In this transformative episode of Message in the Middle , I’m joined by Tara Wiskow , an intuitive energy healer and life reinvention expert who’s helping women break free from the patterns that keep them small—self-abandonment, self-sabotage, and people-pleasing. After naturally losing 220 pounds and healing through layers of emotional pain, Tara has made it her mission to empower women to rise into their most authentic, powerful selves. Through her She Rises program, Tara guides women to unrav...
Jun 28, 2025•50 min•Season 1Ep. 167
In this episode of Message in the Middle , host Marianne sits down with Amy Friesen—award-winning eldercare expert, best-selling author, and host of the Artful Aging podcast. With more than 20 years in the senior housing industry, Amy has become a guiding light for families navigating the emotional and logistical complexities of caregiving, particularly women in the sandwich generation. Together, we unpack the often-unspoken challenges caregivers face, from navigating senior housing options and ...
Jun 21, 2025•39 min•Season 1Ep. 166
In today's episode I am sitting down with Sarah Wilson, a certified wellness coach, host of the Everything’s Messy podcast, and women with a mission to help other Type 1 Diabetics find the path of true understanding and to help them take their power. Sarah describes her background as messy, and while it may be unconventional, it’s also a powerful story of resilience, transformation, and taking back control. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at just 15, Sarah struggled for decades to fully understan...
Jun 14, 2025•42 min•Season 1Ep. 165
What does it really mean to lead when you're filled with doubt, surrounded by resistance, and still expected to show up strong? In this episode of Message in the Middle , I’m joined by Dr. Jenn Donahue , a retired U.S. Navy Captain , former Commodore of an 1,800-person regiment, and a civil engineer who's led high-stakes geotechnical projects all over the world, including building bridges in Iraq and combat outposts in Afghanistan. But today, Jenn opens up about: The reality of facing impostor s...
Jun 07, 2025•30 min•Season 1Ep. 164
In today’s episode of Message In the Middle we’re diving into one of life’s most important, and often overlooked topics, aging well. We’re asking the big questions many of us face as we grow older or support aging loved ones: How do we maintain independence? Is aging at home the best choice for everyone? What do we need to know about planning and paying for care? Joining me is the incredibly knowledgeable Laura Lynn Morrissey , a Certified Fitness Trainer, Nutrition Coach, Dementia Practitioner,...
May 31, 2025•39 min•Season 1Ep. 163
In this episode of Message in the Middle , I sit down with Marcia Heath , professional editor, writer, and founder of Bungalow Hill. Marcia’s career was the kind most people would envy—publicist at Simon & Schuster, executive editor at Harcourt, brand strategist for startups and Fortune 500s. But by her early sixties, she found herself burnt out and questioning what came next. Then came Aruba and a small, soulful surf shop that changed everything. Marcia’s debut book, The Little Giant: The S...
May 24, 2025•26 min•Season 1Ep. 162
In this episode of Message in the Middle, Marianne is joined by Shannon Russell, a woman who truly understands what it means to pivot with purpose. Shannon is a Career Transition and Business Coach, speaker, author of Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life , and the host of the Second Act Success Career Podcast . Shannon’s own path has taken her from producing for major networks like MTV, E!, TLC, and Yahoo!—to launching a successful STEM franc...
May 17, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 161
Welcome back to Message in the Middle ! I’m your host, Marianne, and Today I’m joined by Dr. Michelle Maidenberg—psychotherapist, TEDx speaker, adjunct professor at NYU, author, and passionate advocate for mindfulness and emotional wellness. In this episode, Dr. Maidenberg and I dive into the powerful concept of emotional avoidance —what it looks like in everyday life, why we do it, and how to move through uncomfortable emotions instead of shutting them down. We also unpack what it really means ...
May 10, 2025•43 min•Season 1Ep. 160
In this heartfelt episode of Message in the Middle , I’m joined by Lisa Sugarman — an author, nationally syndicated columnist, mental health advocate, and founder of The HelpHUB. Lisa has survived the unimaginable, losing three loved ones to suicide, and she’s turned that deeply personal pain into a powerful mission: to make mental health support more accessible, human, and real. Together, we dive into the raw truths of grief, suicide loss, and the emotional journey that follows. Lisa shares how...
May 03, 2025•59 min•Season 1Ep. 159
Joining Marianne today is Dr. Denise Brown—a Stanford-trained physician, author, former CEO and Chief Strategy Officer, and board advisor to seven- and eight-figure companies. Dr. Brown brings over three decades of experience in healthcare and leadership, but what truly sets her apart is her commitment to helping high-achieving women redefine success, prioritize self-care, and navigate maternal overwhelm without burning out. Her new book, The Fairy God Doctor’s Guide to the Good Life: A Prescrip...
Apr 26, 2025•42 min•Season 1Ep. 158
Today’s episode is both powerful and personal. I’m joined by Erica Neubert Campbell , a breast cancer survivor, seasoned cancer advocate, and Executive Director of the Pinky Swear Foundation —a nonprofit that supports families with children battling cancer. Erica lost her mother to breast cancer and later faced her own diagnosis, giving her a unique, multi-layered perspective that she describes as speaking “the vocabulary of cancer.” In her honest and insightful memoir, The Mastectomy I Always W...
Apr 19, 2025•33 min•Season 1Ep. 157
In today’s episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on what it really looks like to build a business that’s in full alignment with your values, your energy, and your purpose. My guest, Katie Krimitsos, is the founder and CEO of the Women’s Meditation Network —a powerhouse brand that reaches millions of listeners every month with guided meditations designed to help women and children manage stress, sleep better and create intentional lives. In this honest and inspiring conversation, Katie shares t...
Apr 12, 2025•47 min•Season 1Ep. 156
Today we’re challenging the conventional wisdom around health, aging, and what it means to live life on your own terms. Joining me is Gregory Anne Cox—though most know her simply as Greg. For over 22 years, Greg has been coaching women in both the health and wellness space as well as in business. She believes there is no one-size-fits-all approach to health and that standing up for your body, your style, and your choices is an act of rebellion. In this episode, Greg and I explore why embracing a...
Apr 05, 2025•41 min•Season 1Ep. 155
Have you ever thought about what it truly takes to age safely and comfortably in your own home—or to help a loved one do the same? As we or our parents age, simple things like stairs, bathrooms, and even lighting can become a hazard. But with the right modifications and a little planning, staying independent at home is more possible than ever. Today, we’re diving into the world of aging in place with someone who has dedicated his career to making homes safer and more accessible. My guest, Greg C...
Mar 29, 2025•40 min•Season 1Ep. 154
In this episode of Message in the Middle , Marianne is joined by Janice Goldmintz, founder of Talk About Aging , to explore the crucial and often challenging conversations surrounding caregiving and aging parents. With her expertise in Gerontology and years of hands-on experience, Janice provides actionable advice on how to approach sensitive topics about aging, dementia, and family dynamics with compassion and clarity. Janice shares her insights on how to navigate caregiving responsibilities wh...
Mar 21, 2025•44 min•Season 1Ep. 153
What if you could enjoy Brownies for Breakfast and still live a vibrant, healthy life? In this episode of Message in the Middle , Marianne welcomes best-selling author Lynne Bowman, a firecracker with deep expertise in healthy cooking, smart eating, and vibrant living. Lynne shares how she reversed type 2 diabetes through food and lifestyle, showing that health doesn’t have to mean deprivation—it can be downright delicious! With a career that spans Silicon Valley, acting, makeup artistry, screen...
Mar 15, 2025•48 min•Season 1Ep. 152
Do you ever feel stuck in life, unsure how to take the next step toward your goals? You’re not alone! In this episode of Message in the Middle , Marianne sits down with Amy Goober , an expert action coach who helps women stop overthinking, start taking action, and reclaim their power—no matter their age or stage in life. Amy shares game-changing insights on: ✅ What it means to be an action coach and how she found her passion ✅ Why it’s never too late to reinvent yourself—she launched this busine...
Mar 08, 2025•35 min•Season 1Ep. 151
In this episode of Message in the Middle , host Marianne welcomes Alison Bladh, a seasoned health writer, speaker, and author with over 35 years of experience in the wellness space. Specializing in menopause, perimenopause, and health topics for women over 40, Alison shares expert advice and practical tips for managing hormones, optimizing food choice, and minimizing Perimenopause and Menopause symptoms. Tune in to learn more about: ✔️ The best foods to support hormone balance and reduce inflamm...
Mar 01, 2025•45 min•Season 1Ep. 150
Struggling to forgive? Feeling stuck in anger, hurt, or resentment? You’re not alone, but how do you actually do it, especially when the pain still lingers? In this insightful episode of Message in the Middle , Marianne sits down with Katharine Giovanni , a three-time award-winning best-selling author, speaker, and pioneer in the independent concierge industry. Katharine has written twelve books, including The Ultimate Path to Forgiveness: Unlocking Your Power , where she breaks down the real st...
Feb 22, 2025•45 min•Season 1Ep. 149
In this insightful episode of Message in the Middle , Marianne sits down with Hilary Russo , a trauma-informed holistic mental health expert, award-winning journalist, and international speaker, to explore the power of self-havening, holistic healing, and her signature HUG it Out® Method . Hilary, the voice behind the globally ranked HIListically Speaking® podcast and a familiar face on QVC and national TV, shares her journey from a successful 30-year career in journalism to becoming one of only...
Feb 15, 2025•56 min•Season 1Ep. 148
In this episode we're diving into retirement life planning with Wendy Leggett . Wendy is a Certified Coach and the owner of Conflux Retirement Coaching , where she specializes in non-financial retirement transitions . With 25 years of corporate sales leadership experience, Wendy helps clients redefine their identity, find purpose, build social connections, and embrace positive aging . In This Episode, We Cover: ✅ What retirement coaching is and how Wendy helps clients navigate this major life tr...
Feb 08, 2025•43 min•Season 1Ep. 147
Episode Summary: In this episode of Message in the Middle , host Marianne welcomes the inspiring Julie DeLucca-Collins to the show. Julie is a TEDx speaker, business coach, co-host of the Casa De Confidence podcast, and an award-winning author dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and leaders unlock their full potential. Julie shares her remarkable story of resilience, from navigating the challenges of being laid off from a high-powered corporate role to finding her voice as a coach and podcaster. ...
Feb 01, 2025•51 min•Season 1Ep. 146
In this episode of Message In the Middle Marianne shares some personal experiences and the life lessons they brought forth. Overview of Recent Events: The past few weeks have been eventful, filled with heartache, celebrations, and introspection. As the whirlwind of the holiday season passed, I found myself reflecting on the pace of life and the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones. Remembering Bell: Sadly, amidst the busy start to January, we lost our beloved cat, Bell. Despite not b...
Jan 25, 2025•19 min•Season 1Ep. 145
In this episode of M essage in the Middle, Marianne sits down with Dr. Moe Anderson, a TEDx speaker, award-winning podcast host, published author, cancer survivor, and Doctor of Dental Surgery. Dr. Moe’s diverse background and dedication to wellness, communication, and building strong relationships make her an inspiring force for transformation. Dr Moe shares why she landed in a dentistry career but still became a celebrated author and motivational speaker. She shares her insights on balancing m...
Jan 18, 2025•36 min•Season 1Ep. 144
In this episode of Message in the Middle , Marianne dives into the topic of creative self-care with Crystal McLain, a licensed massage therapist and host of the Creative Self Care podcast. Crystal shares her unique approach to “creative self-care,” a practice that harnesses curiosity, critical thinking, and ingenuity to strengthen the mind-body connection. Together, they discuss practical tips, bust self-care myths, and uncover actionable strategies to help you thrive in 2025. Whether you’re set...
Jan 11, 2025•47 min•Season 1Ep. 143
Today’s episode features one of our favorite guests, Shiloh Minor—a devoted wife, mother, and empowerment coach helping women cultivate deeply connected marriages and break generational cycles of emotional neglect. In this candid and thought-provoking conversation, Shiloh and I explore themes of imperfection, personal growth, and the courage it takes to step forward boldly—even when we feel unprepared. Inspired by a social media post from Shiloh that deeply resonated with me, we unpack some of o...
Jan 04, 2025•39 min•Season 1Ep. 142
Whether you're looking to simplify your goals , gain clarity , or just live more intentionally , you're in the right place. This week, we're diving into finding a guiding word or theme for the year. Why Choose a Guiding Word or Theme? Simplifies Goal Setting: Instead of rigid resolutions, a guiding word or theme provides an "overarching intention," acting as a compass rather than a specific goal. Clarity and Direction: A guiding word offers focus and eliminates distractions. Gentle Motivation: T...
Dec 28, 2024•14 min•Season 1Ep. 140
Today we’re reflecting on some of the most inspiring, thought-provoking, and transformative conversations from 2024. Menopause: Breaking the Silence - In 2024 we had several important conversations about menopause with guests like Lisa Boate in Understanding Menopause: A Deep Dive and Sarah Stenton in Laughing Through Middle Age Madness . Lisa provided foundational knowledge on menopause, including symptoms and coping strategies, while Sarah used humor to build community and normalize menopause ...
Dec 21, 2024•35 min•Season 1Ep. 139
In this empowering episode of Message In the Middle , I’m joined by Courtney McCarthy, CEO and Founder of LOYOBO (Love Your Body), a transformative community for women tired of shrinking themselves to fit societal standards. As an ACE Certified Fitness Instructor and Body Image & Mindful Eating Coach, Courtney’s mission is clear: rewrite the rules around health, fitness, and self-worth by embracing radical body acceptance, joyful movement, and food freedom. Courtney shares her personal journ...
Dec 14, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 138
In this deeply moving episode of Message in the Middle , host Marianne welcomes Andy Grant, a Transformational Energy Coach and the award-winning host of Real Men Feel . Known as the King of Authenticity, Andy shares his raw and inspiring story of navigating depression, surviving multiple suicide attempts, and discovering the tools to help himself and others embrace life’s challenges with resilience and hope. This candid conversation is a testament to the power of vulnerability and the courage i...
Dec 07, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 137
