Monthly Archives: November 2025

S8 E15 Why the Holidays Stir Up So Much in Midlife & How to Cope with Ann Bolinger-McQuade

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The holidays have a way of stirring up everything at once — joy, nostalgia, gratitude, and for so many of us in midlife, a deep grief for the people and seasons of life we miss. It’s a complicated blend, and it can feel incredibly lonely… even when you’re surrounded by family and celebration.

That’s one reason this episode feels especially personal to me. I was never someone who believed in signs — until after my father passed. And then… they started showing up. Little moments, small winks from the universe that landed exactly when I needed them most. Now I see them all the time, and the truth is: they’re always there. You just have to be open to noticing them.

My guest today, Ann Bolinger-McQuade, understands this better than anyone. As an author and workshop facilitator, she has dedicated her life to helping people recognize these quiet messages — what she calls personal oracles — especially during times when grief feels heavy. After her own breast cancer diagnosis set off a series of life-changing experiences, Ann began to see the world as alive, supportive and filled with guidance.

Together, we talk about why the holidays feel so emotionally charged in midlife, how to hold both joy and grief without guilt, and simple ways to honor the people we miss. Ann also shares how to notice the meaningful “oracles” that often appear during this heightened season, offering comfort and connection when we least expect it.

A few things we discuss:
• Why mixed emotions during the holidays are completely normal — especially in midlife
• How gratitude and grief can coexist without canceling each other out
• Simple ways to feel connected to loved ones who aren’t physically here

If the holidays feel complicated for you this year, this conversation is a soft place to land — and a reminder that you’re never as alone as you think.

Show Notes:

Website: https://everydayextradimensions.com/

Book: Everyday Oracles: Decoding the Divine Messages That Are All Around Us

Instagram: @everydaypersonaloracles

S8 E14 What Your Eyes Reveal About How Well You’re Aging with Dr. Pam Theriot

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:16 — 40.2MB)

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Your eyes do so much more than help you see — they quietly reveal how well you’re aging. In this episode, I’m joined by optometrist, author, and dry eye specialist Dr. Pam Theriot, whose decades of experience have made her a true expert on the intersection of eye health, longevity, and midlife wellness. We get into the surprising ways your daily habits, beauty routine, and environment affect the skin around your eyes, your tear film, and even your vision.

Dr. Theriot also shares her own journey with chronic dry eye and how it shaped her mission to help people feel at ease in their eyes again. We talk about the biggest mistakes women over 40 make with their eyes, the beauty trends doing more harm than good, and the simple, everyday habits that help your eyes look brighter, feel more comfortable, and age more gracefully.

Some of the things we’ll be discussing are:
• How your eyes reflect internal health — and early signs of aging you shouldn’t ignore
• Whether certain beauty trends (hello, lash extensions) are quietly damaging your eyes
• What women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond should avoid to protect long-term eye health
• The link between dry eye, screen time, and hormone changes in midlife

If you’ve ever wondered why your eyes feel irritated, look tired, or seem to be aging faster than the rest of your face, this conversation is your roadmap to understanding what’s really going on — and what you can do starting today.

Tune in to learn why caring for your eyes is one of the most important (and overlooked) parts of aging well.

Show Notes