Midlife Mavens

In this episode of the Midlife Mavens podcast, hosts Marci Burroughs and Carol O'Saben discuss the challenges midlife women face in balancing their numerous responsibilities. They explore where this pressure to 'do it all' comes from, touching on societal expectations, traditional gender roles, and internal perfectionism. The conversation highlights how both men and women experience these pressures differently, and delves into the emotional burden many women carry in managing households. The episode encourages listeners to reflect on their own balancing acts and emphasizes the importance of being present in the moment. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes and not a substitute for professional mental health services.
00:00 Introduction to the Balancing Act
00:13 Meet Your Hosts: Marci and Carol
01:22 Exploring the Concept of Balance
02:13 Personal Stories and Juggling Responsibilities
03:50 Gender Roles and Societal Expectations
10:34 Household Management and Emotional Burden
12:04 Impact of Perfectionism and Anxiety
21:46 Aging, Appearance, and Societal Pressure
24:36 Final Thoughts and Reflections
29:57 Conclusion and Call to Action
If you are looking for a therapist and would like to reach out to Marci or Carol, take a look at their websites:
Marci: https://www.marciburroughsphdcst.com
Carol: https://www.drosaben.com
Other therapist directories you can use to help you find therapy include:
Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/th...
Mental Health Match: https://mentalhealthmatch.com/
American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists: https://aasect.org
iTherapy: https://itherapy.com
 

Summary:
In this episode of the Midlife Mavens podcast, hosts Marci Burroughs and Carol O'Saben explore the intricacies of midlife for women, particularly addressing the societal norms and expectations around aging. They share personal anecdotes, including Carol”ss experience with letting her hair go gray and the surprising realization that many women never saw their elders go gray due to widespread hair coloring practices. The hosts discuss the emotional responses tied to labels like 'middle-aged' versus 'midlife' and the empowerment they found in redefining their identity. They touch on the lack of open discussions about aging, sex, and body changes, emphasizing the need for a supportive community. This episode aims to normalize these conversations and provide a space for women to feel seen and heard as they navigate this phase of life.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer
01:25 The Origin of 'Midlife Mavens'
02:27 Emotional Reactions to Aging
05:26 Psychological Perspectives on Midlife
07:54 The Shift in Identity and Roles
11:24 Societal Expectations and Appearance
19:48 The Importance of Open Conversations
26:51 Generational Labels and Identity
30:50 Conclusion and Contact Information
Resources:
If you are looking for a therapist and would like to reach out to Marci or Carol, take a look at their websites:
Marci: https://www.marciburroughsphdcst.com
Carol:  https://www.drosaben.com
Citations:
1. The quote Carol cites in today's episode is from a blog post written by Doris Bersing, PhD on her blog, "Older Women: The Double Standards of Aging" (https://www.dorisbersing.com/blog/older-women-double-standard-ofaging)
2. The book Carol mentions: Lisa Mosconi, PhD (2024). "The Menopause Brain: New Science Empowers Women to Navigate the Pivotal Transition with Knowledge and Confidence."
Other therapist directories you can use to help you find therapy include:
Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/th...
Mental Health Match: https://mentalhealthmatch.com/
American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists: https://aasect.org
iTherapy: https://itherapy.com
 

Introduction to Midlife Mavens Podcast: Navigating Midlife Challenges and Conversations
In this introductory episode of the Midlife Mavens podcast, hosts Marci Burroughs and Carol O'Saben, both psychologists specializing in relationships and sexuality, provide an overview of the podcast's focus. They discuss key themes such as dating, menopause, family dynamics, and healthcare concerns for women in their 30s to 60s and beyond. The hosts share their personal stories, professional backgrounds, and the motivation behind starting the podcast. They emphasize creating a safe space for candid discussions on often-taboo subjects and aim to offer support, insights, and expert advice. The episode also touches on the logistical challenges faced in launching the podcast and invites listener engagement through their Facebook page.
00:00 Introduction to Midlife Mavens
01:26 Meet Your Hosts: Marci and Carol
04:14 The Journey to Psychology
05:58 Reconnecting and Starting Private Practices
07:28 The Birth of the Podcast Idea
09:00 Creating a Safe Space for Conversations
13:25 Navigating Midlife Challenges
15:57 Engaging with the Community
19:09 Upcoming Episodes and Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a therapist and would like to reach out to Marci or Carol, take a look at their websites:
Marci: https://marciburroughsphdcst.com
Carol: https://drosaben.com
Other therapist directories you can use to help you find therapy include:
Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA2JG9BhAuEiwAH_zf3t-0UINw_4OW6at282-_LwDMJ8KY0O6FFvJVl-r065Bax-HjMYrTORoCv6AQAvD_BwE
Mental Health Match: https://mentalhealthmatch.com/
American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists: https://aasect.org
iTherapy: https://itherapy.com/about_our_counselors/