This is our first episode of the new year, and instead of resolutions, we’re talking about adding things to your daily and weekly routine that will help bring about your best life in 2026. Listen in for all of the helpful things we will be sharing including:

- Health & wellness tips

- Family & Friendship tips

- Community, Career & Purpose-driven life tips

- The tools we’re using that actually work - Wearable technology, Infrared saunas for the home, Red Light Therapy Face Masks, etc.

At Midlife Talkshop, you'll find real conversations, real life lessons and that one “Golden Nugget” you can take into your week!

Tell us — what’s your one word mantra, phrase or intention for this year?

Listen now on all streaming platforms...

Links for Mentions in this Episode:

Midlife Talkshop:

https://linktr.ee/midlifetalkshoppodcast

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/midlifetalkshop/

Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580265428576

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@MidlifeTalkshopPodcast

What if midlife isn’t about slowing down—but about a creative and meaningful comeback?

On this episode of Midlife Talkshop, we sit down with Steve Van Dam, founding member of the 90s band Everything, best known for their hit song “Who Got the Hooch?” Steve shares stories from the road, touring with iconic bands like Dave Matthews Band, and what it’s been like to reunite with his band nearly 30 years later for a comeback tour.

But this conversation goes beyond nostalgia. Steve is also the founder of Light The Music, an organization bringing music creation into schools and community centers, especially for underserved communities, giving young people access to creativity, confidence, and hope for a brighter future.

In this episode, we talk about: -Creativity and reinvention in midlife -Turning life experience into impact -Behind-the-scenes tour stories (funny and inspiring!) -Why some of our most meaningful chapters happen later in life

The Golden nugget from this episode: “Your soul purpose-what you should be doing, is this intersection of your skills, your experience and your passion— what you love to do, what you’re good at doing and what you have experience with— at the intersection of that, is your sweet spot. And here’s the thing, it’s not just what’s going to fulfill you the most— it’s where you’re going to outcompete everybody because nobody else has that same thing. It’s not like you should just be doing that because it makes you feel good, it’s because you’re going to be the BEST at that.” - Steve Van Dam

Whether you’re navigating midlife, dreaming of a second act, or just love great stories from the music world, this episode will inspire you to see midlife as a time of opportunity and growth.

Listen and follow Midlife Talkshop for more conversations that prove your best chapter is ahead.

Links for mentions in this episode: Midlife Talkshop: https://linktr.ee/midlifetalkshoppodcast | @midlifetalkshoppodcast The Band Everything: https://thebandeverything.com | @thebandeverything @steverything Light the Music: https://www.lightthemusic.com | @lightthemusic Shannon Montsinger Music On Apple Music produced by Steve Van Dam: https://music.apple.com/us/album/fly/1042784857 | @shannonmontsingermusic

“A Peaceful Christmas” — Creating a Season with Less Stress and More Meaning. In midlife, over the holidays we don’t need chaos. We need peace, purpose, and connection.

In this episode, we cover: -Choosing Your Season “Theme”: One word that sets the tone for your season— not a resolution, not a goal. (Examples: Peace, Joy, Simplicity, Connection, Wonder, Presence) -Setting an Intention That Matches Your Theme Your intention is the "how" behind the theme — a simple sentence to quietly guide your actions.

You'll Follow along for Guided Prompts to: 1. Pick your Theme (trusting your first instinct!) 2. Write a short, repeatable Intention 3. Name one decision this week you can reshape to match your theme 4. Share it with someone to stay accountable

-Bonus: At the end of the episode, Rhonda & Shannon share their Top Gift Ideas (with links).

Rhonda & Shannon’s Top Gift Ideas

Experiences over Stuff!- Art & Crafts Class- Year round passes to Amusement Park- Spa Giftcards for Facials, Massages & Nails-Wellness Therapy Giftcards for Red Light Therapy, Hot/Cold Therapy, Vibroacoustic, Salt Cave, Float Studio

Shannon’s Favorite Gift Ideas:

Therasage Infrared Sauna

https://amzn.to/4iEMQWe;

Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask

https://amzn.to/4iBnpox;

Super Agers: An Evidence-Based Approach to Longevity by Eric Topol, MD

https://amzn.to/4awDWYF

Rhonda’s Favorite Gift Ideas:

Meat Injector Syringe (for flavorful cooking over the holidays)

https://amzn.to/48v8reY;

Vitamix Blender

https://amzn.to/4rAEIKe

Charities:

Rhonda’s Charities of Choice - St Jude Impact the lives of St. Jude kids - St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Girls to Women Girls2Women-VA | Empowering girls through group mentoring

Shannon’s Charities of Choice - Chesterfield County animal shelter Amazon Wish list Amazon.com; Monetary Donations To make a monetary donation, checks can be mailed to the animal shelter at 9300 Public Works Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832. Make checks payable to Chesterfield County Police Foundationwith Animal Services Donation as the subject; Chesterfield County Christmas Mother - Give Help | CCH Christmas Mother