Redefining Midlife with Jo Clark

• 146. The Best Decision I’ve Ever Made in Midlife with Jo Clark

  Five years ago, I faced what I call my "great midlife unravelling," a collision of grief, perimenopause, and career crossroads that left me questioning everything. Today, I've built a global podcast, mentor women worldwide, and live a life aligned with my deepest values. The difference? I chose to invest in myself when it felt scariest. In this personal solo episode, I share the behind-the-scenes story of how backing myself through meditation courses, masterminds, and mentoring didn't just change my career, it transformed my relationships, confidence, and sense of what's possible in the second half of life.Key TakeawaysThe "Later" Trap Will Keep You Stuck ForeverWe tell ourselves we'll invest in growth when work calms down, when kids are older, when we have more time. But what if later never feels easier? What if now is all we have? The women thriving in midlife stopped waiting for perfect conditions and started creating change from within.Free Resources Won't Create Deep ChangePodcasts, YouTube videos, and saved Instagram posts are helpful, but they won't make daily choices for you or do the inner work. When we don't pay for something, we don't pay attention. Real investment through time, energy, and money creates real commitment and sustainable transformation.Your Roles Don't Define Your WorthAsk yourself, when it comes to investing time and money in yourself, what do you think you are worth? Not what your job title says or your family roles reflect, but you, your dreams, growth, and potential. The answer reveals everything about what you'll allow into your life.Investment Creates Ripple Effects Beyond YouWhen you invest in yourself, everything expands around you. Relationships deepen, new friendships form, and opportunities appear that you didn't know existed. Your growth permits others to grow. Your courage invites others to be courageous.Small Steps Lead to Extraordinary OutcomesMy journey from lost educator to global podcaster started with a meditation course. Then books, then a mastermind that terrified me. Each investment built on the last, creating momentum that transformed not just my career but my entire identity. You don't need to know the whole staircase, just take the first step.Your Next Chapter Starts NowThe woman you're becoming in midlife isn't the woman you were five years ago, and she's not the woman you'll be five years from now. You're at the halfway mark, not the finish line. Stop waiting for a crisis or a magical sign to begin investing in yourself. Start small, start scared, just start.Ready to explore what's next for you? Book a free 20-minute connection call through the link below or visit joclarkcoaching.com. It's a relaxed space to explore where you're at, where you want to go, and how to bridge that gap. No pressure, just support.Remember, midlife isn't the end of your story. It's the beginning of an exciting new chapter, and you get to write it.Connect with meBook your 20-minute connection call https://calendly.com/jo--138/20min?month=2025-07 RE-IMAGINE: A personalised 1:1 six-week mentoring programme https://www.joclarkcoaching.com/work-with-me Share your journey with me by sending me a message on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/joclarkcoaching/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/joclarkcoaching/⁠Email me your success story at [email protected]. What you do today shapes your tomorrow. Your health matters because YOU matter.Here’s to redefining midlife and making our next half of life even better than the first. 

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• 145. Starting Over Again In Midlife with Mia Shilkin

  Mia Shilkin's story proves that our lowest moments can become the catalyst for our greatest transformations. After leaving an abusive relationship during COVID with no support system, starting over in a new state, and questioning everything she thought she knew about herself, Mia didn't just survive, she built two successful businesses and discovered a freedom she never knew was possible. Her raw honesty about the messy middle of midlife transitions reminds us that healing isn't linear, but courage is always an option.Key TakeawaysTrust Your Gut, Even When It's InconvenientMia ignored red flags she would have spotted professionally, proving that even experienced, educated women can find themselves in toxic situations. The moment she spoke her truth out loud—"I think I'm living with a narcissist"—she couldn't take it back, and that became her first step toward freedom.Your Strict Upbringing Might Be Your Secret WeaponWhat felt oppressive in youth became Mia's foundation for resilience. The discipline and boundaries her parents instilled gave her the tools to rebuild when everything fell apart. Sometimes the structure we rebel against becomes the strength we draw from.Career Pivots Can Happen at Any AgeFrom youth counsellor to property strategist to business owner, Mia's career path shows that professional reinvention doesn't have an expiration date. Her diverse experiences. even the difficult ones, became the unique combination that makes her businesses successful today.Isolation Can Be Healing When It's Your ChoiceAfter years of walking on eggshells, Mia spent two years alone with her dogs, listening to self-help audiobooks and gardening. This intentional solitude wasn't loneliness, it was reclamation. Sometimes you need to get quiet to hear who you really are.Freedom Means Deciding for YourselfMia's greatest joy is simple: "I can do what I want, when I want." After years of people-pleasing and trying to fit into others' expectations, she's learned that other people's opinions matter less than her own self-respect.Your Next Chapter Starts NowIf Mia's story resonates with you, remember this: it's never too late to start over, and you don't need anyone's permission to choose yourself. Whether you're questioning a relationship, considering a career change, or simply feeling restless in midlife, trust that inner voice telling you something needs to shift.Take one small step toward the life you actually want, not the one you think you should want. Connect with Mia at Mia Casa Property Strategy to learn about building wealth through strategic property investment or find your local D32 Business Growth Network for meaningful professional connections.Learn more at miacasastrategy.com.auInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/miacasastrategy/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyinvestmentstrategist/Most importantly, remember Mia's hard-won wisdom: you can do hard things, and your past doesn't define your future.Connect with meYou’re invited to a transformative 4-hour event I’m co-hosting with women’s health GP Dr Sian Hebron on 18 July 2025 at the beautiful Noosa Springs Golf and Spa Resort. https://www.joclarkcoaching.com/shifting-tidesRE-IMAGINE: A personalised 1:1 six-week mentoring programme https://www.joclarkcoaching.com/work-with-me Share your journey with me by sending me a message on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/joclarkcoaching/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/joclarkcoaching/⁠Email me your success story at [email protected]. What you do today shapes your tomorrow. Your health matters because YOU matter.Here’s to redefining midlife and making our next half of life even better than the first. 

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• 144. Navigating Menopause and Midlife with Dr Sian Hebron

  Ready for menopause answers that actually fit your life? Join Jo Clark and women's health GP Dr Sian Hebron on 18 July 2025 at Noosa Springs Golf and Spa Resort.Book now: joclarkcoaching.com/shifting-tidesIn this essential conversation with Dr Sian Hebron, we're pulling back the curtain on why so many midlife women feel confused despite the flood of online advice. More importantly, we're doing something about it. Dr Sian and I reveal our plans for "Shifting Tides," an intimate half-day event designed specifically for Sunshine Coast women who want real, evidence-based guidance without the Instagram overwhelm. A chance to ask the questions that keep you up at night and get practical strategies that fit your actual life.Key TakeawaysMenopause Doesn't Happen in IsolationYou're not imagining it. Perimenopause and menopause collide with career peaks, aging parents, empty nests, and relationship changes. Understanding this perfect storm helps you navigate it with more self-compassion and realistic expectations.Information Overload Creates ParalysisKnowing what you "should" do isn't the same as knowing how to implement it in your real life. The gap between knowledge and action is where most women get stuck, especially when trying to follow one-size-fits-all social media advice..Small Groups Enable Real ConversationsGeneric information can't address your specific concerns. Intimate settings allow you to ask the questions that matter most to you. Whether that's about your changing body, relationship dynamics, or how to prioritise yourself after decades of putting everyone else first.Menopause Doesn't EndPost-menopause brings ongoing considerations for heart health, bone density, sexual function, and bladder health. This stage is about learning to live vibrantly for the long haul, not just surviving the transition.Micro Habits Beat Perfect PlansProgress happens when you focus on minimums rather than maximums. Having a plan for both your best days and your worst days means you'll keep moving forward regardless of what life throws at you.Next StepsIf you're on the Sunshine Coast and ready to stop feeling confused about menopause, "Shifting Tides" on July 18th at Noosa Springs Golf and Spa Resort is your opportunity to get clarity. This isn't about adding more to your already full plate, it's about creating a sustainable wellness plan that works with your life, not against it. Tickets are deliberately limited to maintain the intimate, conversation-friendly atmosphere where real connection happens.Can't make it to the coast? Don't let that stop you from getting the support you deserve. Reach out via Instagram @joclarkcoaching or @menopausedrsian. Your feedback helps us understand how to serve women wherever they are.Remember, you're not meant to figure this out alone, and you don't have to settle for generic advice when personalised guidance is within reach.Connect with meYou’re invited to a transformative 4-hour event I’m co-hosting with women’s health GP Dr Sian Hebron on 18 July 2025 at the beautiful Noosa Springs Golf and Spa Resort. https://www.joclarkcoaching.com/shifting-tidesRE-IMAGINE: A personalised 1:1 six-week mentoring programme https://www.joclarkcoaching.com/work-with-me Share your journey with me by sending me a message on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/joclarkcoaching/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/joclarkcoaching/⁠Email me your success story at [email protected]. What you do today shapes your tomorrow. Your health matters because YOU matter.Here’s to redefining midlife and making our next half of life even better than the first. 

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• 143. How to Stop Overthinking and Start Taking Action with Jo Clark

  Ever find yourself lying awake at 2 AM, mind racing through endless scenarios about that career change, health decision, or relationship challenge? You're caught in the overthinking trap, and you're definitely not alone. In this solo episode, I dive deep into why we get stuck in our heads, especially during midlife transitions, and share practical strategies to break free from analysis paralysis. This isn't about forcing yourself to make reckless decisions; it's about learning to move forward with intention, even when you don't have all the answers.Key TakeawaysOverthinking Disguises Itself as Being "Responsible"That endless planning, researching, and waiting for the "right time" often masks self-doubt and fear. Overthinking gives us the illusion of control but actually keeps us stuck. When you catch yourself saying "I'm just not ready yet" or "I'll wait until things settle down," recognise these as potential delaying tactics.Clarity Comes Through Action, Not More ThinkingClarity emerges from doing. Even small steps forward shift the fog and give you real-time feedback about what feels right and what doesn't. Progress happens when we allow ourselves to be beginners and aim for a "messy C" instead of waiting for perfection.You Don't Need to Feel Fearless to BeginCourage isn't about eliminating fear; it's about moving with the fear instead of waiting for it to disappear. Willingness creates movement. If something isn't working for you anymore, that's enough reason to explore a new path. You don't need anyone else's permission to choose yourself.Use These 5 Practical Tools to Break the CycleWhen overthinking hits, try these specific strategies as mentioned in this episode:1) The two-minute rule (if it takes less than two minutes, do it now),2) Brain dump journaling for 2-5 minutes without editing,3) Ask yourself "what's the next kind step?"4) Set decision deadlines to create mental boundaries, and5) Use the 5-5-5 rule: will this matter in five days, five months, or five years?Small Steps Create Big ShiftsYou don't need a perfect plan or all the answers. Start with one small, kind, doable step today. Whether it's making that phone call, journaling your thoughts, or finally saying yes to something you've been avoiding, movement in any direction breaks the paralysis and builds trust with yourself.Your Next Chapter Starts NowStop waiting for the perfect moment, the complete plan, or the fearless feeling—they rarely come. The women who transform their midlife stories aren't the ones who have it all figured out; they're the ones who begin anyway. What's one area where you've been circling? What's that decision you've been postponing? Choose one small, kind step you can take today and take it.Remember, midlife isn't the end of your story, it's where you step into your next chapter. You don't need permission to want more, to try something new, or to put yourself first. If you're ready to move from overthinking to intentional action, I'm here to support you.Ready to take action? Check out the Better Than Before membership for doable wellness goals without the perfection pressure or book a free 20-minute connection call below to explore personalised support through the Re-imagined mentoring program.You’re invited to a transformative 4-hour event I’m co-hosting with women’s health GP Dr Sian Hebron on 18 July 2025 at the beautiful Noosa Springs Golf and Spa Resort. https://www.joclarkcoaching.com/shifting-tidesRE-IMAGINE: A personalised 1:1 six-week mentoring programme https://www.joclarkcoaching.com/work-with-me Share your journey with me by sending me a message on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/joclarkcoaching/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/joclarkcoaching/⁠Email me your success story at [email protected]. What you do today shapes your tomorrow. Your health matters because YOU matter.Here’s to redefining midlife and making our next half of life even better than the first.

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• 142. Finding Her Way Back with Danni Vee

  What happens when a driven entrepreneur loses herself in an abusive marriage, then fights her way back to become the woman she always meant to be? In this raw and inspiring conversation, Danni shares her journey from building her first business at 19 to completely losing herself in an emotionally abusive relationship, and finally reclaiming her power to create a life aligned with her values. Her story reveals the messy, beautiful process of rebuilding after trauma while raising three children and growing a leadership coaching business that's making a global impact.Key TakeawaysRecognise your own worth without waiting for validationDanni's turning point came when a divorce barrister handed her a book about emotional abuse, suddenly she realised what she'd been living through. Sometimes we need an outside perspective to see what's right in front of us. Trust your instincts when something feels wrong, even if others minimise your experience.Healing happens in layers, not a linear progressionAfter leaving her abusive marriage, Danni spent years rebuilding through therapy, mindset coaching, meditation, and physical exercise. She's honest about still occasionally slipping into old patterns of feeling "not enough". Now she recognises it without believing it. Recovery isn't a destination; it's an ongoing practice of choosing yourself daily.Your nervous system craves familiar patterns, even destructive onesDanni admits she used to pick fights with her current husband because conflict felt "safe", it was what she knew. When you're changing ingrained patterns, expect your body and mind to resist. The discomfort of growth doesn't mean you're doing something wrong; it means you're doing something different.Choose who you want to be, then act as if you already areDanni writes in her journal daily: "I choose to be..." followed by the version of herself she's becoming. This activates her reticular activating system to notice opportunities to embody that identity. You don't have to wait until you feel confident to act confident, action creates the feeling.Strong boundaries create better relationships. Danni's relationship with her teenage children thrives because she speaks to each one differently based on how they receive information—a skill from her leadership coaching. She's honest about struggles without hiding behind perfectionism. Authentic connection requires showing up as yourself while respecting others' autonomy.Your Next Chapter Starts NowDanni's story proves that it's never too late to reclaim yourself. Whether you're navigating relationship changes, career transitions, or simply feeling restless in your current life, you have the power to choose differently. Start with five minutes of morning routine, even in the messiest seasons, everyone has five minutes for themselves.Stop waiting for permission to prioritise your growth. As Danni learned, knowledge without action creates no transformation. Your future self is already proud of the courage you're building today.Connect with DanniThe ElevateHER membership: https://www.dannivee.com/elevate-her-by-DanniVeeWebsite: www.dannivee.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danni-veeInstagram: www.instagram.com/danniveecoachConnect with meYou’re invited to a transformative 4-hour event I’m co-hosting with women’s health GP Dr Sian Hebron on 18 July 2025 at the beautiful Noosa Springs Golf and Spa Resort. https://www.joclarkcoaching.com/shifting-tidesRE-IMAGINE: A personalised 1:1 six-week mentoring programme https://www.joclarkcoaching.com/work-with-me Share your journey with me by sending me a message on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/joclarkcoaching/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/joclarkcoaching/⁠Email me your success story at [email protected]. What you do today shapes your tomorrow. Your health matters because YOU matter.Here’s to redefining midlife and making our next half of life even better than the first.

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