Midlife Unplugged TV Show Thu, 28 May 2026 17:12:39 +1000 https://midlifeunpluggedtvshow.buzzsprout.com en-us © 2026 Midlife Unplugged TV Show yes 880b4298-c60f-54be-9699-250d8c28a472 lara@laraportelli.com Lara Portelli episodic false Hosted by Lara Portelli, award-winning author, menopause and divorce mentor, and midlife rebel with a mic, this show is raw, real, and radically honest. It’s for those who’ve hit 40+ and decided they’re done playing small, done people-pleasing, and done following the damn rules.

On Midlife Unplugged, we rip off the masks and speak truth. From body changes to identity crises, breakups to reinventions, hot flashes to bold career pivots... nothing is off limits.

We have bodacious, unapologetic, purpose-driven guests who are ready to share their story with unfiltered honesty. If you’ve walked through fire, flipped the script, and found your power in the second act of life, this channel is for you!

This is your space to show up, swear if you need to, and inspire others with your truth.

Welcome to the F**K it years.
Let’s talk.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Lara Portelli lara@laraportelli.com https://storage.buzzsprout.com/iveue9oq41ix610zm3s1mn84soy3?.jpg Midlife Unplugged TV Show Lara Portelli S2 | E9 Lynn Catalano — When Family Isn't Family S2 | E9 Lynn Catalano — When Family Isn't Family Some relationships don’t just hurt you… they slowly break you down.

Lynn Catalano, Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Coach, chats about the toxic patterns so many people experience but struggle to explain.

From silent treatment and manipulation to "word salad” arguments and always being made to feel like the bad guy. This conversation puts real words to what narcissistic abuse can actually look like.

Lynn also shares her personal story, the red flags people often miss, and what healing looks like when you finally stop living in survival mode.

Get to know more about Lynn:  https://www.lynncatalano.com

If you have loved today’s episode, please share this with a friend. ❤️


About Lara Portelli:

As a successful business owner, NLP Practitioner, Midlife Reset Mentor, acclaimed award-winning author, and seasoned professional, Lara understands the challenges of navigating careers, business, and personal growth. She now channels her expertise into mentoring women through midlife and into their bodacious second act, helping ambitious women step into their power and build success on their own terms.

Connect with Lara: https://www.laraportelli.com/

]]> Some relationships don’t just hurt you… they slowly break you down.

Lynn Catalano, Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Coach, chats about the toxic patterns so many people experience but struggle to explain.

From silent treatment and manipulation to "word salad” arguments and always being made to feel like the bad guy. This conversation puts real words to what narcissistic abuse can actually look like.

Lynn also shares her personal story, the red flags people often miss, and what healing looks like when you finally stop living in survival mode.

Get to know more about Lynn:  https://www.lynncatalano.com

If you have loved today’s episode, please share this with a friend. ❤️


About Lara Portelli:

As a successful business owner, NLP Practitioner, Midlife Reset Mentor, acclaimed award-winning author, and seasoned professional, Lara understands the challenges of navigating careers, business, and personal growth. She now channels her expertise into mentoring women through midlife and into their bodacious second act, helping ambitious women step into their power and build success on their own terms.

Connect with Lara: https://www.laraportelli.com/

]]> Lara Portelli Buzzsprout-19215003 Wed, 27 May 2026 11:00:00 +1000 1731 2 9 full false S2 | E8 Sabrina Militello — Finding Yourself in the Midlife Chaos S2 | E8 Sabrina Militello — Finding Yourself in the Midlife Chaos Who’s Patrice, and why is she causing so much trouble?

In this episode, Sabrina Militello shares how naming her inner critic helped her notice the stories she was telling herself and finally start challenging them.

Lara and Sabrina also talk about self-worth, overwhelm, loneliness, and what it takes to reconnect with yourself when life starts feeling heavy.

If things have felt a bit “too much” lately, this one’s worth a listen.

Get to know Sabrina — https://www.sabrinamilitello.com

If you have loved today’s episode, please share this with a friend. ❤️


About Lara Portelli:

As a successful business owner, NLP Practitioner, Midlife Reset Mentor, acclaimed award-winning author, and seasoned professional, Lara understands the challenges of navigating careers, business, and personal growth. She now channels her expertise into mentoring women through midlife and into their bodacious second act, helping ambitious women step into their power and build success on their own terms.

Connect with Lara: https://www.laraportelli.com/

]]> Who’s Patrice, and why is she causing so much trouble?

In this episode, Sabrina Militello shares how naming her inner critic helped her notice the stories she was telling herself and finally start challenging them.

Lara and Sabrina also talk about self-worth, overwhelm, loneliness, and what it takes to reconnect with yourself when life starts feeling heavy.

If things have felt a bit “too much” lately, this one’s worth a listen.

Get to know Sabrina — https://www.sabrinamilitello.com

If you have loved today’s episode, please share this with a friend. ❤️


About Lara Portelli:

As a successful business owner, NLP Practitioner, Midlife Reset Mentor, acclaimed award-winning author, and seasoned professional, Lara understands the challenges of navigating careers, business, and personal growth. She now channels her expertise into mentoring women through midlife and into their bodacious second act, helping ambitious women step into their power and build success on their own terms.

Connect with Lara: https://www.laraportelli.com/

]]> Lara Portelli Buzzsprout-19175247 Wed, 20 May 2026 11:00:00 +1000 1532 2 8 full true S2 | E7 Terry Tateossian — Hormones, Hospitals, and Hard Truths S2 | E7 Terry Tateossian — Hormones, Hospitals, and Hard Truths Rushed to the ER thinking it's over, just to hear "it's stress" and get sent home? We've been there.

This week, Lara chats with Terry Tateossian about those wild "am I losing it?" moments in your 30s and 40s.

Terry opens up on her fast-and-furious ride through perimenopause—hot flashes that feel like your body's on fire, finally putting yourself first without the guilt, that heavy-leg drag some days. We dive into hormone chaos, HRT fears, ditching people-pleasing, and docs who brush you off. If you've felt dismissed or nuts, you're not alone. Let's unpack it together.

Get to know more about Terry: https://www.thehouseofrose.com

If you have loved today’s episode, please share this with a friend. ❤️


About Lara Portelli:

As a successful business owner, NLP Practitioner, Midlife Reset Mentor, acclaimed award-winning author, and seasoned professional, Lara understands the challenges of navigating careers, business, and personal growth. She now channels her expertise into mentoring women through midlife and into their bodacious second act, helping ambitious women step into their power and build success on their own terms.

Connect with Lara: https://www.laraportelli.com/

]]> Rushed to the ER thinking it's over, just to hear "it's stress" and get sent home? We've been there.

This week, Lara chats with Terry Tateossian about those wild "am I losing it?" moments in your 30s and 40s.

Terry opens up on her fast-and-furious ride through perimenopause—hot flashes that feel like your body's on fire, finally putting yourself first without the guilt, that heavy-leg drag some days. We dive into hormone chaos, HRT fears, ditching people-pleasing, and docs who brush you off. If you've felt dismissed or nuts, you're not alone. Let's unpack it together.

Get to know more about Terry: https://www.thehouseofrose.com

If you have loved today’s episode, please share this with a friend. ❤️


About Lara Portelli:

As a successful business owner, NLP Practitioner, Midlife Reset Mentor, acclaimed award-winning author, and seasoned professional, Lara understands the challenges of navigating careers, business, and personal growth. She now channels her expertise into mentoring women through midlife and into their bodacious second act, helping ambitious women step into their power and build success on their own terms.

Connect with Lara: https://www.laraportelli.com/

]]> Lara Portelli Buzzsprout-19127987 Wed, 13 May 2026 11:00:00 +1000 2222 2 7 full true S2 | E6 Rose Wippich — Midlife isn’t a Curse it’s your Second Chance S2 | E6 Rose Wippich — Midlife isn’t a Curse it’s your Second Chance Midlife can feel like you’re just going through the motions—working, doing chores, taking care of everyone, then doing it all again the next day.

In this episode, Lara talks with Rose Wippich about what it looked like for her to make big changes in midlife.

After a breast cancer diagnosis at 49, Rose started looking at her life differently. She left a career she no longer enjoyed, started yoga teacher training at 55, stopped drinking, and began making more time for herself.

In this conversation, they talk about:
✨ making time for yourself, even in small ways
✨ learning to say no without guilt
✨ life after alcohol
✨ how Qigong helps you slow down and reset

If you’ve been feeling tired, stuck, or like you’ve put yourself last for too long, this episode is for you.

Get to know more about Rose: https://www.rosewippich.com

If you have loved today’s episode, please share this with a friend. ❤️


About Lara Portelli:

As a successful business owner, NLP Practitioner, Midlife Reset Mentor, acclaimed award-winning author, and seasoned professional, Lara understands the challenges of navigating careers, business, and personal growth. She now channels her expertise into mentoring women through midlife and into their bodacious second act, helping ambitious women step into their power and build success on their own terms.

Connect with Lara: https://www.laraportelli.com/

]]> Midlife can feel like you’re just going through the motions—working, doing chores, taking care of everyone, then doing it all again the next day.

In this episode, Lara talks with Rose Wippich about what it looked like for her to make big changes in midlife.

After a breast cancer diagnosis at 49, Rose started looking at her life differently. She left a career she no longer enjoyed, started yoga teacher training at 55, stopped drinking, and began making more time for herself.

In this conversation, they talk about:
✨ making time for yourself, even in small ways
✨ learning to say no without guilt
✨ life after alcohol
✨ how Qigong helps you slow down and reset

If you’ve been feeling tired, stuck, or like you’ve put yourself last for too long, this episode is for you.

Get to know more about Rose: https://www.rosewippich.com

If you have loved today’s episode, please share this with a friend. ❤️


About Lara Portelli:

As a successful business owner, NLP Practitioner, Midlife Reset Mentor, acclaimed award-winning author, and seasoned professional, Lara understands the challenges of navigating careers, business, and personal growth. She now channels her expertise into mentoring women through midlife and into their bodacious second act, helping ambitious women step into their power and build success on their own terms.

Connect with Lara: https://www.laraportelli.com/

]]> Lara Portelli Buzzsprout-19106889 Wed, 06 May 2026 11:00:00 +1000 1796 2 6 full false S2 | E5 Lilli Bewley — Healing the Root: why your outer world is a mirror S2 | E5 Lilli Bewley — Healing the Root: why your outer world is a mirror You’ve built the life you thought you wanted… so why do you still feel drained?

Lilli Bewley talks about the hidden burnout so many women carry — doing it all on the outside, but feeling empty on the inside.

Lilli opens up about her breaking point and how she shifted from survival mode to real healing. They dive into childhood patterns, self-abandonment, boundaries, and what it actually means to feel “enough.”

Get to know more about Lilli: https://www.lillibewley.com/
Take the Feminine Dating Archetype quiz: https://www.lillibewley.com/quiz

If you have loved today’s episode, please share this with a friend. ❤️


About Lara Portelli:

As a successful business owner, NLP Practitioner, Midlife Reset Mentor, acclaimed award-winning author, and seasoned professional, Lara understands the challenges of navigating careers, business, and personal growth. She now channels her expertise into mentoring women through midlife and into their bodacious second act, helping ambitious women step into their power and build success on their own terms.

Connect with Lara: https://www.laraportelli.com/

]]> You’ve built the life you thought you wanted… so why do you still feel drained?

Lilli Bewley talks about the hidden burnout so many women carry — doing it all on the outside, but feeling empty on the inside.

Lilli opens up about her breaking point and how she shifted from survival mode to real healing. They dive into childhood patterns, self-abandonment, boundaries, and what it actually means to feel “enough.”

Get to know more about Lilli: https://www.lillibewley.com/
Take the Feminine Dating Archetype quiz: https://www.lillibewley.com/quiz

If you have loved today’s episode, please share this with a friend. ❤️


About Lara Portelli:

As a successful business owner, NLP Practitioner, Midlife Reset Mentor, acclaimed award-winning author, and seasoned professional, Lara understands the challenges of navigating careers, business, and personal growth. She now channels her expertise into mentoring women through midlife and into their bodacious second act, helping ambitious women step into their power and build success on their own terms.

Connect with Lara: https://www.laraportelli.com/

]]> Lara Portelli Buzzsprout-19057974 Wed, 29 Apr 2026 11:00:00 +1000 1946 2 5 full false S2 | E4 Kristine Genovese — Your body is talking, are you listening? S2 | E4 Kristine Genovese — Your body is talking, are you listening? What do you do when life blindsides you… and nothing feels the same after?

In this episode, Kristine Genovese shares her unexpected journey—from growing up connected to one of New York’s most well-known mob families to finding her own path in healing and self-discovery.

It didn’t happen overnight. In fact, it started with a moment she didn’t see coming—getting fired while sitting in a doctor’s office. That was the turning point.

We talk about what it really looks like to rebuild, trust yourself again, and let go of the weight you’ve been carrying for years.

Inside this conversation:
• How Kristine turned her past into something powerful
• Her “Soul Intelligence” approach and how it helps release stored stress and pain
• Real stories of people finally feeling better after years of struggling
• Why taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary

Get to know more about Kristine: https://soulintelligencemethod.com/


If you have loved today’s episode, please share this with a friend. ❤️


About Lara Portelli:

As a successful business owner, NLP Practitioner, Midlife Reset Mentor, acclaimed award-winning author, and seasoned professional, Lara understands the challenges of navigating careers, business, and personal growth. She now channels her expertise into mentoring women through midlife and into their bodacious second act, helping ambitious women step into their power and build success on their own terms.

Connect with Lara: https://www.laraportelli.com/

]]> What do you do when life blindsides you… and nothing feels the same after?

In this episode, Kristine Genovese shares her unexpected journey—from growing up connected to one of New York’s most well-known mob families to finding her own path in healing and self-discovery.

It didn’t happen overnight. In fact, it started with a moment she didn’t see coming—getting fired while sitting in a doctor’s office. That was the turning point.

We talk about what it really looks like to rebuild, trust yourself again, and let go of the weight you’ve been carrying for years.

Inside this conversation:
• How Kristine turned her past into something powerful
• Her “Soul Intelligence” approach and how it helps release stored stress and pain
• Real stories of people finally feeling better after years of struggling
• Why taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary

Get to know more about Kristine: https://soulintelligencemethod.com/


If you have loved today’s episode, please share this with a friend. ❤️


About Lara Portelli:

As a successful business owner, NLP Practitioner, Midlife Reset Mentor, acclaimed award-winning author, and seasoned professional, Lara understands the challenges of navigating careers, business, and personal growth. She now channels her expertise into mentoring women through midlife and into their bodacious second act, helping ambitious women step into their power and build success on their own terms.

Connect with Lara: https://www.laraportelli.com/

]]> Lara Portelli Buzzsprout-19012905 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:00:00 +1000 2111 2 4 full false S2 | E3 Danyell Edwards — Starting Over After Everything Changed S2 | E3 Danyell Edwards — Starting Over After Everything Changed Danyell opens up about the moment her life changed overnight when her husband left, and what it really looked like to keep going while everything felt like it was falling apart. From feeling alone in her marriage to hitting a breaking point she couldn’t ignore, she shares the raw truth of navigating midlife challenges all at once.

We talk about rebuilding after disappointment, finding your confidence again, and learning to choose yourself without guilt. And maybe the most powerful shift of all? Realizing that “no” is a complete sentence.

If you have loved today’s episode, please share this with a friend. ❤️


About Lara Portelli:

As a successful business owner, NLP Practitioner, Midlife Reset Mentor, acclaimed award-winning author, and seasoned professional, Lara understands the challenges of navigating careers, business, and personal growth. She now channels her expertise into mentoring women through midlife and into their bodacious second act, helping ambitious women step into their power and build success on their own terms.

Connect with Lara: https://www.laraportelli.com/

]]> Danyell opens up about the moment her life changed overnight when her husband left, and what it really looked like to keep going while everything felt like it was falling apart. From feeling alone in her marriage to hitting a breaking point she couldn’t ignore, she shares the raw truth of navigating midlife challenges all at once.

We talk about rebuilding after disappointment, finding your confidence again, and learning to choose yourself without guilt. And maybe the most powerful shift of all? Realizing that “no” is a complete sentence.

If you have loved today’s episode, please share this with a friend. ❤️


About Lara Portelli:

As a successful business owner, NLP Practitioner, Midlife Reset Mentor, acclaimed award-winning author, and seasoned professional, Lara understands the challenges of navigating careers, business, and personal growth. She now channels her expertise into mentoring women through midlife and into their bodacious second act, helping ambitious women step into their power and build success on their own terms.

Connect with Lara: https://www.laraportelli.com/

]]> Lara Portelli Buzzsprout-18981542 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 11:00:00 +1000 1112 2 3 full true S2 | E2 Michelle Bazinet — What Actually Works for Your Body in Midlife S2 | E2 Michelle Bazinet — What Actually Works for Your Body in Midlife This conversation with Michelle Bazinet might be one you needed to hear today.

Michelle has spent years in the health and fitness space, but in her early 40s, she hit that “I’m done with this” moment, and everything shifted.

We talk about stepping out of the all-or-nothing cycle.

No more forcing yourself into plans that don’t fit your life. No more chasing a “perfect” body. Just finding what actually works for you—now, and long term.

Keeping things simple. Doing what you can, even if it’s small. And making it easier to show up without that daily back-and-forth in your head.

Get to know more about Michelle: https://www.michellebazinet.com/

If you have loved today’s episode, please share this with a friend. ❤️


About Lara Portelli:

As a successful business owner, NLP Practitioner, Midlife Reset Mentor, acclaimed award-winning author, and seasoned professional, Lara understands the challenges of navigating careers, business, and personal growth. She now channels her expertise into mentoring women through midlife and into their bodacious second act, helping ambitious women step into their power and build success on their own terms.

Connect with Lara: https://www.laraportelli.com/

]]> This conversation with Michelle Bazinet might be one you needed to hear today.

Michelle has spent years in the health and fitness space, but in her early 40s, she hit that “I’m done with this” moment, and everything shifted.

We talk about stepping out of the all-or-nothing cycle.

No more forcing yourself into plans that don’t fit your life. No more chasing a “perfect” body. Just finding what actually works for you—now, and long term.

Keeping things simple. Doing what you can, even if it’s small. And making it easier to show up without that daily back-and-forth in your head.

Get to know more about Michelle: https://www.michellebazinet.com/

If you have loved today’s episode, please share this with a friend. ❤️


About Lara Portelli:

As a successful business owner, NLP Practitioner, Midlife Reset Mentor, acclaimed award-winning author, and seasoned professional, Lara understands the challenges of navigating careers, business, and personal growth. She now channels her expertise into mentoring women through midlife and into their bodacious second act, helping ambitious women step into their power and build success on their own terms.

Connect with Lara: https://www.laraportelli.com/

]]> Lara Portelli Buzzsprout-18942257 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 11:00:00 +1000 1979 2 2 full false S2 | E1: LauraAura — Stop Settling and Start Starting Over S2 | E1: LauraAura — Stop Settling and Start Starting Over On paper, everything looked perfect.
But deep down, it wasn’t.

In this episode, Laura Aura, keynote speaker and coach, shares what it was like to walk away from her 16-year career, trust her gut, set boundaries, and know her worth.

We also dive into that quiet inner voice, the fear of change, learning to say no, and finally putting yourself first.

Get to know more about LauraAura: https://lauraaura.com/

If you have loved today’s episode, please share this with a friend. ❤️


About Lara Portelli:

As a successful business owner, NLP Practitioner, Midlife Reset Mentor, acclaimed award-winning author, and seasoned professional, Lara understands the challenges of navigating careers, business, and personal growth. She now channels her expertise into mentoring women through midlife and into their bodacious second act, helping ambitious women step into their power and build success on their own terms.

Connect with Lara: https://www.laraportelli.com/

]]> On paper, everything looked perfect.
But deep down, it wasn’t.

In this episode, Laura Aura, keynote speaker and coach, shares what it was like to walk away from her 16-year career, trust her gut, set boundaries, and know her worth.

We also dive into that quiet inner voice, the fear of change, learning to say no, and finally putting yourself first.

Get to know more about LauraAura: https://lauraaura.com/

If you have loved today’s episode, please share this with a friend. ❤️


About Lara Portelli:

As a successful business owner, NLP Practitioner, Midlife Reset Mentor, acclaimed award-winning author, and seasoned professional, Lara understands the challenges of navigating careers, business, and personal growth. She now channels her expertise into mentoring women through midlife and into their bodacious second act, helping ambitious women step into their power and build success on their own terms.

Connect with Lara: https://www.laraportelli.com/

]]> Lara Portelli Buzzsprout-18910753 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 11:00:00 +1100 1540 2 1 full false E12: Alysson Richelle — I See You. I Believe You. E12: Alysson Richelle — I See You. I Believe You. Alysson Richelle shares her incredibly brave story, from being a Senior Sergeant in the police to becoming a powerful voice for people who've experienced domestic abuse.

We're really digging into the stuff no one talks about enough:
- what coercive control actually means (it's more than just physical abuse)
- understanding true consent, and
- how sometimes, when you're hurting, you get unfairly labeled as the problem.

These are critical topics that impact so many lives right now.

Alysson's message is clear and so important: 'I see you, I believe you, and you don’t have to go through this alone.'

Get to know more about Alysson and her work: https://wtdty.com.au/

If you have loved today’s episode, please share this with a friend. ❤️


About Lara Portelli:

As a successful business owner, NLP Practitioner, Midlife Reset Mentor, acclaimed award-winning author, and seasoned professional, Lara understands the challenges of navigating careers, business, and personal growth. She now channels her expertise into mentoring women through midlife and into their bodacious second act, helping ambitious women step into their power and build success on their own terms.

Connect with Lara: https://www.laraportelli.com/

]]> Alysson Richelle shares her incredibly brave story, from being a Senior Sergeant in the police to becoming a powerful voice for people who've experienced domestic abuse.

We're really digging into the stuff no one talks about enough:
- what coercive control actually means (it's more than just physical abuse)
- understanding true consent, and
- how sometimes, when you're hurting, you get unfairly labeled as the problem.

These are critical topics that impact so many lives right now.

Alysson's message is clear and so important: 'I see you, I believe you, and you don’t have to go through this alone.'

Get to know more about Alysson and her work: https://wtdty.com.au/

If you have loved today’s episode, please share this with a friend. ❤️


About Lara Portelli:

As a successful business owner, NLP Practitioner, Midlife Reset Mentor, acclaimed award-winning author, and seasoned professional, Lara understands the challenges of navigating careers, business, and personal growth. She now channels her expertise into mentoring women through midlife and into their bodacious second act, helping ambitious women step into their power and build success on their own terms.

Connect with Lara: https://www.laraportelli.com/

]]> Lara Portelli Buzzsprout-18860316 Wed, 25 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +1100 1427 1 12 full true E11: Lora Ulrich — Menopause and Finding Your New Normal E11: Lora Ulrich — Menopause and Finding Your New Normal Certified Holistic Nutritionist Lora Ulrich talks about the moment she stopped accepting feeling terrible as her new normal.

After years of chronic illness, a total hysterectomy at 53, and being thrown into forced menopause, Lora shares how she finally said “screw it” to the advice that wasn’t helping, and started finding answers that gave her her life back.

She also talks about midlife reinvention, hormones, insulin resistance, and why weight loss feels so much harder after 40.

Connect with Lora — https://loraulrich.com/

If you have loved today’s episode, please share this with a friend. ❤️


About Lara Portelli:

As a successful business owner, NLP Practitioner, Midlife Reset Mentor, acclaimed award-winning author, and seasoned professional, Lara understands the challenges of navigating careers, business, and personal growth. She now channels her expertise into mentoring women through midlife and into their bodacious second act, helping ambitious women step into their power and build success on their own terms.

Connect with Lara: https://www.laraportelli.com/

]]> Certified Holistic Nutritionist Lora Ulrich talks about the moment she stopped accepting feeling terrible as her new normal.

After years of chronic illness, a total hysterectomy at 53, and being thrown into forced menopause, Lora shares how she finally said “screw it” to the advice that wasn’t helping, and started finding answers that gave her her life back.

She also talks about midlife reinvention, hormones, insulin resistance, and why weight loss feels so much harder after 40.

Connect with Lora — https://loraulrich.com/

If you have loved today’s episode, please share this with a friend. ❤️


About Lara Portelli:

As a successful business owner, NLP Practitioner, Midlife Reset Mentor, acclaimed award-winning author, and seasoned professional, Lara understands the challenges of navigating careers, business, and personal growth. She now channels her expertise into mentoring women through midlife and into their bodacious second act, helping ambitious women step into their power and build success on their own terms.

Connect with Lara: https://www.laraportelli.com/

]]> Lara Portelli Buzzsprout-18794277 Wed, 18 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +1100 1990 1 11 full false E10: Leanna DeBellevue — The Midlife Edit I Didn’t See Coming E10: Leanna DeBellevue — The Midlife Edit I Didn’t See Coming You’re smiling, you’re polite… but deep down you’re thinking, this isn’t my place anymore.

This conversation with Leanna dives into what happens in midlife shift when you stop caring what everyone thinks and finally start listening to your gut. That quiet voice you’ve been pushing down for years gets louder.

We talk about fake friendships, why five solid people beat fifteen “sharks,” and what happened when Leanna’s husband walked away from a secure 22-year law enforcement career to take a leap of faith.

If something in you is ready for change, this one’s for you.

Connect with Leanna: https://debellevueconsulting.com/

If you have loved today’s episode, please share this with a friend. ❤️


About Lara Portelli:

As a successful business owner, NLP Practitioner, Midlife Reset Mentor, acclaimed award-winning author, and seasoned professional, Lara understands the challenges of navigating careers, business, and personal growth. She now channels her expertise into mentoring women through midlife and into their bodacious second act, helping ambitious women step into their power and build success on their own terms.

Connect with Lara: https://www.laraportelli.com/

]]> You’re smiling, you’re polite… but deep down you’re thinking, this isn’t my place anymore.

This conversation with Leanna dives into what happens in midlife shift when you stop caring what everyone thinks and finally start listening to your gut. That quiet voice you’ve been pushing down for years gets louder.

We talk about fake friendships, why five solid people beat fifteen “sharks,” and what happened when Leanna’s husband walked away from a secure 22-year law enforcement career to take a leap of faith.

If something in you is ready for change, this one’s for you.

Connect with Leanna: https://debellevueconsulting.com/

If you have loved today’s episode, please share this with a friend. ❤️


About Lara Portelli:

As a successful business owner, NLP Practitioner, Midlife Reset Mentor, acclaimed award-winning author, and seasoned professional, Lara understands the challenges of navigating careers, business, and personal growth. She now channels her expertise into mentoring women through midlife and into their bodacious second act, helping ambitious women step into their power and build success on their own terms.

Connect with Lara: https://www.laraportelli.com/

]]> Lara Portelli Buzzsprout-18716617 Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +1100 1428 1 10 full false E9: Caroline Bellenger — Is It Too Late to Start Over at 50? E9: Caroline Bellenger — Is It Too Late to Start Over at 50? Hit midlife and suddenly think, “I’m too old for this…”? Yep. This episode is for you.

Caroline Bellenger opens up about her wake-up call at 50 — the moment she realized it was finally time to choose herself. She shares her journey through childhood sexual abuse, 20 years of addiction, and mental health struggles — and what happened when she stopped living in survival mode and started focusing on healing.

We talk about getting sober, feeling all the emotions you’ve been avoiding, healing through exercise and NLP, and why constantly looking back at trauma can keep you stuck. Plus… is doom scrolling the new addiction? And why being emotionally strong actually means leading with your feelings — not hiding them.

Connect with Caroline — https://www.carolinebellenger.com/

If you have loved today’s episode, please share this with a friend. ❤️


About Lara Portelli:

As a successful business owner, NLP Practitioner, Midlife Reset Mentor, acclaimed award-winning author, and seasoned professional, Lara understands the challenges of navigating careers, business, and personal growth. She now channels her expertise into mentoring women through midlife and into their bodacious second act, helping ambitious women step into their power and build success on their own terms.

Connect with Lara: https://www.laraportelli.com/

]]> Hit midlife and suddenly think, “I’m too old for this…”? Yep. This episode is for you.

Caroline Bellenger opens up about her wake-up call at 50 — the moment she realized it was finally time to choose herself. She shares her journey through childhood sexual abuse, 20 years of addiction, and mental health struggles — and what happened when she stopped living in survival mode and started focusing on healing.

We talk about getting sober, feeling all the emotions you’ve been avoiding, healing through exercise and NLP, and why constantly looking back at trauma can keep you stuck. Plus… is doom scrolling the new addiction? And why being emotionally strong actually means leading with your feelings — not hiding them.

Connect with Caroline — https://www.carolinebellenger.com/

If you have loved today’s episode, please share this with a friend. ❤️


About Lara Portelli:

As a successful business owner, NLP Practitioner, Midlife Reset Mentor, acclaimed award-winning author, and seasoned professional, Lara understands the challenges of navigating careers, business, and personal growth. She now channels her expertise into mentoring women through midlife and into their bodacious second act, helping ambitious women step into their power and build success on their own terms.

Connect with Lara: https://www.laraportelli.com/

]]> Lara Portelli Buzzsprout-18716583 Wed, 04 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +1100 1824 1 9 full false E8: Julie Hayes - Drop the People-Pleasing and Feel More Alive E8: Julie Hayes - Drop the People-Pleasing and Feel More Alive Are you sitting on the side of the pool feeling bored, when all you have to do is jump in? 

Host Lara Portelli is joined by Julie Hayes, who shares her "F*** it" moment that led her to realize she was bored and had lost herself by always creating social harmony for others. Julie talks about "synapse pruning"—cutting away the things you no longer want to tolerate, and how dropping the need to please everyone can reduce stress and make you feel more alive! 

This episode is a great reminder to keep it simple, find out what truly makes you happy, and prioritize those "I'm alive" moments.

If you have loved today’s episode, please share this with a friend. ❤️


About Lara Portelli:

As a successful business owner, NLP Practitioner, Midlife Reset Mentor, acclaimed award-winning author, and seasoned professional, Lara understands the challenges of navigating careers, business, and personal growth. She now channels her expertise into mentoring women through midlife and into their bodacious second act, helping ambitious women step into their power and build success on their own terms.

Connect with Lara: https://www.laraportelli.com/

]]> Are you sitting on the side of the pool feeling bored, when all you have to do is jump in? 

Host Lara Portelli is joined by Julie Hayes, who shares her "F*** it" moment that led her to realize she was bored and had lost herself by always creating social harmony for others. Julie talks about "synapse pruning"—cutting away the things you no longer want to tolerate, and how dropping the need to please everyone can reduce stress and make you feel more alive! 

This episode is a great reminder to keep it simple, find out what truly makes you happy, and prioritize those "I'm alive" moments.

If you have loved today’s episode, please share this with a friend. ❤️


About Lara Portelli:

As a successful business owner, NLP Practitioner, Midlife Reset Mentor, acclaimed award-winning author, and seasoned professional, Lara understands the challenges of navigating careers, business, and personal growth. She now channels her expertise into mentoring women through midlife and into their bodacious second act, helping ambitious women step into their power and build success on their own terms.

Connect with Lara: https://www.laraportelli.com/

]]> Lara Portelli Buzzsprout-18668174 Wed, 25 Feb 2026 11:00:00 +1100 1657 1 8 full false E7: Melissa Melrose - When the Old Ways Stop Working in Midlife E7: Melissa Melrose - When the Old Ways Stop Working in Midlife There comes a point in life where things don’t feel wrong exactly… just off. Like you’re in the middle of something, but you don’t quite know what’s next. That’s where this conversation starts. 

Lara sits down with Melissa Melrose to talk about what midlife really brings up—especially for Gen X women who grew up learning to stay small, keep the peace, and put everyone else first. Melissa shares how this stage of life has a way of undoing those patterns, when the roles and coping strategies you’ve relied on for years just stop working. 

They talk about menopause, raising teenagers going through puberty at the same time, and why those seasons mirror each other more than we expect. It’s also a conversation about letting yourself feel what you’ve been pushing down, and what happens when you finally start choosing yourself without guilt. 

No fixing. No hype. Just an honest look at this phase of life and what it asks of us.


About Melissa:

Melissa Melrose is a nervous system-informed soul coach and rebirthing breathwork facilitator with over 30 years of experience in holistic health and emotional healing. She is the creator of the Foundations of Self framework and the philosophy of Rewiring the New Human, guiding people out of survival-based living and into embodied wholeness through breathwork, somatic awareness, and emotional integration.

Connect with Melissa: https://www.melissamelrose.com/


If you have loved today’s episode, please share this with a friend. ❤️


About Lara Portelli:

As a successful business owner, NLP Practitioner, Midlife Reset Mentor, acclaimed award-winning author, and seasoned professional, Lara understands the challenges of navigating careers, business, and personal growth. She now channels her expertise into mentoring women through midlife and into their bodacious second act, helping ambitious women step into their power and build success on their own terms.

Connect with Lara: https://www.laraportelli.com/

]]> There comes a point in life where things don’t feel wrong exactly… just off. Like you’re in the middle of something, but you don’t quite know what’s next. That’s where this conversation starts. 

Lara sits down with Melissa Melrose to talk about what midlife really brings up—especially for Gen X women who grew up learning to stay small, keep the peace, and put everyone else first. Melissa shares how this stage of life has a way of undoing those patterns, when the roles and coping strategies you’ve relied on for years just stop working. 

They talk about menopause, raising teenagers going through puberty at the same time, and why those seasons mirror each other more than we expect. It’s also a conversation about letting yourself feel what you’ve been pushing down, and what happens when you finally start choosing yourself without guilt. 

No fixing. No hype. Just an honest look at this phase of life and what it asks of us.


About Melissa:

Melissa Melrose is a nervous system-informed soul coach and rebirthing breathwork facilitator with over 30 years of experience in holistic health and emotional healing. She is the creator of the Foundations of Self framework and the philosophy of Rewiring the New Human, guiding people out of survival-based living and into embodied wholeness through breathwork, somatic awareness, and emotional integration.

Connect with Melissa: https://www.melissamelrose.com/


If you have loved today’s episode, please share this with a friend. ❤️


About Lara Portelli:

As a successful business owner, NLP Practitioner, Midlife Reset Mentor, acclaimed award-winning author, and seasoned professional, Lara understands the challenges of navigating careers, business, and personal growth. She now channels her expertise into mentoring women through midlife and into their bodacious second act, helping ambitious women step into their power and build success on their own terms.

Connect with Lara: https://www.laraportelli.com/

]]> Lara Portelli Buzzsprout-18654773 Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:00:00 +1100 1792 1 7 full false Melissa Melrose Lara Portelli E6: Holly McCusker - I'm Choosing Me (Not Just Waiting to be Chosen) E6: Holly McCusker - I'm Choosing Me (Not Just Waiting to be Chosen) Life doesn’t always fall apart one piece at a time, and sometimes it all hits at once.

Lara sits down for a deeply honest conversation with Holly McCusker, who opens up about losing both parents, her career, and her engagement in a very short span of time.

Holly shares how hitting rock bottom forced her out of survival mode and into a deeper journey of healing, self-trust, and coming home to herself. They talk about dropping the masks, feeling safe in your own body, breaking generational patterns, and shifting from waiting to be chosen to choosing yourself (and your partner). Dating, inner child work, and learning to love yourself in your second act—it’s all on the table.

If you’ve ever felt like midlife cracked you open instead of breaking you down, this conversation will feel like a deep exhale.

Connect with Holly - https://www.loveprescriptions.com/

If you have loved today’s episode, please share this with a friend. ❤️


About Lara Portelli:

As a successful business owner, NLP Practitioner, Midlife Reset Mentor, acclaimed award-winning author, and seasoned professional, Lara understands the challenges of navigating careers, business, and personal growth. She now channels her expertise into mentoring women through midlife and into their bodacious second act, helping ambitious women step into their power and build success on their own terms.

Connect with Lara: https://www.laraportelli.com/

]]> Life doesn’t always fall apart one piece at a time, and sometimes it all hits at once.

Lara sits down for a deeply honest conversation with Holly McCusker, who opens up about losing both parents, her career, and her engagement in a very short span of time.

Holly shares how hitting rock bottom forced her out of survival mode and into a deeper journey of healing, self-trust, and coming home to herself. They talk about dropping the masks, feeling safe in your own body, breaking generational patterns, and shifting from waiting to be chosen to choosing yourself (and your partner). Dating, inner child work, and learning to love yourself in your second act—it’s all on the table.

If you’ve ever felt like midlife cracked you open instead of breaking you down, this conversation will feel like a deep exhale.

Connect with Holly - https://www.loveprescriptions.com/

If you have loved today’s episode, please share this with a friend. ❤️


About Lara Portelli:

As a successful business owner, NLP Practitioner, Midlife Reset Mentor, acclaimed award-winning author, and seasoned professional, Lara understands the challenges of navigating careers, business, and personal growth. She now channels her expertise into mentoring women through midlife and into their bodacious second act, helping ambitious women step into their power and build success on their own terms.

Connect with Lara: https://www.laraportelli.com/

]]> Lara Portelli Buzzsprout-18633669 Wed, 11 Feb 2026 11:00:00 +1100 1443 1 6 full false E5: Cathy Nesbitt - Laughter is the Best Medicine E5: Cathy Nesbitt - Laughter is the Best Medicine Laughter is the Best Medicine: How a Daily DOSE of Joy Combats Loneliness and Midlife Stress

In this episode, Lara talks with Cathy Nesbitt about midlife reinvention, the global mental health tsunami, and why laughter is more powerful than we think.

Cathy shares how laughter yoga works as a cardiovascular workout that reduces stress, shifts energy, and boosts immunity by changing our brain chemistry. She also introduces her DOSE method — Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins — the feel-good hormones released when we laugh.

They also explore navigating midlife, setting boundaries with technology, embracing change, and the freedom that comes from putting yourself first.

Connect with Cathy: www.cathysclub.com

If you have loved today’s episode, please share this with a friend. ❤️


About Lara Portelli:

As a successful business owner, NLP Practitioner, Midlife Reset Mentor, acclaimed award-winning author, and seasoned professional, Lara understands the challenges of navigating careers, business, and personal growth. She now channels her expertise into mentoring women through midlife and into their bodacious second act, helping ambitious women step into their power and build success on their own terms.

Connect with Lara: https://www.laraportelli.com/

]]> Laughter is the Best Medicine: How a Daily DOSE of Joy Combats Loneliness and Midlife Stress

In this episode, Lara talks with Cathy Nesbitt about midlife reinvention, the global mental health tsunami, and why laughter is more powerful than we think.

Cathy shares how laughter yoga works as a cardiovascular workout that reduces stress, shifts energy, and boosts immunity by changing our brain chemistry. She also introduces her DOSE method — Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins — the feel-good hormones released when we laugh.

They also explore navigating midlife, setting boundaries with technology, embracing change, and the freedom that comes from putting yourself first.

Connect with Cathy: www.cathysclub.com

If you have loved today’s episode, please share this with a friend. ❤️


About Lara Portelli:

As a successful business owner, NLP Practitioner, Midlife Reset Mentor, acclaimed award-winning author, and seasoned professional, Lara understands the challenges of navigating careers, business, and personal growth. She now channels her expertise into mentoring women through midlife and into their bodacious second act, helping ambitious women step into their power and build success on their own terms.

Connect with Lara: https://www.laraportelli.com/

]]> Lara Portelli Buzzsprout-18616292 Wed, 04 Feb 2026 11:00:00 +1100 1726 1 5 full false E4: Amy Head — From Six Figures to Scratch: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Prioritizing Self-Care in Midlife E4: Amy Head — From Six Figures to Scratch: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Prioritizing Self-Care in Midlife From Six Figures to Scratch: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Prioritizing Self-Care in Midlife

What if midlife is where you finally come home to yourself?

In this episode of Midlife Unplugged, Lara Portelli talks with Amy Head about change, courage, and choosing yourself when life no longer fits. Amy opens up about the moment that led her to start over and redefine what her second act could look like.

This conversation is a quiet reminder that growth begins when you listen inward—and give yourself permission to begin again.

Connect with Amy: https://www.facebook.com/theamymack

If you have loved today’s episode, please share this with a friend. ❤️


About Lara Portelli:

As a successful business owner, NLP Practitioner, Midlife Reset Mentor, acclaimed award-winning author, and seasoned professional, Lara understands the challenges of navigating careers, business, and personal growth. She now channels her expertise into mentoring women through midlife and into their bodacious second act, helping ambitious women step into their power and build success on their own terms.

Connect with Lara: https://www.laraportelli.com/

]]> From Six Figures to Scratch: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Prioritizing Self-Care in Midlife

What if midlife is where you finally come home to yourself?

In this episode of Midlife Unplugged, Lara Portelli talks with Amy Head about change, courage, and choosing yourself when life no longer fits. Amy opens up about the moment that led her to start over and redefine what her second act could look like.

This conversation is a quiet reminder that growth begins when you listen inward—and give yourself permission to begin again.

Connect with Amy: https://www.facebook.com/theamymack

If you have loved today’s episode, please share this with a friend. ❤️


About Lara Portelli:

As a successful business owner, NLP Practitioner, Midlife Reset Mentor, acclaimed award-winning author, and seasoned professional, Lara understands the challenges of navigating careers, business, and personal growth. She now channels her expertise into mentoring women through midlife and into their bodacious second act, helping ambitious women step into their power and build success on their own terms.

Connect with Lara: https://www.laraportelli.com/

]]> Lara Portelli Buzzsprout-18551538 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 11:00:00 +1100 1858 1 4 full false E3: Grace Williams — No One's Coming to Rescue You E3: Grace Williams — No One's Coming to Rescue You No One's Coming to Rescue You: Self-Care Tools for Rebuilding Self-Worth and Identity in Midlife

Grace Williams, an abuse survivor turned self-love advocate. Grace shares the unexpected “f*** it moment” that changed everything and how it led her to reclaim her worth and create Love Those Vibes, a self-love subscription box designed to help women nurture themselves.

You’ll hear about:

  •  Building Love Those Vibes and self-love tools
  •  Using bold language to break emotional heaviness
  •  Healing from religious and generational conditioning
  •  Teaching children their worth early


Midlife Unplugged is where the gloves come off—and self-love takes center stage.

Connect with Grace: https://love-those-vibes-llc.subbly.me/

If you have loved today’s episode, please share this with a friend. ❤️


About Lara Portelli:

As a successful business owner, NLP Practitioner, Midlife Reset Mentor, acclaimed award-winning author, and seasoned professional, Lara understands the challenges of navigating careers, business, and personal growth. She now channels her expertise into mentoring women through midlife and into their bodacious second act, helping ambitious women step into their power and build success on their own terms.

Connect with Lara: https://www.laraportelli.com/

]]> No One's Coming to Rescue You: Self-Care Tools for Rebuilding Self-Worth and Identity in Midlife

Grace Williams, an abuse survivor turned self-love advocate. Grace shares the unexpected “f*** it moment” that changed everything and how it led her to reclaim her worth and create Love Those Vibes, a self-love subscription box designed to help women nurture themselves.

You’ll hear about:

  •  Building Love Those Vibes and self-love tools
  •  Using bold language to break emotional heaviness
  •  Healing from religious and generational conditioning
  •  Teaching children their worth early


Midlife Unplugged is where the gloves come off—and self-love takes center stage.

Connect with Grace: https://love-those-vibes-llc.subbly.me/

If you have loved today’s episode, please share this with a friend. ❤️


About Lara Portelli:

As a successful business owner, NLP Practitioner, Midlife Reset Mentor, acclaimed award-winning author, and seasoned professional, Lara understands the challenges of navigating careers, business, and personal growth. She now channels her expertise into mentoring women through midlife and into their bodacious second act, helping ambitious women step into their power and build success on their own terms.

Connect with Lara: https://www.laraportelli.com/

]]> Lara Portelli Buzzsprout-18551532 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 11:00:00 +1100 1737 1 3 full false E2: Daniel Lloyd — Stand for And: From Addiction to a TEDx stage, the power of honour and connection E2: Daniel Lloyd — Stand for And: From Addiction to a TEDx stage, the power of honour and connection Daniel Lloyd didn’t plan on changing his life—life forced his hand.

In this episode of Midlife Unplugged, Lara Portelli invites Daniel to share the painful turning point that followed addiction, chaos, and the murder of his closest friend. What came next was unexpected: detox, distance, and a promise that led him to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.

That moment became the foundation for everything Daniel now stands for—creating a groundbreaking recovery program, speaking on the TEDx stage, and advocating for those who feel invisible. As he says, connection is everything.

Get to know more about Daniel: https://www.insideoutcoachingandconsultancy.com/

If you have loved today’s episode, please share this with a friend. ❤️


About Lara Portelli:

As a successful business owner, NLP Practitioner, Midlife Reset Mentor, acclaimed award-winning author, and seasoned professional, Lara understands the challenges of navigating careers, business, and personal growth. She now channels her expertise into mentoring women through midlife and into their bodacious second act, helping ambitious women step into their power and build success on their own terms.

Connect with Lara: https://www.laraportelli.com/

]]> Daniel Lloyd didn’t plan on changing his life—life forced his hand.

In this episode of Midlife Unplugged, Lara Portelli invites Daniel to share the painful turning point that followed addiction, chaos, and the murder of his closest friend. What came next was unexpected: detox, distance, and a promise that led him to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.

That moment became the foundation for everything Daniel now stands for—creating a groundbreaking recovery program, speaking on the TEDx stage, and advocating for those who feel invisible. As he says, connection is everything.

Get to know more about Daniel: https://www.insideoutcoachingandconsultancy.com/

If you have loved today’s episode, please share this with a friend. ❤️


About Lara Portelli:

As a successful business owner, NLP Practitioner, Midlife Reset Mentor, acclaimed award-winning author, and seasoned professional, Lara understands the challenges of navigating careers, business, and personal growth. She now channels her expertise into mentoring women through midlife and into their bodacious second act, helping ambitious women step into their power and build success on their own terms.

Connect with Lara: https://www.laraportelli.com/

]]> Lara Portelli Buzzsprout-18551496 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 11:00:00 +1100 2101 1 2 full false E1: Behind the scenes of Lara Portelli's life as a Speaker & Author. The Tell-All Show! E1: Behind the scenes of Lara Portelli's life as a Speaker & Author. The Tell-All Show! In this special episode of Midlife Unplugged, host Lara Portelli steps into the guest seat as she’s interviewed by her longtime friend Shar Moore. Together, they dive into Lara’s powerful story and the moments that shaped her midlife transformation.

Lara Portelli is a mentor and author of a six-book series, with two books already released, and Your Midlife Edit launching in March 2026. Friends for over 10 years, Shar and Lara share an honest, heartfelt conversation about life, identity, and reinvention.

Lara opens up about her unconventional childhood, her 24-year loveless marriage, and becoming “Divorced at 50.” She reflects on the Thursday she walked away from her old life—and began again.

If you have loved today’s episode, please share this with a friend. ❤️


About Lara Portelli:

As a successful business owner, NLP Practitioner, Midlife Reset Mentor, acclaimed award-winning author, and seasoned professional, Lara understands the challenges of navigating careers, business, and personal growth. She now channels her expertise into mentoring women through midlife and into their bodacious second act, helping ambitious women step into their power and build success on their own terms.

Connect with Lara: https://www.laraportelli.com/

]]> In this special episode of Midlife Unplugged, host Lara Portelli steps into the guest seat as she’s interviewed by her longtime friend Shar Moore. Together, they dive into Lara’s powerful story and the moments that shaped her midlife transformation.

Lara Portelli is a mentor and author of a six-book series, with two books already released, and Your Midlife Edit launching in March 2026. Friends for over 10 years, Shar and Lara share an honest, heartfelt conversation about life, identity, and reinvention.

Lara opens up about her unconventional childhood, her 24-year loveless marriage, and becoming “Divorced at 50.” She reflects on the Thursday she walked away from her old life—and began again.

If you have loved today’s episode, please share this with a friend. ❤️


About Lara Portelli:

As a successful business owner, NLP Practitioner, Midlife Reset Mentor, acclaimed award-winning author, and seasoned professional, Lara understands the challenges of navigating careers, business, and personal growth. She now channels her expertise into mentoring women through midlife and into their bodacious second act, helping ambitious women step into their power and build success on their own terms.

Connect with Lara: https://www.laraportelli.com/

]]> Lara Portelli Buzzsprout-18545645 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 11:00:00 +1100 2343 1 1 full false