May 25, 2025 • 10 mins
Welcome to "40 and tired," where the delightful chaos of life meets the realities of 40! I'm your host, a mother of three amazing boysan adult son and two teenagers—who keep my life feeling like a live reality show entitled “40 and tired.” One moment, I’m the mom who makes the best macaroni and cheese, and the next, I’m the “Walking Embarrassment” of the house, trying to keep up with trends that leave me feeling more like a dad at a wedding than a cool mom.
In this podcast, I invite you to join me as I share my journey through the ups and downs of motherhood, the challenges of escaping a 17-year abusive marriage to a covert narcissist, and the hilarity that ensues as I venture into the world of dating apps and new hobbies. Expect a mix of heartfelt stories, candid discussions about the silent struggles of narcissistic abuse, and plenty of laughs as I navigate this mess called life.
Whether you’re a fellow mom seeking solidarity, someone looking for inspiration, or just in need of a good laugh, this is your safe space. Let’s embrace the chaos together, share our stories, and find joy in the journey because if we don’t laugh, we might just start crying!
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Welcome to 40 and Free the podcast where we explore the powerful journey of self-discovery,
(00:06):
healing,and empowerment!
I’m Mae ,and I’m thrilled to have you here with me today as we embark on this incredible adventure together.
So grab your favorite drink—coffee, tea, or maybe something a little stronger—and let’s dive in.
So, let me tell you a bit about myself.
I’m a 40-year-old mother of three amazing boys who are equal parts delightful and chaotic So,
(00:30):
I have an adult son and two teenagers living at home,
which is basically like hosting a live reality show called “Surviving Teenagers.
” You know, the kind where the mom is no longer the cool person she once was?
It’s like I’ve suddenly been demoted from “Super Mom” to “Walking Embarrassment.
"Every time I walk into a room,I can practically hear the eye rolls and whispers of “Ugh,
(00:55):
Mom’s here.
” It’s like I’m a celebrity who just lost their star status overnight!
I mean,one day I’m the hero who makes the best macaroni and cheese,
and the next,I’m just the woman who doesn’t understand TikTok and insists on using “cool” in a sentence like it’s still 2005.
I’ve tried to keep up with their trends like I even attempted to learn the latest dance moves.
Spoiler alert (01:19):
my attempts looked more like a dad at a wedding than a cool mom!
But hey, at least I’m getting my steps in while trying to impress them, right?
So,if you’re ever in need of a good laugh,just picture me trying to fit into their world while they’re cringing in the background.
It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it!
For 17 long years, I found myself trapped in an abusive marriage to a covert narcissist.
(01:45):
In this podcast,we’ll dive deep into the challenges I faced,
particularly the silent but dangerous world of covert narcissism and the abuse that comes with it.
My hope is to save someone from going through what I did,
because trust me,that kind of experience can feel like being stuck in a never-ending episode of a horror show except there are no commercial breaks!
(02:09):
But don’t worry, we won’t just be delving into the heavy stuff.
We’ll also have a good laugh at my new hobbies and my attempts at dating again.
Let’s be honest,the last time I dated,there were no dating apps or swiping just awkward encounters at the local coffee shop.
Now,I’m navigating a world of swipes and likes,and let’s just say it’s as messy as my attempts at painting!
(02:32):
We’ll be talking about my hobbies,crying about life because,
well,it’s life and it’s messy and hopefully helping others along the way.
Whether it’s navigating the ups and downs of relationships,
motherhood,or womanhood,I’m here to share my journey and maybe even a few laughs!
This is a safe space for all of us to share our stories,
(02:55):
find inspiration,and maybe even a little laughter along the way!
And trust me,laughter is what got me through some of the toughest days—because if I didn’t laugh,
I might have just started crying,and nobody wants to hear that on a podcast Let’s take a moment to go back in time.
For years, I was consumed by the responsibilities of motherhood and the struggles of my marriage.
(03:18):
I dedicated my life to raising my children,and in the process,
I became a professional juggler juggling kids,chores,
and the emotional rollercoaster of living with a covert narcissist.
Seriously, if there were Olympic medals for emotional gymnastics, I’d have a trophy case!
I remember moments of hopelessness,feeling like I was living in a fog,
(03:43):
just going through the motions.
There were days when I’d look in the mirror and wonder who that tired person staring back at me was.
I mean, I could have been a zombie extra in a horror movie with how I felt!
But then came the turning point.
One day, I woke up and realized that I deserved more.
I deserved happiness, freedom, and to be the best version of myself for my kids.
(04:07):
It was like I had a light bulb moment,but instead of just one bulb,
it felt like I was in a disco club with a million flashing lights!
That’s when I made the brave decision to leave.
It was terrifying, but it was also liberating.
Now, let’s talk about self-discovery.
What does that even mean?
For me,it’s about learning to love myself,embracing my flaws,
(04:32):
and finding joy in the little things.
I’ve started picking up new hobbies—like painting and hiking!
You should have seen me trying to paint for the first time.
I thought I’d create a masterpiece,but what I ended up with looked like something my kids could’ve done!
I mean, if there were a competition for the worst abstract art, I’d definitely win first prize!
(04:53):
But you know what?
I loved every minute of it because I was trying something new, and that’s what matters.
Plus, it provided excellent material for my kids to mock me!
And as I explore these new interests, I’m also learning what I don’t like.
Like, for example, I’ve learned that I am NOT a fan of running.
I tried it once and realized I’m much better suited for activities that involve sitting,
(05:17):
like binge-watching Netflix.
Seriously, the only time I should be running is if there’s a sale at Target!
But through all these experiences, I’ve learned a lot about myself.
I’ve learned to appreciate the little victories—like finding an extra five bucks in my pocket or finally getting my kids to eat vegetables without a meltdown.
(05:38):
It's the small wins that keep us going!
Now, I want to take a moment to address something very important (05:40):
domestic violence.
It’s a topic that’s close to my heart.
It’s crucial that we raise awareness and support those who are still in those dark situations.
If you or someone you know is struggling, I encourage you to seek help.
There are resources and people who care and can help you find your way out.
(06:04):
Together, we can empower each other to break free from the cycle of abuse and reclaim our lives.
And remember, you are not alone.
We can be the support system for one another,like a team of superheroes—but without the capes because,
let’s be honest,capes are a tripping hazard!
So, as we wrap up this first episode, I want to thank you for joining me on this journey.
(06:28):
Remember, reclaiming yourself is not just a destination;
it’s a process filled with ups and downs, laughter and tears.
And I’ll be right here with you every step of the way!
If you enjoyed this episode,please subscribe,share it with someone who might need to hear this,
and leave a review!
I’d love to hear your feedback and any stories you’d like to share.
(06:53):
Now, let’s talk about self-discovery.
What does that even mean?
For me,it’s about learning to love myself,embracing my flaws,
and finding joy in the little things.
I’ve started picking up new hobbies—like painting and hiking!
You should have seen me trying to paint for the first time.
I thought I’d create a masterpiece,but what I ended up with looked like something my kids could’ve done!
(07:17):
I mean, if there were a competition for the worst abstract art, I’d definitely win first prize!
But you know what?
I loved every minute of it because I was trying something new, and that’s what matters.
Plus, it provided excellent material for my kids to mock me!
And as I explore these new interests, I’m also learning what I don’t like.
(07:38):
Like, for example, I’ve learned that I am NOT a fan of running.
I tried it once and realized I’m much better suited for activities that involve sitting,
like binge-watching Netflix.
Seriously, the only time I should be running is if there’s a sale at Target!
But through all these experiences, I’ve learned a lot about myself.
(07:59):
I’ve learned to appreciate the little victories—like finding an extra five bucks in my pocket or finally getting my kids to eat vegetables without a meltdown.
It's the small wins that keep us going!
Now, let’s take a moment to share some affirmations because we all need a little boost sometimes!
Repeat after me (08:17):
I am enough.
I deserve love and happiness.
I am worthy of healthy relationships.
I will prioritize my well-being.
If you’re in a bad relationship, I want to encourage you to please leave.
Life is too short to be unhappy, and you can find love again.
You are stronger than you think, and you deserve so much more!
(08:40):
And if you’re in a great relationship,please take a moment to tell that person you love them and cherish them.
A little appreciation goes a long way, and life is better when we lift each other up.
So, as we wrap up this first episode, I want to thank you for joining me on this journey.
Remember, reclaiming yourself is not just a destination;
(09:02):
it’s a process filled with ups and downs, laughter and tears.
And I’ll be right here with you every step of the way!
If you enjoyed this episode,please subscribe,share it with someone who might need to hear this,
and leave a review!
I’d love to hear your feedback and any stories you’d like to share.
Let’s build a community of support and empowerment!
(09:25):
And if you have a funny story about your own journey,
I want to hear it (09:29):
in our next episode,we’ll dive into the wild world of my adventures with “Big Betty” yes,
that’s right,my 36-foot-long RV!
Picture this (09:40):
me,a mom who’s barely surviving the chaos of raising teenagers,
suddenly thrust into the driver’s seat of a massive vehicle that feels more like a moving house than a mode of transportation!
Join me as I recount the hilarious (and slightly terrifying) experience of taking Big Betty out for the first time.
Spoiler alert (10:01):
my teenagers were absolutely thrilled mostly because they were convinced,
I was going to crash into every tree and mailbox along the way!
And let’s not forget the grand adventure of dumping the tanks!
My sister and I tackled that job like pros except we may have looked more like a couple of circus clowns fumbling through a magic trick.
(10:23):
Trust me, you won’t want to miss the chaos, the laughs, and the cringe-worthy moments!
So buckle up and prepare for a fun ride next time on"40 and tired"
Welcome to 40 and Free the podcast where we explore the powerful journey of self-discovery,
(00:06):
healing,and empowerment!
I’m Mae ,and I’m thrilled to have you here with me today as we embark on this incredible adventure together.
So grab your favorite drink—coffee, tea, or maybe something a little stronger—and let’s dive in.
So, let me tell you a bit about myself.
I’m a 40-year-old mother of three amazing boys who are equal parts delightful and chaotic So,
(00:30):
I have an adult son and two teenagers living at home,
which is basically like hosting a live reality show called “Surviving Teenagers.
” You know, the kind where the mom is no longer the cool person she once was?
It’s like I’ve suddenly been demoted from “Super Mom” to “Walking Embarrassment.
"Every time I walk into a room,I can practically hear the eye rolls and whispers of “Ugh,
(00:55):
Mom’s here.
” It’s like I’m a celebrity who just lost their star status overnight!
I mean,one day I’m the hero who makes the best macaroni and cheese,
and the next,I’m just the woman who doesn’t understand TikTok and insists on using “cool” in a sentence like it’s still 2005.
I’ve tried to keep up with their trends like I even attempted to learn the latest dance moves.
Spoiler alert (01:19):
my attempts looked more like a dad at a wedding than a cool mom!
But hey, at least I’m getting my steps in while trying to impress them, right?
So,if you’re ever in need of a good laugh,just picture me trying to fit into their world while they’re cringing in the background.
It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it!
For 17 long years, I found myself trapped in an abusive marriage to a covert narcissist.
(01:45):
In this podcast,we’ll dive deep into the challenges I faced,
particularly the silent but dangerous world of covert narcissism and the abuse that comes with it.
My hope is to save someone from going through what I did,
because trust me,that kind of experience can feel like being stuck in a never-ending episode of a horror show except there are no commercial breaks!
(02:09):
But don’t worry, we won’t just be delving into the heavy stuff.
We’ll also have a good laugh at my new hobbies and my attempts at dating again.
Let’s be honest,the last time I dated,there were no dating apps or swiping just awkward encounters at the local coffee shop.
Now,I’m navigating a world of swipes and likes,and let’s just say it’s as messy as my attempts at painting!
(02:32):
We’ll be talking about my hobbies,crying about life because,
well,it’s life and it’s messy and hopefully helping others along the way.
Whether it’s navigating the ups and downs of relationships,
motherhood,or womanhood,I’m here to share my journey and maybe even a few laughs!
This is a safe space for all of us to share our stories,
(02:55):
find inspiration,and maybe even a little laughter along the way!
And trust me,laughter is what got me through some of the toughest days—because if I didn’t laugh,
I might have just started crying,and nobody wants to hear that on a podcast Let’s take a moment to go back in time.
For years, I was consumed by the responsibilities of motherhood and the struggles of my marriage.
(03:18):
I dedicated my life to raising my children,and in the process,
I became a professional juggler juggling kids,chores,
and the emotional rollercoaster of living with a covert narcissist.
Seriously, if there were Olympic medals for emotional gymnastics, I’d have a trophy case!
I remember moments of hopelessness,feeling like I was living in a fog,
(03:43):
just going through the motions.
There were days when I’d look in the mirror and wonder who that tired person staring back at me was.
I mean, I could have been a zombie extra in a horror movie with how I felt!
But then came the turning point.
One day, I woke up and realized that I deserved more.
I deserved happiness, freedom, and to be the best version of myself for my kids.
(04:07):
It was like I had a light bulb moment,but instead of just one bulb,
it felt like I was in a disco club with a million flashing lights!
That’s when I made the brave decision to leave.
It was terrifying, but it was also liberating.
Now, let’s talk about self-discovery.
What does that even mean?
For me,it’s about learning to love myself,embracing my flaws,
(04:32):
and finding joy in the little things.
I’ve started picking up new hobbies—like painting and hiking!
You should have seen me trying to paint for the first time.
I thought I’d create a masterpiece,but what I ended up with looked like something my kids could’ve done!
I mean, if there were a competition for the worst abstract art, I’d definitely win first prize!
(04:53):
But you know what?
I loved every minute of it because I was trying something new, and that’s what matters.
Plus, it provided excellent material for my kids to mock me!
And as I explore these new interests, I’m also learning what I don’t like.
Like, for example, I’ve learned that I am NOT a fan of running.
I tried it once and realized I’m much better suited for activities that involve sitting,
(05:17):
like binge-watching Netflix.
Seriously, the only time I should be running is if there’s a sale at Target!
But through all these experiences, I’ve learned a lot about myself.
I’ve learned to appreciate the little victories—like finding an extra five bucks in my pocket or finally getting my kids to eat vegetables without a meltdown.
(05:38):
It's the small wins that keep us going!
Now, I want to take a moment to address something very important (05:40):
domestic violence.
It’s a topic that’s close to my heart.
It’s crucial that we raise awareness and support those who are still in those dark situations.
If you or someone you know is struggling, I encourage you to seek help.
There are resources and people who care and can help you find your way out.
(06:04):
Together, we can empower each other to break free from the cycle of abuse and reclaim our lives.
And remember, you are not alone.
We can be the support system for one another,like a team of superheroes—but without the capes because,
let’s be honest,capes are a tripping hazard!
So, as we wrap up this first episode, I want to thank you for joining me on this journey.
(06:28):
Remember, reclaiming yourself is not just a destination;
it’s a process filled with ups and downs, laughter and tears.
And I’ll be right here with you every step of the way!
If you enjoyed this episode,please subscribe,share it with someone who might need to hear this,
and leave a review!
I’d love to hear your feedback and any stories you’d like to share.
(06:53):
Now, let’s talk about self-discovery.
What does that even mean?
For me,it’s about learning to love myself,embracing my flaws,
and finding joy in the little things.
I’ve started picking up new hobbies—like painting and hiking!
You should have seen me trying to paint for the first time.
I thought I’d create a masterpiece,but what I ended up with looked like something my kids could’ve done!
(07:17):
I mean, if there were a competition for the worst abstract art, I’d definitely win first prize!
But you know what?
I loved every minute of it because I was trying something new, and that’s what matters.
Plus, it provided excellent material for my kids to mock me!
And as I explore these new interests, I’m also learning what I don’t like.
(07:38):
Like, for example, I’ve learned that I am NOT a fan of running.
I tried it once and realized I’m much better suited for activities that involve sitting,
like binge-watching Netflix.
Seriously, the only time I should be running is if there’s a sale at Target!
But through all these experiences, I’ve learned a lot about myself.
(07:59):
I’ve learned to appreciate the little victories—like finding an extra five bucks in my pocket or finally getting my kids to eat vegetables without a meltdown.
It's the small wins that keep us going!
Now, let’s take a moment to share some affirmations because we all need a little boost sometimes!
Repeat after me (08:17):
I am enough.
I deserve love and happiness.
I am worthy of healthy relationships.
I will prioritize my well-being.
If you’re in a bad relationship, I want to encourage you to please leave.
Life is too short to be unhappy, and you can find love again.
You are stronger than you think, and you deserve so much more!
(08:40):
And if you’re in a great relationship,please take a moment to tell that person you love them and cherish them.
A little appreciation goes a long way, and life is better when we lift each other up.
So, as we wrap up this first episode, I want to thank you for joining me on this journey.
Remember, reclaiming yourself is not just a destination;
(09:02):
it’s a process filled with ups and downs, laughter and tears.
And I’ll be right here with you every step of the way!
If you enjoyed this episode,please subscribe,share it with someone who might need to hear this,
and leave a review!
I’d love to hear your feedback and any stories you’d like to share.
Let’s build a community of support and empowerment!
(09:25):
And if you have a funny story about your own journey,
I want to hear it (09:29):
in our next episode,we’ll dive into the wild world of my adventures with “Big Betty” yes,
that’s right,my 36-foot-long RV!
Picture this (09:40):
me,a mom who’s barely surviving the chaos of raising teenagers,
suddenly thrust into the driver’s seat of a massive vehicle that feels more like a moving house than a mode of transportation!
Join me as I recount the hilarious (and slightly terrifying) experience of taking Big Betty out for the first time.
Spoiler alert (10:01):
my teenagers were absolutely thrilled mostly because they were convinced,
I was going to crash into every tree and mailbox along the way!
And let’s not forget the grand adventure of dumping the tanks!
My sister and I tackled that job like pros except we may have looked more like a couple of circus clowns fumbling through a magic trick.
(10:23):
Trust me, you won’t want to miss the chaos, the laughs, and the cringe-worthy moments!
So buckle up and prepare for a fun ride next time on"40 and tired"
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