Best Creating Midlife Calm Podcasts (2024)

1
Ep. 109 5 Science-Backed Coping Skills To Conquer Holiday Shopping Anxiety & Find Calm 13:01

6h ago13:01

13:01

Is holiday shopping making you anxious and overwhelmed? Dive into this episode to discover how to replace shopping stress with peace and calm. Shopping anxiety is a common challenge during the holiday season, stemming from tight budgets, perfectionism, or sensory overload in busy stores. In this episode, you’ll discover 1. How to manage shopping st…

1
82. Self Care Mantra— "This Moment Is Just For Me” Show Up For Yourself Right Now 8:11

4h ago8:11

8:11

It’s so nice when you choose yourself. In this episode, we introduce a self-care mantra 'No where to be. No one to take care of, this moment is just for me.' Designed to help you reclaim your peace, even on the busiest days. Whether you’re juggling work, family, or endless responsibilities, this guided practice will give you the tools to pause, res…

1
Ep. 108 Coping Skills To Bridge the Political Divide & Decrease Anxiety During The Holidays 8:11

3h ago8:11

8:11

Are you worried that post election-related anxiety might cast a shadow over your holiday celebrations? In this episode you’ll learn how to: 1. Use the science of emotional contagion to avoid spreading or absorbing anxiety during gatherings. 2. Set boundaries with grace, including one-liners and humor, to steer conversations away from divisive topic…

1
Ep. 107 Midlife Coping Skills for Anticipatory Anxiety Post Election 10:41

4d ago10:41

10:41

Does the aftermath of the election leave you feeling stuck in a cycle of worry and dread--especially as you head into the holiday? You're not alone. In this episode you will learn how the uncertainties of our current political climate trigger anticipatory anxiety—a mental loop of fear about the future—as well as practical strategies to regain contr…

1
81. You Are Crushing It—Positive “I Am” Affirmations That Recognize Your Unstoppable Growth 11:01

1h ago11:01

11:01

In this empowering episode, we're focusing on the importance of celebrating your own achievements and embracing the power of positive "I Am" statements. If you're someone who rarely takes a moment to recognize your daily wins—whether it's balancing family, work, or personal goals—this episode is your opportunity to pause and honor all that you do. …

1
Ep. 106 Transform Holiday Stress to Midlife Calm Using This Easy 4 Minute Meditation 8:24

3h ago8:24

8:24

How can a quick and easy four-minute meditation help you truly enjoy the holiday season? (Even if you hate to meditate?) You've stuffed the turkey, cleaned the house, now prepare your mind for the day. Take four minutes to do for your mind what you have done for the holiday. Why shouldn't you enjoy this day! In this episode you’ll: 1. Learn a simpl…

1
Ep. 105 How Embracing Social Anxiety During Midlife Can Make Your Holiday Season Brighter 11:36

10h ago11:36

11:36

What if, instead of battling social anxiety, you could approach it with kindness this holiday season? With holiday gatherings right around the corner, social anxiety can feel especially overwhelming. This episode tackles how to face these events with practical strategies that make social interactions feel less intimidating and more manageable, offe…

1
80. Gratitude Practices for Midlife: Transforming Challenges into Blessings (Replay Ep.68) 11:22

8d ago11:22

11:22

In this replay episode, we explore the transformative impact of gratitude on navigating midlife’s unique challenges. Whether you’re feeling stuck, stressed about family, or navigating personal transitions, gratitude can be a powerful tool to shift your perspective. Discover three practical ways to incorporate gratitude into your daily, weekly, and …

1
Ep. 104 3 Ingredients to Decrease Stress & Anxiety & Increase Midlife Holiday Calm 8:28

3d ago8:28

8:28

Are you tired of feeling drained and overwhelmed by holiday preparations? In this episode of Creating Midlife Calm, MJ Murray Vachon, a licensed clinical social worker, reveals a powerful approach to designing a holiday season that centers around peace, gratitude, and genuine enjoyment. MJ shares her tried-and-true method for letting go of the pres…

1
Ep. 103 Using Gratitude & Fun To Ease Midlife Anxiety and Create Calm This Thanksgiving 7:15

5h ago7:15

7:15

Are you tired of feeling stressed and overwhelmed by holiday planning and want a Thanksgiving that leaves you feeling calm, happy, and truly grateful? Are your holidays more of a burden than a joy. With endless lists and expectations, it’s easy to lose sight of why you celebrate in the first place. This episode dives into three simple “ingredients”…

1
79. We Don’t Have Control Over The Chaos That Surrounds Us: Grounding Exercises for Anxiety & Stress (Replay #19) 15:42

2h ago15:42

15:42

It’s been a week! Now that the dust has settled from the election, it’s time to take care of ourselves, so we can continue to focus what truly matters. We don't have control over life's chaos, but we do have the ability to stand firmly in the midst of it all and be grounded, present in the moment with clarity and focus, even when life is spinning a…

1
Ep. 102 Holiday Calm: 2 Coping Skills To Increase Calm & Joy Admist Family Estrangement in Midlife. 9:21

9h ago9:21

9:21

Feeling the sting of family estrangement this holiday season? Let's find ways to bring you calm and ease that pain. In this episode, you'll discover: 1. How reflecting on your role in the estrangement can empower you to heal. 2. The transformative power of compassion for your loved one's struggles and your own pain. 3. Practical tips to reclaim pea…

1
Make Space For: Setting Intentions, Goals and Creating Your Own Monthly Reset. 14:15

1d ago14:15

14:15

This episode is all about making space for yourself! How do you want to feel at this time in yoru life? What about starting with this month? I've set many goals throughout my life. Some I actually met. Many I have not. As November rolled around I started thinking about the upcoming stress of the holidays and how I needed to relax a little bit more.…

1
Ep. 101 Understanding Midlife Family Estrangement As A Coping Skill to Increase Calm During the Holiday Season 19:01

24d ago19:01

19:01

Family estrangement can feel overwhelming, especially around the holiday season when family gatherings highlight painful separations. In this episode, you'll learn: 1. The prevalence of family estrangement and why it’s more common than you might think. 2. Key causes that drive family members apart, from generational value clashes to lifestyle diffe…

1
78. The Only Way To Get Through It, Is To Go Through It—Affirmation for Enduring Hard Times 10:30

4d ago10:30

10:30

When life’s challenges feel relentless, it’s easy to wish for an escape, a way to fast-forward to the end of the struggle. But sometimes, the only way to truly overcome is to go through it—head-on. In this episode, we’re diving into the resilience it takes to face life’s toughest moments, whether it’s navigating a career setback, managing family de…

1
Ep.100 Coping Skills To Transform Your Shoulds in Midlife To Increase Calm When Others Get Mad 12:56

8d ago12:56

12:56

In this episode, you'll discover what to do when others aren't happy about you transforming your "shoulds." When you're shifting priorities, people may resist or push back, creating a unique tension. I'll walk you through a helpful mindset shift to stay true to your decisions and maintain connections with those affected by your choices. In this epi…

1
Ep. 99 How Transforming Shoulds Can Instantly Decrease Anxiety & Boost Midlife Calm 8:36

11d ago8:36

8:36

Feeling burdened by expectations? In this episode of Creating Midlife Calm, MJ Murray Vachon LCSW, dives into how the "shoulds" in your life can impact your spirit, both positively and negatively. Using her simple S.O.S. process, you'll discover how to turn oppressive shoulds into empowering coulds, helping you feel more connected to your inner cal…

1
77. When Rejection Hits, This Affirmation Will Help You See the Opportunity 10:05

11d ago10:05

10:05

Rejection can feel like a punch to the gut. It shakes our confidence, questions our worth, and makes us wonder if we’ll ever get that “yes” we’ve been hoping for. Whether it’s being turned down for a job, facing a relationship setback, or receiving disappointing news about a personal goal, rejection stings. But what if, instead of seeing it as a de…

1
Ep. 98 How Changing One Thought Can Decrease Your Anxiety & Increase Your Coping Skills Creating Midlife Calm! 10:01

29d ago10:01

10:01

Are you often overwhelmed by the thought, “This should not be happening”? You’re not alone. This mindset can fuel anxiety and a sense of being out of control, leaving you feeling miserable. By the end of this episode, you’ll gain a new perspective on your thoughts and learn practical strategies to cultivate calm amidst life’s challenges. In this ep…

1
Social Media and Menopause Don't Mix! 12:53

1M ago12:53

12:53

Do the things you watch on social media affect your mental health? Do you realize it? After 8 months off my personal social media account, I feel less stressed, more present and can get back to accepting myself as an aging woman. Am I overly sensitive and emotional? Maybe. There were just some things on social media I needed to break away from. I'd…

1
Ep. 97 2 Coping Skills To Decrease Your Anxiety When You Feel Out of Control So You Can Think Clearly In Midlife 14:34

1M ago14:34

14:34

Feel like you’re losing control? Learn the secret to managing out-of-control moments and think more clearly. In this episode, you'll learn: 1. How to identify when you’re feeling out of control before emotions take over. 2. Effective strategies to tame anxiety and create mental clarity. 3. The secret to controlling how you respond when life feels c…

1
76. Stay Motivated with This Affirmation to Keep Going No Matter What 9:59

23d ago9:59

9:59

Feeling like progress is taking too long or like you’re constantly hitting roadblocks? In those moments, it’s easy to feel discouraged and want to give up. Whether you’re working toward a personal goal, a passion project, or a career change, the journey can often feel slow and overwhelming. In this episode, we focus on an affirmation to keep going …

1
Ep. 96 Daily Boosts to Decrease Election Anxiety and Increase Midlife Calm Now 15:36

1M ago15:36

15:36

Want your election anxiety to decrease? Try carving a 🎃 pumpkin or sorting your socks. In this episode, we follow up on Monday’s Inner Challenge, where we discussed how to manage election anxiety. Today, MJ introduces the Daily Boost, a simple but powerful strategy to lower your stress and boost your mood during these intense times. In this episode…

1
Ep. 95 Election Anxiety: 3 Coping Skills to Stay Calm In A Divided Nation 11:35

1M ago11:35

11:35

Is the election what's scaring you the most during this Halloween Season? Are you feeling stressed about the election? Do you find yourself doomscrolling or anxiously discussing it with friends? If so, you're not alone—73% of Americans feel anxious about elections. In this episode, you'll discover: 1. What election anxiety is and why it affects so …

1
75. ‘I Can Do Hard Things’—Affirmation for Inner Strength During Challenging Times 9:38

30d ago9:38

9:38

Feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges or moments of self-doubt? Whether you're facing a tough project, pursuing a personal goal, or navigating a career change, it’s easy to feel like giving up. In those moments, we forget how strong and capable we truly are—we just have to dig deep to find our inner strength to push forward. In this episode, hos…

1
Ep.94 5 Easy Strategies To Stop Nighttime Eating Tonight To Improve Your Sleep & Decrease Your Anxiety! 12:15

1M ago12:15

12:15

Are late-night cravings keeping you from a good night’s sleep and sabotaging your health goals? If you’ve been struggling with unwanted snacking before bed or find yourself reaching for food after dinner, you’re not alone. Nighttime eating can disrupt your sleep, lead to weight gain, and impact your overall well-being, but it doesn’t have to contro…

1
Ep. 93 5 Simple Sleep Hacks To Help You Sleep Better Tonight! 8:56

2M ago8:56

8:56

Struggling to get a good night's sleep, or is staying asleep becoming an impossible task? What if five simple, science-backed hacks could change that for you tonight? This episode dives deep into why quality sleep is essential for your health and mental well-being. If you're feeling the effects of sleep deprivation—exhaustion, irritability, and tro…

1
Ep. 101 Understanding Midlife Family Estrangement As A Coping Skill to Increase Calm During the Holiday Season 19:03

2M ago19:03

19:03

Feeling the sting of family estrangement this holiday season? Let's find ways to bring you calm and ease that pain. In this episode, you'll discover: 1. How reflecting on your role in the estrangement can empower you to heal. 2. The transformative power of compassion for your loved one's struggles and your own pain. 3. Practical tips to reclaim pea…

1
74. (Replay) 55. The Power of "I Am": Affirmations for Resilience and Empowerment in Midlife 13:17

1M ago13:17

13:17

In this replay episode of Mindful Life Changes, we explore the power of “I Am” statements. Are you feeling overwhelmed by the challenges and changes of midlife? Do doubts and negative self-talk hold you back from fully embracing this transformative phase? In this episode, Valerie shares her personal experiences and insights on navigating midlife wi…

1
Ep. 92 Proving Your Mind is Meant to be Peaceful, Calm & Happy 9:29

2M ago9:29

9:29

Do you believe your mind is naturally peaceful, or are you convinced it’s always meant to be stressed and busy? What if you could tap into your mind’s natural state of calm and happiness? In this episode of Creating Midlife Calm, MJ dives into the truth about our mind's natural state. If you often feel overwhelmed by stress or anxiety and are searc…

1
73. Stuck or Moving Forward? Time To Check-in with Yourself —Affirmation for Reflection 11:27

1M ago11:27

11:27

Do you feel like time is flying by, but not much has changed for you personally? In the busyness of midlife—balancing work, family, and obligations—it’s easy to feel stuck or overwhelmed by unmet goals and personal growth that’s been put on hold. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. In this episode, we’ll guide you through a simple life audit…

1
Ep. 91 Use These 2 Mindfulness Practices To Instantly Increase Gratitude, Calm & Joy! 13:04

2M ago13:04

13:04

Feeling overwhelmed by the fast pace of life? What if you could slow down and instantly create calm, joy, and gratitude in just a few minutes? In this episode, MJ Murray Vachon, LCSW, reveals two simple mindfulness practices—"Notice on the Outside" and "Notice on the Inside"—that act as mental workouts for your mind. Just as we strengthen our bodie…

1
Ep. 90 3 Coping Skills to Increase Your Happiness & Calm When You Hate Your Job 7:52

2M ago7:52

7:52

Do you find yourself constantly overthinking and dreading your job? What if you could use your whole brain to increase your happiness and calm—even in a work environment you hate? If your job brings on negative thoughts, whether it's due to conflicts with coworkers, lack of direction, or just overall dissatisfaction, you’re not alone. In this episo…

1
Ep. 89 3 Steps to Disengage From Work To Be More Calm & Present at Home 14:25

2M ago14:25

14:25

Do you struggle to turn off work mode and find it hard to be fully present with your loved ones at home? In today's fast-paced world, many people find it challenging to leave work at the office, leading to stress and difficulty being present at home. This episode tackles a common issue: how to disengage from work so you can enjoy a more peaceful an…

1
72. Don’t Overthink It, Just Do It—Affirmation for Motivation 11:49

2M ago11:49

11:49

Do you find yourself overthinking to the point where it stops you from taking action? Whether it's starting that morning run, opening up that business plan, or even picking up a book to read, overthinking can leave you stalled and frustrated. In this episode, we explore practical ways to outsmart your hesitation and move from thought to action. You…

1
Making Space For Menopause 14:00

2M ago14:00

14:00

How are you transitioning into your midlife years? Are you past the "mid" part of life and working towards your 60's or more? Bravo, you, by the way. As I ask your help in renaming my podcast, I want you to think about how you are making space for one of the biggest transitions women go through, if we are lucky to do so. Yes, lucky. We all have an …

1
Ep.88 Effective Strategies to Decrease Resistance When Household Members Don't Want to Equitably Share Chores! 7:17

2M ago7:17

7:17

Are you tired of feeling like household chores aren't fairly divided, leading to tension and frustration at home? Following up on Episode 87 Instantly Reduce Household Stress and Create Calm with THIS Surprising Chore-Sharing Game!", this episode tackles the resistance around dividing household tasks equitably. In this episode, we will discuss stra…

1
Ep. 87 Instantly Reduce Household Stress and Create Calm with THIS Surprising Chore-Sharing Game! 17:20

3M ago17:20

17:20

Are household chores turning into a battleground at your home? Discover the fun and effective game that could bring peace to your chore wars!" In this episode of Creating Midlife Calm, we dive into the common struggle of uneven chore distribution in households. If you're tired of feeling frustrated while doing the lion's share of housework or find …

1
71. A Month of ‘Yes!’: Affirmation for Abundance and Personal Growth 13:23

3M ago13:23

13:23

Are you constantly putting others' needs ahead of your own, feeling guilty about dedicating time to yourself? In this episode, we explore the idea of embracing a "month of yes" to help midlifers break free from guilt and hesitation. You'll learn how small, manageable actions can shift your mindset, inviting more abundance and joy into your life. Wh…

1
When You Laugh At Yourself | My Aging And Podcast Update 15:44

2M ago15:44

15:44

Its a sign of growth when you can take a good look at yourself and laugh. When you can forgive yourself for making mistakes and just be you. In this episode I talk about change. Change in this podcast, my body, my thoughts about nutrition + non diet (a bit - more to come). While I love to talk about nutrition and midlife, I realize how much SPACE w…

1
Ep. 86 Understanding the 4 Causes of Overthinking To Reduce Your Anxiety & Increase Calm 9:57

3M ago9:57

9:57

Ep. 86 Understanding the 4 Causes of Overthinking To Reduce Your Anxiety & Increase Calm Do you find yourself trapped in overthinking, draining your energy, disrupting your mental clarity, and leaving you anxious? Overthinking affects many of us, especially when faced with stress or uncertainty. In this episode, MJ Murray Vachon, LCSW, explains the…

1
Ep. 85 5 Easy & Effective Steps to Stop Overthinking, Now! 10:58

3M ago10:58

10:58

Ep. 85 5 Easy & Effective Steps to Stop Over Thinking, Now! Do you ever feel trapped in a never-ending cycle of worry and anxiety, unable to shut off your mind?" Overthinking is an issue many of us face, especially during times of stress or uncertainty. It can rob us of peace, ruin our sleep, and harm our relationships. In this episode, MJ Murray V…

1
70. Finding Clarity Through Chaos: Affirmations for Inner Peace and Balance 10:45

2M ago10:45

10:45

Has midlife's circumstances, obligations, and responsibilities left you facing unresolved issues or problems? When there’s no solution in sight, it’s easy to fall deeper into despair, sadness, and anguish. In this episode, we explore three powerful ways to cultivate inner peace, even when life’s challenges feel overwhelming. From helping others to …

1
Ep. 84 3 Effective Strategies to Overcome Family Disagreements when Navigating Your Child'sMental, Social, Intellectual and Physical Differences 8:41

3M ago8:41

8:41

Ep. 84 3 Effective Strategies to Overcome Family Disagreements when Navigating Your Child's Mental, Social, Intellectual and Physical Differences Do family disagreements over your child's needs feel overwhelming? When you're not aligned with your co-parent or child on how to handle mental, social, learning, or physical differences, finding peace ca…

1
Ep. 83 Mastering the Seven-Stage Path: Reducing Anxiety and Boosting Strategies for Families Navigating a Child's Physical, Mental, Learning, or Social Challenges. 32:40

3M ago32:40

32:40

Ep. 83 Mastering the Seven-Stage Path: Reducing Anxiety and Boosting Strategies for Families Navigating a Child's Physical, Mental, Learning, or Social Challenges What happens when your child’s development takes an unexpected turn, and you suddenly realize their path is different from what you imagined? Raising a child with physical, mental, learni…

1
69. Affirmations for Being Present- Letting Go of the Impatience and Distractions 11:04

3M ago11:04

11:04

Ever feel like life is making you less present and more distracted? You find yourself less engaged with the people around you, more focused on getting through your to-do list and the motions of the day. In today’s episode, host Valerie Mekki explores how to surrender to the small moments in life by becoming more present, transforming your daily rou…

1
Ep. 82 Stopping The Midlife Spread Your Way By Getting Off The Couch 33:25

3M ago33:25

33:25

Are you a couch potato? A Sofa Spud? Does your critical voice constantly call you lazy? Do you plan on working out but don’t follow through? Someone looking to stop the weight gain as you juggle all the demands of midlife which leave little time for the gym? This is the episode for you!!!! We all know the stats: working out is essential for the wel…

1
68. Gratitude Affirmations for Midlife: Transforming Challenges into Blessings 10:21

3M ago10:21

10:21

Midlife comes with its unique set of challenges—whether you’re feeling stuck, stressed about an aging parent or child, or even navigating the end of a relationship. In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of gratitude and how it can reshape your perspective during life’s most difficult moments.You’ll learn about three practical ways…

1
67. Reinvention After 40: Powerful ‘I Am’ Affirmations Declaring Your Courage for Change 10:08

3M ago10:08

10:08

Are you ready to reinvent yourself after 40? In this episode of Mindful Life Changes, host Valerie Mekki, delves into the power of “I Am” affirmations for reinvention for ones over 40. Explore how midlife can be the perfect time for a fresh start. Learn how to start your journey of reinvention by shedding limiting beliefs, and adopting new habits t…

1
Emergency Episode Ep. 81 School Anxiety: Three Coping Skills Parents and Kids Can Use Right Now! 8:09

4M ago8:09

8:09

It's August and you may be one of those parents sending an anxious child off to school, college, trade school, or the world of full time work. Yep, it's animal house right under your own roof. If it feels a little crazy, I'm here to bring you a bit of calm. In this episode, you'll learn: The practical science of why your child's anxiety is contagio…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Creating Midlife Calm Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide