The Flexible Neurotic

EP 139: Hey, midlife ladies, are you staring down at your weights like they're judging you? Or maybe you're still convinced that picking up a dumbbell will turn you into a pro bodybuilder overnight? I get it—figuring out how to build strength in midlife can feel like one more chore we don't have the energy for. But what if I told you that strength training might just be the key to unlocking your midlife energy, confidence, and longevity? As you know, I call it the "dumb and necessary weights". It is one of my midlife hard and goods. Spoiler alert: it is. In this week's episode of Flexible Neurotic Podcast, I'm chatting with Annie Murray, a badass 54-year-old fitness trainer from the UK who didn't even start her weightlifting journey until she turned 50. You heard me… Annie is living proof that it's never too late to pivot and go all-in on your health. We dive into all things food and weightlifting in midlife: why building muscle is basically your midlife insurance policy, how to stop overcomplicating nutrition, and why starting small and staying consistent is the secret sauce. Annie Murray is a certified personal trainer, fitness coach, and creator of a fitness app designed for women who want to build muscle, lose fat, and feel amazing in midlife. With a background as a software engineer turned fitness expert, Annie has inspired thousands on Instagram with her relatable, no-BS approach to health and strength. Her mission? To show women everywhere that it's never too late to start—and that lifting weights isn't scary, it's empowering. We Also Discuss: (00:00) App Filming and Instagram Secrets (04:13) Midlife Fitness Pivot and Success (09:00) Embracing Change and Finding Strength (17:12) Menopause, HRT, Fitness, and Muscle Mass (22:38) Weight Training After 50 (36:40) Sugar-Free Nutrition and Fitness Transformation (52:50) Consistent Fitness Habits and Lifestyle (01:00:24) Starting a Midlife Business With Passion (01:09:34) Balancing Passion and Self-Doubt (01:17:25) Instagram Fitness Journey and Online Presence WATCH THE EPISODE HERE: https://youtu.be/tZKbmdBi-VA THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC SHOW NOTES: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/episodes/139 THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theflexibleneurotic/ THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC WEBSITE: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/ THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC EMAIL: sarah@theflexibleneurotic.com

EP 137: In this week's episode of The Flexible Neurotic, I sit down with Erin Falconer—author of How to Break Up with Your Friends: Finding Meaning, Connection, and Boundaries in Modern Friendships. Yes, you read that right. We are actually talking about the hard, awkward, and sometimes necessary art of friend breakups in midlife. Midlife is already a swirl of hormone chaos, empty-nesting, "who even am I anymore?" energy… and on top of that, many of us are re-evaluating friendships we've had for decades. Erin and I get into: • How to spot the difference between a friend who fills your cup vs. one who drains it. • The cultural shame around ending friendships (spoiler: there shouldn't be). • Practical scripts and tips for having "the talk." • Why pruning your friend tree makes room for deeper, more authentic connections. • The myth of "ride or die" friendships and why growth often means shifting circles. This convo is funny, real, and slightly uncomfortable in the best way. Because let's be honest—midlife is the perfect time to audit not just our hormones and skincare routines, but our relationships, too. Listen if: • You've ever felt guilty for wanting out of a friendship. • You're craving deeper, more meaningful connections in this next chapter. • You love a little humor sprinkled on top of your existential midlife crisis. Resources & Links: • Erin's book: How to Break Up with Your Friends • Erin Falconer on Instagram: @erinfalconer WATCH THE EPISODE HERE: https://youtu.be/BJ6tB30SJDc THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC SHOW NOTES: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/episodes/137 THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theflexibleneurotic/ THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC WEBSITE: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/ THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC EMAIL: sarah@theflexibleneurotic.com

EP 134: As a midlife woman, do you ever feel like maybe you don't really know what your style is with clothes and how you express yourself? Sometimes you are boho chic, while other times you are preppy chic. Do you ever crave the ease of a "capsule" wardrobe? A magical closet fairy who can solve your outfit dramas? Me too! I got your back! In this episode, I am joined by wardrobe stylist and fellow midlifer who just did her own personal midlife pivot, Kim Preis. This was like a blind date because I really just met her for the first time, so we are all getting to know her together. Join me as we dig deep into Kim's journey in the fashion industry and common challenges that women in midlife face in regards to style and confidence. Kim emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and finding joy in personal style. You won't want to miss this episode, also available on youtube! Looking forward to connecting with you! Here are some ways to connect with me! THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC SHOW NOTES: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/episodes/134 THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theflexibleneurotic/ THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC WEBSITE: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/ THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC EMAIL: sarah@theflexibleneurotic.com

EP 132: Are you a midlife woman who kinda just wants to be able to DM another midlife woman and say "I'm sweating, I'm bored, I am sad my kids left the house"…? Me too. That's why I answer all of my IG DM messages. I just started a little minisode series called "in my DM's"… I will do quick episodes reading and responding to some of my listener DM's. You can complain, commiserate or ask me questions! We unpacked my midlife baggage… we unpacked my emotional baggage… and today we are unpacking my DMs. You guys know that I respond to every single one of your messages! I love the community that we have built and I want to share some messages because I know that other midlife women are either feeling the same or have the same question that you do. We are digging deep into my inbox to discuss our shared experience with hormones, doctors, fitness and all things midlife. You won't want to miss this solo mini sode, also available on youtube! THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC SHOW NOTES: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/episodes/132 THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theflexibleneurotic/ THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC WEBSITE: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/ THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC EMAIL: sarah@theflexibleneurotic.com

EP 130: Permission for the "ugly cry" is granted. "midlife mom" mixed with "empty nest" or "half empty nest", omg! Get ready for a new solo mini-sode where I get into everything empty nest (half empty nest) and "teen son" as I call him is now "college son". He just left for his sophomore year of college. I'm heading into my second "year of lasts" (last prom, last SAT, last college apps) with "teen daughter", finishing her last year of high school and I'm trying to stay present for all of it, "hard and good" as I say! I am digging deep with all of you into my personal journey through the "ugh's and fabulosities" of parenting in midlife and the transition to an empty nest. I'm still a "half empty nester". I know you're feeling it too and I'm here to remind you that you are not alone. Parenting sh** mixed with new feelings of feeling irrelevant. Woosh! When we enter an "empty nest" era, our mom duties change from "mangager to consultant" and the need for self-reflection, personal growth and humor is necessary. Getting real with you, per usual. Today, I am giving you practical golden nuggets for navigating this experience! You won't want to miss this episode, also available on Youtube! THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC SHOW NOTES: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/episodes/130 THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theflexibleneurotic/ THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC WEBSITE: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/ THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC EMAIL: sarah@theflexibleneurotic.com

EP 128: Mocktails, pickleball, midlife friendships & marriage and top health hacks….did I peak your interest? Do you ever wonder why you feel so stuck in midlife? Part of it is that we aren't experimenting and trying new things. We made our kids try new sports or take that random art class, yet we don't apply the same expectations to ourselves as midlifers. In this episode, I'm joined by long-time friend, cooking instructor and Instagram phenomenon, Pamela Salzman. We are covering midlife health, routines, keeping your brain sharp and so much more. Pamela is sharing her experiences as an entrepreneur, empty-nester, and health influencer. We also talk about realigning midlife friendships and finding inspiration in "non traditional" paths for midlife pivot. And, we of course talk about marriage and our husbands. This was such a fun and layered conversation, I loved deep diving in Pamela's life and you will appreciate her candor with her midlife advice. YOU CAN ALSO WATCH ON YOUTUBE! We met in person for this midlife talk! Pamela is another repeat guest, she was my second guest on my podcast, ever - our first conversation is Reimagining Family Meals & Health From The Inside Out With Pamela Salzman Looking forward to connecting with you! Here are some ways to connect with me! THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC SHOW NOTES: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/episodes/128 THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theflexibleneurotic/ THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC WEBSITE: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/ THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC EMAIL: sarah@theflexibleneurotic.com

EP 126: Putting yourself first in midlife. Yes! Hard and good! Thinking about "midlife self reinvention"? It doesn't mean you are "burning the house down"...It just means you are looking for your "next thing" in midlife. Maybe you are seeking passion, purpose, meaning or even some novelty. You are not alone. Most of us feel this way. Ready to mix-it-up in midlife? Wanting to be in touch with your inner voice? Looking for ways to prioritize your midlife mental health? Then this episode is for you! Today's guest is telling us how she put herself first at 40 and why it was the best decision she's ever made. Join me, Dr. Sarah Milken in a new podcast episode all about midlife reinvention, mindfulness and what it looks like to prioritize emotional wellness. This week I am joined by author, life-coach, midlife reinvention-ist and pickleball champ, Camilla Sacre-Dallerup. She was a champion dancer on the UK equivalent of Dancing With The Stars, Strictly Come Dancing (omg!) and now she's the author of three books about personal reinvention and redefining midlife "success". We are also getting into some midlife woo-woo from hypnosis to chakras and subconscious alignment. If you would rather watch this episode, make sure to check it out on Youtube! And don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on any podcast platform and subscribe to Youtube! THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC SHOW NOTES: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/episodes/126 THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theflexibleneurotic/ THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC WEBSITE: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/ THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC EMAIL: sarah@theflexibleneurotic.com

EP 124: I know that I am your "midlife bestie", oversharing my midlife "ugh's & fabulosities" and finding us all the expert golden nuggets to create our optimal midlife. But, today I am talking to another midlife bestie, "poolside"! This midlife hottie showed up to our zoom interview in a bikini. Let me explain… we had a timing miscommunication and she was at her pool with her "teen sons" who are home for the summer. So, I went into my closet and put a one piece swimsuit on…a little "Missoni like" number from Target, 5 years ago. We gotta get stuff done. No rescheduling, just doing it the way the universe had it planned for us…real life style. We talk about our 2.5 decade marriages, keeping it real, empty nest and midlife friendships. We also talked about how she started her platform, how she tries to stay in the "fun and creativity" and not get lost in the vanity metrics.This is TMI and unfiltered midlife besties chatting "poolside". SOOOO, of course there was some sweating involved. If you are looking for midlife inspo and real talk, then this episode is definitely for you. Join me, Dr. Sarah Milken in a fun & new podcast episode about everything midlife. This week I am joined by the fashion Instagram"link-queen" herself. She's a fashion influencer, midlife remixer, Instagram bestie, Jen Sattler. We are talking about her journey through Instagram, influencing, sharing her story and finding her voice. Today we are getting into all the ebbs and flows of midlife, instagram, marriage, empty-nesting and the power of being open with your community. Looking forward to connecting with you! Here are some ways to connect with me! THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC SHOW NOTES: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/episodes/124 THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theflexibleneurotic/ THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC WEBSITE: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/ THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC EMAIL: sarah@theflexibleneurotic.com

EP 122: 6 month "midlife review" for you. It is 6 months into the new year. Have you taken any of those personal steps that you might have pondered on January 1? This is not general "self help" bla bla. This is the real juice. Midlife woman, I know you are ready for a personal "uplevel" because you are here! Wanting a pivot, reset, rei-ignition, with some mindfulness on the side…me too! What if I told you that I could give you a carefully curated "top shelf" midlife golden nugget action step list that might get you to take that first tiny step towards "choosing you"? What's stopping you…your inner mean girl, the perception that others will judge you, or plain fear of doing something new and failing? Me too! We are not settling! We are creating! If you are ready to jump off the "midlife hamster wheel" of the same damn day everyday…I got you. Me too! This week's guest is going deep with me and digging into 10 golden nuggets on being "braver" for you! Join me, Dr. Sarah Milken in a new podcast episode that is all about bridging the gap between "knowing vs. actually" doing. This week I am joined by podcaster, author and thought leader with 400K+ social media followers, Cory Allen. In this episode we are outlining practical steps for midlife "uplevel". Cory and I dig into his new book "A Brave New You: A Roadmap To Believing The More Is Possible" through a midlife lens, to uncover the 10 things for midlife women Looking forward to connecting with you! Here are some ways to connect with me! THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC SHOW NOTES: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/episodes/122 THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theflexibleneurotic/ THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC WEBSITE: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/ THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC EMAIL: sarah@theflexibleneurotic.com

EP 120: MIDLIFE MUFFIN TOP... I know you can relate. As a midlife woman, do you struggle to find consistency in your diet? I do! Do you find yourself snacking when you're bored or when your college kid leaves the nest again to go back to school? I do! Do you wish that your weight loss was sustainable and easy to maintain? I do!!! This mini episode talks all about diet as a lifestyle in midlife and has some simple and practical nuggets for you to start today! This week we are doing another quick golden nugget mini-sode excerpt from my past conversation with nutritional therapist, registered dietitian & "fellow midlifer", Kim Shapira. She knows what works and what doesn't and she's sharing it all with us today with 6 science-backed rules to transform your relationship with food. Kim says that applying these 6 simple rules to your daily life will result in aself n increased self confidence and improved health and wellbeing. Enjoy this mini-sode, then dive into the full episode, where we get into so much more of Kim's research. Food, Weight & Me In Midlife Looking forward to connecting with you! Here are some ways to connect with me! THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC SHOW NOTES: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/episodes/120 THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theflexibleneurotic/ THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC WEBSITE: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/ THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC EMAIL: sarah@theflexibleneurotic.com

EP 117: Midlife philosophy, marriage, health and action steps. Ready for a little midlife motivation from the midlife health queen herself? My guest tells us what it means to "live life from the inside out", a practice that she embraces for connecting to her inner voice and taking necessary action steps. Looking for a midlife lifestyle reset? Ready to embrace a mindset that promotes ease and intuition? Wanna talk about midlife marriage? Then this episode is definitely for you! This week we are diving back into The Flexible Neurotic archive to bring you the juicy information that you might have forgotten about from the full length episode. This week is another golden-nugget recap quickie and short minisode on all things midlife health, wellness and relationships. Let's call them hacks. I'm revisiting a conversation that I had with fellow midlife hottie, Abbie Crane. She knows all things physical, mental and nutritional health. She is an integrated health coach, brand marketer, nutrition enthusiast and mother and today she is sharing her midlife mindset, marriage and health tips. Enjoy this minisode, then dive into the full episode, where we get into so much more detail on Abbie's midlife experience in a two part episode Midlife's 10 Things… Freedom For Reinvention In Self-Awareness, Marriage, Nutrition & Empty Nest. Looking forward to connecting with you! Here are some ways to connect with me! THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC SHOW NOTES: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/episodes/117 THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theflexibleneurotic/ THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC WEBSITE: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/ THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC EMAIL: sarah@theflexibleneurotic.com

EP 114: One pill to help reverse cellular aging? Duh! Sign me up. Ready to sleep better, feel better, reduce inflammation, have thicker hair and a million other things? I know the obvious answer is yes… but there's more. Are you sick of taking a million supplements in the morning and wondering why we haven't just created one magic supplement with so much that we need? Then this episode is definitely for you! I know you've heard of omega 3, fatty acids and fish oil, but let me introduce to you C15:0 the supplement you never knew you needed. I know what you're thinking… sign me the f**k up. According to Fatty15 and several research studies, this supplement "reverses cellular aging to deliver whole body and mind health. C15:0 is the first essential fatty acid to be discovered since the omegas—over 90 years ago. Fatty15 contains a pure, award-winning, C15:0 powder called FA15™." Join me, Dr. Sarah Milken in a super important super nerd conversation called Reverse Cellular Aging In A Bottle. My guest, Stephanie Venn-Watson is one of the masterminds behind this magic supplement becoming available to the everyday person. Wait until you hear how her discovery from dolphins is taking human longevity and health by storm. We get into all of it…details, ladies! Long story short, it's a supplement that is taking the health and wellness world by storm… you need to know about it, so tune into the episode and thank me later. Show highlights Fatty15 reverses cellular aging to deliver whole body and mind health C15:0 is the first essential fatty acid to be discovered since the omegas—over 90 years ago. Fatty15 contains a pure, award-winning, C15:0 powder called FA15™ Studying dolphins leads to a huge breakthroughs for humans What is C15:0? Better sleep, less inflammation improved mood, sign me up Longevity Exercise benefits you never heard about How to reduce midlife hair loss Our cells communicate with each other Why there is no such thing as "failure" Life plans are unexpected THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC SHOW NOTES: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/episodes/114 THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theflexibleneurotic/ THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC WEBSITE: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/ THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC EMAIL: sarah@theflexibleneurotic.com

Lift "heavy s**t in midlife" is the name of the game! You know I call them the "dumb and necessary weights". We keep hearing we have to lift weight in midlife for our brains, body and health. You want to hear exactly the how, why and what from an orthopedic surgeon and longevity specialist? You want to hear exactly how much weight and how many reps? Duh! Met too. Today's guest says she's heard every excuse in the book and there is nothing that should stop you from getting informed and knowing that you are worth the daily investment in your health. She has all the information you never even knew you needed. If you want to know what the data says about aging and a cheat sheet on what to do, then this episode is for you! Join me, Dr. Sarah Milken in an educational conversation called Lift Heavy S**t in Midlife. My guest, Dr. Vonda Wright, is a double-board certified orthopedic surgeon and an internationally recognized authority on active aging, longevity, mobility and all the things we care about in midlife. She is a sought after speaker and five times bestselling author and her information is so critical for midlife women. Today we are talking about midlife self-agency, maintaining independence as we get older, weights, nutrition and more. Looking forward to connecting with you! Here are some ways to connect with me! THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC SHOW NOTES: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/episodes/112 THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theflexibleneurotic/ THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC WEBSITE: https://www.theflexibleneurotic.com/ THE FLEXIBLE NEUROTIC EMAIL: sarah@theflexibleneurotic.com