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
Overcome Common Dating Challenges and Learn how to achieve Emotional Connection with Bernardo Mendez
Ever feel like you’re drawn to the wrong people—repeatedly? That pull isn’t random. It’s often old patterns and unhealed wounds running the show, not true safety or connection.
If dating has left you feeling confused, overwhelmed, or ready to give up, you’re not imagining it—and you’re not alone.
In this episode, I sit down with Bernardo Mendez, relationship coach and creator of one of YouTube’s top dating advice channels, for a grounded look at what’s really happening beneath the surface—especially in dating in midlife. Using a neuroscience-based approach, Bern has helped hundreds of women move past subconscious patterns into healthier, more conscious connections.
We talk about how unhealed wounds and nervous system triggers shape your choices in love. Bern shares what he’s learned from guiding women through heartbreak, healing, and aligned relationships. If you’ve ever felt like you’re “too much,” “not enough,” or just tired of the same dating challenges, this one’s for you.
You’ll learn:
- Why nervous system regulation is key to attraction and lasting emotional connection
- The difference between chemistry, fireworks, and trauma bonds
- Why giving someone three dates can shift everything
- What grounded dating expectations really look like
- How to spot aligned relationship dynamics early
- Why curiosity builds more safety than checklist energy
- How to shift from surface traits to values that support personal growth
Dating doesn’t have to feel like a loop of disappointment. If you’re ready to show up differently—and choose differently—this episode offers insight, tools, and hope for what’s ahead.
Cheers to finding love,
Laurie
Click here for a video on how to leave a review to receive a free somatic stabilization/grounding exercise. The podcast graphic is different from the current one. Once you complete it and send me a picture I will send you the video. My email is laurie@laurieejames.com
Thank you in advance.
Click here to learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit”
Free Resources
Click here to schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.
Click here for my FREE “Beginner’s Guide to Somatic Healing”
Click here for my FREE Core Values Exercise
Click here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go
Connect with Bernardo Mendez:
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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.