Thrive With Intention™

32: Menopause Is One Day. So Which Stage Are You Actually In?

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 05:30:00 -0500

Menopause is actually one day. One quiet day you probably won’t feel at all. It’s everything leading up to it and everything that comes after that can make this whole thing so confusing.

I’m breaking down perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause, including what your hormones are doing, why symptoms can seem completely random, and how to figure out where you might be when periods aren’t a reliable clue.

In This Episode

Why perimenopause feels like a hormonal storm and can start earlier than you might think
Why normal blood work doesn’t necessarily mean you aren’t in perimenopause
What actually marks menopause and why some of us may never know our exact date
What changes in postmenopause, including symptoms that may improve and others that can get worse
Why tracking your symptoms and working with a menopause-trained clinician matters

Resources

Perimenopause Toolkit

Track your symptoms, spot patterns, and take the tracker with you to your next appointment. I’ve updated the toolkit with more symptoms, tips, and information, so if you grabbed it before, grab the new version.

https://thrivewithintention.com/toolkit

Your Next Move™

Got something in your life that isn’t working and not sure what to do about it? I’ll walk you through the SHIFT Method™ to help you get clear on what’s really going on and decide what you want to do next.

https://thrivewithintention.com/move

Work With Me

Ready for more support? Whether you need help with one specific situation or you’re ready for deeper coaching through this season of change, explore the ways we can work together.

https://thrivewithintention.com/work-with-me/

Additional Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Episode 25: Perimenopause Symptoms: What I Wish I’d Known Earlier:

Hear the full story of how long it took me to realize what was happening and finally get help: https://thrivewithintention.com/perimenopause-symptoms/

Episode 30: The Six-Week Shift™

If you have no clue what I mean when I talk about doing your six commitments every day for six weeks, start here.

https://thrivewithintention.com/how-to-follow-through-on-your-goals/

MIDI Health

I’ve personally used MIDI Health for menopause care and am a MIDI Health Ambassador. They specialize in virtual care for women in midlife, and you can check their website to see whether they accept your insurance.

https://www.joinmidi.com/

The Menopause Society

Find menopause information, resources, and clinicians who have specialized training in menopause care.

https://menopause.org/

Dr. Mary Claire Haver

I mention Dr. Haver’s books The New Menopause and The New Perimenopause as resources for learning more about what’s happening in your body during this stage of life.

I’m not a doctor, and this isn’t medical advice. This is based on my own experience, conversations with other women, and my research, so please talk with a qualified clinician about your own body and situation.

#MIDIAmbassador

*As an Amazon associate, I earn on qualifying purchases.

Mentioned in this episode:

Your Next Move™

Your Next Move™ is a free, self-guided coaching experience that walks you through the exact process I use with my coaching clients to help you shift how you’re thinking, decide what you want, and take your next step.

Your Next Move

31: How to “Yes, And” Your Way Through Midlife with Emily Alexander

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 05:30:00 -0500

Emily Alexander has spent years doing improv, which means she’s gotten pretty comfortable walking into situations without knowing what’s going to happen next. And as she points out in this conversation, that’s basically what the rest of us are doing every day too: life is improv.

We talk about what improv can teach us about midlife—from getting more comfortable being uncomfortable to becoming a better listener, surrounding yourself with people who will “yes, and” you, and trying something new without deciding it has to become your entire freaking purpose in life. Sometimes you can just take the pottery class.

In This Episode

Why getting comfortable with the unexpected is a skill you can actually practice
What “yes, and” really means—and why it doesn’t mean agreeing with everything or saying yes to everyone
How being a better listener helps you get out of your own head and be more present
Why midlife is a great time to experiment with new interests, hobbies, and possibilities without needing a five-year plan
What to do when the people in your life aren’t quite sure what to make of the version of you that’s changing

Your Next Move™

https://thrivewithintention.com/move

Work With Me

Ready for more support? Whether you need help with one specific situation or you’re ready for deeper coaching through this season of change, explore the ways we can work together.

https://thrivewithintention.com/work-with-me/

The Six-Week Shift™

The Six-Week Shift™ is officially underway! For six weeks, we’re choosing a few commitments to make to ourselves every single day—and actually following through. Want to join us? Listen to Episode 30 for all the details and grab the free tracker to get started.

What If You Actually Did What You Said You’d Do? (The 6-Week Shift) | Ep. 30

Additional Resources Mentioned in This Episode

The Improf — Emily Alexander

Want to learn more from Emily? Through The Improf, she offers improv classes for kids and teens, along with leadership training, team building, and custom training for companies, businesses, and nonprofits.

https://theimprof.com

You can also reach Emily directly at theimprof@gmail.com.

30: What If You Actually Did What You Said You’d Do? (The 6-Week Shift)

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 05:30:00 -0500

How many things have you been saying you’re going to do any day now? Start working out. Eat better. Drink more water. Get off your phone. Finally start the thing you’ve been thinking about for six months.

The problem is, we keep waiting to feel motivated. And sometimes motivation just doesn’t show up.

So I’m trying something different, and I want you to do it with me. I’m calling it the Six-Week Shift: six specific things for six weeks, designed to interrupt your autopilot, build discipline, and give you 252 opportunities to prove to yourself that you can do what you say you’re going to do.

In This Episode

Why motivation isn’t required to make meaningful changes
How following through builds discipline, confidence, and self-trust
How to choose your five things to do and one thing to cut
The difference between the “No Excuses” and “Keep Going” versions
How to join me starting September 28 and share your progress with #shift6

6-Week Shift Tracker

I made the tracker for you, so you don’t have to create your own. There’s no email or opt-in required. Just grab it and let’s go.

Grab your free 6-week Shift Tracker

Your Next Move™

Already thinking, “This sounds great, but I know myself. I’ll start strong and fall off”? Grab Your Next Move™. I’ll walk you through the SHIFT Method™ to help you recognize the thoughts keeping you stuck and decide how you want to move forward.

https://thrivewithintention.com/move

Shift Happens™ Quiz

Not sure what’s changing or where to focus first? Take the quiz to see which area of your midlife may be asking for your attention right now.

https://thrivewithintention.com/quiz/

Work With Me

Ready for more support? Whether you need help with one specific situation or you’re ready for deeper coaching through this season of change, explore the ways we can work together.

https://thrivewithintention.com/work-with-me/

Additional Resources Mentioned in This Episode

75 Hard

The mental toughness challenge created by Andy Frisella that inspired the Six-Week Shift and showed me firsthand how powerful it can be to stop negotiating with yourself and simply follow through on what you decided to do.

Learn more about 75 Hard

Mentioned in this episode:

Your Next Move™

Your Next Move

29: What If Woo-Woo Actually Works?

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 05:30:00 -0500

A lot of us have spent decades being practical and responsible, asking What makes sense? What’s realistic? What does everybody need? Then midlife rolls around and suddenly the question is: What do you want now? And sometimes we have no freaking idea.

So I’m getting a little woo-woo. I’m sharing the “receiving mode sprint” I’m doing while I have the house to myself and why I think gratitude, visualization, manifestation, and simply opening yourself to possibility can be useful—even if you’re not sure you believe any of it.

In This Episode

Why being practical for decades can limit what we imagine is possible
The connection between belief and the actions we’re willing to take
My “receiving mode sprint” and the practices I’m trying
Appreciating what you have while still wanting more
A personal ritual I used to finally let go of something I’d carried for years

Your Next Move™

https://thrivewithintention.com/move

Shift Happens™ Quiz

Not sure what’s changing—or where to focus first? Take the quiz to see which area of your midlife may be asking for your attention right now.

https://thrivewithintention.com/quiz/

Work With Me

Ready for more support? Whether you need help with one specific situation or you’re ready for deeper coaching through this season of change, explore the ways we can work together.

https://thrivewithintention.com/work-with-me/

The SHIFT Method™ Episode

I referenced the episode where I walked you through the SHIFT Method™ and how I use it to work through challenges, get unstuck, and decide what comes next.

Episode 26: Take Back Your Power Using the Shift Method™

28: One Question Can Change What You Think Is Possible

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 05:30:00 -0500

Do you ever hear yourself say, “I can’t do that because…” and immediately start listing all the reasons it won’t work? Or maybe you’re trying to make a decision and keep coming back to, “I just don’t know what to do.”

When we stop at I can’t or I don’t know, we’ve basically told our brain there’s nothing left to figure out. But asking a different question—How can I? What if I could? What if I did know?—gives your brain a completely different job. Instead of defending all the reasons something won’t work, it starts looking for options.

I learned this firsthand when I was questioning whether I could keep Thrive With Intention going while juggling work, family, and everything else in my life. My circumstances didn’t magically change. The question did. And once I started asking how I could make it work, I began seeing what I could simplify, stop, automate, or do completely differently.

In This Episode

Why “I can’t” and “I don’t know” can shut down your problem-solving before you’ve explored your options
The questions I use to flip my brain from stuck mode into curiosity: How can I? What if I could? What if I did know?
How reverse engineering from the result you actually want helps you see what matters—and what is just habit, expectation, or busywork
What I changed in my own business when I stopped assuming certain “best practices” had to stay
How to use this same approach with relationships, caregiving, health, money, career changes, and other parts of midlife

Your Next Move™

https://thrivewithintention.com/move

Shift Happens™ Quiz

Not sure what’s changing—or where to focus first? Take the quiz to see which area of your midlife may be asking for your attention right now.

https://thrivewithintention.com/quiz/

Work With Me

Ready for more support? Whether you need help with one specific situation or you’re ready for deeper coaching through this season of change, explore the ways we can work together.

https://thrivewithintention.com/work-with-me/

Get Coached

Have something you’re stuck on? Send me your situation or question and I may coach you through it on an upcoming episode. You can absolutely stay anonymous.

https://thrivewithintention.com/getcoached

Know a Podcast I Should Be On?

I’m on a mission to have more conversations about menopause, midlife, and all the changes that come with this season. If you have a podcast—or know one where I’d be a great fit—send it my way.

https://thrivewithintention.com/reachout

27: Why Your Brain Won’t Stop Thinking Negative Thoughts

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 05:30:00 -0500

Do you ever look at other women who seem to have their shit together and wonder how they managed to get rid of all those negative thoughts? Meanwhile, your brain is serving up criticism, what-ifs, worst-case scenarios, and all the reasons you probably shouldn’t try the thing you want to do.

Here’s the truth: they haven’t gotten rid of them. None of us have. Negative thoughts are part of having a human brain. The goal isn’t to make them disappear. It’s to recognize what your brain is doing so those thoughts don’t run the show or keep you from building the life you actually want.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the four different “brains” I picture in my head—from the overprotective Helicopter Mom and obnoxiously loud Inner Critic to the Creative and Intentional parts we actually want to strengthen. And I’ll show you how the SHIFT Method™ can help you give the other side of the story some airtime, choose what you intentionally want to believe, and start putting in the reps.

In This Episode

Why having negative thoughts doesn’t mean you’re doing personal growth wrong—and why reaching the next goal won’t magically make them disappear.
The four parts of the brain I use to understand what’s happening in my head: Helicopter Mom, the Inner Critic, the Creative Brain, and the Intentional Brain.
How psychological distance can help you recognize an automatic thought as a mental event instead of immediately treating it as truth.
Why someone else’s beautiful vacation photos, happy marriage, successful business, or seemingly perfect life are never the whole story.
How to use the SHIFT Method™, positive evidence, and a new mantra to strengthen the thoughts you actually want to give more airtime.

Resources and Links

Your Next Move™

Got something going on in your life right now and your brain has a whole lot to say about it? This free guided coaching experience will walk you through the SHIFT Method™ step by step so you can separate what’s actually happening from the story your brain is telling you, get clear on who you want to be, and decide what to do next.

https://thrivewithintention.com/move

Shift Happens™ Quiz

Not sure what’s changing—or where to focus first? Take the quiz to see which area of your midlife may be asking for your attention right now.

https://thrivewithintention.com/quiz/

26: Take Back Your Power Using The Shift Method™

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 05:30:00 -0500

When something in your life isn’t going the way you want, it’s really easy to decide the problem is out there. Your husband doesn’t want what you want. Your adult kid barely calls. You look in the mirror and don’t quite recognize the woman looking back at you.

Some circumstances genuinely suck. This isn’t about pretending they don’t or positive-thinking your way out of them. It’s about recognizing when you’ve made something outside of you responsible for whether or not you’re okay—because that’s when you’ve handed over your power.

In this episode, I’m teaching you The SHIFT Method™, my practical five-step framework for taking it back. We’ll walk through three very real midlife struggles—marriage, the empty nest, and aging—and look at how to separate the facts from the story, decide who you want to be, choose what you want to believe, and figure out what you can actually do next.

In This Episode

The five steps of The SHIFT Method™: Separate Fact from Fiction, Hear the Story, Identify Who You Want to Be, Find Your Next Mantra, and Take Action.
How to separate the actual facts of a situation from all the assumptions, judgments, fears, predictions, and good old-fashioned bullshit our brains pile on top.
Why deciding who you want to be is more powerful than trying to figure out how to make your husband, your adult child, or anyone else behave differently.
How to choose a believable mantra that gives you somewhere intentional to return when your old story starts popping back up.
What SHIFT looks like in real life when you’re dealing with marriage, an empty nest, or the fact that yes, we really are getting older—and no, apparently we cannot stop it.

Resources and Links

Your Next Move

Bring one real situation you’re struggling with, sit down with me, and I’ll walk you through The SHIFT Method™ step by step in this free self-guided coaching experience.

https://thrivewithintention.com/move

Get Coached

Tell me what’s going on in your life—anonymously if you’d like—and I may coach through your situation using The SHIFT Method™ on the podcast.

https://thrivewithintention.com/getcoached

Shift Happens™ Quiz

Not sure what area of your life is asking for your attention right now? Take the free quiz to find out.

https://thrivewithintention.com/quiz/

25: What I Wish I Knew About Perimenopause

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 05:30:00 -0500

For years, I had headaches, brain fog, sleep problems, body aches, low libido, painful sex, GI issues, irritability, and a growing list of other symptoms.

I thought I was getting old, maybe losing my mind a little, and dealing with a bunch of completely separate problems. What I didn't know was that many of those changes could be connected to perimenopause.

I'm sharing what finally helped me connect the dots, why finding a healthcare provider with specific menopause expertise mattered so much, and what changed after I started getting treatment that was tailored to me.

This isn't medical advice or a prescription for what you should do. It's the conversation I wish someone had had with me years earlier—because when something feels different in your body, it's worth paying attention.

In This Episode

The surprising perimenopause symptoms I experienced beyond hot flashes and night sweats, including brain fog, GI issues, painful sex, skin changes, and irritability
Why years of slowly accumulating symptoms made it difficult for me to see that they might be connected
What I learned about the importance of finding a healthcare provider with specific perimenopause and menopause expertise
How I tracked my symptoms and worked with my clinician over time to adjust my treatment
The changes I experienced after treatment and why I want women to start paying attention to their bodies earlier

Resources and Links

Take the Shift Happens™ Quiz

Midlife can bring a lot of changes at once. Take the free Shift Happens™ Quiz to discover which area of your life deserves your attention first. https://thrivewithintention.com/quiz/

Download the Perimenopause Toolkit

Track symptoms, notice patterns, and prepare for more useful conversations with your healthcare provider. https://thrivewithintention.com/toolkit

Submit a Coaching Question

Tell Jody what you’re navigating, and she may coach through your question on a future episode. https://thrivewithintention.com/getcoached

Additional Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Dr. Mary Claire Haver books

The New Menopause https://amzn.to/4xaXWZq

The New Perimenopause https://amzn.to/4ggSpt7

Midi Health

Jody shares her experience as a Midi Health patient and notes that she is now a Midi Health ambassador. https://www.joinmidi.com/

The Menopause Society

Jody mentions its searchable directory as another way to find a menopause practitioner. https://menopause.org/

#midiambassador

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualifying purchases.

24: Why You Need People Who Get It

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Not everyone in your life is going to understand every part of you—and they don’t have to. But when you’re navigating menopause, an empty nest, a career change, a new dream, or simply becoming a different version of yourself, having people around you who do get that part of your life can make a huge difference.

After a conversation at a recent conference reminded me how powerful it feels to be around women who immediately understand this season, I started thinking about why finding your people matters so much in midlife. We’re talking about expanding your circle without abandoning the people you already love, letting different relationships support different parts of you, and making new connections as an adult—even when walking into a room where you know nobody feels awkward as hell.

In This Episode

Why the people who have known you the longest may not always understand who you’re becoming now
How different people can support different parts of your life—and why one person doesn’t have to be everything for you
Where to look for people who share your interests, experiences, or goals
Why making friends as an adult requires being willing to be the new person and initiate connection
One intentional step you can take this week to start expanding your circle

Links

Take the Shift Happens™ Quiz: Midlife can bring a lot of changes at once. This quiz helps you discover which area of your life deserves your attention first.

Submit a Coaching Question: Tell Jody what you’re navigating, and she may coach through your question on a future episode.

Join the Thrive Tribe: Get honest conversations, practical tools, and encouragement for navigating menopause and midlife.

Visit Thrive With Intention: Explore the podcast, free resources, and coaching options.

Atomic Habits: One of my favorite books on building better habits through small, intentional changes.

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualifying purchases.

23: What I Wish I Knew Before College Move In

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0500

You spend years preparing your child for college, but almost no time preparing yourself for what happens after you drive away. If you're getting ready to send a child to college or adjusting to an empty nest, this episode is an honest conversation about the emotions that come with this major midlife transition.

Jody shares what these first few weeks have really been like, along with practical advice on the conversations to have before move-in day and the dorm essentials she wishes someone had told her about. It's a reminder that it's okay to grieve what's changing while also embracing the opportunities this new season can bring.

In This Episode

Why sending a child to college can bring grief, excitement, freedom, and guilt—all at the same time.
The money conversations to have before move-in, including budgets, spending expectations, and paying for college.
How to talk with your college student about grades, credit cards, safety, dating, parties, and having a no-questions-asked exit plan.
Practical dorm move-in tips, including what to buy, what to skip, and the items Jody wishes she'd packed from the beginning.
How this transition creates space to reconnect with yourself and begin thinking intentionally about what you want in this next chapter.

Resources and Links:

College Prep & Move-In Checklist: Everything you need to help make move-in day a little easier—from important conversations to dorm essentials.

Take the Shift Happens™ Quiz: Midlife can bring a lot of changes at once. This quiz helps you discover which area of your life deserves your attention first (and what to do about it)!

Visit Thrive With Intention: Explore the podcast, free resources, and coaching options.

22: Why Nothing Is Changing, And What To Do About It

Wed, 27 May 2026 06:00:00 -0500

If you feel like you’re trying hard but nothing in your life is really changing, this episode is going to hit home. Jody shares why awareness is the first real step in learning how to change your habits, and why most of us are missing the small patterns that quietly shape our results every day.

Through relatable examples around food, money, thoughts, and time, this episode will help you stop guessing, get honest without shame, and start making decisions from a place of power instead of frustration.

Key Takeaways

Identify the small habits that quietly add up over time
Observe your behavior without judging yourself
Understand why your brain resists looking closer
Use awareness as power instead of punishment
Practice simple audits to create intentional change

🔗Mentioned: My Fitness Pal

Common Questions This Episode Answers

Why do I feel stuck even when I’m trying hard?
How do I know what’s actually holding me back?
How can I change habits without becoming obsessive?
Why does awareness matter so much when creating change?

Start Here:

✨ Take the free Shift Happens™ Quiz

📞 Book a free 30-minute Clarity Call

🙋‍♀️ Questions/Feedback

*Some affiliate links may be included. As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualifying purchases.

21: When Life Feels Like Too Much

Wed, 20 May 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Life gets heavy sometimes. And in those seasons, so many women keep trying to power through like everything is normal, even when it absolutely isn’t.

In this episode, I’m sharing a deeply personal season involving grief, caregiving, career growth, overwhelm, and learning how to stop carrying everything at once. If you’ve been feeling emotionally exhausted or stretched too thin lately, this conversation about when life feels overwhelming will remind you that you are not doing anything wrong.

Key Takeaways

Recognize when you’re trying to carry too much at once
Release guilt around scaling back during difficult seasons
Remember that your value does not disappear in hard moments
Reframe growth as messy, emotional, and uncomfortable sometimes
Focus on what matters most in this season of life

Common Questions This Episode Answers

What should I do when life feels like too much?
How do I stop feeling guilty for letting things go?
How do I handle overwhelm during midlife transitions?
What if I feel out of place or not good enough in a new role?

Want real coaching support?

Book a free 30-minute Clarity Call

📞 https://thrivewithintention.com/call/

Start Here:

Take the free Shift Happens™ Quiz

✨ https://thrivewithintention.com/quiz/

🙋‍♀️ Questions/Feedback?

https://thrivewithintention.com/feedback

20: How to Use AI Without Losing Your Voice

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0500

If you’ve been curious (and maybe a little hesitant), this episode is your grounded, real-life take on how to use AI without outsourcing your values or your voice. We’re talking about the good, the bad, the messy middle, and how to stay discerning while still getting the benefits.

Key Takeaways

Understand what AI actually is (and what it is not)
Use AI like a tool, not an authority
Treat it like an overconfident teenage intern, review everything
Give better context by talking instead of typing
Leverage AI to save time without replacing your thinking

Common Questions This Episode Answers

Should I try AI if I’m skeptical or overwhelmed
Is AI going to replace my job
How do I use ChatGPT ethically without feeling gross about it
What’s a smart way to get accurate info without being misled

Want real coaching support?

Book a free 30-minute Clarity Call - This is a coaching call. You’ll leave with clarity and a next step. If it feels aligned, I’ll share how we can work together.

📞https://thrivewithintention.com/call/

Other Mentions:

🔗Diary of A CEO Podcast w/Tony Robbins:

-Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/tony-robbins-no-one-is-ready-for-whats-coming-why-the/id1291423644?i=1000745247666

-Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6KeM3GzZuUsklc66u2l2YN?si=4783a6c6d58e417b

🙋‍♀️ Questions?

Contact me here: https://thrivewithintention.com/feedback

*Some affiliate links may be included. As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualifying purchases.

19: How to Process Negative Emotions Without Getting Stuck

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Learning how to process negative emotions without getting stuck is one of the most important skills you can build in midlife.

In this episode, I share why negative feelings are not a problem to solve, why numbing doesn’t actually work, and how to feel your feelings without letting them define your future.

If you’ve ever tried to push past pain or found yourself stuck in it, this conversation will help you move forward with strength and self-respect.

Key Takeaways:

Recognize that discomfort is not the same thing as danger
Allow emotions to move through your body instead of numbing them
Ask powerful questions like, “What am I making this mean?”
Decide who you want to be, even in hard moments
Take small steps forward while still honoring your feelings

Common Questions This Episode Answers:

How do I process negative emotions in a healthy way?
How do I stop numbing my feelings with alcohol or distractions?
Can I move forward even if I’m still grieving or hurting?

Want real coaching support?

Book a free 30-minute Clarity Call - This is a coaching call. You’ll leave with clarity and a next step. If it feels aligned, I’ll share how we can work together.

📞https://thrivewithintention.com/call/

Other Mentions:

🔗Build the Life You Want by Arthur Brooks and Oprah Winfrey

🙋‍♀️ Questions?

Contact me here: https://thrivewithintention.com/feedback

*Some affiliate links may be included. As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualifying purchases.

18: How The Four Agreements Can Calm Your Mind in Midlife

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500

The Four Agreements midlife women often overlook can be the key to ending overthinking and unnecessary emotional drama. In this episode, Jody breaks down each agreement and explains how to apply them through a midlife lens for more peace, clarity, and self-trust.

Key Takeaways

Recognize how assumptions create emotional exhaustion
Practice not taking things personally, even when it feels personal
Speak more kindly and clearly to yourself and others
Allow your “best” to change from day to day without self-judgment

Common Questions This Episode Answers

Why do I feel so drained by situations that never actually happen?
How can I stop making assumptions about my partner, kids, or coworkers?
How do The Four Agreements apply to midlife challenges and body changes?

Want real coaching support? Book a free 30-minute Clarity Call - This is a coaching call. You’ll leave with clarity and a next step. If it feels aligned, I’ll share how we can work together.

📞https://thrivewithintention.com/call/

Better With Every Book Club: Read the book. Actually apply it. Get support and accountability.

📚https://thrivewithintention.com/bookclub

Other Mentions: The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

🙋‍♀️ Questions? Contact me here: https://thrivewithintention.com/feedback

*Some affiliate links may be included. As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualifying purchases.

17: Letting Go When Your Child Goes to College with Dylan Phifer

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Letting go when your child goes to college can feel like an emotional whiplash. In this episode, my son Dylan and I have a real, honest conversation about the in-between space right before he leaves. Excited, nervous, and tender, all at once.

Key Takeaways

Name the “in-between” feelings instead of judging them.
Talk about expectations early, grades, jobs, communication, support.
Practice staying connected without clinging or micromanaging.
Release the “shoulds” and remember they’re on their own path.
Remember nothing has to be perfect, for you or for them.

Common Questions This Episode Answers

How do I cope emotionally when my kid leaves for college?
How do I stay close without smothering them?
What conversations should we have before move-in day?
How do we handle mistakes, learning curves, and asking for help?

Want real coaching support? Book a free 30-minute Clarity Call - This is a coaching call. You’ll leave with clarity and a next step. If it feels aligned, I’ll share how we can work together.

📞https://thrivewithintention.com/call/

Better With Every Book Club: Read the book. Actually apply it. Get support and accountability.

📚https://thrivewithintention.com/bookclub

🙋‍♀️ Questions? Contact me here: https://thrivewithintention.com/feedback

16: Goal Setting That Sticks Part 6 - The System

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500

If you’ve struggled to follow through after setting goals, this episode walks you through a goal setting system designed to keep you engaged, even when motivation dips. This final episode of the series ties everything together so you can keep going quarter after quarter without quitting on yourself.

Key Takeaways

Choose a weekly check-in that becomes a non-negotiable ritual
Use systems and structure to support follow-through, not willpower
Adjust goals without quitting when real life shows up
Build identity-level evidence that you don’t give up on yourself

Common Questions This Episode Answers

What do I do when I fall behind on my goals?
How can I create a weekly check-in that actually helps?
Why do most goals fall apart after a few weeks?

HELPFUL LINKS

✨ Get Started

Take the free Shift Happens™ Quiz: https://thrivewithintention.com/quiz/

Book a free Clarity Call: https://thrivewithintention.com/call/

Join Better With Every Book Club: https://thrivewithintention.com/bookclub

📰 Stay Connected

Join the Thrive Tribe Newsletter: https://thrivewithintention.com/subscribe/

Visit the Website: https://thrivewithintention.com

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivewithintentionofficial/

Podcast Feedback & Questions: https://thrivewithintention.com/feedback

15: Goal Planning That Sticks Part 5 - 90 Day Blueprint

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode, I’m breaking down 90-day goal planning so your big goals stop feeling overwhelming and start feeling sustainable. You’ll learn how to choose the right focus, create identity-based milestones, and build habits that keep you moving forward even when life gets messy.

Key Takeaways:

Choose one or two goals that matter most right now
Break big goals into realistic 90-day milestones
Set a minimum baseline so you don’t quit when things fall apart
Use a reset mantra to shift from shame to forward motion

Common Questions This Episode Answers:

How many goals should I focus on at one time?
What do I do when I fall off track with my goals?
How do I make goals realistic instead of overwhelming?

HELPFUL LINKS:

✨ Get Started

Get Your Goal Setting Planner – https://thrivewithintention.com/planner
Join Better With Every Book Club: https://thrivewithintention.com/bookclub
Take the free Shift Happens™ Quiz: https://thrivewithintention.com/quiz/
Book a free Clarity Call: https://thrivewithintention.com/call/

📰 Stay Connected

Join the Thrive Tribe Newsletter: https://thrivewithintention.com/subscribe/
Visit the Website: https://thrivewithintention.com
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivewithintentionofficial/
Podcast Feedback & Questions: https://thrivewithintention.com/feedback

14: BONUS - How to Actually Finish Personal Growth Books

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500

If you love personal growth books but struggle to finish them or apply what you read, this episode breaks down why that happens and how a personal growth book club can help everything finally stick. I’m sharing how slowing down, adding accountability, and learning alongside other women creates real, lasting change.

Key Takeaways

• Recognize why passive reading doesn’t lead to transformation

• Understand how accountability supports real growth

• Learn how to apply personal development tools to real life

• Give yourself both structure and grace

Common Questions This Episode Answers

• Why don’t personal growth books actually change my life?

• How can I stay accountable with self-development?

• Is joining a book club worth it for personal growth?

HELPFUL LINKS:

✨ Get Started

Join Better With Every Book Club: https://thrivewithintention.com/bookclub

Take the free Shift Happens™ Quiz: https://thrivewithintention.com/quiz/

Book a free Clarity Call: https://thrivewithintention.com/call/

📰 Stay Connected

Join the Thrive Tribe Newsletter: https://thrivewithintention.com/subscribe/

Visit the Website: https://thrivewithintention.com

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivewithintentionofficial/

Podcast Feedback & Questions: https://thrivewithintention.com/feedback

📌 Mentions

Build the Life You Want by Arthur C. Brooks and Oprah Winfrey: https://amzn.to/3YHuvyG

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualifying purchases.

13: Goal Setting That Sticks Part 4 – Goals That Matter

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500

If your goals are already losing steam, it doesn’t mean you failed. It means those goals were never aligned. In this episode, I’m showing you how to create goals that actually matter… goals that fit your real life, your identity, and the season you’re in right now.

This is Part 4 of the Goal Setting That Sticks series, where we turn reflection and clarity into goals you can realistically follow through on all year.

In this episode, we cover:

• What identity-based goals are and why they matter

• How to create SMART goals without losing alignment or soul

• Why milestones help goals feel doable instead of overwhelming

• Real examples from my own Big Five life areas

• How accountability and support change everything

🔗LINKS MENTIONED

• Better With Every Book Club: https://thrivewithintention.com/bookclub

• Free Goal Setting Planner: https://thrivewithintention.com/planner

• Shift & Thrive 1:1 Coaching: https://thrivewithintention.com/shift

• Take the Quiz: https://thrivewithintention.com/quiz

• Podcast Feedback: https://thrivewithintention.com/feedback

• Book Club Book for February: Build the Life You Want by Arthur Brooks & Oprah Winfrey

https://amzn.to/3Ys9wja

As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualifying purchases.

12: Goal Setting That Sticks Part 3: Clarifying What You Want

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Most people don’t struggle with goal setting because they lack discipline. They struggle because they never slow down long enough to clarify what they truly want.

In part three of the Goal Setting That Sticks series, we focus on desire before strategy. This episode will help you move away from “should” goals and toward goals that feel aligned, sustainable, and rooted in who you are becoming in midlife.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why clarifying desire is the foundation of goal setting that sticks
How hidden desires show up as restlessness and resentment
Why planning too early cuts off clarity
How to anchor your goals to your identity instead of motivation
Why focusing on fewer priorities leads to better follow-through

HELPFUL LINKS:

👉Get your FREE Goal Setting Planner – https://thrivewithintention.com/planner

👉Future You Visualization – https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PCRmhpkFEml0_R7veFaSsO4ygfTS69kN/view?usp=drive_link

👉Better With Every Book Club – https://thrivewithintention.com/bookclub

👉Book a free Clarity Call: https://thrivewithintention.com/call/

11: Goal Setting That Sticks Part 2: The Anti-Resolution Approach

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500

✨Grab your free Goal Setting Planner: https://thrivewithintention.com/planner

We all know New Year’s resolutions don’t work… yet we keep making them anyway. In part two of the Goal Setting That Sticks series, I’m sharing a different approach. One that’s rooted in identity, alignment, and intention, not pressure or willpower.

Instead of starting with resolutions, you’ll learn how to choose a theme for the year that acts as your North Star and helps you follow through long after January.

In this episode, we cover:

Why resolutions fail (and why it’s not a motivation problem)
How identity drives lasting change
What a “theme for the year” really is and how to choose yours
Why future-you work makes follow-through easier
How to use your theme as a guide all year long

HELPFUL LINKS:

👉Future You Visualization: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PCRmhpkFEml0_R7veFaSsO4ygfTS69kN/view?usp=sharing

👉Free Goal Setting Planner: https://thrivewithintention.com/planner

👉Ready to see what coaching with me is really like? Book a free clarity call: https://thrivewithintention.com/call

👉Podcast Feedback & Questions: https://thrivewithintention.com/feedback

10: Goal Setting That Sticks Part 1: Year-End Review

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500

What if the reason your goals don’t stick has nothing to do with discipline or motivation… and everything to do with skipping reflection?

Be sure to download the free Goal Setting Planner and work through Part 1 alongside this episode. The planner and podcast are designed to work together.

In Part 1 of this 6-week series, I’m sharing a new way to approach goal setting by starting with a powerful year-end review. One that builds clarity, self-trust, and momentum before you ever set a single goal.

In this episode, we talk about:

Why rushing into goals on January 1st actually works against you
The four biggest reasons goals usually fizzle out by February
How reflection shifts you from lack into abundance
Why identity work matters more than outcomes
How a year-end review creates clarity for what comes next

✨ Get Started

Take the free Shift Happens™ Quiz: https://thrivewithintention.com/quiz/
Book a free Clarity Call: https://thrivewithintention.com/call/

📰 Stay Connected

Join the Thrive Tribe Newsletter: https://thrivewithintention.com/subscribe/
Visit the Website: https://thrivewithintention.com
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivewithintentionofficial/
Podcast Feedback & Questions: https://thrivewithintention.com/feedback

9: You’re Allowed to Want More (Why Growth Isn’t Greed)

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Have you ever felt a pull toward something more… and then immediately felt guilty for it? In this episode, I’m talking about one of the most common, yet least talked about, midlife experiences for women. Wanting more even when your life is already good.

We explore why that guilt isn’t truth, how desire is often a sign of growth, and why gratitude and wanting more can coexist beautifully. This is a permission slip for the woman who feels the tug but keeps talking herself out of it.

In this episode, we talk about:

Why wanting more in midlife doesn’t mean you’re ungrateful
The conditioning that teaches women to shrink their desires
How desire can quietly change the direction of your life
The difference between growth and greed
Simple ways to notice and release guilt when it shows up

HELPFUL LINKS:

✨ Get Started

Take the free Shift Happens™ Quiz: https://thrivewithintention.com/quiz/
Book a free Clarity Call: https://thrivewithintention.com/call/

📌 Mentions

Playing Big by Tara Mohr

📰 Stay Connected

Join the Thrive Tribe Newsletter: https://thrivewithintention.com/subscribe/
Visit the Website: https://thrivewithintention.com
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivewithintentionofficial/
Podcast Feedback & Questions: https://thrivewithintention.com/feedback

*Some affiliate links may be included. As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualifying purchases.

8: Turning 50: 10 Lessons I’ve Learned

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500

✨ Get Started

Take the free Shift Happens™ Quiz: https://thrivewithintention.com/quiz/
Book a free Clarity Call: https://thrivewithintention.com/call/

I just turned 50, and instead of dreading it, I feel more grounded, clear, and aligned than I ever have. In this episode, I’m sharing 10 lessons from my first half-century… the quiet truths I had to live my way into.

We’ll talk about why it’s never too late to start something new, how to think about aging in a way that actually feels empowering, what my 95-year-old grandmother taught me about how old we feel inside, and why fun, curiosity, and thought work matter so much in midlife.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re behind or running out of time, I want you to walk away from this episode knowing… you’re right on time.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why midlife is actually the perfect time to start something new
How to hold the reality that you’re both “getting older” and “as young as you’ll ever be”
What older women athletes and adventurers can teach us about what’s still possible
How to make life feel simpler by asking better questions instead of just pushing harder
Why your thoughts create your reality… and how to choose ones that support the life you want

📰 Stay Connected

Join the Thrive Tribe Newsletter: https://thrivewithintention.com/subscribe/
Visit the Website: https://thrivewithintention.com
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivewithintentionofficial/
Podcast Feedback & Questions: https://thrivewithintention.com/feedback

7: Life Coaching 101: How It Works, What It Costs, and Who It’s For

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500

✨ Get Started

Take the free Shift Happens™ Quiz: https://thrivewithintention.com/quiz/
Book a free Clarity Call: https://thrivewithintention.com/call/

You’ve heard about life coaching… but what actually happens in a coaching session, and how is it different from therapy? In this episode, I walk you through what life coaching really is, what it costs, who it’s for, and why it’s especially powerful for women in midlife navigating big (and quiet) transitions.

I share parts of my own story plus real client examples… from dating after divorce, to selling to ultra-wealthy clients, to no longer feeling invisible in midlife. If you’re curious about coaching but not totally sure it’s “for you,” this conversation will give you clarity, relief, and a grounded next step.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

What life coaching actually is… and what it is not
The key differences between coaching and therapy
Why you don’t need a “big crisis” to benefit from a coach
How coaching can transform your mindset, confidence, and next chapter in midlife
What coaching costs, how packages work, and what a 12-week experience with me looks like

📰 Stay Connected

Join the Thrive Tribe Newsletter: https://thrivewithintention.com/subscribe/
Visit the Website: https://thrivewithintention.com
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivewithintentionofficial/
Podcast Feedback & Questions: https://thrivewithintention.com/feedback

6: Practical Gratitude Practices for Real Life

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Gratitude doesn’t have to be another “should.” In this episode, I share six simple, low-effort ways to build gratitude into your real life — the kind that fits between meetings, carpools, and midlife pivots.

These practices don’t require journals or routines… just small shifts in how you see and respond to everyday moments.

Takeaways:

How to create automatic gratitude cues (even in the bathroom)
Why sharing small compliments matters more than you think
A family-friendly way to model gratitude at home
How to reframe criticism with the “yes, and” method
The surprising power of writing a gratitude letter

HELPFUL LINKS:

✨ Get Started

📰 Stay Connected

📌 Mentions

5: Rediscover Everyday Magic: Gratitude for Midlife Women

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0500

When was the last time you really stopped to notice how good you actually have it? In this episode, I’m slowing things down to talk about the hidden magic inside your everyday life—and how gratitude changes everything.

You’ll learn:

• Why gratitude is a mindset workout, not a mood

• How to reframe “ordinary” as extraordinary

• Three simple ways to strengthen your gratitude muscle this week

• Why my 95-year-old grandmother still says these are the good old days

It’s a simple, soulful reset for when life feels heavy or hectic.

HELPFUL LINKS:

✨ Get Started

Take the free Shift Happens™ Quiz: https://thrivewithintention.com/quiz/
Book a free Clarity Call: https://thrivewithintention.com/call/

📰 Stay Connected

Join the Thrive Tribe Newsletter: https://thrivewithintention.com/subscribe/
Visit the Website: https://thrivewithintention.com
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivewithintentionofficial/

📚 Mentions

4: How to Actually Enjoy Your Family This Holiday Season

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0500

If you love your family but find yourself counting down the minutes at every holiday gathering… this one’s for you.

In this episode, I share practical, grounded tools to help you show up with peace, presence, and a little humor — no matter how many times Aunt Sue comments on your weight or Dad brings up politics.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why letting go of your “family rulebook” can instantly reduce frustration

• How to check your expectations and plan ahead for peace

• The power of a gratitude list (especially for people who drive you crazy)

• Simple, guilt-free ways to take space when you need it

• A fun practice I call “gratitude on the toilet” that really works

You don’t need to fix your family — you just need to protect your peace.

✨ Get Started

Take the free Shift Happens™ Quiz: https://thrivewithintention.com/quiz/
Book a free Clarity Call: https://thrivewithintention.com/call/

📰 Stay Connected

Join the Thrive Tribe Newsletter: https://thrivewithintention.com/subscribe/
Visit the Website: https://thrivewithintention.com
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivewithintentionofficial/

3: Rewrite Your Money Story

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0500

If you’ve ever caught yourself avoiding your bank balance or overspending to feel better, this episode will help you shift how you see money—because your money story isn’t about math… it’s about meaning.

In this episode, Jody shares the transformation of a client who went from guilt and stress around money to peace and confidence—and the simple mindset practices that made it possible.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How to identify your current money “relationship”
Why naming your money identity changes everything
A daily two-minute practice to reduce money anxiety
How to expand your capacity to receive more abundance
Why abundance flows to those who can handle it with intention and gratitude

HELPFUL LINKS:

✨ Get Started

Take the free Shift Happens™ Quiz: https://thrivewithintention.com/quiz/
Book a free Clarity Call: https://thrivewithintention.com/call/

📰 Stay Connected

Join the Thrive Tribe Newsletter: https://thrivewithintention.com/subscribe/
Visit the Website: https://thrivewithintention.com
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivewithintentionofficial/

2: High Performance in Midlife: Rest, Boundaries, Alignment

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Performance isn’t about pushing harder… it’s about living smarter. In this conversation, I unpack sustainable high performance for midlife women: energy management over time management, identity-based habits, and clean boundaries that protect your peace and your focus.

Takeaways:

Track energy, not time, for 3–7 days to find your true focus windows.
Replace the morning scroll with a 5–10 minute journal to set intention.
Create a simple “focus ritual” and use a timer you’ll honor.
Aim for B-plus work… polish enough to serve and ship.
Keep a post-it sized daily list and say clean no’s to protect priorities.

🔗Helpful Links for You:

--Atomic Habits by James Clear: Grab it here: https://amzn.to/47kQsax

--Take the free Shift Happens™ Quiz: https://thrivewithintention.com/quiz/

--Book a free Clarity Call: https://thrivewithintention.com/call/

--Learn about 1:1 Coaching: https://thrivewithintention.com/shift/

--Join the Thrive Tribe Newsletter: https://thrivewithintention.com/subscribe/

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualifying purchases.

1: A Beautiful Mess — Navigating the Midlife Shift

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 14:00:00 -0500

In this first episode of Thrive With Intention, Certified Midlife Coach Jody Phifer invites you into some real talk about what it means to navigate the beautiful mess of midlife — the mix of freedom, frustration, joy, and “what now?” moments that come when the kids grow up and life starts shifting in every direction.

Jody shares her own story of rediscovery — from that first quiet morning after her son drove to school alone, to finding purpose again, to launching Thrive With Intention for women ready to rise into their next chapter with clarity, confidence, and joy.

You’ll hear about the emotional whiplash of midlife, how relationships change (including marriage and motherhood), what perimenopause is really like, and why this season of life isn’t a crisis — it’s a clarifier.

And it’s not all serious — you’ll also get a laugh about habit stacking your estrogen next to your coffee maker. ☕

In This Episode

The emotional rollercoaster of midlife — excitement and grief
Rediscovering what brings you joy (and permission to chase it)
How relationships evolve once the kids are grown
Why midlife is a clarifier, not a crisis
The real talk we need to have about hormones and identity shifts

Helpful Links for You

👉 Take the free Shift Happens™ Quiz: https://thrivewithintention.com/quiz/

👉 Book a free Clarity Call: https://thrivewithintention.com/call/

👉 Join the Thrive Tribe Newsletter: https://thrivewithintention.com/subscribe/

👉 Visit the Website: https://thrivewithintention.com

👉Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivewithintentionofficial/