Midlife Repurposed

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,...

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! I...

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 an...

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 ...

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 posit...

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 cri...

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 sche...

Have you ever felt that the busyness of life has dulled your sense of curiosity and awe? It’s so easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of daily responsibilities.

Balancing work, family, and everything in between can leave us feeling drained and disconnected from the beauty around us. But here's something I've discovered: intentionally seeking moments of wonder can bring a breath of fresh air to our busy lives.

Whether it’s a simp...

Are you ready to let go of the mental clutter that is affecting your spiritual well-being? The influences come from outside of us—social media, arguments, political angst, and busyness—but how we allow it to influence our spiritual health is up to us. Perhaps it’s time for spiritual minimalism.

In today’s podcast episode, Michelle discussed the transformative power of letting go of mind clutter and how it can lead to a more meaningf...

Welcome to Episode 211 of Midlife Repurposed, where today's format takes a reflective turn. I'm your host, Michelle Rayburn, and in this episode, I'm sharing a heartfelt letter I wrote to myself just before the election, without knowledge of the outcome.

I needed reassurance either way. The letter emphasizes the importance of grounding ourselves in faith, love, and community, no matter the political climate.

Join me as I pour my th...

Ever wondered what it's like to embark on a creative journey in midlife while blending writing, faith, and a deep connection with nature? The latest podcast episode with Cheryl Grey Bostrom goes into just that, offering so much inspiration and practical takeaways.

Cheryl really got to the heart of creativity, resilience, and faith in this discussion. She’s an accomplished author who shared her journey of shifting from nonfiction to ...

In the latest episode of "Midlife Repurposed," I had the pleasure of welcoming back Clarissa Moll, whose journey through grief offers incredible insights into resilience and empathy. Clarissa's experience with loss and her dedication to helping others through similar challenges are truly inspiring.

Here are three key takeaways from our enriching conversation:

* Grief as a Journey: Clarissa highlights that grief is not a singular emot...

This week, Michelle takes listeners on a journey of understanding how focusing on the bigger picture in life offers greater clarity and harmony. Drawing parallels between her graphic design experience and life's complexities, Michelle describes how zeroing in on a single pixel—be it a personal issue or societal challenge—can lead to a distorted view.

Just as a photo is composed of countless pixels that must harmonize to form one bea...

In this insightful episode of Midlife Repurposed, host Michelle Rayburn sits down with Dr. Mikala Albertson, a board-certified family practice doctor and author of "Everything I Wish I Could Tell You About Midlife: A Woman's Guide to Health in the Body You Actually Have." Together, they unpack a wealth of practical health advice tailored for midlife women navigating the complexities of perimenopause and beyond.

Dr. Albertson shares ...

In this episode, we explore practicing spontaneous hospitality and how it fosters deeper connections and meaningful relationships. Sue Donaldson shares her own enlightening experiences – from inviting a mistaken guest to her home to hosting neighborhood gatherings, and how these acts of openness have enriched her life.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

* Embrace Spontaneity

Sue’s stories encourage us to say "yes" to unexpected opportun...

This week, we have guest Heather Creekmore on the Midlife Repurposed podcast. Heather is an author, podcaster, and coach who speaks extensively on women's body image and comparison. In this episode, we dive deep into aging gracefully, shifting our focus from physical beauty to inner beauty, and the significance of gratitude in our daily lives.

We explored how to embrace the natural changes that come with aging, from hair color to bo...

This week on Midlife Repurposed, Michelle shares practical strategies to overcome the inertia that often accompanies midlife. Drawing from her personal experiences and the concept of a growth mindset, Michelle provides a roadmap to help you stay mentally sharp, spiritually grounded, and physically well. Whether you're feeling stuck or simply looking to enrich your journey, this episode is your guide to repurposing this vital season...

On this Midlife Repurposed podcast episode, Michelle Rayburn joins guest Linda Hanstra as they discuss finding joy and purpose in midlife transitions. Linda shares her story of discovering hope and renewal in unexpected places, providing practical tips and insights along the way.

Michelle and Linda talk about:

* Linda’s journey from blogging about her daughter’s health challenges to connecting with a new blog audience of empty nester...

In midlife, newfound confidence often leads to more freely expressing opinions, but balancing that confidence with empathy in communication is crucial. Overly blunt communication can come off as abrasive, potentially damaging relationships. While speaking honestly and directly can be refreshing and effective, particularly in business or building trust in relationships, it can also risk misunderstanding and hurt feelings if not hand...