What if saying “I’m fine” is actually a slow form of self-erasure?

In this honest, hilarious, and deeply validating episode, Karen and Lisa unpack the emotional weight behind the word fine—that autopilot answer women give when they’re juggling too much and feeling too little. From vodka-spiked probiotics to midlife truth bombs about burnout, grief, and holiday perfectionism, nothing is off the table.

You’ll laugh, you’ll nod, and maybe—just maybe—you’ll start to question where you’ve been playing small in the name of keeping the peace.

This one’s for every midlife woman who’s ever smiled through clenched teeth, kept the holiday magic alive solo, or said “I’m fine” when her soul was whispering “I’m not.”

You’ll walk away feeling seen, stirred, and a little more ready to reclaim your joy.

👉 Perfect for anyone who’s tired of faking it, carrying the mental load alone, or ready to stop calling burnout a personality trait.

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🍸☕ What We Were Drinking:

Kevita Probiotic Refresher Sparkling Drink - Tangerine

Lisa’s After Bahama Mama Recipe (Podsquad Exclusive! Join here…)

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Karen’s Holiday Divorce Survival Toolkit

WHAT’S INSIDE
✦ One laser focused coaching call where you and Karen get clear on what would feel most supportive for you.
✦ 4 personalized emails that give you a month of tools and tips
✦ A Holiday Scripts Cheat Sheet. Instant confidence at your fingertips.
✦ A Personalized Pep Talk Audio
Have her in your back pocket whenever you need to Breathe, Reset, and remember who the f*ck you are.

To take advantage of this offer, book a free call with her here!

🎧Show Notes

Looking for all the magical goodness we mentioned in this episode? Want it sent directly to your inbox each week along with every new episode? Join the Pod Squad (our email list!) for direct links, show notes, and more midlife fabulousness delivered to your inbox. 💌 And, even better, no ⛔ spam or selling 💸 of your email - we promise!

👉 Subscribe Here and get the show notes for this episode!

We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, or send us an email at [email protected]. Whether it's a story, a laugh, or a “yep, been there”—we love hearing how our episodes land with you.

Connect with your hosts:
✨ Karen Shatafian – www.karenshatafian.com
✨ Lisa Corricello-McDowell – www.nextlevellifewithlisa.com