The Midlife Mud

Why is making (and keeping) friends as an adult so hard?

In this episode of The Midlife Mud, Morgan and Chris get into the complicated world of adult friendships. From the seasonal besties to the awkward art of making new friends in your 40s, they're unpacking why friendship feels different now—and what to do about it.

They talk about the time crunch of adult life, the courage it takes to be the first to reach out, and why the b...

In this episode, Morgan and Chris dive into the messy reality of time management in midlife — where the days fly by, the to-do list never ends, and energy is the real currency. They talk about procrastination, energy drains vs. energy boosts, and why routines help (but flexibility saves us). As kids get older and the "empty nest" looms, time feels even trickier — and loaded with big questions about purpose and identity.

Th...

Money isn't just math—it's deeply emotional. In this episode of The Midlife Mud, Morgan and Chris open up about their personal money stories, from early family influences to midlife financial pressures like raising kids, saving for retirement, and supporting aging parents. They share how emotions like fear, scarcity, and abundance have shaped their money mindset over time. This is not a financial advice episode—it's ...

In this episode of The Midlife Mud, Morgan and Chris wade into the unpredictable waters of parenting teenagers in 2025. Sparked by the Netflix series Adolescents, they unpack the shifting landscape of teen life—from evolving social norms and emotional challenges to the ever-present tech and screen time debates. With humor and honesty, they explore how to stay connected, model empathy, and create space for real conversations (and ev...

In this episode of The Midlife Mud podcast, Morgan and Chris dive into the lost art of play in adulthood. Why do so many of us see play as unproductive or even childish? They break down how play can be a secret weapon for stress relief, connection, and even problem-solving—without turning into avoidance or escapism. From childhood memories to the little things that still make them lose track of time, they share personal stories and...

In this episode of The Midlife Mud, Morgan dives into her lifelong struggle with perfectionism, control, and the fear of failure—common themes for anyone navigating midlife. She unpacks how early coping mechanisms, like meticulously arranging her Lip Smackers as a kid, set the stage for a relentless pursuit of certainty in adulthood. That drive led her to dentistry, not out of passion but because it felt like a “sure thing.” But wh...

In this episode of The Midlife Mud, Morgan and Chris dive into the powerful theme of returning to oneself and rediscovering authenticity. They explore how many people, in their younger years, disconnect from their true selves—often using coping mechanisms that become unsustainable in midlife. Drawing from insights by Brené Brown and Mel Robbins, they discuss midlife as a reckoning, a time to shed facades and embrace vulnerability.

C...

Morgan and Chris take on the midlife struggle with comparison, exploring how it shows up in careers, parenting, relationships, and personal growth. In a world where social media fuels self-doubt, they share personal stories about recognizing comparison, its impact, and how they manage it.

But comparison doesn’t just steal joy—it weakens connection and stifles creativity. The hosts discuss how this mindset can be unconsciously passed...

In this episode of Midlife Mud, Morgan and Chris take a look at the relationship between midlife adults and screen time. From endless social media scrolling to streaming binges and fear-driven LinkedIn usage, they share personal stories about how screens often become addictive escapes from the challenges of midlife.

Inspired by Dr. Anna Lembke's Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence, the hosts explore how th...

In this episode of The Midlife Mud, Morgan and Chris explore the delicate dance between dreaming and practicality. They share personal stories and insights on rekindling dreams while managing real-life responsibilities. From navigating transitions between dreamer and pragmatist to embracing creativity and intentional choices, this honest and relatable discussion offers practical strategies for finding balance and purpose. Whether y...

In this episode of The Midlife Mud, Morgan and Chris get real about the struggle of asking for help in midlife. They share their own experiences of fighting the urge to "go it alone," often driven by the pressure to look like they’ve got it all figured out. But, spoiler alert—vulnerability and authenticity are the true superpowers. The conversation digs into the hidden costs of not reaching out, from burning out to messin...

In this episode, Morgan and Chris dive into the why behind The Midlife Mud—how they’ve come to embrace the glorious mess that is midlife and why they want to connect with others navigating the same muddy waters. They talk about the different levels of fun that come with this stage of life and how it’s not always what you expect. The episode also takes a turn as they share a recent backcountry trek that challenged them in ways they ...

Chris and Morgan, siblings and hosts of the "Midlife Mud" podcast, discuss the challenges and complexities of midlife. They explore feelings of overwhelm, boredom, and existential questions that often accompany this life stage. Despite acknowledging gratitude for what they have, they highlight the common experience of midlife not meeting expectations. The podcast aims to provide authentic, humorous, and flawed perspective...