Still Well Podcast

Dr. Brooke Stillwell
  • 4.9 (7)
  • Personal Journals

Still Well Podcast is for midlife moms navigating changing health, stress, relationships, faith, identity, and purpose in life after raising kids. Hosted by Dr. Brooke Stillwell, this podcast offers honest conversations, practical wellness, and biblical encouragement for the season when motherhood begins to look different and you're wondering what comes next. Whether you're navigating empty nesting, feeling disconnected from yourself, seeking a deeper relationship with God, or trying to find your footing in midlife, you'll find encouragement and practical ways to care for your body, renew your mind, strengthen your faith, and reconnect with the woman God created you to be.  Together, we'll explore what it means to embrace this season with intention, nurture the relationships that matter, and discover new possibilities for the years ahead—with greater strength, peace, purpose, and joy.

  1. 6d ago

    Finding Your Purpose in Midlife: Trusting God Over Self-Doubt

    Are you wondering what comes next in midlife? Maybe your children are growing up, your daily role is changing, or you feel a nudge toward something new—but self-doubt, fear, or concern about what others think is holding you back. In this personal episode of Still Well Podcast, Brooke Stillwell explores finding your purpose in midlife, trusting God’s calling, and learning to stop letting other people’s opinions determine your worth. Brooke shares her own struggle with self-doubt which brings up bigger questions: What if a door closes? What if someone doesn’t believe in us? And what if we allow those doubts to keep us from doing what God has placed on our hearts? Through honest reflection and examples of women in the Bible, Brooke offers Christian encouragement for midlife women who are questioning their purpose, confidence, or place in this next season of life. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why self-doubt and the fear of other people’s opinions can keep us from stepping into our God-given purposeHow to separate your worth from acceptance, rejection, and external validationWhat Ruth, Esther, Deborah, Rahab, Sarah, and Anna teach us about faith, courage, and purposeWhy being older—or having a complicated past—doesn’t mean God is finished using youHow to trust God’s timing when a door opens or closesWhy meaningful work isn’t always big, visible, or celebrated by the worldHow spending time in Scripture, prayer, and worship is changing Brooke’s perspectiveA reminder for this season of life You are not too old, too flawed, or too late for God to use you. You don’t have to be famous, lead a large organization, or reach thousands of people to make a difference. Sometimes the next faithful step is small—and still matters deeply. If you’re navigating midlife, an empty nest, a changing identity, or questions about what God has next for you, I hope this conversation encourages you to move forward with more courage, less self-doubt, and a deeper trust in Him. Scripture mentioned: Luke 8:1–3, along with examples of women throughout the Bible. Connect with Brooke Website: https://www.thestillwellmom.comInstagram: @thestillwellmomFacebook: The Still Well MomFree resource: Get the Still Well Starter Guide and explore resources for this next season at https://www.thestillwellmom.com/starter-guide Strong, Steady, Rooted Foundations You don’t have to do midlife alone. You can always choose stewardship over striving. Strong in body. Steady in mind. Rooted in faith. With gratitude, Brooke Stillwell | Still Well Podcast CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome and the question of midlife's next phase 02:01 The mission: love God and love others 03:38 Praying before recording and facing self-doubt 04:46 Struggling with what other women think 06:04 Applying for the leadership cohort 08:21 Waiting to hear back and the fear of self-sabotage 10:47 Open doors, closed doors 12:02 What others say vs. what God says 13:07 Lisa Bevere's "Lioness Rising" story 16:07 Not wasting this next phase of life 19:36 Women of the Bible: Ruth, Esther, Deborah and Rahab 22:28 Age is no barrier: Sarah, Moses and Anna 24:09 Meek isn't weak 24:46 Trusting God's timing 27:34 You don't have to be big to matter 30:03 The women in Jesus' life (Luke 8) 32:51 Joanna, and God using us despite our past 35:08 What has actually changed me: time with Jesus 37:27 Closing thoughts and how to reach out Don't forget to head over to www.stillwellmom.com to get more information about Strong, Steady Rooted Foundations, and learn more about growing physical capacity, emotional balance, and a deeper faith in midlife. Remember, your body is not a problem to fix, but a gift to honor, and you do not have to do midlife alone. 🌿 New here? Start here. I created The Still Well Starter Guide with 7 of my favorite must-haves for a Strong Body • Steady Mind • Rooted Faith. If you're ready to feel a little stronger, a little steadier, and a little more rooted—but aren't quite sure where to begin—this is a great place to start. Get your free guide: 👉 thestillwellmom.com/starter-guide

  2. 6d ago

    The Power of Sabbath Rest: Finding Peace and Renewal in Midlife

    Are you feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or like there's always one more thing you need to get done? What if the answer isn't to work harder, but to make space for rest? In this episode of Still Well Podcast, Brooke Stillwell shares how practicing a weekly Sabbath has transformed her approach to rest, stress, and everyday life. As a midlife mom who spent years feeling the need to stay productive, Brooke reflects on how difficult it was to slow down—and how learning to stop has helped her feel more rested, centered, and present. Inspired in part by John Mark Comer's book The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, Brooke explores the biblical practice of Sabbath rest and why it matters for our physical health, emotional well-being, and relationship with God. In this episode, you'll discover: Why rest and recovery are essential parts of caring for your physical healthWhat the biblical concept of Sabbath means and why God calls us to restHow the pressure to stay productive can make it difficult to slow downHow practicing a weekly Sabbath has helped Brooke manage stress and feel more energizedSimple ways to observe a Sabbath, even in a busy season of family lifeWhy unplugging from social media, shopping, and constant noise can create room for peaceHow to find contentment, gratitude, and joy in ordinary lifeWhy rest is a gift from God—not something you have to earnWhat can a Sabbath look like? For Brooke, it usually means attending church, spending quiet time with the Lord, enjoying time outdoors, reading, resting, and connecting with family. She avoids work, household projects, social media, and online shopping as much as possible. Your Sabbath doesn't have to look exactly like hers. The invitation is to find a rhythm that allows you to slow down, reconnect with God, enjoy the people and simple pleasures in your life, and step into the new week feeling renewed. Scripture mentioned: 1 Thessalonians 4:10–11 — Paul's encouragement to make it our ambition to lead a quiet life. Book mentioned: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer. Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer. Connect with Brooke: Website: https://www.thestillwellmom.com Instagram: @thestillwellmom Facebook: The Still Well Mom Start here: Download the free Still Well Starter Guide at https://www.thestillwellmom.com/starter-guide Explore Strong, Steady, Rooted Foundations at https://www.thestillwellmom.com/foundations You don't have to do midlife alone. You can always choose stewardship over striving. Strong in body. Steady in mind. Rooted in faith. With gratitude, Brooke Stillwell | Still Well Podcast CHAPTERS 0:00 – Intro and welcome to Still Well Podcast0:23 – Still Well Strong segment: why physical health matters1:00 – Today's topic: rest, and why recovery builds strength1:46 – Moving from rest to taking a Sabbath2:39 – The Sabbath in the Bible, and The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry3:59 – Stewarding your time4:52 – Turning 40, a hard decade and burnout6:26 – More energy now, and how the Sabbath changed her sleep and week8:08 – Why she struggled to rest9:39 – What Sabbath means ("to stop")10:26 – What her Sunday Sabbath looks like11:45 – Why this topic matters now: the holidays and last Sunday's nap13:58 – Heartland, reading and a quiet Sunday15:11 – Unplugging from social media and shopping17:07 – Wishing she'd started when her kids were younger18:00 – Rest is a gift and a command, and the Sabbath is the only spiritual practice among the Ten Commandments20:26 – Theme scripture (1 Thessalonians 4) and her word of the year, "abide"22:01 – Ideas for how to spend a Sabbath23:56 – "The Sabbath is how we fill our souls back up"24:38 – What if we all slowed down for one day a week?26:09 – Benefits through the week, and letting the mess go27:33 – Rest calms the nervous system28:16 – Rest as a blessing, and encouraging your kids to rest29:10 – Passage: "We are restful when ordinary life is enough"31:41 – Book recommendation and gratitude32:55 – Book club idea and her reading habits33:43 – Wrap-up, contact info and website34:36 – Thanks, ratings and reviews, sharing35:32 – Closing: stewardship over strivingDon't forget to head over to www.stillwellmom.com to get more information about Strong, Steady Rooted Foundations, and learn more about growing physical capacity, emotional balance, and a deeper faith in midlife. Remember, your body is not a problem to fix, but a gift to honor, and you do not have to do midlife alone. 🌿 New here? Start here. I created The Still Well Starter Guide with 7 of my favorite must-haves for a Strong Body • Steady Mind • Rooted Faith. If you're ready to feel a little stronger, a little steadier, and a little more rooted—but aren't quite sure where to begin—this is a great place to start. Get your free guide: 👉 thestillwellmom.com/starter-guide

  3. Oct 20

    Loving Someone Through Addiction: A Story of Faith, Hope, and Redemption

    Loving Someone Through Addiction: Family, Faith, Forgiveness, and Redemption How do you keep loving someone through addiction when their choices have hurt them and the people who love them? In this deeply personal episode of Still Well Podcast, Dr. Brooke Stillwell shares her family's decades-long experience with her uncle's addiction, the toll it took on those around him, and the remarkable story of redemption that followed. Brooke reflects on the pain of watching someone struggle with alcohol and drug addiction, the complicated emotions families carry, and the importance of seeing addiction as a struggle that affects the whole family—not simply a moral failure. Through memories of her uncle's life, her father's steadfast love, and a wedding that became a powerful picture of restoration, she explores what it means to keep showing up, pray faithfully, extend forgiveness, and hold on to hope. This conversation is for anyone who loves someone struggling with addiction, has experienced the impact of substance use in their family, or needs encouragement that even a long and painful story can hold moments of grace and healing. In this episode, we explore: How addiction can affect an entire family over many yearsThe heartbreak of loving someone through alcohol and drug addictionWhy Brooke's uncle's second marriage and wedding became such meaningful momentsHer father's example of perseverance, love, and continued presenceThe role of prayer, forgiveness, and grace in a family's storyHow to keep loving someone without denying the pain addiction causesWhy parents should talk openly with their children about drugs and alcohol and seek support when addiction affects a familyWith gratitude, Brooke Stillwell Still Well Podcast RESOURCES: Free Still Well Starter Guide Strong, Steady, Rooted Foundations Still Well Mom Website @thestillwellmom: Instagram Facebook Still Well Mom Youtube Stay Connected with Still Well Mom Timestamps 00:00 - Brooke introduces the episode and warns this conversation will be emotional  02:17 - Her uncle’s second marriage and why the wedding matters  03:52 - His long battle with alcoholism and drug addiction  06:02 - Why addiction hurts families so deeply  09:05 - How the addiction began after surgery and pain medication  11:05 - The power of daily prayer for addicted loved ones  12:18 - Her grandmother’s death and the crisis that followed  15:42 - The bathtub overdose and coma  17:22 - Rehab, AA, and the beginning of sobriety  18:06 - Brooke’s dad never giving up on his brother  20:33 - Conflict in the family over enabling and hard boundaries  21:42 - Seeing her uncle walk down the aisle at his wedding  22:54 - His daughter’s relationship with him and the redemption story there  25:05 - Realizing how uncommon that kind of family healing is  26:26 - Forgiveness as a form of strength  28:31 - Why addiction should not be hidden by shame  31:17 - Talking to children about drugs, alcohol, and family history  33:15 - The wedding celebration and the joy in the room  34:39 - Her father’s speech and the emotional relief of seeing healing  40:25 - Her niece asks why she is crying and Brooke explains happy tears  41:53 - Hope for the second half of life and Job 42:12  42:22 - Brooke closes by encouraging listeners to reach out and not feel alone Don't forget to head over to www.stillwellmom.com to get more information about Strong, Steady Rooted Foundations, and learn more about growing physical capacity, emotional balance, and a deeper faith in midlife. Remember, your body is not a problem to fix, but a gift to honor, and you do not have to do midlife alone. 🌿 New here? Start here. I created The Still Well Starter Guide with 7 of my favorite must-haves for a Strong Body • Steady Mind • Rooted Faith. If you're ready to feel a little stronger, a little steadier, and a little more rooted—but aren't quite sure where to begin—this is a great place to start. Get your free guide: 👉 thestillwellmom.com/starter-guide

  4. Oct 13

    What If God Is Waiting for You to Do Your Part? Lessons from Nehemiah

    What do you do when you feel stuck, discouraged, or overwhelmed by the work God has placed in front of you? In this episode of Still Well Podcast, Dr. Brooke Stillwell shares what the biblical book of Nehemiah teaches us about faith, anxiety, stewardship, and taking action when life feels difficult. Nehemiah's story offers a powerful reminder that prayer and practical action belong together. Through his example, Brooke reflects on overcoming negative self-talk, resisting discouragement, protecting your focus, and continuing to show up for the work God has given you—even when you feel overwhelmed. In this conversation, we explore: What Nehemiah teaches us about trusting God while taking actionHow faith can help us navigate anxiety, discouragement, and negative thought patternsWhy prayer and practical steps can work togetherHow to recognize self-sabotage and stay focused on what mattersThe importance of stewardship, gratitude, and keeping God at the centerIf you're a midlife woman feeling stuck, struggling with anxious thoughts, or wondering how to move forward in a difficult season, this conversation offers biblical encouragement and practical wisdom for your next step. In this episode: Nehemiah, Christian faith, anxiety, stewardship, self-sabotage, spiritual growth, and taking action. With gratitude, Brooke Stillwell Still Well Podcast Action Items: Pray first before making plans, setting goals, or making big decisions.Choose one practical step that matches what you are praying for.Identify one area where negative self-talk has been holding you back.Replace discouraging thoughts with scripture, prayer, and truth.Revisit year-end goals and ask God what should stay, what should go, and what should move forward.Practice gratitude and celebrate progress, not just outcomes. SCRIPTURE: “But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.” -Nehemiah 4:9 "Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other" -Nehemiah 4:17 “I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down.” -Nehemiah 6:3 "Nothing like what you are saying is happening: you are just making it up out of your head" -Nehemiah 6:8 “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” -Nehemiah 8:10 RESOURCES: Free Still Well Starter Guide Strong Steady Rooted Foundations Still Well Mom Website @thestillwellmom: Instagram Facebook Still Well Mom Youtube Stay Connected with Still Well Mom Timestamps 00:00 - Welcome to Stillwell Podcast and the midlife mission  00:58 - Feeling stuck, then finding the episode topic in Nehemiah  02:23 - Why Brooke loves the book of Nehemiah  03:55 - Setting the historical stage for Nehemiah  04:50 - Nehemiah hears Jerusalem is still in rubble  05:19 - The cupbearer role and why Nehemiah’s burden mattered  06:12 - Reading Nehemiah during a season of anxiety and exhaustion  07:41 - Rebuilding with real threats, fear, and opposition  08:29 - Prayer plus action: Nehemiah does his part  09:24 - Stewardship and structure in the rebuilding work  10:49 - Nehemiah 4:9, praying and posting a guard  12:14 - Health choices as part of healing and stewardship  13:41 - Nehemiah 4:17, working with one hand and holding a weapon  14:38 - Staying alert to spiritual and relational attacks  16:08 - Nehemiah 6:8 to 6:9 and rejecting fear tactics  17:02 - Negative self-talk and lies we tell ourselves  18:23 - “Lord, strengthen my hands”  19:37 - Discouraging voices from others and how to respond  20:48 - If we have breath, we have work to do  21:46 - A conversation with a painter about faith and recovery  22:36 - Working in the natural while trusting God in the supernatural  24:06 - Choosing stewardship over striving in midlife  24:58 - Nehemiah 6:3 and staying on the great project  26:10 - Keep going even when you do not feel like it  26:52 - God uses faithful work to do something miraculous  28:28 - Celebration, gratitude, and rejoicing after the wall is finished  29:15 - Nehemiah 8:10 and the joy of the Lord  29:41 - The danger of turning self-help into an idol  31:25 - Why Brooke is cautious about self-actualization language  32:22 - Year-end goal mapping and planning for the last 90 days  34:17 - Putting God at the center of goals and direction  35:12 - Mercy, repentance, and doing better moving forward  35:39 - Listener feedback, email, and ways to connect  36:35 - Thanks for listening and the final encouragement Don't forget to head over to www.stillwellmom.com to get more information about Strong, Steady Rooted Foundations, and learn more about growing physical capacity, emotional balance, and a deeper faith in midlife. Remember, your body is not a problem to fix, but a gift to honor, and you do not have to do midlife alone. 🌿 New here? Start here. I created The Still Well Starter Guide with 7 of my favorite must-haves for a Strong Body • Steady Mind • Rooted Faith. If you're ready to feel a little stronger, a little steadier, and a little more rooted—but aren't quite sure where to begin—this is a great place to start. Get your free guide: 👉 thestillwellmom.com/starter-guide

  5. Oct 6

    The Thing I Kept Ignoring Was Wrecking My Sleep: Better Sleep in Midlife

    Better Sleep in Midlife: Insomnia, Night Waking, Stress, and Hormone Changes What if the sleep struggles you've been brushing aside are affecting more of your health than you realize? In this episode of Still Well Podcast, Dr. Brooke Stillwell shares her personal experience with insomnia, night waking, and anxious nights, along with practical habits that helped her better understand and support her sleep. Sleep plays an important role in energy, recovery, brain health, emotional resilience, and healthy aging. Brooke explores how stress, perimenopause and menopause, changing hormones, caffeine, meal timing, and daily routines can influence sleep—and why getting to the root of the problem matters more than simply pushing through exhaustion. In this episode, we explore: Why quality sleep matters for muscle recovery, brain health, and healthy agingBrooke's experience with insomnia, night waking, and panic-like symptomsHow midlife hormone changes and stress may contribute to sleep disruptionThe relationship between evening eating, blood sugar, and waking during the nightPractical ways to support your sleep through morning light, movement, caffeine timing, and a calming bedtime routineHow to create a bedroom environment that supports restWhat to consider when exploring magnesium and other sleep-support strategies with appropriate professional guidanceIf you're a midlife woman struggling with restless nights, waking up anxious, or feeling exhausted despite trying to get enough sleep, this conversation offers personal insight and practical ideas to help you take a closer look at your sleep habits. In this episode: Midlife sleep, insomnia, menopause, perimenopause, stress management, sleep hygiene, and healthy aging. With Gratitude, Brooke Stillwell Still Well Podcast Action Items   Aim for a bedtime between 10:00 and 11:00 p.m.Try going outside in the morning within 30 minutes of wakingStop caffeine after about 2:00 p.m.Avoid large meals within 2 to 3 hours of bedtimeExperiment with magnesium glycinate at nightKeep your room cool and dark, using a sleep mask if neededReduce phone use and stressful conversations before bedTry reading, prayer, or breathing exercises as part of a wind-down routine RESOURCES: Free Still Well Starter Guide Strong Steady Rooted Foundations Still Well Mom Website @thestillwellmom: Instagram Facebook Still Well Mom Youtube Stay Connected with Still Well Mom SCRIPTURE In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety. -Psalms 4:8 NIV Timestamps (0:03) Welcome to Still Well Podcast and the midlife strong series  (1:18) Why sleep matters for strength, recovery, and aging well  (2:49) Caffeine can mask fatigue without fixing the cause  (4:11) Sleep as recovery for muscle growth and brain health  (6:08) Why getting to bed earlier supports deep sleep  (8:30) Tracking sleep with a Garmin and noticing real patterns  (12:20) Brooke’s years of insomnia, night sweats, and panic awakenings  (14:12) Stress, grief, and life pressure as sleep disruptors  (15:35) Perimenopause symptoms that were missed for years  (17:50) Blood sugar dips and cortisol spikes during the night  (19:43) A small amount of fat before bed to stabilize blood sugar  (21:11) Why eating too close to bedtime can disrupt deep sleep  (23:43) The role of hormones, stress management, and estrogen decline  (27:49) Keeping the bedroom cold for better sleep  (31:13) Why a good night’s sleep starts when you wake up  (32:11) Morning sunlight and movement to set circadian rhythm  (33:41) Using a light box in winter or while traveling  (35:36) Avoiding phone use at least an hour before bed  (37:28) Reading as a calming transition into sleep  (39:39) Quiet time, meditation, and prayer before bed  (43:13) Sleep masks, earplugs, and reducing nighttime distractions  (44:27) Magnesium glycinate for sleep support  (45:53) Magnesium L-threonate, citrate, and threonate tradeoffs  (53:55) Why stressful texts and late-night messages can wreck sleep  (55:24) Caffeine after 2 p.m. and why it may be affecting you  (57:13) Winding down before bed after stimulating evening activities  (60:16) Why better sleep habits matter long term for health and calling   Don't forget to head over to www.stillwellmom.com to get more information about Strong, Steady Rooted Foundations, and learn more about growing physical capacity, emotional balance, and a deeper faith in midlife. Remember, your body is not a problem to fix, but a gift to honor, and you do not have to do midlife alone. 🌿 New here? Start here. I created The Still Well Starter Guide with 7 of my favorite must-haves for a Strong Body • Steady Mind • Rooted Faith. If you're ready to feel a little stronger, a little steadier, and a little more rooted—but aren't quite sure where to begin—this is a great place to start. Get your free guide: 👉 thestillwellmom.com/starter-guide

  6. Sep 29

    What If We Don't Want to Settle for a "Good Enough" Marriage? Reconnecting in Midlife

    Marriage in Midlife: Reconnecting After the Kids Leave Home What happens when the kids have been the center of family life for decades, and suddenly you and your husband have more time together? In this episode of Still Well Podcast, Dr. Brooke Stillwell shares an honest, personal reflection on marriage in midlife, the empty-nest transition, and what it takes to keep building a meaningful relationship after nearly 25 years of marriage. Brooke shares how a parents' weekend trip brought some unexpected challenges to the surface—and how comparison, frustration, unspoken expectations, and the desire for control can create distance between two people. She reflects on the power of prayer, self-awareness, respectful communication, and small daily choices to help couples reconnect. In this episode, we explore: Why the empty-nest season can be an opportunity to renew your marriageHow to shift from kid-centered family life to prioritizing your relationshipThe danger of comparing your marriage with other couples or romantic idealsHow negative internal stories can fuel frustration and resentmentThe difference between nagging and kind, direct communicationWhy respect, tenderness, shared interests, and intentional connection matterHow prayer and the fruit of the Spirit can shape a stronger marriage in midlifeWith gratitude, Brooke Stillwell Still Well Podcast RESOURCES: Free Still Well Starter Guide Strong, Steady, Rooted Foundations Still Well Mom Website @thestillwellmom: Instagram Facebook Still Well Mom Youtube Stay Connected with Still Well Mom SCRIPTURE Let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. -James 1:19 Timestamps 00:00 - Midlife, empty nest season, and why this episode is about marriage  01:24 - Why Brooke shifted from talking about her son to talking about Ken  03:47 - Honest admission: marriage is the area she wants to work on most  04:43 - How early marriage and parenting left little room for just the two of them  06:29 - Why this season feels like a chance to renew the marriage  08:36 - Why a strong marriage matters for the second half of life  10:00 - Fear of boredom, drift, and losing connection after the kids leave home  11:56 - Learning to make decisions for the family, not for other people  14:06 - Parents weekend plans and the unexpected change in the trip  15:28 - Feeling the relationship shift at dinner and what she thinks God was doing  16:52 - Choosing fun, teasing, and lightheartedness with a spouse  19:19 - Why focusing on a spouse’s faults damages the relationship  20:19 - Lowering expectations of him and raising expectations of herself  22:34 - The role of clear, respectful communication in marriage  23:29 - The Thanksgiving kitchen example and learning to ask directly for help  26:19 - Don’t confuse nagging with communication  27:09 - Flight delays, irritation, and the story she started telling herself  30:17 - Prayer, praise music, and calming her thoughts  32:41 - The mind as a battlefield and why spiritual focus matters in marriage  34:01 - When she missed an opportunity to respond with tenderness  36:48 - Why comparison with other couples, social media, and movies is so dangerous  39:34 - Letting go of control around Ken’s health choices  41:41 - Why it matters to have separate interests and also build bridges  42:24 - The bowling league example and choosing to join in  45:18 - Midlife does not mean marriage has to stagnate  47:31 - Respect as a spouse’s most important need  49:01 - Holding your tongue, cooling down, and revisiting issues later  50:25 - Focusing on what is good and lovable in your spouse  51:20 - Prayer for the fruits of the Spirit in marriage and in midlife  52:47 - Brooke’s closing encouragement and invitation to connect Don't forget to head over to www.stillwellmom.com to get more information about Strong, Steady Rooted Foundations, and learn more about growing physical capacity, emotional balance, and a deeper faith in midlife. Remember, your body is not a problem to fix, but a gift to honor, and you do not have to do midlife alone. 🌿 New here? Start here. I created The Still Well Starter Guide with 7 of my favorite must-haves for a Strong Body • Steady Mind • Rooted Faith. If you're ready to feel a little stronger, a little steadier, and a little more rooted—but aren't quite sure where to begin—this is a great place to start. Get your free guide: 👉 thestillwellmom.com/starter-guide

  7. Sep 22

    The Opportunity I Missed...and the Lesson I'll Never Forget about Serving Others

    Finding Purpose in Midlife: Faith, Service, and Giving Back What if an opportunity to help someone else passed you by—and you didn't realize it until later? In this episode of Still Well Podcast, Dr. Brooke Stillwell reflects on two experiences from her summer that changed the way she thinks about serving others, recognizing people in need, and living out her faith in everyday life. As life changes and children grow up, midlife can create new opportunities to give back. Brooke explores why service isn't just about donating money or signing up to volunteer. It's also about offering our time, attention, compassion, and presence to the people God places in our path. Through a meaningful experience serving at a local soup kitchen with her son and a missed opportunity to help an older couple, Brooke shares an honest reminder that small acts of kindness matter—and that we can learn to become more attentive to the needs around us. In this episode, we explore: Why giving back can bring renewed meaning and purpose in midlifeThe difference between giving money and offering your time, attention, and presenceHow serving others helps children develop compassion and a broader view of the worldWhy everyday kindness matters just as much as organized volunteeringPractical ways to serve in your community, from food pantries to nursing homes and foster care supportWhat Jesus teaches about caring for people who are overlooked or in needHow to respond when we recognize a missed opportunity with humility and graceWith gratitude, Brooke Stillwell Still Well Podcast RESOURCES: The Free Still Well Starter Guide Strong, Steady, Rooted Foundations Still Well Mom Website @thestillwellmom: Instagram Facebook Still Well Mom Youtube Stay Connected with Still Well Mom SCRIPTURE: The Parable of The Sheep and The Goat  Matthew 25:31-46 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.  -1 Corinthians 10:31 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. -1 John 4:12 Timestamps 00:00 - Brooke opens by framing the episode around faith, emotional steadiness, and midlife purpose 00:53 - Why this topic leans toward faith but still connects to mental and emotional health 01:52 - Why giving back is not just about money 02:20 - Time and talent can be harder to give than cash 02:49 - Why midlife is a powerful season for service and contribution 03:18 - Why women in midlife may be especially well-equipped to serve 04:10 - Biblical themes of servanthood and caring for the marginalized 05:07 - First summer example: finding a local soup kitchen to serve with her son 06:06 - Serving 75 or more people each Wednesday night 06:57 - What her son learned by seeing local need up close 08:23 - Gratitude, perspective, and the danger of entitlement 09:17 - Why community service can also help with college applications 10:36 - A pastor’s advice about taking the focus off yourself when you feel low 12:05 - The dignity that comes from smiling, speaking, and serving with care 12:58 - Other ways to serve, including Habitat for Humanity 13:26 - Serving the elderly in nursing and retirement homes 14:20 - Volunteering with infants in the NICU, especially babies affected by drugs or alcohol 15:44 - Food pantries, foster care, group homes, and other practical ways to help 16:14 - Why Brooke fears hearing, “Go away from me, I never knew you” 17:34 - Matthew 25 and the parable of the sheep and the goats 18:32 - “Whatever you did for one of the least of these... you did for me” 19:49 - Why that passage feels like a gut check 20:48 - The challenge of staying aware in the busyness of midlife 22:13 - The shift from organized service to everyday opportunities to help 23:22 - The Red Sox game story and the older couple struggling with their Uber 24:45 - Realizing the couple may have needed help, not judgment 26:05 - Brooke’s son sees the missed opportunity before she does 27:27 - Why she wants to be more open to being the hands and feet of Jesus 29:41 - How children learn most from what we do, not what we say 30:28 - First John 4:12 and loving one another as proof of God’s presence 31:27 - First Corinthians 10:31 and doing everything for the glory of God 32:20 - Why helping others brings deep joy and purpose 34:00 - How she found service opportunities through her son’s school, church, and community 35:26 - Brooke invites listeners to share their own service ideas and projects Don't forget to head over to www.stillwellmom.com to get more information about Strong, Steady Rooted Foundations, and learn more about growing physical capacity, emotional balance, and a deeper faith in midlife. Remember, your body is not a problem to fix, but a gift to honor, and you do not have to do midlife alone. 🌿 New here? Start here. I created The Still Well Starter Guide with 7 of my favorite must-haves for a Strong Body • Steady Mind • Rooted Faith. If you're ready to feel a little stronger, a little steadier, and a little more rooted—but aren't quite sure where to begin—this is a great place to start. Get your free guide: 👉 thestillwellmom.com/starter-guide

  8. Sep 15

    When the People You Love Don't Get Along: Navigating Family Conflict

    Family Conflict in Midlife: Letting Go of Control and Choosing Grace What do you do when people you love are in conflict with one another—and you feel caught in the middle? In this episode of Still Well Podcast, Dr. Brooke Stillwell responds to a listener's question about a painful family situation involving her husband and mother, exploring how to navigate family tension without taking responsibility for fixing everyone else's relationships. Brooke discusses the complicated dynamics that can arise in families and in-law relationships, the weight of shame and stress, and the difference between offering loving support and trying to control an outcome. Through a biblical perspective on communication, patience, and emotional self-control, she shares practical ways to respond with grace while recognizing what is—and isn't—ours to carry. In this episode, we explore: Why family conflict and in-law relationships can become so complicatedHow to distinguish ordinary relationship tension from situations involving abuse or safety concernsWhy another person's behavior is not yours to control or carry as shameHow trying to fix everyone can increase stress rather than resolve conflictThe importance of gratitude, patience, prayer, and discernment during difficult family seasonsWhy gossip and repeatedly rehashing conflict can deepen divisionHow to lead by example through kindness, self-control, and love without forcing changeWith gratitude, Brooke Stillwell Still Well Podcast RESOURCES: The Free Still Well Starter Guide Strong, Steady, Rooted Foundations Still Well Mom Website @thestillwellmom: Instagram Facebook Still Well Mom Youtube Stay Connected with Still Well Mom Joy Bomb by Tauren Wells Timestamps (00:00) Brooke introduces the episode and why this listener question matters now  (00:56) Why this family situation resonated personally and broadly  (01:25) Kay’s email: husband, mother, anger, embarrassment, and confusion  (02:49) Why in-law conflict and family tension are so tricky  (03:18) The cultural temptation to label family as toxic too quickly  (04:11) Coming home to a busy family weekend and what it reveals about personality clashes  (05:10) No family is perfect, and every family carries some level of tension  (06:09) You probably cannot change other people, so start with yourself  (07:00) Why walking away from family entirely is usually not the answer  (08:19) Being stuck between two people you love who are not getting along  (09:15) The first step: look for gratitude before reacting  (10:42) How Kay’s mother showed grace and softened the situation  (11:12) What is and is not under your control in a family conflict  (12:37) Why shame does not belong to the innocent party  (13:36) Choosing not to act on emotion when a situation gets heated  (14:32) Why stress often comes from carrying a problem that is not yours  (23:30) Prayer, quiet, and asking God to help you see things clearly  (24:24) Truth and grace, and why both are needed in hard relationships  (25:50) Why nagging and repeated pressure usually backfire  (26:44) Why advice should be given carefully, not automatically  (28:10) Why the embarrassment is not evidence that you caused the problem  (29:07) The fixer instinct and the burden of trying to save everyone  (30:02) You are not the savior of your family, and you are not God  (31:01) Why time is often part of the healing process  (33:10) Focus on what you can control: your own example  (34:26) Why gossip and triangulation make family situations worse  (35:50) Gossip changes how people see each other  (37:17) Loving people well when relationships are messy and imperfect  (38:17) Difficult moments are opportunities to lean on God, not self-help alone  (39:15) God as healer of relationships, not just physical healing  (40:15) Lower expectations of others, raise expectations of yourself  (41:08) James 1:19 to 20 and the call to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger  (44:42) When it is right to speak honestly and lovingly after emotions settle  (47:29) Kindness, gentleness, peace, and self-control as the tone for family life  (48:24) Staying connected to Jesus to bear fruit in hard situations  (49:49) Practical ways to stay calm when emotions rise  (50:43) Why midlife family life is complicated, but also full of potential joy  (51:40) Brooke closes with prayer for Kay and for listeners navigating similar tension Don't forget to head over to www.stillwellmom.com to get more information about Strong, Steady Rooted Foundations, and learn more about growing physical capacity, emotional balance, and a deeper faith in midlife. Remember, your body is not a problem to fix, but a gift to honor, and you do not have to do midlife alone. 🌿 New here? Start here. I created The Still Well Starter Guide with 7 of my favorite must-haves for a Strong Body • Steady Mind • Rooted Faith. If you're ready to feel a little stronger, a little steadier, and a little more rooted—but aren't quite sure where to begin—this is a great place to start. Get your free guide: 👉 thestillwellmom.com/starter-guide

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4.9
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Still Well Podcast is for midlife moms navigating changing health, stress, relationships, faith, identity, and purpose in life after raising kids. Hosted by Dr. Brooke Stillwell, this podcast offers honest conversations, practical wellness, and biblical encouragement for the season when motherhood begins to look different and you're wondering what comes next. Whether you're navigating empty nesting, feeling disconnected from yourself, seeking a deeper relationship with God, or trying to find your footing in midlife, you'll find encouragement and practical ways to care for your body, renew your mind, strengthen your faith, and reconnect with the woman God created you to be.  Together, we'll explore what it means to embrace this season with intention, nurture the relationships that matter, and discover new possibilities for the years ahead—with greater strength, peace, purpose, and joy.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Brooke Stillwell
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Still Well Podcast
  • Show Website
    Still Well Podcast

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