Getting to the Heart - Life, Relationships, Divorce

Let’s be honest—when was the last time you really talked about sex? Not just the mechanics, but the health benefits, the stress relief, and the way desire shifts in long-term love? That’s exactly what I explored with Dr. Diane Mueller, My Libido Doc. With dual doctorates and a deeply personal journey, Diane is on a mission to change how women experience intimacy. She knows first-hand how shame, stress, and silence can bury our pleasure—and how reclaiming it can bring not just better sex, but better health. In our conversation, Diane and I uncovered: 💫 Why a thriving sex life is vital to long-term health 💫 How shame and old beliefs quietly kill desire 💫 What it means to embrace your unique “libido code” 💫 How to keep intimacy alive in midlife, marriage, or after divorce This is about more than sex—it’s about reconnecting to yourself, to pleasure, and to the possibility of joy at every stage of life.

Let’s be honest—when was the last time someone talked openly about menopause at work without it being whispered or wrapped in shame? In this episode, I sit down with three brilliant women who are changing that narrative in bold, beautiful ways. April Haberman and Kim Hart, the powerhouse duo behind MiDOViA, are on a mission to bring menopause into the conversation, especially in the workplace. Their organization is the first U.S.-based accreditation for menopause-friendly employers. Translation? They’re building a future where women aren’t just expected to power through hot flashes and brain fog—they’re actually supported. We’re also joined by the ever-insightful Mallory Hall, a wealth advisor with Alterra Advisors, who gets that menopause isn't just a health issue—it has deep financial implications, too. Think: retirement timing, long-term planning, and the cost of staying silent. Together, we unpack: Why menopause in the workplace is the mental health conversation of this decade How unspoken symptoms lead to burnout, resignation, and a $1.8 billion economic impact What real support looks like (hint: it goes way beyond offering a fan) The invisible toll of brain fog, fatigue, and emotional shifts—and how we shift the culture from "cope" to "care" Why preparing a support team before menopause hits is crucial How identity, relationships, and financial security are all deeply intertwined with this transition This episode is for any woman who’s ever felt unseen in midlife—and for every HR leader who wants to do better by the women on their teams. Grab your tea, your journal, and maybe a fan (we still need those), and tune in.

What if the divorce process could be less about the fight and more about what comes next? In this heart-centered episode, I sit down with Christopher Anderson, co-founder of New Leaf Family—a family law firm rewriting the playbook on how we move through divorce. Christopher doesn’t just bring legal expertise to the table—he brings lived experience, vision, and a grounded belief that healing begins when we stop looking backward and start designing the life ahead. We dive into the philosophy behind his firm’s Polaris meetings (where strategy takes a backseat to soul-searching), and how his team helps clients build a post-divorce roadmap with intention and clarity. We also talk about how legal professionals and coaches—when aligned—can support clients in creating lives that feel whole again, not just legally resolved. If you or someone you love is standing at a crossroads, this conversation is for you. We get into discernment, identity shifts, redefining success after separation, and the one thing most people misunderstand about what’s actually helpful to say to someone going through a divorce. Because sometimes, the most powerful thing you can offer someone in pain… is a glimpse of their future. Listen in, then share it with a friend who might need it. And if you’re ready to stop spinning in the pain and start shaping your next chapter, I invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation with me.

In this powerful solo episode of Getting to the Heart, Michèle Heffron invites you into an honest, soul-level conversation about what it really takes to break free from the weight of stuckness—especially for women in midlife who have spent decades showing up for everyone else. Back from a trip to Italy, Michèle shares how quickly the feeling of being stuck returned the moment she got off the plane—a reminder that no matter how far we travel, the real journey is inward. Drawing from her own story of leaving an emotionally controlling marriage with no financial safety net, rebuilding a career from scratch, and stepping into the unknown of entrepreneurship and self-worth, Michèle speaks directly to the woman who’s wondering, “Is this all there is?” and “What if I want more?” She explores: What it looks like to begin again—even when it feels impossible How fear, obligation, and guilt (FOG) keep women trapped in relationships, roles, and routines The truth about perfectionism and control—and how they’re stealing your joy Why now, in a world that feels chaotic and uncertain, is exactly the time to invest in yourself The profound shifts that happen when you say yes to the woman you’re becoming Michèle reminds us that choosing yourself isn’t selfish—it’s sacred. And that reinvention doesn’t begin with doing—it begins with remembering who you are. Whether you’re quietly unraveling inside a seemingly “fine” life, or standing at the edge of change, this episode is a call to stop waiting for permission and start listening to the part of you that already knows: This is your time. Mentioned in this episode: Calling in “The One” Coaching with Michèle Susan Forward’s Emotional Blackmail and the concept of FOG How to take that first step—even if you’re not sure what it is ✨ Visit micheleheffron.com to learn more, subscribe to the newsletter, or book your discovery call. 💛 If this episode speaks to you, please share it with a friend, leave a review, or post it on social. Let’s create the ripple effect together.

What if your most extraordinary chapter begins right now? In this powerful episode of Getting to the Heart, I sit down with the luminous Lori Pappas — a woman whose journey from trauma to triumph, from corporate America to the heart of Africa, is nothing short of breathtaking. After walking away from an unfulfilling marriage in her 50s, Lori didn’t just reinvent her life — she redefined what it means to truly live. Lori shares how founding a humanitarian nonprofit in Ethiopia helped her unearth a deeper truth about success, joy, and purpose. Now in her 70s, she’s the author of The Magic of Yes: Embrace the Wise Woman Within, a heartfelt, common-sense guide for women ready to live life fully and unapologetically. Together, we explore her transformative D.R.E.A.M. model for personal fulfillment, the gift of self-forgiveness, and the courage it takes to believe in love again — even when it arrives in your 60s while living halfway across the world. This episode is a love letter to the women who wonder if it’s too late to begin again. It’s not. And Lori’s story is proof.

Family law attorney Marc Garelick joins Michèle Heffron for a grounded conversation on navigating high-conflict divorce, custody complications, and coercive control—with strategy, support, and the clarity to move forward. In this powerful and insightful episode of Getting to the Heart: Life, Relationships & Divorce, Michèle Heffron is joined by Marc Garelick, managing partner of the Orange County office of Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers. With decades of experience in high-conflict divorce, custody disputes, and complex asset division, Marc brings not only legal expertise but a grounded, compassionate understanding of the emotional terrain his clients must navigate. Through an honest, nuanced conversation, Michèle and Marc explore what it really takes to move through divorce—from the courtroom strategies that matter to the inner work required to regain clarity and personal power. They discuss the pitfalls of navigating custody with a narcissistic ex, the emotional complexity of financial control, and why even the most contentious divorces need moments of grace and strategy. Listeners will gain practical insights into: Why slowing down before making major divorce decisions matters How to separate emotional pain from legal process What to do when you're dealing with an abusive or manipulative ex Why representation, emotional support, and personalized strategy are essential The changing landscape of family law, especially post-Covid Michèle also shares how her own experience informs the work she does with clients—guiding them through the emotional messiness of divorce with clarity, dignity, and strength. She introduces her upcoming Calling in “The One” private coaching program, a 10-week journey for women ready to become the version of themselves capable of receiving real, aligned love—on the other side of loss, heartbreak, or old patterns. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the stormy weather of divorce or supporting someone who is. Because, as spring teaches us, even the most turbulent skies eventually part—and reveal the possibility of something brighter.

Divorce isn’t just an emotional journey—it’s a financial one, too. And for many, the financial aspect can feel just as overwhelming as the heartbreak itself. In this episode of Getting to the Heart, I sit down with Leah Hadley, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, Accredited Financial Counselor, and Mediator, to talk about what it really means to make intentional financial decisions during and after divorce. Leah shares her own deeply personal experiences—navigating divorce, adopting a sibling group of three, and building her business from the ground up—and how those challenges shaped her commitment to helping others find financial clarity in the midst of major life transitions. We dive into some of the biggest financial mistakes people make during divorce and how to avoid them, the emotional side of money, and why it’s never too late to start making empowered financial decisions—even if you’ve never handled the finances before. If you’re feeling uncertain about your financial future, this conversation will give you the guidance and reassurance you need to take the next step forward with confidence. In this episode, we discuss: 💡 Leah’s personal journey and what led her to this work 💡 The biggest financial mistakes people make during divorce 💡 How to balance financial decisions with emotional well-being 💡 Rebuilding financial confidence, especially if you weren’t the primary decision-maker 💡 Special considerations for parents navigating divorce 💡 Free resources and workshops to help you feel more prepared If you’re facing divorce and worried about what’s next financially, Leah’s insight will remind you that you don’t have to figure this out alone—there are people and resources to support you.