In this episode of Message in the Middle, we’re exploring something deeply human and undeniably powerful: the stories we tell about ourselves and how changing them can change everything.

I’m joined by Shaunna Lee, bestselling author, coach, and passionate advocate for rewriting your inner narrative so you can step into a life that feels aligned, empowered, and true. Together, we talk about how stories shape identity, influence confidence, and often keep us stuck without even realizing it.

Shaunna shares her own journey of reframing old beliefs, finding her voice, and choosing a story that supported the life she wanted instead of the one she felt tied to. We dig into why midlife is the perfect time for this kind of transformation, how to challenge narratives that no longer serve you, and what it really looks like to reclaim authorship of your life.

If you’ve ever felt defined by your past or if you're ready to write a new chapter grounded in truth, compassion, and strength, then this conversation is for you.

Connect with Shaunna: https://www.shaunnalee.com

Connect with Marianne:

• Website: Message In The Middle with Marianne
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• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966
• Email: Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne

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Many women in midlife begin to question habits they once accepted without much thought, for some that includes their relationship with alcohol. In this episode of Message in the Middle, Marianne sits down with alcohol-free empowerment coach, keynote speaker, and author Lauren Fay for an honest, compassionate conversation about reclaiming your power and choosing a more conscious way of living.

Lauren shares what life looked like before she stopped drinking in 2018, and why she doesn’t frame sobriety as a loss, but as an act of self-trust and self-respect. Together, they explore how alcohol can quietly shape identity, relationships, confidence, and intuition, often without us realizing it.

This conversation isn’t about labels or perfection. It’s about awareness, choice, and what becomes possible when you stop numbing and start listening.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why midlife is often the moment women begin questioning alcohol’s role in their lives
• Reframing sobriety as reclaiming power rather than giving something up
• Subtle signs of an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, even without addiction
• Navigating relationships and social situations while living alcohol-free
• Rebuilding identity outside of drinking culture
• Letting go of shame and secrecy and learning to live more openly
• How sobriety can activate confidence, ambition, and deeper self-trust
• Reimagining joy, rest, and celebration without alcohol

Whether you’re sober-curious, taking a break, or simply reflecting on how you want to feel in this season of life, this episode offers permission to choose yourself.

Connect with Lauren:

• Website: https://laurenfaycoaching.com/
• Grab The Book: https://laurenfay.co/book

Connect with Marianne:

• Website: Message In The Middle with Marianne
• Message In the Middle Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966
• Email: Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne

Subscribe to Message In the Middle:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube

Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content.

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As we come to the end of the year and step into a new one, this episode of Message in the Middle is meant to feel like a bridge between seasons.

Instead of a detailed recap, Marianne reflects on the themes that showed up again and again in conversations throughout the year and reminds us why they matter so deeply for women in midlife.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or emotional doesn’t mean you’re broken
• How identity shifts in midlife are not a crisis, but an invitation
• Why rest is not a reward you earn, but a necessity
• The importance of connection and community

Marianne also shares a personal note as she heads into a two-week vacation, practicing what she often talks about, slowing down, letting go of perfection, and creating meaningful memories with her kids and grandkids (the thing she loves most).

This episode is a reminder that midlife isn’t about winding down, it’s about waking up. You’re not behind. You’re not broken. You’re just becoming.

If this podcast has supported you this year, please be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any episodes in the new year. Subscribing and leaving a review helps more women find these conversations and this community.

Connect with Marianne:

• Website: Message In The Middle with Marianne
• Message In the Middle Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966
• Email: Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne

Subscribe to Message In the Middle:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube

Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content.

Keep the conversation going - Join us for more insightful conversations in the Message in the Middle Private Facebook Community & subscribe to Message in th...