missing? For Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, the answer changed the trajectory of her entire career—and the lives of countless women. In this rich conversation with host Michelle Thompson, Dr. Holstein shares how she pioneered what we now call positive psychology decades before it had a name, why she built her practice around the concept of the “Enchanted Self,” and how her journey from classroom teacher to published author, playwright, filmmaker, and podcaster is proof that reinvention doesn’t have an age limit. Whether you’re carrying the weight of what went wrong, wondering if it’s too late to pursue a forgotten dream, or simply ready to see yourself through a new lens—this episode will remind you that your potential never disappeared. It’s been waiting for you to come back to it. What You’ll Discover in This Episode • How Dr. Holstein noticed what traditional therapy was getting wrong—and what she did about it, starting with 19 volunteer interviews over two years. • The unexpected near-fall at a conference that led to her first book being published—and why she calls it an absolute miracle. • What “the Enchanted Self” actually means in practice, and the beautiful shifts that happen when women begin to reclaim their potential. • Why women today still face many of the same internal barriers as generations before—and what it looks like to move beyond them. • How to use your past as a resource rather than a wound, including how understanding your ancestors’ story can reframe your own. • The childhood memories that unlock energy and self-belief—and why going back to age 8 or 10 can open a secret door within you. • What held Dr. Holstein back in her own journey—and how she kept moving forward anyway, choosing impact over income. • Why her coming-of-age films put young women’s voices at the center, and what we all gain when we stop and listen. • The simple, daily “Recipes for Enchantment” that create moments of joy, connection, and aliveness. About Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein is a positive psychologist, author, filmmaker, and the creator of The Enchanted Self—a philosophy and practice centered on helping women recover the best of who they are. A pioneer in strength-based therapy long before positive psychology became mainstream, Dr. Holstein has authored multiple books including her landmark first publication on women’s potential, the beloved children’s book I’m a Girl, I’m Smart and I Know Everything, Recipes for Enchantment, and her most recent work, Women’s Freedom. Her coming-of-age short films have been honored hundreds of times at festivals worldwide. Connect with Dr. Holstein Website: enchantedself.com Email: barbara.holstein@gmail.com Enjoyed This Episode? Subscribe to Her Comeback on your favorite podcast platform and follow Michelle on YouTube at Michelle Thompson – Life Coaching for more encouragement, real talk, and stories of women who refused to let their setback be their final chapter.

    36 min
  3. Reinvention Is Not Optional — Her Comeback with Shannaz Schopfer

    May 15

    Reinvention Is Not Optional — Her Comeback with Shannaz Schopfer

    Her Comeback with Shannaz Schopfer, host Michelle Thompson https://hercomebackpodcast.com/ What does it look like to rebuild yourself — not once, not twice, but again and again across five decades and multiple continents? In this episode, Michelle sits down with Shannaz Schopfer, a global beauty industry veteran and founder of The Beauty Architects, for a candid conversation about reinvention, grit, and what it really costs a woman to earn her seat at the table. From growing up as a serial entrepreneur's daughter traveling country to country — learning languages on the fly and hiding her shyness behind a forced smile — to launching her own skincare brand, selling it, and starting over in a new country, Shannaz has never let a closed door be the final word. Now based in LA, she's channeling 45 years of hard-won knowledge into helping emerging beauty founders navigate the complex world of global manufacturing. Today, Shannaz serves as a bridge between indie brand founders and the often-confusing world of international manufacturing, while mentoring the next generation of women entering the beauty space. Connect: LinkedIn (search Shannaz Schopfer)Company: The Beauty ArchitectsKey Themes & Takeaways Reinvention as a way of life Shannaz has rebuilt her career more times than most people attempt once — from brand founder, to sales rep, to lab director, to M&A advisor, to consultant. Her throughline? A refusal to stop moving forward. "If you stop moving forward, you stop living." The culture classroom Growing up moving from country to country — and being placed in public schools where she didn't speak the language — taught Shannaz adaptability, empathy, and a global lens that became her greatest professional asset. Her father's solution to her shyness? Public speaking and theater classes. It worked. The gap no one was filling The idea for The Beauty Architects came from noticing that indie beauty brands and quality manufacturers kept missing each other. Big brands don't need a guide. New founders do. Shannaz built her business around being that trusted bridge. What sustainability actually means in beauty Shannaz breaks down the full supply chain of what "sustainable" really requires — from responsible ingredient sourcing to manufacturing practices, packaging choices, and the reality that retail infrastructure and inconsistent recycling systems still stand in the way. What it cost her to lead in a male-dominated space She doesn't sugarcoat it: she was fired for pushing back. Fired for reporting harassment. She watched a CEO take credit for her strategy, fail, and later admit she should have had the role. "Should I spend more time with those I love, and be present for those who need me?" — The kind of recalibration only lived experience brings. Lifting as she climbs Shannaz speaks at schools, mentors emerging women in product development, and advocates for equal pay and self-advocacy — because she knows the beauty industry's consumers and workers are largely women, while the boardrooms still often aren't. Her message to the woman sitting on an idea Follow your gut. Have grit. Surround yourself with non-toxic people. Get an NDA before you talk. Ask not "Is this a good idea?" but "What would the pitfalls and positives be?" And know this: failure is an education, not a verdict.

    31 min
  4. From Broadcast to Broccoli - Her Comeback with Amanda Hull

    May 8

    From Broadcast to Broccoli - Her Comeback with Amanda Hull

    Her Comeback | Episode Notes Guest: Amanda Hull, Author & Certified Health Coach Episode Summary Michelle sits down with Amanda Hull — Iowa farm girl turned Florida-based health coach and author — for a conversation about getting back to the basics of wellness, sustainable health habits, and the courage it takes to walk away from a corporate career to live on your own terms. About Amanda Amanda Hull grew up on a small acreage in Fenton, Iowa (population 300), where gardening, hunting, and raising chickens were everyday life. After a 30-year career in broadcast television and sales management — including a General Sales Manager role at a Hearst Broadcasting affiliate and a volunteer Wellness Champion role for the company — she made a pivotal shift during COVID, leaving corporate life to become a certified health coach specializing in nutrition. She and her husband now live in Florida. Her Book: Rooted: The Down to Earth Basics of Wellness Amanda's debut book weaves nostalgic stories from her '80s childhood with practical guidance on nutrition, fitness, mental health, and financial wellbeing. The premise: good health doesn't have to be complicated or expensive — it just has to be sustainable. The book is dedicated in part to her father, who passed away in 2020, and is available at hull-health.com and on Amazon. Key Takeaways Sustainability over gimmicks. Whether it's SlimFast in the '80s or Ozempic today, any plan you can't maintain for life will ultimately fail. Ask yourself: can I do this at 80?Ultra-processed food is engineered to keep you eating. 70% of the average American's diet is ultra-processed. Real food — chicken, broccoli, a potato — satisfies in ways a bag of Doritos never will.Taste preferences change — but it takes time. Rewiring your palate from processed food to whole food takes weeks or months, not days. Consistency is everything.Be a lion, not a sheep. Don't let food companies, social media, or cultural noise decide what's healthy for you. Think critically, do the research, trust your own body.One takeaway for women: You don't have to be perfect — just consistent. Small, daily habits compound into a foundation you'll be proud of.Connect with Amanda 🌐 hull-health.com | 📖 Rooted available on Amazon "Health is freedom. You live a great life, you're healthy — it's freedom. It allows you to do a lot of things." — Amanda Hull Subscribe to Her Comeback on YouTube: @MichelleThompson-LifeCoaching

    29 min
  5. Too Much for the Room with Passion Pam on Her Comeback

    May 2

    Too Much for the Room with Passion Pam on Her Comeback

    Her Comeback | Episode Notes with Passion Pam Host: Michelle Thompson https://hercomebackpodcast.com/ Intimacy coach, entrepreneur, and podcast host Passion Pam has been facilitating real conversations about sexual health and pleasure for over 22 years. What began as a way to earn extra income as a stay-at-home mom evolved into a full coaching and education platform helping women and couples reclaim joy, confidence, and connection. Now 52, Pam brings her signature humor, warmth, and zero-judgment energy to everything she does — including her own podcast, Be You with Passion Pam. In this lively in-person studio conversation, Michelle and Pam explore what it means to live unapologetically — in and out of the bedroom. Pam shares how a chance bachelorette party encounter launched a 22-year career, why laughter is her secret coaching tool, and how turning 50 deepened her commitment to helping women navigate sensuality, identity, and self-permission in the chapters that follow midlife. Topics covered: How sensual confidence connects to overall confidenceThe perimenopause blind spot women aren't talking aboutWhy Pam replaced the word "change" with "evolve"The awareness-first framework for women who feel disconnectedHer "edutainment" approach — why humor opens doors shame keeps closedThe mirror high-five: her daily self-affirmation practice"I stopped asking how do others see me, and I flipped the switch — how do I see myself?" "I've been told I'm too much for the room. I just say — no, I'm too much for you." "I've started replacing the word change with evolve. You know you're gonna come out better and stronger on the other side." Connect with Passion Pam: Website: passionpam.com Podcast: Be You with Passion Pam — Spotify & YouTube Social: @passionpam on all platforms

    26 min
  6. From Wall Street to Purpose-Driven — Her Comeback with Stephanie Georges

    Apr 24

    From Wall Street to Purpose-Driven — Her Comeback with Stephanie Georges

    Her Comeback Podcast - https://hercomebackpodcast.com/ About This Episode What happens when a high-achieving woman reaches the top of her field and still feels like something is missing? In this episode, host Michelle Thompson sits down with Stephanie Georges — former C-suite executive, top-ranked Wall Street analyst, and co-founder of Meraki Dignity — to talk about the slow unraveling of a successful corporate identity, and what it took to finally walk away and build something that truly matters. About Stephanie Georges Stephanie is a first-generation Greek-American who grew up in Brooklyn before it was "cool." She built a distinguished career leading strategy, product development, brand, and transformation across industries. Two years ago, in her 60s, she made a major pivot — leaving behind a C-suite life to co-found Meraki Dignity, a purpose-driven platform designed to help women find clarity, confidence, and agency during life's biggest transitions. What We Cover The moment she knew it was time to leave There wasn't one single moment — it was an accumulation. Stephanie found herself sitting in conference rooms as the only woman, feeling like an observer rather than a contributor. The joy had faded. She was on autopilot. The real turning point was holding up a mirror and admitting: not quite. How she actually made the leap She set a deadline — told her CEO a year out — and committed publicly so she couldn't keep moving the goalposts. It was a leap, not a plan. But every day she stayed past her truth became harder to ignore. What she had to unlearn The corporate habit of excusing being marginalized — "they didn't mean it," "I wasn't included because of X." Stephanie had to reset her boundaries and give herself permission to only work with people who honor her dignity. She rebuilt her culture from scratch, on her own terms. What Meraki means Meraki (μεράκι) is a Greek word that doesn't translate easily — it's the feeling of pouring your whole soul into something. Creativity, love, and full immersion. Stephanie first witnessed it watching her mother paint in the basement, lost in the music and the work. Finding your Meraki starts with clarity → confidence → agency → intentional choice. What early data from the platform revealed Women arrived expecting quick answers, then left — and came back to carve out real time. The most common feedback: "Thank you for giving me the space I haven't been able to give myself." And while the team expected health transitions to be the core issue, what women ultimately opened up about — once they felt safe — was community. The fear of being alone. On reinvention Reinvention doesn't mean starting over from a blank slate. Everything you've been through — even the hard stuff, the stumbles, the so-called failures — has wisdom in it. It's not about undoing. It's about building on. On agency Agency doesn't have to be a huge leap. It starts small: deciding to exercise today, having one honest conversation, taking one next step. Small choices build a reserve for the inevitable setbacks ahead. Connect with Stephanie 🌐 Website: MerakiDignity.com 📖 Substack: Meraki Dignity on Substack The platform is currently in beta (launching June 2026). They welcome feedback and would love for you to explore and engage. Her Comeback is hosted by Coach Michelle Thompson. New episodes drop regularly. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

    35 min
  7. Marketing Without the Overwhelm; Her Comeback with Sydney Jones

    Apr 17

    Marketing Without the Overwhelm; Her Comeback with Sydney Jones

    Her Comeback Podcast · Hosted by Coach Michelle Thompson Marketing Without the Overwhelm with Sydney Jones EPISODE SUMMARY ABOUT SYDNEY: Sydney is the owner of Sydney Jones VA, a boutique digital marketing agency based in Kentucky serving clients locally and remotely. Her team of three specializes in social media, email marketing, website design, paid ads, and content strategy — with fully custom packages for every client. She launched her business in June 2023 straight out of college and grew it entirely through referrals. Her Comeback Moment Sydney spent two months with no clients, nearly quit at month six, then exploded through word-of-mouth referrals in early 2024. Her lesson: a "no" isn't failure — it's a redirection. What Holds Women Back Two culprits: perfectionism (the post never goes out because it's "not ready") and fear of letting go (your business is your baby — delegation feels scary). Sound familiar? The #1 Marketing Mistake Focusing on what you want to say instead of what your ideal client needs to hear. Sydney's fix: step into her shoes. What is she struggling with? What would make her stop scrolling? Make it immediately clear who you are, what you do, and how it helps her. Where to Start Build a digital footprint (somewhere people can find you) and establish credibility (testimonials, reviews, value-driven content). Sydney's rule: two-thirds of your content should be pure value — not a pitch. Stop Trying to Be Everywhere Pick one or two platforms where your audience actually lives. Consistency on one beats chaos on five. You don't need TikTok, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, AND X — you need to show up reliably where she is. Protect Your Energy Set a daily time limit for social media. Separate personal scrolling from business activity. Delegate what drains you when you can. And if you're camera-shy? B-roll (atmospheric video clips of you working) means you never have to stare down a lens. Two terms Sydney unpacked that every second-act entrepreneur should know: B-roll Video clips Short clips that capture atmosphere — you working at your desk, setting up an event, moving through your day. No one has to look directly at the camera. Great for those who want a presence without being fully "on." CTA Call to Action A prompt that tells your audience what to do next. "DM me," "Comment below," "Book a free call." Every post should have one. CONNECT WITH SYDNEY Instagram: @SydneyJonesVA Email: sydneyJonesServices@gmail.com

    25 min
  8. Her Comeback with Lisa Clements: Money as Freedom: Building Financial Confidence

    Apr 10

    Her Comeback with Lisa Clements: Money as Freedom: Building Financial Confidence

    Her Comeback | Episode Summary Guest: Lisa Clements, Financial Advisor & Wealth Manager — ClearSprings Wealth, Kansas City, KS Lisa spent 24+ years in corporate America, including a role at Meta, before relocating to be closer to family and discovering a passion for investing. A New Year's Eve conversation with her two best friends — who told her "we hate this stuff, you should do it for people like us" — sparked her pivot into financial advising. She now specializes in serving single professional women navigating money decisions on their own. Money as a Tool for Agency Lisa's core philosophy: money isn't about returns — it's about freedom. She asks clients three questions: Am I safe? Do I have options? Am I living a life aligned to who I am? She pushes back on deprivation-based saving, drawing on Bill Perkins' Die with Zero: money should fund a meaningful life now, not just a retirement account you're afraid to spend. For Women Who Feel Behind Lisa validates the shame many women carry — but reframes it. The financial world was built by men, schools never taught personal finance, and most women have been busy building careers and caretaking. "It's not your fault." She calls the 40s and 50s "your power decades" — it is not too late to make changes that dramatically shift your financial future. Common Mistakes During Life Transitions Two opposite patterns show up in divorce, widowhood, or career change: freezing completely, or moving too fast. Lisa's advice: pause, stabilize, and buy yourself time — 3 months, 6 months, even a year before making major decisions. She also flags a common trap: women holding $80K–$150K in cash that should be invested. Building Financial Security as a Single Woman Lisa's framework includes: values alignment, a goals plan tied to those values, an income plan for working and work-optional years, a decision framework for emotional moments, legal clarity (wills, trusts, powers of attorney), and care planning for solo aging. She notes: 80% of women die single; planning accordingly isn't morbid — it's love for the people who'll support you. For Partnered Women Two non-negotiables: build your own community (don't let your social world revolve around your partner's), and don't abdicate financial decisions. Know where the money is invested, who the advisor is, and how decisions get made. What Financial Confidence Feels Like Not a number — it's the ability to make decisions without second-guessing, a clear framework for spending choices, and sleeping soundly because you have a plan. Lisa also advocates visioning your work-optional years: not just saving toward retirement, but picturing what you'll actually do with the freedom. The 10-Degree Turn Lisa's favorite metaphor: a cruise ship leaving Miami headed southeast lands in the Dominican Republic. Turn it 10 degrees west? You end up in Jamaica or the Caymans. Same distance, completely different destination. Small, consistent changes in your financial habits today create a radically different future. Connect with Lisa Website & socials: @ClearSpringsWealth | Free 30-minute intro call available at ClearSpringsWealth.com

    32 min
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About

Her Comeback is a transformative podcast for women over 50 who've reached their breaking point and are ready to reclaim their lives. Life coach Michelle Thompson delivers raw, authentic conversations with women who've navigated major transitions, combining practical rebuilding strategies with expert insights on reinventing yourself at any stage. Whether you're facing an empty nest, career changes, relationship shifts, or the realization you've been living everyone else's dreams, Michelle's warm, no-nonsense approach provides the clarity and courage you need to move from survival mode to thriving. This isn't just about getting back on your feet—it's about proving that mid-life isn't the end of anything - it's the powerful beginning of everything you were meant to become. New episodes drop weekly. Your second act awaits. https://hercomebackpodcast.com/

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