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Step into the world of Dungeons and Dragons with Terri and Melissa on the latest episode of the 'Mixing Up Midlife' podcast! Join them for a dose of midlife fantasy fun as they delve into this beloved role-playing game from the cozy confines of their Empty Nest. Listen in as Terri and Melissa share their initial confusion and subsequent fascination with D&D, discussing how they believe playing this game could expand their creativity and imagination. Mentioned on the episode: Listen to Your Mom and Dad Watch Your Mom and Dad  Play Dungeons and Dragons Libby Library Fourth Wing   We may receive a small commission for products linked   Try It or Buy It OPI nailpolish tiktok OPI infinite shine   Weekend Watch Fargo   Mix It Up with US Leave Us A Voicemail     Terri on Instagram  Melissa on Instagram  Join the Mixing Up Midlife Discussion Facebook Group Email Us: [email protected]  Visit the Mixing Up Midlife website Maybe Find Us on TikTok Youtube   00:00 Introduction and Podcast Theme 01:19 Exploring the Intrigue of Dungeons and Dragons 02:29 The Connection Between Fantasy and Creativity 03:36 Personal Experiences and Perceptions of Dungeons and Dragons 06:04 The Appeal of Role-Playing Games 06:33 The Challenge of Imagination and Storytelling 06:48 Exploring the Possibility of Playing Dungeons and Dragons 10:27 The Potential of Dungeons and Dragons in Popular Culture 13:10 Invitation to Listeners and Conclusion 14:33 Discussing Dark Comedies 15:09 Exploring Sci-Fi and Fantasy 16:05 Diving into Audiobooks 17:20 The Romance of Reading 20:00 Exploring TikTok Trends 21:01 Try It or Buy It: Nail Polish Edition 21:39 Life Updates and Future Plans 23:52 Reflecting on the Podcast Journey

Have you been searching for the perfect retirement location, but aren't quite sure where that is or how to find it? Today's guest, Margaret Vandergriff, founder of Your Place Finder is here to help!  Drawing on 30+ years of prospect research, strategic planning, and consulting/coaching experience, Margaret created the Spark System to guide retirees and almost retirees from deciding to move (or not), to finding their perfect retirement location, to smoothly navigating their move and transition to life in their new location. 0:00 Where to Retire with Margaret Vandergriff 00:03 Introduction and Guest Presentation 01:01 Margaret's Personal Journey and the Birth of 'Your Place Finder' 06:43 The Spark System: A Methodical Approach to Finding the Perfect Place 18:00 Understanding the Assessment Process 18:48 Exploring Potential Locations 25:16 Finalizing the Move and Post-Move Reflection   Find Margaret & Your Place Finder: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest Mix It Up with Us Leave Us A Voicemail     Terri on Instagram  Melissa on Instagram  Join the Mixing Up Midlife Discussion Facebook Group Email Us: [email protected]  Visit the Mixing Up Midlife website Maybe Find Us on TikTok

Terri and Melissa are transported into the world of Romantasy on today’s episode.  Terri shares her long-time love for the genre, highlighting its role in offering complete escapism and its evolution from conventional romance narratives. Terri and Melissa consider how the genre has grown thanks to social media and the popularity of BookTok and have some  starter romantasy book recs . They chat about other facets of pop culture like Taylor Swift's Grammy win and the Super Bowl.    00:00 Introduction to Romantasy: A New Genre? 00:24 Romantasy Isn't New 03:38 Exploring the World of Romantasy: From Twilight to Sarah J Mass 14:54 Book Club and Reading Habits 16:52 Super Bowl and Pop Culture   Weekend Watch: Quarterback on Netflix Dance Life on Amazon Prime   Books: Fourth Wing Twilight A Court of Thorns and Roses House of Night Series   Mix It Up with Us Leave Us A Voicemail     Terri on Instagram  Melissa on Instagram  Join the Mixing Up Midlife Discussion Facebook Group Email Us: [email protected]  Visit the Mixing Up Midlife website Maybe Find Us on TikTok           We may earn a small commission on links we provide.

Join hosts Terri and Melissa as they candidly discuss life in their fifties and beyond, particularly focusing on the 'empty nest' stage of life. They mull over questions like 'When do we stop parenting our adult children?' and 'How to balance personal interests and a career while making space for enjoyment in retirement?' The discussion also includes their personal fun facts and an invitation to listeners to share their own. They touch upon reality TV shows like 'Love on the Spectrum' and 'Bachelor',  mention a few others they have been enjoying plan a potential book club,. They end the podcast with their 'badass woman of the week' segment, and invite listeners to leave voicemails with their own fun facts about themselves.   Mix It Up with Us Leave Us A Voicemail     Terri on Instagram  Melissa on Instagram  Join the Mixing Up Midlife Discussion Facebook Group Email Us: [email protected]  Visit the Mixing Up Midlife website Maybe Find Us on TikTok   00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:32 Meet the Hosts: Terry and Melissa 01:39 New Year Reflections and Resolutions 02:07 Parenting Adult Children: When Does It End? 02:26 Personal Stories: Kids, Cars, and Responsibilities 08:12 The Endless Nest: A New Perspective 11:51 Balancing Work and Personal Life in the Empty Nest 14:12 Balancing Work and Leisure 15:01 The Love for Podcasting 15:29 Exploring New Revenue Streams 16:00 The Coffee Connection 17:15 Reality TV Insights 20:40 Fun Facts About Ourselves 22:34 The Challenge of Self-Promotion 24:13 TV Show Recommendations 25:52 Badass Women of the Week 26:27 Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead

Can astrology help women over 50 find their purpose? In this episode of the 'Mixing Up Midlife' podcast, hosts Terri and Melissa interview intuitive tarot reader and astrologer, Mary Jo Cranmore aka MJ. MJ shares her journey from a television news producer to an astrologer, her spiritual awakening and provides insights about astrological houses, North Node, South Node and how they relate to one's purpose in life. She also provides guidance on how to interpret this information to guide decisions and personal growth. Additionally, Mary Jo delves into the Japanese concept of 'Ikigai' and how it intersects with astrology when deciphering one's life purpose. Because there was so much “good stuff” we’ve made this a two-parter.    Find MaryJo and Soulful Revolution: Soulful Revolution Website Soulful Revolution YouTube    Mix It Up with US Leave Us A Voicemail     Terri on Instagram  Melissa on Instagram  Join the Mixing Up Midlife Discussion Facebook Group Email Us: [email protected]  Visit the Mixing Up Midlife website Maybe Find Us on TikTok Youtube   00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:40 Guest's Career Transition Journey 01:17 Spiritual Awakening and Life Changes 02:46 Decision to Quit and Start Anew 03:22 Beginning of a New Chapter 05:35 Starting a YouTube Channel 07:15 Success and Growth on YouTube 09:42 Understanding Astrology and Tarot 10:55 Personal Experiences with Astrology 12:44 The Process of Creating YouTube Content 16:04 Understanding Astrological Signs 17:30 Finding Purpose and Manifestation 18:42 Introduction to the Japanese Art of Happy Life 19:05 Understanding Purpose and Mission in Life 20:02 Astrological Tools for Finding Purpose: The North Node 20:22 Understanding the North Node in Astrology 20:55 The Role of Skills and Talents in Fulfilling Purpose 21:12 The Concept of Comfort Zone in Astrology 21:40 Interpreting the North Node in Birth Charts 22:19 The Importance of Birth Time in Astrology 23:07 Understanding the Influence of Planetary Movements 24:40 Interpreting the North Node: A Practical Example 26:00 The Role of Intuition in Understanding Astrological Charts 26:52 The Importance of Flexibility in Pursuing Purpose 27:08 Understanding the Houses in Astrology 33:40 The Role of Risk in Pursuing Purpose 35:54 The Importance of Growth and Expansion in Astrology 39:25 Astrology and Tarot Classes Offered 40:09 Conclusion and Contact Information Sources and Resources Cafe Astrology

We're back together for the first time since December and we've got updates! Melissa went to Colorado, hiked Garden of the Gods and came home with her new fur baby. We ask if it's crazy that we both got puppies as empty nesters. Our answers may suprise you. We're going to be gamifying our 2024 goal setting by making bingo cards! What do you think? Let us know by shooting us an email or leaving us a voicemail! Weekend Watch: Golden Bachelor Wedding Bodies   Books: Hamnet Court of Thorns and Roses Middlesex    

Living A Bodacious Life: Seasonal Work For Women over 50 with Dawna Jarvis In this episode, Terri and Melissa of 'Mixing up Midlife' podcast speak with Dawna Jarvis in an enlightening conversation about pursuing an adventurous life post-age 50. Dawna shares her journey of taking a divergent route in her empty nesting life, leaving the corporate world behind, and embracing the adventures of seasonal work. From working as a front desk staff to tour guide, her seasonal jobs have taken her around the country from Arkansas, Alaska to Colorado. She also provides some practical suggestions, do's and don'ts for those interested in this type of lifestyle. This insightful conversation explores freedom, independence, and adventurism for women over 50, proving that it's never too late to 'dream big' and craft a unique, fulfilling lifestyle.   00:00 Introduction and Dawna's transition to seasonal work 00:15 Exploring different seasonal jobs and experiences 01:03 Overcoming hurdles and finding healthcare options 01:22 Learning from experiences and travelling around the country 13:44 Words of wisdom for those interested in seasonal jobs 38:10 Conclusion and an open invitation to live a bodacious life   Find Dawna Here: Instagram TikTok YouTube   Mix It Up with Us Leave Us A Voicemail     Terri on Instagram  Melissa on Instagram  Join the Mixing Up Midlife Discussion Facebook Group Email Us: [email protected]  Visit the Mixing Up Midlife website Maybe Find Us on TikTok   coolworks.com

It's the last episode of 2023 and we went off the rails a bit...Today's episode is a bit of everthing...A squirell story, a COVID Christmas, A new arrival and a Try it or Buy it. HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND WE'LL SEE YOU IN 2024 (we might get a tiny commission for these): Ulike Air 3 Labigo Electric Spin Scrubber Mix It Up with Us Leave Us A Voicemail     Terri on Instagram  Melissa on Instagram  Join the Mixing Up Midlife Discussion Facebook Group Email Us: [email protected]  Visit the Mixing Up Midlife website Maybe Find Us on TikTok YouTube

It's the annual holiday episode! Today we're sharing what makes our holidays special and we're sharing some of our past podcast episodes, especially the ones that could help you with your holiday shopping! From books and skincare products to eco-friendly stocking stuffers and unique travel experiences, there's something for everyone! We also touch on topics like solo travel, sustainable lifestyle changes, and support for female entrepreneurs. We hope you are celebrating the season by creating joy for yourself and pursuing what makes you happy.   00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:16 Reflecting on the Podcast's Journey 00:51 Holiday Planning and Traditions 01:44 Discussing Favorite Holiday Movies 03:59 Holiday Decorations and Personal Preferences 07:55 Real vs. Fake Christmas Trees 08:58 Highlighting Past Podcast Guests and Their Products 09:53 Skincare Talk and Product Reviews 12:58 Promoting Sustainable Living Through Stocking Stuffers 13:43 Switching to Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents 14:21 Exploring Different Types of Washing Machines 15:11 Using Natural Pellets for Clothes Washing 15:46 Gift Ideas: Eco-Friendly Household Items 16:33 Choosing Useful and Appreciated Gifts 17:20 Wine and Champagne Recommendations 19:03 Book Recommendations and Where to Buy Them 21:20 Traveling Solo and Finding Accommodation 21:57 Working with a Travel Advisor for Unique Experiences 24:35 Buying a House in Italy: A Unique Adventure 27:28 Reflecting on the Year and Spreading Love 28:33 Wrapping Up the Holiday Gift Guide     Scrooge 1970 musical Joel Wood on TikTok       The Skintessa Amy Wall and Timelight Beauty Skincare system  Episode 173 Mala Zero Waste Store Episode 160 Marilee Bramhall Iola Wine Episode 186 The Reading List episode 149 Lessons In Chemistry episode 157 Anatomy of A Story John Truby, Episode 176 Katherine Leamy Dare to Travel Solo episode 154   Sue-Anne Mayne Sister Stay episode 119 Pat Ogle Collins Expedition Travel Episode 163. The Amateurs Abroad Buying a Home in Sicily episode 168   Clean People Laundry Sheets   00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:16 Reflecting on the Podcast's Journey 00:51 The Importance of Planning for Holidays 01:49 Holiday Movie Discussion: Love Actually 03:07 Favorite Holiday Movies 07:52 Holiday Decorations: Real vs. Fake Trees 08:58 Holiday Gift Ideas from Podcast Guests 09:53 Skincare Talk: Products and Routines 12:58 Reducing Waste: Eco-friendly Stocking Stuffers 13:43 Switching to Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents 14:21 Exploring Different Types of Washing Machines 15:11 Using Natural Pellets for Clothes Washing 15:46 Gift Ideas: Eco-Friendly Household Items 16:33 Choosing Useful and Appreciated Gifts 17:20 Discussing Wine and Champagne from Iola Wines 18:21 The Importance of Supporting Female Winemakers 18:57 Book Recommendations and the Idea of a Book Club 20:05 Exploring the Idea of Buying Pre-Read Books as Gifts 21:20 Traveling Solo and Using Sister Stay 21:57 Working with a Travel Advisor for Unique Experiences 24:35 Considering Buying a House in Italy 27:28 Reflecting on the Year and Spreading Love 28:33 Wrapping Up the Holiday Gift Guide

For the first time in the show's history, we've got  a twenty something on as our guest! We're joined by Melissa's Gen Z daughter, Alison, who gives us her thoughts on The Golden Bachelor, explains what "Porch Era"is  and talks about what she liked about the show. Mix It Up with Us Leave Us A Voicemail     Terri on Instagram  Melissa on Instagram  Join the Mixing Up Midlife Discussion Facebook Group Email Us: [email protected]  Visit the Mixing Up Midlife website Maybe Find Us on TikTok 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 00:11 Special Guest Introduction: Allison 00:46 Golden Bachelor Finale Discussion 01:56 Allison's Initial Reaction to the Golden Bachelor 03:47 Comparing Golden Bachelor to Other Seasons 05:07 The Unexpected Finale: Opinions and Reactions 07:08 Post-Finale Speculations and Theories 09:49 The Hollywood Reporter's 'Hit Piece' on Jerry 12:58 Final Thoughts and Wrap Up 17:02 Watching the Show: A Unique Experience 17:29 Discussing Gary's Actions 18:56 Choosing Safety Over Adventure 20:04 Love at Different Ages 22:10 The Golden Bachelor: Final Thoughts 22:13 Reality TV: A Love-Hate Relationship 26:08 The Future of the Golden Bachelor Participants 28:52 The Possibility of a Golden Bachelorette 29:53 Wrapping Up the Discussion

In this episode, hosts Melissa and Terri sit down with Marilee Bramhall, the passionate founder of Iola Wines. Marilee takes us on a sensory journey, sharing her adventures in the wine business and her dedication to elevating the work of women in the wine industry. From virtual wine tastings to her deep-rooted connection to Old World wines and the influence of women in its production, Marilee's innovative approach and unwavering commitment to sustainability and women empowerment shine through. Join us as we uncork the conversation, celebrating women in wine with Marilee Bramhall.   About Marilee: As the founder of Iola Wines, Marilee is doing her part to change the wine world's status quo. Although up to 80% of wine purchases in the U.S. are made by women; only 15% of the winemakers worldwide are women. Her company, Iola Wines, champions women vigneronnes who are every bit as talented as their French and Italian brethren by sharing their wines through the Iola Wine Society Clubs. About Iola Wines and Iola Wine Society Clubs: Iola Wines Website Iola Wines on Instagram Iola Wines on Facebook Iola Wines on Youtube Iola Wines on TikTok   Mix It Up with Us Leave Us A Voicemail     Terri on Instagram  Melissa on Instagram  Join the Mixing Up Midlife Discussion Facebook Group Email Us: [email protected]  Visit the Mixing Up Midlife website Maybe Find Us on TikTok Youtube