Midlife...NOW WHAT?!

Erin Mires & Jennie Stehli
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Mental Health

Midlife… Now What?! is the podcast for every woman who’s looked at her life and thought, “Wait… is this it?” Hosted by Erin Mires and Jennie Stehli, two women in the thick of raising kids, redefining careers, and navigating relationships, this show gives you permission to say the quiet parts out loud. We talk identity shifts, marriage and divorce, friendship changes, parenting chaos, purpose pivots, hormones, and outgrowing old versions of yourself. No toxic positivity. Just real, honest conversations. Grab your coffee—or your wine—and come get honest with us.

  1. 2h ago

    Perimenopause Isn't the Problem. Your Body Is Asking You to Listen. | With Jennifer Woodward

    Episode Description If you've ever wondered why you suddenly feel anxious, exhausted, inflamed, forgetful, or like a completely different version of yourself... you're not imagining it. In this episode of Midlife...Now What?!, Erin and Jennie sit down with Jennifer Woodward, Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner and founder of Jennifer Woodward Nutrition, to unpack what is really happening during perimenopause and menopause. Jennifer has helped more than 1,400 women regain their energy, balance their hormones, lose weight, and feel like themselves again—not by chasing symptoms, but by addressing the root causes. Together, they discuss why so many women are dismissed in traditional healthcare, how chronic stress and nervous system dysregulation impact hormones, why your body is communicating through symptoms, and how simple lifestyle changes can create profound healing. They also dive into one of the hottest topics in women's health today: GLP-1 peptides. Jennifer explains the science behind them, who they're for, why microdosing is becoming more popular, and the exciting new research extending far beyond weight loss. Whether you're in perimenopause, menopause, or simply feeling like your body has changed overnight, this conversation will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and hopeful. In This Episode, We Discuss: Why so many women feel dismissed during perimenopauseThe connection between stress, the nervous system, and hormone imbalanceWhat the HPA Axis is—and why it mattersWhy your body speaks through symptoms before your mind recognizes themThe importance of slowing down and embracing your feminine rhythmHow eating enough protein can dramatically improve energy, brain fog, sleep, and moodWhy diet culture often makes midlife symptoms worseThe role of ancestral living in hormone healthWhat GLP-1 peptides actually do beyond weight lossEmerging research on GLP-1s for addiction, brain health, inflammation, and cancerWhy microdosing peptides may be an effective approach for many women Key Takeaway Your body isn't working against you. It's asking you to pay attention. Perimenopause isn't simply about declining hormones—it's often the first time our bodies refuse to keep carrying the stress, pressure, and pace we've lived under for decades. Healing begins when we stop fighting our bodies and start listening to them. Connect with Jennifer Woodward Instagram: @JenniferWoodwardNutrition Website: JenniferWoodwardNutrition.com Podcast: Peptides for Women Podcast Resources Mentioned Learn more about functional nutrition and hormone health with Jennifer WoodwardListen to the Peptides for Women Podcast If You Loved This Episode... Please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a woman in your life who feels like she's been told, "Everything looks normal," even though she knows something doesn't feel right. Because no woman should have to navigate midlife alone. Connect with Us Instagram: @midlife.nowwhat Erin's Peptides: https://elliemd.com/erinmires Jennie's Peptides: https://elliemd.com/jenniestehli

    34 min

  2. Jun 15

    Chiropractic, the Nervous System, and Healing from the Inside Out

    What if many of the symptoms you've been told to simply "manage" are actually signs that your nervous system is struggling to function at its best? In this episode of Midlife... Now What?!, Erin sits down with three leading upper cervical chiropractors to explore the powerful connection between nervous system health and overall well-being. Joining the conversation are: Dr. Brandon Cooke, Precision Health Chiropractic (Indiana)Dr. Alexander Simmons, Ace Chiropractic (Arizona)Dr. Brandon Keyes, Ace Chiropractic (Arizona)Together, they break down the science behind Advanced HIO Knee Chest Upper Cervical Chiropractic (AHKC), a highly specialized form of chiropractic care focused on the relationship between the upper neck, brainstem, and nervous system function. You'll learn: What the nervous system actually does and why it impacts every system in the bodyHow upper cervical chiropractic differs from traditional chiropractic careWhy objective nervous system testing matters before and after an adjustmentThe connection between nervous system dysfunction and symptoms like migraines, dizziness, POTS, sleep issues, hormone imbalance, chronic pain, and moreHow brainstem interference can affect mood, behavior, focus, and emotional regulationWhy some patients experience improvements in symptoms they never expected to changeThe fascinating role the brainstem plays in regulating the body's automatic functionsErin also shares her family's personal experience using nervous-system-focused chiropractic care to support her son and how viewing behavior through a nervous system lens changed everything. The episode wraps with several powerful patient stories that illustrate how restoring proper nervous system function can create life-changing results. Whether you're struggling with chronic symptoms, navigating midlife hormone changes, supporting a child with nervous system dysregulation, or simply curious about how your body heals, this conversation offers a fascinating perspective on health and wellness. Resources Mentioned Advanced HIO Knee Chest Upper Cervical (AHKC) Directory:https://advancedhioneechest.com Upper Cervical Chiropractor Locator:https://uccnearme.com Precision Health Chiropractic (Dr. Brandon Cooke):https://newalbanychiropractor.com Ace Chiropractic (Dr. Alexander Simmons & Dr. Brandon Keyes):https://scottsdaleazchiro.com Connect With Us Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/midlife.nowwhat/ Subscribe to Midlife... Now What?! on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend and leave us a review. It helps us reach more women navigating the beautiful, messy middle of life.

    47 min

  3. Jun 1

    Breast Cancer at 36: Jessica Loftis on Trusting Your Body, Fighting Inflammation, and Reclaiming Your Health

    What happens when a woman who has dedicated her life to health and fitness receives a diagnosis she never saw coming? In this powerful episode of Midlife… Now What?!, Erin and Jennie sit down with fitness professional, nutritionist, entrepreneur, genetic specialist, and breast cancer survivor Jessica Loftis to discuss her unexpected diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma at age 36. Jessica shares her journey from athlete and wellness advocate to cancer patient, revealing how chronic inflammation, mold toxicity, genetic mutations, and intuition all played a role in uncovering what was happening beneath the surface. Together, we explore: Why chronic inflammation matters more than most people realizeThe warning signs your body may be trying to send youThe connection between mold exposure, genetics, and illnessWhy women are often taught to ignore their own symptomsHow peptide therapy transformed Jessica's health journeyThe importance of becoming your own health advocateNavigating cancer treatment while staying grounded in faithWhy midlife doesn't have to mean exhaustion, weight gain, and feeling disconnected from your body Jessica's story is a powerful reminder that your body is always communicating with you. The question is: are you listening? If you've ever felt dismissed, exhausted, inflamed, or like something just isn't quite right, this conversation is for you. Memorable Quotes "If you can choose to be upset, you can also choose to be happy." "Your body doesn't care about your goals when it's trying to protect you." "The fatigue, cravings, moodiness, and inflammation are signs your body is trying to tell you something." "You don't have to accept midlife as a decline." "Post-cancer, I've never felt better in my entire life." Resources Mentioned Learn More About Jessica Loftis Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/jessicaloftis.jfit Peptide Resources Erin's Peptide Linkhttps://elliemd.com/erinmires Jennie's Peptide Linkhttps://elliemd.com/jenniestehli Connect With Us Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/midlife.nowwhat/ Listen, subscribe, and share with a friend who needs this conversation. Because midlife isn't the end of the story. Sometimes it's where the real healing begins.

    41 min

  4. May 18

    Midlife Catch-Up: Peptides, Perimenopause & Real Life Chaos

    This week’s episode is a little different… and honestly, it feels like you’re sitting at the kitchen table with us, catching up on life. 💛 In this behind-the-scenes style conversation, Erin and Jennie hit record before diving into a “planned” podcast topic — and ended up talking about everything from nervous system regulation and parenting to peptides, hormones, perimenopause, marriage, burnout, ADHD, travel sports, and why women are so exhausted trying to hold it all together. Erin opens up about her work with Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique (QHHT), explaining how subconscious healing, trauma regression, and nervous system work can help uncover emotional blocks and even physical symptoms. Jennie shares her deep dive into peptides, wellness, longevity, and why women deserve to feel good instead of simply surviving. Together, they unpack:✨ The truth about peptides beyond weight loss✨ HRT, perimenopause, and the symptoms no one prepares women for✨ Why so many women feel dismissed in traditional healthcare✨ The connection between emotional stress and physical symptoms✨ Outsourcing your sanity instead of glorifying burnout✨ Raising kids while navigating your own healing journey✨ Travel sports chaos, marriage updates, work pivots, and real-life midlife conversations This episode is raw, unfiltered, educational, funny, and incredibly relatable — because sometimes the best conversations happen before the “real” episode even begins. Topics We Discuss Peptides + longevity medicineGLP-1 microdosingPerimenopause + HRTADHD in womenNervous system regulationQuantum Healing Hypnosis Technique (QHHT)Parenting + midlife overwhelmBurnout + mental healthFunctional medicine vs traditional medicineWomen’s wellness + hormone health Resources + Links 💛 Follow the podcast on Instagram:Midlife…Now What?! Instagram 💛 Learn more about Erin’s QHHT sessions:Erin Mires QHHT Profile 💛 Erin’s peptide + wellness link:EllieMD with Erin Mires 💛 Jennie’s peptide + wellness link:EllieMD with Jennie Stehli 💛 Dr. Mary Claire Haver’s menopause resources:The Pause Life by Dr. Mary Claire Haver 💛 Midi Health (women’s midlife healthcare platform Erin references):Midi Health 💛 The famous chia bowls Erin mentions 😂Tropical Smoothie Cafe 💛 Alani Nu supplements + drinks:Alani Nu If this episode resonates with you, send it to a friend who’s also in the thick of figuring it all out. And make sure you subscribe, leave a review, and follow along because these are the conversations women need to be having. 💛 🎙 Midlife… Now What?! is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen.

    51 min

  5. May 4

    Midlife Health Rewritten: Peptides, Biohacking & Taking Back Control

    This episode is powerful, eye-opening, and deeply empowering. Today, we sit down with Blair Critch, a cancer survivor, wellness educator, and advocate for taking your health into your own hands. Blair shares her journey from being dismissed by doctors… to trusting her intuition… to ultimately being diagnosed with ovarian cancer after months of pushing for answers. What follows is a story not just of survival—but transformation. From chemotherapy and medical menopause to discovering peptides, biohacking, and integrative healing, Blair completely redefined what health and longevity look like in midlife. This conversation is for every woman who has ever thought:“Something feels off… but no one is listening.” Because this episode will remind you:👉 You know your body better than anyone else. 💬 What We Talk About The early signs of ovarian cancer that were dismissed as perimenopauseWhy advocating for your health could save your lifeThe reality of medical menopause (and why no one prepares you)Misdiagnosis in women’s health—and why it’s so commonWhat peptides are and how they support healing and recoveryInflammation, weight gain, and hormonal chaos in midlifeThe connection between stress, cortisol, and declining healthIntegrating Eastern + Western medicine for optimal wellnessBiohacking explained in simple, real-life termsSmall daily habits that regulate your nervous systemWhy midlife is actually the beginning of a powerful new chapter 🔑 Key Takeaways You are your best advocate—trust your intuitionMidlife symptoms are often dismissed or misunderstoodHealing isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s about finding what works for YOUPrevention and proactive care matter more than everYour body is capable of incredible healing when supported properlyMidlife isn’t the end—it’s a recalibration📲 Connect with Blair Instagram: @BlairCritch2Website: BlairCritchOfficial.comFree Resource: Modern Menopause Guide (linked on her platforms)

    1h 26m

  6. Apr 6

    Lies, Deceit, & Betrayal: When Trust Breaks… Now What?

    Today’s conversation is not an easy one.It’s raw. It’s real. And it’s something almost everyone of us has experienced in some form. In this episode of Midlife… Now What?!, we’re diving into lies, deceit, and betrayal—and why these experiences don’t just break trust with others… they shake the trust we have in ourselves. Jennie shares a deeply personal and recent story of betrayal that hit close to home—literally. What unfolds is more than just a story about something being taken… it’s about violation, shock, and the emotional aftermath of realizing someone you trusted wasn’t who you thought they were. Because betrayal isn’t just about what happened.It’s about what it makes you question: Your judgmentYour intuitionYour safetyYour ability to trust againAnd that’s where the real work begins. What We Talk About Why betrayal feels so deeply personal and destabilizingThe nervous system response: fight, flight, hypervigilance, and emotional overwhelmThe spiral of self-blame: “How did I not see this?”The difference between processing emotions vs. suppressing themHow to pause instead of react in moments of emotional intensityWhy community and support matter more than ever after betrayalThe truth about forgiveness: you don’t have to reconcile to healHow to hold two truths at once:“I’m grateful for the outcome… and I don’t want you in my life.”Rebuilding self-trust and intuition after your sense of safety is shaken Key Takeaways Betrayal activates more than emotions—it disrupts your entire nervous systemYou cannot think your way through betrayal—you have to feel and process itSelf-blame keeps you stuck; self-awareness moves you forwardYou can forgive without allowing someone back into your lifeBoundaries are not walls—they are self-trust in actionHealing isn’t about pretending it didn’t hurt—it’s about learning to trust yourself again Questions to Reflect On Where did this experience make me question myself?What emotions am I avoiding feeling?Where have I felt this before?What boundaries do I need moving forward?What would it look like to trust myself again? Resources + Support ✨ Erin’s Binaural Beats (for nervous system regulation):https://substack.com/@drerinmires?utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page ✨ PDA Parenting Resource Mentioned:https://www.atpeaceparents.com/ Final Thought Betrayal may change you…But it doesn’t have to harden you. You can walk away wiser.More discerning.More grounded in yourself. Because healing isn’t about closing your heart—It’s about coming back home to it, safely.

    45 min

  7. Mar 16

    Friendships in Midlife: Why Your Circle Gets Smaller (and Why That’s Actually a Good Thing)

    Friendships change in midlife — and sometimes those changes can feel confusing, painful, or even lonely. Why does it seem like we have fewer friends as we get older? Why can losing a friendship hurt just as much as a romantic breakup? And how do we know when a friendship has run its course? In this episode of Midlife… Now What?!, Erin and Jennie dive into the evolving landscape of friendships in midlife and why many women find themselves shifting from quantity to quality in their relationships. As life gets fuller — with careers, parenting, marriages, divorces, and personal growth — our emotional bandwidth becomes more limited. The friendships that once felt effortless can start to feel draining, misaligned, or simply no longer reflective of who we’re becoming. But that shrinking circle? It’s often a sign of growth. Erin and Jennie share personal stories about navigating friendship changes through divorce, parenting challenges, and life transitions, and they explore how midlife invites us to prioritize authenticity, emotional safety, and deeper connection over social obligations. Because the truth is: You don’t need more friends in midlife. You need the right ones. In this episode, we talk about: Why friendships naturally shift in midlifeThe difference between authentic and performative friendshipsHow emotional safety becomes more important than social popularityThe importance of reciprocity and equal effort in relationshipsRecognizing when a friendship is draining your energyWhy some friendships are meant for a seasonHow to reflect on whether your friendships are aligned with who you are today Erin also shares the powerful reflection questions she now asks herself when evaluating friendships: Who feels emotionally safe? Who drains your energy? Who celebrates you? Who truly knows the real you? Sometimes the most powerful growth happens when we stop trying to maintain relationships out of habit and start choosing connections that truly support the person we’re becoming. Resources Mentioned Erin’s Binaural Beats (available for paid subscribers on Substack) https://substack.com/@drerinmires At Peace Parents – PDA Parenting Course referenced in the episode https://www.atpeaceparents.com/ Sponsor Spotlight This episode is brought to you by Sheila Haugh, Self-Trust and Parts Work Coach. Sheila helps women reconnect with their inner wisdom and build deeper self-trust through parts work and nervous system awareness. Her work focuses on helping women slow down, listen inward, and develop the tools needed to navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity and confidence. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your intuition or struggled to trust yourself during a season of change, Sheila’s work offers a powerful path back to yourself. Learn more about working with Sheila at: https://sheilahaugh.com/

    30 min

  8. Mar 2

    When Your Child Isn’t “Typical”: The Emotional Reality of Being a Special Needs Parent

    Today’s conversation is different. It’s more personal. More vulnerable. And more raw. In this episode of Midlife… Now What?!, Jennie interviews Erin about something that has shaped her more than any career pivot or identity shift ever could: being a special needs parent. This is not an episode about medical definitions or labels.It’s about: • The grief of letting go of the life you thought you’d have• The exhaustion of fighting systems that don’t listen• The impact on marriage and siblings• The invisible labor no one prepares you for• The PTSD, guilt, and nervous system toll• The power of trusting your intuition• And what it means to rewrite the parenting “rulebook” Erin shares the long road to understanding her son’s nervous system disorder (PDA – Pathological Demand Avoidance), the medical gaslighting they endured, the misdiagnoses, the financial cost, the emotional cost, and the breakthrough that finally changed everything. They talk about: • What it’s like to be told your child might need inpatient psychiatric care• The moment you realize you have PTSD from your own child’s outbursts• How unlimited screen time became a nervous system regulation tool• How siblings are affected• How marriages stretch and strengthen• How friendships change• The guilt of self-care when your child is struggling• And the deep importance of community This episode isn’t just for special needs parents. It’s for any woman who has: • Felt unseen by the medical system• Had to advocate harder than she thought possible• Grieved the life she expected• Questioned herself• Been told she was “overreacting”• Or quietly wondered… “Why is this so much harder than everyone else’s life?” ✨ Erin’s Advice for Parents in the Thick of It: • Trust your intuition.• Don’t let the medical community gaslight you.• Share your story — connection can change everything.• Find your community, even if it’s small.• Take care of your own nervous system too. Because your cup matters. — 🎧 Resources Mentioned in This Episode If you’re walking this road and need tangible support, here are the resources Erin references: • Erin’s custom nervous system regulation binaural beats + subliminal affirmationsAvailable for paid subscribers on Substack — get the full library for just $7/month:👉 https://substack.com/@drerinmires?utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page • At Peace Parents — The PDA parenting course that helped transform Erin’s family dynamicThis is the program referenced in the episode:👉 https://www.atpeaceparents.com/ If you suspect your child may struggle with demand avoidance or nervous system dysregulation, this is a powerful place to start. — 💛 A Resource We Trust If this episode resonated with you — especially the parts about nervous system burnout, trauma, or feeling like you’re holding everything together — we also want to share someone we deeply trust. Sheila Haugh is a Self-Trust and Parts Work Coach who helps women reconnect with themselves, regulate their nervous systems, and gently unpack the internal patterns that keep them stuck in survival mode. Her work is rooted in compassion, nervous system safety, and helping you build a relationship with yourself that feels grounded and steady — even in the middle of chaos. Learn more here:👉 https://sheilahaugh.com/ — This is one of our most honest episodes yet. If it resonates, please share it with someone who might need to hear this today. You are not alone.

    54 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Midlife… Now What?! is the podcast for every woman who’s looked at her life and thought, “Wait… is this it?” Hosted by Erin Mires and Jennie Stehli, two women in the thick of raising kids, redefining careers, and navigating relationships, this show gives you permission to say the quiet parts out loud. We talk identity shifts, marriage and divorce, friendship changes, parenting chaos, purpose pivots, hormones, and outgrowing old versions of yourself. No toxic positivity. Just real, honest conversations. Grab your coffee—or your wine—and come get honest with us.

Information

  • Creator
    Erin Mires & Jennie Stehli
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Erin Mires & Jennie Stehli
  • Show Website
    Midlife...NOW WHAT?!