The BraveHearted Woman

What’s really stopping you from achieving the goals you set at the beginning of the year?In today’s episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, I’m having a real and honest conversation with midlife women who are tired of starting over, shrinking back, or watching their dreams sit untouched. As we move through the year, it’s time to ask yourself: Are you truly becoming the woman you said you wanted to be?I break down the three major reasons discipline fails: self-doubt, lack of vision clarity, and weak commitment, and share practical mindset shifts to help you stop self-sabotaging and start following through. We’ll talk about identity-based habits, overcoming fear and excuses, creating a compelling vision for your future, and building the kind of self-respect that fuels lasting transformation.If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, inconsistent, or unsure if it’s too late for you, this episode will remind you that your dreams still matter. Midlife is not your ending, it’s your invitation to rise, get intentional, and live with bold purpose. This is your time to reignite your confidence, reclaim your voice, and courageously pursue the life you were created for.Timestamps:0:00 - Intro1:15 - How to be the woman you want to become3:38 - Why discipline fails4:37 - Reason #1: You Don’t Fully Believe in Yourself7:51 - Reason #2: Your Vision Isn’t Clear Enough12:39 - Reason #3: You Haven’t Made a Firm Commitment Yet14:05 - How to stay disciplined and follow through16:16 - How to take actionQuotations:“Don’t just think of it as something that you do, but think of it as something that you are.”“You don’t get to complain about what you tolerate.”“Find a vision so compelling that it imposes a self-discipline on you.”“You’ve got wishbone, but you don’t have any backbone.”“Slay your fear. Slay apathy. Wake up. Go for what you believe in.”“There’s nothing more powerful than a made-up mind.”“Give up immediate gratification for the thing that you say that you really want.”Resources:👩🏻‍🏫 Subscribe to The BraveHearted Transformation Course: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/bravehearted-transformation💌 Email your braveheart story to me at dawn@dawnscottdamon.com📞 Book a FREE 15-minute strategy call with Dawn: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/book-a-callConnect with your BraveHeart Mentor, Dawn Damon:💞 Email me at: dawn@braveheartmentor.com💞 Website: https://braveheartedwoman.com/💞 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravehearted_woman💞 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveheartedwoman💞 Podcast: https://the-bravehearted-woman.captivate.fm/listenDownload the full transcript here.

“Midlife is not the beginning of the end — it’s the beginning of alignment.”Today, I’m in this milestone of 200th episodes of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, and I’m reflecting on nearly five years, 200 conversations, and countless lessons I’ve learned while walking alongside brave, bold women navigating midlife. This episode is both a celebration and a heartfelt message to every woman who feels stuck, hesitant, or afraid to step into her next season.I share what 200 episodes have taught me about midlife transformation, reinvention, and confidence — starting with this truth: playing small always costs more than being brave. Midlife is not the beginning of the end; it’s the beginning of alignment. It’s a season where clarity increases, courage is required, and ignoring your calling becomes more painful than answering it.In this solo episode, I talk honestly about fear — how it whispers, sounds reasonable, and keeps so many women delaying their dreams. I address the lies that tell us it’s too late, that our best years are behind us, or that someone else is more qualified. I’ve learned that fear, not age or lack of resources, is the real enemy of midlife growth and purpose.I also share what I’ve witnessed in hundreds of interviews with courageous women: women who have faced abuse, loss, incarceration, health challenges, menopause, career upheaval, and identity shifts — yet still chose bravery. I’ve learned that courage isn’t a personality trait; it’s something we cultivate through small, faithful decisions made one step at a time.This episode speaks directly to women over 40 and 50 who are longing for clarity, confidence, and purpose. Whether you’re considering a midlife career change, starting over at 50, launching a business, or redefining success and joy in this season, I remind you that there is no perfect time — only the decision to move forward.As I reflect on 200 episodes, I talk about consistency, obedience, and showing up even when it felt uncomfortable or uncertain. I share why regret is far heavier than the risk of trying, why we don’t outgrow our calling, but we do outgrow our containers, and why endings are often necessary for new beginnings in midlife.This episode is an invitation to stop waiting, stop shrinking, and stop negotiating with fear. You don’t need to leap — you just need to decide. One brave step can change the entire trajectory of your life.After 200 episodes, my question to you is the same as it’s always been: Is it time for you to find your brave and live your dreams?Timestamps:0:00 - Intro1:11 - This is my 200th episode!!1:52 - Why our brains resist change3:33 - How midlife is not the end, but a new beginning5:09 - Lesson #1: Playing small always costs more than being brave7:18 - Lesson #2: Many midlife women decide to play small9:36 - Lesson #3: Many women are afraid to be invisible in midlife transition12:20 - Lesson #4: Midlife women can do hard things14:29 - Lesson #5: There is no right time19:40 - Lesson #6: You don’t outgrow your calling20:53 - Questions to ask yourself todayQuotations:“Procrastination has a price tag, and many women are paying for it with their calling.”“Courage is not a personality trait; it’s something you cultivate.”“Regret is heavier than the risk of doing something afraid.”“Brave doesn’t mean reckless — it means responsive to the calling you feel.”“One obedience step can change the entire trajectory of your life.”“Consistency proves to yourself that you can be trusted with more.”“Endings aren’t failures — they’re necessary for new beginnings.”“If you’re waiting for someday, maybe today is your someday.”“You don’t need to leap. You just need to decide.”“The world is starving for what only a brave-hearted woman like you can bring.”Resources:👩🏻‍🏫 Subscribe to The BraveHearted Transformation Course: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/bravehearted-transformation💌 Email your braveheart story to me at dawn@dawnscottdamon.com📞 Book a FREE 15-minute strategy call with Dawn: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/book-a-callConnect with your BraveHeart Mentor, Dawn Damon:💞 Email me at: dawn@braveheartmentor.com💞 Website: https://braveheartedwoman.com/💞 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravehearted_woman💞 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveheartedwoman💞 Podcast: https://the-bravehearted-woman.captivate.fm/listenDownload the full transcript here.

“Just because something works for me doesn’t mean it will work for you — and that’s okay.” In this episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, Diagnosed with ADHD at 53 years old — after decades of being told she “couldn’t possibly have it” — Dr. Jennifer Dall knows firsthand the confusion, self-doubt, and exhaustion that come from navigating misinformation, masking symptoms, and living as a high-achieving woman with an undiagnosed neurodivergent brain.In this deeply validating conversation, Dr. Jennifer explores why ADHD is so often missed in women, especially those in midlife who appear successful on paper but silently struggle with everyday tasks. With over 25 years as an educator and training in ADHD coaching, yoga instruction, and grief education, she brings both professional insight and lived experience to the table.Together, they unpack the myth that ADHD and high achievement can’t coexist, revealing how women learn to mask symptoms, overcompensate, and carry unnecessary shame. She explains why ADHD doesn’t care about your degrees, your resume, or how capable you look—and how understanding your brain can finally free you from self-blame.This episode dives into the unique challenges of ADHD in midlife, including time blindness, chronic overwhelm, fatigue, and identity shifts after diagnosis. She also shares practical, non–one-size-fits-all strategies that help women simplify daily life, work with their brains, and make meaningful progress without perfection or pressure.If you’ve ever thought, “Why can’t I just do the simple stuff?” or wondered if ADHD might be part of your story, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and hope. It’s a reminder that it’s never too late to understand yourself, reclaim your confidence, and step forward with courage and purpose — your soul fully awake.Timestamps:0:00 - Guest Intro1:53 - The BraveHeart Story of Dr. Jennifer Dall on ADHD diagnosis at 535:23 - Why ADHD is often missed in women9:50 - How ADHD and overachievement can co-exist13:53 - ADHD in midlife & its impact on one’s life19:28 - Practical tips for women with ADHD22:43 - Dr. Jennifer’s #1 tip for midlife womenQuotations:“We don’t solve ADHD, we manage it.” — Dr. Jennifer Dall“Breaking things into smaller steps isn’t a weakness —it’s how we succeed.” — Dr. Jennifer Dahl“At the end of the day, I have to let myself be okay with what I did get done.” — Dr. Jennifer Dahl“We stop shaming ourselves and start designing lives that actually fit how our brains work.” — Dr. Jennifer DallResources:🌐 Follow Dr. Jennifer on adhdholistically.com📲 Connect with Dr. Jennifer on Instagram and Threads_____________👩🏻‍🏫 Subscribe to The BraveHearted Transformation Course: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/sales-page-2a7215f1-2859-434c-b7d1-c1d3e76985ee💌 Email your braveheart story to me at dawn@dawnscottdamon.com📞 Book a FREE 15-minute strategy call with Dawn: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/book-a-callConnect with your BraveHeart Mentor, Dawn Damon:💞 Email me at: dawn@braveheartmentor.com💞 Website: https://braveheartedwoman.com/💞 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravehearted_woman💞 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveheartedwoman💞 Podcast: https://the-bravehearted-woman.captivate.fm/listenDownload the full transcript here.

“Aging with purpose means choosing gratitude, even when life is hard.” In this episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, I am with Robin Kencel, a purpose-driven entrepreneur, elite ballroom dancer, luxury real estate broker, and reigning Miss Connecticut Senior America. Ranked in the top 1.5% of real estate agents in the U.S., Robin shares her remarkable journey of reinvention, faith, and fearless growth—proving that midlife is not a season of slowing down, but a time of expansion and renewed purposeRobin reflects on growing up in a family-run nursing home and how early exposure to aging, service, and compassion shaped her philosophy of life. From earning degrees at Georgetown University and Kellogg School of Management to leading Fortune 100 teams, launching her own consulting firm, and ultimately pivoting into real estate, Robin emphasizes the courage it takes to evolve—and the importance of not fearing failure. She explains how being “gutsy,” planning wisely, and staying anchored in faith have guided every season of her lifeThe conversation dives deep into Robin’s “Aging With Purpose” platform, including her five pillars of aging well: physical health, emotional and mental well-being, relationships, spirituality and meaning, and the often-overlooked power of quality sleep. Robin also shares how a broken foot just weeks before a major pageant became the catalyst for discovering improvisational acting — reinforcing her belief that growth begins when we step outside our comfort zones.Let’s explore self-worth, resilience, feedback, and why women are never “too old” to learn new skills, pursue dreams, or redefine what’s possible in midlife and beyond.Timestamps:0:00 - Guest Intro2:02 - The BraveHeart Story of Robin Kencel on being an extraordinary woman5:09 - The importance of being courageous6:37 - Why dancing is Robin’s #1 life calling to joining pageant at 6012:22- Aging with purpose16:16 - How to not quit18:51 - What is self-worth?22:10 - The 5 pillars of aging well30:33 - Robin’s #1 tip for midlife womenQuotations:“You can start something you’re not good at — and get better.” – Robin Kencel“The only thing stopping you is yourself.” – Robin Kencel“Confidence comes from knowing your worth isn’t tied to performance.” – Robin Kencel“Midlife isn’t the end—it’s an invitation to expand.” – Dawn Damon“Growth requires being willing to be uncomfortable.” – Robin Kencel“You don’t stop because you’re aging—you age because you stop.” – Robin Kencel“Faith gives me confidence because my worth is already settled.” – Robin KencelResources:🌐 Follow Robin at robinkencel.com📲 Connect with Robin on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook_____________👩🏻‍🏫 Subscribe to The BraveHearted Transformation Course: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/sales-page-2a7215f1-2859-434c-b7d1-c1d3e76985ee💌 Email your braveheart story to me at dawn@dawnscottdamon.com📞 Book a FREE 15-minute strategy call with Dawn: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/book-a-callConnect with your BraveHeart Mentor, Dawn Damon:💞 Email me at: dawn@braveheartmentor.com💞 Website: https://braveheartedwoman.com/💞 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravehearted_woman💞 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveheartedwoman💞 Podcast: https://the-bravehearted-woman.captivate.fm/listenDownload the full transcript here.

“Christmas should grow with you, not guilt you.”In this week’s episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, I’m inviting you into a heartfelt conversation about something so many midlife women feel this time of year—holiday overwhelm. As someone who still hosts Christmas for my family, I know firsthand how easily the joy of the season can turn into pressure, perfectionism, and exhaustion. That’s why I’m sharing seven practical, soul-settling ways to destress your Christmas so you can enjoy the holiday without losing your peace, your joy, or your mind.I talk about how we often hold on to outdated traditions that drain us, and I encourage you to give yourself permission to release what no longer fits your life or season. Together, we unpack the myth of the “perfect Christmas” and explore how choosing presence over pressure creates the kind of memories that truly matter. I also share how I protect my own peace—ruthlessly!—and how simplifying your menu, gifts, and expectations can make the entire holiday feel lighter.We dive into navigating family dynamics with maturity, choosing joy as a daily mindset, and creating new traditions that reflect the woman you’ve become today. I share personal stories, coaching insights, and spiritual encouragement to help you breathe deeper, set healthier boundaries, and experience Christmas with intention—not obligation.I close the episode by reminding you that you deserve a Christmas that blesses you, not burns you out. And if you’re ready to step into the new year with clarity and confidence, I offer you my free Find Your Word of the Year ebook that has guided and anchored me year after year.This episode is your invitation to create a holiday season filled with grace, peace, joy, and meaning—one that feels good to your soul.Timestamps:0:00 - Intro01:25 – The Weight of Holiday Expectations03:18 – #1 Unclutter your Christmas04:58 – #2 Let go of the perfect Christmas myth07:06 – #3 Protect your peace 10:05 – #4 Simplify11:50 – #5 Manage family dynamics14:09 – #6 Choose joy15:38 – #7 Create new Christmas traditions16:43 – What really matters this holiday season?19:02 - How to take actionQuotations:“You’re not an intern for Santa — you don’t work at the North Pole.”“Perfection is a thief. It steals your joy, your time, and your sleep.”“Choose presence over pressure.”“Peace on earth starts in your calendar and in your heart.”“You’re not the emotional cruise director of your family.”“Joy is a muscle — the more you practice it, the stronger it becomes.”“Give yourself the gift of peace, simplicity, and joy this holiday season.”Resources: 🎁 Get a copy of Dawn’s “Find Your Word of the Year” ebook:https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/one-word📚 Get a copy of Dawn’s NEW book: The Making of a BraveHearted Woman: Courage, Confidence, and Vision in Midlife📞 Book a FREE 15-minute strategy call with Dawn: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/book-a-callConnect with your BraveHeart Mentor, Dawn Damon:💞 Email me at: dawn@braveheartmentor.com 💞 Website: https://braveheartedwoman.com/ 💞 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravehearted_woman 💞 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveheartedwoman 💞 Podcast: https://the-bravehearted-woman.captivate.fm/listenDownload the full transcript here.

“Recovery is a process, but addiction is a process too.”In this episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, I am with Sherry Hoppen, author, speaker, and founder of She Surrenders and Selah House Recovery. Sherry shares her remarkable journey from secret addiction to lasting recovery — and how total surrender to God became the turning point that changed everything.Once living a double life as a woman of faith hiding her alcohol addiction, Sherry opens up about the moment she fell to her knees and prayed, “God, I’ll do it your way.” Her story reveals the pain of hiding, the power of surrender, and the miracle of restoration — especially in her marriage and faith.Sherry also talks about her award-winning book, “Sober Cycle: Pedaling Through Recovery One Day at a Time,” and how a grueling cross-country bike ride became a symbol of hope and transformation. Today, she leads other women to freedom through She Surrenders Ministries and the newly established Selah House Recovery — a faith-based inpatient center for women in Michigan.This conversation is raw, redemptive, and deeply inspiring — a must-listen for midlife women seeking freedom, faith renewal, and brave transformation.Timestamps:0:00 - Guest Intro1:52 - The BraveHeart Story of Sherry Hoppen on alcohol addiction7:01 - Common signs of addiction9:55 - Sherry’s inside battle on faith and guilt11:56 - The “sober cycle” story14:29 - How to overcome addiction16:57 - Selah House Recovery19:23 - How to connect with SherryQuotations:“The moment I said, ‘God, I’ll do it Your way,’ everything began to change.” - Sherry Hoppen“If you think you’re stronger than addiction, you’re playing Russian roulette with your life.” - Sherry Hoppen“You have no reason to drink alone. If you’re drinking alone, stop.” - Sherry Hoppen“You are not alone. There’s a community of women walking this same journey.” - Sherry Hoppen“You’re not as bad as you think you are — and with God, all things are possible.” - Sherry Hoppen“Once you truly surrender, your life will change in ways you never thought possible.” - Sherry HoppenResources:🌐 Follow Sherry on shesurrenders.com🏠 Check out Sherry’s Selah House Recovery📚 Get a copy of Sherry’s books at Amazon📲 Connect with Sherry on shesurrenderssherry on Facebook and Instagram_____________💌 Email your braveheart story to me at dawn@dawnscottdamon.com 📞 Book a FREE 15-minute strategy call with Dawn: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/book-a-callConnect with your BraveHeart Mentor, Dawn Damon:💞 Email me at: dawn@braveheartmentor.com 💞 Website: https://braveheartedwoman.com/ 💞 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravehearted_woman 💞 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveheartedwoman 💞 Podcast: https://the-bravehearted-woman.captivate.fm/listenDownload the full transcript here.

“You’re not too late, and you’re not too old — your midlife is your moment to rise.”In this episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, I am with Deborah Weed, a creative visionary and founder of The Self-Worth Initiative. Together, they dive into a transformative story of resilience, self-discovery, and rediscovering purpose in midlife.After years as a high-powered branding executive, Deborah’s life took a drastic turn when a medical misdiagnosis left her bedridden for three years. But what could have been her breaking point became her breakthrough. Through faith, creativity, and courage, Deborah found her way back — not just to health, but to her authentic self-worth.Deborah shares how understanding the difference between self-esteem and self-worth changed everything, and how she now helps midlife women reclaim their power through storytelling, creativity, and heart-centered living. From her award-winning book If Only to her upcoming musical Paisley’s Fashion Forest, Deborah reminds us that it’s never too late to rise, reinvent, and live with purpose.If you’ve ever felt out of alignment, lost your voice, or wondered whether your best years are behind you — this inspiring conversation will reignite your confidence and remind you that your second act can be your best act.Timestamps:0:00 - Guest Intro2:03 - The BraveHeart Story of Deborah Weed from corporate success to 3 years bedridden6:42 - The penny that saved her life9:22 - Self-esteem VS self-worth10:59 - How creativity transformed Deborah’s life13:36 - The story behind her creative works20:00 - Deborah’s #1 tip for midlife womenQuotations:“Self-esteem is what you do; self-worth is who you are.” – Deborah Weed“When you can’t do anything, that’s when you discover your true worth.” – Deborah Weed“Creativity is the bridge between pain and purpose.” – Deborah Weed“Failure means you tried and planted a seed. Regret means you never even let it grow.” – Deborah Weed“God is the water — just step out of the way and watch what blooms.” – Deborah Weed“Your second act can be your best act yet.” – Dawn DamonResources:🌐 Follow Deborah at paisleysfashionforest.com📚 Get a copy of Deborah's books at Amazon📲 Connect with Deborah on Instagram @deborah.weed_____________👩🏻‍🏫 The BraveHearted Transformation Course💌 Email your braveheart story to me at dawn@dawnscottdamon.com 📞 Book a FREE 15-minute strategy call with Dawn: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/book-a-callConnect with your BraveHeart Mentor, Dawn Damon:💞 Email me at: dawn@braveheartmentor.com 💞 Website: https://braveheartedwoman.com/ 💞 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravehearted_woman 💞 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveheartedwoman 💞 Podcast: https://the-bravehearted-woman.captivate.fm/listenDownload the full transcript here.

“Every woman’s story holds scars, mercy, and mission — our past pain becomes part of our purpose.”In this episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, I am with Karen Sjoblom, an award-winning author and editor, to explore the beauty and purpose hidden within life’s hardest transitions. Karen — author of Gone For Good: Lessons from a Midlife Exodus — shares her powerful story of faith, grief, and renewal as she navigates the “desert seasons” of midlife.Together, discover how seasons of loss, change, and letting go can become sacred spaces for spiritual growth and personal transformation. Karen opens up about her healing journey from childhood trauma, faith struggles, and identity shifts, revealing how God’s redemptive love turns pain into purpose.Through honest conversation and wisdom rooted in faith, this episode invites women in midlife to reflect on their own “exodus” moments — those times of transition that lead to greater wholeness, deeper confidence, and renewed vision for the future.If you’ve ever felt stuck, unseen, or uncertain about what’s next, this episode will remind you that your desert won’t last forever. With courage, faith, and grace, you can walk into the next chapter of your life — stronger, freer, and full of hope.✨ Key Takeaways:How to navigate the “desert seasons” of midlife with faith and graceThe healing power of grief, forgiveness, and self-reflectionDiscovering your spiritual gifts and God’s purpose in your painHow story work and personal redemption can transform your outlook and missionEncouragement for women stepping into the second half of life with courage and confidenceListen and subscribe for more empowering episodes that help midlife women grow in confidence, purpose, faith, and identity.Timestamps:0:00 - Guest Intro2:04 - The BraveHeart Story of Karen Sjoblom4:12 - Gone For Good: Lessons from a Midlife Exodus 7:17 - Finding her faith through Jesus' crash course9:03 - How to bring good out of the bad things11:41 - What does the word ‘Exodus’ mean?14:44 - How to break through in life16:35 - Grief is not forever20:42 - Let’s talk about family, boundaries, and healing relationships24:47 - Karen’s #1 tip for midlife womenQuotations:“Midlife is a crossroads. We can’t go back, but we get to choose how we move forward.” - Karen Sjoblom“Every storm runs out of rain, and every desert runs out of sand. We don’t stay there forever.” - Karen Sjoblom“Grief is the thing that heals all the other things — if we’re willing to enter it.” - Karen Sjoblom“God can bring good out of bad things — it just takes time to see how He redeems it.” - Karen Sjoblom“When we revisit our grief, it’s not as sharp. It’s another layer of healing peeled away.” - Karen Sjoblom“The healing we receive becomes the hope we give.” - Karen Sjoblom“Letting go doesn’t mean it didn’t hurt — it means you trust God with what’s gone for good.” - Karen Sjoblom“Keep left-foot, right-footing it — you’ll make it through your exodus stronger and more whole.” - Karen SjoblomResources:🌐Follow Karen on karensjoblom.com📚Get a copy of Karen’s book: Gone For Good: Lessons from a Midlife Exodus _____________💌 Email your braveheart story to me at dawn@dawnscottdamon.com 📞 Book a FREE 15-minute strategy call with Dawn: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/book-a-callConnect with your BraveHeart Mentor, Dawn Damon:💞 Email me at: dawn@braveheartmentor.com 💞 Website: https://braveheartedwoman.com/ 💞 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravehearted_woman 💞 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveheartedwoman 💞 Podcast: https://the-bravehearted-woman.captivate.fm/listenDownload the full transcript here.