In this heartfelt and hilarious episode of Pucker Up Midlife, Jenn and Andrea dive into the reality of the holiday season as women navigating midlife, motherhood, and ever-changing family traditions. From decorating early (or late), juggling adult kids, grandchildren, and long-distance holidays, to letting go of old traditions and creating new ones, this episode captures the emotional, messy, and joyful truth of Christmas in midlife.

The conversation explores how holidays evolve as kids grow up, the pressure women carry to “make Christmas happen,” and the mental load that comes with shopping, hosting, decorating, and budgeting. Jenn and Andrea share funny stories about Elf on the Shelf, Santa photos, ugly Christmas sweaters, white elephant gift exchanges gone wrong, and why setting boundaries around spending and expectations matters more than ever.

They also discuss meaningful holiday traditions—Italian Christmas Eve meals, family singing, matching pajamas, gift-tracking apps, and choosing experiences over excess gifts. With plenty of laughs, relatable moments, and honest reflections, this episode reminds listeners that the holidays don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.

If you’re a woman in midlife navigating holiday stress, family dynamics, nostalgia, and reinvention, this episode will make you feel seen, understood, and entertained.

Topics covered:

Midlife holidays, Christmas traditions, motherhood, empty nest life, family dynamics, holiday stress, budgeting, mental load, gift ideas, women in midlife, reinvention, laughter, and letting go.

Perfect for fans of honest conversations, real friendships, and embracing the beauty of imperfection during the holidays.

Keywords: midlife podcast, women over 40 podcast, midlife reinvention, girlfriends in midlife, perimenopause humor, real women real talk, women supporting women, beauty tips for women over 40, midlife friendship, midlife lifestyle podcast, fashion over 40, girl trips ideas, self care midlife, confidence in midlife, women aging gracefully

In this deeply personal and emotional episode of Pucker Up Midlife, Jenn and Andrea open the door to one of the most defining stories of Jenn’s life—a powerful journey of motherhood, loss, resilience, and the unexpected beauty of blended family.

For the first time, Jenn shares the full story behind how she and her husband became parents to two additional daughters, Katie and Sarah, after their mother Sharon bravely battled cancer as a single mom. From the early days of helping with rides and practices, to hospital visits, to navigating the heartbreaking reality of Sharon’s final weeks, this episode captures the raw humanity, courage, and compassion that shaped their family forever.

Jenn walks listeners through the fear, uncertainty, love, and grace that unfolded as she and Paul stepped into the role of guardians—ultimately creating a tight-knit, joy-filled family of seven. This is a story about the power of community, the strength of women, the resilience of children, and what it means to show up for someone when it matters most.

If you’ve ever experienced loss, blended a family, or questioned whether you’re strong enough for the hard seasons, this episode will move you, comfort you, and remind you of the beauty that can rise from heartbreak.

Keywords: midlife podcast, women over 40 podcast, midlife reinvention, girlfriends in midlife, perimenopause humor, real women real talk, women supporting women, beauty tips for women over 40, midlife friendship, midlife lifestyle podcast, fashion over 40, girl trips ideas, self care midlife, confidence in midlife, women aging gracefully

In this heartfelt Thanksgiving episode of Pucker Up Midlife, Jenn and Andrea dive into the beauty, chaos, and bittersweet transitions that come with midlife, motherhood, and evolving family traditions. From hilarious moments of midlife brain fog (yes… double contact lenses!) to the emotional reality of kids moving away, shifting holiday routines, and learning to cherish what truly matters, this episode is all about gratitude, reinvention, and connection.

Jenn and Andrea open up about:

• How holiday traditions change as kids grow up and family dynamics shift

• Navigating the sadness of missing loved ones during the holidays

• Passing down family recipes, stories, and memories

• Practicing daily gratitude (“Vitamin G”) and the importance of a personal mantra

• The growth, friendships, and life lessons that come with midlife reinvention

• Listener submissions sharing what they’re thankful for this season

• The small things we’re grateful for now (hello, progesterone and eyebrows!)

This warm, funny, and deeply relatable episode reminds us to appreciate the people who shape our lives, embrace new seasons with an open heart, and carry forward the stories and traditions that matter most. Whether you're spending Thanksgiving with family, friends, or flying solo this year, this conversation will make you feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

Follow along for more midlife conversations on reinvention, wellness, gratitude, hormones, empty nesting, and the messy-beautiful reality of being a woman in midlife.

Keywords: midlife podcast, women over 40 podcast, midlife reinvention, girlfriends in midlife, perimenopause humor, real women real talk, women supporting women, beauty tips for women over 40, midlife friendship, midlife lifestyle podcast, fashion over 40, girl trips ideas, self care midlife, confidence in midlife, women aging gracefully