Middle Age Management

A brutally honest, unexpectedly hilarious podcast about one family juggling kids, aging parents, and the beautiful chaos of barely holding it all together.

Micro Wins 12/29/2025

Friendship Isn’t Failing 12/22/2025

Friendship Isn’t Failing ✨ Welcome back to our channel! In today's episode, we're diving into the intricate world of midlife friendships—a hot topic that’s been on our minds lately. If you’ve ever felt the shift in your friendships as life changes unfold, this one's for you! 💬 Join us as we lay out a step-by-step plan for self-improvement and how to embrace those friendships that shape who we are in this stage of life. We share unqualified, unsolicited, and totally honest opinions about the evolution of our social circles. Whether it's making new friends, maintaining old ones, or figuring out what being a friend really means, we've got you covered. 🤔 Are you feeling overwhelmed by the changing dynamics of your friendships? You’re not alone! We discuss the normalcy of feeling disconnected, the importance of quality over quantity, and how to embrace the evolving nature of relationships as we navigate life’s big moments—like kids leaving for college or dealing with aging parents. 🌱 Let’s explore how midlife is an opportunity for deeper connections and less drama as we become our true selves. Discover the gems of friendship that can uplift and fulfill you during this transformational time. 🎧 If this resonates with you, be sure to hit that subscribe button and share this episode with anyone who might need to hear it. Let’s support each other in rocking our midlife journey! 👉 Don’t forget to check out our previous episodes focused on confidence and stress, as they all tie into the overarching theme of growth and connection. Thank you for joining us today—let's keep the conversation going! What are your thoughts on midlife friendships? Share in the comments below! 💖 **Follow us for more relatable parenting content:** If You Have Aging Parents & Are In The Sandwich Generation, I Got What You Need Here: Make sure you follow for daily entertainment here @BarbaraStratte on Instagram Find Our Go To Favorite Things for Fun, Home, Family & Aging Parents If You Enjoy Reading Here’s The Blog #MidlifeFriendships #SelfImprovement #FriendshipDynamics #LifeAfterKids #MidlifeMagic /episode/index/show/5f8c2fb8-7fd3-4a56-ae76-ce6f09f4c034/id/39483125

Microdosing Joy 12/15/2025

Microdosing Joy 🎉 Welcome back to another exciting episode of Midlife Magic! 🎉 In today's episode, we dive into the wonderful world of **microdosing joy!** 🌈 Are you ready to discover how you can sprinkle bits of happiness throughout your day and tackle the chaos of midlife? Join us for unfiltered, candid conversations about the ups and downs of this unique phase of life. We explore the truth about the busy nature of midlife, share heartfelt gratitude for our wonderful listeners, and dissect the myth of “toxic positivity.” We promise lots of laughs, relatable anecdotes, and practical tips that you can easily integrate into your daily routine. 🙌 What’s in store: - The *joy of being busy* (and why it’s never going to get less busy) 🤔 - How little moments of gratitude can shift your mindset and elevate your mood ☀️ - Real talk on the *“cup of joy”* theory that will make you rethink how you view life’s challenges (and possibly your coffee!) ☕️ - The importance of *choosing joy* every single day, no matter what life throws your way 💪 So buckle up—this could be our best episode ever! Or, you know, just a delightful fluff of joy. You be the judge! 🥳 If you loved this episode, don't forget to hit that **follow button** and share it with someone who could use a little midlife magic in their life. 💖 Let's spread the joy together! Thanks for tuning in, and as always, we appreciate your support! You're the best! Now go rock the rest of your day! 🎊 #MidlifeMagic #MicrodosingJoy #Gratitude #JoyfulLiving #PositiveVibes **Follow us for more relatable parenting content:** If You Have Aging Parents & Are In The Sandwich Generation, I Got What You Need Here: Make sure you follow for daily entertainment here @BarbaraStratte on Instagram Find Our Go To Favorite Things for Fun, Home, Family & Aging Parents If You Enjoy Reading Here’s The Blog /episode/index/show/5f8c2fb8-7fd3-4a56-ae76-ce6f09f4c034/id/39387400

Sleep, Stress, & Sandwich Life 12/08/2025

Surviving Family Trips 12/01/2025

Small Talk Sucks 11/24/2025

Happy Holidays??? 11/17/2025

Barb Had A Bad Week 11/10/2025

Stop Comparing 11/03/2025

Silent Drowning 10/27/2025

Skurfawful 10/20/2025

Advocate With A Smile 10/13/2025

Advocate With A Smile 🌟 Welcome to Episode 20 of our podcast! 🎉 Today, we're diving deep into the art of advocacy—specifically, how to stand up for yourself in all areas of life. From health to career, and the lessons we hope to instill in our kids, we're sharing personal stories, valuable insights, and a few laughs along the way! We start off by celebrating our 20th episode milestone and reflect on the amazing connections we've made, including a heartwarming encounter with a football coach who listens to our podcast! 💖 Join us as we chat about advocating for yourself, sharing stories from our own lives—like the time I leveraged my awkward resume into a successful sales job! 😄 It’s all about challenging the status quo, believing in yourself, and finding the balance between being assertive and respectful. Listen in as we recount teachable moments with our kids, encouraging them to voice their truths, whether it’s in sports or school, and share techniques for navigating tricky conversations. Trust us, these skills are vital, especially in today’s world! If you're striving for more joy and authenticity in your midlife journey, you won't want to miss this episode. Hit that play button, and let’s make advocacy a part of your everyday life! 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with anyone who could use some encouragement to find their voice. Let’s spread the midlife magic together! ✨ #Advocacy #MidlifeMagic #SelfEmpowerment #Podcast #PersonalGrowth #SelfAdvocacy 💬 **Join the Conversation:** Have you faced similar challenges with aging parents? Share your experiences in the comments—we'd love to hear from you! 🔔 **Subscribe for More:** If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and ring the bell for notifications about our latest content! ✨ Thanks for tuning in, and remember: tomorrow is a new day! **Follow us for more hilarious insights and relatable moments!** If You Have Aging Parents & Are In The Sandwich Generation, I Got What You Need Here: Make sure you follow for daily entertainment here @BarbaraStratte on Instagram Find Our Go To Favorite Things for Fun, Home, Family & Aging Parents If You Enjoy Reading Here’s The Blog /episode/index/show/5f8c2fb8-7fd3-4a56-ae76-ce6f09f4c034/id/38527080

Money Mindset 10/06/2025

Money Mindset Let’s talk about the thing nobody wants to talk about: money. Not the fancy Instagram version, but the real, messy, midlife truth. Why do we have plywood countertops? Because that’s what we can afford right now—and guess what? That’s not failure, that’s life. It’s not about the counters. It’s about the mindset. In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on money taboos, financial stress in relationships, and the weird ways childhood shapes how we handle (or avoid) wealth. Our friend Dan said it best: just because it feels precarious doesn’t mean you’ll fall through. ✨ Inside, we’ll dig into: The #1 reason money stress can wreck relationships (and how to stop it). Why investing in yourself beats spending on stuff. Simple mindset shifts that turn fear into freedom. A creative exercise to uncover how you really feel about money. What wealth actually means—and why it has way more to do with self-worth than your bank account. If you’ve ever felt shame around money, fought with your partner about it, or worried you’re skating on thin ice—you are not alone. This episode will leave you with hope, clarity, and a whole new perspective on what it means to feel secure. 👉 Hit play, laugh with us, maybe squirm a little, and walk away ready to see money in a brand-new light. #MoneyMindset #MidlifeMagic #FinancialFreedom #MoneyTalks #LifeLessons 💬 **Join the Conversation:** Have you faced similar challenges with aging parents? Share your experiences in the comments—we'd love to hear from you! 🔔 **Subscribe for More:** If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and ring the bell for notifications about our latest content! ✨ Thanks for tuning in, and remember: tomorrow is a new day! **Follow us for more hilarious insights and relatable moments!** If You Have Aging Parents & Are In The Sandwich Generation, I Got What You Need Here: Make sure you follow for daily entertainment here @BarbaraStratte on Instagram Find Our Go To Favorite Things for Fun, Home, Family & Aging Parents If You Enjoy Reading Here’s The Blog /episode/index/show/5f8c2fb8-7fd3-4a56-ae76-ce6f09f4c034/id/38377715

Magic & A Little Woo 09/29/2025

Magic & A Little Woo Welcome to another episode where we dive into the sometimes bizarre yet totally relatable world of midlife musings! 🌊✨ In this video, we're serving up some unfiltered thoughts on finding joy in unexpected places—yes, including whale sperm (just stick with us!). We’re here to be your emotional cheerleaders, talking about the quirky tools and practices that have been making our days brighter. From gratitude exercises to the magic of being mindful, we're shaking things up and letting you in on some "woo" that might just change your perspective. Expect laughs, light-hearted banter, and a sprinkle of punk-rock spirit as we discuss the beauty of being consistent (or “mitted,” as we like to say) in our self-care routines. Plus, we share a little magic dust on how acknowledging the good in life—big or small—can turn your day around. Remember, whatever you call it, if it works, it works! Whether it’s a new wellness trend or an unexpected practice, we’re committed to finding the tools that help us thrive in this wild ride called midlife. Join us on this journey of gratitude, humor, and emotional intelligence, and share your own experiences in the comments! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with a friend who could use a dose of midlife magic. 🌈💖 ✨ Let’s rock this together! ✨ #MidlifeMusings #Gratitude #WooIsCool #EmotionalIntelligence 💬 **Join the Conversation:** Have you faced similar challenges with aging parents? Share your experiences in the comments—we'd love to hear from you! 🔔 **Subscribe for More:** If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and ring the bell for notifications about our latest content! ✨ Thanks for tuning in, and remember: tomorrow is a new day! **Follow us for more hilarious insights and relatable moments!** If You Have Aging Parents & Are In The Sandwich Generation, I Got What You Need Here: Make sure you follow for daily entertainment here @BarbaraStratte on Instagram Find Our Go To Favorite Things for Fun, Home, Family & Aging Parents If You Enjoy Reading Here’s The Blog /episode/index/show/5f8c2fb8-7fd3-4a56-ae76-ce6f09f4c034/id/38330530

Parenting Your Parents 09/22/2025

Dead Cat & Date Nights 09/15/2025

Burn Baby Burn 09/08/2025

Burn Baby Burn 🔥🚲 Welcome to the wildest family trip we’ve ever taken—Burning Man! 🚲🔥 Yes, we packed up our 11, 13, and 15-year-olds and headed straight into the desert with 80,000 people, art cars, fire displays, and more neon than Vegas on steroids. Crazy? Maybe. Worth it? 1000%. In this episode, we share the raw, unfiltered truth of what it’s like to take your kids to one of the most misunderstood (and magical) events on the planet. From sunrise bike rides across the Playa to late-night art shows that felt straight out of another universe, we’ll tell you the highs, the lows, and the “did that just happen?!” moments that made this an unforgettable family adventure. 💡 Why did we go? What did our kids think? And what does Burning Man actually teach you about parenting, connection, and choosing joy in midlife? Spoiler: a LOT more than you’d think. If you’ve ever been curious about Burning Man—or just want to know what happens when a suburban family swaps soccer games for dust storms—this one’s for you. Expect laughter, real talk, and a few core-memory moments we’ll never forget. 👉 Hit play now, then tell us: would YOU ever take your family to Burning Man? ✨ Midlife isn’t boring—it’s technicolor. And sometimes, it’s covered in dust. ✨ #BurningMan #FamilyAdventure #ParentingInMidlife #CoreMemories #MidlifeMagic **Follow us for more hilarious insights and relatable moments!** If You Have Aging Parents & Are In The Sandwich Generation, I Got What You Need Here: Make sure you follow for daily entertainment here @BarbaraStratte on Instagram Find Our Go To Favorite Things for Fun, Home, Family & Aging Parents If You Enjoy Reading Here’s The Blog #MidlifeWomen #MidlifePodcast #SandwichGeneration #ParentingTeens #AgingParents #MidlifeReset #MentalHealthAwareness #PositiveThinking #AgingGracefully /episode/index/show/5f8c2fb8-7fd3-4a56-ae76-ce6f09f4c034/id/38078285

Boob Scare To Self-Care 09/01/2025

From Burnout To All Out 08/25/2025

Midlife Health... Is This Normal? 08/18/2025

Midlife Health... Is This Normal? This episode is for every woman who's ever walked into a room and forgotten why—twice. Let’s get one thing straight: Midlife health isn’t a spa day. It’s a full-contact sport. And in this episode, we’re getting real about what it means to live in a body that’s suddenly doing weird things without warning: • Sciatic pain that shows up uninvited and refuses to leave • Hormones that feel like they’re playing dodgeball with your sanity • Mammograms, MRIs, and that moment you Google something at 3 am and spiral hard • How to advocate for yourself when the system shrugs and says, “Welcome to getting older” And yes—we’re laughing the whole way through. Because if you don’t laugh? You cry in the Walgreens vitamin aisle. This episode is your reminder that: • You’re not lazy. You’re exhausted from holding everything together. • You’re not broken. Your body’s just asking you to finally listen. • You don’t need to EARN rest, validation, or a break from carrying the mental load of your entire household. We’re pulling back the curtain on all the messy, magical, midlife stuff—without pretending we have it all figured out. Because guess what? No one does. Tune in if: • You’ve ever cried over back pain and laughed about it 5 minutes later • You need a friend to say, “Me too,” about the things no one talks about • You want to feel seen, heard, and reminded that you’re not going through this alone So go ahead—grab your coffee, your weighted vest, or whatever makes you feel slightly less unhinged—and hit play. And hey, if this episode makes you feel even a little less alone in this season? Send it to your friends. The one who’s also quietly panicking over hot flashes, brain fog, and that weird noise her hip just made. **Follow us for more hilarious insights and relatable moments!** If You Have Aging Parents & Are In The Sandwich Generation, I Got What You Need Here: Make sure you follow for daily entertainment here @BarbaraStratte on Instagram Find Our Go To Favorite Things for Fun, Home, Family & Aging Parents If You Enjoy Reading Here’s The Blog #MidlifeUnfiltered #RealTalkAfter40 #PoopAndPower #HormonesAndHumor #YouAreNotAlone #CaregiverLife #MiddleAgeMagic #SandwichGenerationSupport /episode/index/show/5f8c2fb8-7fd3-4a56-ae76-ce6f09f4c034/id/37647425

Sideline Hero: The Real MVP 08/11/2025

Sideline Hero: The Real MVP Raising Athletes, Losing Our Minds, and Why Sports Moms Deserve Medals If you’ve ever packed a cooler at 6 a.m., screamed from the sidelines, or quietly questioned why this game matters so much—you’re in the right place. This episode is what every sports parent needs to hear. Because let’s be honest: youth sports? It’s not just a hobby—it’s a full-time job with zero pay, high emotional stakes, and way too many snack duties. In this episode, we get real about: • Why youth sports culture is so intense • The pressure we feel as parents to “get it right” • How to keep your own identity while raising a kid who’s chasing goals • What sports actually teach our kids—and what they teach us • Why gratitude, grit, and growth matter more than any trophy Here’s the truth: You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to show up with heart and boundaries. This is the pep talk you didn’t know you needed—and the permission slip to stop trying to be everything to everyone. This episode is for: • The mom who’s burnt out, stretched thin, and wondering if it’s okay to not care this much • The woman who loves her kids but misses herself • Anyone who’s ever sat in the car after a game and thought: “What are we even doing?” This isn’t just about sports. It’s about who you are when the whistle blows and life keeps coming. **Follow us for more hilarious insights and relatable moments!** If You Have Aging Parents & Are In The Sandwich Generation, I Got What You Need Here: Make sure you follow for daily entertainment here @BarbaraStratte on Instagram Find Our Go To Favorite Things for Fun, Home, Family & Aging Parents If You Enjoy Reading Here’s The Blog #MidlifeMom #YouthSports #RaisingAthletes #BurnoutIsReal #SportsMoms #SidelineHero #ParentingUnfiltered #MiddleAgeManagement /episode/index/show/5f8c2fb8-7fd3-4a56-ae76-ce6f09f4c034/id/37640465

What Death Teaches Us About Life 08/04/2025

What Death Teaches Us About Life Let’s talk about the thing no one wants to talk about—but everyone feels: grief. In this episode of Middle Age Management, we’re getting real about what it means to lose people (and pets) we love—and what they teach us about living fully while we’re still here. From the quiet impact of our beloved family cat Bonnie to the larger-than-life legacy of a family friend, Keith, this episode is packed with powerful reflections, unexpected laughter, and soul-stirring moments. Whether you're dealing with the loss of a parent, caring for aging loved ones, or simply feeling the emotional weight of midlife, this conversation is here to remind you: you’re not alone—and your feelings are valid. We’re diving into: • The emotional rollercoaster of caregiving and loss • Why death forces us to re-evaluate what really matters • How to find meaning, humor, and hope—even in grief • And why the Sandwich Generation is rewriting what midlife looks like This is more than just a podcast episode—it’s a love letter to the lessons we carry from those who came before us. Hit play. Feel seen. Share it with someone who needs it.  Because when we talk about death, we actually start living. 👉 Subscribe now to Middle Age Management—where real life, real love, and real messes meet. #midlifepodcast #griefjourney #sandwichgeneration #agingparents #caregiverlife #midlifewisdom #melrobbinsstyle #deathandlife #legacyandlove #middleagemagic **Follow us for more hilarious insights and relatable moments!** If You Have Aging Parents & Are In The Sandwich Generation, I Got What You Need Here: https://www.thesandwichedgen.com/ebook Make sure you follow for daily entertainment here @BarbaraStratte on Instagram Find Our Go To Favorite Things for Fun, Home, Family & Aging Parents https://www.amazon.com/shop/thrivingfamilypodcastbycalmparent If You Enjoy Reading Here’s The Blog https://www.thesandwichedgen.com/blog /episode/index/show/5f8c2fb8-7fd3-4a56-ae76-ce6f09f4c034/id/37583725

Sh*t Happens, What's Next? 07/28/2025

Let Them (Trying To Be Better Morons) 07/21/2025

Gettin’ Jiggy WIth Midlife Marriage 07/14/2025

Gettin’ Jiggy WIth Midlife Marriage Welcome back to our podcast! In today’s episode, we're diving deep into the heart of marriage and what it really means to share your life with someone — the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Join us as we chat about our journey — from high school sweethearts to navigating the ups and downs of married life. We'll explore those tough conversations that many avoid, like what to expect after tying the knot and how to grow together (or apart). Spoiler alert: we definitely don’t have a perfect marriage, but we’ve learned a thing or two about communication, understanding, and support! We'll tackle engaging topics like: - Real-life marriage struggles and how we overcame them. - The importance of maintaining your individual happiness. - Check-in questions for couples that can help strengthen your relationship. - And how to keep the spark alive, even during the chaotic 'sandwich generation' phase! If you're looking for unfiltered, honest discussions about midlife, love, and everything around it — you've found the right place. Don't forget to hit that subscribe button, leave a comment, and share this with your favorite couple or best friend who could use a little focused relationship talk. Let's get into it, and remember: it’s all about the little things that make a big difference! 💕 #MarriageTalk #MidlifeMagic #Relationships #CouplesCommunication #RealLifeStruggles 📚 Grab my ebook for the Sandwich Generation here: 👍 Follow us for more real conversations! 🔔 Hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes! If You Have Aging Parents & Are In The Sandwich Generation, I Got What You Need Here: Make sure you follow for daily entertainment here @BarbaraStratte on Instagram Find Our Go To Favorite Things for Fun, Home, Family & Aging Parents If You Enjoy Reading Here’s The Blog Thanks for hanging out with us today! Go rock the rest of your day! /episode/index/show/5f8c2fb8-7fd3-4a56-ae76-ce6f09f4c034/id/37363840

Zero F's, All Confidence 07/07/2025

Midlife, Meet Social Life 06/30/2025

The Family That Plays Together... 06/23/2025

The Midlife Mess 06/16/2025

Make A Request, Not A Complaint 06/16/2025

Middle Age Management

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