Season 2

media, books, movies, TV shows, memoirs, health, wellness, family, recommendations, midlife

takeaways

• Renee has been busy teaching multiple subjects and managing a student teacher.
• Dannielle has been focusing on audiobooks during her walks and drives.
• Both hosts have enjoyed reading memoirs that provide deep personal insights.
• Renee recommends 'People We Meet on Vacation' for its engaging story and movie adaptation.
• Dannielle highlights the emotional impact of Lisa Marie Presley's memoir.
• The conversation shifts to discussing the importance of health and wellness in midlife.
• They explore various TV shows and movies that resonate with their experiences.
• The hosts emphasize the value of family game nights and reconnecting with loved ones.
• Renee shares her experience with the Golden Bachelor and its positive portrayal of older adults.
• They conclude with plans for future episodes and a focus on wellness topics.

summary

In this episode of Crazy Stupid Midlife, hosts Dannielle and Renee reconnect after a long break to discuss their media obsessions as they kick off the new year. They share insights on recent books they've read, particularly memoirs that have moved them, and explore the emotional impact of these stories. The conversation shifts to movies and TV shows that resonate with their experiences, including the Golden Bachelor and various emotional dramas. They also touch on the importance of health and wellness in midlife, sharing personal experiences and recommendations. The episode concludes with a focus on family game nights and plans for future episodes, emphasizing the value of connection and personal growth.

• "I cried like a baby."
• "I read The Housemaid."
• "It's like you're at the race track."

Chapters

00:00
New Year, New Media Obsessions

01:41
Books: Recent Reads and Favorites

02:55
Memoirs That Move Us

06:27
Thrillers and Mysteries: A Deep Dive

08:49
Romance and Audiobooks: A New Genre

10:51
Informative Reads: The Menopause Moment

14:42
Upcoming Reads and Recommendations

19:24
The Life of Lisa Marie Presley

22:40
Movies That Touch the Heart

25:53
TV Shows: Recent Discoveries and Favorites

30:22
Exploring New Shows and Movies

35:53
Romantic Comedies and Feel-Good Content

39:50
The Golden Bachelor: A New Perspective on Love

45:36
Diving into True Stories and Dramatic Films

53:02
Games and Family Bonding: A Return to Fun

57:52
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Episode: Welcome to Therapy with Dr. Z – Navigating Midlife Relationships, Marriage, and Sex

This week on Crazy Stupid Midlife, we sit down with Dr. Kristin Zeising, a licensed psychologist and certified sex therapist, to talk about the complexities of navigating relationships in midlife—friendships, marriage, and intimacy.

We open the conversation by exploring the ways women can rekindle desire, from indulging in luxury lingerie (like Honey Birdette and Deja Vu Boutique in Vista) to immersing themselves in sensual storytelling through Dipsea’s romance novels. We even share some go-to sexy movies and books that have sparked desire for women in this season of life: Baby Girl, Sex Life, 365 Days, and of course, Fifty Shades of Grey—the book that ignited a wave of women wanting more pleasure and a different kind of intimacy in their midlife journeys.

One of the most powerful moments of this conversation comes when Dr. Z shares the phrase she hears most often in therapy: “I feel broken.” Hearing this was emotional for us because we want every woman listening to know—you are not broken. You are navigating a season that is complex, and you are not alone.

That’s why we highlight the incredible book You Are Not Broken by Kelly Caspersen, MD—a must-read for anyone who has ever felt this way. It’s enlightening, empowering, and truly shifts the conversation around women’s sexual health and midlife identity. Midlife is not the end of desire or connection—it’s a chance to redefine it.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

• Honey Birdette Lingerie
• Deja Vu Boutique
• Dipsea Stories
• Baby Girl (film)
• Sex Life (Netflix series)
• 365 Days (film)
• Fifty Shades of Grey series by E.L. James
• You Are Not Broken by Dr. Kelly Caspersen
• W for Her Personal Lubricant
• Connect with Dr. Kristin Zeising
  • Website: drzeising.com
  • Instagram: @drkristinzeising
  • Private Practice: Individual & Couples Therapy, Sex Therapy

Tune in to hear why you are not broken, how to reconnect with your desires, and how friendships, marriage, and sex can evolve beautifully in midlife.

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We’re back! After taking a little break, we couldn’t wait to sit down and catch up with you. This season was packed with trips to Paris, Greece, London, Dublin, Copenhagen and Budapest. From milestone birthdays to solo adventures, we had so many moments that were fun, hilarious, and even a little eye-opening.

Traveling wasn’t just about the places we went -- it gave us space to reflect on family, friendship, and what it feels like to unplug from daily responsibilities. There were boat rides in the Greek isles, delicious meals we’ll never forget, and even a chance encounter with a rock band musician (yes, really).

Join us for the laughs, the lessons, and maybe even a little travel inspo for your own next adventure.

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We’re not done yet.

In Part 2 of this important conversation, Dr. Sara McKinney dives deeper into the realities of hormone imbalance, perimenopause, and the emotional and physical toll it takes on women — especially when doctors dismiss your concerns.

Below you’ll find a link to Dr. McKinney's profile at UCSD Health and links to some of the memoirs and recommendations she mentioned during our conversation so you can explore further or follow up on anything that resonated with you.

Sara McKinney, MD - Obstetrics & Gynecology | UC San Diego Health

Brook Shield Is Not Allowed to Get Old by Brooke Shields
Paris, The Memoir by Paris Hilton
Tell Me Everything: A Memoir by Minka Kelly
Finding Me: A Memoir of Radical Honesty and Self-Discovery by Viola Davis

Gyn & Tonic Podcast on Apple Podcasts
Gyn & Tonic Podcast on Spotify

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Are you feeling off, overwhelmed, or just… not like yourself? You’re not alone — and you’re definitely not crazy.

In this episode of Welcome to Women's Health, Dr. Sara McKinney gets real about the symptoms so many women experience but few doctors talk about: mood swings, low sex drive, sleep issues, brain fog, and hormone shifts tied to perimenopause and menopause. She shares what most OB/GYNs are missing in these conversations — and what you should be asking for in your own care.

Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s, or beyond, this episode will help you feel heard, understood, and empowered to take control of your health.

Below you’ll find a link to Dr. McKinney's profile at UCSD Health and links to some of the memoirs and recommendations she mentioned during our conversation so you can explore further or follow up on anything that resonated with you.

Sara McKinney, MD - Obstetrics & Gynecology | UC San Diego Health

Brook Shield Is Not Allowed to Get Old by Brooke Shields
Paris, The Memoir by Paris Hilton
Tell Me Everything: A Memoir by Minka Kelly
Finding Me: A Memoir of Radical Honesty and Self-Discovery by Viola Davis

Gyn & Tonic Podcast on Apple Podcasts
Gyn & Tonic Podcast on Spotify

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Crazy Stupid Midlife

Follow us on Instagram: @crazystupidmidlife

What if you had a community of women showing up with you—every day—for 100 days of real, sustainable wellness?

In this episode, we’re inviting you to join us and Coach Sasha, founder of LeanPowerment, for the 100 Day Healthy Challenge—a guided program built to help you feel strong, energized, and empowered in your body and mind.

This is about consistency, connection, and confidence—with the kind of support that actually keeps you going.

You’ll hear:

• What the 100 Day Healthy Challenge is all about
• How this program builds on Sasha’s signature LEAN coaching methods
• The power of community and why doing this together makes all the difference
• Simple ways to get started—no matter your current routine

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to reset your habits, focus on your health, and feel better in your body—this is it!

Join the challenge, connect with our community, and make the next 100 days count.

Ready to join the challenge?

CLICK HERE TO JOIN NOW!

Let’s do this. Together. 💥

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Crazy Stupid Midlife

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This week, we’re talking current media obsessions — the shows, books, and movies we’re hooked on right now and why we can’t stop thinking about them.

From drama to nostalgia, here’s what’s been living rent-free in our brains lately — plus the shows, books, and movies on our to-watch and to-read lists.

📺 TV Shows: White Lotus, Younger, Sirens, Friends and Neighbors, Sex Life, Dying for Sex, and We Were Liars.
📚 Books: All Fours, Scythe, Brooke Shields is not allowed to Get Old, The Great Alone, Pretty Girls
🎬 Movies: Twilight, The Substance — a wild ride we’re still processing, Coda, A Simple Favor, Anora, Baby Girl, and The Idea of You, This is Where I Leave You.

We’re chatting about what we love, what surprised us, what we didn't like, and what these stories are teaching us about ourselves.

It’s honest, a little chaotic, and full of recommendations if you’re looking for your next obsession.

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Crazy Stupid Midlife

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What does it actually take to feel strong, energized, and empowered? In this episode, we’re joined by Coach Sasha, founder of LeanPowerment and creator of the LEAN coaching programs, to talk about what real wellness looks like when you’re not 25 anymore—and thank goodness for that.

We dive into:

• The power of daily movement and why it’s more impactful than extreme fitness trends
• Sasha’s “100 Days of Health” philosophy and how committing to small, consistent actions can lead to long-term change
• The truth about nutrition — from getting enough protein and the importance of healthy fats to understanding how addictive sugar really is
• How Sasha creates individualized coaching programs that meet women where they’re at
• Why accountability, community, and consistency matter so much more than motivation alone

If you’re ready to get honest about what your body and mind truly need right now and want to ditch the guilt, perfectionism, and quick-fix mentality -- this episode will feel like the reset button you’ve been looking for.

Ready to take what you heard and turn it into action? Here are all the links and resources mentioned in this episode with Sasha:

Connect with Sasha

• LEANpowerment.com
• FACEBOOK:
  • Coach Sasha's Page
  • LEANpowerment Page
• INSTAGRAM:
  • Coach Sasha's Page: @coachsasha_leanpowerment
  • LEANpowerment Page
• TIKTOK:
  • Coach Sasha's Page: @fitreprenuer
  • LEANpowerment Page: @leanpowerment

Recipes and Supplements Sasha Mentioned

• Coach Sasha's Protein Pancake Recipe
• AMARE Happy Juice!

Supplements From Dannielle & Renee's Wellness Toolkit

• Mind Body Green Creatine with Taurine
• Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate
• Puritan's Pride Omega-3 Fish Oil
• The Pause Life Fiber GDX
• LivOn Laboratories Lypo-Spheric Glutathione
• Sports Medicine Vitamin D3+K2

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Crazy Stupid Midlife

Follow us on Instagram: @crazystupidmidlife