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 to Feel Confident and Find a Healthy Relationship Dating in Midlife
Dating in midlife isn’t for the faint of heart. Maybe your marriage or a long-term relationship ended, you’ve healed, and now you’re ready to date again—only to ride a rollercoaster of hope, disappointment, or those “fetal position on your bed” moments we don’t always admit.
But what if dating wasn’t about forcing it or giving up—what if it was about trusting yourself, slowing down, and staying rooted in your worth?
In this episode, I’m joined by Heidi Friedman—an accomplished attorney, writer, and debut author of Love Lessons. After surviving 104 dates (yes, you read that right), Heidi found her “do-over”—a healthy relationship built on mutual respect, care, and real connection. Her journey from single mom to thriving in love is both relatable and inspiring.
We dive into the emotional reality of dating in midlife—what it takes to stay intentional, hold clear relationship expectations, why “don’t settle” isn’t just a slogan, and how to hold onto hope when you’re a single mom dating.
You’ll learn:
- If the 104 dates were worth it
- Why “don’t settle” isn’t just a catchphrase and how to embody it
- How to approach dating as a path to growth, not just a goal
- The mindset shift that kept Heidi open to love
- What intentional dating looks like in practice
- The emotional toll dating can have and how to return to yourself
- What emotional self-care looks like when dating feels discouraging
- How self-work strengthens you for your future partner
If you’ve ever wondered whether love is still possible for you, this conversation proves that it is—and that it can feel better, deeper, and more aligned than ever.
Whether you’re hopeful, healing, or exhausted by dating, this episode will remind you: you deserve love that feels like home.
Cheers to finding 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.