Episodes

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 t...

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...

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 Prescri...

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 Wa...

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...

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 ...

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 ...

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 whi...

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...

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 busines...

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...

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 steps...

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 1...

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 li...

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...

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...

In this episode of Message 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...

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 se...

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 ...

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 Motivati...

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 ...

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 journey, ...

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 it ...

In this solo episode of Message in the Middle, host Marianne reflects on her Thanksgiving experience and how she has transformed her approach to holiday gatherings. She candidly shares her journey from chasing perfection to embracing imperfection, creating a more peaceful, meaningful, and authentic holiday season. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by holiday expectations or struggled to “do it all,” this episode may resonate with you. Marianne’s insights, personal anecdotes, and practical strateg...