Dusty Love

dustylove2000
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to Dusty Love.  Discovering and loving yourself beneath the layers, through the years, & across the generations that have shaped us.  Balancing thoughts and advice on life, career, family, and home. Finding purpose, using our gifts, sharing opinions and stories and hoping to discover what's next together.   Find me on Facebook @Dusty Love or Instagram & TikTok @dustylove2000  Listen in on Youtube, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, Apple Podcast

  1. 18h ago

    Feeling Invisible | The Loneliness of Being Everyone's Person

    Have you ever felt lonely even when you’re surrounded by people? Like everyone in your life needs you, depends on you, and knows exactly what you can do for them… but sometimes you wonder if anyone really sees YOU? There’s a particular kind of loneliness that comes from being everyone’s dependable person while quietly wondering who’s there for you. In this heartfelt episode of the Dusty Love Podcast, April opens up about feeling invisible in relationships, the difference between being needed and being valued, and the emotional exhaustion that can come from always being the one everyone counts on. From raising children and navigating changing friendships to stepping away from a career and rediscovering yourself after 50, April explores what happens when the roles that once defined us begin to change. She also shares an uncomfortable realization: sometimes we’ve spent so many years being strong and available for everyone else that we’ve unintentionally taught people we don’t need anything in return. But needing connection doesn’t make you needy. And being loved shouldn’t depend on how much you do for everyone else. This isn’t about blaming the people we love or walking away from the relationships that matter. It’s about recognizing our own needs, learning to ask for support, and remembering that our worth goes far beyond what we can provide for others. In This Episode, We Talk About:  Why you can feel lonely even when surrounded by family and friends.  The difference between being needed, being valued, and being taken for granted.  How always being the dependable one can become emotionally exhausting.  Why friendships and relationships sometimes begin to feel one-sided.  The identity changes that come with grown children, career transitions, and life after 50.  How we sometimes contribute to the expectations others have of us.  Why asking for emotional support doesn’t make you needy.  Learning to enjoy being alone without feeling lonely. A Few Things Worth Remembering Being needed and being valued are not the same thing. You deserve relationships where people appreciate your presence, not just your availability. You can be strong and still need support. Being everyone’s safe place doesn’t mean you never need one of your own. It’s okay to change the expectations you’ve helped create. You can love people deeply without carrying everything for them. Your identity is bigger than your responsibilities. You’re still a whole person when the kids grow up, your career changes, or life gets quieter. You don’t have to earn your place in someone’s life by being useful. Sometimes simply being together should be enough. Something to Think About… If you stopped doing all the things you do for everyone else tomorrow, who would still show up just to spend time with you? And just as importantly, who would YOU want to spend time with? Sometimes the relationships worth nurturing most are the ones where you can show up empty-handed and still feel completely welcome. Let’s Keep the Conversation Going  Have you ever felt like everyone needs you, but nobody really sees you? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Email: dustylove2000@gmail.com Follow the Dusty Love Podcast for honest conversations about real life, relationships, personal growth, and rediscovering yourself beneath the layers. Because you deserve to be seen, heard, and loved for WHO you are, not just WHAT you do. Dusty Love Loving yourself beneath the layers. Real Talk. Real Life. Real You.   https://www.facebook.com/dustylove2000   https://www.instagram.com/dustylove2000/   https://www.tiktok.com/@dustylove2000   Contact Dusty Love or submit your story

  2. Oct 18

    When to Choose Yourself - Walking Away from Your Career

    How do you know when it’s time to walk away from something you’ve spent years building, especially when you’re not even sure what comes next? After close to two decades collectively with the same company, I made one of the biggest decisions of my life. I chose to walk away from my career. Not because I stopped caring, not because I had nothing left to give, but because somewhere along the way, I realized I’d stopped choosing myself. In this deeply personal episode of Dusty Love, I’m sharing the emotions behind that decision. The loyalty, the guilt, the exhaustion, the relationships, and the uncertainty of starting a new chapter in my 50s without a plan. We talk about what happens when being the dependable one starts costing you your peace, why walking away can feel like failure, and how difficult it can be to separate who you are from what you’ve spent years doing. I’m learning that rediscovering yourself isn’t always about finding something new. Sometimes it’s about finally giving yourself permission to let go. In this episode, we talk about: Recognizing when something has changed and no longer feels right When loyalty begins to feel like self-betrayal The guilt of leaving people and responsibilities behind Why being needed isn’t the same as being fulfilled Finding your identity beyond your career in midlife Learning to slow down without feeling guilty Choosing peace, family, and yourself without knowing what comes next A few things I’m taking away from this chapter: You can be grateful for the good and still recognize when it’s time to move on. You don’t need everyone else’s permission to make a change in your own life. Walking away doesn’t mean you failed. Sometimes it means you’ve finally listened to yourself. Your worth isn’t measured by how much you do for everyone else. You don’t have to know what comes next to take the first step. I don’t know if I’ve made the right decision. But I know I needed to try. And maybe that’s where rediscovering ourselves begins. I’m not leaving because I have nothing left to give. I’m leaving because I want to be more intentional about where I give it. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering whether it’s time for a change, I hope you’ll join me for this conversation. Listen, follow the Dusty Love Podcast, and share this episode with someone who might need a reminder that it’s okay to choose themselves, too. Dusty Love Loving yourself beneath the layers. Real Talk. Real Life. Real You.   https://www.facebook.com/dustylove2000   https://www.instagram.com/dustylove2000/   https://www.tiktok.com/@dustylove2000   Contact Dusty Love or submit your story

  3. Oct 12

    Marriage - The Long Haul of Love, Laughter, and What's for dinner after 24 years?

    What does marriage look like after 24 years, three kids, and a whole lot of life?   Are we still asking, What's for dinner? Marriage evolves just like each of us individually, and us as a couple.  Maybe that's one of the best parts.  In this episode I'm celebrating 24 years of marriage with my husband. I'm sharing how we've made it through the long haul. We're talking about changes, communication, compromise, and learning how your spouse needs to be heard and seen.  Why marriage isn't always 50/50, prioritizing your marriage over others adn why unexpected "little things" may be the biggest things. Marriage is getting to love different versions of the same person, in every season of life. Your story or question could help someone else walking through the same season. Send your Dear Dusty Love letter and join the conversation. Follow and subscribe to the Dusty Love Podcast so you don’t miss what’s next. Dusty Love Real Talk. Real Life. Real You.   https://www.facebook.com/dustylove2000   https://www.instagram.com/dustylove2000/   https://www.tiktok.com/@dustylove2000   Contact Dusty Love or submit your story

  4. Oct 5

    When the Roles Reverse: Caring for aging parents, are they okay, are you okay?

    There comes a point when caring for aging parents starts to feel a little like the roles have reversed. The people we once called for advice, help, recipes, and answers may suddenly be the ones we’re checking on. Did they remember their appointment? Take their medication? Pay the bill? Eat today? Should they still be driving? And somewhere in the middle of all those questions, you may find yourself wondering: When did I become the parent? In this episode of the Dusty Love Podcast, we’re having a real conversation about watching our parents grow older and learning how to help them without taking away the independence and dignity they’ve spent a lifetime building. We’re talking about the little changes that can signal an aging parent may need more support—from forgotten appointments and unpaid bills to changes around the house, driving concerns, memory problems, and needing help with things they once handled themselves. But this isn’t only about what our parents are going through. It’s about what happens to us, too. Watching a parent age can bring love, gratitude, frustration, fear, caregiver guilt and even grief for changes happening while they’re still right in front of us. For those of us in the sandwich generation—balancing aging parents, adult children, grandchildren, careers, relationships and our own lives—it can sometimes feel like everyone needs something at the same time. In this episode, we talk about: • When helping an aging parent begins to feel like caregiving • Recognizing changes without assuming every change means something is seriously wrong • Helping aging parents maintain their dignity and independence • What happens when a parent refuses help • Memory changes and when concerns deserve more attention • Caregiver guilt, exhaustion and the need for boundaries • The challenges that can arise between siblings caring for aging parents • Why it’s important to talk about future wishes before there’s a crisis • The realities of being part of the sandwich generation • Asking parents about their childhood, memories and life stories while we still can • What watching our parents age can teach us about how we want to grow older ourselves A few things to take with you: Helping doesn’t have to mean taking over. Our parents are still adults, and preserving their voice, choices and dignity matters—even when we don’t always agree with their decisions. You can love someone deeply and still feel overwhelmed. Being tired, frustrated or needing help doesn’t erase the love you have for your parent. Have the conversations before you need the answers. Ask what your parents would want if living independently became difficult. Talk about medical wishes, finances, important documents, living arrangements and who they trust to help make decisions if necessary. Don’t let caregiving completely replace the relationship. Not every conversation needs to be about medication, appointments, groceries or paperwork. Sit down. Have the coffee. Pull out the pictures. Ask about their first job. Ask about their parents. Let them tell the story you’ve already heard. Because underneath all the responsibilities, they’re still your mom or dad. And you’re still their kid. Maybe our job isn’t to become our parent’s parent. Maybe it’s simply to walk beside them through this season and help them hold onto as much independence and dignity as possible. 💬 I’d love to hear from you: What has surprised you most about watching your parents grow older? What’s been the hardest part—and what’s been unexpectedly beautiful? And if you’ve already lost a parent, what do you wish you would have asked while they were still here? Your story or question could help someone else walking through the same season. Send your Dear Dusty Love letter and join the conversation. Follow and subscribe to the Dusty Love Podcast so you don’t miss what’s next. Dusty Love Real Talk. Real Life. Real You.   https://www.facebook.com/dustylove2000   https://www.instagram.com/dustylove2000/   https://www.tiktok.com/@dustylove2000   Contact Dusty Love or submit your story

  5. Sep 28

    That Season is OVER...for Me! Imperfect, Intentional, and Invested in me...and my circle!

    Friendships change as we get older—and sometimes the biggest change isn’t the people around us. It’s us.  In Episode 9 of Dusty Love, April gets real about friendships after 50, one-sided relationships, loyalty, boundaries, and becoming more intentional about who gets your time and energy. What happens when you realize you’re always the one checking in, showing up, celebrating everyone else, or trying to keep a relationship alive? And when does protecting your peace become less about cutting people off and more about simply changing their access to you? This episode isn’t about keeping score or expecting perfect friendships. Life happens, and healthy relationships aren’t always 50/50. But over time, there should be mutual care, genuine support, and a feeling that the people in your life actually want to be there. April also turns the mirror around and asks an equally important question: Am I showing up for others the way I expect them to show up for me? We’re talking about: • Why friendships change as we get older • Recognizing patterns in one-sided relationships • Setting boundaries without creating enemies • Why history alone isn’t always a reason to keep a relationship alive • Supporting and genuinely celebrating other women • Knowing when a relationship belonged to a different season of your life • Appreciating the people who truly show up for you Maybe getting older isn’t about becoming less tolerant. Maybe it’s about becoming more intentional—with our time, our relationships, our love, and who gets access to the parts of us we’ve spent decades becoming. So ask yourself: Who are the people who leave you feeling lighter—and do they know how much they mean to you? Send the text. Make the call. Tell them. Life is too short. Be real. Respectfully, April ❤️ Thanks for always listening to Dusty Love. Loving yourself beneath the layers.  Real Talk, Real Life, Real You Want to connect or have a Dear Dusty Love letter to send?  Contact Dusty Love Today! Follow @dustylove2000 for more real conversations about friendship, relationships, family, personal growth, life after 50, and so much more.... Follow Dusty Love on Facebook Follow Dusty Love on Instagram Follow Dusty Love on TikTok Listen to the Dusty Love Podcast on Youtube Listen to the Dusty Love Podcast on Amazon Listen to the Dusty Love Podcast on Spotify Listen to the Dusty Love Podcast on Apple

  6. Sep 20

    This is 50: Finding yourself, your purpose, & your confidence after 50

    What is life after 50 really like?  In this episode we'er talking about it, the changes we have to embrace, and learning to love the woman you are still becoming. When I was little I thought 50 was old, now on the other side of 50, I am wondering who started that nasty rumor!!??  Somewhere along the way, we got older, not old, not yet.  We may be women in our 50's or you may be someone nearing 50 who is midlife and finding yourself again.  You may be someone reinventing who you are, newly navigating an empty nest life, aging gracefully, embracing your 50's.  You also may be someone building confidence at 50 or undergoing a new lifestyle at this age.  No matter who you are, or what you're going through at 50, we're in this together. Thinking and sharing all the things about life after 50, the good, the bad, the beautiful, the ugly, and the aches and pains, wins and losses.  From friendships, love, family, legacy, careers, and no more drama.   Saying who the hell cares what other people think, it's your life to live and this chapter can look however you want it to so stop giving your energy away. Thanks for always listening  - Dusty Love Loving yourself beneath the layers.  Real Talk, Real Life, Real You To keep the conversation going, email your thoughts, your story, or what you want to hear about to: dustylove2000@gmail.com  Follow Dusty Love on Socials Facebook:  Dusty Love https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ei3QMEGsT/?mibextid=wwXIfr Instagram:  dustylove2000 https://www.instagram.com/dustylove2000?stkn=MTh3aThreG9ucTN5Ng%3D%3D&utm_source=qr TikTok: dustylove2000 https://www.tiktok.com/@dustylovepodcast?_r=1&_t=ZT-99WW1Dm36MP Search, @dustylove2000 to tune in, and subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Youtube, Apple, Amazon, or iHeart Radio YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@dustylove2000 Amazon Music https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/7f67e3eb-076a-406e-8f0f-63bde330e141/episodes/7a4d87ae-c8db-4e00-bff4-4ad43483b52c/dusty-love-you-don't-have-to-carry-it-alone-a-conversation-about-suicide-prevention-mental-health-and-asking-twice?ref=dm_sh_jyicgi2DLVS0cNpjsL0Declus Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/4osGEFfwPBore91xeUCTHd?si=1lbhHghiSA6ijQYi5w3ItA&utm_source=copy-link Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dusty-love/id1896129512?i=1000788209336

  7. Sep 13

    Some Friends Are for a Season, Some Are for Life: Friendship, Loss, & Letting Go

    Friendships change as we get older. Some people walk into our lives for a season, some friendships quietly fade as life takes us in different directions, and a very special few become the “lifers”—the friends who somehow remain part of our story through it all. After recently losing an old friend I hadn’t seen in quite some time, I found myself thinking about friendship differently. Grief has a way of bringing back memories you haven’t visited in years. And losing an old friend can mean grieving more than the person—you may also be grieving a piece of your own history and the version of yourself that person once knew. In this episode of the Dusty Love Podcast, we’re having a real conversation about losing a friend, outgrowing friendships, letting go without bitterness, making new connections in midlife, and appreciating the people who have stayed. We also talk about something I think many of us need permission to believe: A friendship doesn’t have to last forever to have mattered. In this episode, we talk about: Why losing an old friend can affect us deeply, even when we haven’t seen them in years. The memories and pieces of ourselves that old friends carry... Why some friendships are only meant for a particular season of life. The difference between drifting apart and outgrowing a friendship. Letting go of people without making them the villain, or you. Why friendship can become more complicated in midlife. Making new friends at any age. The rare gift of the “lifers” who know our history and love us anyway Why we shouldn’t wait to tell someone how much they mean to us A few things to take with you: 1. Not every friendship that ends was a failed friendship. Some people were exactly who you needed during a particular chapter of your life. 2. You can love what a friendship was without forcing it to remain what it used to be. People grow, circumstances change and sometimes our paths simply go in different directions. 3. Losing an old friend can mean losing a keeper of your history. They knew a younger version of you that the people in your life today may never have known. 4. Your lifers are worth celebrating now.  Don’t wait for a funeral, a crisis or “someday” to tell someone what their friendship has meant to you. 5. You’re never too old or too young to find new people. There is no expiration date on friendship, connection or finding your tribe. As you listen, think about the people who have crossed your path. Who was there for a season? Who did you outgrow? Who have you lost? And who are your lifers?   Thanks for listening  - Dusty Love Loving yourself beneath the layers.  Real Talk, Real Life, Real You To keep the conversation going, email your thoughts, your story, or what you want to hear about to: dustylove2000@gmail.com  Follow Dusty Love on Socials Facebook:  Dusty Love https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ei3QMEGsT/?mibextid=wwXIfr Instagram:  dustylove2000 https://www.instagram.com/dustylove2000?stkn=MTh3aThreG9ucTN5Ng%3D%3D&utm_source=qr TikTok: dustylove2000 https://www.tiktok.com/@dustylovepodcast?_r=1&_t=ZT-99WW1Dm36MP Search, @dustylove2000 to tune in, and subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Youtube, Apple, Amazon, or iHeart Radio YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@dustylove2000 Amazon Music https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/7f67e3eb-076a-406e-8f0f-63bde330e141/episodes/7a4d87ae-c8db-4e00-bff4-4ad43483b52c/dusty-love-you-don't-have-to-carry-it-alone-a-conversation-about-suicide-prevention-mental-health-and-asking-twice?ref=dm_sh_jyicgi2DLVS0cNpjsL0Declus Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/4osGEFfwPBore91xeUCTHd?si=1lbhHghiSA6ijQYi5w3ItA&utm_source=copy-link Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dusty-love/id1896129512?i=1000788209336

  8. Sep 6

    You Don't Have to Carry it Alone: A Conversation about Suicide Prevention, Mental Health, and Asking Twice

    September is Suicide Prevention Month, and May is Mental Health Awareness Month, but conversations about suicide prevention and mental health shouldn't happen only once or twice a year.  Sometimes the people carrying the heaviest things are the people who look like they have everything together.  The friend who is always laughing or telling jokes.  The sharp dressed executive who leads your monthly meetings.  The busy dad who works 3 jobs to provide for his family.  The doctor or nurse who is saving lives every day, and is told often they are a hero. The kid who sits in his basement playing video games alone or online with friends. The mom who everyone depends on, for everything, and she always comes through. Now think about these individuals......The high schooler who desperately tries to "fit in" yet never feels like enough.  The coworker who sits quietly and never misses a day of work.  The middle school one who secretly cuts themself and keeps it hidden from everyone.  The girl who was date raped, but never reported it.  Asking for help shouldn't be something we're ashamed of, and is exactly why we should always ask twice.  Asking for help is hard, and it is admitting we are not okay.  Asking twice gives them another opportunity to talk, to share, to feel relief, to feel like they matter and to know that they are not alone.   This conversation about mental health awareness and suicide prevention is not a substitute for professional mental health care If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.  If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for help.   How can you help someone you love who is struggling? When you ask them how they are doing, and they say "I'm Fine."  Ask again, always, ask twice and then listen, really listen.  Put your cell phone down and give them your undivided attention. Checking in on your loved ones, the strong ones, the funny ones, the ones who don't always appear to be struggling is so very important. Some names that we all might recognize who appeared fine on the outside, but were victims of suicide include:  Robin Williams: Comedian, Movie Star, Father-63 yrs, Naomi Judd: Grammy Winner, Performer, Mother, Grandmother-76 yrs, Stephen Boss (a.k.a. tWitch): Energetic TV Personality/Dancer-40 yrs, Kate Spade: Fashion Brand Icon-55 yrs, Cheslie Kryst: Attorney, Miss USA & Extra Correspondent-30 yrs, Katie Meyer: Stanford University Soccer Captain/Goalkeeper-22 yrs Remembering a young man who lost his battle with mental health.  Riley J. Nilo, 20 years old. February 17th, 2004 - May 7th, 2024   Dusty Love Loving yourself beneath the layers.  Real Talk, Real Life, Real You Follow Dusty Love Socials Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ei3QMEGsT/?mibextid=wwXIfr Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustylove2000?stkn=MTh3aThreG9ucTN5Ng%3D%3D&utm_source=qr TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dustylovepodcast?_r=1&_t=ZT-99WW1Dm36MP Search, @dustylove2000 to tune in, and subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Youtube, Apple, Amazon, or iHeart Radio YouTube https://share.google/I3GlGXUcrT4OBmuk1 Amazon Music https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/7f67e3eb-076a-406e-8f0f-63bde330e141/episodes/7a4d87ae-c8db-4e00-bff4-4ad43483b52c/dusty-love-you-don't-have-to-carry-it-alone-a-conversation-about-suicide-prevention-mental-health-and-asking-twice?ref=dm_sh_jyicgi2DLVS0cNpjsL0Declus Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/4osGEFfwPBore91xeUCTHd?si=1lbhHghiSA6ijQYi5w3ItA&utm_source=copy-link Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dusty-love/id1896129512?i=1000788209336

See All (13)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to Dusty Love.  Discovering and loving yourself beneath the layers, through the years, & across the generations that have shaped us.  Balancing thoughts and advice on life, career, family, and home. Finding purpose, using our gifts, sharing opinions and stories and hoping to discover what's next together.   Find me on Facebook @Dusty Love or Instagram & TikTok @dustylove2000  Listen in on Youtube, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, Apple Podcast

Information

  • Creator
    dustylove2000
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Dusty Love