Monthly Archives: September 2025

S8 E12 Money Talk: Why Midlife Women Can’t Stay Silent with Amanda Barclay



We’ve made real progress in talking openly about menopause, women’s health, and how to live longer, healthier lives. But there’s still one topic too many women shy away from in midlife: money. For a lot of us, conversations about finances were considered impolite, unfeminine, or just not our responsibility. Add in the realities of divorce, career changes, caregiving, or years of putting everyone else first, and it’s no wonder so many women hit midlife feeling financially unprepared or even ashamed. But what if shifting the way we think and talk about money could actually be the most empowering move we make?

On this episode of Beauty is a Bitch, I’m joined by Amanda Barclay, Senior Financial Advisor and Senior Vice President with Merrill, A Bank of America Company. She’s not only one of Forbes’ “Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State” in 2024 & 2025, but she’s also deeply passionate about helping women take control of their financial futures. Together, we’re digging into the money conversations we need to be having — with ourselves, our friends, our partners and even our kids.

We’ll explore questions like: How can we make finances a regular, unapologetic part of our midlife conversations? What steps should women take to prepare for the unexpected — whether it’s divorce, illness or time away from the workforce? And what money mistakes do women make most often, and how can we avoid them? Amanda also shares her perspective on building confidence, narrowing the wealth gap, and why financial independence is about so much more than numbers. This episode is all about giving you the tools and mindset shifts to feel secure, confident, and powerful with your money.

Show Notes:

Amanda Barclay
Senior Vice President | Wealth Management
Senior Financial Advisor
Senior Portfolio Advisor

The Barclay Group
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
805 Northern Boulevard, Great Neck, NY 11021
(516) 498-3308
Amanda.Barclay@ml.com
http://www.fa.ml.com/amanda.barclay

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-barclay


S8 E11 The Style Evolution with Elysha Lenkin: Dressing for Who You Are Now



In this episode of Beauty is a Bitch, we’re talking personal style — but not in the “what’s trending” kind of way. My guest, Elysha Lenkin, has spent over 30 years in the fashion industry (styling everyone from Serena Williams and Tina Fey to Carrie Underwood and O, The Oprah Magazine), and now she’s on a mission to help midlife women use style as a tool for personal evolution.

Elysha and I dig into why so many women reach that moment of standing in front of their closet saying, “Nothing feels like me anymore,” and what’s really happening underneath. We talk about the biggest mistakes midlife women make when trying to evolve their style, the voices in our heads that whisper “Am I too old for this? Is it too much?” — and how to quiet them. And of course, we break down how style can actually energize the next stage of your life and help you show up bigger, bolder, and more confident than ever.

Elysha is also launching her first Style Evolution online salon series — a five-day event designed to help women redefine their wardrobes and their confidence at midlife. If you’re ready to stop settling for “good enough” and start showing up in style that truly reflects who you are now, you’ll want to sign up.

Show Notes

The Style Evolution Series: styleevolutionseries.com

Website: elyshalenkin.com

Instagram: elysha_nyc