Turning 40 and navigating the "ick" of the midlife crisis - with Stephanie McLaughlin

Untethered with Jen Liss

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Is the midlife crisis a real thing? I've been curious about this for a while.
I mean, there are times I'm actually pretty thrilled to be in my 40s. There are times I get a little freaked out about it.
Stephanie McLaughlin is on the podcast this week to talk about that thing that happens to us around "midlife."
When she turned 40, Stephanie decided to have 40 drinks with 40 friends from her past. The project changed her life.
In our episode, Stephanie shares how this started the '40 Drinks Project,' a movement that challenges the stigma around the midlife crisis narrative. Stephanie shares the unexpected wisdom she uncovered via the laughter and reminiscence she shared with long-lost friends.
One of the things Stephanie uncovered in this project is how her childhood memories were the secret ingredients to understanding her present self. She is now on a mission to wash away the "ick" around the idea of midlife, and to show people how it's actually a chance to turn back toward the things that brought you joy as a child.

Meet Stephanie McLaughlin:
Bringing a background in journalism to marketing, Stephanie McLaughlin merges creativity with clarity for clients of her marketing agency, Savoir Faire Marketing/Communications. Her superpower is uncovering a company’s “soul” and then developing stories about that soul that resonate with the audiences most responsible for the company’s success. She strives to help you Make Your Marketing Matter.

In 2022 Stephanie launched The Forty Drinks Podcast, a passion project based on a life changing experience she had around turning 40. Each week she has conversations with guests about transformation and reinvention that take place around that milestone birthday.

Connect with Stephanie:
Forty Drinks Podcast
Forty Drinks on Instagram
Forty Drinks on Facebook
Savoir Faire Marketing/Communications
Savoir Faire’s Small Business Partnership

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Mark your calendar for January 8th, 2025—it’s the annual Word of the Year Party! This is where we come together, set intentions, and choose the word that will guide us toward more meaning, more creativity, and more joy in the year ahead.
It’s totally free! To register, go to JenLiss.com/2025

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Music created and produced by Matt Bollenbach

Kapitel

1. Turning 40 and navigating the "ick" of the midlife crisis - with Stephanie McLaughlin (00:00:00)

2. Exploring the Midlife Crisis Experience (00:00:05)

3. Navigating Midlife Transitions With Compassion (00:12:10)

4. Uncovering Childhood Memories Through Drinks (00:24:52)

5. Self-Discovery Through Others' Eyes (00:28:29)

6. The Power of Connection and Self-Reflection (00:39:58)