To 50 and Beyond - Sobriety for Midlife Women

Are you a woman in midlife and beyond who wants to live alcohol-free? Are you ready to focus on building a better relationship with yourself instead of with alcohol, and could you use some encouragement along the way? I’m Lori Massicot, The Midlife Sobriety Coach, and I’m here to support you every step of the way! I started drinking at 14 and made the tough decision to quit at 45. I understand the challenges you face in early sobriety and in maintaining an alcohol-free lifestyle. In 2018, I created the To 50 and Beyond podcast to raise awareness about the option of living alcohol-free later in life. My mission is to provide practical solutions, along with plenty of love and support, so you never feel alone. This podcast is the resource I wished I had when I decided to stop drinking on August 11, 2013. With over 300 episodes and half a million downloads, To 50 and Beyond has touched the hearts of women worldwide who are discovering that they don’t have to keep drinking. What a relief! In each episode, you’ll find practical solutions, inspiring stories, and insights from expert guests to help you navigate midlife and sobriety. To learn more about me and the podcast, please visit my website: https://www.lorimassicot.com/ Thank you for listening. Peace✌🏻 Disclaimer: The content of the To 50 and Beyond podcast is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. It is not suitable for anyone under 18. Guests featured on the podcast are available to answer questions and provide support through their respective channels, as mentioned in each episode.

Own Your Process and Celebrate Your Progress 10/09/2024

Own Your Process and Celebrate Your Progress https://www.lorimassicot.com/to-50-and-beyond-podcast/302Episode 302 The purpose of this short and sweet episode is to remind you to be patient and celebrate your progress in your journey towards alcohol freedom. Your “process” is unique, and it's not just about consecutive alcohol-free days. It's about what you learn and discover along the way. I’ll give you ideas to help you celebrate your growth beyond just counting days without drinking. It's time to acknowledge your efforts and build yourself up as you work towards freedom from alcohol. Remember, the road to alcohol freedom takes time and patience. You are worth the effort you're putting in, and I encourage you to remind yourself of that often. Thank you for listening! I'm with you! Let me help you make living alcohol-free in midlife a better experience! 📩Join my to stay connected to the podcast and tips, insights, and inspiration to help you stay alcohol-free. 🧰Download a trusted companion that helps you stay focused on being alcohol-free today. Not forever. 🩷Go and stay alcohol-free with lifetime access to practical solutions, resources just for midlife gals, and LIVE weekly coaching in my “only for midlife women” coaching community 🤝Team up with me 1:1 to get the attention and support you deserve through my Do you enjoy the podcast? Help me spread the word! There is another option besides drinking in midlife. If you enjoyed this episode and want to take a few minutes to support the podcast, I want to encourage you to leave a positive rating and review on Apple Podcasts. So many women out there don’t know there is an “alcohol-free” option and are struggling with their drinking. Your support will help these women find the podcast this week and learn about an alcohol-free lifestyle later in life. ➡️Click , scroll to the bottom of the page, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” I read my reviews and will hug you when I see yours. Make sure to “follow” To 50 and Beyond to get all of the wonderful episodes coming your way. If you don’t click “follow," you will miss hearing what’s coming up. Thank you! /episode/index/show/lorimassicot/id/33338857

Outgrowing Yourself in Midlife 10/02/2024

Outgrowing Yourself in Midlife Episode 301 If you're feeling like something is off and you're not sure what it is, it could be that you're outgrowing a past version of yourself. A version that may not be aligned to who you want to be today and tomorrow, and is not giving you positive vibes. 😅 This episode was inspired by the idea of outgrowing alcohol, and a quote that hit me right in the ol' thinking cap. We shrink ourselves to fit into places we’ve outgrown. Then we find ways to anesthetize the pain and discomfort. Stop spiritually and emotionally starving yourself. Let go. Move on. Grow. Steve Maraboli During this episode, I talk about the signs of outgrowing yourself and the benefits of personal growth, and I give you some prompts to reflect on while I share what I'm working on shedding at 56. I also talk about the signs of outgrowing alcohol and the identity women create around alcohol. I'm specifically talking about the "hostess with the mostess" identity, and why drinking to fit this identity may make going alcohol-free difficult. You can read the full show notes for this episode Thank you for listening! I appreciate you! Let me help you make living alcohol-free in midlife a better experience! 📩Join my to stay connected to the podcast and tips, insights, and inspiration to help you stay alcohol-free. 🧰Download a trusted companion that helps you stay focused on being alcohol-free today. Not forever. 🩷Go and stay alcohol-free with lifetime access to practical solutions, resources just for midlife gals, and LIVE weekly coaching in my “only for midlife women” coaching community 🤝Team up with me 1:1 to get the attention and support you deserve through my Do you enjoy the podcast? Help me spread the word! There is another option besides drinking in midlife. If you enjoyed this episode and want to take a few minutes to support the podcast, I want to encourage you to leave a positive rating and review on Apple Podcasts. So many women out there don’t know there is an “alcohol-free” option and are struggling with their drinking. Your support will help these women find the podcast this week and learn about an alcohol-free lifestyle later in life. ➡️Click , scroll to the bottom of the page, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” I read my reviews and will hug you when I see yours. Make sure to “follow” To 50 and Beyond to get all of the wonderful episodes coming your way. If you don’t click “follow," you will miss hearing what’s coming up. Thank you! /episode/index/show/lorimassicot/id/33234052

Reclaim Self-Comfort From Alcohol 09/25/2024

Reclaim Self-Comfort From Alcohol Episode #300 Hello! I'm glad you're here. If you're a midlife woman who is tired of turning to alcohol as a source of comfort and want to turn to yourself instead, this episode is for you! Alcohol is often perceived as a source of comfort, especially for women in midlife facing next-level challenges and stressors. Chardonnay was my friend and it wrapped me in comfort like a warm cozy blanket for years. However, this comfort was deceiving and over time, I realized that it was very temporary. In this episode, I talk about the concept of self-comfort and how to reclaim it without relying on alcohol. I'll discuss how alcohol can seem like an easy escape but often leads to more discomfort in the long run. I'll also share my personal experience of quitting drinking at 45 and how it's possible to find true comfort and relaxation without alcohol. The key topics inside: Understanding why midlife women often turn to alcohol for comfort Signs that you may be using alcohol as a coping mechanism The illusion of comfort that alcohol provides and why the “alcohol comfort zone” can lead to more dependency, shame, regret, and an unrealistic self-perception Steps to reclaim self-comfort without drinking and create a new “genuine comfort zone” The benefits of reclaiming self-comfort as the leading lady in your life You are not alone if you are drinking for comfort. I'm with you. I will never stop reminding you that you all you need to create a fulfilling life where you comfort yourself without drinking alcohol. You can read the full show notes for this episode Here are some additional episodes to listen to next: Let me help you make living alcohol-free in midlife a better experience! 📩Join my community to stay connected to the podcast and tips, insights, and inspiration to help you stay alcohol-free. 🧰Download a trusted companion that helps you stay focused on being alcohol-free today. Not forever. 🩷Go and stay alcohol-free with lifetime access to practical solutions, resources just for midlife gals, and LIVE weekly coaching in my “only for midlife women” coaching community 🤝Team up with me 1:1 to get the attention and support you deserve through my Do you enjoy the podcast? Help me spread the word! There is another option besides drinking in midlife. If you enjoyed this episode and want to take a few minutes to support the podcast, I want to encourage you to leave a positive rating and review on Apple Podcasts. So many women out there don’t know there is an “alcohol-free” option and are struggling with their drinking. Your support will help these women find the podcast this week and learn about an alcohol-free lifestyle later in life. ➡️Click , scroll to the bottom of the page, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” I read my reviews and will hug you when I see yours. Make sure to “follow” To 50 and Beyond to get all of the wonderful episodes coming your way. If you don’t click “follow," you will miss hearing what’s coming up. Thank you! /episode/index/show/lorimassicot/id/33156787

Daily Habits to Support Long-Lasting Sobriety with Jen Hirst 09/18/2024

Daily Habits to Support Long-Lasting Sobriety with Jen Hirst Hello there! I'm glad you're here! My guest in episode 299 is Jen Hirst, Sober Coach, and founder of Lighthouse Sobriety, who is here to help you create more structure in your day by adding habits that will help you maintain sobriety. One of the things I appreciate about Jen is her practical approach to getting and staying sober. And, her support that she shares on Instagram! I reached out to Jen to ask her to share her story and talk about how habits you can start today will help you stay alcohol-free. Our conversation centered around essential daily habits that can help maintain a long-lasting, alcohol-free lifestyle. Jen's insights are grounded in her journey and the experiences of those she's helped through her coaching. Jen decided to quit drinking after waking up in detox for the second time. Her life was in chaos, and she was tired of feeling terrible and losing control. She had no car, and no money, and her health was at risk. Jen realized that as long as she didn't drink, things couldn't get any worse. She chose to stop and focused on doing the next right thing, gradually rebuilding her life. Her main reason for quitting was to create a better future for herself and her family. The habits we discuss will help you abstain from alcohol and add more personal development and self-care to your alcohol-free lifestyle. Thank you for listening! To read this episode's full show notes, click You can connect with Jen here: Resources Mentioned Let me help you make living alcohol-free in midlife a better experience! Tools and support only for midlife gals! 📩Join my to stay connected to the podcast and tips, insights, and inspiration to help you stay alcohol-free. 🧰Download a trusted companion that helps you stay focused on being alcohol-free today. Not forever. 🩷Go and stay alcohol-free with lifetime access to practical solutions, resources just for midlife gals, and LIVE weekly coaching in my “only for midlife women” coaching community 🤝Team up with me 1:1 to get the attention and support you deserve through my Do you enjoy the podcast? Help me spread the word! There is another option besides drinking in midlife. If you enjoyed this episode and want to take a few minutes to support the podcast, I want to encourage you to leave a positive rating and review on Apple Podcasts. So many women out there don’t know there is an “alcohol-free” option and are struggling with their drinking. Your support will help these women find the podcast this week and learn about an alcohol-free lifestyle later in life. ➡️Click, scroll to the bottom of the page, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” I read my reviews and will hug you when I see yours. Make sure to “follow” To 50 and Beyond to get all of the wonderful episodes coming your way. If you don’t click “follow," you will miss hearing what’s coming up. Thank you! Want more sober support? Check out these popular episodes: /episode/index/show/lorimassicot/id/32961417

Figuring Things Out As You Go: A Reintroduction to To 50 and Beyond 09/11/2024

Figuring Things Out As You Go: A Reintroduction to To 50 and Beyond Hey there! I'm happy to be back with you after a summer hiatus. I started To 50 and Beyond when I was 50 way back in 2018, so it would be a great time for a reintroduction. Things have changed since then and I have figured some things out that I want to share with you. The episode starts with a flashback from my very first introduction in February of 2018. I talk about the evolution of the podcast, and why I still believe midlife is the best time to remove anything from your life that you don't enjoy or find value in, including alcohol. I share where I am after celebrating 11 years of sobriety on 8/11/13, and why I'm passionate about helping other midlife women find freedom from alcohol. I also discuss the importance of embracing change, even when you don't have everything figured out. Whether you're considering sobriety or any other life change, I encourage you to take that first step and trust that you'll figure things out as you go. Looking ahead, I reveal my plans for the podcast, including a shift towards more solo episodes and a desire to go deeper in our conversations. I reaffirm my commitment to being authentic, supportive, and compassionate as we navigate the challenges and opportunities of midlife and sobriety together. Thank you so much for listening! I appreciate you! If you're new to sobriety, to help you plan your day with purpose and self-care. Links mentioned in the episode: Could you help me spread the word? There is another option besides drinking in midlife. If you liked this episode and want to take a few minutes to support the podcast, I would appreciate it! So many women out there don’t know there is an “alcohol-free” option and are struggling with their drinking. Your support will help these women find the podcast this week and learn about an alcohol-free lifestyle later in life. ➡️Click , scroll to the bottom of the page, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” I read my reviews and will hug you when I see yours. Make sure to “follow” To 50 and Beyond to get all the wonderful episodes coming your way. If you don’t click “follow," you will miss hearing what’s coming up. Thank you! /episode/index/show/lorimassicot/id/32929912

When You Change Your Mind - I'm on a Podcast Break Until September 11, 2024 07/07/2024

Tips to Help You Prepare an Alcohol-Free Vacation 07/03/2024

Tips to Help You Prepare an Alcohol-Free Vacation Episode 297 Are you planning a vacation and want to stay alcohol-free but feeling unsure if you can manage it? I've been there too. When I stopped drinking, I struggled with the idea that a vacation could be enjoyable without alcohol. For me, alcohol and vacation were intertwined in my belief of what made a trip fun. It took one sober trip to realize that vacations could be just as enjoyable without alcohol. In this episode, I share seven of my favorite tips for preparing for a sober vacation, along with strategies to help you stay on track during and after your trip. What you’ll hear: Why we associate vacations with alcohol and how to change the associations one trip at at time My first sober travel experience and what I learned The benefits I’ve experienced from traveling without drinking: Keeping my wits about me, longer (slow) days I remember, and not needing a vacation from my vacation. Seven tips to help you prepare for your vacation before you leave: 1. Define your purpose of the trip. 2. Get clear on what challenges you are concerned about to create a plan when/if they come up. 3. Communicate your intentions not to drink with a travel buddy or someone at home. 4. Focus on Nourishment 5. Invest in something to carry with you as a reminder of your intention to stay a/f. 6. Write down you reasons why you don’t want to drink and make an “if this, then that” plan that you can carry with you. 7. Write a Dear Me letter to open when you return. In this letter, you will talk about how you experienced your vacation without drinking and how grateful and proud of yourself you are. You are not alone if you’re not that excited about alcohol-free vacations, but I want you to know that if you are choosing not to drink on vacation when you would normally - it is a badass move that can be life-changing. If you need extra sobriety support, join us inside Team Alcohol-Free before enrollment closes on 7/1/24. Inside The Team this summer, we are kicking off our First Annual Sober Gal Summer Camp on July 15th. /episode/index/show/lorimassicot/id/31928842

Sober Gal Summer: What's In and Out 06/26/2024

Sober Gal Summer: What's In and Out Episode 296 This episode is for the Sober Gal who wants to spend her summer with that Sober Gal vibe - freedom from alcohol. Freedom to do more things SHE wants to do. Invest and give herself back the time, money, and energy alcohol took from her and have fun on her own this summer - no alcohol required. ➡️Do you feel like you’re missing out because you don’t have a glass of alcohol when you’re sitting on your patio? ➡️Are you starting to give yourself a summer pass for drinking because you’re on vacation? ➡️Saying things like - I’m traveling internationally; alcohol doesn’t count? ➡️Are you doubtful that you will be able to show up at BBQs and get-togethers and say, I’m not drinking? I totally get it! I felt this way when I stopped drinking in August of 2013. But hold up before you grant yourself a drinking pass because it’s summer, and listen in while I share what’s in and out for Sober Gals during our one-and-only summer of 2024. I had the same summer experience for decades and I didn’t realize it until I stopped drinking. Different year. Same old stuff. Alcohol-centered, not me-centered that is why I’m creating the very first Sober Gal Summer in 2024! What you’ll hear: An explanation of what it means to have a Sober Gal Summer: it’s a mindset, an attitude, and a celebration of elevated self-care regimes and rewards. Both tangible and intangible. Think freedom, peace, and being present. Why summer is a challenging time to stay sober for most midlife women A list of What’s In and What’s Out for Sober Gals this summer (hint: what’s in: pleasing ourselves first) How to create your In and Out Sober Gal Summer list by using my My mission to bring our midlife community together this summer to build more confidence in ourselves and our choice to be free from alcohol. If you’re ready to make 2024 the summer of you. Join us inside Team Alcohol-Free and get the inspiration, support, and fun you deserve this summer. Inside The Team this summer, we are kicking off our First Annual Sober Gal Summer Camp on July 15th. Enrollment closes July 31, 2024, until Fall. Join today! /episode/index/show/lorimassicot/id/31855612

Q & A: When Does Sobriety Stop Being So Hard? 06/19/2024

How I Managed My Anxiety When I Quit Drinking Alcohol 06/12/2024

How I Managed My Anxiety When I Quit Drinking Alcohol Episode 294 In this episode, I’m answering a question from a To 50 and Beyond listener, Maggie. Maggie sent me an email and said: I’ve heard you talk about your social anxiety when you were 14 and started drinking as you got older. Did having anxiety hold you back from quitting drinking? And how did you manage it once you stopped drinking? Anxiety has been one of the most difficult things I’ve had to experience and manage throughout my life. I didn’t talk to a doctor about my anxiety until I was in my 40s. I wanted to hide it. Pretend like I had everything together, and even during public panic attacks in my 20’s and 30’s, I would say, “I’m fine.” I wasn’t anything but fine for decades, and I used alcohol to take away my anxiety so I would feel better. In this episode, you will hear: When and why did my anxiety start at eleven after losing my dad. Why I first started drinking at the age of 14 - to fit in and lessen my social shyness. Where my anxiety comes from (hint: I was trying to control my anxiety, not manage it with drinking). How I approached the “anxiety roadblock” that held me back from going alcohol-free. The basics that I stuck to in early sobriety, and today, that help me manage my anxiety. If you are someone who experiences anxiety and using alcohol to cope, I understand how you feel. Alcohol is not a sustainable approach to anxiety. I learned this after I quit drinking. There is help for you and support. You are not alone. I felt alone in my anxiety for far too long. I’m with you. Thank you for listening! Mentioned in this episode: Please if you have a topic for the podcast or need a friend. Q & A Series Help me spread the word! There is another option besides drinking in midlife. If you liked this episode and want to take a few minutes to support the podcast, I encourage you to leave a positive rating and review on Apple Podcasts. So many women out there don’t know there is an “alcohol-free” option and are struggling with their drinking. Your support will help these women find the podcast this week and learn about an alcohol-free lifestyle later in life. ➡️Click, scroll to the bottom of the page, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” I read my reviews and will hug you when I see yours. Make sure to “follow” To 50 and Beyond to get all the wonderful episodes coming your way. If you don’t click “follow," you will miss hearing what’s coming up. Thank you! /episode/index/show/lorimassicot/id/31534612

Starting Over on Day One 06/05/2024

The Benefits of Staying Sober When You're Alone 05/29/2024

The Benefits of Staying Sober When You're Alone Episode 292 I enjoyed drinking alone, and I know that being alone can be a challenge when you stop drinking. Whether you live alone or find drinking alone an enjoyable “reward,” but you don’t want to continue drinking, this episode is for you. Today, I’m answering a question from a To 50 and Beyond listener, Kim, as part of my six-week Q&A series. Kim sent me an email saying: I go about 30 days without drinking but find it hard to keep it going, mainly because I live alone. No one will know if I drink, so I often give in and tell myself—I’ll have just a little (you know how this goes) or just because I’m bored or miss my nightly glasses of wine. How do I break this habit of giving in because of feeling this way? In this episode, I discuss the benefits of staying sober alone in midlife: building more trust, pride, confidence, and patience with yourself when you stay true to what you want more than alcohol. I share suggestions to help you if you’re feeling lonely, bored, or in the habit of rewarding yourself with alcohol to create new rituals for yourself. My message to you is that you are not the only one who feels like drinking alone is enjoyable or lives alone and finds it hard not to give in. “I’ll just have one.” Give yourself time and lots of love and kindness to help you find new ways to manage your daily life without drinking alcohol. I’m with you 100%! Please if you have a topic for the podcast or need a friend. Thank you for listening! Mentioned in this episode: Help me spread the word! There is another option besides drinking in midlife. If you liked this episode and want to take a few minutes to support the podcast, I encourage you to leave a positive rating and review on Apple Podcasts. So many women out there don’t know there is an “alcohol-free” option and are struggling with their drinking. Your support will help these women find the podcast this week and learn about an alcohol-free lifestyle later in life. ➡️Click, scroll to the bottom of the page, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Make sure to “follow” To 50 and Beyond to get all the wonderful episodes coming your way. If you don’t click “follow," you will miss hearing what’s coming up. Thank you! /episode/index/show/lorimassicot/id/31354117

Wondering if Your Drinking Isn't "Bad Enough" to Quit? 05/22/2024

Wondering if Your Drinking Isn't "Bad Enough" to Quit? Episode 291 Today, I’m answering the question: What if my drinking isn’t “bad enough” to quit? I’ve heard this question from midlife women for years and asked myself this question for two years. f you are on the verge of going alcohol-free but aren’t 100% certain that your drinking is at a place where you “need” to remove alcohol completely, this is the episode for you. Even though my drinking was considered “bad enough” to quit on paper and in my heart, it didn’t mean that I stopped. For two years, I tried to justify and compare my drinking to others whose drinking was worse than mine. The purpose of this episode is to share some good news - you don’t have to measure your drinking by “bad” to go alcohol-free. I've got you, friend! During this episode, you’ll hear: My story and reasons why I was trying to moderate my drinking and make alcohol “work” What I envisioned of someone who had to quit drinking, and why I resisted being a sober woman Why the consequences of my drinking and others doesn’t make it easier to quit drinking The good news! Why you don’t have to measure your choice to quit drinking by labels or by comparing yourself to others How Gray Area drinking plays a role in our choice to stop drinking on our own accord The questions you can ask yourself if you are wondering if your drinking isn’t “bad enough” to quit Ask yourself these questions to learn more about where you are with your drinking and where you want to be: Why are you wondering if your drinking isn’t bad enough to quit? Is it to validate quitting or continuing to drink? If my drinking is not bad enough, how bad does it have to get? When is enough enough? What is holding you back from going alcohol-free? What if you allow yourself to create an alcohol-free lifestyle not because your drinking is bad but because YOU want better and different than what alcohol gives you? Don’t compare how you feel about alcohol and your drinking to anyone else - including me. Stay in your lane because that is where you will figure it out. 👊🏻 Mentioned in this episode: How I can help you: Help me spread the word! There is another option besides drinking in midlife. If you liked this episode and want to take a few minutes to support the podcast, I want to encourage you to leave a positive rating and review on Apple Podcasts. So many women out there don’t know there is an “alcohol-free” option and are struggling with their drinking. Your support will help these women find the podcast this week and learn about an alcohol-free lifestyle later in life. ➡️Click, scroll to the bottom of the page, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” I read my reviews and will hug you when I see yours. Make sure to “follow” To 50 and Beyond to receive all the wonderful episodes. If you don’t click “follow," you will miss out on what’s coming up. Thank you! /episode/index/show/lorimassicot/id/31240997