Episodes

Have you ever felt like something in your life is out of alignment, but the thought of making a change feels overwhelming—or even a little terrifying? You’re not alone. In this episode of Message in the Middle , host Marianne talks with executive coach and leadership consultant Rachel Burr, who has spent more than 20 years helping people navigate the messy middle of growth and transformation. Together, they explore the fear that often shows up at the edge of change, the damaging belief that we’r...

In this heartfelt episode of Message in the Middle , Marianne sits down with mindfulness teacher, caregiver, and dementia advocate Jessica Smith for a conversation that lives at the intersection of presence, purpose, and deep compassion. For over two decades, Jessica has studied and practiced awareness-based meditation under the guidance of renowned spiritual teachers like Ram Dass, Sharon Salzberg, and Michael Singer. But it’s her personal journey as a long-distance caregiver for her mother, wh...

What happens when your world begins to go dark — literally — before you’ve even hit your teenage years? In this powerful episode of Message in the Middle , I sit down with author, speaker, and resilience coach Laura Bratton , who was just nine years old when she learned she would lose her sight. Laura’s story is not just about blindness — it’s about vision. Vision for what’s possible, even when life takes an unexpected turn. From navigating a decade-long transition to blindness to becoming the f...

In this deeply moving and hopeful episode of Message in the Middle, I sit down with Dr. Greg Nelson—an executive leadership coach, speaker, and writer who’s spent over two decades guiding others through change, identity, and purpose. But now, Greg is navigating the most personal change of his life: a 2024 diagnosis of early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, alongside a battle with lymphoma. Rather than retreating into silence, Greg has chosen to share his journey out loud, with honesty, vulnerability, ...

In this insightful episode of Message in the Middle , I sit down with the incredibly knowledgeable Dr. Christine Boev to tackle the most common midlife health questions women are asking right now. Whether you're navigating perimenopause or menopause, feeling drained of energy, struggling to lose weight, or just looking for ways to feel the best you can feel, this conversation is packed with practical tips and science-backed insight to support you on your journey. Dr. Boev brings a unique perspec...

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...

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 ...

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 unders...

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...

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,...

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 Story...

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...

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 ...

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 Prescrip...

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...

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 a...

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...

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...

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 busine...

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 st...