Those who know me best know I am a huge fan of uncomfortable conversations. (I’m sure there are some who don’t love that about me.) But I feel that growth and connection comes from rolling up our sleeves and getting comfortable being uncomfortable.
On this episode, I invite three women I admire greatly for a conversation about race as a woman (and sometimes mom) over 40. How can we better understand each other? What’s the best way to take action? Join us for an honest conversation that’s meant to help us understand each other and work together to improve our neighborhoods, communities and beyond.
About Wendy Rose Berry:
Wendy Rose Berry (CEO) of conditionHER, a company that promotes only the best care for down there. With their new intimate skincare line, they are also hoping to break down the associated taboos by sparking and elevating the conversation surrounding intimate care.
Wendy is a mom and self proclaimed “employed entrepreneur.” She’s a Manager in TV publicity for a major entertainment company with an entrepreneurial spirit and innovative ideas, most of which are still sitting in notebooks waiting to be activated, but the idea for conditionHER is one she and her business partner just couldn’t let go.
About Melody Murray Parks:
Melody is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Child Mental Health Specialist in private practice. She also works as a Mental Health Evaluator in the ER at Seattle Children’s Hospital and co-facilitates Suicide Assessment and Treatment trainings for the nursing staff. Melody also does presentations on topics including: Suicidal Ideation, Self-Care, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Mental Health & Social Media and Secondary Trauma.
About Rocki Howard:
Rocki is a Senior Leader for a global recruitment process outsourcing firm by day. She has interviewed thousands of people in the span of her 30 year recruitment career. She has certifications in project management, HR and lean methodologies. During the day her love for people’s special brands of crazy have translated into her being named Global Manager of the Year and being acknowledged as one of the top 100 Global Minority Executives by EmPower 2 years running. Rocki’s passion around empowering women has resulted in her launching the Grown Woman Life platform where her mission is to highlight, engage, educate and inspire bold, brilliant, badass professional women over 40 with the goal of changing the narrative on what it means to be a professional woman over 40.
Check out ConditionHer! Whether you’re bare or prefer hair, this moisturizing cream keeps your intimate area pH balanced, fights ingrown hairs, chafing, and helps alleviate skin irritation after waxing, lasering, sugaring or shaving. Founded by guest Wendy Rose Berry and business partner Eugenia Marshall.
Are you at a crossroads? Are you trying to figure out what’s next What if there were a way to understand your strengths to help you maximize those next steps?
There is.
Today’s guest is a certified Gallup Strengths Coach who is here to help us thrive in business and our personal lives through the power of knowledge.
About our guest: Jenny Ketchepaw currently serves as the Vice President of Talent Engagement for a local bank where she manages Training and Leadership Development. She has been working in the financial industry for 22 years, serving in various leadership capacities. Jenny is a certified Gallup Strengths Coach.
About Gallop: The Gallup Strengths Assessment is a powerful tool that helps individuals identify, understand, and maximize their strengths. People that focus on their strengths are more likely to be engaged in their jobs and more likely to report having an excellent quality of life. Most people try and fix their weaknesses but by taking a Strengths Based approach and focusing on what you do well you have exponential success in those areas. We all have natural talent. The idea is to tap into that talent and invest time and energy into what comes naturally to us to really build our strengths. There are 33 million combinations of your top 5 Gallup strengths so truly nobody is as good as you are at what you. There are 34 talent themes total. We are all uniquely different and the more we can capitalize on those differences, the more successful we are in levering our talents on our teams.
Sometimes there are moments in life that feel like they were created by an act of divine intervention.
This is one of them.
I read this blog post by Dr Rachel Barbanel-Fried (AKA Dr. RBF) entitled Things That Bend Won’t Break. It really spoke to me at a time I needed it. Little did I know, it would become the mantra for getting through the next several weeks for all of us.
If there is one episode you may need right now, it’s this one. Right here. For you.
About the guest: Dr. Rachel Barbanel-Fried, aka Dr. RBF, is a clinical psychologist, writer, and optimal performance consultant based in Newton Centre, Massachusetts. She consults with executives and organizations looking to elevate performance and reach new levels of success in the workplace and beyond. She also sees individuals, couples, and families in a therapeutic setting who are looking to move forward towards growth, change, and healing. Dr. RBF utilizes an evidence-based, collaborative approach. She’s direct, down-to-earth, and non-judgmental, specializing in working with people from diverse backgrounds. She is also a consultant with the Flow Research Collective, a peak performance research and training organization.
Some of my favorite quotables from this episode:
“The best exercise is whatever you like.”
“Take the moment of suck and come up with other options.”
“People are not broken, we may feel broken.”
“We all think that whatever happening in our heads is true.”
“The feeling itself is just a feeling but then we get caught up in our judgement of feelings, that’s when we get stuck.”
When I discover a woman’s voice — especially over 40 — who has found an impactful, creative way to share her story through the power of podcasting, I can’t help but yell it from the rooftops. Now more than ever, elevating each other’s voices is hugely important.
I met Nikki Boyer probably 7 or 8 years ago when she was involved with a TV show I was working on. Nikki’s an Emmy Award winning TV host, actress, voice over artist…and life coach.
You may recognize her from Wendy Williams show, Access Hollywood, countless TV shows or on Straight Talk with Ross, the podcast she co-hosts. But it’s her new 6-episode podcast series, Dying for Sex that we’re going to dive into today.
In my 20 years in the entertainment field, I learned that my favorite part about interviewing people was creating a connection and having meaningful, deep conversations. With my life experience and certified life coaching tools, I’d love to help you through challenging times as well as expand your experiences. Talking about your most vulnerable thoughts is powerful. So often we push those thoughts aside to protect us from fear.
We can work on creating a safe space, getting clear about what you want out of life, and changing your mindset. I believe that together we can communicate and work in a way that frees you up to make space for new habits and new ways of thinking.
Together, we will Talk it Out.
About Dying for Sex:
When host Nikki Boyer’s best friend Molly is diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer, she decides to do something bold. She leaves an unhappy marriage and embarks on a series of sexual adventures to feel alive.
Welcome to Thrive in 40, a quick tip to kick start your week — in forty seconds or less. This week’s tip is provided by… Creative Coach and Host of Forty Thrive, Jackie MacDougall.
Welcome to Thrive in 40, a quick tip to kick start your week — in forty seconds or less. This week’s tip is provided by… Psychotherapist Melody Murray Parks.
Sometimes we take on things that have nothing to do with us. I do this thing called X it out. You make a list of all the things that are on your mind, everything that’s causing any kind of feeling or emotion, just write it down: My kid has autism, I could get fired, my husbands overweight, I can’t pay the rent, all that stuff that’s in your mind, write it all down. Put a big X over the shit you have zero control over. You can’t do something, and then put your energy into things that you can do.
For more from Melody, visit ParksTherapy.com and for more inspiration from women over 40, join our free Forty Thrive FB group at FortyThrive.com/Group
Welcome to another episode of Thrive in 40, a quick tip to kickstart your week, in 40 seconds or less.
In this episode, creative coach, midlife mentor and founder/host of Forty Thrive, Jackie MacDougall, shares a life lesson she learned from a pair of seagulls.
Recently a popular ’80s band was playing nearby so a flock of us decided to go. It’s been 30 something years since their heyday and you could certainly feel it. In fact, they played one of their popular songs a second time because they kind of bombed the first time. But what stood out to me most was that they showed up anyway; they didn’t say, “Oh no one will come” or use their age as an excuse. Not only was the room packed at the end of the concert, people were lined up to meet them to buy an overpriced bobble head.
This is a lesson in not overthinking it, or comparing yourself to a younger version; just do the damn thing you want to do because life‘s too short to let it pass you by.
This might not only be one of my all time favorite podcast conversations…but one of my favorite conversations — period. If you’re ready to get real… raw and work through some of the pain you’ve been holding onto, THIS is the episode for you.
But don’t be fooled — it’s also filled with a whole lot of laughs and some seriously colorful language. So headphones are a must if you’re at work or around the littles. ‘Cause in this episode, we #sharetheshit
Meet Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Melody Murray Parks. Not only does Melody work as a mental health evaluator in a Seattle ER while also running her own private practice, she’s also had an eventful career in TV, worked as an actor, hosted a children’s show and performed standup comedy. Two minutes after meeting Melody, you’ll be all “of course she did.”
Plus, Melody answers questions from the Forty Thrive community:
How to deal with anxiety
How to deal with being laid off
Are women in midlife over medicated? Why?
About Melody: I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Child Mental Health Specialist in private practice. I also work as a Mental Health Evaluator in the ER at Seattle Children’s Hospital and co-facilitate Suicide Assessment and Treatment trainings for the nursing staff. I also do presentations on topics including: Suicidal Ideation, Self-Care, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Mental Health & Social Media and Secondary Trauma.
I am a solution-focused clinician with a direct, casual, yet interactive approach. I help my clients learn positive ways to manage negative thought patterns, unwanted behavioral responses, process experiences that create fear, shame and sadness. I help my clients love and accept themselves again OR, for the very first time.
Before becoming a therapist, I spent several years working in film, television and casting as a producer and director. I was also an actor, hosted a children’s show and performed standup comedy.
I have a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, Los Angeles. I am a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists as well as the Producers Guild of America.
I am currently writing a book on Adolescent Suicidal Ideation.
Sponsor: This episode of Forty Thrive is brought to you by Qunol Liquid Turmeric. Get 15% Off + FREE Shipping – Qunol.com
The other thing I announced last week — I am really stoked about. THRIVER of the WEEK!
Each week, I’ll be featuring one woman from the Forty Thrive free and private Facebook community as our Thriver of the Week. One of the things I most love is that our Thriver is SELF submission only. What does that mean? It means you gotta get over the fear of being too extra and show up and tell us all about what makes you so damn special. I know it’s tough for a lot of women to embrace that badass, confident side so I think it’s awesome how many women have nominated themselves for this honor. To nominate yourself, go HERE.
This week’s THRIVER of the WEEK is…Heather Stewart
At the age of 44, I started taking improv classes at Second City Hollywood. Not because I want to act or needed to take classes, simply because it sounded fun and I had an affinity for it. I’ve been going non-stop since Feb 2018. I have had to do my first auditions (ever), get headshots made (just to move up in levels) and have found SO MUCH JOY! I began my graduation process by presenting an original sketch show with 7 other super talented women. We’re called Jane Fonda’s Cellmates because it’s the first title someone came up with that made us all laugh hysterically. We’re arrestingly funny. I took a chance and did something because I thought it would be fun. Did I think about my age? Of course. Did it stop me? NOPE!
Find a way to do the things that bring you joy regardless of how old you may be!
CONGRATULATIONS, HEATHER!
And if you’re in the LA area and want to check out Jane Fonda’s Cellmates in person, CLICK HERE.
Weeeee! Today is quite a day to be a Forty Thrive podcast listener! It’s the very first day of our 10 days of giveaways! Over the next 10 days we’ll be featuring some incredible products and services created by women-owned and operated businesses that are sure to help you thrive!
Scroll down to see today’s featured gift and then join the Forty Thrive Community to enter!
Plus, we have an awesome guest today!
Guest:
Amy Smith is a certified confidence coach, masterful speaker and personal empowerment expert. Amy serves as founder of TheJoyJunkie.com where she uses her roles as coach, writer, podcaster and speaker to move individuals to a place of radical personal empowerment and self love. Amy’s highly sought after for her uncommon style of irreverence wisdom and humor.
In celebration of the Forty Thrive podcast’s first anniversary, today is Day #1 of Forty Thrive’s 10 Days of Giveaways. Over the next 10 days in the Forty Thrive free and private Facebook group, we’ll be featuring women owned and led brands, as well as a few extra treats from some special friends!
Today’s featured gift!
The Sosi Leone convertible backpack is the perfect bag for modern, on-the-go, and professional women who want to carry their laptop and other daily essentials with ease and style. Its sleek design makes it easy to match with professional, casual, and active outfits, so you can wear it for multiple occasions throughout the day.
Are you ready to knock the fuzzy socks off the final days of 2019? Are you ready to kick some serious tail in 2020? If you answered yes, this episode is for you.
Let’s do this!
The days of running on autopilot are over, my friends. I am here to help you get really clear on living with intention. What you do with that information is completely up to you. In this episode, we’re creating your own personal mission statement. I’m tellin’ ya, this is a total game changer and can help you face tough decisions and overwhelm head on.
PS Don’t miss our Forty Thrive first anniversary and holiday celebration!
In this amazing gift guide, I will feature one item each day. It could be something to make you feel good or look good or even move forward in your career, or even face hard times in a meaningful way.You will see what I’m talking about when we launch it. You will see what I’m talking about when we launched the gift guide.I have carefully curated this gift guide and each day you’ll have the chance to win the item we feature. But here’s the catch. You have to be in the Forty Thrive Facebook group to win.So if you’re not in the They’re already make it happen. It’s free. It’s private, and we’re giving stuff away.
Don’t forget to join us in the private and free Forty Thrive community on Facebook and share this episode with a friend. You know the one she’s ready to make things happen, and together, we can help her. Until next time, take care and keep thriving.
Let’s do this! 
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