The Uplifters

<p><strong>Susan Ruth: Filmmaker and Podcaster on Human Connection — Staying Fully Human at Midlife and Beyond</strong></p><p>What does it mean to stay human — really, vulnerably human — when AI, algorithms, and an endless scroll are designed to do our connecting for us? Episode 150 of The Uplifters features Susan Ruth, a filmmaker, songwriter, painter, and host of the nearly 500-episode Hey Human Podcast, in a conversation about the most courageous thing women over 40 can do right now: choose presence. For women navigating midlife reinvention, menopause life changes, and the kind of perimenopause-era identity shifts that make you question everything, Susan's story is a powerful reminder that human-to-human sameness is still our most radical resource.</p><p>In this episode, you'll learn why starting over at 40 or 50 often begins not with a plan but with a single act of connection — and how midlife women are uniquely positioned to lead that charge. Susan's journey from despair in a grocery store parking lot to nearly 500 conversations about what makes us human is a masterclass in turning pain into purpose, staying brave when it would be easier to go numb, and building a second act that refuses to look away.</p><p></p><p><strong>What You'll Learn:</strong></p><p>How to stay connected in midlife</p><p>Why perimenopause and midlife reinvention are uniquely vulnerable to digital sedation — and how to resist it</p><p>How women over 40 can build courage capital through creative expression and community rather than isolation</p><p>The midlife mindset shift from consuming to making — and why it changes everything</p><p>Why starting over at 40+ often begins with one small human moment, not a master plan</p><p>How women in their second half of life can use proximity and presence as antidotes to despair — and fuel for meaningful change</p><p></p><p><strong>Key Timestamps:</strong></p><p>0:00 — Introduction and 150-episode celebration</p><p>~3:00 — The grocery store moment that launched Hey Human Podcast</p><p>~8:30 — On seeing sameness before difference: "Evening, sister"</p><p>~13:30 — Nearly 500 episodes and what they've taught her about humans</p><p>~16:45 — On knowing who you are and why it protects you from the machine</p><p>~18:30 — The TikTok spiral: recognizing the sedative for what it is</p><p>~20:30 — Midlife fatalism vs. radical presence</p><p>~23:00 — Art as defiance: making things when the world gets heavy</p><p>~26:00 — Starting in your own backyard</p><p>~32:30 — Nominating Julia Crico</p><p></p><p><strong>Key Takeaways:</strong></p><p><strong>For women over 40 navigating loneliness: </strong>Human connection is still your most renewable resource — and it often starts with showing up for one person close to home.</p><p><strong>For midlife women in perimenopause or transition: </strong>When everything feels out of control, making something — anything — is an act of agency and defiance.</p><p><strong>For second-act career changers and midlife entrepreneurs: </strong>You don't need expertise to start. Susan knew nothing about podcasting. She just knew she couldn't stop asking her question. Nearly 500 episodes later, she's glad she began.</p><p><em>"Joy is a form of rebellion. Do not be afraid of your own happiness. Be joyful — that's the gift you give to the world."</em></p><p><strong>— Susan Ruth</strong></p><p><strong>Resources & Links:</strong></p><p><strong>Susan Ruth on all platforms: </strong>@susanruthism (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube)</p><p><strong>Susan's music: </strong>Search "Susan Ruth" on Apple Music and all major streaming platforms</p><p><strong>Hey Human Podcast: </strong>Available wherever you get podcasts</p><p>Related episodes: <a target="_blank" href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/32IKKnD8fHt5I50niQN6M3">Susan McPherson (Ep. 85)</a> | <a target="_blank" href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/3MsrR4gLfVoXJCktbWndUH">Mara Richards Bim (Ep. 31)</a></p><p></p><p><strong>About Susan Ruth:</strong></p><p>Susan Ruth is a filmmaker, songwriter, visual artist, and podcaster based in Los Angeles. She is the creator and host of Hey Human Podcast, a nearly 500-episode exploration of what makes us human — and what keeps us from fully becoming so. A fierce advocate for independent art and live performance, Susan has spent her career making work that insists on human connection as an act of both courage and rebellion. Find her @susanruthism across all platforms.</p><p></p><p><strong>About Your Host:</strong></p><p>Aransas Savas is a wellbeing and leadership coach specializing in helping women over 40 navigate midlife transitions, career changes, and second-act reinvention. With 20+ years of behavioral research experience partnering with companies like Disney, Weight Watchers, and Best Buy, she hosts The Uplifters Podcast, featuring women doing transformative work in the second half of their lives. Aransas brings both research rigor and personal experience to conversations about courage capital, midlife transformation, and building meaningful second acts.</p><p></p><p><strong>Connect with Aransas:</strong></p><p>Instagram: @aransas_savas | @the_uplifters_podcast</p><p>TikTok: @theuplifterspodcast</p><p>Website: <a target="_blank" href="http://theuplifterspodcast.com">theuplifterspodcast.com</a></p><p>YouTube: @theuplifterspodcast</p><p>LinkedIn: Aransas Savas</p><p>Facebook: Aransas Savas | Substack: <a target="_blank" href="http://theuplifterspodcast.com">theuplifterspodcast.com</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Keywords:</strong></p><p>perimenopause career change, women over 40, midlife reinvention, menopause second act, starting over at 40, women changing careers 40s, midlife transition women, second half of life, courage capital, midlife transformation, women entrepreneurs over 40, perimenopause motivation, midlife purpose women, second act career women, midlife dreams women, perimenopause fresh start, human connection midlife, midlife loneliness women, women over 40 success stories, midlife glow up, 40+ women entrepreneurs, midlife awakening women, inspiring women over 40, growth mindset women over 40, AI and human connection, staying human midlife</p> <br/><br/>Get full access to The Uplifters at <a href="https://www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_4">www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe</a>

<p><strong>Dina Aronson and Dina Alvarez: Creating Midlife Private Parts - An Anthology for Women over 40</strong></p><p>What happens when two women meet in their fifties and decide that the stories being told about midlife women are incomplete? Dina Aronson, a former attorney turned pro-age advocate and writer, and Dina Alvarez, a freelance writer and co-founder of SomosPadres, created <em>Midlife Private Parts: Revealing Essays That Will Change The Way You Think About Age</em>—an anthology that's reshaping how we talk about midlife transformation, menopause, aging, and what's possible after 40. These two powerhouse editors met through a serendipitous "midlife blind date" and built a creative partnership that's now giving voice to diverse women's experiences of stepping into the 40+ zone and reimagining what comes next. In this episode, we explore how they transformed a cultural need into a community, what it takes to build something meaningful during midlife reinvention, the courage required to pursue big dreams despite feeling unprepared, and why midlife friendships become the foundation for our most important work. If you've ever wondered whether it's too late to start something new, or felt unseen by the narratives being told about your age, this conversation is for you. This is a story about women over 40 reclaiming their narratives, building courage capital together, and refusing to settle for the limited stories culture offers them.</p><p>What You'll Learn</p><p><strong>The power of midlife friendships and creative collaboration</strong> — Understand why these years are uniquely positioned for deep partnership and meaningful work alongside other women</p><p><strong>How midlife women are leading cultural conversations about aging</strong> — Discover what it takes to publish an anthology that centers diverse women's voices and challenges narrow narratives about the second half of life</p><p><strong>Menopause, mortality, and the stories we're not telling</strong> — Explore taboo midlife topics (menopause, death, sexuality, aging) and why representation matters for women navigating these transitions</p><p><strong>Building courage capital through community</strong> — Learn why readiness is not an individual practice but a community effort, and how to identify your allies and amplifiers in midlife</p><p><strong>Starting a meaningful project when you don't feel qualified</strong> — Understand how decades of lived experience qualify you to do bold creative work, even without traditional credentials</p><p><strong>What midlife women uniquely offer the world</strong> — Recognize the pattern recognition, wisdom, and crystallized intelligence that make midlife the ideal time for innovation and creative endeavors</p><p>Key Timestamps</p><p>0:00 - Introduction and Aransas's connection to Midlife Private Parts3:45 - Meeting Dina Aronson and Dina Alvarez, editors of the anthology5:15 - How the book came to life and what makes it special7:00 - The themes within the anthology: vulnerability, community, and sisterhood10:30 - What topics feel most taboo? Death, menopause, and pleasure14:30 - Why representation and seeing ourselves matters16:45 - The serendipitous "midlife blind date" that started it all18:00 - How two women met post-50 and built a creative partnership20:30 - Adult friendship in midlife and why it matters for mental and physical health23:00 - Overcoming the "am I ready?" question and imposter syndrome29:30 - Dina Aronson's journey from attorney to writer (saying "I am a writer")32:45 - Dina Alvarez on readiness and community: building your support system first35:00 - What resources you've built throughout your life that are ready to use36:45 - Priority practices for body, mind, and spirit at midlife38:15 - What's next? Dina Alvarez embracing public speaking and interviews39:30 - Dina Aronson's dream: turning essays into a Hulu anthology series41:00 - Nominations: Susan Koff (Uncommon Threads) and Jessica Fine (Breathtaking)44:30 - Where to find Dina Aronson and Dina Alvarez and the book</p><p>Key Takeaways</p><p><strong>For midlife women seeking career reinvention:</strong> Identity precedes action. You don't need perfect credentials or previous experience to pursue something new in midlife. Decades of lived experience and pattern recognition are qualifications in themselves. Say "I am" before you feel completely ready.</p><p><strong>For women over 40 navigating major life transitions:</strong> Readiness is not an individual practice—it's a community effort. Build your support system first, then take the leap with people who believe in you. Your friends become your collaborators, and your collaborators become your deepest friendships.</p><p><strong>For women seeking representation and visibility:</strong> The stories we tell shape what feels possible. When culture stops telling our stories, we lose evidence of what's achievable. Create the representation you need to see. Share your story so other women know they're not alone and understand what's possible for them.</p><p><strong>For anyone feeling like they don't belong:</strong> Every major accomplishment in your life started with saying yes despite doubt. Short-term awkwardness is always worth enduring to avoid long-term regret. The worst thing that happens is you learn something and move forward.</p><p></p><p>"There's really no such thing as a midlife beginner, because you do bring all of those sort of layers of experience like becoming like this jumping off platform so that you're never starting from zero or scratch." — Dina Aronson</p><p>Resources & Links</p><p><strong>Midlife Private Parts: Revealing Essays That Will Change The Way You Think About Age</strong> — <a target="_blank" href="http://MidlifePrivateParts.com">MidlifePrivateParts.com</a></p><p><strong>Dina Aronson's Patina Newsletter</strong> — <a target="_blank" href="https://patina.substack.com/">Patina with Dina Aronson on Substack</a></p><p><strong>Dina Aronson on Instagram</strong> — <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/patina_life">@patina_life</a></p><p><strong>Dina Aronson on LinkedIn</strong> — <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinafaronson/">Dina Aronson</a></p><p><strong>Dina Alvarez's A Few Good Things</strong> — <a target="_blank" href="https://www.substack.com/profile/%5BLINK_TO_BE_ADDED%5D">Substack</a></p><p><strong>The Uplifters Podcast</strong> — <a target="_blank" href="http://theuplifterspodcast.com">theuplifterspodcast.com</a></p><p>About Dina Aronson</p><p>Dina Aronson is a writer, editor, and pro-age advocate passionate about reframing how culture talks about aging and midlife women. A former attorney who spent years in legal practice and law firm management, she pivoted careers at 51 to pursue writing and advocacy work. She founded the Patina blog, now a popular Substack newsletter, where she explores aging through an honest, curious midlife lens. As co-editor of <em>Midlife Private Parts: Revealing Essays That Will Change The Way You Think About Age</em>, Dina is leading important conversations about what it means to age authentically in a youth-obsessed culture. She serves on the Governing Board of America Needs You and the Influencer Council of Uncommon Threads. She lives between New York City and Miami with her husband.</p><p>About Dina Alvarez</p><p>Dina Alvarez is a writer, editor, and community builder who has spent her career amplifying underrepresented voices. She began as a freelance writer covering education and lifestyle topics for publications like Big Apple Parents, then co-founded SomosPadres, the first bilingual parenting publication for Hispanic families in New York City. Her transition into micro-blogging about midlife women led her to co-create <em>Midlife Private Parts</em>, an anthology that gives voice to diverse stories about stepping into the 40+ zone and navigating midlife transformation. Dina is dedicated to connecting women across generations and creating opportunities for midlife women to share their stories and build community. She is the mother of two adult sons and lives in New York City with her husband.</p><p>About Your Host</p><p>Aransas Savas is a wellbeing and leadership coach specializing in helping women over 40 navigate midlife transitions, career changes, and second-act reinvention. With 20+ years of behavioral research experience partnering with companies like Disney, Weight Watchers, and Best Buy, she hosts The Uplifters Podcast, featuring women doing transformative work in the second half of their lives. Aransas brings both research rigor and personal experience to conversations about courage capital, midlife transformation, and building meaningful second acts. </p><p><strong>Connect with Aransas:</strong></p><p>Instagram: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/aransas_savas/">@aransas_savas</a></p><p>Podcast Instagram: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/the_uplifters_podcast/">@the_uplifters_podcast</a></p><p>TikTok: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@theuplifterspodcast">@theuplifterspodcast</a></p><p>Facebook: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/aransas">Aransas Savas</a></p><p>Website: <a target="_blank" href="http://theuplifterspodcast.com">theuplifterspodcast.com</a></p><p>YouTube: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/@theuplifterspodcast">@theuplifterspodcast</a></p><p>LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/aransassavas/">Aransas Savas</a></p><p>Keywords</p><p>perimenopause career change, women over 40, midlife reinvention, menopause second act, starting over at 40, women changing careers 40s, midlife transition women, second half of life, courage capital, midlife transformation, women entrepreneurs over 40, midlife women aging, female creativity midlife, women 40s new career</p> <br/><br/>Get full access to The Uplifters at <a href="https://www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_4">www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe</a>

<p><strong>Dina Aronson and Dina Alvarez: Creating Midlife Private Parts - An Anthology for Women over 40</strong></p><p>What happens when two women meet in their fifties and decide that the stories being told about midlife women are incomplete? Dina Aronson, a former attorney turned pro-age advocate and writer, and Dina Alvarez, a freelance writer and co-founder of SomosPadres, created <em>Midlife Private Parts: Revealing Essays That Will Change The Way You Think About Age</em>—an anthology that's reshaping how we talk about midlife transformation, menopause, aging, and what's possible after 40. These two powerhouse editors met through a serendipitous "midlife blind date" and built a creative partnership that's now giving voice to diverse women's experiences of stepping into the 40+ zone and reimagining what comes next. In this episode, we explore how they transformed a cultural need into a community, what it takes to build something meaningful during midlife reinvention, the courage required to pursue big dreams despite feeling unprepared, and why midlife friendships become the foundation for our most important work. If you've ever wondered whether it's too late to start something new, or felt unseen by the narratives being told about your age, this conversation is for you. This is a story about women over 40 reclaiming their narratives, building courage capital together, and refusing to settle for the limited stories culture offers them.</p><p>What You'll Learn</p><p><strong>The power of midlife friendships and creative collaboration</strong> — Understand why these years are uniquely positioned for deep partnership and meaningful work alongside other women</p><p><strong>How midlife women are leading cultural conversations about aging</strong> — Discover what it takes to publish an anthology that centers diverse women's voices and challenges narrow narratives about the second half of life</p><p><strong>Menopause, mortality, and the stories we're not telling</strong> — Explore taboo midlife topics (menopause, death, sexuality, aging) and why representation matters for women navigating these transitions</p><p><strong>Building courage capital through community</strong> — Learn why readiness is not an individual practice but a community effort, and how to identify your allies and amplifiers in midlife</p><p><strong>Starting a meaningful project when you don't feel qualified</strong> — Understand how decades of lived experience qualify you to do bold creative work, even without traditional credentials</p><p><strong>What midlife women uniquely offer the world</strong> — Recognize the pattern recognition, wisdom, and crystallized intelligence that make midlife the ideal time for innovation and creative endeavors</p><p>Key Timestamps</p><p>0:00 - Introduction and Aransas's connection to Midlife Private Parts3:45 - Meeting Dina Aronson and Dina Alvarez, editors of the anthology5:15 - How the book came to life and what makes it special7:00 - The themes within the anthology: vulnerability, community, and sisterhood10:30 - What topics feel most taboo? Death, menopause, and pleasure14:30 - Why representation and seeing ourselves matters16:45 - The serendipitous "midlife blind date" that started it all18:00 - How two women met post-50 and built a creative partnership20:30 - Adult friendship in midlife and why it matters for mental and physical health23:00 - Overcoming the "am I ready?" question and imposter syndrome29:30 - Dina Aronson's journey from attorney to writer (saying "I am a writer")32:45 - Dina Alvarez on readiness and community: building your support system first35:00 - What resources you've built throughout your life that are ready to use36:45 - Priority practices for body, mind, and spirit at midlife38:15 - What's next? Dina Alvarez embracing public speaking and interviews39:30 - Dina Aronson's dream: turning essays into a Hulu anthology series41:00 - Nominations: Susan Koff (Uncommon Threads) and Jessica Fine (Breathtaking)44:30 - Where to find Dina Aronson and Dina Alvarez and the book</p><p>Key Takeaways</p><p><strong>For midlife women seeking career reinvention:</strong> Identity precedes action. You don't need perfect credentials or previous experience to pursue something new in midlife. Decades of lived experience and pattern recognition are qualifications in themselves. Say "I am" before you feel completely ready.</p><p><strong>For women over 40 navigating major life transitions:</strong> Readiness is not an individual practice—it's a community effort. Build your support system first, then take the leap with people who believe in you. Your friends become your collaborators, and your collaborators become your deepest friendships.</p><p><strong>For women seeking representation and visibility:</strong> The stories we tell shape what feels possible. When culture stops telling our stories, we lose evidence of what's achievable. Create the representation you need to see. Share your story so other women know they're not alone and understand what's possible for them.</p><p><strong>For anyone feeling like they don't belong:</strong> Every major accomplishment in your life started with saying yes despite doubt. Short-term awkwardness is always worth enduring to avoid long-term regret. The worst thing that happens is you learn something and move forward.</p><p></p><p>"There's really no such thing as a midlife beginner, because you do bring all of those sort of layers of experience like becoming like this jumping off platform so that you're never starting from zero or scratch." — Dina Aronson</p><p>Resources & Links</p><p><strong>Midlife Private Parts: Revealing Essays That Will Change The Way You Think About Age</strong> — <a target="_blank" href="http://MidlifePrivateParts.com">MidlifePrivateParts.com</a></p><p><strong>Dina Aronson's Patina Newsletter</strong> — <a target="_blank" href="https://patina.substack.com/">Patina with Dina Aronson on Substack</a></p><p><strong>Dina Aronson on Instagram</strong> — <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/patina_life">@patina_life</a></p><p><strong>Dina Aronson on LinkedIn</strong> — <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinafaronson/">Dina Aronson</a></p><p><strong>Dina Alvarez's A Few Good Things</strong> — <a target="_blank" href="https://www.substack.com/profile/%5BLINK_TO_BE_ADDED%5D">Substack</a></p><p><strong>The Uplifters Podcast</strong> — <a target="_blank" href="http://theuplifterspodcast.com">theuplifterspodcast.com</a></p><p>About Dina Aronson</p><p>Dina Aronson is a writer, editor, and pro-age advocate passionate about reframing how culture talks about aging and midlife women. A former attorney who spent years in legal practice and law firm management, she pivoted careers at 51 to pursue writing and advocacy work. She founded the Patina blog, now a popular Substack newsletter, where she explores aging through an honest, curious midlife lens. As co-editor of <em>Midlife Private Parts: Revealing Essays That Will Change The Way You Think About Age</em>, Dina is leading important conversations about what it means to age authentically in a youth-obsessed culture. She serves on the Governing Board of America Needs You and the Influencer Council of Uncommon Threads. She lives between New York City and Miami with her husband.</p><p>About Dina Alvarez</p><p>Dina Alvarez is a writer, editor, and community builder who has spent her career amplifying underrepresented voices. She began as a freelance writer covering education and lifestyle topics for publications like Big Apple Parents, then co-founded SomosPadres, the first bilingual parenting publication for Hispanic families in New York City. Her transition into micro-blogging about midlife women led her to co-create <em>Midlife Private Parts</em>, an anthology that gives voice to diverse stories about stepping into the 40+ zone and navigating midlife transformation. Dina is dedicated to connecting women across generations and creating opportunities for midlife women to share their stories and build community. She is the mother of two adult sons and lives in New York City with her husband.</p><p>About Your Host</p><p>Aransas Savas is a wellbeing and leadership coach specializing in helping women over 40 navigate midlife transitions, career changes, and second-act reinvention. With 20+ years of behavioral research experience partnering with companies like Disney, Weight Watchers, and Best Buy, she hosts The Uplifters Podcast, featuring women doing transformative work in the second half of their lives. Aransas brings both research rigor and personal experience to conversations about courage capital, midlife transformation, and building meaningful second acts. </p><p><strong>Connect with Aransas:</strong></p><p>Instagram: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/aransas_savas/">@aransas_savas</a></p><p>Podcast Instagram: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/the_uplifters_podcast/">@the_uplifters_podcast</a></p><p>TikTok: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@theuplifterspodcast">@theuplifterspodcast</a></p><p>Facebook: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/aransas">Aransas Savas</a></p><p>Website: <a target="_blank" href="http://theuplifterspodcast.com">theuplifterspodcast.com</a></p><p>YouTube: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/@theuplifterspodcast">@theuplifterspodcast</a></p><p>LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/aransassavas/">Aransas Savas</a></p><p>Keywords</p><p>perimenopause career change, women over 40, midlife reinvention, menopause second act, starting over at 40, women changing careers 40s, midlife transition women, second half of life, courage capital, midlife transformation, women entrepreneurs over 40, midlife women aging, female creativity midlife, women 40s new career</p> <br/><br/>Get full access to The Uplifters at <a href="https://www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_4">www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe</a>

<p>Discover how award-winning journalist Ruthie Ackerman challenged every motherhood myth and became a first-time mother at 43 in this powerful episode about <strong>midlife reinvention</strong> and <strong>career change</strong>. </p><p>In this conversation, we explore Ruthie's journey from believing she inherited a "flaw" that made her unsuitable for motherhood to writing the critically acclaimed memoir "The Mother Code." Learn how she navigated <strong>perimenopause career change</strong>, questioned limiting beliefs, and discovered alternative models of motherhood that allowed her to pursue both creative work and caregiving.</p><p>If you're a <strong>midlife woman</strong> wondering whether it's too late to <strong>start over during menopause</strong>, change careers, or pursue your creative dreams, this episode offers proof that <strong>life after 40</strong> can include profound transformation. Ruthie shares practical strategies for building courage capital through writing, scheduling your brave work, and learning to receive support—essential wisdom for any woman pursuing <strong>midlife dreams</strong>.</p><p>What You'll Learn:</p><p><strong>How to change careers after 40 with authenticity</strong> — Ruthie's path from journalism to memoir writing and book coaching</p><p><strong>Starting over during menopause with creative courage</strong> — Becoming a first-time mother at 43 and pursuing writing simultaneously</p><p><strong>Building confidence after 40 as a creative professional</strong> — Practical strategies for scheduling your brave work</p><p><strong>Perimenopause motivation for women writers</strong> — Turning down the volume on your inner critic while creating</p><p><strong>Women over 40 rewriting their stories</strong> — Questioning inherited beliefs and family narratives</p><p><strong>Midlife transformation through authentic storytelling</strong> — How memoir writing became Ruthie's path to courage</p><p><strong>Second act career success stories</strong> — From published journalist to acclaimed memoirist and book coach</p><p>Key Timestamps:</p><p>0:00 - Introduction4:00 - The family narrative that shaped Ruthie's entire life9:00 - Discovering alternative models of "outlaw motherhood"17:00 - The courage to write when your inner critic screams24:30 - Over-functioning and learning to receive support31:00 - Her first book deal fell through, then Random House said yes (after 37 rejections)37:00 - Uplifting other uplifters: Sloane Davidson nomination</p><p>Key Takeaways:</p><p><strong>For midlife career changers:</strong> Success isn't about being fearless—it's about doing the work scared and showing up consistently with a calendar block that says your work matters</p><p><strong>For women over 40 seeking purpose:</strong> Question the stories you've inherited. Sometimes our most limiting beliefs are just narratives waiting to be investigated with a journalist's curiosity</p><p><strong>For perimenopause creatives:</strong> You don't need to silence your inner critic, just actively choose not to listen while you create your most authentic work</p><p>Featured Quote:</p><p>"The only thing I could think is that continuing to write is the most worthy, courageous thing that I could do." — Ruthie Ackerman</p><p>Resources & Links:</p><p>Ruthie's memoir: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738465/the-mother-code-by-ruthie-ackerman/">"The Mother Code: My Story of Love, Loss, and the Myths That Shape Us"</a></p><p>Instagram: @ruackerman</p><p>LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthieackerman/">linkedin.com/in/ruthieackerman</a></p><p>The Ignite Writers Collective (Ruthie's book coaching practice)</p><p>Ruthie's Substack: "The Spark" (monthly recommendations, craft lessons, and writer spotlights)</p><p>About Ruthie Ackerman:</p><p>Award-winning author Ruthie Ackerman's writing has appeared in Vogue, Glamour, O Magazine, The New York Times, The Atlantic, and more. Her Modern Love essay for the New York Times became the launching point for her memoir, "The Mother Code: My Story of Love, Loss, and the Myths That Shape Us." Ruthie launched The Ignite Writers Collective in 2019 and has since become an in-demand book coach and developmental editor helping <strong>women over 40</strong> tell their most authentic stories. A Peabody Award-winning former producer for The Colbert Report and Columbia Journalism School alumna, she became a first-time mother at 43, proving it's never too late for a <strong>second act career</strong> transformation. She lives in Brooklyn with her family.</p><p>About Your Host:</p><p>Aransas Savas is a wellbeing and leadership coach specializing in helping <strong>women over 40</strong> navigate <strong>midlife transitions</strong>, <strong>career changes</strong>, and <strong>second-act reinvention</strong>. With 20+ years of behavioral research experience partnering with companies like Disney, Weight Watchers, and Best Buy, she hosts The Uplifters Podcast, featuring women doing transformative work in the second half of their lives. Aransas brings both research rigor and personal experience to conversations about courage capital, <strong>midlife transformation</strong>, and building meaningful second acts.</p><p><strong>Connect with Aransas:</strong></p><p>Instagram: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/aransas_savas/">@aransas_savas</a></p><p>Podcast Instagram: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/the_uplifters_podcast/">@the_uplifters_podcast</a></p><p>TikTok: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@theuplifterspodcast">@theuplifterspodcast</a></p><p>Facebook: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/aransas">Aransas Savas</a></p><p>Website: <a target="_blank" href="http://theuplifterspodcast.com">theuplifterspodcast.com</a></p><p>YouTube: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/@theuplifterspodcast">@theuplifterspodcast</a></p><p>LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/aransassavas/">Aransas Savas</a></p><p>Keywords:</p><p>perimenopause career change, women over 40, midlife reinvention, menopause second act, starting over at 40, women changing careers 40s, midlife transition women, second half of life, courage capital, midlife transformation, women writers over 40, creative careers midlife, perimenopause motivation, writing during midlife, midlife purpose women, second act career women, women 40s new career, building confidence after 40, midlife motherhood, perimenopause fresh start, memoir writing midlife, challenging limiting beliefs, alternative motherhood models, late bloomer success stories</p> <br/><br/>Get full access to The Uplifters at <a href="https://www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_4">www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe</a>

<p>After two decades climbing the corporate ladder in finance, Karissa Pfeffer hit what she thought was burnout. As a working mom navigating the pandemic, she blamed her exhaustion, anxiety, and brain fog on postpartum recovery and work stress. But at 41, she discovered the real culprit: <strong>perimenopause</strong>. This revelation transformed her understanding of what <strong>women over 40</strong> experience in the workplace—and why 13% of women leave their careers due to unmanaged menopause symptoms.</p><p>In this episode, Karissa shares her journey from high-achieving corporate executive to certified health coach and founder of Perimenopause Power. She reveals why <strong>midlife career changes</strong> often happen when women are struggling with undiagnosed hormonal shifts, how nervous system regulation is the missing piece in <strong>perimenopause management</strong>, and what companies must do to stop losing their most experienced female employees. If you're a <strong>woman over 40</strong> wondering why you feel "off," or if you're an employer watching talented women walk away, this conversation will change everything you thought you knew about <strong>midlife transition</strong> and workplace wellbeing.</p><p>What You'll Learn:</p><p><strong>How to recognize perimenopause symptoms in women over 40</strong> — Why fatigue, anxiety, and brain fog aren't "just stress" and can start as early as 35</p><p><strong>Why nervous system regulation matters more than diet for perimenopause</strong> — The cortisol connection between stress, hormones, and that stubborn midlife weight gain</p><p><strong>How women over 40 can reclaim energy during perimenopause</strong> — Simple daily practices that actually move the needle without adding more to your plate</p><p><strong>Why 13% of women leave careers due to menopause symptoms</strong> — The shocking workplace cost of unaddressed perimenopause (and how to prevent it)</p><p><strong>What companies should do to support women in perimenopause</strong> — Practical policies that save money while keeping talented employees thriving</p><p><strong>How to make midlife career transitions with hormonal shifts</strong> — Why understanding your body changes everything about navigating work and life after 40</p><p><strong>Starting over at 40 as an entrepreneur with perimenopause</strong> — How Karissa built a thriving business while managing symptoms and redefining success</p><p>Key Timestamps:</p><p><strong>0:00</strong> - Introduction<strong>3:30</strong> - The moment Karissa realized it wasn't burnout—it was perimenopause<strong>8:00</strong> - Why symptoms can start at 35 and last for years before diagnosis<strong>13:00</strong> - The breaking point: taking a company buyout at 41<strong>18:30</strong> - Why nervous system regulation matters more than most people realize<strong>24:00</strong> - The cortisol-perimenopause connection and midlife weight gain<strong>29:00</strong> - Five-minute practices that actually reduce symptoms<strong>35:00</strong> - Why 13% of women leave careers due to perimenopause<strong>40:00</strong> - What companies must do to support women in this transition<strong>45:00</strong> - Setting boundaries in your 40s and saying no without guilt<strong>50:00</strong> - Redefining success: making less money but being happier</p><p>Key Takeaways:</p><p><strong>For women over 40 experiencing unexplained symptoms:</strong> Perimenopause can start as early as 35. If you're exhausted, anxious, or dealing with brain fog that you're attributing to "just stress," get your hormones checked—and remember that nervous system regulation is just as important as diet and exercise.</p><p><strong>For midlife women considering career changes:</strong> Before you assume you're burnt out or failing, rule out perimenopause. Understanding what's happening in your body changes everything about how you manage your energy and make career decisions.</p><p><strong>For employers of women over 40:</strong> The cost of losing experienced female employees to unmanaged perimenopause is astronomical—$650K to $1.2 million for even small companies. Simple accommodations like flexible work policies, education, and support can save money while keeping top talent.</p><p>Featured Quote:</p><p>"I'm not crazy. My hormones are." — Karissa Pfeffer</p><p>Resources & Links:</p><p><strong>Karissa's Coaching Collective:</strong> Affordable group coaching for women navigating perimenopause <a target="_blank" href="http://www.perimenopause-power.com/collective">www.perimenopause-power.com/collective</a></p><p><strong>Connect with Karissa:</strong> Instagram: @perimenopause-power; <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/karissa-pfeffer/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/karissa-pfeffer/</a> </p><p><strong>Related Uplifters Episodes:</strong></p><p>Shannon Russell: <a target="_blank" href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/2rqihJMKvtdi9ZF6SaOZXH">Second Act Career Success</a></p><p>Melanie Cohen: <a target="_blank" href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/2xzNUTlUbxQGVWqFyvwUeI">Design Your Healthy Life Strategy</a></p><p>Lisa Crozier: <a target="_blank" href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/5ZsWGORirq1LoLKxxSt7Ch">Sobriety and Purpose After 40</a></p><p>Jennifer Maanavi: <a target="_blank" href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/7gwYPBoheuKlCZQ0kCT7bw">Building Physique 57 in Midlife</a></p><p>About Karissa Pfeffer:</p><p>Karissa Pfeffer is a certified health coach and founder of Perimenopause Power, dedicated to helping <strong>women over 40</strong> understand what's happening in their bodies during perimenopause so they don't have to leave their careers. After spending over a decade in corporate finance and data analytics, Karissa experienced firsthand the devastating impact of undiagnosed perimenopause—the exhaustion, anxiety, and brain fog that she initially attributed to postpartum recovery and work stress. At 41, she took a company buyout hoping for relief, only to discover her symptoms were hormonal.</p><p>Now, Karissa works with individual women through coaching and with corporations to provide education and policy changes that keep talented <strong>midlife women</strong> thriving in the workplace. Her mission is rooted in a powerful statistic: 13% of women leave their careers because of unaddressed menopause symptoms. Through Perimenopause Power, she's determined to change that number by empowering women with knowledge, practical tools, and community support. Her approach emphasizes nervous system regulation, sustainable habits, and self-compassion—helping women reclaim their energy, confidence, and careers during this often-misunderstood life transition.</p><p>About Your Host:</p><p>Aransas Savas is a wellbeing and leadership coach specializing in helping <strong>women over 40</strong> navigate <strong>midlife transitions</strong>, <strong>career changes</strong>, and <strong>second-act reinvention</strong>. With 20+ years of behavioral research experience partnering with companies like Disney, Weight Watchers, and Best Buy, she hosts The Uplifters Podcast, featuring women doing transformative work in the second half of their lives. Aransas brings both research rigor and personal experience to conversations about courage capital, <strong>midlife transformation</strong>, and building meaningful second acts. She understands the unique challenges of <strong>perimenopause and career</strong>, having navigated her own midlife reinvention while supporting thousands of women through theirs.</p><p><strong>Connect with Aransas:</strong></p><p>Instagram: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/aransas_savas/">@aransas_savas</a></p><p>Podcast Instagram: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/the_uplifters_podcast/">@the_uplifters_podcast</a></p><p>TikTok: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@theuplifterspodcast">@theuplifterspodcast</a></p><p>Facebook: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/aransas">Aransas Savas</a></p><p>Website: <a target="_blank" href="http://theuplifterspodcast.com">theuplifterspodcast.com</a></p><p>YouTube: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/@theuplifterspodcast">@theuplifterspodcast</a></p><p>LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/aransassavas/">Aransas Savas</a></p><p>Keywords:</p><p>perimenopause career change, women over 40, midlife reinvention, menopause second act, starting over at 40, women changing careers 40s, midlife transition women, second half of life, courage capital, midlife transformation, perimenopause symptoms women, menopause workplace support, perimenopause burnout, hormones and career, nervous system regulation perimenopause, cortisol midlife women, perimenopause weight gain, women 40s health, midlife health women, perimenopause entrepreneur, starting business during menopause, midlife career pivot, corporate women perimenopause, workplace menopause policy, women leaving careers menopause, perimenopause anxiety relief, midlife energy women, hormone balance over 40, perimenopause motivation</p> <br/><br/>Get full access to The Uplifters at <a href="https://www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_4">www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe</a>