Sharing The Middle

Joyful Support Movement
  • 5.0 (17)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Sharing The Middle is a heartwarming podcast hosted by Lacey, where she delves into the power of storytelling about the messy middles of life through conversation and connection. Lacey explores how sharing stories can unburden us from life's heaviness and foster meaningful connections. With a focus on authenticity and vulnerability, Lacey discusses the importance of creating a space for sharing our stories and seeing our own stories in others. Special guest appearances add to the richness of the conversation, bringing unique experiences and viewpoints to the forefront. From heartwarming anecdotes to thought-provoking discussions, Sharing The Middle with Lacey captivates listeners with its genuine and relatable storytelling. By sharing her own experiences and engaging in conversations with guests, Lacey offers a platform for mutual understanding and connection. Join Lacey on this journey of self-discovery and empathetic storytelling, where every episode is a testament to the power of sharing our stories within the supportive community of the Joyful Support Movement. Learn more about https://laceytomlinson.com (Lacey), https://themddl.com (The Mddl), and the https://joyfulsupportmovement.com/ (Joyful Support Movement). Thanks to https://pixabay.com/music/upbeat-sunshine-108600/ (lemonmusicstudio) for the lovely intro music and check out all of their wonderful work.  

  1. JAN 16

    Messy Midlife: Chronic Illness, Baby Sleep, and Radical Flexibility

    In this mini check‑in, I’m sharing a very real slice of my midlife: RSV running through our house, living with ME/CFS, and parenting a baby who does not believe in sleep. Instead of pretending everything is fine and polished, I’m talking honestly about what it looks like to keep showing up for Sharing the Middle when planning conversations with guests feels nearly impossible. I walk you through a new “hybrid” approach I’m trying for scheduling guest interviews that builds in radical flexibility for both me and my guests, and I reflect on how chronic illness and this particular season of parenting are reshaping my expectations around sleep, routines, and consistency. This is an episode about letting things be different than they were before, honoring my actual capacity, and staying messy out loud so you feel less alone in your own middle. Timestamps00:00 – Welcome to Sharing the Middle + RSV and an exhausting week01:00 – Why planning guest conversations feels almost impossible right now02:00 – The new hybrid “flex window” I’m trying for scheduling recordings03:00 – Letting guests cancel first and making room for my own flakiness04:00 – Sleep chaos, chronic illness, and how this baby season is different05:00 – Allowing this chapter to look different and noticing the good in it06:00 – Being messy out loud + updates on other JSM shows and submissions If you’re in your own messy middle and you’re willing to share it, I would love to hear from you. You can submit a story, a Joy Moment, or a question for No Shame in Our Game at joyfulsupportmovement.com/submit. You’ll be able to choose which show you’re submitting for, and then we can figure out the details together.

    8 min

  2. 12/11/2025

    A Joyful Chaotic Colorful Christmas with my Dad

    I sat down with my dad to talk about where my love of Christmas decorations actually comes from. I learned so much, and also realized lots of ways my attitude toward Christmas decor can help me with my other messy middles We traced it back to his childhood in Cincinnati, going downtown to see the massive Christmas window displays. Then to the era of cutting down trees so big they had to be shoved through doorways with a running start. And eventually to our family's current setup featuring a 16-foot tree, 27 strands of lights, and so many handmade and gifted ornaments to tell much of our family story. This conversation gave me something I didn't expect. It's not about perfection or magazine-worthy aesthetics. It's about embracing what my dad calls "grandiose chaos" - the kind of Christmas that's overflowing, colorful, chaotic, and full of genuine joy. We cover the logistics of transporting a freshly-cut tree in a 1964 Ford Galaxy convertible, why bubble lights are non-negotiable, how my dad became the MacGyver of Christmas repairs, and why every ornament on our tree tells a story. From wedding favors to Coca-Cola memorabilia to the things my mom made. Whether you're the type of person who loves an all-white-lights Christmas tree or a tacky decor lover, I hope you see some of your own traditions in this episode. Mentioned in This EpisodeReal Talk Conversations Guide - A framework I created for having intentional conversations with people in your life to document stories and make connections. If you want to have a conversation like this with someone you love, this guide walks you through how to do it. Enjoying these conversations? Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. And if you have a minute, leave a rating and review - it helps others find the show. Keep the conversation going: Join the Joyful Support Village (it's free) More from me: All JSM PodcastsWebsiteNewsletter: The Practical Hug Let's connect: Instagram: @laceyshares | TikTok: @laceyshares Want to share your story on Sharing the Middle? Fill out the form at joyfulsupportmovement.com/submit Questions about the show or working with me? Email: hello@joyfulsupportmovement.com

    40 min

  3. 11/07/2025

    Three Years in the Messy Middle: A Chronic Illness Anniversary

    Three years ago this Halloween, my life changed forever. What started as unexplained fatigue became an ME/CFS diagnosis that reshaped everything—my career, my body, my future. But then came the plot twist I never saw coming: an IUD pregnancy that actually improved my symptoms. In this deeply personal anniversary episode, I'm sharing the full story—from the Halloween 2022 moment I realized something was seriously wrong, to the shocking positive pregnancy test, the missing IUD mystery during my C-section, and how I figured out what probably happened (spoiler: menstrual cups and IUDs don't always play well together). This episode is for anyone navigating chronic illness, making impossible decisions about their future, or wondering if the universe might know better than they do. It's about grief and building simultaneously, trusting your path when you can't trust your body, and finding gifts in the places you least expect them. In This Episode:The Halloween 2022 turning point that marked my "before and after"What ME/CFS actually means (and why "chronic fatigue" doesn't capture it)How I learned to pace my energy and listen to my body after a lifetime of ignoring itThe IUD decision that was supposed to be "responsible"July 2024's 0.1% surprise: a positive pregnancy testThe scary lack of research on pregnancy with ME/CFS (and the 1/3 statistic I clung to)How pregnancy actually improved my symptoms instead of making them worseTaking the European vacation we'd canceled due to illnessThe C-section discovery: my IUD was completely missingThe menstrual cup revelation and important PSALife six months postpartum with baby VioletHow chronic illness shaped JSM and made me a better parentWhat I'd tell anyone in year one of their diagnosis Important Timestamps:[00:00:00] Introduction and overnight curls[00:03:00] Halloween 2022 - The moment with my mom on the couch[00:05:00] Getting the ME/CFS diagnosis[00:07:00] Learning to pace and listen to my body[00:08:00] Building Joyful Support Movement during this time[00:09:00] The IUD decision and family planning[00:09:30] July 2024 - The positive pregnancy test[00:10:00] Researching ME/CFS and pregnancy[00:11:00] Plot twist - Feeling better during pregnancy[00:12:00] The European vacation redemption[00:13:00] The missing IUD during C-section[00:14:00] PSA about menstrual cups and IUDs[00:15:00] Six months postpartum update[00:16:00] Gratitude and perspective[00:18:00] Invitation to share your story Resources Mentioned:Learn More About ME/CFS: ME Action NetworkBateman Horne Center Connect & Share: Join the Joyful Support VillageShare your messy middle storyInstagram: @joyfulsupportmovementWatch on YouTube Products Mentioned: Shower chair on Amazon"I Have to Go Lay Down Now" sweatshirt Mentioned in this...

    21 min
  4. Hyperthyroidism, Boundaries, and Rebuilding Business with Magalie René

    10/17/2025

    Hyperthyroidism, Boundaries, and Rebuilding Business with Magalie René

    I talk with Magalie René about rebuilding her business after getting diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. I loved this conversation because of the fact that I have hypothyroidism. We're dealing with opposite thyroid issues, but so much of what she's going through landed for me. Magalie ended up in the ER three times with racing heart and anxiety attacks before she finally asked for a thyroid panel herself. Once she got the diagnosis, she had to completely restructure how she runs her business—because hyperthyroidism puts your body on overdrive, and she was already in hustle mode. Something had to give. We get into what hyperthyroidism symptoms actually feel like, why 80% of people with autoimmune disease are women, and this connection between poor boundaries and autoimmune issues that honestly blew my mind. Magalie also talks about becoming "unavailable for b******t" in both her personal life and work, which is something I'm also working on. I hope you get as much out of our conversation as I did. Key TakeawaysYour body is trying to tell you something—listen to itWeight loss, constant productivity, and high energy can be signs your body is in crisis, not thrivingPoor boundaries may be at the root of autoimmune issues (80% of sufferers are women)Being "unavailable for b******t" is self-care, not meanSlowing down creates space for better ideas and easier paths to your goalsThe middle might be the new normal—and that's the upgraded versionYou're tired because your body is tired; the thought follows the feeling Timestamps[00:02:00] Introduction to Magalie and the messy middle[00:05:00] Diagnosis with hyperthyroidism and rebuilding her business[00:06:00] What hyperthyroidism actually does to your body[00:07:00] Why 80% of people with autoimmune issues are women[00:11:00] Moving too fast means missing out on creativity and aligned ideas[00:14:00] The autoimmune-boundary connection that changed everything[00:16:00] "I'm unavailable for b******t now"[00:17:00] Racing heart, anxiety attacks, and the journey to diagnosis[00:22:00] Restructuring the backend of her business for flow[00:26:00] Advice: Listen to your body and love your life Magalie's Advice"Listen to your body and love your life. If there's something you don't love about your life right now, shift it. Shift it now. Work on shifting it now because your body eventually will respond to that." Connect with MagalieInstagram: @magalierenemagalierene.comRenaissance Woman Virtual Retreat: "Divorce to Destiny" – October 26-27, 2025Quantum Reinvention, the 4 stages to level up fast Mentioned in This EpisodeLacey Shares: Friendly Reminders mugs at laceyshares.com – sassy, pretty mugs with friendly reminders for you or whoever's watching you drink your coffee Enjoying these conversations? Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. And if you have a minute, leave a rating and review - it helps others find the show. Keep the conversation going: Join the Joyful Support Village (it's free) More from me: a...

    29 min
  5. No Shame in Our Game Trailer - No Shame in Our Game

    10/17/2025

    No Shame in Our Game Trailer - No Shame in Our Game

    Welcome to No Shame in Our Game: Where self-help meets community support. This is the podcast that doesn't care about the right step, just your next step. Not sure how to start a budget? Need help with home systems? Wondering about etiquette or boundaries? We're Sara and Lacey, your loving aunties who care about how your life feels, not how it looks. We're co-founders of the Joyful Support Movement, and we created this podcast because we believe you shouldn't have to figure out life alone. We answer your real-life questions about home management, budgeting, life systems, and anything else where you're not sure where to turn. We're anti-girl-boss, pro-community. No shoulds. No shame. Just possibilities and support. Submit your questions at Welcome to No Shame in Our Game: Where self-help meets community support. This is the podcast that doesn't care about the right step, just your next step. Not sure how to start a budget? Need help with home systems? Wondering about etiquette or boundaries? We're Sara and Lacey, your loving aunties who care about how your life feels, not how it looks. We're co-founders of the Joyful Support Movement, and we created this podcast because we believe you shouldn't have to figure out life alone. We answer your real-life questions about home management, budgeting, life systems, and anything else where you're not sure where to turn. We're anti-girl-boss, pro-community. No shoulds. No shame. Just possibilities and support. Submit your questions and join us for real conversations about real life. Connect with us: Instagram, TikTok & Threads: @joyfulsupportmovement Join The Village: village.joyfulsupportmovement.com Newsletter: joyfulsupportmovement.substack.com and join us for real conversations about real life. Connect with us: Instagram, TikTok & Threads: @joyfulsupportmovement Join The Village: village.joyfulsupportmovement.com Newsletter: joyfulsupportmovement.substack.com

    2 min
  6. Welcome To No Shame in Our Game - Where Self-Help meets Community Support - No Shame in Our Game

    10/10/2025 · BONUS

    Welcome To No Shame in Our Game - Where Self-Help meets Community Support - No Shame in Our Game

    Welcome to No Shame in Our Game! We are evolving from No Shame in the Home Game, and putting it on steroids (in a good way, not like a roid rage way). We're expanding from home management questions to being your resource for anything in life where you're not sure where to turn. Not sure how to set up a laundry system? Ask us. Not sure how to start a family budget? Ask us. Not sure about the etiquette of gift-giving with neighbors? Ask us. Think of us as your loving aunties or big sisters who care about how your life feels, not how it looks. We talk about why the self-help industry feels icky to us, why we don't do shoulds, and how community support beats solo hustle every time. We share our Enneagram helper energy, our love of advice-giving, and why shame has no place in getting help with life. Plus, we get into Sara's perfect thrift store shirt from Zara and Lacey's wild week of unexpected TikTok validation involving the Sabrina Carpenter, “Tears,” trend. What We Cover:Why we're expanding beyond home management to all-life questionsThe difference between toxic self-help and community supportHow to submit your questions anonymouslyWhy we focus on possibilities instead of shouldsThe three pillars of Joyful Support: Story, Joy, and StepWhy we're anti-girl-boss and pro-making-life-easier Important Links!Submit your questionsFollow us on InstagramFollow us on TikTokFollow us on ThreadsJoin The Village communitySubscribe to The Practical Hug newsletter We're so glad you're here. Whether you've been with us from the beginning or you're just joining now, we appreciate you being part of this journey with us.

    20 min

  7. 09/26/2025

    When Stress Isn't Just Stress: An Academic's MS Journey with Catrina Mitchum

    I sit down with Dr. Catrina Mitchum to hear about her journey through multiple sclerosis diagnosis while balancing academic demands, motherhood, and career transitions. We explore the challenges of recognizing chronic illness symptoms when life is already demanding, how healthcare providers sometimes miss critical signs, and finding clarity through articulating our experiences. Catrina shares how she managed dissertation writing in 15-minute increments while dealing with early MS symptoms and what ultimately led to her leaving higher education. Key discussion points include:How chronic health conditions can be misattributed to stress or other common causesNavigating diagnosis while teaching, parenting, and completing a PhDThe importance of finding community who understand your specific challengesHow to communicate limitations to family members when cognitive symptoms ariseTransitioning from academia to entrepreneurship with purpose For those managing chronic illness, working in higher education, or navigating significant career transitions, this conversation offers validation and practical insights for creating systems that work when traditional support structures aren't available. Resources Mentioned:Catrina Mitchum Learning DesignConnect with Catrina on LinkedInCatrina's YouTube Channel Enjoying these conversations? Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. And if you have a minute, leave a rating and review - it helps others find the show. Keep the conversation going: Join the Joyful Support Village (it's free) More from me: All JSM PodcastsWebsiteNewsletter: The Practical Hug Let's connect: Instagram: @laceyshares | TikTok: @laceyshares Want to share your story on Sharing the Middle? Fill out the form at joyfulsupportmovement.com/submit Questions about the show or working with me? Email: hello@joyfulsupportmovement.com Mentioned in this episode: Buoy Hydration Cubtail Cubtale

    33 min
  8. Beyond Fine: The Journey to Great with Genevieve Dreizen

    09/05/2025

    Beyond Fine: The Journey to Great with Genevieve Dreizen

    I sit down with Genevieve Dreizen, co-founder of Fresh Start Registry, for a candid conversation about rediscovering yourself after a long-term relationship ends and finding unexpected love across the ocean. In this episode, Jenny shares her remarkable journey from a 10-year relationship that wasn't quite right to meeting her now-husband through a chance encounter in a Scottish museum—a story straight out of a romance novel that proves sometimes the most fantastical paths are the most authentic ones. We explore the challenging but transformative messy middle of Jenny's story: her year of living alone in what she called "The Nest," learning who she truly was, and building a relationship with Thomas through countless hours of virtual communication before finally reuniting in Scotland. Her story illuminates how the process of becoming is never complete and how understanding who you are is essential to finding genuine connection. Key topics include:Recognizing when a relationship isn't serving you, even when it's not "bad"The importance of creating space to rediscover yourselfBuilding authentic relationships based on who you truly areTrusting your instincts over societal expectationsFinding love that amplifies rather than diminishes who you are Resources mentioned in this episode:Fresh Start Registry - Support for those going through divorce and major life transitionsFree resources: "Your Divorce Support Team" guide and "What to Consider When Considering Divorce" workbookFollow Jenny at @GenevieveDreizen on Instagram and Threads Enjoying these conversations? Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. And if you have a minute, leave a rating and review - it helps others find the show. Keep the conversation going: Join the Joyful Support Village (it's free) More from me: All JSM PodcastsWebsiteNewsletter: The Practical Hug Let's connect: Instagram: @laceyshares | TikTok: @laceyshares Want to share your story on Sharing the Middle? Fill out the form at joyfulsupportmovement.com/submit Questions about the show or working with me? Email: hello@joyfulsupportmovement.com Mentioned in this episode: Cubtail Cubtale

    36 min
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About

Sharing The Middle is a heartwarming podcast hosted by Lacey, where she delves into the power of storytelling about the messy middles of life through conversation and connection. Lacey explores how sharing stories can unburden us from life's heaviness and foster meaningful connections. With a focus on authenticity and vulnerability, Lacey discusses the importance of creating a space for sharing our stories and seeing our own stories in others. Special guest appearances add to the richness of the conversation, bringing unique experiences and viewpoints to the forefront. From heartwarming anecdotes to thought-provoking discussions, Sharing The Middle with Lacey captivates listeners with its genuine and relatable storytelling. By sharing her own experiences and engaging in conversations with guests, Lacey offers a platform for mutual understanding and connection. Join Lacey on this journey of self-discovery and empathetic storytelling, where every episode is a testament to the power of sharing our stories within the supportive community of the Joyful Support Movement. Learn more about https://laceytomlinson.com (Lacey), https://themddl.com (The Mddl), and the https://joyfulsupportmovement.com/ (Joyful Support Movement). Thanks to https://pixabay.com/music/upbeat-sunshine-108600/ (lemonmusicstudio) for the lovely intro music and check out all of their wonderful work.  

Information

  • Creator
    Joyful Support Movement
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    96
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Mddl LLC
  • Show Website
    Sharing The Middle