It’s spooky season—and we’re diving face-first into the muddiest emotion of all: fear.

In this episode, Morgan and Chris explore why we intentionally scare ourselves, from childhood Bloody Mary dares to haunted houses and horror movies. But it's not just about jump scares—turns out, fear can actually be good for us.

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are everywhere right now—and for good reason. They promise significant weight loss, and yes, they often deliver. But what’s really going on behind the scenes?

In this episode of The Midlife Mud, Morgan and Chris explore how GLP-1 drugs work, why they’re making waves in the weight loss world, and what people most often overlook when considering them, especially in the context of midlife.

We’ve glorified independence for generations — the lone wolf, the self-made success, the one who never asks for help. But where did that story actually come from, and is it still serving us?

Ever feel like your motivation packs its bags and leaves the second you commit to something new? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Midlife Mud, Morgan and Chris get real about why motivation is so hard to hold onto, and what actually works to keep moving forward.

Tattoos in New Zealand. Botox in your 40s. Breast implants, piercings, fillers—why do we change our bodies? In this episode, we unpack the messy middle ground between self-expression and societal pressure.

We share our own stories (yes, including matching family tattoos) and talk honestly about:

• Why people pursue tattoos, piercings, cosmetic surgery, Botox, and fillers

• The rising trend of cosmetic procedures at younger ages

• How cultural beauty standards fuel body modification

• The tension between external appearance and internal identity

• The importance of knowing your “why” before making changes

We’re not here to judge—we’re here to ask the deeper questions: Are these choices truly about self-acceptance, or about fitting in?

Whether you're craving more freedom, dreaming of more purpose, or just sick of feeling stuck, we offer practical tips and mindset shifts for exploring what’s next. From leveraging AI tools, side hustles, and micro-credentials, to getting real about stress, burnout, and alignment with your values—this episode is packed with insights.

Don’t miss out on our FREE guide to navigating a career pivot.

Why is it so damn hard to communicate clearly—especially in midlife?

In this episode of The Midlife Mud, we get into the chaos, comedy, and complexity of communication. From the generational divide between emojis and ellipses to the workplace swirl of video calls and vague emails, we explore what makes communication so challenging—and what makes it actually work.

In this episode of The Midlife Mud, we talk all things midlife memory—forgetfulness, brain fog, and the anxiety that creeps in with it. From personal slip-ups to honest talk about Alzheimer’s fears, we explore what’s actually happening in our brains and how stress, hormones, and multitasking play a role.

It’s less about fixing it and more about naming it, sometimes reframing it, and of course, realizing we’re not the only ones.

Midlife hits different—and so does confidence. It’s not some magic switch you flip. It’s more like fumbling in the dark, trying not to trip over all the crap life threw your way.

This episode of The Midlife Mud is all about resentment—that sneaky, simmering emotion that drains your energy, messes with your relationships, and makes you feel like the world owes you something.

Morgan and Chris break down where resentment comes from (think: unmet expectations, shaky boundaries, and self-abandonment), how to spot it, and how to start letting it go. With real-life stories, some uncomfortable truths, and a few laughs, they're figuring out how to stop dragging that emotional deadweight through midlife.

Because holding onto resentment doesn’t make you strong—it just makes you tired.

This week on The Midlife Mud, we’re talking about the five love languages—words of affirmation, acts of service, quality time, gifts, and physical touch—and how they might feel different as we move through midlife. Because let’s be honest: what used to feel like love might now just feel like another thing to manage.

We explore:

• What love languages actually mean (and why they still matter)

• How most people have 1–2 dominant ones

• How midlife may or may not shift the way you give and receive love

• Why understanding your love language—and someone else’s—can lead to fewer WTF moments in relationships

• And why your relationship with yourself is just as important

We also get into how our own love languages have evolved over time, especially when it comes to quality time and solo moments of self-connection—and why that awareness can bring more clarity, grace, and connection.

Why is making (and keeping) friends as an adult so hard?

In this episode of The Midlife Mud, Morgan and Chris get into the complicated world of adult friendships. From the seasonal besties to the awkward art of making new friends in your 40s, they're unpacking why friendship feels different now—and what to do about it.

They talk about the time crunch of adult life, the courage it takes to be the first to reach out, and why the best friendships often survive long silences. If you’ve ever felt lonely in a room full of people or wondered how to build real connection again, this one’s for you.

In this episode, Morgan and Chris dive into the messy reality of time management in midlife — where the days fly by, the to-do list never ends, and energy is the real currency. They talk about procrastination, energy drains vs. energy boosts, and why routines help (but flexibility saves us). As kids get older and the "empty nest" looms, time feels even trickier — and loaded with big questions about purpose and identity.

They don’t promise solutions, but they do offer real talk, a few laughs, and some takeaways:
 ✔️ Be intentional with your time
 ✔️ Prioritize what fills you up
 ✔️ Practice saying no (without guilt)
 ✔️ Remember: time is not guaranteed

Ask yourself: What am I saying yes and no to this week?

Money isn't just math—it's deeply emotional. In this episode of The Midlife Mud, Morgan and Chris open up about their personal money stories, from early family influences to midlife financial pressures like raising kids, saving for retirement, and supporting aging parents. They share how emotions like fear, scarcity, and abundance have shaped their money mindset over time. This is not a financial advice episode—it's a real, relatable conversation about the emotional side of money, financial wellness, and aligning finances with personal values.

In this episode of The Midlife Mud, Morgan and Chris wade into the unpredictable waters of parenting teenagers in 2025. Sparked by the Netflix series Adolescents, they unpack the shifting landscape of teen life—from evolving social norms and emotional challenges to the ever-present tech and screen time debates. With humor and honesty, they explore how to stay connected, model empathy, and create space for real conversations (and even a little chaos). Spoiler: there’s no perfect way to do it—but showing up still counts.

In this episode of The Midlife Mud podcast, Morgan and Chris dive into the lost art of play in adulthood. Why do so many of us see play as unproductive or even childish? They break down how play can be a secret weapon for stress relief, connection, and even problem-solving—without turning into avoidance or escapism. From childhood memories to the little things that still make them lose track of time, they share personal stories and practical ways to bring more play into daily life.

Plus, they wrap things up with a little game that proves fun isn’t just for kids—so stick around! Want to dig deeper into the science of play? Check out Play by Dr. Stuart Brown: https://www.amazon.com/Play-Shapes-Brain-Imagination-Invigorates/dp/1583333789.

Join the conversation and rediscover the power of play at midlifemud.com/join.

Perfectionism feels like control—until it controls you. In this episode of The Midlife Mud, Morgan shares how a failed business, stress-induced shingles, and a life-changing accident forced her to finally let go. Tune in for a raw, honest look at perfectionism, control, and why midlife might be the perfect time to embrace the mess.

In this episode of The Midlife Mud, Morgan and Chris dive into the messy journey of midlife reckoning. Chris shares his story of being sent away as a teen, career struggles, and the pain of estrangement—leading to a wake-up call on a backcountry ski trip. They explore authenticity, resilience, and the power of community in finding your way back to yourself. Listen now for real talk on midlife transformation!

Morgan and Chris take on the midlife struggle with comparison, exploring how it shows up in careers, parenting, relationships, and personal growth. In a world where social media fuels self-doubt, they share personal stories about recognizing comparison, its impact, and how they manage it.

In this episode of Midlife Mud, Morgan and Chris take a look at the relationship between midlife adults and screen time. From endless social media scrolling to streaming binges and fear-driven LinkedIn usage, they share personal stories about how screens often become addictive escapes from the challenges of midlife.