Reveal It to Heal It: The Power of Vulnerability in Middle Age

What if your most embarrassing midlife struggle is exactly what someone else needs to hear about? 

Karen Stones gets real about vulnerability in this honest episode of ThirtyFiveSixtyFour. Ever tried being truly vulnerable with someone, only to realize you were just reciting a script? Karen has. For 2025, she’s challenging herself—and her middle-aged listeners—to move beyond surface-level connections. She shares raw stories: opening up about her perimenopause struggles to an old friend (who immediately responded “me too”) and admitting her parenting failures to her hairstylist. But who deserves to see your true self? Not everyone. “Choose wisely,” she warns. 

Have you been avoiding difficult conversations with people who matter? Karen believes we need fewer Instagram acquaintances and more genuine connections. She asks listeners to identify the safe people in their lives and take a risk. Share something hard. Feel that racing heart. The payoff? Deep connection. And your vulnerability might just help someone else navigate their own midlife challenges. After all, isn’t that what we’re all looking for at this stage—to be seen, flaws and all, and still be loved? 
 
In this episode: 

• (00:00) Choose Your Confidants Wisely  

• (02:00) What Vulnerability Really Means  

• (03:30) The Art of Safe Vulnerability: Who Gets to See the Real You? 

• (04:33) Reconnecting with a Long-Distance Bestie 

• (06:03) Perimenopause: When Vulnerability Creates Connection 

• (07:40) The Hair Salon Confession 

• (09:50) Food Struggles & Parenting 

• (12:10) Your Vulnerability Challenge: Don’t Waste Your Hard-Earned Wisdom 

• (14:04) Closing Thoughts 

• Follow, subscribe, share, and rate….Send me your comments and feedback on the show! 
   

ThirtyFiveSixtyFour is a podcast for listeners between the ages of 35 and 64. Available on all major podcast platforms, the show offers an engaging journey through the various challenges and experiences of midlife. ThirtyFiveSixtyFour presents a distinct departure from the traditional midlife crisis storyline. Instead, it champions the perspective that midlife should be viewed as a period marked by play, discovery, transformation and possibility. With new episodes released weekly, ThirtyFiveSixtyFour is positioned to become one of the fastest-growing podcasts of the year, providing both valuable insights and entertainment for those in the middle. 
 
So, subscribe and get ready to join show host Karen and the ThirtyFiveSixtyFour regulars for both serious and fun conversations around living middle age to the fullest. After all, it’s not too late. You’re not too old. And you’re definitely NOT dead. 

Resources: 
Vulnerability: The Key to Better Relationships  
https://thirtyfivesixtyfour.com 
Thank you to our sponsor: Dana Creath Lighting