Ages & Stages

Ages and Stages
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Ages & Stages brings together four women at different life stages to have honest, relatable conversations about womanhood. Each episode explores a single topic—friendships, money, body changes, career shifts, relationships—through the lens of four distinct decades. The result is a multigenerational dialogue that's both comforting and enlightening, showing listeners that while the details change, many of the struggles and joys are universal.

  1. Oct 6

    Why Making Friends as an Adult Is So Hard (and What Actually Works)

    Why does making friends as an adult feel so much harder than it did in school? In this episode of Ages and Stages, Wendy, Lindsay, and Emma talk honestly about how friendships change through your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond. They cover the best friends who become twice-a-year friends, the friendships that fade after a move, a baby, or a divorce, and the ones that somehow survive it all.The hosts compare how introverts and extroverts make friends, why adult friendships take planning (sometimes a year in advance), and why it's okay to outgrow people, or to be outgrown. There's also the loneliness epidemic, the strange magic of the women's bar bathroom, a lifelong friendship that started with a tattooed eyeball in Puerto Vallarta, and the "built-in besties" we get from family.Whether you just moved to a new town, you're a work-from-home mom craving adult conversation, or you're wondering where your old friend group went, this conversation is a reminder that you're not the only one figuring it out.In this episode:How friendships shift with careers, marriage, motherhood, divorce, and movingOutgrowing friends without guilt, and why some people are meant for a seasonIntrovert vs. extrovert approaches to making new friendsWhy adult friendships need intention and planningThe loneliness epidemic and why women are craving connectionWhat we value in friends now: authenticity, loyalty, effort, and funPartying in your 20s vs. now (and the "mom hangover")What our younger selves got wrong about friendshipChapters (approximate, from the transcript)00:00 Intro01:55 Who are your closest friends right now?03:49 Moving, distance, and divorce07:39 Outgrowing people09:00 What makes a friendship work?12:14 Why adult friendships need planning17:13 Introverts vs. extroverts18:53 The loneliness epidemic24:48 The magic of the girls' bathroom27:20 The tattooed eyeball friendship story29:54 Meeting friends through kids and work33:57 Built-in besties: sisters, daughters, nieces35:25 What we value in friendship now41:59 Party days, hangovers, and getting older55:46 Are we pickier about new friends?58:55 Less time for friends than we expected1:03:51 What our younger selves misunderstood1:08:03 Closing thoughtsLike, follow, and subscribe to Ages and Stages on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, and share this episode with a friend who needs it.

  2. Sep 19

    Red Flags, Yellow Flags & Green Flags at Every Age

    Sometimes what we call love is actually control, and what we call loyalty is actually fear. In this episode, Wendy, Lindsey, and Emma dig into the difference between healthy and unhealthy dynamics, not just in romantic relationships but in friendships, family, and even therapy. They cover the obvious red flags, the sneaky ones ("that's just how my family is," "I'm just being brutally honest"), and why green flags deserve more airtime. Wendy brings 30 years of experience in forensics, criminal justice, and mental health to the question of when one red flag is enough. Then the three play a round of "Red, Yellow, or Green?" with real-life scenarios, and the answers aren't always unanimous. In this episode: Each host's personal red flag lists, from disrespect toward waitstaff to "all my exes are crazy"Obvious vs. subtle red flags: jealousy dressed up as caring, protectiveness that becomes isolationGreen flags, beige flags, and how many red flags are too manyWhy you can't fix someone else, and the "inconvenience" idea about what makes people changeOwning your own red flags: learning to be softer, saying no, managing a hot temperHow age and experience change what you can seeWhy language matters, including the "but" that cancels a complimentRed flags in friendships: competition, one-uppers, passive-aggressive "jokes," and one-sided reciprocityRed flags to watch for in a therapistThe Red, Yellow, or Green game (scenarios below)Final takeaways: watch patterns, check in with how you feel, and keep your boundariesTimestamps: 0:00 Love, loyalty, or a red flag?2:10 The hosts' red flag lists3:52 Obvious vs. not-so-obvious red flags7:08 Green flags and beige flags13:46 Can you fix people's red flags?27:15 Red flags in a therapist30:30 How age changes what you can see35:28 Language and intention37:53 Red flags in friendships42:03 Game: Red, Yellow, or Green?1:03:55 "Text me when you get there" (and location sharing)1:07:41 Family guilt trips1:09:00 The friend who takes days to text back1:14:56 Final round and takeaways1:19:31 Closing thoughts and Wendy's new motto

  3. Sep 5

    Why Women Feel Guilty Putting Themselves First | Ages & Stages

    Putting yourself first sounds simple... so why does it feel impossible? In this episode of Ages & Stages, hosts Wendy and Lindsey sit down with guest Sarah — a homeschool mom of three — to unpack the guilt, people-pleasing, and unspoken expectations that keep women putting everyone else first. From mom guilt to the "earn it" mentality, boundary-setting, burnout, and the pressure of being a "superwoman," this honest conversation covers it all across three different life stages. We talk about: ✨ Why women feel guilty resting, saying no, or spending on themselves ✨ The difference between people-pleasing and genuine generosity ✨ How the "earn it" mindset keeps us stuck in burnout ✨ Setting boundaries without the guilt spiral ✨ Self-care that doesn't require money — audiobooks, naps, and small wins ✨ A fun (and revealing) round of "what would you actually say?" scenarios Whatever stage of life you're in, this one will hit close to home. Listen & subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTubeShare this with a friend who needs to hear: you belong on your own list tooGot a topic or story to share? Email us — we'd love to feature it #AgesAndStages #PuttingYourselfFirst #MomGuilt #Boundaries #SelfCare #PeoplePleasing #WomensPodcast #Motherhood Timestamps: 00:00 Intro & meet our guest Sarah 02:00 Why "putting yourself first" feels so hard 05:00 People-pleasing and where it comes from 10:00 The "earn it" mentality 15:00 Guilt, burnout & the superwoman complex 20:00 Boundaries and learning to say no 25:00 Self-care without support systems 33:00 Rapid-fire: What would you actually say? 45:00 Final thoughts & takeaways

  4. Aug 22

    Starting Over vs. Starting Something New: Navigating Life Changes at Any Age | Ages & Stages

    What’s the difference between starting over and simply starting something new? In this episode of Ages & Stages, Wendy, Lindsey, and Emma look at how that answer changes through different seasons of life. From relationships and career changes to moving, family, aging, and figuring out what comes next, they share their own experiences with moments that forced them to change direction. They also talk about the fear that can come with making a big change, the pressure women often feel to have life figured out by a certain age, and why the experiences we’ve already lived don’t disappear when we begin again. Sometimes what feels like starting over is really taking everything you’ve learned and using it to build your next chapter.

  5. Aug 8

    How to Rediscover Your Creativity & Make Time for Yourself at Any Age | Ages & Stages

    What happens to creativity as life gets busier? In this episode of Ages & Stages, Wendy, Lindsey and Emma talk about creativity, passion and the hobbies that make us feel like ourselves outside of work, motherhood, relationships and everyday responsibilities. Across three different stages of life, they share how their interests have changed over the years, from gardening, baking and coloring to writing, photography, homesteading and even learning to fly a plane. They also get into the very real reasons we stop making time for the things we enjoy: lack of time, money, mom guilt, perfectionism and the fear of trying something we might not be good at. The conversation explores why creativity doesn't necessarily disappear as we get older. Sometimes it simply changes form. And sometimes finding yourself again starts with giving yourself permission to try something new, return to something you once loved or do something simply because you enjoy it. If you've been feeling stuck, overwhelmed or disconnected from the things that used to light you up, this episode is a reminder that there's no age limit on finding a new passion or rediscovering an old one. Listen in for an honest conversation about creativity, self-care, motherhood, identity, hobbies, personal growth and finding your spark in every stage of life.

  6. Jul 25

    What Success Really Means at Every Stage | Ages and Stages

    Success looks different for everyone and, more importantly, it changes over time. In this episode of Ages and Stages, Wendy, Lindsey, Emma, and returning guest Angie have an honest conversation about what success has meant throughout their lives. From building careers and raising families to navigating divorce, loss, motherhood, and unexpected life changes, they share how their priorities have shifted with every decade. The group discusses the people who shaped them, the lessons learned through life's hardest moments, and why resilience often grows from experiences we never would have chosen. Wendy also shares a reflection from her newly published book that encourages listeners to pause and look back at the defining moments that have shaped who they are today. Whether you're just starting your career, rebuilding after a setback, raising a family, or wondering what comes next, this episode is a reminder that success isn't about reaching a finish line. It's about becoming the person you're meant to be. In this episode: Why the definition of success changes throughout lifeCareer success vs. personal fulfillmentMotherhood and redefining prioritiesLearning from divorce, loss, and difficult seasonsBuilding resilience through adversityThe importance of supportive relationshipsMentors and the people who influence our liveComparing yourself to others and finding contentmentThe value of reflection and personal growthWhat each host hopes success looks like in the futureIf today's conversation encouraged you to reflect on your own journey, share this episode with someone who could use the reminder that their story is still unfolding.

  7. Jul 11

    Healthy Boundaries: Why Setting Boundaries Isn't Selfish | Ages & Stages Podcast

    Are boundaries selfish? Do healthy boundaries push people away or strengthen relationships? In this episode of Ages & Stages, Wendy, Lindsey, and Emma have an honest conversation about why boundaries are so difficult to set and why so many women struggle with guilt, people-pleasing, conflict, and fear when protecting their own well-being. From parenting toddlers and setting family expectations to navigating friendships, work, relationships, and toxic environments, they break down the biggest myths about boundaries and explain how healthy boundaries actually create stronger, healthier relationships. Whether you're learning to say no, protecting your peace, or trying to overcome people-pleasing, this episode offers practical encouragement and real-life examples to help you build confidence.

  8. Jun 27

    The Invisible Scoreboard: Why We Compare Ourselves & Build Resentment | Ages & Stages Podcast

    Are you constantly comparing yourself to everyone else? Keeping score in your relationships? Feeling like you're never doing enough?In this episode of Ages & Stages, Lindsey, Emma, and Dr. Wendie explore what they call the invisible emotional scoreboard—the mental tally many of us keep in friendships, marriages, parenting, work, and even with ourselves.From social media comparison and perfectionism to workplace burnout, assumptions, resentment, and communication, they discuss why so many people feel exhausted trying to measure up—and how letting go of unrealistic expectations can lead to healthier relationships and greater peace.Whether you're a young professional, a parent, or navigating life's changing seasons, this conversation offers practical insight into breaking free from comparison and learning to communicate more effectively.In this episode:Why we compare ourselves to othersThe danger of keeping score in relationshipsHow assumptions create conflictParenting guilt and perfectionismSetting healthy workplace boundariesThe difference between high standards and unrealistic expectationsHow resentment quietly builds over timePractical ways to improve communication and emotional healthIf this episode encouraged you, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.00:00 Introduction01:04 What is the "Invisible Scoreboard?"08:20 Keeping score as parents and partners17:30 When the scoreboard turns against yourself22:00 Fear of failure and perfectionism33:00 Assumptions and communication in relationships48:30 Workplace resentment and burnout59:00 Setting healthy boundaries at work1:08:00 High standards vs. unrealistic expectations1:17:00 Final thoughts and practical takeaways

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About

Ages & Stages brings together four women at different life stages to have honest, relatable conversations about womanhood. Each episode explores a single topic—friendships, money, body changes, career shifts, relationships—through the lens of four distinct decades. The result is a multigenerational dialogue that's both comforting and enlightening, showing listeners that while the details change, many of the struggles and joys are universal.

Information

  • Creator
    Ages and Stages
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ages and Stages
  • Show Website
    Ages & Stages