Dive into the refreshing world of midlife fiction with bestselling UK novelist Jane Costello as she reveals the creative journey behind her latest romantic comedy, "It's Getting Hot in Here." With candor and humor, Jane shares how she's boldly reimagining the rom-com genre with a 47-year-old protagonist navigating perimenopause, teenage children, and unexpected romantic stirrings.

After selling over a million copies of her debut novel and publishing 15 books across two decades, Jane offers a fascinating glimpse into her evolution as a writer. Her story begins not with childhood dreams of authorship, but during maternity leave with her first child, when she carved out precious writing time during nap sessions. For anyone who's ever doubted their creative potential, Jane's journey from uncertainty to international success proves that persistence transforms possibility into reality.

Whether you're an aspiring writer seeking practical advice or a reader hungry for stories that reflect the richness of midlife experiences, this conversation delivers wisdom and warmth in equal measure. Jane demystifies the writing process with refreshing honesty, sometimes describing it as "like knitting with spaghetti," while celebrating how her latest book flowed with unexpected joy. Her advice to writers—begin with a compelling idea, create a rough plot outline, and treat writing as a marathon rather than a sprint—cuts through creative intimidation with practical clarity. And her message to her younger self? "Relax more and worry less. Things are going to work out okay." Don't miss this inspiring conversation about finding new creative chapters in midlife and beyond.

Connect with Jane and purchase her book here:

Ready to FEARLESSLY FACE all the F WORDS – be inspired and encouraged?

Get a copy of Amy’s Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here

Fearlessly Facing Fifty and Beyond has over 200 episodes with inspiration and stories to age fearlessly and connect confidently to others thriving at midlife and beyond.

Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the Fearlessly Facing Fifty podcast share it with the world – a review means so much.

And don’t forget to follow along on all the socials:

http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt

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Michele Cuffe's powerful insights on extending not just lifespan but healthspan will transform how you think about aging. Drawing from evolutionary biology and modern research, she reveals why Europeans can indulge in bread and wine without weight gain while Americans struggle despite "healthy" habits - it's not just what we eat, but how we live.

Stress represents the silent epidemic undermining American health, with most of us trapped in a chronic stress response for eight hours daily when it was designed to last mere seconds. Michele shares accessible techniques to break this cycle through simple daily practices requiring just 20 minutes. The conversation tackles sleep quality with alarming statistics - insufficient sleep increases accident risk by 70% and cancer risk by 69% while potentially shortening lifespan by nearly five years.

When it comes to nutrition, Michele cuts through fad diet confusion with refreshing clarity: "We were given two categories on this planet - plants and animals." Her practical grocery shopping guidance emphasizes perimeter shopping for organic vegetables and high-quality proteins while explaining why some seemingly healthy options like farm-raised salmon should be avoided entirely. For women over 50, she emphasizes the critical importance of strength training over endless cardio for hormonal balance and longevity.

Most movingly, Michele shares her personal journey from stay-at-home mom to fitness instructor to author, proving it's never too late to discover new passions and silence the inner critic. Whether you're just beginning your health journey or looking to optimize your wellness practices, this conversation delivers actionable wisdom for creating a vibrant, energetic life that could extend to 100 years and beyond. Don't miss Michele's practical tips for approaching fitness without intimidation - your future self will thank you.

Connect with Michele and purchase her book here:

Ready to FEARLESSLY FACE all the F WORDS – be inspired and encouraged?

Get a copy of Amy’s Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here

Fearlessly Facing Fifty and Beyond has over 200 episodes with inspiration and stories to age fearlessly and connect confidently to others thriving at midlife and beyond.

Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the Fearlessly Facing Fifty podcast share it with the world – a review means so much.

And don’t forget to follow along on all the socials:

http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt

https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/

Sharon Macey's journey from stay-at-home mom to podcast host and competitive dancer offers a refreshing roadmap for life's second act. The question that guided her wasn't "What do I want to do when I grow up?" but rather "What do I want to do when my kids grow up?"—a subtle distinction that resonates deeply with women navigating the transition from active motherhood to their next chapter.

What makes Sharon's approach so accessible is her emphasis on baby steps. "The beauty of taking a baby step is that if it doesn't work, we can pivot," she explains, giving women permission to experiment without the pressure of getting it perfectly right the first time. Her own return to dance after many years away led her to Latin ballroom competitions, complete with spray tans and elaborate costumes—a testament to the joy that comes from reconnecting with forgotten passions.

The conversation explores how friendships evolve, family dynamics shift, and faith deepens as we age. Sharon challenges the notion that making friends gets harder with age, noting how her social circle has expanded in her sixties. Both women discuss the intentionality required to maintain connections with adult children while embracing this new phase of life. Most powerfully, Sharon reminds listeners that reinvention is deeply personal: "You do you, and no one does you better than you." Whether that means launching a podcast, playing pickleball, or simply focusing on wellness, the path forward should reflect your unique desires, not external expectations.

Ready to take your own baby step toward reinvention? Listen now and discover how the wisdom, resilience, and experience you've gained become your greatest assets in creating life's most meaningful chapters. What will you become when your children grow up?

Connect with Sharon and take a listen to her MOM to more podcast here:

Ready to FEARLESSLY FACE all the F WORDS – be inspired and encouraged?

Get a copy of Amy’s Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond here

Fearlessly Facing Fifty and Beyond has over 200 episodes with inspiration and stories to age fearlessly and connect confidently to others thriving at midlife and beyond.

Make sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the Fearlessly Facing Fifty podcast share it with the world – a review means so much.

And don’t forget to follow along on all the socials:

http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidt

https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/