“Midlife is not the beginning of the end — it’s the beginning of alignment.”

Today, I’m in this milestone of 200th episodes of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, and I’m reflecting on nearly five years, 200 conversations, and countless lessons I’ve learned while walking alongside brave, bold women navigating midlife. This episode is both a celebration and a heartfelt message to every woman who feels stuck, hesitant, or afraid to step into her next season.

I share what 200 episodes have taught me about midlife transformation, reinvention, and confidence — starting with this truth: playing small always costs more than being brave. Midlife is not the beginning of the end; it’s the beginning of alignment. It’s a season where clarity increases, courage is required, and ignoring your calling becomes more painful than answering it.

In this solo episode, I talk honestly about fear — how it whispers, sounds reasonable, and keeps so many women delaying their dreams. I address the lies that tell us it’s too late, that our best years are behind us, or that someone else is more qualified. I’ve learned that fear, not age or lack of resources, is the real enemy of midlife growth and purpose.

I also share what I’ve witnessed in hundreds of interviews with courageous women: women who have faced abuse, loss, incarceration, health challenges, menopause, career upheaval, and identity shifts — yet still chose bravery. I’ve learned that courage isn’t a personality trait; it’s something we cultivate through small, faithful decisions made one step at a time.

This episode speaks directly to women over 40 and 50 who are longing for clarity, confidence, and purpose. Whether you’re considering a midlife career change, starting over at 50, launching a business, or redefining success and joy in this season, I remind you that there is no perfect time — only the decision to move forward.

As I reflect on 200 episodes, I talk about consistency, obedience, and showing up even when it felt uncomfortable or uncertain. I share why regret is far heavier than the risk of trying, why we don’t outgrow our calling, but we do outgrow our containers, and why endings are often necessary for new beginnings in midlife.

This episode is an invitation to stop waiting, stop shrinking, and stop negotiating with fear. You don’t need to leap — you just need to decide. One brave step can change the entire trajectory of your life.

After 200 episodes, my question to you is the same as it’s always been: Is it time for you to find your brave and live your dreams?

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro

1:11 - This is my 200th episode!!

1:52 - Why our brains resist change

3:33 - How midlife is not the end, but a new beginning

5:09 - Lesson #1: Playing small always costs more than being brave

7:18 - Lesson #2: Many midlife women decide to play small

9:36 - Lesson #3: Many women are afraid to be invisible in midlife transition

12:20 - Lesson #4: Midlife women can do hard things

14:29 - Lesson #5: There is no right time

19:40 - Lesson #6: You don’t outgrow your calling

20:53 - Questions to ask yourself today

Quotations:

“Procrastination has a price tag, and many women are paying for it with their calling.”

“Courage is not a personality trait; it’s something you cultivate.”

“Regret is heavier than the risk of doing something afraid.”

“Brave doesn’t mean reckless — it means responsive to the calling you feel.”

“One obedience step can change the...

Have you ever found yourself wondering, “Where did I go?”

If you’re a midlife woman navigating life after 40 or 50 and feeling unseen, unheard, or unsure of your purpose, this episode is for you.

In this episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, I speak directly to an experience so many women face in midlife but rarely talk about — feeling invisible. I share why this feeling isn’t personal, and it doesn’t mean you’ve lost your value. It’s contextual. Roles shift. Seasons change. And when they do, it can shake our confidence, identity, and sense of purpose.

I talk openly about how much of our worth as women becomes tied to our usefulness—our children needing us, our careers relying on us, our appearance, our productivity. When those mirrors disappear, we often begin to question who we are. That’s when midlife can feel disorienting, lonely, and confusing. But this season isn’t a crisis — it’s a midlife awakening.

Also, I explain why the real pain of invisibility doesn’t come from the world failing to see us, but from the moment we stop seeing ourselves. I unpack how self-confidence quietly turns into self-abandonment, why we start shrinking, silencing our opinions, shelving our dreams, and lowering our expectations — and how to stop doing that.

I also introduce the heart of my coaching work and the 5 Fortitudes of a BraveHearted Woman (BRAVE) — Bold Vision, Real Identity, Able Mindsets, Virtuous Self-Talk, and Excellent Habits. These principles are the foundation for midlife transformation, helping women rediscover confidence, clarity, and purpose without blowing up their lives.

If you’re in a season of midlife reinvention, facing an empty nest, questioning your next chapter, or searching for midlife confidence, I want you to know this: this is not your season to disappear. It’s your season to return — to yourself, to your values, to God’s vision for your life.

Here are the highlights:

1. Why feeling invisible in midlife is common — and what it’s really revealing
2. How identity tied to roles and usefulness erodes midlife confidence for women
3. The mindset shift required to reclaim your voice and presence
4. Why clarity of purpose creates true visibility — without performing
5. How boundaries, values, and daily practices protect your energy
6. Practical steps to begin self-discovery and personal growth in midlife

This episode is especially for women experiencing life after 50, navigating change, menopause, aging, career transitions, or wondering how to thrive in midlife with courage and clarity.

If you’re ready to go deeper, I invite you to explore my BraveHearted Transformation course, where I guide you through small, strategic shifts that lead to lasting confidence and fulfillment in midlife.

👉 Visit braveheartedwoman.com/bravehearted-transformation

Remember — this is not the end of your story. This is the beginning of your return.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro

1:37 – Why midlife invisibility feels so real

6:54 - How self-confidence can turn into self-abandonment

9:37 - If you want to find your purpose, this is what you need

11:49 - Tips for reclaiming your presence

18:36 - How to take action

Quotations:

“Midlife — this is...

“Just because something works for me doesn’t mean it will work for you — and that’s okay.”

In this episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, Diagnosed with ADHD at 53 years old — after decades of being told she “couldn’t possibly have it” — Dr. Jennifer Dall knows firsthand the confusion, self-doubt, and exhaustion that come from navigating misinformation, masking symptoms, and living as a high-achieving woman with an undiagnosed neurodivergent brain.

In this deeply validating conversation, Dr. Jennifer explores why ADHD is so often missed in women, especially those in midlife who appear successful on paper but silently struggle with everyday tasks. With over 25 years as an educator and training in ADHD coaching, yoga instruction, and grief education, she brings both professional insight and lived experience to the table.

Together, they unpack the myth that ADHD and high achievement can’t coexist, revealing how women learn to mask symptoms, overcompensate, and carry unnecessary shame. She explains why ADHD doesn’t care about your degrees, your resume, or how capable you look—and how understanding your brain can finally free you from self-blame.

This episode dives into the unique challenges of ADHD in midlife, including time blindness, chronic overwhelm, fatigue, and identity shifts after diagnosis. She also shares practical, non–one-size-fits-all strategies that help women simplify daily life, work with their brains, and make meaningful progress without perfection or pressure.

If you’ve ever thought, “Why can’t I just do the simple stuff?” or wondered if ADHD might be part of your story, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and hope. It’s a reminder that it’s never too late to understand yourself, reclaim your confidence, and step forward with courage and purpose — your soul fully awake.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Guest Intro

1:53 - The BraveHeart Story of Dr. Jennifer Dall on ADHD diagnosis at 53

5:23 - Why ADHD is often missed in women

9:50 - How ADHD and overachievement can co-exist

13:53 - ADHD in midlife & its impact on one’s life

19:28 - Practical tips for women with ADHD

22:43 - Dr. Jennifer’s #1 tip for midlife women

Quotations:

“We don’t solve ADHD, we manage it.” — Dr. Jennifer Dall

“Breaking things into smaller steps isn’t a weakness —it’s how we succeed.” — Dr. Jennifer Dahl

“At the end of the day, I have to let myself be okay with what I did get done.” — Dr. Jennifer Dahl

“We stop shaming ourselves and start designing lives that actually fit how our brains work.” — Dr. Jennifer Dall

Resources:

🌐 Follow Dr. Jennifer on adhdholistically.com

📲 Connect with Dr. Jennifer on Instagram and Threads

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👩🏻‍🏫 Subscribe to The BraveHearted Transformation Course: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/sales-page-2a7215f1-2859-434c-b7d1-c1d3e76985ee

💌 Email your braveheart story to me at dawn@dawnscottdamon.com

📞 Book a FREE 15-minute strategy...

What do you do when life’s challenges begin before you can even remember them?

In this episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, I am with Melony Brown — author, speaker, podcast host, and survivor — to talk about overcoming adversity through faith, mindset, and unwavering trust in God.

Melony shares her extraordinary story of suffering a stroke at age two, living for decades with unexplained neurological symptoms, and finally receiving a diagnosis of Moyamoya disease at age 45. After years of debilitating migraines, multiple mini-strokes, and invisible struggles, Melony underwent brain surgery and discovered that a portion of her brain had lacked oxygen her entire life — yet God sustained her every step of the way.

We explore the power of mindset, the importance of having a “fight verse,” and why fixing your eyes on God changes everything when fear and uncertainty threaten to overwhelm you. Melony explains how Scripture must become a reflex — not a reference — and how praise, worship, and spiritual discipline help women stand firm in the middle of trials.

This episode is filled with encouragement for Christian women facing health challenges, emotional exhaustion, or seasons where giving up feels tempting. You’ll walk away reminded that while God doesn’t promise a life without trouble, He does promise His presence, strength, and faithfulness through it all.

If you’re ready to stop shrinking back, strengthen your faith, and learn how to keep moving forward — this conversation is for you.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Guest Intro

1:52 - The BraveHeart Story of Melony Brown on childhood stroke and Moya-moya disease

9:35 - How Melony’s faith grown through challenges

12:18 - Why mindset is important when facing a challenge

15:08 - What is a fight verse?

18:28 - How to deal with fear

21:37 - What makes Melony’s books an “interactive survival guide”?

25:03 - Melony’s #1 tip for midlife women

Quotations:

“Mindset is everything — how you respond matters more than the challenge itself.” - Melony Brown

“God doesn’t promise to take the challenge away, but He promises to give us what we need.” - Melony Brown

“Fix your eyes on God. Don’t try to fix everything.” - Melony Brown

“Your circumstance may say one thing, but your stance says another.” - Dawn Damon

“Adversity can cause growth when we keep our eyes on Jesus.” - Dawn Damon

“You’re not meant to curl up and quit — you’re meant to stand.” - Dawn Damon

Resources:

🌐 Follow Melony at https://melonybrown.com

📲 Connect with Melony on:

1. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@melonybrown
2. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melony.brown.18
3. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melonybrown_overcomer

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👩🏻‍🏫 Subscribe to The BraveHearted Transformation Course:

“Aging with purpose means choosing gratitude, even when life is hard.”

In this episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, I am with Robin Kencel, a purpose-driven entrepreneur, elite ballroom dancer, luxury real estate broker, and reigning Miss Connecticut Senior America. Ranked in the top 1.5% of real estate agents in the U.S., Robin shares her remarkable journey of reinvention, faith, and fearless growth—proving that midlife is not a season of slowing down, but a time of expansion and renewed purpose

Robin reflects on growing up in a family-run nursing home and how early exposure to aging, service, and compassion shaped her philosophy of life. From earning degrees at Georgetown University and Kellogg School of Management to leading Fortune 100 teams, launching her own consulting firm, and ultimately pivoting into real estate, Robin emphasizes the courage it takes to evolve—and the importance of not fearing failure. She explains how being “gutsy,” planning wisely, and staying anchored in faith have guided every season of her life

The conversation dives deep into Robin’s “Aging With Purpose” platform, including her five pillars of aging well: physical health, emotional and mental well-being, relationships, spirituality and meaning, and the often-overlooked power of quality sleep. Robin also shares how a broken foot just weeks before a major pageant became the catalyst for discovering improvisational acting — reinforcing her belief that growth begins when we step outside our comfort zones.

Let’s explore self-worth, resilience, feedback, and why women are never “too old” to learn new skills, pursue dreams, or redefine what’s possible in midlife and beyond.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Guest Intro

2:02 - The BraveHeart Story of Robin Kencel on being an extraordinary woman

5:09 - The importance of being courageous

6:37 - Why dancing is Robin’s #1 life calling to joining pageant at 60

12:22- Aging with purpose

16:16 - How to not quit

18:51 - What is self-worth?

22:10 - The 5 pillars of aging well

30:33 - Robin’s #1 tip for midlife women

Quotations:

“You can start something you’re not good at — and get better.” – Robin Kencel

“The only thing stopping you is yourself.” – Robin Kencel

“Confidence comes from knowing your worth isn’t tied to performance.” – Robin Kencel

“Midlife isn’t the end—it’s an invitation to expand.” – Dawn Damon

“Growth requires being willing to be uncomfortable.” – Robin Kencel

“You don’t stop because you’re aging—you age because you stop.” – Robin Kencel

“Faith gives me confidence because my worth is already settled.” – Robin Kencel

Resources:

🌐 Follow Robin at robinkencel.com

📲 Connect with Robin on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook

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👩🏻‍🏫 Subscribe to The BraveHearted Transformation Course:

“Midlife is a time to expand your identity and say yes to the unreasonable vision God has placed in your heart.”

In this episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, I am with a transformational coach and entrepreneur who helps women create freedom, ease, and purpose in midlife.

Dr. Nona shares her powerful story of hitting an emotional breaking point despite outward success — and how a defining “God moment” in a dark closet revealed a bold, unreasonable vision for her life that became her new True North.

Through honest conversation, she unpacks the identity shifts women must make to break patterns of overgiving, worthiness struggles, and limiting beliefs.

Dr. Nona and I explore how midlife can become a rebirth season, offering practical guidance to expand your identity, claim your vision, and step into the next version of yourself with bravery, intention, and divine confidence.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Guest Intro

2:00 - The BraveHeart Story of Dr. Nona Djavid on becoming a slave for success

4:59 - One moment that changed Nona’s life forever

9:26 - Common myths in midlife

11:43 - The importance of having a vision

12:38 - How identity drives behavior

18:37 - What does living brave really mean for Nona?

19:29 - Dr. Nona’s framework for the 3 types of women

22:39 - Nona’s #1 tip for midlife women

Quotations:

“The only thing that determines your worthiness is whether you woke up this morning.” — Dr. Nona Djavid

“If you want something wildly different, you must become wildly different.” — Dr. Nona Djavid

“Your next-level self already exists. You just have to practice being her.” — Dr. Nona Djavid

“Don’t confuse comfort with clarity. Sometimes ‘I don’t know’ is fear speaking.” — Dr. Nona Djavid

“Midlife is not a decline — it’s a rebirth.” — Dawn Damon

“Without a vision, we perish. We need a true north to move forward.” — Dawn Damon

Resources:

🌐Follow Nona at nonadjavid.com

📲 Connect with Nona on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook

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💌 Email your braveheart story to me at dawn@dawnscottdamon.com

📞 Book a FREE 15-minute strategy call with Dawn: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/book-a-call

Connect with your BraveHeart Mentor, Dawn Damon:

💞 Email me at: dawn@braveheartmentor.com

💞 Website: https://braveheartedwoman.com/

💞 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravehearted_woman

💞 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveheartedwoman

💞 Podcast: https://the-bravehearted-woman.captivate.fm/listen

Download the full transcript here.

“Christmas should grow with you, not guilt you.”

In this week’s episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, I’m inviting you into a heartfelt conversation about something so many midlife women feel this time of year—holiday overwhelm. As someone who still hosts Christmas for my family, I know firsthand how easily the joy of the season can turn into pressure, perfectionism, and exhaustion. That’s why I’m sharing seven practical, soul-settling ways to destress your Christmas so you can enjoy the holiday without losing your peace, your joy, or your mind.

I talk about how we often hold on to outdated traditions that drain us, and I encourage you to give yourself permission to release what no longer fits your life or season. Together, we unpack the myth of the “perfect Christmas” and explore how choosing presence over pressure creates the kind of memories that truly matter. I also share how I protect my own peace—ruthlessly!—and how simplifying your menu, gifts, and expectations can make the entire holiday feel lighter.

We dive into navigating family dynamics with maturity, choosing joy as a daily mindset, and creating new traditions that reflect the woman you’ve become today. I share personal stories, coaching insights, and spiritual encouragement to help you breathe deeper, set healthier boundaries, and experience Christmas with intention—not obligation.

I close the episode by reminding you that you deserve a Christmas that blesses you, not burns you out. And if you’re ready to step into the new year with clarity and confidence, I offer you my free Find Your Word of the Year ebook that has guided and anchored me year after year.

This episode is your invitation to create a holiday season filled with grace, peace, joy, and meaning—one that feels good to your soul.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro

01:25 – The Weight of Holiday Expectations

03:18 – #1 Unclutter your Christmas

04:58 – #2 Let go of the perfect Christmas myth

07:06 – #3 Protect your peace

10:05 – #4 Simplify

11:50 – #5 Manage family dynamics

14:09 – #6 Choose joy

15:38 – #7 Create new Christmas traditions

16:43 – What really matters this holiday season?

19:02 - How to take action

Quotations:

“You’re not an intern for Santa — you don’t work at the North Pole.”

“Perfection is a thief. It steals your joy, your time, and your sleep.”

“Choose presence over pressure.”

“Peace on earth starts in your calendar and in your heart.”

“You’re not the emotional cruise director of your family.”

“Joy is a muscle — the more you practice it, the stronger it becomes.”

“Give yourself the gift of peace, simplicity, and joy this holiday season.”

Resources:

🎁 Get a copy of Dawn’s “Find Your Word of the Year” ebook:

“God works everything out for our good, even when we think our life is over.”

In this episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, I am with Kelly Jansens Mensch, an entrepreneur, event organizer, and author of Outside God’s Umbrella: Journey from Darkness to Divine Light.

Kelly opens up about her shocking real-life story — how a single social media connection spiraled into tragedy, leading her through incarceration, guilt, and ultimately, redemption.

Through raw honesty and deep faith, Kelly shares how God met her in the darkest valley and rebuilt her life from the inside out. She reveals the importance of listening to the Holy Spirit, recognizing red flags, and learning to live “under God’s umbrella” of grace and protection.

Her story reminds every midlife woman that no matter how far she’s fallen, faith, courage, and identity in Christ can restore peace, purpose, and freedom.

This episode will inspire you to trust God through your hardest seasons, reclaim your confidence, and live brave again.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Guest Intro

1:59 - The BraveHeart Story of Kelly Jansens Mensch with online encounter

5:15 - What are the red flags?

9:06 - Let’s talk about loneliness, vulnerability, and connection

11:12 - God’s redemption and rebuilding process

14:17 - How to find a new identity with Christ

16:22 - That moment when Kelly decided to write a book

18:41 - How to live under God’s umbrella

20:38 - Kelly’s #1 tip for midlife women

Quotations:

“Listen to that inner spirit — what we would call the Holy Spirit — because He’s your gut check.” - Kelly Janssens Mensch

“Without God in my life, I can’t do life alone. That proved to be the wrong track. I need God.” - Kelly Janssens Mensch

“You can be a nice person, but don’t do it to a fault. Some red flags are divine warnings.” - Kelly Janssens Mensch

“Bad things happen to good people — but it’s who you go through the fire with that matters.” - Kelly Janssens Mensch

“When you’re lonely, you’re vulnerable — and that’s when discernment is most needed.” - Dawn Damon

“When we lose everything, God rebuilds our identity on something stronger.” - Dawn Damon

Resources:

🌐Follow Kelly on KJ-FITT.com and goblackdoggo.com

📚 Get a copy of Kelly’s book: Outside God’s Umbrella: A Journey from Darkness to Divine Light

📲 Connect with Kelly @KellyJansens or @JansensMensch on Facebook and Instagram

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🎁 FREE GIFT: The 7-Day Identity Challenge for Midlife Women of Faith: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/offers/rMw4gih9/checkout

💌 Email your braveheart story to me at dawn@dawnscottdamon.com

📞 Book a FREE 15-minute strategy call with Dawn: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/book-a-call

Connect with your BraveHeart Mentor,