Conversations Beyond Borders

In this validating and gently humorous December mini-series episode, Susan and Laura explore a familiar truth for midlife women: being incredibly capable can quietly turn into being responsible for… well, everything. Together, they unpack the “competence trap,” the habit of doing things simply because it’s faster, and the hidden emotional cost of carrying so much during an already full season.

With relatable stories, soft laughter, ...

In this episode of our December mini-series, Laura and Susan explore the invisible emotional and logistical load midlife women carry during the holidays — often without acknowledgment, and often at the expense of their own wellbeing.

From the unspoken mental work of making the season feel special, to the emotional weight of budgeting, caregiving, and constant noticing, this conversation gently names what so many women experience but...

Before the holidays sweep you into their familiar rhythm of rushing, this conversation invites you to pause.

In this episode, Susan and Laura explore the quiet moments before the season officially begins—the subtle signs of stress that creep in long before the festivities start. Together, they share how midlife women can reclaim peace and presence by making small, intentional shifts right now.

From redefining traditions and releasing...

Tired of white-knuckling your way through the holidays? This episode is your permission slip to reclaim your peace, protect your joy, and bring back the magic—without losing your mind in the process.

We’re back for a brand-new season of Conversations Beyond Borders, and we’re kicking things off with a fresh, realistic approach to surviving (and actually enjoying) the holiday season. Midlife women know all too well that this time of ...

Ready to ditch Halloween chaos and step into the holiday season with more peace and less pressure? 🎃 In this episode of Conversations Beyond Borders, Susan and Laura share how to simplify the season’s kickoff and build calm from the very start.

From costume checklists and caregiver kits to smart candy planning and safety must-haves, Susan and Laura offer practical tips for a stress-free Halloween night. They also dive into the deep...

In this final episode of Season 1, we arrive at Stage 5 of our journey: Your Evolution. This episode is a heartfelt pause—an opportunity to reflect on how far you’ve come and to embrace what’s next with openhearted confidence.

Together, we revisit the themes of gratitude, self-acceptance, closure, and pride, while exploring the quieter—but deeply powerful—ways growth can show up in your life. We’ll honor the inner strength it took t...

As we step into the final stage of our journey, we’re no longer just naming the challenges—we’re moving through them with intention. In this episode of Conversations Beyond Borders, we explore how mindfulness and resilience intertwine to help us navigate midlife transitions with strength and clarity.

Join Laura and Susan as they unpack the emotional landscape of resilience—from the quiet fears and self-doubt that emerge in times of ...

Have you ever felt like the life you worked so hard to build no longer fits? Maybe everything looks fine from the outside, but deep down, there’s a quiet question tugging at you: Is this it?

In this episode of Conversations Beyond Borders, hosts Laura and Susan explore the pivotal moment when we begin to outgrow old definitions of success, purpose, and identity. This isn’t a crisis—it’s an awakening. Through reflection, curiosity, a...

Who is the woman staring back at you in the mirror? Not the mom, the wife, the daughter, or the professional—but the real you, at your core. In this powerful episode of Conversations Beyond Borders, hosts Laura and Susan guide you through Stage 4 of self-reconnection, exploring what it means to step into your authentic self while fostering deep, meaningful connections with others.

As women in midlife, we’ve spent years showing up fo...

In this episode of Conversations Beyond Borders, Susan and Laura dive into the power of assertive communication and why so many of us, especially in midlife, struggle to fully own our voices. After years of prioritizing others, it’s time to step into our confidence and express our needs—clearly, kindly, and without guilt.

We’ll explore:
 ✨ How to use "I statements" to foster understanding
 ✨ The role of boundaries ...

Advocating for your needs sounds simple, but for many of us, it’s one of the hardest things to do. In this episode, we dive into Stage 3 – Finding Your Voice, where we move beyond recognizing our needs and begin to voice them with confidence.

Laura and Susan explore the emotional landscape of asking for what you truly need—unpacking liberation, pride, grief, skepticism, nostalgia, peace, loneliness, and empowerment with hesitation. ...

Life transitions can leave us feeling lost, uncertain, and disconnected—from ourselves and the world around us. In this episode, we explore what happens when we stop running from these emotions and face them head-on.

Hosts Susan Poulter and Laura Weyl dive deep into the challenges of midlife transformation, including the unsettling void that can emerge when old identities no longer fit, but the new version of ourselves has yet to ta...

Have you ever found yourself lying awake at night wondering, Is this all there is? You’re not alone. Midlife can be a season of transition filled with uncertainty, restlessness, and even a deep emotional void. In this episode, Laura and Susan dive into the experience of losing a long-held identity—whether as a parent, a partner, or a professional—and the emotional weight that comes with it.

We explore how perfectionism, people-pleas...

In this episode of Conversations Beyond Borders, we explore the power of small, intentional habits in helping midlife women reconnect with themselves and cultivate self-compassion. Brené Brown calls these habits "small but mighty" acts of self-kindness—simple practices that shift our mindset and bring us back to the present moment.

Susan shares a deeply personal story about how a daily morning walk helped her navigate a di...

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Conversations Beyond Borders! In this highly anticipated launch, Laura and Susan introduce Season 1, The Midlife Evolution, a 10-episode journey exploring the complexities and transformations of midlife.

In Episode 1, “Lost and Found: Navigating Midlife’s Emotional Crossroads,” the hosts dive deep into the emotional landscape of midlife, a time often marked by feelings of loss, disconnection, and ...

 Welcome to Conversations Beyond Borders, a podcast where two midlife women dive deep into the unique challenges and beautiful transformations that come with navigating this season of life. From empty nesting to rediscovering yourself, our candid conversations offer empowerment, insight, and inspiration for women who are embracing their second act. We explore how to build resilience, embrace change, and find joy in the midst of lif...