Midlife Repurposed

Michelle Rayburn

Midlife Repurposed with Michelle Rayburn is for anyone walking through the complexities of midlife—navigating changes, asking big questions, and just wanting someone who understands. It’s a space where the conversations are real, grace-filled, and compassionate with fewer expectations and more empathy. While the heart of Midlife Repurposed grows out of faith, it isn’t religious programming. It’s a welcoming place where hope is grounded in a gentle, faith-based perspective, never in preaching or dogma. michellerayburn.substack.com

  1. Inviting Strangers Past the Porch

    12/11/2025

    Inviting Strangers Past the Porch

    In this episode of Midlife Repurposed, Michelle Rayburn invites listeners into her century-old home—and into the vulnerable places of her midlife journey. Drawing parallels between opening her doors to strangers and sharing her inner self through writing, she reflects on the messiness, memories, and ongoing renovations of both her house and her life. Michelle explores themes of faith, change, and authenticity, offering encouragement to anyone navigating the complex process of repurposing their own story in midlife. This episode is a voiceover of a Substack article. Read the article here: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michellerayburn.substack.com

    7 min
  2. Gezellig: A Dutch Word that Feels Like Home

    12/10/2025

    Gezellig: A Dutch Word that Feels Like Home

    In this episode, Michelle unpacks the Dutch concept of gezellig, a word that embodies warmth, connection, and belonging—and reflects on how it speaks directly to her midlife longings. Drawing from her Dutch heritage, she revisits the faith-filled, family-centered rhythms that shaped her childhood and discovers how those same practices offer grounding and joy in this season of life. Rather than viewing midlife as a time to step back, Michelle considers it a time to stay engaged, to keep gathering, and to welcome others into the cozy, lived-in spaces where real life happens. This episode offers an invitation to create a sense of home that goes beyond décor or atmosphere and becomes a lived expression of rootedness, faith, and shared experience. Some things can’t be defined. They can only be felt. Read the full text from the article for which this episode is a voiceover: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michellerayburn.substack.com

    7 min
  3. When Faith and Diet Culture Collide

    10/16/2025

    When Faith and Diet Culture Collide

    Every January, the church flyers reappear. “Faith-based wellness.” “Biblical fitness.” And every time, I feel the echo of an old wound I’m still healing from. My faith and my attempts to change my body size have a long history. I’ve been untangling diet culture from that faith space in midlife. This episode is a voiceover of the Substack blog post of the same title. If you prefer to get content in your earbuds, I have you covered! If you like to read, see the link below. Read the post: https://michellerayburn.substack.com/p/when-faith-and-diet-culture-collide This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michellerayburn.substack.com

    10 min
  4. Update: Midlife Repurposed Is Eight Years Old

    10/16/2025

    Update: Midlife Repurposed Is Eight Years Old

    A little update for you on the direction I’m going with the Midlife Repurposed podcast in the future. Plus, I’m celebrating that the podcast is eight years old! I launched in October of 2018 as the Life, Repurposed podcast and then morphed into Midlife Repurposed. My big wish for the future would be to have a podcast co-hosted by others who can talk about midlife and all that it entails, honest conversations that invite community and conversation. But logistically, that isn’t possible right now with all that’s going on in life. For now, going forward, I’m sharing voiceovers of some of my Substack posts, for those who are busy, don’t have time to read posts, or who love hearing something in their earbuds in the author’s voice. Thank you for being on this journey with me! https://michellerayburn.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michellerayburn.substack.com

    9 min
  5. When All Voices Sing

    08/14/2025

    When All Voices Sing

    What happens when only some voices are heard—and the rest stay silent? In this episode of Midlife Repurposed, Michelle Rayburn uses the metaphor of a choir to explore what a “more perfect Union” really looks like. She reflects on how every voice matters—in our homes, workplaces, communities, and in our democracy—and why silencing others diminishes us all. Michelle speaks to midlife listeners who’ve felt overlooked, marginalized, or unheard, offering encouragement to reclaim their voice. For anyone navigating inequality, this episode challenges us to embrace differences, speak truth, and contribute to the full harmony of society. When all voices are heard, the song—and our nation—truly belongs to everyone. Read the accompanying article on Substack here: https://open.substack.com/pub/michellerayburn/p/when-all-voices-sing This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michellerayburn.substack.com

    21 min
  6. Human Rights Progress and the Cost of Silence

    02/19/2025

    Human Rights Progress and the Cost of Silence

    In this episode, we dive into the tapestry of transformational history over the last fifty years and explore how these pivotal moments intertwine with human rights, the gospel, and our roles as advocates in midlife. Michelle Rayburn shares her heart in a vulnerable plea for seeing and listening and then speaking up. If you're searching for inspiration and practical wisdom to navigate the complexities of midlife while making a positive impact, you're in the right place. In this episode, Michelle reflects on the monumental shifts in human rights and societal norms that have unfolded during her lifetime, highlighting how these changes have redefined our world. Yet, she emphasizes the fragility of such progress and the risk of it vanishing overnight. As midlifers, we've witnessed cycles of change, reminding us of our responsibility to protect and preserve these hard-won advancements. Listeners will gain valuable insights into how the gospel calls us to advocate for human dignity beyond political divides and to embrace the interconnectedness of our global community. Equip yourself with the knowledge that our silence has a cost, and that by standing together, we can champion a future where justice and human rights aren't temporary. So, tune in to discover how repurposing your midlife with intention and courage can leave a lasting legacy of advocacy, love, and impact. Want more? Check out this essay: https://open.substack.com/pub/michellerayburn/p/what-we-lose-if-we-stay-silent Find Midlife Repurposed on Substack https://michellerayburn.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michellerayburn.substack.com

    17 min
  7. Relation-Tips for Your Midlife Classic Marriage

    02/12/2025

    Relation-Tips for Your Midlife Classic Marriage

    In this episode, we dive into the nuances of long-lasting relationships and finding purpose in midlife. In this special episode, Michelle Rayburn takes us on a reflective journey back in time to when she and her husband had been married for 28 years. Now, after 35 years of marriage, she revisits her past thoughts, sharing insights on what has changed and what remains true in her perspective on marriage. Join us as we explore the critical elements of staying connected, honoring a covenant, and effective communication, all while embracing the ups and downs that come with midlife transitions. Whether you're navigating the complexities of marriage, empty nesting, or simply seeking inspiration for a renewed sense of purpose, this episode offers timeless wisdom and practical takeaways. Let's repurpose this season of life together with encouragement and insights drawn from Michelle's own experiences. There are also some fun printable bonuses in the show notes! You'll find shownotes and more at https://michellerayburn.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michellerayburn.substack.com

    26 min
  8. Intuitive Productivity: Tips for Less Pressure, More Joy

    01/08/2025

    Intuitive Productivity: Tips for Less Pressure, More Joy

    If you caught my recent article about intuitive productivity, then I hope you enjoy this follow-up podcast with 12 practical tips for practicing it daily. Key Points in the Episode 12 Practical Tips for Intuitive Productivity * Start each day by checking in with yourself. Before you dive into your to-do list, take a moment to pause and reflect. Ask yourself, 'What feels most exciting or meaningful today?' * Break free from rigid schedules. If you’re feeling energized and creative in the morning, tackle your most challenging or creative tasks. Flexibility allows you to work in harmony with your natural rhythms instead of fighting against them. * Use joy as a compass. Pay attention to the tasks that bring you a sense of joy or flow. If something feels draining, pause and ask yourself if it’s truly necessary. Can you approach it differently or delegate it? * Set intentions, not deadlines. Instead of rigid deadlines, focus on broad intentions. This approach moves you forward without the unnecessary pressure to be perfect or rushed. * Honor your energy cycles. Productivity ebbs and flows—that’s normal. When it’s low, give yourself permission to rest or shift to less demanding tasks. Trust that the flow will return. * Simplify your to-do list. Choose just one to three things to focus on each day. This clarity helps you avoid overwhelm and allows you to pour your energy into what matters most. * Celebrate small wins. Instead of focusing on what’s left undone, take time to acknowledge your progress. * Let go of multitasking. We often think doing more at once makes us productive, but it usually has the opposite effect. Intuitive productivity thrives when you’re fully present with one task at a time. * Trust your instincts when prioritizing. When you’re faced with competing demands, trust your gut to decide what truly needs your attention. * Create space for creative exploration. Set aside unstructured time to brainstorm, experiment, or simply let your mind wander. * Reflect and adjust regularly. At the end of each day or week, take a few minutes to reflect on what felt good and what didn’t. * Say no to what doesn’t align. If a task or commitment doesn’t align with your values or passions, give yourself permission to say no. Which one resonates most with you as something you can practice? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michellerayburn.substack.com

    26 min
See All (156)

4.9
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Midlife Repurposed with Michelle Rayburn is for anyone walking through the complexities of midlife—navigating changes, asking big questions, and just wanting someone who understands. It’s a space where the conversations are real, grace-filled, and compassionate with fewer expectations and more empathy. While the heart of Midlife Repurposed grows out of faith, it isn’t religious programming. It’s a welcoming place where hope is grounded in a gentle, faith-based perspective, never in preaching or dogma. michellerayburn.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Michelle Rayburn
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    156
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Michelle Rayburn
  • Show Website
    Midlife Repurposed