The Next Phase

Stacey Hutson
  • 5.0 (7)
  • ALTERNATIVE HEALTH

I used to be fun. I used to be driven. I used to be sexy. I used to be...young. What happened?  Dear Millennial moms in your late 30s or 40s -- former forces of nature, Are you burned out, overwhelmed, and wondering where your energy (and your old self) went? You’re not alone. The Next Phase is the podcast for overachieving moms navigating perimenopause who are dying to take back their energy, their bodies, and their magic. Here, we will not pummel you with hormone treatment plans or talk about perimenopause as if it's a diagnosis. Instead, we're going to celebrate it. We're going to use it as an excuse to really start taking care of ourselves. As a matter of fact, we're going to find ourselves in our perimenopause era.  Hosted by Stacey Hutson—certified health coach, wellness chef, former co-host of the Mother Plus Podcast, and mom of two—you’ll learn how to: Understand what’s really happening in perimenopause and how to work with your changing body, use nutrition, supplements, and sleep as medicine to restore your energy, get in tune with your cycle and learn practical ways to sync your life with your hormones, and create rituals (with a little woo) that help you slow down, listen inward, and reconnect with yourself. Each episode blends personal stories, expert insights, and actual doable steps you can take right away.  ✨ Subscribe now to The Next Phase and join a community of millennial moms redefining wellness in their 40s. Let’s make perimenopause your most magnetic chapter yet.

  1. 5D AGO

    #32: Midlife Skincare and the Pressure to Age Well

    Micropeels. Botox. Retinol. Peptides. Red light masks. 11-step skincare routines. The pressure on women to “age well” right now can feel completely overwhelming — especially when your skin suddenly starts changing seemingly overnight in your late 30s and 40s. In this episode, Stacey sits down with Stephanie DiPisa, founder of Solara Suncare, for a conversation that starts with sunscreen… and turns into something much deeper. After two of Stephanie’s children experienced severe reactions to traditional sunscreen, and while navigating her own health journey with Lyme disease, she found herself deep in the world of ingredients, inflammation, hormones, wellness, and sensitive skin. What started as one mom trying to solve a problem for her family eventually became an award-winning skincare brand trusted by dermatologists, estheticians, beauty editors, and retailers including Bluemercury, Neiman Marcus, Whole Foods, and Target. But this conversation isn’t really about skincare products. It’s about what happens when women enter midlife and suddenly feel pressure to “fix” every part of themselves. In this episode, we talk about:  why skin changes so dramatically in midlife  inflammation, hormones, and sensitive skin  sunscreen confusion and what actually matters  wellness overwhelm and trying to “age well”  simplifying skincare in your 40s  the connection between stress, nervous system health, and skin  supplements, social media wellness culture, and learning to listen to your body  and why sometimes less really is more If you’ve ever looked in the mirror during this phase of life and thought,  “Who is this woman?”  this conversation is for you. About Stephanie DiPisa Stephanie DiPisa is the founder of Solara Suncare, a mineral sunscreen and skincare brand she created after two of her children experienced severe reactions to traditional sunscreen. While navigating her own health journey with Lyme disease, Stephanie became deeply interested in ingredients, inflammation, wellness, and sensitive skin. Today, Solara is an award-winning skincare brand trusted by dermatologists, estheticians, beauty editors, and wellness-conscious women looking for simpler, cleaner skincare solutions. Find Stephanie + Solara Instagram: @stephdipisa + @solarasuncare Website: https://solarasuncare.com

    38 min

  2. MAY 14

    #31: Millennial Women Are Drowning in Self-Optimization: Here's What I'm Doing About It

    Have you ever felt like your entire life became one giant self-improvement project? In this solo episode, Stacey explores what happens when high-achieving women become trapped in a constant cycle of optimization — always trying to become healthier, calmer, more productive, more healed, more emotionally regulated, more “their best selves.” From self-help books to wellness culture to nervous system work to productivity routines… when does trying to improve yourself quietly become exhausting? Stacey shares:  the pressure millennial women feel to “have it all”  why so many high-achieving women struggle to relax  the connection between perfectionism and nervous system overwhelm  how endless self-help can disconnect us from our actual lives  why silence feels uncomfortable now  the surprising ways clutter and unfinished tasks affect anxiety  and the shift she’s making toward what she calls “returning to real life” This episode is for the women who are tired of treating themselves like projects. And maybe… just need a little more quiet.

    24 min

  3. MAY 8

    #30: Why Your Hair Changes in Perimenopause (and What You Can Actually Do About It)

    If your hair suddenly feels different in this phase of life… you’re not imagining it. In this episode, I’m talking with Allison Conrad and Jay Small, founders of AREY, about what actually happens to women’s hair in perimenopause — and why so many of us feel completely caught off guard by it. We talk about:  why your hair suddenly feels completely different in midlife  the science behind gray hair (and why it’s not “just genetics”)  how stress and inflammation impact aging hair  why postpartum can accelerate hair aging  the surprising connection between scalp health and overall health  what’s actually happening when your hair becomes thinner, drier, or frizzier overnight  and why changes to our hair can feel way more emotional than we expectThis conversation goes way beyond beauty. It’s really about what happens when we start noticing the physical signs that we’re entering a new phase — and how disorienting that can feel as women who are used to functioning at full speed all the time. And yes… we also talk about what can actually help. Just to be clear: this is not a sponsored episode. AREY is simply something I found while trying to understand what was happening to my own hair in my 40s, and I thought it could help some of you too. 🎉 GIVEAWAY 🎉 I teamed up with AREY to give one listener their AM + PM Duo (a 3-month supply valued at $295). Enter here: Arey + Next Phase Giveaway About AREY: AREY creates products designed to support healthier aging hair by focusing on scalp health, oxidative stress, and long-term hair wellness. Learn more: arey.com Follow them: @areyhaircare If this episode resonated with you, send it to a friend who’s been staring at her hair lately wondering what the heck is happening. Have an idea for the next episode? Email me at stacey@stacey-hutson.com DM me @stacehutson

    42 min

  4. MAY 1

    #29: High-Achieving Moms—Are You Losing Yourself? (with Jess Ekstrom)

    What if success isn’t supposed to cost you yourself? So many of us did everything “right.” We chased the goals. Built the life. Hit the big hairy audacious goals. And then somewhere along the way… we started to feel like we were losing ourselves in the process. In this episode, I’m talking with Jess Ekstrom—speaker, founder, and bestselling author—about what happens when high-achieving women realize the finish line isn’t what they thought it would be. We talk about:  the pressure to keep chasing the next “summit”  how motherhood reshapes your identity in ways you don’t expect  why so much self-help leaves us feeling more disconnected, not less  and how to start trusting yourself instead of constantly looking outside for answers This is one of those conversations that doesn’t try to fix you— it helps you see yourself more clearly. About Jess: Jess Ekstrom is a Forbes Top-Rated speaker, bestselling author, and the founder of Headbands of Hope, a company that has donated millions of headbands to children facing illness. She is also the founder of Mic Drop Workshop, where she helps women become paid public speakers and use their voices in a bigger way. Her new book, Making It Without Losing It, explores what it really means to succeed—without sacrificing yourself in the process. If this episode resonated with you… Jess’s new book Making It Without Losing It just released this week, and it goes deeper into everything we talked about today. You can find it here:  🔗 Making It Without Losing It

    50 min

  5. APR 23

    #28: Caregiver Fatigue: Taking Care of Aging Parents While Raising Kids

    Many millennial moms are going through something that past generations never had to do: Raise young children while also caring for aging parents. It’s overwhelming, emotional, and (somehow) completely unexpected. In this episode of The Next Phase Podcast, Stacey Hutson sits down with elder care clinician Debra Kooser to talk about what really happens when the roles begin to reverse—and why so many women feel unprepared for this stage. Together, they explore: what it looks like when aging parents begin to need more supportthe emotional impact of role reversal between parent and childwhy so many families wait until a crisis to make decisionsand the very real toll of caregiver fatigue and burnoutDebra explains why caregiver fatigue is more than just stress—it’s a serious, often unrecognized experience that affects both mental and physical health. This conversation also highlights something many women don’t expect: The guilt, emotional exhaustion, and mental load that comes with trying to balance it all. For listeners who are starting to notice changes in their parents—or already feel overwhelmed by the responsibility—this episode offers both validation and a starting point. About Debra:  Debra Kooser has a Masters Degree in counseling with over 30 years in healthcare, the last 18 years in hospice as a Medical Social Worker and Bereavement Coodinator.  Additionally, she has worked as a Geriatric Care Manager for an estate planning lawfirm. She has a specialty in consulting with adult children navigating their aging parents needs. She coordinates senior living placement from a clinical perspective, as well as offering ongoing case management for busy adult children/relatives who benefit from support and oversight for their family members. Resources & Next Steps: Debra Kooser helps families navigate caregiver fatigue, planning, and next steps. You can reach her here: debra.eldersolutions@gmail.com Local to Colorado? Stacey is speaking at the Golden Women in Business Founder’s Day event next week—an evening celebrating women making real impact in the community. Join us in Golden on April 29th: 🔗 https://www.goldenwomeninbusiness.com/upcoming-events/founders-day-2026

    27 min

  6. APR 16

    #28: What If You’re Doing Nervous System Work Backwards?

    Are you doing nervous system work… and it’s still not working? In this episode, I’m sharing a realization that completely changed the way I approach anxiety, overwhelm, and “regulation” as an ADHD mom. For years, I did everything I was supposed to do: meditation, breathwork, supplements, EFT, energy work… And yet, I still felt stressed, rushed, and completely out of control in my daily life. Why? Because I was trying to calm my nervous system… while living in constant chaos. Laundry everywhere.  Unpaid bills.  An overpacked schedule.  Always running late. 👉 There’s a disconnect there. In this episode, I’m breaking down why I believe so many of us are doing nervous system work backwards—and what actually needs to come first. This is not about abandoning the “woo.” It’s about putting it in the right order. The new approach: Environment → Logistics → THEN nervous system tools If your life doesn’t feel manageable, no amount of meditation is going to fix that. Want to take this further? I created a simple, no-overwhelm guide to help you start: 👉 The Work Before the Woo Reset This walks you through exactly what I’m focusing on right now to get my life out of chaos and into something that actually feels calm and manageable. No routines. No pressure. Just real-life steps that make a difference. You can download it for free here:  🔗 The Work Before the Woo Reset If this episode resonated, I’d love to hear from you. email me: stacey@stacey-hutson.com

    13 min

  7. APR 9

    #26: The Decluttering Mindset That Actually Works for Messy People with Dana K. White

    Messy. Overwhelmed. Always behind. At some point, you start to wonder… Is this just who I am? In this episode, I’m talking to Dana K. White — creator of the No Mess Decluttering Process and author of Decluttering at the Speed of Life — about what it actually takes to get your home (and your life) under control… especially if you’re not naturally organized. Because here's the thing you need to remember: You don’t need a perfect system. You need a system that works with your brain. We talk about:  Why clutter feels so moral (and why that’s not helping you)  The mindset shift from “done” → “better” Where to start when your house feels completely overwhelming  Why dishes matter more than making your bed  The real reason laundry feels never-ending (and how to fix it)  How to handle a partner or family who isn’t on board  And why decluttering might be the missing piece for your nervous system If you’ve ever felt like:  “I should be better at this by now…”  This episode is for you. ✨ Want more support with this? If this episode hit something for you…  If you’re tired of trying to fix yourself and just want a way to support your real life… I’m working on something for you. It’s not ready yet — but you can join the “First to Know” list here: 👉 Get on the list 📚 Resources + Links Dana K. White:  Books (start here): https://www.aslobcomesclean.com/books/  Podcast & Blog: https://www.aslobcomesclean.com  Find a certified decluttering coach: https://declutteringcoaches.com From this episode:  Try Dana’s method: Start with trash in your most visible space Mindset shift: Better > Done

    52 min

  8. APR 2

    #25: Why You Feel Scattered No Matter How Hard You Try

    Do you feel like you’re constantly playing catch-up in your own life? Like no matter how many times you promise yourself you’ll “get it together”… you’re still forgetting things, missing things, and starting every day already behind? In this episode, Stacey breaks down why high-achieving women—especially moms—can feel completely scattered… even though they’re capable, smart, and doing all the “right” things. This isn’t about discipline. It’s not about laziness. And it’s not because you suck at adulting. It’s because your life isn’t set up to support you. In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why being “good at school” didn’t prepare us to run a life  How constant self-improvement can actually make you feel more scattered  The hidden reason you feel like you’re always behind  Why listening to yourself matters more than fixing yourself  A simple 10-minute “Night Before Reset” to make your mornings calmer and easier If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, behind, or like your life is harder than it should be—this episode will help you finally understand why. 🧠 Try This: The Night Before Reset  → Take 10 minutes tonight to prepare for tomorrow morning  → Pack lunches, set out clothes, prep what usually stresses you out  → Notice how different your morning feels 📩 What’s Next: If this episode resonated with you, Stacey is building something specifically for women who feel this way. Make sure you’re on her email list so you don’t miss it. Sign up here

    11 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

I used to be fun. I used to be driven. I used to be sexy. I used to be...young. What happened?  Dear Millennial moms in your late 30s or 40s -- former forces of nature, Are you burned out, overwhelmed, and wondering where your energy (and your old self) went? You’re not alone. The Next Phase is the podcast for overachieving moms navigating perimenopause who are dying to take back their energy, their bodies, and their magic. Here, we will not pummel you with hormone treatment plans or talk about perimenopause as if it's a diagnosis. Instead, we're going to celebrate it. We're going to use it as an excuse to really start taking care of ourselves. As a matter of fact, we're going to find ourselves in our perimenopause era.  Hosted by Stacey Hutson—certified health coach, wellness chef, former co-host of the Mother Plus Podcast, and mom of two—you’ll learn how to: Understand what’s really happening in perimenopause and how to work with your changing body, use nutrition, supplements, and sleep as medicine to restore your energy, get in tune with your cycle and learn practical ways to sync your life with your hormones, and create rituals (with a little woo) that help you slow down, listen inward, and reconnect with yourself. Each episode blends personal stories, expert insights, and actual doable steps you can take right away.  ✨ Subscribe now to The Next Phase and join a community of millennial moms redefining wellness in their 40s. Let’s make perimenopause your most magnetic chapter yet.

Information

  • Creator
    Stacey Hutson
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Next Phase
  • Show Website
    The Next Phase

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