Confessions of a Freebird - Midlife, Divorce, Heal, and Date Differently with Somatic Experiencing, Empty Nest, Well-Being, Happiness
Hi, I’m Laurie James—author of Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go, somatic relationship coach, mother of four adult daughters, divorcée, and recovering caregiver.
I created Confessions of a Freebird as a heartfelt space for women navigating midlife transitions—divorce, empty nesting, loss, dating again, or simply wondering:
“Is this all there is?”
If you're longing for more authenticity, joy, freedom, and purpose, especially after years of putting everyone else first, you're in the right place.
Each episode, I’ll share:
- Practical tools and somatic coaching strategies
- Raw reflections and confessions from my own journey
- Expert conversations on everything from sex, grief, trauma healing, and finances to dating, caregiving, and reinvention
We'll explore what it means to come home to yourself through somatic practices—and how to design a life that feels aligned with who you are now, not who you were 20 years ago or who someone or society has told you to be.
Whether you’re in the sandwich generation, starting over after loss, or dreaming of your next chapter—Confessions of a Freebird is your midlife best friend. Think of it as a permission slip to evolve, heal, and fall in love with your life all over again.
Because the most important relationship you’ll ever have… is the one you have with yourself.
XO,
Laurie
Connect with me:
Purchase my book, Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go, https://www.laurieejames.com/book
IG: https://www.instagram.com/laurie.james/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurie.james.79219754
Confessions of a Freebird - Midlife, Divorce, Heal, and Date Differently with Somatic Experiencing, Empty Nest, Well-Being, Happiness
How a Midlife Transformation can Create a Deeply Meaningful Life with Karen Salmansohn
Do you want to make sure you’re not just alive… but truly living? My guest this week suggests, starting by contemplating your own death.
In this transformative episode, I’m joined by Karen Salmansohn, bestselling author and behavioral change expert known for blending humor, heart, and science to make life’s most meaningful lessons accessible. We dive into her latest book, Your To Die For Life, and explore how embracing mortality awareness can be the catalyst for deep, lasting transformation. Her gentle but powerful tools will help you shift from a near-life experience into an intentionally well-lived one.
Karen shares a fresh perspective on how contemplating death isn’t morbid—it’s motivating. Through research-backed tools and creative exercises, she shows us how to shift from a “near-life experience” to a purpose-filled, fully engaged existence.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- Why writing your own personal eulogy might be the best place to begin
- How to reconnect to the present moment when life feels like it’s speeding past you.
- What Aristotle had to say about living a well-lived life (and why it still matters)
- The connection between your core values and creating a more meaningful life.
- Why mortality awareness isn’t morbid, it’s motivating.
- What “death awareness” actually means—and how it helps you plan for your future
- How contemplative practices (like a marble mortality jar!) can shift you to intentional living.
- Why a legacy mindset shapes how you show up in the world
- The role of identity-based habits in living intentionally.
How mindset shifts, nervous system regulation, and somatic healing support a grounded, joyful life.
This is your invitation to pause and reflect—not with pressure, but with compassion. Whether you're navigating midlife or simply craving a deeper sense of purpose, this conversation offers practical wisdom for creating a more purpose-driven life.
Much love,
Laurie
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DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL, MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED THERAPIST IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MEDICAL ISSUE OR PROBLEM.